EASTER EVENTS
THURSDAY
Tenebrae Service : The Bear : 7:30pm
The Tenebrae service is a time for us to prepare for Good Friday. There will be a series of readings and music and a table full of lit candles that are gradually extinguished until just one candle remains. Following the readings and music there is a small serving of lamb (or aubergine) as a symbolic reminder of the final Passover meal. Please RSVP to info@thebear.tv if you will be joining.
FRIDAY
Walk : Kent : Meet at 10:30am
This is our Good Friday walk which covers a little of the Pilgrim’s way The walk begins in the village of Hollingbourne, ME17 1UW. There's a train station, Hollingbourne, but the journey is a bit of a trek by train. And there's pub at the end if we’d like refreshment. Contact Bex to RSVP.
🕥 Meet at 10.30am, parking on Upper Street
🌳 It’s 5.5miles with woodland + views
🧺 Bring a picnic
SUNDAY
Easter service : Giffin Square : 10:30am
A short family friendly service outside in the square, followed by bread and fish.
COMING UP
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 : The festival starts on Friday 24 April and this year The Bear will be screening 'Flow' on Saturday 25 April at 4pm. If you'd like to support by setting up, welcoming, serving snacks, clearing up or all of the above please contact tessa@thebear.tv. Full festival programme available here.
IN OUR COMMUNITY
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
IRIE! Dance Grad Shows : On April 15 and 16, IRIE! Dance will present two student shows, Origen and Connecting Vibes Not Talking at George Wood Theatre, SE14 6N.
Mother House Studios Open Day : Mother House Studios: Lewisham is a community for artist parents, providing integrated care and studio spaces. On April 19 12-4pm they will open up the space for anyone who would like to see the community in action and check out the artists' work.
‘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 : SNL UK (sadly only for those with Now TV or Sky, but the clips online I've watched are very funny!)
🙉 to hear : Faith, the Far Right and the Politics of Fear with Helen Paynter on Nomad Podcast (recommended by Ada, and a good listen as Helen will be speaking at a Sunday service soon!)
🙊 to read : Finding Albion by Zakia Sewell (full disclosure, I haven't read it but I just bought it on recommendation, book club anyone?)