We’re Official! What a week….
Tuesday morning was a big deal. “I commission you to work together with all God’s people, so that Christ may be made known and his kingdom established” +Peter Hill, Bishop of Barking, to Church at Barking Riverside 18th May 2021 “Together, by God’s grace, we give ourselves to the ministry of the gospel in these communities, to work for God’s kingdom of justice and peace, and to share the message of Christ” The people who are Church at Barking Riverside, to one another and +Peter, 18th May 2021 Two and half years… Read More
Ascension Day – Pray with Us
Today is a special day for Christians – it’s Ascension Day! We remember how Jesus, after rising from the dead and spending 40 days with his disciples, then went into Heaven. You can read the story in Acts 1:6-11. Right now, Jesus stands with Father God praying for us and giving us strength; He remains here with us in the midst of the mess and struggle of this world through His Holy Spirit; and we have an unshakeable hope in His promise to return again. Now, that’s pretty awesome. It’s a lot… Read More
Positive Politics: Large and Small
Last week we were proud to be part of the London Citizens Assembly, led by London Citizens, of which we are a member of our local Barking and Dagenham Citizens Chapter [find out more about who we are and what we’re fighting for here]. We were expecting powerful testimony from people affected by the issues we want to change and we definitely saw that. It was moving hearing the creativity one mum has needed to employ just to survive in the housing she is stuck in – turning patches of mould on… Read More
His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh
Buckingham Palace has announced that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has sadly died. An online book of condolence is available on the Church of England website here. Bishop Guli and Bishop Peter have both shared their condolences. “I am very sorry to learn about the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We pray for Her Majesty the Queen, the Royal Family, the Commonwealth and the Nation and we give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s extraordinary life of duty and dedication.” Bishop Guli “The thoughts and prayers… Read More
The difference Jesus makes: Merley’s story
Let me introduce you to an incredible woman, mother, partner and professional, with huge passion and drive – this week Merley has shared some of her story with us. She is part of our Barking Riverside community and we are definitely the richer for having her in our lives. Listen in to hear Merley’s reflections living through the pandemic and the incredible legacy of faith she has from her Mum. Such a powerful story to hear when we’re still facing lockdowns and consumed by getting through each day, to hear about God’s… Read More
The difference Jesus makes: Urbain Yombe’s Story
Jesus is my all in all The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock— I take refuge in him!— he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety. Psalm 18:2 CEB Times of crisis usually shake the foundations of our life. The pandemic we are facing has revealed the foundations on which our lives are built and we have seen many foundations shattered by the pressure of the events of the last twelve months. Like many other people who have been affected by the… Read More
Pancakes anyone? Lent – an invitation to the journey
Lent officially starts this Wednesday. Did you know? Maybe you’re taking it as a convenient opportunity to diet or exercise…or maybe you’re a bit more traditional and you’ve been eating pancakes tonight then will be smearing ash on your forehead on Wednesday….but what is this season all about? Lent is a 40-day season of reflection and preparation for remembering and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is a time of repentance, of considering Christ’s sufferings and rethinking how we are called to take up our own crosses. Some of us… Read More
A little help with the deeper things…loss, prayer, and big questions.
Beyond doubt, one of the best things to come out of these last challenging months, has been seeing people stepping up to love, care for, and help those around them. There’s a host of practical support on offer and we’ve gathered what we know of locally on our Covid-19: Community Help & Support page. But what about the deeper things? Especially as the months drag on, the cases increase, and more of us are experiencing the pain and fatigue of this time and this virus. Even if you personally are feeling fine,… Read More
January (nearly) done.
Life can sometimes feel more like an endurance test than really living – so congratulations we’ve almost made it to the end of January 2021! With so many hopes rested on the start of 2021 and jubilation when 2020 became history, this year feels painfully familiar as we approach our first lockdown anniversary and a year of ‘seconds’. But enough with the gloom! Time to remember some excellent things. This isn’t really Throwback Thursday or Flashback Friday, how about Just-back January? Christmas wasn’t so long ago and we wanted to say a… Read More
Weathering the Storm – how we’re doing it together with Jesus
We’re in a really challenging time. But we do have hope. And we can walk this together, with Jesus. Here’s how we’re doing it.
