Dear friends,

Last Sunday night we had our annual church meeting. It was a wonderfully encouraging time of reflecting on how God has been at work among us over this last year. We also elected four new members to our Parochial Church Council (PCC, our board of trustees). Please do congratulate Ian Jamieson, Corinne Fitch, Carmela Amodio-Johnson and Ann Toley when you next see them!

As part of last Sunday’s meeting, I reflected on some areas of our life together that I think will be particularly important for us in the year(s) ahead. You can read my report here. And if you have any questions or would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact me at david@ststephens-ealing.org.

Following that meeting, we find ourselves having two (of two) vacancies for the post of Churchwarden. Churchwardens are senior leaders in parish churches, and they have historically been very hands-on at St Stephen’s covering just about every aspect of church life. Consideration therefore needs to be given to how these roles might be covered should the vacancies continue. The PCC will be meeting on 2nd June to explore how we move forward. Please do hold us in your prayers. We will keep you updated as the way ahead becomes clearer.

Two other things that I want to flag up. First, Hannah and I now have some further dates for dinners at the vicarage. We also want to make the vicarage garden open on Sunday afternoons throughout June for some picnic style bring and share lunches. These are open to anyone, but they are particularly geared towards families who may not otherwise be able to come to the dinners. Signups for lunches and dinners can be found here.

Finally, over the next few weeks the Diocese of London will be having an independent audit of their safeguarding practice and culture. As part of this audit, they are inviting anyone and everyone to complete an anonymous survey about their experiences of safeguarding in local churches. We will be sending out more details in due course, including a short document explaining what safeguarding is all about along with some of the key terms that are used. Do look out for further details in our mailings and at church over the next few weeks.

With every blessing,

David
 
Women's Clothes Swap
On Saturday 7th June at 7:30pm we will be holding a Women's Clothes Swap. From Sunday 1st June bring along clean, good quality clothes and accessories you no longer want, our team will then turn our hall into a fantastic boutique. Then come along on Saturday night with friends and family to try on new-to-you items to take home. There will be refreshments and nibbles. Everyone who'd like to attend is encouraged to bring items to swap if they can.
Any items left over, if appropriate, will be donated to the Marylebone Project or taken to charity. Full details are available on our website. 
 
New Dance Class
Our very own Sue Whitaker will be starting an exercise dance class at St Stephen's on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. It is based on Latin rhythms and is suitable for anyone 15 years +. The class will be free but contributions would be gratefully received and will go to St Stephen's.  Those wishing to attend should bring water and wear suitable clothing and footwear. Trainers and gym wear are recommended. Sue will be holding a taster session on Wednesday 28th May at 7:30pm. Any queries please speak to Sue Whitaker directly.
 
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.
Dell Way
Heronsforde
The Cedars
Whiteledges
 
Prayer for the Week
Risen Christ,
by the lakeside you renewed your call to your disciples:
help your Church to obey your command
and draw the nations to the fire of your love,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.