The Parish of Langdon Hills

This year’s Lent course is on Tuesdays from 8 pm at St. John’s. The course starts on 23rd February and runs until 23rd March.

The theme will be “A Way through the wilderness: Experiencing God’s help in times of crisis”. It will follow a format similar to previous years: meeting at St Johns on Tuesday evenings with a mixture of input together and group discussion. As in previous years we will be joining together with our Methodist friends. We hope you will want to join us. Please sign up on the sheets at the back of each of our churches to assist us in anticipating numbers and purchasing an appropriate number of books.

Our Ash Wednesday service is on 17th February at 8pm at St Mary’s. It is a quiet service of penitence and reflection including the traditional imposition of ashes.

From Colin:

I am delighted to report that (as many of you will already know) we have been voted a grant of over £900,000 from Essex Early Years towards the building of an extension to St John’s. I wish to record our enormous gratitude to all those who worked so hard to make our bid successful, especially to John Purbrick; Gaynor Carter; Tony Dunhill, Claire Bland and our architect John Inkpen. Please continue to pray that we will be guided to use this grant aright in the service of God’s kingdom and our local community, especially as detailed preparation is now undertaken.

Following our first and successful service in December, we will be visiting Evelyn May Residential Home for the elderly again on Wednesday 27th January at 3-30 pm. The service lasts for 30 minutes and includes 3 hymns and a short talk.

We are looking for church members to come along and support in bringing God’s message to the elderly residents. If you believe you can spare some time, please contact John Harris (number via parish office). The home is located in Florence way, near the Catholic Church and Laindon railway station.

Caribbean Party
Saturday, 30 January 2010. Time: 19:00 – 01:00
St Andrews Church, 3 The Fremnells, Basildon, SS14 2QX
Let’s warm up the cold weather, have fun and raise funds for a good cause: Authentic Caribbean dishes, special guest entertainer D’Mighty Hitman from the Frontline Radio! We don’t think you’ll need it but you are welcome to take your own alcohol. Tickets £5 includes one Meal: email sh.ma at btinternet.com or telephone 01268 520516

Chelmsford Cathedral Theological Society
‘Spiritual Fitness’
Speaker: Revd. Dr Graham Tomlin
Wednesday 3rd February at 8 pm in the Chapter House. Fee: £3.50.

Charity Request
The Elim Charity Shop raise funds to support elderly and vulnerable people. They need urgently the following items;
Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Belts, Towels, Linen, Curtains, Cosmetics, Toiletries, Perfumes, Toys, bedding, Video Games, CD’s, DVD’s, Books, China Plates and Mirrors.
If you can help then either contact 01268 410297 (Mobile: 07886 276035) for collection or deliver to Elim Pentecostal Church, Vowler Road, Langdon Hills on Monday, Tuesday, Friday or Sunday. Thank you.

The next Quiz Night is on Saturday, 27th February. 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start at St John’s Church.

Tickets are £4 each from Charlotte or Moreen St John’s, Ruth or Ann St Mary’s.

Tables of up to 8 players. Bring your own nibbles and drinks. All proceeds to Church charities.

Fundraiser for STM (School Teams Ministry) - Indian Meal

What: a delicious Indian meal shared with your friends and family.
When: Wednesday 10th February
Time: 700 pm for 7.30 pm
Where: The Maharaja (356 London Road, SS7 4BG)
How much: £12 (£6 goes to STM)
RSVP to Kirsten at 01269 530 531 or kirstenthomson (at) vizaviz.org by Feb 5th

Men’s Group: DATE CHANGE

Our next night out is now on Wednesday 3rd February for Bowling at the Basildon Bowl in Basildon. Arrival 7.30 pm for starting on the lanes at 8 pm prompt. Please pass on to colleagues and friends. See you all there!!

‘While you were sleeping’ starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman, a light hearted comedy and love story.

Friday 29th January at St John’s church 7.30 pm for 7.45 pm start.

Bring your own drinks and nibbles. Entry free, no need to confirm attendance.

Any questions call Nicky Legon - contact us for number

Churches Together in Basildon (CTB) Celebration
Sunday 24th January: 6.30 pm at St Gabriel’s Church, Rectory Road, Pitsea. SS13 2AA.

Basildon Intercessors Group (BIG) Prayer Meeting
Saturday, 23rd January: 3 pm - 5 pm at Kingswood Baptist Church (Clay Hill Road / Codenham Straight)

Members of the Prayer team have been available to pray with people at St John’s every Sunday and at the healing service at St Mary’s.

The team will now also be available after communion, during coffee, at St Mary’s every week. Prayer will take place in the Choir stalls. Should you like prayer for yourself or others please make yourself known to a member of the team at either church. In St John’s prayer is at the back of the church behind the screens. Members of the Team can be spotted wearing Prayer Ministry team badges.

Sunday, 31st January at St John’s, Forest Glade.
Time: 3 – 5.15 pm
Tickets are £3 per child which includes a children’s buffet, entertainment, and a small gift at the close.
Adults are £1, which includes refreshments.
Children are to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Tickets are available from Gaynor carter at St John’s. Please book early to ensure availability of tickets.