From the Vicar

Dear friends,

The Summer break has arrived. Some of us, I know, have been away already. Others of us will be waiting until September. But in terms of our life together at St Stephen's, the next 6 weeks while the schools are off are a key time of rest.

For my part, I'll be taking time away in the second half of August. And whilst I'll be working the rest of the time, it will be a different kind of work, using my energy differently. That in itself can be restful. So, day to day meetings are out, but time to reflect on the big picture is in.

I have encouraged our staff likewise to use this time both to rest and also to reflect on the big picture. Where have we seen God at work in the last year? Where do we sense God is leading? And how, then, should we respond? These are important questions to ask, and the Summer generally gives the space that's needed to ponder them.

These next few weeks will be different for all of us depending on our stage of life. But I encourage us all to build in time for rest and reflection if we can. That might look like working 30 minutes less each day, or taking a lunchtime walk. Or it could look like using your time differently to get a different perspective on what you might normally be doing. Rest is a core part of the Christian story, so let's take time to rest where we can.

A reminder at this point that our Summer Sunday service pattern begins in 10 days' time through to the end of August: a single 10am Sunday service that aims to celebrate the best of our two usual service styles. And just in case anyone is wondering (like the staff team was earlier this week!) refreshments will be served after the service.

Whatever your Summer holds, I pray for safe travels and that it is indeed a restful time.

With every blessing,

David
 

St David's Hymns of Praise
This Sunday at 2:30pm a team from St Stephen's will be running a Summer Hymns of Praise service. All are welcome to attend. Please speak to Pete Devereux or Sally Horattides for more information.
 

Support Lizzie's Ealing Half Marathon Run in September
Lizzie is  a staunch supporter of Ealing Winter Night Shelter, and a regular volunteer for our team at St. Stephen's when we run the Shelter on Friday nights in Feb/March.

She has joined a team of other EWNS volunteers running in the Half Marathon in September. They have just started regular training for the event, and will need lots of encouragement!

Please read more and consider sponsoring her for the Night Shelter for much needed funds for our next season of ECWNS.
 

Fun Day out at Wolf Fields Urban Nature Reserve UB24JS
We are linked with A Rocha through Eco Church. On Friday 8th August, celebrate Summer with a festival full of fun, learning and connection any time from 10am - 3.30pm. Bring friends and family. Free drinks and snacks. Book a place here.
 

People and Planet Date for your Diary
Sunday 21st September at 12.30pm for a Bring and Share lunch with Guest Speaker Helen Blackholly, speaking about the 'Power of Choice', especially for women and girls across the globe still denied access to essential, life saving reproductive health services. Booking and more info nearer the time.
 

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.
Drayton Avenue
Drayton Gardens
Drayton Grove
Drayton Road
 

Prayer for the Week
Almighty God,
send down upon your Church
the riches of your Spirit,
and kindle in all who minister the gospel
your countless gifts of grace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.