May Parish Magazine

May edition of the Parish Magazine - now available! Fr. Raymond's letter looks to the future:

Bishop Richard wore dusty pink and cream, the other bishops donned apricot and cream. Prebendaries arrayed in crimson and gold – a lovely sight to behold under the dome of the cathedral. Clergy arrayed in cassock and surplice with an assortment of starry stoles and fine lace. Amid all this ‘pomp’ Bishop Richard’s homily to us Priests was stimulating and encouraging. This was the Sung Eucharist and Blessing of Oils at the cathedral church of Saint Paul on Maundy Thursday.

Reminding us of Jesus divesting himself of his garments at that final meal, he began to wash the disciples feet – an example to us all. He did not wash the multitude’s feet, only those close to him. And we too need to support and encourage one another if we are to continue the work that Jesus has called us to. We have a vision and a commitment to serve. Of course this is a call to the Christian church also.

The task facing the London Church is enormous, yet we are confident in moving forward. We need the support and love of our colleagues and congregations in order that together we may share the gospel message and in ways which are appropriate to the communities we minister to.

This is true for us at St. Stephen’s – a fresh vision and understanding of the years ahead. We must ensure that the church does not become a relic of past memories but an ensign to the living Spirit of God working through us NOW. We can no longer expect people to ‘come in and join us’, rather, we need to meet them where they are. Again this was demonstrated with the enormous success of the Residents Concert last month.

We need to find new ways, new expressions of our faith yet ensuring the integrity of Christian worship is not compromised. Come and join us as we forge ahead.

Residents' Association fund raiser success

Concert Success - The recent concert held in church and organised by the St Stephen's Road Residents' Association was a huge success. A packed church, varied programme of music and poetry, led to a grand total of £800 being raised towards the refurbishment of the church porch. Congratulations to all involved who made this such a success.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of St Stephen's Parish Church will take place tomorrow, Sunday 11th April, at the end of the Parish Eucharist service. Please be there to help ensure the smooth running of the church for another year.

Flower Festival - St Mary's Convent, Chiswick

St Stephen's is delighted to be supporting this weekend's Flower Festival at St. Mary's Convent in Chiswick which marks the 150th anniversary of its foundation.

Easter Sunday

Easter Day
‘may the light of Christ, rising in glory
banish all darkness from our hearts and minds’.

The Parish Eucharist at 10.00 amMusic, readings, homily and the lighting of the Easter Candle

As we ponder on many of the great works of art this Eastertide we are taken back to the beginning of our faith – the moment when the power of darkness and sin is broken down; this Christ has conquered all and invites us forward into a new world.

This is demonstrated clearly with a Piero della Francesca mural where he has chosen subtle colours to reflect the warmth and beauty of this event. The risen Christ steps out into our time and space and gazes at us motivating us into thought and question. His torso is alive and vibrant; his face framed by the glow of daybreak.

In the foreground soldiers represent a sleeping world unaware of the unparalleled nature of this moment. Being un-helmeted they emphasise that this Christ emerging from the sarcophagus is indeed ‘Lord of a Kingdom not of this world’. Piero is a supreme master and appears to infuse his work with spirituality, which is infectious.

We are invited to be part of this now risen and Lord of all. Easter is about new birth and a journey that we can all join at any time.

Do join us at our Easter Eucharist and continue the journey of faith throughout your daily life.