We are a group of local Christians in Stoneleigh, Epsom, Surrey, seeking to share the positive difference that Jesus makes to our lives, and to discover, together, more of the forgiveness, peace, love security and hope that He promises to His followers.
We're learning together how to trust Jesus in putting this into effect in our everyday lives, as we journey together.
We’d like to welcome you amongst us, and encourage you to walk with us for a while: we'd value your company and friendship.
Sunday 24 May 2020
Our pre-recorded message for Sunday 24 May 2020 can be viewed HERE and can also be found on our public Facebook page (you do not have to be a Facebook member to see it as this is open to everyone).
If you would like to receive a fortnightly Messy Church newsletter with stories, activities, things to do and watch, please contact gill@stonechurch.co.uk.
Click to play...NEW Messy Church goodie bags will be available for children aged 3 to 11 years old on Tuesday 26th May between 10:00am and 12noon. They will be outside the church to collect.
(Do not come out of isolation or make an unnecessary or unwise journey, but if you can pass the premises on your daily walk, please collect a bag).
The goodie bags are absolutely free but if you would like to make a donation, please bring an item of food for the local Foodbank.
Big Church Day In
Missing the Big Church Day Out this weekend? ... they have a "Big Church Day In" instead - see features on their YouTube Channels throughout Sunday 24th May.
Prayer Week 25-29 May 2020
Although the circumstances have changed for the Prayer Week this year, and there will neither be a prayer walk nor time to pray at local churches, we still have other opportunities to join them in prayer. There are various ways to get involved:
Please use the Celtic Prayer (see right panel)
Please use these topics and guidelines:
One hour of Prayer - Contemplation of the Lord's Prayer download
We will continue to have our fasting and prayer days on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 9:00am-9:00pm.
There will also be a shared time of prayer from 8:00-9:00pm via Zoom. If you are able to join this, you will receive a meeting link on the day. We will for everyone email/ post through your door prayer points for the day, so that you can join in however and whenever you can.
Arrangements during the Covid-19 (Corona Virus) restrictions
Following the Government's announcements, all Stoneleigh Baptist Church services, activities and ministries including home-groups, Alpha, etc. where people would normally gather remain suspended, but alternatives are happening "on-line" where possible.
Meanwhile, we are producing CONNECT to members and friends every week as a means of encouragement and sharing of news. We will also be broadcasting live on Facebook - on our Members and Friends group for those who have access on Tuesdays and Fridays and on our public page on Sunday mornings where anyone can join us (see calendar for times).
We also encourage you to fast and pray on Wednesdays and at midday, everyday at the moment, to pause what you are doing and to pray the Lord’s Prayer with your loved ones!
If you are willing to be contacted and asked to help with shopping etc. for others, please let the office know.
If you leave a message on the church answerphone it will be picked up and we will get back to you as needed.
If you require more information on Covid-19, please contact the UK Government or NHS websites.
Foodbank News
The church building will be open on Wednesday mornings 10am-12 noon for anyone to drop off items for the Foodbank.
Please adhere to government advice, do not come out of isolation and do not make unnecessary or unwise journeys to do this, but if you want to drop off items whilst you are on a daily walk, we will ensure that they get there. Thank you.
Latest information on urgently needed items (and what is currently well-stocked) is shown on the Foodbank website here.
You can also support them via their Crowdfunding page through this LINK.
Verse for Today
(New International Version - UK)
25th May - 31st May 2020
MONDAY
Bank Holiday
TUESDAY
10:00am-12noon
Messy Church Goodie bags available to collect
8:00pm
Facebook Live (Members and Friends group) - Prayers and Encouragement from the pastor
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
8:00pm
Facebook Live (Members and Friends group) - Prayers and Encouragement from the pastor
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Pentecost Sunday
9:30am
Pre-recorded Service - Prayers, Bible readings and a short reflection (available via website link and Facebook Live public page)
This week I was remembering a time when I was observing a friend doing chaplaincy working at a high school out on the outskirts of Glasgow.
He was greeted by one of the students "Chaplain your faith is just a crutch you can lean on in hard times". He quickly remarked "How dare you accuse my faith of being a crutch. My faith is not a crutch it's a life support machine".
I think people often see Christianity as a crutch, but for us who follow Jesus it really IS a life support machine. It is important we recognise again that being a Christian does not mean we become immune to suffering pain or rejection. But rather it means when we go through the trial of affliction we take heart Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). When you feel tired and weak, remember he is your ever present refuge and strength.
In the last week I have felt burdened to pray for some of you that God will give you such an awareness of his peace in difficult situations you are facing. I am praying you know the task ahead of you is never greater than the power behind you. I know this is not an easy season for many of you, but remember God is faithful and he will watch and guide your steps.
Please if you need me, do not hesitate to get in touch. I would be delighted to pray for you.
God bless and keep safe
Gavin
Bible Study Notes
This week's bible Study notes on the book of Amos, Chapter 7 can be downloaded here.
BUGB Prayer Broadcast
Every Wednesday the Baptist Union is holding a prayer broadcast at 7pm. You can join in live or watch the recording later, here.
A Celtic Prayer (prayer of St Brendan)
Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways and break fresh ground with You.
Christ of the mysteries, I trust You to be stronger than each storm within me.
I will trust in the darkness and know that my times, even now, are in Your hand.
Tune my spirit to the music of heaven, and somehow, make my obedience count for You.
Gospel Growth Gift Day Sunday 21 June
We are grateful to the Lord and to His people for the way in which He has continued to provide for us at this time.
When we announced the Giving for Gospel Growth Gift Day in March we said that there would be another opportunity to give in this way in June. Whilst we are aware that some people’s circumstances may have changed in a way that no-one could have foreseen, we are also aware that there are those who made plans to give later on. So there will be another gift day on Sunday 21 June.
More details nearer the time.
Church Members Meeting Wednesday 10 June
The 630th Church Members Meeting will be a new experience for us all!
It will be a while before we can gather together again in the church building for a Members' Meeting, but we will hold a Zoom Members' Meeting on Wednesday 10th June at 8pm. It will be possible to join by internet or phone and the minutes will be available afterwards in the usual way.
The meeting will not involve voting on any issues, but there will be opportunity for interaction and praying together as information is shared
Click to play...
