Dear friends,

My thoughts and prayers are with you all this Holy week.

Thursday in Holy week (Maundy Thursday – from the latin word for mandate/commandment, because Jesus gives us a new commandment) has always been an important and profound day for many.

Previously I have been deeply moved by remembering, even re-enacting, the last supper, the first communion of believers, where we are joined in the Body of Christ through Christ’s loving giving of himself (agape), united in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Communion for me is deeply significant and this new commandment to ‘do this is remembering me’ is like a divine invitation to be nourished by God and our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.

I have always found the washing of other’s feet moving, as we remember Christ’s modelling of this servant hearted discipleship and leadership to all of us in the priesthood of believers. This is where we are all invited to serve one another in agape, and I’ve previously felt I receive a lot of my ‘permission’ to lead as a priest in the church, from this occasion.

And I always feel this gathering sets the tone for Good Friday and the beginning of the suffering Jesus enters into on that Maundy Thursday night, as he enters into a garden and begins to pray, only to be met by the powers and principalities of the world. This day reminds us that no matter what we go through, if we have that foundation of love rooted in the church, re-membered through our brothers and sisters being in communion with one another, then we can get through anything… even death!

I know many churches are doing a service on Maundy Thursday, but to do this apart from one another would, I think, feel so wrong that I cannot do it. Hence I am inviting you to make your own ‘agape meal’ this Maundy Thursday night. Remembering Jesus and his friends had simple fare, whatever you have will do – bread and wine would of course be fitting (you could even make your own bread!). Whatever the time and place, make your agape meal, and maybe read and reflect on one of the following readings

Mark 14:12-34

Luke 22.14-23

John 13.1-17

1 Corinthians 11.23-25

A typical agape meal is about sharing food and fellowship together, I would invite you to make this a time for reflecting on the idea that we are still united in fellowship with one another, and all Christians around the world, through the Body of Christ.

On Good Friday, I will post a ‘last hour’ reflection on the Facebook group and our website. Feel free to use this, or not, when and how is right for you.

As we journey through to the celebration of Easter Sunday, one thing we might like to do together is to make your own ‘Easter garden’ either in your home or garden. This can be made from natural items or not, as you are able, but typically has some kind of empty tomb or other sign of the absence of death. Please do share pictures with me on Facebook or otherwise, and I will try to incorporate these into our collective worship.

We will have another communion at 10am on Easter Sunday via the app ‘Zoom’, and a bible reflection available later in the day as well. Easter Sunday is obviously a massive cause for celebration, so do consider this an invitation to feast and have a party! When we are able to meet once again together in church, we will have another ‘Easter Sunday’ feast then I think… whenever that is!

Don’t forget to keep praying; there is this prayer leaflet I prepared to help, if it is needed, with many suggestions of other resources and ways of praying.

May you have a blessed Holy Week my friends,

The Peace of the Lord be with you.

Jon xxx

Tomorrow morning (Sunday 29th March) we are going (well, trying) to use Zoom. Zoom is a cloud platform for video and audio conference calling. What this means is that we can communicate with each other in real time from the comfort of our homes.

To be able to join in you will need to download an app from your chosen device. You can do that here. Make sure you select the right download for your device (ie for Apple devices you will need the iOS app from the App Store, for Android devices you will need the one from Google Play). If you are planning to join from a laptop or desktop, you can just use the browser which should open automatically when you select to join a meeting but I personally find it more ‘stable’ if you use the appropriate software.

My personal choice would always be to use a laptop or desktop computer if at all possible, or the largest mobile device you have.When you download the app, you should be asked to register. I would strongly advise creating a free account as you can then join meetings with your name displayed. You can also register for a free account online here.

A few minutes before the meeting, sign into Zoom.You can join the meeting by clicking on this link or by opening the app, select “Join a meeting” and search the number 291-020-121. You can also join by opening a tab on your chosen web browser, select ‘Join a meeting’ and type in the meeting ID number. Make sure you enable audio and visual so we can all hear and see each other. If using a mobile device I would advise using a set of headphones or earbuds if possible but it’s not essential by any means! If it all gets a bit ‘noisy’ we will have the option to mute participants and there is a chat box option where you can write in what you want to say. You will not be able to actually join the meeting until Jon starts it so please don’t panic if you can’t get in.

I appreciate not everyone gets on with technology so if you have any difficulty or questions, please do get in touch!

May the God of peace and love be with you my friends.

Services at St Stephens Southmead have been paused until further notice.

How will we continue to be the church at prayer and worship, serve our community and support one another practically and pastorally:

Worship

On Sunday morning at 9am (or 8am on radio 4) we will join with the Archbishop online for our gathered worship. We aim to continue worshipping and praying together, by joining with one service at the same time, albeit from our separate locations.

We will also have some weekly offerings from the St Stephens leadership by video, circulated either on facebook, email or our website, and by paper, circulated by hand door to door.

Phone Support

We have a network of church members who will phone people from the St Stephens and local community who are isolated to offer support, a friendly ear, and prayer if desired. This is managed confidentially, by the vicar, and all volunteers are briefed on safeguarding, for themselves and others, and data protection.

Church Building

In line with the latest government guidance, the building will unfortunately be closed for an initial duration of three weeks.

Serving the community

We are working on other ways to serve our community at this time, including food parcels for those in need. We will keep our Facebook page, website, and notice board updated with any developments

Prayer Support

If you would like the church prayer chain to confidentially pray for you, email prayer requests to the vicar, Jon Roberts (see below for contact details), we would love to pray for you.

Contacts

You can keep in touch with the church through our Facebook group – St Stephens Church Southmead or our website.

Or by contacting one of these people:
Jon, the vicar – [email protected] or 07980 929302
Hannah, the Church Warden – [email protected]
Rachel, the administrator – [email protected] or 07834842635

Loving God,
help me to trust you,
help me to know that you are with me,
help me to believe that nothing can separate me 
from your love, revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Hi friends,

Last night Boris Johnson has made another startling announcement. I’m feeling a little in shock having heard it.

Here in England, in Bristol and in Southmead, we’re being put into a situation as close to a lockdown as I can imagine, and I’m sure a number of us are feeling a little shocked, scared even.

I don’t know what else is in store for us in the days, weeks, even months to come, but I do know its going to be hard for us as communities, families and individuals.You know that film ‘Finding Nemo’? There’s a fish called Dori, and Dori has a memory problem. She just swims along in the sea singing away to herself, ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming’, over and over again. And its funny isn’t it. But its actually really good advice as well.

When I’m worried, unsure of what on earth is going on and what I’m supposed to do, when I’m feeling a bit scared about things, I often think of Dori. Just keep going. Just keep going. To me it feels very British as well, in an almost ‘stiff upper lip’ kind of way. And its just what we need to do right now. We know what’s needed; stay in doors, support those around you, particularly the vulnerable, don’t panic buy (not sure we can anymore), and just keep going. And we can add other words in like; just keep laughing, just keep loving, just keep praying. In fact, I think that’s the absolute best use of Dori’s little mantra; just keep praying.In response to the gatherings of crowds over the weekend, in response to fear, shock, anger, in response to Boris, in response to Corona, just keep praying my friends.

Here’s a few ideas –https://pray-as-you-go.org/https://www.northumbriacommunity.org/offices/how-to-use-daily-office/https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayerhttps://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-liturgy-and-prayer-resources

There are many many other ways to ‘just keep praying’ and I hope you find what works for you in this time. Remember, pray how you can, not how you can’t.

If I can be of any help whatsoever, please do get in contact.Peace be with you,

God bless,Jon

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd. Jon Roberts has been appointed Vicar of St Stephen’s Southmead.

Jon will move to Southmead in October 2019 and his collation service will be at St Stephens on Monday 25th November 2019 at 7.30pm, with light refreshments to follow.

Jon came to faith whilst a student at Reading University, working at the Chaplaincy there for a year after graduation. He then worked for two years at a charity called Christian Community Action, whilst exploring his vocation.

Jon trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon in Oxford before beginning his curacy in the Dorchester Team Ministry in Oxfordshire. Jon is originally from Taunton in Somerset and also spent two years living in Bristol prior to University – so he’s relishing a move back to the West Country!

Jon says:

“I’m married to Rachel and together we have two boys aged four and one. We’re really excited to be moving to Southmead and Bristol, and can’t wait to settle into the community and church.

I’m very passionate about the Kingdom of God, reaching out through mission, issues of social and environmental justice, and deepening our faith together. I have a deep love of the outdoors and all things nature, have far too many interests and hobbies, and enjoy reading and writing as well.

I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and getting to know you, as we journey together in faith, growing St Stephen’s as a church and the Kingdom of God in Southmead.”

Bishop Viv adds:

“I’m delighted that Jon is coming to be the Vicar of St Stephens. I know how together you share the love and presence of Christ in Southmead. Be encouraged. My prayers for you, for Jon and his family as this new chapter begin.”

Kids Matter is a programme for any parent or carer who wants the best for their child(ren) and is looking for a safe place to talk through some of the highs, lows and everything in between.

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting another term of the Kids Matter parenting programme. There will be two taster sessions on Tuesday 2nd April and Tuesday 23rd April. These sessions will give you a chance to meet the programme facilitator and to find out more about the programme.

The next intake will then start on Tuesday 30th April and will run for six weeks. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more or to register your place.