Monday 21st October 2024

Sunday
It was a joy to worship with you all yesterday as we continued our Challenging Lifestyles series looking at 'How to Give'. We reflected on how secret giving brings us freedom from approval addiction and deep joy as it lets God get all the glory! If you missed it, you can catch up here. A great opportunity to respond practically is to pick up your pledge packs from church and prayerfully consider your giving to the church for the coming year. Your time, talents and money bless us at St. Stephen's and make the community what God has called it to be, so thank you in advance for all you are going to give! It really helps with our budgeting to know what is coming in and it is easy to set up a standing order, or give through our parish giving scheme.

There will be more information this Sunday about giving in the service and cafe time if you want to find out more. Enid will also be speaking to us on 'How to Handle Money' as we continue looking at the sermon on the mount.

Christmas Choir
In preparation for our Christmas Carol service on 15th December, we are looking for enthusiastic singers for our choir. Please speak to James Harvey if you are interested in joining. There's no auditions or need to read music and is a lot of fun as well as a great way to get to know people better at church.

Tearfund quiz
The annual Tearfund quiz is on 16th November. Why not pull together a team and come along for a lively night of brain stretching whilst we support the amazing work of Tearfund. Individuals are also welcome to come and join a team on arrival.

This week I saw some brilliant breath prayers on social media which I have put up around the house on post-its to remind me to pray on the go. Here are some examples:

Romans 8:38-39
Inhale: Nothing can separate me
Exhale: From your love

Isaiah 41:10
Inhale: I won't be afraid
Exhale: For you are with me

Ephesians 1:11
Inhale: God chose me to be part of his plan
Exhale: He will work everything out

Psalm 23:
Inhale: The Lord is my shepherd
Exhale: I have all I need

Do you have any favourite verses which you could form into a breath prayer?
Why not give yourself space this week to breathe these prayers and still yourself with God amidst the busyness of life?

God bless and have a great week! 

Ruth