Author: Laura Thomas

Prayer for the Middle East

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Global Prayer for the Middle East

A Global Prayer Gathering for Peace and Hope

For those who weren’t able to join live, the event is available on youtube, to join in with praying at any time

You are warmly invited to join a special prayer gathering with believers connected to churches in Iran, Lebanon, across the Middle East region, and around the world hosted by the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani (Bishop of Chelmsford and a refugee from Iran) and Christian theologian and broadcaster Dr Krish Kandiah OBE, Director of the Sanctuary Foundation.

As violence and uncertainty affect many communities across the Middle East, we bring together church leaders and Christian voices from around the world to pray for peace, comfort and protection for all who are suffering.

Together we will listen, reflect on up-to-the-minute news and testimony and pray for those facing grave danger, displacement and loss, asking God to bring hope, justice and reconciliation in the midst of crisis.

Hosted by:
Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani – Bishop of Chelmsford, originally a refugee from Iran

Dr Krish Kandiah OBE – Director of Sanctuary Foundation

Baptisms

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Baptisms

On Easter Sunday 5 April 2026 , we are having full-immersion Baptisms

If you are part of St Michael’s, have recently come to faith in Jesus, or you’ve never been baptised, but you’re a Christian, why not prayerfully consider this opportunity to be baptised?

Please complete the form here, or talk to one of the team.

We will be having a preparation session ahead of the Baptism service, which you will need to attend. this is on Wednesday 1 April at 7pm

If you are looking for a baptism service for your child, please head here

Lent 2026

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Lent 2026

The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.

This year’s resources have the theme of a rhythm of life– habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Jesus day by day. This is similar to the Rule of Life practices which we have been focusing on as a church over the past few years.

There is a booklet containing the reflections, which can be purchased online (Church House Publishing, Amazon, and other retailers). The Everyday Faith app will have reflections every Monday to Saturday throughout Lent, based on the booklet.

The 2026 Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book is, Dancing to the Heartbeat of God, with stories of discipleship from across the Anglican Communion, which complements the daily reflections focus on habits and practices for following Jesus

There is also a booklet for families and children. Produced in partnership with 40acts, this 40-day challenge is designed to help families and children to join in the Draw Near journey. As well as an act of generosity, each day also offers a simple Bible verse, reflection and prayer ideal for families, children, school and church groups to do together. Download a wallchart to help you keep track of the challenges you’ve completed. There are also paper copies available in the centre. We’ll be posting an act each day on our social media channels

Lent began with our Ash Wednesday Communion Service on 18 February at 7.30pm in the auditorium.

This lovely service included the opportunity to be signed with the cross in ash, as we began this season of reflection.

Sponsor a Chair

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Sponsor a Chair

Click here for the sponsor form

As part of our Church Refurbishment, we are raising funds to provide 130 new chairs that will help create a more welcoming and flexible space for worship, community groups, events and outreach. The cost for this is £39,000.

We have ordered chairs that are specially designed for churches and cathedrals. The chosen design has won numerous awards including the Church of England’s ‘Design a Church Chair’ competition and has been recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers as an outstanding lightweight stackable chair. Would you like to sponsor a chair?

By giving today, you are helping us make room for people and strengthen the life of our church and wider community. Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference.

We are so close now to the completion of the Heart of the Community Project which was launched in 2012.

The four key aims have been: –

  • Create a spacious modern meeting place in the centre of the community
  • Restore our historic church building for generations to come
  • Upgrade our existing community rooms
  • Fund outreach and anti-poverty projects locally, nationally and internationally

This campaign comes under the second of these aims as we get closer to the completion of the church building refurbishment.

It’s about more than chairs — it’s about creating a space that welcomes everyone.

All those who sponsor a chair will receive a commemorative certificate and card. There will also be a presentation book of sponsors in the refurbished church building.

Please note -By donating, you agree that any monies raised over the £39,000 required will go to the Ordinary Fund of St Michael’s Church

Click here for the sponsor form