Newsletter

From Albert.....

This year we have a great opportunity to build our congregation and to deepen the Commitment of those who belong to St. Stephen’s. In recent months we have lost some of our most committed members who have gone to Glory and, although we are attracting new people, it will take time, effort, prayer and love before they become as committed as those who have died.

That’s why we have arranged three major activities for the second half of the year, hoping that they will build on one another and bring new unity and co-operation into St. Stephen’s.

The first is our AWAYDAY this month, on Saturday July 10th at Sheering. Based on the very comfortable and accessible Sheering Room, this will be a day when members old and new can socialise, worship, eat and drink together and —weather permitting—- stroll in the countryside enjoying creation.  This will cost nothing, and we invite as many as possible simply to bring a packed lunch. If you don’t have your own transport, please ask me for a lift.
Please put your name down on the list at the back of the church, or just say

“Yes, please, Albert” when I ask you if you are coming.

Then in September we have our weekend away at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon. Unlike previous years, this is NOT a silent retreat, but will include teaching, worship, and plenty of  “down time” and  social activity.

It should cost at most £150, including comfortable accommodation and all meals,
This is from September 24th-26th, arriving late  afternoon Friday and leaving after lunch on Sunday.
Watch out for more publicity.

This will, I hope, encourage some to join our ALPHA course beginning on Sunday October 3rd in the early evening.  This will involve, every week until Christmas, a meal which will be provided, an entertaining video talk about the Christian faith, and a chance to discuss what has been said in the talk. This is suitable both for new members and for experienced Christians.  There is no charge, though you will be invited each week to make a contribution towards the cost of the food if you are able.

PLEASE THINK AND PRAY ABOUT JOINING IN THESE EVENTS.             Love, Albert

Thought for the month......from Pam.

By the time you read this, we will be moving into the final stages of the World Cup and Wimbledon—in which England or Britain may or may not be involved. In many ways I am impressed by the  commitment people have to these sports, and the money they spend to see them at their best.
What makes people so committed? Why are they so keen to support England/ Great Britain in these cases, when at other times they are only too keen to slam much of what we do?
Wouldn’t it be good if we could channel some of these (often hidden) enthusiasms into commitment to God!  
Any ideas?

People...people....people

Congratulations to MARJORIE LAST on her 90th birthday last month......

To WES and LORRAINE HAYTHORPE, who will give thanks in our main service on July 4th for 36 years of happy marriage.....

To TAYO ADEYEMI for his adult baptism, again in the main service, on July 11th.

AWAYDAY
Are YOU booked in yet for our day in the country?
Weather permitting, I hope we will spend part of it in the open air, walking in God’s creation and maybe finding a picnic spot.
Bring a packed lunch, and a folding chair if you would like to. We will worship, study, chat and enjoy the fellowship of the people of God.
That’s on
SATURDAY JULY 10th
based at The Sheering Room
from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m.