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.
Now we are in the third lockdown St Stephen’s has returned to the pattern of no public services. The 10am Mass on Sundays will be live-streamed (https://www.facebook.com/ststephensNTH/live/) and the church will be open for private prayer between 9am and 11am Tuesdays to Saturdays.
From the Vicar
Dear friends,
Speaking personally this third lockdown is more of a challenge than the one we had in the Spring. Maybe the novelty has worn off; perhaps it’s the weather, and perhaps there is less sense of national cohesion and solidarity for any number of reasons.
I’m not going to be blasé about the benefits of our faith in such times – especially when our worship together is utterly cut off but for live-streaming on Sundays. But, that said, our relationship with God, sustained in whatever way is possible, is a focus and potential source of strength outside ourselves. I know, too, that we are praying for one another and that St Stephen’s remains very much alive.
As Lent approaches we will be exploring ways in which we can mark the season and prepare for Easter ’21 – the second under some sort of restriction as like as not.
Hazel Pudney will tell us more about the Church Hall soon but let me tell you that the sounds of construction work coming from the hall are very encouraging – promising that this long-running project will soon be complete.
My love and prayers for you all.
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
