A Note from the Vicar
Some of you have been asking about the Vicar's update. I'm taking some time to discern how the Vicar's update might best be used, but there are two things that I want to highlight in this week's news.

First, you'll remember that I'd like to meet with anyone and everyone at St Stephen's who would like to. We can discuss pastoral matters, of course, but it's really an opportunity for me to get to know you, and you me. If you would like me to visit you over the next few months, please click [here] and add your details. A similar sign-up will appear for meals at the vicarage before to long, so watch this space!
Second, something more serious: 

Many of you will have seen this week's news about the Bishop of Liverpool and his alleged misconduct while in office. At time of writing, Bishop Perumbalath's own senior staff have urged him to step back from his duties while investigations are carried out. It is a shocking situation, particularly given Archbishop Justin Welby's recent resignation due to safeguarding failures.

This week's news will have provoked many responses among us. For some of us, this may include re-traumatisation by your own personal experiences. If that is you, please do contact me or Ruth and we will gladly meet with you for pastoral support. Alternatively, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@london.anglican.org or 020 7932 1224.

At this point, I want to thank everyone at St Stephen's who takes safeguarding so seriously. Safeguarding is a team effort, one that involves all of us, and I have seen so many examples of excellent safeguarding practice in my short time with you. So may we not lose heart. We grieve over the situation in Liverpool, and we grieve over all the failures that we have heard about in recent months especially. We pray for justice, and we pray for a Church that reflects our Lord's glory into the world. The current news stories must never become a reason to give up. Rather, let's make them a reason to pursue God's kingdom all the more eagerly here on earth as in heaven.

Yours in Christ,

David
 
St David's
On Sunday 9th February our team will be running a Candlemas Hymns of Praise service at 2:30pm. The team would welcome additional voices so if you would like to attend please do speak to Pete Devereux or Sally Horattides.
 
Share the Love Workshop (Climate Coalition Campaign)
Do join me in making Green Heart badges on Wednesday, 12th February at 10.30am. Don't worry if you've never stitched or sewn before! Come for coffee, chat and news of what we're doing to high light the Climate Crisis and what we can do to high-light our love of God's amazing world! Sue - number as above.
 
Winter Night Shelter at St Stephen's
It'll soon be our turn to host Friday nights from 21st February to Saturday mornings 29th March. We are at capacity with 14 guests and a long waiting list of others needing shelter this harsh winter.

We still have a few gaps on our rotor, and it would be great if you could join us. Please contact Sue on 0790 8840 954 for more information, or see me anytime at Café on Sunday mornings. Please also pray for those with no other option but to sleep in the streets of London.
 
JAM Families Lunch
On Sunday 2nd March, after our 10:30am All Age service, we will be holding a bring-and-share lunch for all St Stephen's families with children aged 0-10 (older siblings are definitely invited too).
 
PCC meeting 
This was held on Monday and the following was discussed:

• PCC members welcomed David as Chair
• Discussed a report from Sue Charlton and the Mission team
• Mark Tate updated us on what's happening at The Grove Community Church (and asked us to pray for the final legal stages to get a Community grocery Launched)
• Early insight into 2024 year end financials
• The Bishop's direction to stop using small cups as part of our Holy Communion (David is discussing the practicalities of this change with the Bishop)

Trustee for St Luke’s Hall Trust
St Stephen’s PCC is responsible for appointing the Trustees of this charity, of which the Vicar is Chair. There is a vacancy at the moment and applications are invited before the end of February – you need to be on our electoral roll and a regular attendee. This charity is a legacy from a church plant in the early 1900s, and is set up to support the parish of St Stephen (we currently receive annual grants and financial support for our Entrance Improvement Project). For more info speak to Chris Irwin-Childs, a long standing trustee or Mary Ann Auckland. Or ask Jane Maffett, PCC Secretary for an application form.
 
Christmas Collections
Good news! We had collections at all our Christmas services and have raised £1,558 split 50:50 between Tearfund and Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter.

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.
St Stephen's Avenue
Ravensbourne Gardens
Hollingbourne Gardens
 
Prayer for the Week
Lord Jesus Christ,
light of the nations and glory of Israel:
make your home among us,
and present us pure and holy
to your heavenly Father,
your God, and our God. Amen.