God said to Gideon, "Peace! Do not be afraid..."
so Gideon built an altar to God and called it God is Peace. It stands to this day.
Judges 6: 23-24
WHAT’S ON
SUNDAY
Morning worship : Ascension : 12nn (prayer @ 11:15)
Evening worship : Evelyn Community Centre : 6pm
(meal + worship, food prep @ 4pm)
MONDAY
Bear cubs : Leander Centre : 9:30-11:30am
Lent prayer : Zoom : 8pm
TUESDAY
Women's Bible Study : The Albany : 1:30pm
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Bear cubs : outdoor play / Leander centre : 10-11:30am / 1-3pm
FRIDAY
Bear cubs : Leander centre : 9:30-11:30am
SATURDAY
THROUGH-OUT THE WEEK
Early morning prayer : zoom : 7am Mon-Fri
COMING UP
Mothering Sunday 15 March : The Bear : 10am
IN OUR COMMUNITY
Lent at The Bear
We are in the second week of Lent this week, and so will be reflecting on the second part of our verse of the year, John 14:27: 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.
WEEK TWO: My peace I give to you.
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 on zoom, 8-8:40pm.
Coming Home for Mothering Sunday
One for the diary: our service on March 15 will be at 10am at The Bear building to christen our new kitchen. We'll serve bacon butties & veggie alternatives for breakfast together post-service made in our brand new kitchen. So stick around!
Bear Kitchen will be a place for our hot meal on Sunday evenings, 'Cooking with English' ESOL group and a space for other community activities. We are currently in need of a few items to complete the kitchen and so if you would like to contribute something, we've made a handy wish list. If you're able to commit to one of these gifts, we ask that you bring them along to Mothering Sunday to help find its home. After all, this kitchen is all of ours.
CLASSIFIEDS
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.
Meal Train Incoming : We want to bless the Joneses following the recent death of Iain's dad. They have fed many of us over the years, so now it's time to return the favour!
Joseph Merritt memorial walk : It's been 10 years since Joseph Merritt sadly died at the age of just 16. Richard, Amanda and Livvy are inviting anyone who knew Joseph to attend a memorial walk around venues in Southwark that hold significant memories for the family. The walk is approximately 2.5 miles long and will take place on March 7th, the anniversary of his death.
Call out for donations for family in Gaza : we have mentioned Amjad and his family previously, but as medical access is still limited in the strip, the physical condition of Amjad's father, Yahya, has significantly declined. He suffered from a stroke and now cannot walk, so Amjad has asked for donations so he can buy a wheelchair. These currently cost $650 (or £480) so if you think you are able to donate, please visit his fundraising page.
Quiet Revival symposium : on March 21st Westminster College is hosting "Quiet Revival: Myth, memory or movement?", an in-person and online event to deep dive with social scientists, researchers and church practitioners into this recent phenomenon. For more information and to book, check out the event link here.
iNet Curry Plus event : on Tuesday 24th March iNet will host their annual Curry Plus event, this year focusing on cross-cultural workers in Africa.
Stories for Restorative Practise & Process : A day-long course on Thursday 26th March at St Ethelberga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace for anyone working in reparative or community settings, especially those engaged in restorative practice and mediation, to explore creative ways in which sharing simple traditional stories can support:
· Self-reflection and self-tending
· Having difficult conversations
· Finding compassion and understanding across divides
For more information, visit here.
‘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.