Hi everyone,
As always, it was great to worship together this morning. Sorry that there was an interruption to the stream, and thanks Adam for quickly fixing it! If you want to catch up on the service, the link is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T-hebvCc_uQ0nK-yyAzQxAOFGg6Osk1R/view?usp=sharing
The notices for this week are below – lots to look at this week!
Zoom link for services
For those who would like to, it’s now possible to watch our live-streamed service through Zoom, then chat with others after it’s finished. If you want to join us in that way, you can find the link here http://ststephensbd5.org.uk/sundayzoom/ The livestream link will still work as usual though, so you can continue watching as you have been if you prefer to stick with that!
Woodman Pub – Food, toiletries and toys donations
The Woodman Pub near to St Matthew’s are collecting donations of food, toiletries and toys as part of a ‘Tears for Tiers’ campaign to support people affected by Covid-19. We’d love to show our support as St Matthew’s Church (though people from St Stephen’s are of course welcome to contribute too), especially as this will hopefully bless families in our parish. When the hospitality industry are struggling so much themselves, it’s wonderful to see the Woodman making use of their time and space to do something like this for others! You can arrange to drop donations off at the pub by ringing Simon on 07401545534. I’m also happy for you to drop donations at St Matthew’s Vicarage and I’ll take them all over together – just let me know if you’re coming so I can make sure someone’s in.What they’re looking for:
- toilet rolls, wipes, nappies of all sizes, toothpaste, brushes, deodorant, general toiletries
- hand sanitizer, face masks
- sanitary towels, general daily care items
- new toys/teddies under £5 suitable for all ages up to 16 years
- smaller items such as colouring books and coloured pencils/crayons
St Matthew’s PCC
St Matthew’s PCC are meeting at 2pm tomorrow (Monday 23 November) on Zoom – a separate email will be sent with the link to those involved.
Prayer at 6pm
We’re still praying every day during lockdown at 6pm on Zoom. You’re very welcome to join us!
- Using Zoom online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87866448267?pwd=TlF4ZG9KMXV6M0Z0WnZDZk9TcVJ2Zz09
Meeting ID: 878 6644 8267
Passcode: pray - Dial in by phone: Phone 0203 481 5240, then enter details when asked Meeting ID: 878 6644 8267Passcode: 316569
Prayer Initiative – Jericho 2021
There’s going to be a prayer initiative across Bradford (PDF with more details below) – can you commit to prayer walking a street regularly, or a particular route? It would be great to get as many people involved as possible to cover as much of our bit of Bradford as we can!
Faith engagement survey
The government want to hear from members of the public about what we think about the way they’ve engaged with faith organisations through the pandemic. If you want to give your opinion, you can answer a survey here (it’s very long, but worth doing if this is something you’ll enjoy giving some thought to!) https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=EGg0v32c3kOociSi7zmVqLAvxFsmpeJAuen06HIiI0VUNk0zOUg1TUdBSzk0NE8wWlVWTEZEMUZCUS4u&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=its_time_to_have_your_say_yourneighbour&utm_term=2020-11-20
‘Signs of Hope in Covid 19’: Sunday 22 November from 6.30–7.30 pm
A ‘Hope on the Edge’ event streamed from Bradford Cathedral that will bring people a range of stories of people discovering hope in recent months and in different ways. Three areas will focus on ‘Community Hope’, ‘Future Hope’ and ‘Hope for the World’ to inspire times of prayer after each section. Bishop Toby will draw things together at the end. To take part use this YouTube link: www.youtube.com/c/bradfordcathedral1:
CMS Thanksgiving for Jenny Green: 3 December at 6.30 pm
The Church Mission Society are hosting a virtual Event of Thanksgiving for Jenny Green on Thursday 3rd December from 6:30pm to 7:30pm Their aim is to gather together all of Jenny’s supporting churches and individuals to say a big thank you to her and pray for her together as she ends her service with CMS after so many years. You can book your place for the event, which will be held on Zoom, at: eventbrite.co.uk/e/jenny-greensevent-of-thanksgivingtickets-126056998877
Our prayer for today (also known as Stir Up Sunday – are you making Christmas cake or Christmas puddings this week?):
Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people;
that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works,
may by you be plenteously rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Have a blessed week.
Hannah