Leigh Road Baptist Church has been praying for Leigh-on-Sea, its people and the wider world for over 130 years, and it is our absolute joy to continue to do so.
We believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer, simply put, we see prayer work.
If as an individual, business, school or organisation in Leigh-on-Sea or indeed beyond you would like LRBC to pray for you or your situation, please post your prayer request in the box below and hit submit.
‘Why don’t you try praying for a week and see what happens in your life?’
Why not check out TryPraying, a 7 day prayer guide for the non-religious, for those who aren’t into church, the atheist and agnostic.
Time to Talk Day Coop at Renew Wellbeing. Darrell chats to Ruth
The weekly Thursday Renew Wellbeing drop-in at the Living Room, 191 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea welcomed Darrell Binding, Co-op Member Pioneer for the City of Southend this past Thursday 1 February to mark the UK wide Time to Talk Day.
Time to Talk Day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with Co-op. The day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health.
Darrell brought along conversation starters, prompt cards and a jenga-like game with wood blocks to help those who attend Renew Wellbeing each week relax and start honest conversations. Time to Talk Day aims to help us all be open to the idea of talking – we all have mental health, and by having conversations about it we can help ourselves and others.
The Renew Wellbeing drop-in meets weekly on a Thursday from 2pm to 4pm at the Living Room and is designed to be a relaxed space to promote emotional wellbeing. Tanya Pain, who is on the RW volunteer team said, “At Renew Wellbeing we see the value in providing space to talk and listen each week. Therefore, it was great to welcome Darrell to mark Time to Talk Day. Many people of all ages and backgrounds come along, bring or take part in an activity, chat and listen to each other and reap the benefit. New people are always welcome just drop in”.
Darrell Binding added, “The Time to Talk survey highlights that too often, we put a brave face on and tell people we’re fine when we’re not because we’re worried about being a burden during difficult times. But bottling things up is only making things worse. Talking about our mental health can help us feel less alone, more able to cope, and encouraged to seek support if we need to. It was my privilege to join with Renew Wellbeing and have a conversation this Time to Talk Day.”
The LRBC Southend Foodbank Donation Point has now reopened
Leigh Road Baptist Church is a donation point for foodstuffs for the Southend Foodbank. If you are able to donate some non-perishable food, you can drop it off at the following times.
Open Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 10 am to 11 am for food donations only.
A huge thank you to an amazing group of volunteers – all 46 of them – that came together before, during and after the Christmas Eco Fayre that took place at Leigh Road Baptist Church on Saturday 18 November.
They moved tables, promoted the event, displayed and sold second-hand goods and cuddly toys, painted faces, sold cakes and bacon butties (yum!). Together we championed ethical and sustainable Christmas shopping, supporting local makers and crafters – the whole event was full of joy and bargains!
Thanks to all who came along and purchased from the stallholders who reported really good sales. “Thanks for a fantastic day”, “Another really successful Eco fair” and “My favourite markets were definitely the Global Community Saturdays (Living Room) and the LRBC Christmas Fayre”, were just some of the positive comments received.
Sunday 4 June saw many invited guests and the congregation of Leigh Road Baptist Church officially welcome Rev Ian Smith as an Associate Minister of the church.
Rev Claire Blatchford, Regional Minister of the Eastern Baptist Association led the induction of Ian with promises and prayers given by Ian’s former church, Billericay Baptist Church and the gathered congregation and church members.
We are thankful to Rev. Gary Bott, Community Pastor at Billericay Baptist Church who brought us all a challenging message and the LRBC band who lead those gathered in joyous sung worship of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The service was followed by tea and an array of delicious cakes served in the church hall and garden, and informal but sincere welcomes were given by guests, Anna Firth MP and Cllr Bernhard Arscott, Chair of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council.
Ian is a gifted and experienced minister who has served in a variety of churches throughout his ministry. He is passionate about leading people to know Jesus Christ and to grow in their faith. He is also a gifted communicator and teacher.
As Leigh Road Baptist Church, we are excited to welcome Ian to the church family joining our Minister Andrew Cowley and we believe that he will be a great asset to our community and town.
A prayer for Rev Ian Smith today on the occasion of the induction of Ian as an Associate Minister of Leigh Road Baptist Church.
Father God,
Today we thank you for the service that Ian has given to your church and mission in different ways and in different places, and we pray that his sense of calling may be renewed as he comes to this work with Leigh Road Baptist Church and the people of Leigh-on-Sea.
We thank you for the talents and skills he has exercised and which he now brings to this community, for his integrity and faith.
We thank you for all that he has learned in ministry, all that he has given and all that he has shared in. We thank you for the pilgrimage of his past and the mission that is the future.
We thank you for Ian’s family, and pray for Andrea, Kayleigh and Harry, that in their own right they may know that they are welcomed by a community, embraced by a fellowship and loved for themselves.
In this ministry, may Ian give and be given to, hear and be heard, love and be loved, support and be supported. Grant your grace to both minister, ministerial team, congregation and neighbourhood to forge together a partnership of trust and respect.
May we as LRBC proclaim the good news of the kingdom through our life and worship together. May we teach, baptise and nurture new believers through our faith and fellowship, may we respond to human need by loving service on our frontlines.
By your Spirit keep us faithful and guide us on our frontlines, equip us for your service, and welcome us into your future.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Please continue to pray for Leigh Road Baptist Church and their ministers Andrew and Ian. Thank you.
Leigh Road Baptist Church’s Living Room has recently celebrated the first anniversary of the weekly drop-in wellbeing space called ‘Renew Wellbeing’ on the Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea.
‘Renew Wellbeing at the Living Room’ is a space where people can relax, take part in craft activities, read magazines, do puzzles, chat and have the opportunity to buy a drink and cake from the adjoining ‘The Phabulous Café’ next door.
Guests and volunteers celebrate!Guest enjoy colouringChatting with special guest Syrie CoxVolunteers and guests share stories together over coffeeWorking together on a jigsaw puzzle
The aim is to provide a place where local people who may feel anxious, isolated or lonely to meet with others and take part in something creative. There is also a short prayer time which is optional at 3.45pm and an opportunity to enjoy time together.
Renew Wellbeing meets every Thursday 2pm-4pm at the community space, the Living Room, 191 Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea. The space is open to all, please just pop in.
Tanya Pain one of the volunteer organisers said ‘Renew Wellbeing is a space for all where it is okay to not be okay. It’s a non-judgmental safe space where nobody is forced to join in and all are welcome to just be. Anyone would be very welcome.’
Attendees have commented on the value of such a space for them,
‘I am really enjoying Renew Wellbeing, lovely people, many activities and things to do. Just what I needed and very therapeutic and good for wellbeing’.
‘You have no idea what a difference Renew Wellbeing has made to my confidence and self esteem. They changed an isolated, withdrawn old lady into one who feels ready to face the world…’
The first anniversary on Thursday 11 May saw birthday cake, crafts, puzzles, chatting and a real buzz from regular and new guests. It was also great to be visited by other churches thinking of opening up a wellbeing space and Syrie Cox, a long-time supporter of mental health and wellbeing projects and the CEO of the wonderful Southend YMCA.
Jane Brookes (LRBC) with artwork donated by Love Southend.
Following the murder of Sir David Amess last year Love Southend an inter church organisation showing God’s love throughout the city of Southend-on-Sea held a time of prayer on Zoom for his family, friends and the then Borough. Artist Helen Yousaf was commissioned to capture artistically some of the themes emerging from the prayer.
If was our privilege as Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC) to make our Living Room community space on the Leigh Road, Leigh-on-Sea (the same road as Sir David’s constituency office) available for Helen to start the work. Helen actively engaged those who visited the Living Room while this creative work was in progress, and used their thoughts, prayers and observations in creating three pieces of artwork, which she completed later.
Love Southend, as a mark of thanks for LRBC’s help in making this art work possible, donated a piece entitled ‘Suffering and Glory’ to Jane Brookes (pictured), Facilities Manager of Leigh Road Baptist Church on the 6 October.
The accompanying wording reads:
Suffering and Glory
Sir David Amess MP was murdered during a regular constituency surgery At Belfairs Methodist Church on the 15th October 2021.
Two days later these inspiring words were released by his family:
‘Strong and courageous is an appropriate way to describe David. He was a patriot and a man of peace. So, we ask people to set aside their differences and show kindness and love to all. This is the only way forward. Set aside hatred and work towards togetherness’.
Love Southend commissioned artist Helen Yousaf to paint what had been expressed in a time of prayer for Sir David’s family and Southend. In a collaborative artistic exercise held in this space the people attending participated in a colourful abstract, imagining the possibilities of light overcoming darkness.
As she worked on the picture Helen was reminded of Romans 8:18-19. ‘I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.’
A year on from the tragic murder of Sir David Amess, our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, colleagues and closest friends. We thank God for his service to our city and the many lives he affected through his service as an MP, friend and citizen of our city.
The artwork is on display on the glass welcome area, at the home of Leigh Road Baptist Church, Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea.
The final artwork ‘Suffering and Glory’ on display in the church welcome area on Marguerite DriveSir David Amess taking part in Leigh Road Baptist Church fun contribution to Leigh Lights Christmas 2019Artist Helen Yousaf working on the artwork at LRBC’s Living Room community space.
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EBF: Serving Our Fellow-Ukrainians, Even as We Flee…
Got questions about sponsoring or housing Ukrainian Refugees?
Sanctuary Foundation the national organisation headed up by Dr Krish Kandiah are hosting an online information session titled “How to welcome Ukrainian Refugees“ Wednesday 16 March 7.30pm-9pm for anyone who is interested.
God of all, With alarm and concern we bring before you the military intervention in Ukraine. In a world you made for peace and flourishing, we lament the use of armed force. We mourn every casualty of this conflict, every precious life extinguished by war. We pray comfort for those who grieve and those who are fearful. Hear our longing that leaders and nations will honour the worth of all people by having the courage to resolve conflict through dialogue. May all our human failings be transformed by your wonderful grace and goodness We ask this in the name of Christ, the author of peace and sustainer of Creation. Amen.
Giving
We have all seen and heard the distressing pictures and news from Ukraine. The local population is suffering from the Russian invasion in many different ways including the separation of families and the shelling of residential areas. Many people are fleeing abroad and there is a great need to provide food, water, medicines and shelter for these refugees.
The leadership team of Leigh Road Baptist Church has considered what our response should be as a church and has decided to send £5,000 to the European Baptist Federation (EBF). The EBF is working with partners in Ukraine, Poland and other surrounding nations who are best placed to know what practical help and assistance is needed by those most affected.
We are aware that many of you would like to help in some way and so we would invite the church family together to try and match the £5,000 that the church is already sending to the EBF to add to the overall donation. You can do this at the LRBC on-site gatherings by putting cash or a cheque in the green giving envelopes provided, marking them for Ukraine, which will be available over the next few weeks. Alternatively, you can transfer funds by bank transfer, please contact the church office for these details.
If you are a UK taxpayer then please provide the church treasurer with your name, address and the amount you’ve donated to finance@lrbc.org.uk so that we can recover the tax via Gift Aid which will increase the value of your donation.
Thank you!
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Life & Soul explores the kinds of questions we all ask at times, such as ‘What’s life all about?’ and ‘Is there anybody out there?’ and asks what the Christian faith has to say in response. Gatherings are fun and interactive, more recently online but sometimes in-person with talks, activities and discussion where all views are welcome. Whether you consider yourself an atheist, agnostic, spiritual but not religious, a Christian believer or not sure, you would be very welcome.
Maybe you have found yourself trying to make sense of life. Perhaps you’ve been wondering if there is a God and, if so, why God has been letting all this bad stuff in the world happen? Life & Soul has been developed to help people explore spiritual things, whether or not they see themselves as religious.
Sir David Amess MP speaking at the induction service of Rev Andrew Cowley to Leigh Road Baptist Church (April 2018). Photo credit: Steven Paul Collins Photography
Our hearts and prayers as Leigh Road Baptist Church go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Sir David Amess who sadly died following an attack at his constituency surgery on Friday 15 October 2021.
Rev Steve Tinning of Leigh Road Baptist Church said, “In my experience David was a warm, compassionate and dedicated servant to Southend. We met on regular occasions as he supported the church, local refugees and regularly entertained my political concerns. He was a man of deep faith and conviction. I will miss him very much”.
Both Rev Steve Tinning and Rev Andrew Cowley have offered their heartfelt condolences on behalf of LRBC and have spoken into the grief felt by the community of Southend-on-Sea. Steve has appeared on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live, BBC Radio Essex and conducted various other interviews. Andrew Cowley spoke on Premier Radio paying tribute to Sir David and the man of faith he was.
Helping the community with their grief
Leigh Road Baptist Church’s Rev Steve Tinning and Rev Mark Umpleby of United Benefice of Batley have been talking to each other a week on from the death of Sir David on the Sonia Watson’s BBC Essex Radio Breakfast show on Friday 22 October.
The two clergy from Sir David Amess’ and Jo Cox’s constituencies shared their experiences of losing their MP’s in tragic circumstances and the impact on their local communities. Listen to the interview below.
On Thursday 21st October Rev Andrew Cowley gave the address at a Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Sir David Amess with other church leaders from across Leigh-on-Sea.
Watch the service below.
President: Fr Clive Hillman, Priest in charge, St Clements Church, Leigh, Gospeler: Fr Jeff Woolnough, Parish Priest, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Eastwood Parish. Preacher: The Rev’d Andrew Cowley, Leigh Road Baptist Church, Intercessor: Gavin Dixon, King’s Church Southend and Churches Together in Leigh-on-Sea, with Major (Dr) Jacquie Hanover, C.O. Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army, Church and Community Centre and music from the The Music Man Project Essex.
Leigh Road Baptist Church’s Minister Rev Steve Tinning and Father Jeffrey Woolnough, priest at Saint Peter’s Catholic Parish of Eastwood chatted with BBC Sunday Morning Live presenters Sean Fletcher and Sally Phillips about the untimely and cruel death of Sir David Amess MP and the impact his life had on so many in his constituency of Southend West and beyond on Sunday 17 October 2021. The interview is availabe to watch below.
On Friday 22 October a week on, a two-minute silence has been held by a community mourning the loss of their MP, Sir David Amess. Rev Steve Tinning attended to pay respects on behalf of the Leigh Road Baptist Church.
A two-minute silence has been held by a community mourning the loss of their MP, Sir David Amess, who was killed a week ago today.
Sir David, 69, was stabbed to death shortly after midday while carrying out duties in his Southend West constituency. pic.twitter.com/HACN0ZiyYU
