As summer gives way to autumn, the familiar rhythm of life at St Philip’s is beginning again: Sunday worship, Connect Groups, Youth Connect, prayer, Foodbank, Our Father’s House and the many other ways in which we gather, serve and grow together.
But this autumn is not simply about restarting the diary.
At our September PCC meeting we spent time asking an important question: what kind of church are we seeking to become? We are grateful for all that happens at St Philip’s, but we also recognise that a healthy church cannot simply keep adding more activity. Sometimes making space for growth means choosing carefully where to put our energy.
For the coming year we are particularly focusing on three areas:
Spiritual renewal — growing our life of prayer, worship and openness to the Holy Spirit.
Deepening discipleship — helping one another become more deeply rooted followers of Jesus, particularly through Scripture, prayer and our Connect Groups.
Warmer welcome — becoming even more intentional about helping newcomers and those on the edges of church life to feel known, valued and able to belong.
These priorities reflect our desire not simply to become busier, but to become more deeply rooted in Christ and better equipped to share his love with East Leeds.
Some changes to our programme
One practical consequence is that the PCC has decided not to run our larger “Beacon” community events during this church year. Events such as these have brought a great deal of joy and have helped us make connections across the parish, but they also require considerable volunteer and leadership capacity. For this season, we believe it is right to simplify our programme and concentrate on strengthening the foundations of our life together. The PCC was clear that this is a pause rather than a rejection of community mission, and larger events can be considered again in future.
There will also be a change to Wednesday Morning Prayer, which will pause when Fr Rolf begins paternity leave later in September. We expect to use this form of Morning Prayer again particularly during seasons such as Advent and Lent. Our Thursday Prayer Meeting, 9.30–11.00am, continues, and we would love to see more people joining us as we pray for the church, our parish and the wider world.
Sundays this autumn
Our regular Sunday worship continues at 10.30am, alongside a number of special Sundays during the term.
On Sunday 4 October we celebrate Harvest, with Catherine and Emma helping to lead a special family-friendly service while Fr Rolf is on paternity leave.
On Sunday 25 October we mark Bible Sunday, giving thanks for the Scriptures and asking how God’s Word continues to shape our lives.
This year All Saints’ Day falls on Sunday 1 November, giving us the opportunity to celebrate this great feast together as part of our Sunday worship.
Remembrance Sunday follows on 8 November, when we will remember those who have died in war and pray again for peace.
On 22 November we celebrate Christ the King, bringing the Church’s year towards its conclusion by proclaiming Jesus as Lord and King.
Then on Sunday 29 November, Advent Sunday, a new Church year begins as we turn once again towards the coming of Christ.
Growing together during the week
One of the strongest encouragements we can give this autumn is simply: join a Connect Group.
Our groups are places for friendship, prayer, Bible study and honest conversation about following Jesus in everyday life. They are one of the most important ways we hope to deepen discipleship at St Philip’s, and this is an ideal time to become part of one if you have not already done so.
Youth Connect is also back for our young people, alongside the other ministries that continue throughout the week.
There will undoubtedly be new opportunities and events as the year develops, but our starting point is deliberately simple: pray more, grow deeper, and welcome warmly.
We would love you to be part of it.