St Stephen’s is an Anglican (Church of England) Church in the progressive 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.
With the easing of lockdown restrictions we once more have services at 10am on Wednesdays and Saturdays – no booking is required. The 10am Mass on Sundays is open to the public and is live-streamed (https://www.facebook.com/ststephensNTH/live/) Booking is no longer required. The church is open for private prayer between 9am and 11am Tuesdays to Saturdays.
From the Vicar
Dear friends,
Lots to catch up on after two Sundays without a newsletter but I’m glad to report that the break did us the world of good!
First our new rules and regulations. We are increasing the maximum number allowed at the 10am Mass on Sundays from 40 to 60. Booking is no longer required. We ask you to continue to wear a face covering and to use the hand sanitisers provided. Communion will be in one kind (the Sacred Host) only for the foreseeable future. Singing, for now, is not permitted but we are keeping this under constant review.
Second the Walsingham Pilgrimage looks like a going concern! Only eight of us are going but I hope it paves the way for a full-sized pilgrimage in 2022.
Third the Bishop of Southwark will be with us on Sunday 31st October. It’s several years since Bishop Christopher has been with us so please make this a priority in your diary so we can give him a warm St Stephen’s welcome.
Fourth we have set out some of the lovely items cleared from the home of our later friend, Christine Evans. Christine was an avid collector of good quality glass and china. All proceeds will go to St Stephen’s as she wished.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Geoffrey
Vicar
Follow this link to see the video from the Woolwich and Croydon Youth Forum’s take on an Anti-Racism Charter. It includes contributions from St Stephen’s.
https://youtu.be/GJo4Wt_IoL4
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 longer restricted and 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
