St Stephen’s is an Anglican (Church of England) Church in the modern Catholic tradition. We are a friendly congregation drawn mainly from the local community and reflecting the rich diversity of this part of London.
We aim to be an inclusive church welcoming everyone, whatever their age, background, sexuality or relationship status and regardless of how much or how little faith they may have. Honest doubters and people with questions are positively welcomed! You will find unconditional welcome and blessing at St Stephen’s.
On and from 2nd December St Stephen’s will be open for public worship once again. For the 10am Sunday Eucharist you will still need to book but the restored 10am Eucharists on Wednesday and Saturday are open without booking. Welcome back – again! If you need the ministry of a priest please don’t hesitate to contact Fr Geoffrey.
From the Vicar
Dear friends,
So it’s Advent – a time of two-fold preparation. First for the coming Christmas season but, second, for the time at the end of time when Christ will return in glory to judge all things and to gather everything to himself in the Kingdom – when and how nobody knows.
With life so restricted this year perhaps we will have a little more time to think about the second meaning of the season – to appraise ourselves and to check how ready we would be to meet God. We trust in God’s love and mercy but we know, too, that God takes life seriously; wanting to see us make the most of the gifts He has given us.
Meanwhile St Stephen’s is returning to the state we were in before this latest lockdown. We celebrate the Eucharist three times in the week: 10am on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. You are welcome to any and all but you will need to tell us if you plan coming on Sundays. All this starts on Wednesday 2nd so the first public Sunday Mass will be on 6th December.
The parish Christmas card is in production. This will be our first communication with the geographical parish since this time last year. It is VITAL that the card reaches every address before Christmas. Please don’t leave it to others. The church will be open every morning apart from Mondays for you to pick up a bundle or several for delivery. Thank you.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Geoffrey
Vicar
View Act of Spiritual Communion
SUPPORTING LOCAL FOOD BANKS
St Stephen’s has supported local food banks for several years but now the pressure on them is greater than ever. Gifts of non-perishable items can be left at St Stephen’s vicarage (9 Warwick Road) at any time.
WAYS TO SUPPORT ST STEPHEN’S
We encourage all our regular worshippers to give to the church by monthly standing order or through our weekly envelope scheme.
For One-off donations please consider using our Just Giving Page please follow the link below –https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/St-Stephen2020
We can also accept payment by the following methods:
Bank transfer to “St Stephen’s PCC” Sort code: 40-35-01. Account: 61059572.
Credit or debit card – please speak to Fr Geoffrey or Ian Pudney (our treasurer) for more details.
Cheques payable to St Stephen’s PCC.
Cash (It is difficult and time consuming to process cash, but we are happy to accept payments if you cannot use other methods)
Other methods of helping St Stephen’s
SHOPPING – no doubt many of you will have tried on-line shopping and if so, you can support our church without it costing you a penny.
First, there is EasyFundRaising – by using the link below you can set up an account to support St Stephen’s – the retailer will give us a donation every time you use them.
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ststephennorburythorntonheath/
Once in your account search on their website for your favourite retailer Argos, John Lewis, Boohoo – they are all there, and click the link though to start shopping.
Remember you must log in to EasyFundRaising and use the link each time you shop, do not go direct to the retailer’s website.
Amazon likes to do things differently – so next time you use it (or maybe it’s the first time) go to:
Log in as usual (or set up an account) and you will see all your old Amazon history – it’s exactly the same!
It will prompt you for a charity you wish to support so enter – ‘St Stephen’s PCC’ select it and start shopping
Remember you must log into Smile Amazon (Not Amazon) each time you shop.
PLEASE ADD THESE LINKS TO YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND SHARE THEM WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY
Weddings & Baptisms at St Stephen’s
We welcome enquiries about Baptisms (Christenings) and Weddings. Numbers attending are currently (October 2020) restricted to 15 but we are taking bookings. Please contact Fr Geoffrey. ststephens@fastmail.uk
View more Weddings details
View more Baptism details
SAFEGUARDING
The parish of St Stephen, Norbury & Thornton Heath takes the safeguarding and care of children and vulnerable adults very seriously. Further information about safeguarding can be found here
