WHAT’S ON
SUNDAY
Morning worship : Ascension : 12nn (prayer @ 11:15)
NO EVENING SERVICE
MONDAY
Bear cubs : Leander Centre : 9:30-11:30am
Gather - Lent edition : The Bear : 7:30pm
TUESDAY
Women's Bible Study : The Albany : 1:30pm
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
THROUGH-OUT THE WEEK
Early morning prayer : zoom : 7am Mon-Fri
COMING UP
THURSDAY
Tenebrae Service : The Bear : 7:30pm
The Tenebrae service is a time for us to prepare for Good Friday. At The Bear we journey through a series of readings and music at a table full of lit candles that are gradually extinguished until just one candle remains, to symbolise the hope of Jesus. Following the readings and music there is a small serving of lamb (and aubergine) as a symbolic reminder of the final Passover meal. Please RSVP to info@thebear.tv if you will be joining.
CALL OUT : if you would like to be involved as a reader or you might be able to lend a tablecloth, please get in touch!
FRIDAY
Walk : Kent : TBC
Bex will be hosting a walk / finding a lovely route for us all to walk through Kent. If you would like to know more, please email bex@thebear.tv.
SUNDAY
Easter service : Giffin Square : 10:30am
A short family friendly service outside in the square, followed by bread and fish.
Circle Of Security Parenting : the next course is being offered online by Connected Lives, starting Monday 20 April. Connected Lives work in collaboration with St Peters Brockley. There is a suggested donation of £120 per person for the online course - although they appreciate that this might not be possible and are 'grateful for any donation'. For more details, contact tessa@thebear.tv or follow the link to register: https://www.connectedlives.org.uk/circle-of-security-groups-for-children-under-11
New Cross and Deptford Free Film Festival : This year The Bear will be screening the Oscar winning Latvian environmentalist animation 'Flow' (U). That sounds like a lot, but it really is the most beautiful film! The screening will be on Saturday 25 April at 4pm in The Bear. More details from nxdfilmfest@gmail.com or tessa@thebear.tv.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Lent at The Bear
We are in the final week of Lent, and so this week we will reflect on the whole of the verse John 14:27.
WEEK SIX: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Each week you are invited to join our Lent practise of prayer and fasting from Sunday 9pm to Monday 9pm. Each Monday evening we will gather, either in person or online, to pray and break our fasts together.
This week we will meet on Monday in person at The Bear at 7:30pm for Gather, our monthly space for extended worship.
Volunteers for Bear House : We're looking for volunteers who'll support Bear House residents with DIY in their flats (painting, putting blinds up, putting shelves up). The idea is for volunteers to support / work alongside residents. If you are available, please sent an email to lilyodigie@j49.space with your availability in April/May. Please also provide how many hours they can give and whether you prefer weekday, evenings or weekends.
Abundance art exhibition
The Bear is inviting artists from our community to consider how they could bring life to our new building. We want it to be a welcoming & inviting place and are calling for A4/A3/A2 wall-mounted art that speaks to the theme of ABUNDANCE, inspired by John 10:10: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. They will be hung in the room in front of the kitchen, for potentially up to six months. Works would need to be available from the 19th of April for a private view on Thursday 23rd April. If you would like more information or to apply, please email info@thebear.tv.
Bear Cubs is expanding
After Easter, Emily and Kelly will be supporting St Luke’s Holloway in launching a new weekly Play session on Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm. We’re excited about this opportunity to share what we do and to serve another community.
Fundraiser for Burundi midwives
Ruth is currently fundraising for two of her wonderful Burundian colleagues to attend the International Midwives Confederation triennial gathering in Portugal this June. To find out more and to donate, please check out the Gofundme page here.
CLASSIFIEDS
Open Studio : David (Moore) will be hosting an open studio of his works this weekend Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, 1-6pm. The studio is at 17 Reservoir Road, SE4 2NU. He has a collection of landscape oil paintings on display, from Kent to Cornwall and beyond!
‘Healing from Conflict’ conference : A joint conference of Fellowship of Reconciliation UK, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, Pax Christi UK, Christian International Peace Service (CHIPS) and Church and Peace. This conference runs over the 24-26 April 2026 and invites speakers and participants to explore this vital question together. Over a weekend of learning, reflection, and connection, we will consider how genuine healing can pave the way for communities to flourish in peace, justice, and hope. You can find out more information here.
ESSENTIAL RECOMMENDS…
🙈 to see : Dirty Business on Channel 4
🙉 to hear : You Can't Do Christianity Alone: Why Community Is Non-Negotiable from In Totality with Megan Ashley (recommended by Tanya)
🙊 to read : When the Far Right arrive carrying crosses, what should good Christians do? by Al Barrett