A Note from David
It’s such a joy to finally be with you at St Stephen’s! When Hannah and I first heard about the vacancy here nearly 8 months ago, we were instantly grabbed by what we heard about your life together. We wanted to be a part of it, and we’re truly delighted that we now have that privilege. 

One of my enduring memories from the interview day was the exceptional hospitality I received (our daughter, Clara, was only 3 weeks old at the time, so Hannah was unable to join me). The banner created by the children’s groups especially for the interviewees particularly moved me; I even took a photo of it as a reminder of my time with you. Little did I know that I would have the honour of being the vicar here just a few months later! 

There’s much that could be said here, but above all, let me offer our thanks. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality you have shown us over the last few weeks since we arrived, whether that be a (literally) overflowing hamper, invitations to coffee, emergency help with the electrics (you know who you are!), and for letting us just be present with you over the Christmas period. We’re so grateful for all the kindness you have shown us in so many varied ways, and we already feel like part of the family. 

Thank you also for the wonderful celebration at Tuesday night’s licensing service. I’ve had lots of messages from friends who were there or watching online, all struck by the great warmth and support of the St Stephen’s family. I know a lot of people were working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that everything was just right. Thank you for all that you gave of yourselves. You certainly made a very positive mark on so many visitors, and I have no shame in saying that I’m really proud of you for that! 

There will be more thank yous this Sunday at the bring and share lunch which everyone is invited to, and Hannah and I very much look forward to sharing that time with you. Just a heads up that the 10.30 service won’t look like a typical third Sunday. We’ll all start together as usual, but the children and youth will have their groups in the first half of the service, and join us again for the second half when we will be celebrating Communion. This will mean the hall can be set up in time for lunch without too much delay. 

Hannah and I are so excited to be with you, we really are. This is, nevertheless, a season of huge change for us as a family. It’s a lot to process at the age of 36, so you can imagine what it’s like trying to process it when you’re only 2! While the occasional Hot Wheels car from Waitrose helps to ease the transition, we’d value your prayers for Josiah especially as we make St Stephen’s and Ealing home.  

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday! 
 
This Sunday
This Sunday (19th January), we will have our new vicar David Baylor presiding and preaching at both services followed by a Bring & Share lunch at 12.30 to welcome the Baylor family. Do make sure to come along! If you have not signed up already do sign up to let us know you’re coming (and what you will bring) using this link.
 
Big Garden Birdwatch
Join us on Saturday January 25th at 10 - 11am in the Church Garden, and be part of the biggest Citizen Science Survey in GB! Let's see if we can spot more birds than in previous years? We have guides and tally charts as well as binoculars (but bring your own if you have them). Hot drinks will be available. All ages welcome. Will Green Parakeets top our chart again? More info www.rspb.org.uk.
 
Show the Love Sunday
16th February during Café from 10-10.30 am we will again join in with the Climate Coalition's Campaign www.theclimatecoalition.org. We are encouraged to consider the people, places and nature we love and want to protect from the worst impacts of the Climate Coalition. Please wear your green heart badges and enjoy our heart-shaped biscuits. Or join us in making more green heart badges from 10am on Wednesday 12th Feb. Call Sue Charlton on 07908840954 for details of venue for badge making.
 
Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter
The Shelter opened at the end of November. We will be hosting up to 14 guests on Friday nights/Saturday mornings from 21st February to 28th March. I'd be more than pleased to hear from anyone who would like to know more or volunteer to help.
We need:

• to set up bed
• cooks for Friday suppers and Saturday breakfasts
• drive beds/bedding to the next church on Saturday mornings
• as well as people prepared to stay awake for some of the night

Guests are all homeless and referred after interview by our Shelter Worker and St. Mungoes. Drink and drugs are not allowed in our Centre. They all receive on-going support from the Shelter Worker to help equip them to find work and find long term housing or repair family relationships. Last year at least 10 of our guests were successful in being housed! Please consider how you might be able to help, and pray for the many who are living on our streets this cold winter. We are thankful that Saddique Khan, Mayor of London announced the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), in partnership with local Councils, to ensure rough sleepers are offered emergency accommodation. Call/WhatsApp Sue Charlton on 07908840954.

ECO TIP
New Year Resolution? Refuse or Reduce the amount of single use plastic that we all generate! Buy vegetables loose, using handy cotton mesh bags. Try hand soap, hair soap and tooth soap instead of stuff in plastic sachets, tubes, bottles or jars. Buy liquid cleaners eg washing up liquid, white vinegar, washing liquid, fabric softener, multi purpose cleaning liquid etc from companies that ask you to return bottles and sachets for reuse, with free postage! Huge savings in the amount going into landfill can be saved. More info on the Eco Church Notice Board in the Centre.
 
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! More here or queries to giving@ststephens-ealing.org.
 
Appeal for help from the Marylebone Project
With biting weather and bitter winds this winter, our Mission Partner The Marylebone Project is asking for help in keeping homeless women a bit warmer. New or pre-loved warm gloves, hats, scarves and socks in good condition are welcome. Bring to church on Sunday next or contact Sue to pick up, and she'll get them to Marylebone as soon as she can early next week. Please no used socks, underwear or hosiery. Sue Charlton 0790 8840 954.
 
Parish Prayer
These are the streets in our parish we are praying for this fortnight – please do pray for all who live there and for people to come to know Jesus.
Bruton Way
Claremont Road
Fosse Way
Robinson’s Close
 
Prayer for the Week
Eternal Lord,
our beginning and our end:
bring us with the whole creation
to your glory, hidden through past ages
and made known
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen