Monday 13th January 2025
It was wonderful to worship with you yesterday as we looked at the baptism of Jesus and reminded ourselves that being rooted in our identity in Christ as beloved children of God is our foundation for all that we are and do in our lives and ministry. If you missed it, you can catch up here.
It was great to celebrate 'Thank You Sunday' with delicious cake in cafe time to recognise all the hard work you guys have put in during the vacancy to keep St. Stephen's alive and kicking. My heart for the vacancy was that we would be a people of prayer, united together and going deeper in community. It has been a great season and I have been honoured to lead you through it on the spiritual side of things. Highlights for me have been our 24/7 Prayer Event, our series on the book of Ruth, the Hymns & Pimms night, the Connect Groups leading us at Prayer Gatherings, looking together at the Psalms and the Sermon on the Mount, hanging out at the New Wine Festival, baptisms & dedications and cafe time question of the week!! I'm so excited where God is going to lead us next under David's spiritual leadership in this new season.
This Sunday (19th January), we will have our new vicar David Baylor presiding and preaching at both services followed by a Bring & Share lunch to welcome the Baylor family. It is sure to be a wonderful time, so make sure to come along!
Revd. David Baylor Service
We are so thrilled that tomorrow evening, 14th January at 7pm is the service to induct, install and institute David as our new vicar. All our welcome to come for this long awaited moment! f you have not signed up already do sign up to let us know you’re coming (and what you will bring) using this link.
One other small reminder - if you pledged in November to increase your giving to the church, do remember to change your standing order or set up your direct debit if you haven’t already! Queries to giving@ststephens-ealing.org.
Finally, some of you have asked me what is next for me! I am still part of the St. Stephen's Leadership Team in my role as Assistant Curate and I will be continuing to serve here as I finish up my training and start to look for my next role. My curacy will come to an end in the summer, God willing, when I will then hopefully move to a new post leading a church somewhere! Your prayers are appreciated for me and the family as we discern where God may be calling us for this season to come.
God bless and have a great week!
Ruth