Stoke Green is a community church, located in south-west Ipswich. – The church moved to its current location in the 1950s with the intention of serving a new housing estate that was in the process of being built. Over time, the estate has evolved into a diverse community, which is now reflected in the fellowship of the church. The church has 56 members, and between 50 and 70 gather to worship on a Sunday. The church has been without its own minister for three and a half years, with Rev Aubrey Cardy acting as moderator and providing pastoral support to the fellowship. However, the church is moving forward, with young families attending, and two young people have been baptised recently. A Community Café runs on…

Located in Essex, near Brentwood, Hutton Free Church was planted by Brentwood Congregational Church in 1850 and is proud to continue as a worshipping and witnessing Church of God today. It is a small, united fellowship led by its part-time Minister Rev Eric Fenwick (who also pastors at The Chapel and Schoolroom at Woodham Ferrers) The Church meets for worship fortnightly on Sunday mornings and has a regular Thursday afternoon “Parlour” Gathering which most of the fellowship attend. Here, over a cup of tea, they socialise, have quizzes and share stories and histories on subjects of interest to the group. It is a good opportunity to build unity and support one another. They share their Church building with two other Churches. Emmanuel Church uses their…

Wilburton lies north of Cambridge and is a small village which is gradually being overtaken by an ever-widening commuter belt. Amidst this setting and right in the heart of the village is Wilburton Baptist Church. The church is a small and elderly fellowship without a minister. One of their group, Anthea Dodson, is ‘leader by default,’ in her own words, despite Anthea’s husband having ongoing vascular dementia. But this small church has the biggest heart for its community, encouraged by Anthea and its strapline must simply be: Showing God’s Love Through Connections. Everything they do is about reaching out and showing love to the community. Giving flowers to contacts or those they hear about is touching hearts and lives and making links from the church…

This week we pray for our EBA pioneers. We have a wealth of creativity amongst our small group of pioneers across the association as they seek to demonstrate good news to people who have yet to make sense of the Christian faith. From wild church and forest church to fresh expressions. From church planting in new housing developments to simple church in small groups our pioneers are reaching people and making a difference! It was a blessing to be able to gather our pioneers together for a day earlier this year before the minister’s conference to share, learn and pray  together Therefore, please pray for: Protection over our pioneers. Pioneering is a spiritual discipline; we need spiritual protection from harm, discouragement and attack from the…