The Bear Essentials
For the week beginning Sunday 9th March 2025
"So we fasted and implored our God for this, and God listened to our entreaty."
Ezra 8:23
THIS WEEK AT THE BEAR
Sunday Morning Service - at the Ascension. 11.15am for prayer, 11.45 for tea and coffee, 12pm for worship service.
Sunday Evening Service - at Evelyn from 6pm. We're currently looking for chefs, choppers, servers and washer-uppers - please consider giving a couple of hours a week/month/year
Early Morning Prayer - open to all, just switch on and join in Monday to Friday on Zoom from 7-7.30am
Bear Talks - you will now be able to listen to many of the talks from the Sunday midday service via Spotify (more options available soon). Search 'The Bear Sunday Talks' or check it out on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5nprnTdz6EruEcPSJk0t1C?si=bb248c499e40491a
LENT AT THE BEAR
Inspired by our recent coming together for 24 hrs of prayer & fasting, we will continue this once a week during the 6 weeks of Lent. Starting at 9pm on Sunday night until 9pm Monday, and reflecting on a different line of the Lord's prayer each week. At 8pm on the Monday a zoom room will be open for those who’d like to finish the 24th hour in prayer together.
Week 1 - starting 9th of March
"Our God in heaven, holy is your name."
English translation of the Lord's prayer from Noongar (Indigenous language from the southern region of what is now known as Western Australia)
Our Father, high in your Holy Place,
your name is holy.
We want the day to come
when you reign as King in our land.
We want you to become Boss of our land,
the same way you are Boss of your Holy Place.
Today, give us the food that we eat every day.
Forgive our wrong-doing,
the same way we forgive the wrong-doing that people do to us.
Do not take us on the path that goes to wrong-doing,
but hold us so the Devil cannot get us.
You hold the land.
You hold the power.
You hold the light.
Forever and forever.
Kaya.
COMING UP
EYWDHS - this month's Eat Your Way Down the High Street will be at M&D Japanese on Thursday 27th of March 7-9pm. RSVP to bex@thebear.tv.
Karaoke social - love it or hate it, belting out a banger with a bunch of mates never fails to make some memories. Mel has sounded the call and we must answer, so come one, come all, it's time to sing! Friday 4th of April, 8-10pm (but come early for a drink) @ The Old School Yard, 111 Long Lane, London Bridge SE1 4PH. RSVP to info@thebear.tv.
The Bear is going to Greenbelt - the festival runs from the August 21-24th, jammed packed full of music, speakers, workshops, stuff for the family and loads more! Tickets are cheaper the sooner you buy them and you can spread the cost up until July. More info about the festival here: www.greenbelt.org.uk
THE RAGGED PROJECT
Trolly Coins - Available to buy at Ascension on Sundays. £2 each - all proceeds to the Project
Give Us Your Money - contact emily@thebear.tv if you have spare change/holiday coins to give, or bring to Ascension on Sundays
Sung Worship - download or stream Dave's songs and raise money for the Project: https://linktr.ee/davidwinter
WHAT'S ON
Sunday
11.15am Prayer at Ascension
11.45am Tea and Coffee
12pm Worship service
4pm Food preparation at Evelyn
6pm Evening meal
7pm Evening service
Monday
7am Early Morning Prayer
9.30am Bear Cubs
Tuesday
7am Early Morning Prayer
1.30pm Women's Bible Study
Wednesday
7am Early Morning Prayer
Thursday
7am Early Morning Prayer
1pm Bear Cubs
8pm Small Groups
Friday
7am Early Morning Prayer
9.30am Bear Cubs
1.30pm English Fridays
NOTICES AND CLASSIFIEDS
40acts 2025 - Join over 50,000 people who are spreading the love of Jesus through 40 days of intentional generosity this year. Sign up here https://www.stewardship.org.uk/40acts
INet Curry Plus event - we are invited to the annual iNet Curry Plus evening to hear what Jesus is doing around the world from some of their cross cultural workers. It's on Thursday 13th of March at 7:30 pm at The Well Community Church, Wells Way, London, SE5 7SY.
Lent at Ascension - on Saturday 5th of April Vicar Anne will be hosting a mini retreat for our busy lives from 10am - 12 midday. This will be a quiet time of gentle reflection and prayer.
CONTACTS
The Bear Church Instagram - follow at @thebearchurch
The Bear WhatsApp Broadcast Group - for weekly updates and more (but not much more), add The Bear Church 07707 524977 to your contacts, then message the number and ask to join the group.
Safeguarding - the email address for our Designated Safeguarding Lead is safeguarding@thebear.tv
Giving - is part of our worship. Please see the recent email for a financial update. For any money-related questions, contact Tracy at finance@thebear.tv