19th sunday of trinity - 18th october 2020 - st luke

The Readings for 18th October

Isaiah 45: 1-7 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 Matthew 22: 15-22

Thoughts for this Week

The Inspiration of St Luke the Evangelist.

Readings:Isaiah 35: 3-6. These are words of comfort and encouragement to those who feel weary and vulnerable. They also promise healing and restoration for the faithful.

2 Timothy 4: 5-17. Powerful words from Paul to Timothy about the necessary dedication to apostolic mission. With a brief mention of Luke’s loyalty. Encouraging others in the example of his mission for Christ, as he allows the baton to pass to them.

Gospel: St Luke 10: 1-9. Soon after he begins his journey to Jerusalem, Jesus sends 70 apostles ahead of him, to speak on his behalf. So begins the harvest of our apostolic faith and the building of the Kingdom of God.

Thoughts: For about the last 40 years, Sir David Attenborough has warned world leaders about toxic gasses, fossil fuels and the byproduct of human waste on the erosive life contamination of the planet. This unique planet through which the creative evolutionary Spirit of God is revealed. A planet for which humanity currently holds the lease, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, within the Tenancy Agreement of Holy Scripture.

On Tuesday 29th September at 10 a.m. I had an appointment at St Thomas’s Hospital and on my way, stood for a moment on Westminster Bridge Road...A car came over the bridge and after a pause two cyclists...Having lived and worked in London for 30 years, the absence of traffic and people was uncanny...I could almost hear the birds sing and smell the flowers...And then it hit me! What David Attenborough had struggled to achieve in 40 years, almighty God had brought about, worldwide, in 6 months and the Kingdom of God seemed very close...Old Testament Scripture is punctuated with similar occasions, when God has said, “Enough is enough”! The Isaiah reading has a view on it. (Please Read Is.35: 3-6)

Yes, our God of creation is a gracious God but in those two words, “...terrible recompense”, in verse four. He makes it known that humankind can’t avoid the price it will have to pay for unbridled self-interest without due consideration for our Landlord or His Tenancy Agreement. The final four verses of the Book of Revelations seem to give weight to this.

As individuals we can’t do the impossible, but we can do more in partnership with God than without Him. As always, we all have a choice, but when it comes to choice, our nation as a whole seems to have arrived at a crossroads of divisive ideologies and the way to proceed in 2021 remains unclear.

For us who seek to follow the way of Christ there is still the Good News of God’s love for his creation to be proclaimed by ordinary people as in Luke’s Gospel today...In the current very uncertain climate where the harvest remains large, and the workers few, the ordaining spirit of Christ continues to guide the most unlikely people into God focused ministry.

(Please read again Lk.10: 3 & 9)

Naturally, these two verses of Luke, as with the other seven, leave out the stipulation to be safe and follow government guidelines. For then as now, the power of God and the building of The Kingdom, lies in the giving of self for others and fearlessly confronting the burdens of the physical world within the guiding power of the Holy Spirit.

So perhaps our mission begins when we find new ways to reunite with our neighbours and friends, sharing our faith experiences...Jesus sent out the seventy to take risks on his behalf, as sheep among wolves, sharing the lives and pains of others...May we all know this empowering, that we too may say, the Kingdom of God has come near to us all…..Amen

Roger Davenport

Although we are apart, we pray together:

O Lord our God, you deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward; in your great goodness, lead us into the ways of justice and peace, that we may faithfully serve you on earth until we rejoice in your kingdom in glory.

Lord in your mercy...

Lord, as you have called us, make us worthy of our calling. Let us see you in others: Let others see you in us. Make us more sensitive to others and their needs, make us more ready to help and to show our care. Lord, make us a serving church, a giving church, a loving church.

Lord in your mercy...

We pray for the world's poor, for desert-dwellers and places where crops have failed, for all who have suffered from floods or other disasters, for all who have no place to call home, for street children and displaced persons.

Lord in your mercy...

Lord, make us useful in the community in which we live. Make us gracious to others, make us generous, make us aware of where we can help. We pray for loved ones and friends, especially those in need.

Lord in your mercy...

Lord, be a strength to all who are finding life difficult, for any with a difficult decision to make, for any having difficulty at work or in their relationships. We pray for those who await operations, or the doctor's diagnosis, for all who are allowed in these troubled times and can sit by the bed of a loved one who is ill, and for all suffering people.

We pray especially for Barbara Newton, Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden.

Also, we think of those recently departed and those dear who’s year’s mind falls at this time, known only to us.

Lord in your mercy...

God has called us into life to love Him, make us worthy of your calling; strengthen, establish, settle us and make our hearts live at peace on earth and in your kingdom.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Bill Meakin

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen.

18th sunday of trinity - 11th october 2020

Additional Information

The Readings for 11th October

Isaiah 25.1-9 Philippians 4.1-9 Matthew 22.1-14

Thoughts for this Week

As a shipbroker working to earn a living in many places around the world, I spend a lot of time with clients in the Middle East who are always exceptionally intense and warm in their hospitality. Every culture has its traditions of hospitality, but in the Middle East the relationship between host and guest is very important and a great deal hangs upon it.

So it’s natural then that Jesus, a man from the Middle East, tells a story of hospitality, likening God to a king who has prepared a banquet for his son’s wedding. The king had sent out invitations to the local dignitaries, and now, on the day of the banquet, when the food is just about ready, he sends servants to summon those who had accepted the invitation. But they all refuse to come. It is unbelievably rude and in Middle Eastern terms, quite insulting as well. Imagine the response if you had accepted an invitation to any wedding, let alone a Royal wedding, and then on the day itself you say, “Sorry, I can’t be bothered to come.”

But now the humiliated king sends his servants out again; it’s as if he’s going down on bended knee, pleading: “The food’s on the table, the wine’s uncorked, the band’s playing. You can’t do this to me! Please come!” But the guests snub him again, mistreating and even murdering his servants.

In the end the king takes an amazing decision: the party must go ahead, so if the VIPs won’t come, let them be punished, but bring in anybody who’d like a meal. Minibuses are sent out and return with whoever can be found on the streets: asylum seekers with nowhere to go, bored teenagers, down-and-outs, young women of dubious reputation. Not the normal guest list at royal banquets – but they are all brought in, and finally the marquee is full.

Those hearing Jesus would not have missed the point he was trying to make. He’s in Jerusalem, just after Palm Sunday, with plenty of support on the street but facing the opposition of the religious authorities, who want him destroyed. The strange story told by Jesus makes bold claims. The king is God, and the dignitaries who snub him are Israel’s religious leaders. By rejecting Jesus they are rejecting the God who sent him and so bringing judgement upon themselves; in their place the outcasts of Israel are summoned to God’s banquet and are entering the kingdom.

We all know the joys and woes involved in hospitality when giving a party. To host a party that goes well is a wonderful feeling and you feel good with everyone enjoying themselves. But a party that goes badly is a nightmare. So when we are expecting guests, most of us feel nervous. Hospitality makes us vulnerable; we are risking humiliation. And it’s like that with our hospitable God. By inviting us to his banquet, to enjoy the abundance of his love, God risks our rejection, and he gets it from us all, not just from the irreligious but also from the faithful. And it is in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who is God in the flesh, that we see the full extent of the vulnerability of this hospitable God: “He opened wide his arms for us on the cross.” Let that be at the centre of all we think and feel about God.

But if this story tells us about what God is like, it also says something about responding to God. The royal invitation comes with an RSVP. Whereas other invitations can be declined or accepted without huge implications, how we respond to this one shapes all that we are and all that we will be. Saying “yes” to God is the very heart of the Christian life, and this “yes” needs constant renewing. Invitation and response are dramatised in the Eucharist: week by week, the divine love bids us welcome, and we say our “yes” by eating and drinking at the Lord’s table.

And finally there is the rather harsh conclusion of the parable where a guest is booted out for not wearing the right clothes. What is this tension all about? But perhaps we shouldn’t press the details of Jesus’ parables too far; often they make one big point, which here is that those who accept God’s invitation are to “clothe” themselves with an appropriate, Christlike pattern of life. For this too is part of our “yes”, and in the words of a prayer often said after the Eucharist, “may we who share Christ’s body live his risen life”. Amen.

Stephen Dougal

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Our Father,

We thank you for music – for our organists and guitarists who encourage and refresh us with their music even when we can’t sing in our churches.
Help us, if we usually enjoy singing, to make time to sing at home or in the car – especially the music which glorifies you – hymns, requiems and Christian songs.
We thank you for all musicians. Thank you for music that soothes and quietens, and lifts our spirits.

We pray for those who are ill or depressed, especially those known to us (in some minutes of silence) ….Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden.

Also, we think of those recently departed known only to us.

And we remember those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Drusilla Gammon, Anthony Farmer and Roy Atkins.

We think of those in other countries who are poor or oppressed, those in refugee camps, those fleeing terror or torture. We lift them to you. Help us to do what we can to relieve their distress,

We pray for all those people whose work helps us – farmers, lorry drivers, bus drivers, those in supermarkets and shops, all NHS workers, carers, rubbish collectors and postmen.
Give them ingenuity to keep people safe and earn their living. We depend on long chains of supply that stretch all over the world. We thank you for all those who make life easier for us and provide us with our coffee and tea, our bread and butter, our milk, our fruit and veg.
Help us to guard the environment and support local producers and businesses.

We pray for all those who volunteer in any form. Encourage, comfort and strengthen them. We pray for those who work and support Foodbanks, soup kitchens, the Rainbow Centre, Age Concern, the Farmers Community Network and any organisation that brings warmth and light to other people.
Bless them all in their work.

We pray for all young people that they may be helped to see what is valuable in life, help them to build good friendships and learn how to cope with adversity and challenges. We pray especially now for the young people we know….

May your peace guard our hearts and minds. Amen

Trust in the new ways which the Lord is pointing you to,

because life means: move. Because life means to walk on.

Since God's rainbow shone in the heavens,

people have moved on into the promised land.

Trust in the new paths and walk on in time.

God wants you to be a blessing for his earth.

The one who breathed life into us in early times,

he will guide us to where he wants and needs us.

Trust in the new ways where God is sending us.

He himself comes to meet us. The future is his hand.

…. Using text from K.P. Hertzsch

Janet Butcher-Weisner

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

17th sunday of trinity - 4th october 2020

The Readings for 4th October

Ezekiel 18: 1-4,25-end - Philippians 2: 1-13 - Matthew 21: 23-32

Thoughts for this Week

Isaiah 5: 1-7.

Matthew 21: 33-end.

It’s appropriate that today’s readings are concerned with vines and their crop, given that many churches are celebrating their Harvest.

Isaiah is concerned with the waywardness of the Hebrew nation, and how they have yielded poor fruit from the gifts that God gave them. The fruit of disobedience, of lack of compassion and justice, the sour fruit of a poor crop of no use to anyone.

While in Matthew, Jesus is also concerned with a harvest. This time one that is owing to the landowner of the vineyard by the tenants. Unlike much of his teaching, here Jesus is addressing not his followers or disciples, but the chief priests and Pharisees who only came to hear his teachings in order to gather evidence to justify his destruction. And in those temple precincts, Jesus merged these two stories together for the benefit of this learned, scripture-aware audience.

Let’s look at the components of these two stories:-

The vineyards in our stories represent God’s creation and His people. Both Isaiah’s OT Hebrew nation, and the people of Jesus’ time in 1st century Israel.

The fruit of the vineyards represent the good works of faithful people. It is the fruit of obedience, and love of God. Neither were harvested by the OT Hebrew people, or the religious hierarchy of Jesus’ time.

The landowner represents God. He created all. He provided all, and expected his laws and instructions to be adhered to.

And the tenant farmers Jesus refers to? The Jewish religious hierarchy, the leading representatives of the faith of their fathers, who have rejected calls to improve.

The servants sent to collect the harvest revenues are the prophets from OT times right up to John the Baptist. The messengers of God to his people, faithful followers who did his work, and were often harshly treated for it. And the heir sent to show the criminal tenants the right thing to do? Jesus.

There are two different covenants represented in these passages, OT and the Gospel. In Isaiah, God prepared the ground, planted, tended, and watched over the vineyard, but when it yielded only poor fruit he destroyed it, or rather most of the Hebrew nation that he had nurtured so faithfully. Not completely, but sufficiently to necessitate a fresh start. Continuing the horticultural metaphor, it was a very harsh pruning, intended to generate a better crop in the future.

But in the new covenant of the NT, Jesus says that having nurtured the vineyard, the owner then placed it in the care of others, endowing themwith the responsibility to continue his work. They didn’t do so: they raised a crop, but kept it for themselves only. Yet despite their violence to his servants and the murder of his only son, he doesn’t annihilate the whole vineyard. No, in this new covenant he simply removes it from the previous tenants, and hands it over to those capable of producing, and sharing, the good fruits.

Who are we in relation to this parable? We are the tenant farmers of this generation. We are the ones now tasked with producing, harvesting, and sharing the fruit of God’s kingdom.

This parable has an important message for the us today. The early Christians knew that in their newfound faith they would have to leave behind many familiar safety nets of tradition and authority.

Like them, we, the present day vineyard tenants, have been delegated the task of providing a harvest of good fruit for God. And in order to do that we need to identify what that good fruit looks like. What it looks like to God that is. Then we need to act upon it.

When researching this talk I found a reference to harvest in the online Collins dictionary of quotations. Not some fly by night website at all. There I found a quote, a phrase “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”. If this sounds familiar it is because the words are used by both Luke and Matthew in the Gospels. Yet Collins cites this quote as anonymous. There are plenty of biblical quotes on their site, yet this well-known saying is marked as deriving from an unknown source?? For me this underlines how biblical and faith matters are increasingly lost to the majority of people. So many people have actively rejected faith matters, or are just plain unaware of them.

But following the experiences of the pandemic, might there be some amongst them questioning the ephemeral ideologies of celebrity culture, sport, possessions, status, or others they had adopted? Can we offer an alternative?

As we gather again into our separate church families, perhaps the time is now ripe to revisit our goals and aims. Both as groups, but also as individuals, but all with different talents and abilities that God can use effectively if we let him.

For the last ten weeks we have been moving in this direction. From the first outdoor service at Denton, and subsequently the eight here at Acrise, people have gathered from across our sister churches. Not just attending worship, but actively contributing to it through preaching, prayers, scripture readings and music. It would be a shame to lose that sense of fellowship as we all regroup into our individual church families. Can we consolidate the greater strength to be had from the sharing of resources and talents? Perhaps then we might be able to produce a harvest that alone we could not.

One more thing to note about harvest. We celebrate it just once a year, but we might just forget that we experience it every day. Each time we receive our pay or pension, when we enter into our warm houses from the cold weather, each time we experience a kind act from someone. All are our harvests from God’s provision for us.

Once upon a time there was a very old lady who was destitute. She had nothing. No shelter, no food, no proper clothes. She prayed to God in her need, and He gave her 10 apples. How wonderful she said. ‘Now I can get everything I need.’ She was so hungry that she ate the first three apples and felt quite full. The next three she traded in return for accommodation. And she then exchanged another three apples for some new, warm clothes. She considered her remaining one apple, and said to God “you have been very generous Lord, I have one more apple than I need’ And He replied, this is so that you can offer it back to me in order to say thank-you”.

Amen

Sharon Paine

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Thankfulness:

Dear God, we thank you that we can worship you as a gathered group of your people in church for the first time after a long absence. This has been a hard time for each one of us, our nation and the world. We thank you for those in government and science who have had the onerous responsibility to guide policy in this pandemic. We thank you for those who have given themselves to the service of others to provide medical care, mental health support, and practical measures such as food.

As we come before you in the quietness of our hearts we know that you are able to bring hope even in the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. The Psalmist David wrote ‘The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.’

Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life.

Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh.

For COVID-19

We pray for those waking up each day to the fallout caused by COVID-19, that they would reach out to you, Lord. We pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones, may they know your comfort. For those businesses and livelihoods that have been thrown into chaos and uncertainty. May they know your peace and hope for the future.

We pray for scientists researching for a vaccine to protect, and medication to cure. God grant insight and success quickly to their work so that healing can come. For our Government and scientists to be guided in what lockdown measures to implement. For each person in our land to know your peace and hope in this difficult situation, especially those who suffer from mental health issues and abuse at home.

Our world in turmoil

We pray for our world. Many countries continue in turmoil through war, disasters, political unrest, poverty, internal fighting, and oppressive regimes. For countries such as Ukraine, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, South Sudan, North Korea and Yemen. In the stillness we lift them to you O Lord.

For our local church and community

Lord we pray for own local concerns. Help all those in the ministry team of the Benefice as they bring encouragement and support to us despite the restrictions. We pray for Jane, Stephen and Deb in the challenges they face in overseeing the provision of ministry in all our churches and organising the services.

We pray for those who are unwell, anxious about the situation in our country, dealing with uncertainty in their work, missing the opportunity to see the wider family, and mourning the loss of loved ones. We pause to particularly remember anyone we know who needs your presence and strength at this time.

In particular Lord, we think of all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed, Alan Field and those known only to us.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Jean Wiggins, Phyllis Martin, Alfred Underdown and William (Jack) Cross.

Lord we ask all these things in the name of Jesus our Saviour, Amen.

Gary Colvin

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

16th sunday of trinity - 27th september 2020

Additional Information

The Readings for 27th September

Ezekiel 18: 1-4,25-end Philippians 2: 1-13 Matthew 21: 23-32

Thoughts for this Week

Deuteronomy 8 v 7 -18, 2 Corinthians 9 v6 -15

Remembering. How good are you at remembering ?

Today’s reading from Deuteronomy is about remembering, so I’d like you to start by taking a few minutes to remember each of the following:

some good land…
a flowing stream…
a pool of water …
a fountain or spring of water gushing …
a field of wheat or barley ….
grapevines …..
a fig tree …..
honey …….

And now from some time abroad maybe
pomegranates ….
olive oil …..

Can you remember anywhere where they found/find iron ore… and copper …. ?

All of these things are mentioned in the promised land for the Hebrews.

The writer says “Now be careful when you’ve eaten your fill, in your time of plenty don’t forget God”, “Don’t forget the hard times when He helped you, He led you and fed you …He allowed times of suffering and trial in their lives so they could see what was really on the inside of them.
“Do not become proud and say I have achieved all through my own strength and energy…”.

So we want to thank God today for those things we’ve remembered.

Many people feel we are in times of wilderness now. It’s definitely so for many people – a wilderness without a job, without money, without a home, without family, without friends, cut off from so many usual things… The desperation and depression seems to be growing, some refuse to believe it, others that they couldn’t care less, they were prepared for a short time but not that it goes on so long..… But we see in this local community and further afield - there are those who’ve carried on collecting food for the foodbanks, those who go out of their way to help neighbours, who make sure they get medicine and lifts for medical care, who phone regularly, those who pop by and chat, at a distance but still.

So we want to thank God today in this situation.

We think of our food - the stockpiling and the shortages - and then remember all the people who help to feed us, lorry drivers, supermarket staff, but particularly the farmers, working

long hours, in all weathers, sometimes very alone. There are those in the farming community who may outwardly seem OK, living in a beautiful area, but with floods and then drought to cope with, the harvest poorer or sale of animals more difficult, and always the supermarkets putting on pressure for lower prices.

We want to thank God for these people today.

And remember organisations like the FCN, the Farming Community Network, that support farmers and their families in all kind of situations, with financial, personal, business or health problems, available every day with hundreds of volunteers. We can thank and support farmers – by buying local produce and supporting such organisations.

Paul in his letter to the Corinthians reminds us that our thankfulness can have 2 harvests, that others are helped but also that they can thank God for this help and He be praised.

When Jesus had food in his hands, he blessed it. We call it saying grace. We’ve got a small box filled with “grace” cards – it’s quite exciting at meal times to choose one – some are prayers, some texts, some lines from hymns - challenging refreshing, though- provoking – so if you’ve got any spare time how about making a box for children or grandchildren or anyone, to help remember.

Janet Butcher-Weisner

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Creator God, you made the goodness of the land,
the riches of the sea and the rhythm of the seasons;
As we thank you for the harvest,
may we cherish and respect this planet and its peoples,

Amid a virus that has no cure yet and a vicious sting in it’s tail.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Darkness takes more and more of our Autumn daylight, so we think of our precious Church within the Elham Deanery within the Canterbury Diocese. Through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church: hear our prayer for all your faithful people that in their vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love, and give to your servants the needful gifts of grace, patience and insight.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

Lord of our World,

We pray today for those areas in the world in conflict – particularly the many parts of the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa. We ask you to bring peace in our world, and an end to violence. May there be peace in our homes and hearts so that we may live and work together in a spirit of truth and harmony. Remind us all that we share your world with others, many less fortunate than we are and who may be resentful. Help us to understand their frustration which often expresses itself in violence and anger.

Purify the minds and attitudes of men and women in leadership, especially the media, so that they present a better more peaceful view of our world, rather than the violent image that agitates those troubled in spirit.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

We remember before you any who are suffering from any form of illness. we pray for any who are anxious, sorrowful, or in any kind of need at this time. We pray especially for loved ones and those who are known to us who are ill. We remember them now in the quietness of our hearts. We know that you love them, and know their every need, far better than we do. We ask that you will do for them as you see best, and bless them with your love and peace. In particular Lord, we think of all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our Prayer

Jesus Christ is the light of the world, a light which no darkness can quench - We remember before God those who have died and light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and brings hope. We thank you for those who have died in the faith of Christ, and we thank you for allowing us to share our lives with them. We pray for those who mourn. Open their minds that they may find a new direction in life, and grant them the comfort of your presence. We think of those recently departed, Alan Field and those known only to us, and all who mourn them.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Margot Barry, Ken Law, Sarah Maclean and Shirley Marshall.

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

Paul Sharman

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

15TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 20TH SEPTEMBER 2020

The Readings for 20th September

Jonah 3: 10-end of 4 Philippians 1: 21-end Matthew 20:1-16

Thoughts for this Week

Readings: Jonah 3: 10-4:11. Jonah is angry about the success of his mission to turn the people of Nineveh from their evil ways. Jonah wants God to destroy the enemies of Israel, not be merciful to them.

Philippians 1: 21-30. Paul declares that physical death is a gain for him, because it will bring his union with Christ even closer.

Gospel:Matthew 20: 1-16. Jesus makes it clear that entry into the kingdom of heaven cannot be earned by work or good deeds. It is solely by the grace and generosity of God.

Having read the Gospel, one may be inclined to say that’s not fair. What sort of employer is this? The last will be first and the first will be last! How far would we get if we tried to apply this rather inverted Christian ethic in our own workplace...? Even the idea of God the Son sacrificing himself so that sinners may be reconciled to God the Father...Sinners!? What about us steady, reliable, good people...? And so the unfair message of God’s redemption goes on.

In Dover a week or two ago, a squad of the far right were having a rather Jonah like tantrum, about the many illegal immigrants arriving along our coast. Conveniently forgetting that most of us have been descended from illegal and legal immigrants since before the invasion of the Celts round about 300 BC.

It would seem that those demonstrating, having cast their vote for the dis-unification of the European Union, now expected the French to stem the flow of immigrant numbers. Thus allowing those already ensconced to affirm their right of ownership, on an island they can’t assume to own just because they happen to share a current residency... To have pointed out, that we are all temporary residents of an off shore island of France, for which we thank the creative inspiration of Almighty God, would only have served to confuse...No matter which side of the channel one looks at it, it’s just not fair!

It is easy to sympathise with those workers, who in the Gospel verses were hired early in the morning, or anyone else who may have become a wee bit self focussed about their current situation.

In our own lives it is easy to develop a sense of entitlement, based on how involved we have been in our Church life, or how generous we’ve been with time, talents, money...Then people who have done nothing, or have even treated God with indifference, come along at the eleventh hour and get an equal blessing...In the logic of humanity it may seem unfair, never the less our faith informs us that we will all receive equal blessing in God’s good time and something will be made of our lives within the bountiful wisdom of our Father in heaven.

At Calvary, a criminal crucified with Jesus and not deserving of anything, having reached deaths door, made the faithful request, “Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom”. To which our Lord replied, “I tell you today you will be with me in paradise”.

And so a criminal entered God’s Kingdom by grace alone, equally blessed with all of us who would come after him...Please forgive me for sounding trite, but I can only add that because of God’s grace, we should all feel like those vineyard workers who were hired last (Matt 20: 12) and be filled with humble gratitude, that God has chosen us at all...Your will be done Lord, not ours...

Amen

Roger Davenport

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Heavenly Father, we ask for the spirit of contentment and peace, so that we may enjoy who we are and what we have. Help us not only to appreciate what you have given us but to be gracious and generous to others. May the world's goods be neither hoarded nor squandered but used for the benefit of all.

Lord in your mercy...

Hear our prayer

We give you thanks for your peace in our hearts and minds, that deep peace which comes from you alone. We ask that your church becomes an instrument of peace, of love and healing. We pray for areas of conflict within your church.

Lord in your mercy...

Hear our prayer

We ask for your gift of peace to places of war and unrest, for people being destroyed by greed and selfishness. We pray for all who are abused by the ambition of others. We remember those who are never content or satisfied and all who find no rest unless they rest in you and your love.

Lord in your mercy...

Hear our prayer

Heavenly Father, we ask that you grant your grace to the communities to which we belong, that there may be good communication between people. We pray for public officials and for all who deliver to our homes. We ask for peace in our homes, in our work and in all our dealings.

Lord in your mercy...

Hear our prayer

Comfort, Lord, all that have been betrayed or deserted, all who have been misunderstood or persecuted. We pray for hostages and prisoners of conscience. We remember all who are lonely in their sickness, we pray for all who are ill at home or in hospital.

In particular Lord, we think of all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

Lord in your mercy...

Hear our prayer

We give you thanks for the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over death and for the gift of eternal life. We pray for friends and loved ones who are with you in glory.

We think of those recently departed, Alan Field and those known only to us, and all who mourn them.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time:

Jane Kemp, Brian Sellars, Mardi Hall, Venie Edney and Joyce Jackaman.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers, for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Bill Meakin

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

14th sunday of trinity - 13th september 2020

The Readings for 13th September

Genesis 50: 15-21 Romans 14: 1-12 Matthew 18: 21-35

Thoughts for this Week

I suspect you all know the inspirational story of Corrie Ten Boom, but for those who are unfamiliar, or for whom a quick recap is useful, she was a Dutch woman imprisoned in Ravensbruck concentration camp for hiding Jews. Following the harrowing experience of losing her sister whilst they were there, after the war she travelled throughout Europe, preaching love and forgiveness, and extolling the virtues of reconciliation. On one such occasion in 1947, she came face to face with one of the guards from Ravensbruck – he had sought and received forgiveness from God, and given his life to Christ, but asked her to forgive him too.

She couldn’t. Could you?

In her book Tramp for the Lord she explains that she was full of anger at the guard’s past and present actions, and could barely find the strength even to acknowledge his proffered hand. In the silence of her heart she was torn. She’d been preaching the Gospel of reconciliation, and yet here she was, immobilised by fury. So she prayed.

‘And still I stood there with coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion – I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. “Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand; I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”

And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, am incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

“I forgive you brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”

For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard, and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then’.

This week’s Gospel reading looks at the difficult task of forgiveness. Jesus delivered his teaching through a parable, as he so often did, in response to Peter’s search for clarification. One can only imagine the particular reasons behind the disciple’s questioning – but it’s unlikely to have been anything as extreme as Corrie’s example above. Hence the parable.

Jesus deliberately uses an act of forgiveness of mind-boggling proportions as the first scenario. The figure of 10,000 talents might equate to the national debt of a small country in today’s terms. Repayment by the servant was a totally unrealistic event. And so the king forgave him his debt – he wiped the slate clean and gave the servant a fresh start. Yet he who had been so utterly forgiven was unwilling to forego the much smaller, realistic debt owed to him. For that he was punished – not for owing himself, but for not being prepared to forgive someone else.

A dear friend of mine speaks of September 3rd as being ‘Forgiveness Day’. It was the date on which, 4 years ago, she forgave someone who had abused her as a child. They had never repented, or sought her forgiveness – and she had carried that pain and the burden of the unresolved anger throughout her life. She speaks movingly of releasing herself from the cage in which she felt imprisoned all those years.

Perhaps this mental burden (and the impact it has on life) is part of the torture to which Jesus refers. The servant will forever know that he could have prevented the distress to himself if he had simply shown forgiveness to his debtor. To have received the extraordinary forgiveness of his master, and not to share that blessing with others, is, as Corrie said, an act of will.

The parable, and the scene in which it is set, opens up a great many questions, many of which we can use to distract ourselves. We want to know why the servant didn’t forgive the second man. What had he done to incur such a massive debt himself? What was the background to Peter’s question in the first place – Peter, who would himself receive unquantifiable forgiveness from Christ, yet seems to want to put a cap on the number of times he should forgive others… - the irony is not lost on us. But there are, perhaps, other questions we want desperately to avoid. Those that speak into our own hearts and souls. The questions that challenge us in our receipt of forgiveness, and our willingness to forgive others. We pray to be forgiven “as we forgive those who sin against us” – and yet we speak of unforgiveable acts, of betrayal and hurt so deep we can’t forgive. We hold grudges, reminding ourselves of past hurts and reopening old wounds. I don’t know about you, but for me, it has often been these things that fester and become unbearable – the day-to-day episodes of human interaction that don’t always go to plan.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. It’s not about saying “It doesn’t matter anymore.” Pain and hurt happen – whether accidental or deliberate – and they do matter. And there should be consequences for our actions. But forgiveness is about believing “This situation needs healing. I need healing. And this is the way to start that.”

Jesus’ parable challenges us to look at our own lives, utterly enfolded in the forgiveness and love of God as they are, and to acknowledge those times when we have been less than generous in our forgiveness of others (or, indeed, of ourselves…). In doing so honestly, we open ourselves to the pain of recognising how we have fallen short – and yet that is the only way to be healed from the burdens we carry. Forgiveness takes effort. It’s rarely a quick process with immediate resolution. But it is an act of will. If we’re prepared to take action, the ability to forgive will follow. And we’re not expected to do this on our own.

“Jesus, help me! I can lift my hand; I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”

Amen

Deb Scoble

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Dear God. Help us to forgive those people who apparently are acting selfishly in the face of the corona virus restrictions. The person not wearing their mask; on the bus, the train or in the shop, those people gathering together in larger numbers than they should. The person who leans across someone in a shop, or in their office space. Let us understand that people all have differing, and sometimes conflicting emotions and priorities in their lives. Some people have underlying health conditions or mental illness which we may not be aware of. Help us to understand forgive and work together

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Father, help those in positions of authority to work together for the common good. Help them to understand more, forgive more and criticise less, taking as their inspiration the stoic stance our Queen Elizabeth.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Lord, with children now returning to schools and older students setting off to a new and unplanned for changed university experience, help them to deal with the new reality and whilst maintaining safety, to forge new relationships and a develop a love of learning .

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, you have promised to be with us always. There to help us come to the light out of darkness. A friend to call on when we are in need. We pray for the sick in mind and body. Some brought about by this pandemic… but some just going in the background.

If treatments have been postponed or cancelled, let people understand and forgive. We pray that all people in this situation find your peace. We pray that you guide the hands and minds of healthcare and emergency service workers to aid people in need.

In particular Lord, we think of all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby,

Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed, Alan Field and those known only to us, and all who mourn them.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time:

Doris Eames, John Friend, Joan Adamson, Denis Osborne and David Giddy.

Finally, we pray that we personally will be able to recognise you moving in mysterious ways around us. That we can hear you calling to us. That we take your love and channel it to work your will. That we recognise you working through others. That we remember you always answer prayers, it’s just the answer may not be what we had thought of ourselves without your intervention. That we help others using the talents you have bestowed on us, and, working together as a team, with each part of the body of the church being equally as important as the other, we are not quick to judge, but are quick to forgive. That we do not seek personal praise or fulfilment but seek the common good.

Merciful father

Accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Simon Smith

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

13th sunday of trinity - 6th september 2020

The Readings for 6th September

Ezekiel 33.7-11 Romans 13.8-end Matthew 18.15-20

Thoughts for this Week

Matthew 18: 15-20

This is a difficult passage from Matthew. It seems harsh in places, but then many of Jesus’ sayings are not easy to reconcile with the way we like to look at things. But then they were never intended to be easy in any way.

We start with instructions on how to handle disputes within a community of the faithful.
The narrative then speaks of how to deal with those who will not respond to this.
And finally Jesus talks of the good we can do when we work together, alongside his promise to be with us when we do.

Quite a few of recent weeks’ Gospel readings have been about handling conflict. Not surprising given that Matthew’s story is moving into the last phase of Jesus’ mission, heading towards that greatest conflict of all that He faced.

Let’s look at the step by step instructions Jesus gave to resolve disputes within a church community. This was not about arguments over whether carnations or chrysanthemums should adorn the church that week. This was about those conflicts that would damage the family of Christ by causing divisions, factions and lasting damage. A falling out within a church family is a much graver matter than one involving a secular group. Because within a church, conflict damages the body of Christ, of which we are all part. It damages God’s mission that He set before us here on earth.

The first option Jesus gave was to privately discuss the matter on a one to one basis. Second was to involve a few others in order to air both sides of the problem, hopefully with impartial listeners. Thirdly, the matter should be put before the church community as a whole for resolution.

How wise and ahead of his time he was. This method of reconciliation and conflict management would be recognised today by anyone involved in this work. It is particularly used in family therapy circles, and after all this is what is being referred to here – a church family.

But then we come to the point where the errant individual will not budge. “if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”. But what does that mean?

For so many centuries this was interpreted to mean they should be cast out of the community, ostracised and isolated.

But these are the words of Jesus, “if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”. How did Jesus deal with such people? He went out of His way to bring these people into the fold – good shepherd that he was.

Tax collectors first. He ate and drank with them, as recorded by all the Gospels. He demanded hospitality from them, as with Zacchaeus. He took one of them, Matthew himself, as a member of his inner circle.

And Gentiles? Jesus healed and ministered to many. The Canaanite woman’s daughter, the Samaritan woman at the well, the Roman centurion’s servant, Naaman the Syrian, the Gadarene demoniac.

So what was Jesus’ meaning when he said those words, “if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector”? He meant you don’t give up and abandon them. They should still be ministered to. They should still be helped whenever possible. Efforts should not cease to try and regain them as part of the family of Christ. He meant that we should treat these people not as we would, but as He would. Drawing close to them in order to be restored and reconciled. It seems odd now that these words should have been used for so long in another fashion entirely.

And so, in emerging from our recent restrictions, perhaps it’s time to start afresh regarding some of our old ideas, our past experiences and previously espoused views. Who knows what our new way forward will look like? But the final part of today’s Gospel reminds us that when we work together, when we worship together, and when we pray together, Jesus is with us. This doesn’t mean he is not when we are alone, but the strength of our unity is magnified more greatly than the numbers involved, because of that very commitment to work, worship and pray together.

Once upon a time there was a king who had a good friend. His friend was very positive about everything, and in every situation could be heard to say, “this is good!”. One day the two went on a hunting trip, and the friend made a mistake when preparing the guns. When the king fired, his thumb was blown clean off. His friend said, “this is good!”. The king said “No, this is NOT good”, and immediately threw him into prison.

A year later the king went on another trip and was captured by cannibals. As they lowered him into the cooking pot, they noticed his missing thumb. As it was against their beliefs to eat anything that was not whole, they released him. On reaching home he visited his ex-friend in prison, and said “it was good that I lost my thumb after all, and I’m sorry I put you in prison”. His friend replied, “No, it was good you did, because if you hadn’t I would have been with you on this last trip”.

We don’t know at the time what good, or what bad, will come out of a situation. Sometimes we never know. All we can do is trust in God, use His word to guide our way of living. Amen

Sharon Paine

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Generous God we thank you for all that is good in our lives. For our families, our friends, the place in which we live and the things we take for granted. In giving thanks we pray for those who are less fortunate and face many challenges in their lives. We think especially of those who have no family or friends, those who have no place to live, those who are without food or water.

Lord in your endless mercy

Hear our prayer.

Loving God, our schools have returned this week. We pray for all pupils and members of staff as they start a new year, that they will remain safe in their study and work. May they return with a sense of excitement and openness to the challenges and opportunities that this new year will bring.

Lord in your endless mercy

Hear our prayer.

Faithful God, in the next few weeks your church in our benefice will be returning to corporate worship in our buildings. We pray that we will do so with a renewed sense of faithfulness, excitement, generosity and hope. We know that worship will not quite be the same as we remember, but however we pray, let it be led by your Spirit. Lord, help us to discern how the Church can renew in this difficult time and give us the grace to be open to the challenge of change.

Lord in your endless mercy

Hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we know that you are with us always.

We pray that you will be with those for whom this week is not such a good time, those who suffer in body mind or spirit.

We especially bring before you all those who are waiting or undergoing treatment, those recovering and for all nearing the end of their life.

In particular Lord, we think of all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden,and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time:

Robert Martin, John Chapman, Betty Jones and Colin Brown.

Lord, thank you for all those who work to alleviate the suffering of others.

Be with our health workers, the emergency services, those charged with social care and those who look after a friend, relative or neighbour at home.

Lord in your endless mercy

Hear our prayer.

Finally Lord, we pray for ourselves as we approach the world in this coming week.

We pray that we will go out filled with your spirit, with a sense of purpose and love in all that we do and wherever we may be.

Help us to be generous and open hearted to all those we meet, that we may be true ambassadors of your love in all our words and actions.

Merciful father

Accept these prayers

for the sake of your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Rev’d Stephen Dougal

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

12th sunday of trinity - 30th august 2020

The Readings for 30th August

Jeremiah 15: 15-21 Romans 12: 9 – end Matthew 16: 21 – end

Thoughts for this Week

Now and again a little something from internet browsing stays with me – it strikes home.

Imagine I am carrying a cup of coffee to our café table – full and hot and steaming – and someone comes by and jogs me. The coffee is spilt.

You ask me as I sit down “Why did you spill the coffee?” – (in reality at this point, I probably explode with ****!) – but in the story I say “Because someone passing by pushed me”

But you as my wiser friend say, “But why did you spill the coffee?” and when I have no other reply you say to me “You spilled your coffee because you had coffee in your cup”.

And of course, you are absolutely right.

It is what we have actually inside us that is spilt in times of stress, when we are confronted by the sudden and unexpected. There is no time to manage, reflect, manipulate and craft our response and to show us to advantage, to call out admiration and applause from those around us. If I am angry others know it, if I am afraid you see me run away – because anger and fear are what I carry with me. On the other hand, if you carry love and compassion, I will see these in the way you act and the things you say.

And we see these in both our readings today – Moses confronted with the strange bush which burns but is not destroyed – not unreasonably argues with God. How will I go before Pharaoh? How will I convince people to follow me? What is your Name? Moses’ preoccupations are with the practical, and he is clearly a details man. Peter, in dealing with the unwelcome news that Jesus is looking to his suffering and death, seeks to quieten him and rebukes Jesus. Rather than riding the crest of the popular wave of support and success Peter is faced with failure and loss, and he responds with inappropriate anger, denial and an attempt to suppress the truth. Peter demonstrates his lack of vision and understanding; fear and anger spill from him.

It is more than appropriate that one of the translations of the Lord’s prayer includes the phrase “Do not bring us to the time of testing”. So how can we build strength to make sure that what spills from us is, essentially, the love of God? As a start, can I perhaps invite you to take a moment to look back on a personal time of testing? What happened? Why? What does is tell you about what you carry? Be honest with yourself. Be compassionate as well. Remember that meek acceptance is not always right and anger not always wrong. Exploitation, bullying and discrimination need clear and energetic challenge – tables need turning.

This of course is the work of a lifetime – and even then, a work unfinished. And finally, in my own reflection here I would now say, if asked, that one of the purposes of prayer must be to transform what we carry into that abundant love of God that can spill from us at all times, stressful or not.

Diana Baldwin

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Lord, we’ve never been here before. Please help us to navigate this territory and perceive what is happening. We ask you for insight and wisdom to serve effectively.
We pray we would learn the lessons You are teaching us and not forget how much we need You. Shape us for what lies ahead.
Holy Spirit make us brave to face the changes this is bringing upon us.
O Lord be glorified through Your people in this critical hour. For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory.
Calm me O Lord, as You stilled the storm

Still me O Lord, keep me from harm

Let all the tumult within me cease

Enfold me Lord, in Your peace

Amen.

A prayer for the world

God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation,
but the world feels strange right now.

The news is full of stories about Coronavirus.

Some people are worried that they might get ill.

Others are anxious for their family and friends.

Be with them and help them to find peace.

We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists,
and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are ill.

Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us.

Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe.

Amen.

For Government Leaders

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Our leaders have families and responsibilities outside of work, but they also face some unique challenges. Splitting their time between Parliament and their home constituency, working long hours in the office, many government leaders sacrifice time with their family to serve their constituents. Their families are also more often in the spotlight, causing additional stress. Pray that government leaders and their families would be strengthened by Christ, fulfilled by the time they have together, and supportive and encouraging of one another.

God, thank You for the men and women who serve our country in leadership roles and for their families. Please provide our leaders with reminders each day of why they decided to dedicate their lives to public service, and use that commitment to encourage them. Give them peace when their work takes them away from their families. We also pray specifically for those families. We ask that You draw near to them and give them the wisdom on how to best support one another while their loved one is away working.

For all those affected by Coronavirus

Keep us, good Lord,

under the shadow of your mercy.

Sustain and support the anxious,

be with those who care for the sick,

and lift up all who are brought low;

that we may find comfort

knowing that nothing can separate us from your love

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.

In their loneliness, be their consolation; in their anxiety, be their hope;

in their darkness, be their light;

through him who suffered alone on the cross,
but reigns with you in glory,

Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Father God, thank you for the gift of relationship and community.
We pray this crisis will bring people together, not drive them apart.

For those of us who are anxious, bring peace.

For those of us who are sick, bring healing

For those of us caring for others, bring strength

For those of us who are lonely, bring comfort

For those of us who are not lonely, help us to see those who are and help us reach out to them in whatever ways we can.

We pray that this crisis will bring about renewed trust in your goodness.

In Jesus’ name we pray

Amen

For the Christian community

We are not people of fear: we are people of courage.

We are not people who protect our own safety:

we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety.

We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity.

We are your people God,

giving and loving, wherever we are, whatever it costs

For as long as it takes - wherever you call us.

Lord, in Your mercy hear our prayer

Lord, we commend to your love and care all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Vanessa Ashman, Margaret Morphew, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time:

Patrick McCormick, John Tierney, Derek Sawyer, and Ross Anderson.

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

Sundays 16th & 23rd August 2020

The Readings for 16th August – The Blessed Virgin Mary

Isaiah 61: 10-11 Galatians 4: 4-7 Luke 1: 46-55

Thoughts for this Week

The country could return to “significant normality” by Christmas, the Prime Minister said last month; however, advisers have warned that another national lockdown may be needed. Time will tell who is right; what is clear is that we live in a situation which will shape our history fundamentally.

Today we remember Mary, mother of our Lord (whose festival was yesterday) – the most revered of all the saints. We all know well the story in Luke’s gospel of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, telling her she would conceive a child who would be called “Son of God”; to this she gave her assent, leaving us a model of faithful cooperation with God’s plans.

We know even better the story of the birth of Jesus – the Christmas story. However, that simple story, with the well-loved image of the baby Jesus laid in a manger, tells us of an event that was to shape the world far more fundamentally than any pandemic. God the Son was united, in the birth of that baby in Bethlehem, to the whole human race by becoming the child of a particular woman, Mary. A prayer expresses this well in poetic form when it says: “When the Word became flesh earth was joined to heaven in the womb of Mary”.

Luke makes clear the radical implications of this in some words from the gospel reading for today – words from Mary’s song following the visit of the angel:

“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty”.

However, Luke tells us something even more radical if we look for the nuances in his story. As so often, to understand fully what a gospel writer wishes to communicate we need to look for echoes of words from the Old Testament and in Luke’s story there are numerous echoes of the story of creation in the first chapters of Genesis. Mary consented whereas Eve was disobedient. Genesis relates that God’s word created the world – “Let there be light”; in Luke’s gospel the angel’s word proclaims the conception of Christ – “he will be called the Son of the Most High”. Luke is describing a new creation. He is saying that the whole universe is recreated in Jesus Christ, a work carried out by God in and through Mary.

Mary cooperated with God’s work of new creation. And we too, like her, are called to cooperate – to see what God is up to in our world and lend a helping hand. The pandemic is presenting us with huge challenges – millions unemployed, education disrupted, health and care services struggling, the dire risk of forgetting the catastrophic results of climate change. We need to ask ourselves what we - both as individuals and as members of the church of Jesus Christ - can do to reflect God’s love for all his creation, to help bring healing to our world.

May Mary pray for us now and at the hour of our death so that we may rejoice with her in the love of the God who is making all things new.

Ted Clark

Although we are apart, we pray together:

At this festival of Mary

The angel declared to Mary that she was to be the mother of the Saviour.

Lord, help every Christian person to be open to your word and obedient to your will.

Mary rejoiced with Elizabeth and sang your praise.

Help us to live joyful lives that sing your praise, and be thankful.

We thank you for :

the health workers tending the seriously ill, and for all members of hospital and NHS teams, that they may be strengthened in their work.

the scientists working on a vaccination

the researchers analysing data and identifying trends

those media outlets who are working to communicate truth and reality

the supermarket workers, hygiene and sanitation providers

the good news stories of recoveries and effective planning

the meetings at a safe distance, for “bubbles” with loved-ones

the internet, telephones and technology that connects

the awakened appreciation of what is truly important

Thanks be to you O God.

Mary bore a son of David’s line, a king whose reign would never end.

We pray for all the nations of the world that they may be blessed with Christ’s gift of peace.
We pray especially for Beirut and the country of Lebanon, torn apart by the explosion but with so many problems, for Syria suffering so long, for poor countries that are ill-prepared to fight the Cov-id 19 virus. Open the hearts of all those able to give and to support these countries in their need. We pray for those in authority to do right by their people.

The child Jesus grew in wisdom and stature in the home of Mary and Joseph.

Strengthen our homes and families, and keep under your protection all those whom we love. We pray for all children, now not at school but many not able to go away on holiday. We pray for all parents, for time, ingenuity, and patience. We pray for all travellers and those in regions where tourists come, we pray for consideration, wisdom and generosity. Bless all the families we know; we name them before you. God of heaven and earth, in these times of isolation, apart from loved ones, distant from friends, away from neighbours, thank you that there is nothing in all of creation, not even coronavirus, that is able to separate us from your love.

Mary stood at the foot of the cross of her son Jesus, and from the cross she received his lifeless body.

Give comfort and healing to all who suffer in any way, and all who watch the suffering of those they love. We name those we know, and ask for your blessing and help for them.

We pray for those who were already very anxious

for those vulnerable because of underlying conditions & those in ‘most at risk’ categories

for those watching their entire income dry up

for those who’ve lost their job or fear that in the near future

for those who have no choice but to go out to work & for those who are afraid to be at home

for those who are more lonely than they've ever been

for those who are bereaved and grieving.

God be their healer, comfort and protection, be their strength, shield and provision,

be their security, safety and close companion

Almighty and everlasting God, raise up your Church, to be your well-washed hands and faithful feet,

to be present to the pain, to respond with love in action, if even from a safe distance.

God, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

Janet Butcher-Weisner

Lord, we commend to your love and care all those in our community who are sick at this time especially Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them,

Len Wilson and Richard Preedy.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Harry Walker and Dennis White.

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Readings for 23rd August – Trinity 11

Exodus 1: 8 – 2:10 Romans 12: 1-8 Matthew 16: 13-20

Thoughts for this Week

First Reading: Exodus 1: 8 – 2:10 The fear the Egyptians brought over the Israelites resulted in the Slaves increasing in number bringing fear to the Masters that they could be overthrown. Measures regarding Hebrew male babies resulted in baby Moses being hidden amongst the bulrushes and discovered and taken into Pharaoh’s Household. Moses was to go on to be a Rock of the Israelites.

The Psalm 124 takes up the theme that God protected the Israelites – our help is in the name of the Lord (the maker of heaven and earth).

Epistle: Romans 12: 1-8 Paul appeals to the Believers in Rome to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” “So we, who are many, are one body in Christ.”

Matthew 16: 13-20 This Gospel, in my opinion, is Simon Peter’s finest moment in his relationship with his Teacher. Jesus is continuing his testing of his Disciples as they travel the pagan dust bowl of Caesarea Philippi; “ Who do they say the Son of Man is?” The Disciples reply as a Group “Some say John the Baptist!” Well Jesus and John were Cousins so maybe looked alike. Or reports of John being beheaded were untrue and this was him continuing his Ministry having been released from Prison; “others say Elijah or Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Definitely one of the Elite – and this coming from the Pagan populace.

Jesus then said to his Disciples “But who do you say I am?” I suspect Simon Peter not only reacted first but spoke for all of them “You are the Messiah.” Jesus then knew that his teachings had taken them to another level. They recognise I am the promised deliverer of the Jewish nation which was prophesied. Peter has come a long way since leaving the Fishing industry - now being encouraged to be “a Fisher of Men” alongside his fellow Disciples. Jesus, in my opinion, knew everything about Peter, his fellow Disciples, the oh so unholy High Priests even that his heavenly Father would carve out a future for him that would ensure that we who survive will have our many sins forgiven if only we turn to Him. How do I know that? Because I’ve read it and successive Priests tell me week after week. Peter didn’t have such luxury. Jesus had not stated he was the Messiah; he was a Teacher and was teaching his New Covenant which was not radically different from the old but certainly updated it to the extent that it is still very relevant to those who follow it now. Are we at the same level as Peter? Are we being asked to be the rock on which the church will be established, and Satan would be powerless to crush? I believe that God wants us to be Fishers of all interested people, we will be subject to sin and wrong turnings but ultimately we know the love of our Saviour gives us a chance to live in his Eternal Kingdom. Amen

Paul Sharman

Although we are apart, we pray together:

We praise you Lordfor you are a great God, full of compassion and mercy. We thank you that you sent your only begotten Son to live amongst us and teach us how we should live. We praise you for the relationship that we have with our triune God of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May we know the reality of your word to us: ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.’ (Colossians 3:15)

Forgive us for when we don't praise and thank you enough. Help us to have a spirit of thankfulness as we begin each day with you. Forgive us Lord when, ‘We have left undone those things that we ought to have done; and we have done those things that we ought not to have done;’ Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day.

We continue to pray that we would stay alert as a nation to the Covid 19 pandemic. We pray for a vaccine to be soon available so that restrictions can be eventually lifted. Guide the government in its continuing decisions to support economic growth and how to ensure we remain safe. For the those who grieve the loss of loved ones due to the pandemic. We pray especially those who suffer from mental health issues, abuse at home or those who have been made redundant May they know your peace and hope for the future.

We pray for our World. For those forgotten countries who have sparse resources to cope with Covid-19 such as Yemen, Somalia, Iraq, Syria, and South Sudan. We pray for continuing freedom in Hong Kong and for Christians in many countries who suffer persecution for their faith. In the stillness we lift them to you O Lord.

Lord we come to pray for own Local Concerns. For Jane, Stephen and Deb as they seek to minister to us in this unusual situation. Guide them as they consider the best way to open churches in the autumn. We pray for those in our group benefice who are unwell, or anxious. May they know your healing touch and peace in their circumstances.

And we remember also those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Thelma Finch, Gordon Smith, Dorothy List and Roy Ladd. Lord we offer these prayers in the Name of Jesus Christ Our Saviour, Amen.

Gary Colvin

9TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 9th AUGUST 2020

The Readings for 9th August – Trinity 9

1 Kings 19: 9-18 Romans 10: 5-15 Matthew 14: 22-33

Thoughts for this Week

Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

We all have a lot to cope with at the moment and we have no clue as to when this pandemic is going to end. It is such a chore – having to remember masks when we go shopping, not being able to worship like we used to in Church, not shaking hands, not being able to travel ( this is the longest that I’ve been in the country for forty years!) and queuing to go into a shop. Businesses are struggling if not going bankrupt, offices remain closed and the buses remain on strange timetables. And for those who have sadly lost love ones, the ability to give a proper farewell has been severely curtailed. And so it goes on. Sometimes it feels like we are just about at the limit of what we can do.

Then suddenly it all gets worse. Someone close to us catches the virus or has been diagnosed with cancer, a relative is admitted to hospital, the car breaks down, money dries up and someone is involved in an accident. Fortunately, no one is hurt but the car is a write-off. And then just as you are completing the complicated online claim form, there is a power failure and you lose all the work you’ve just put in. The stress is immense.

It feels as if life has got totally out of control, like being out at sea in a small boat with giant waves throwing us around so much that we’re afraid of falling overboard and drowning.

Jesus’ disciples know exactly what that feels like. Their boat is being battered by wind and waves from all sides and they’re making no headway towards land. They’ve been in a storm on the lake before when they feared for their lives. That time Jesus was with them in the boat. He was asleep, but when they woke him up he commanded the wind and the sea to be calm and they obeyed him.

This time, they’re on their own; but then early in the morning, while it’s still dark, they think they see Jesus coming towards them – except that he can’t be because that would mean he was walking on the water. They’re terrified, not so much by the weather conditions, this time, but by the sight of what they believe must be a ghost.

But then a familiar voice says calmly, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” The wind is every bit as strong and the waves still threaten to turn them over, but somehow the voice saying those words makes all the difference.

Peter, as always, wants to take things a step further. He wants to walk on the water himself to get to Jesus. He steps forward and does indeed make progress, until he realises that the wind and the waves are still a very real danger and allows that fear to overwhelm the faith he had shown in Jesus.

The storm continues until Jesus and Peter are in the boat with the others, when the wind ceases, calm is restored, and the disciples are left in no doubt that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

We sometimes feel that our lives are out of control and the stress is making us ill. We feel as if we are drowning and something inside cries out, “Lord, save me!” And then although the problems don’t seem to go away and life is still chaotic and difficult; we no longer feel so alone or frightened by what’s happening to us as friends and relatives rally round and offer us support. Good things start to happen.

Perhaps all of us at some time or another feel like this. That our lives have got out of control and are unmanageable. In all the chaos and busyness we don’t have an opportunity to do more than cry out in distress, “Lord, save me.” We may also not see at the time that Jesus immediately reaches out to catch us, just as he caught Peter and returned him to safety.

Jesus will reach out to catch us through the presence of friends offering love and support, practical help and a reassurance that we can get through this storm. He will also, if we let him, use us to reach out to others who have cried out to him in distress.

So, whether we speak them or hear them, the words “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” can make all the difference when someone cries out, “Lord, save me”. Amen.

Rev’d Stephen

Although we are apart, we pray together:

House of Commons Prayer before every session

Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government, to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of Your Spirit.

May they never lead this nation wrongly through love of power, desire to please, or unworthy ideals, but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may Your kingdom come and Your name be hallowed. Amen.

For our communities

We pray for our communities and those around us who are struggling with the divisions in our society and are worried about the future. May we be able to bring peace and offer a hopeful vision to those around us.

God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation.

In their loneliness, be their consolation;
in their anxiety, be their hope;
in their darkness, be their light;
through him who suffered alone on the cross, but reigns with you in glory, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For those who are ill

Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; in particular we think of Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them,

Len Wilson and Richard Preedy.

We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Cynthia Porter and Jocelyn Lees.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For hospital staff and medical researchers

Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Conform or rebel

Lord,

In my workplace, help me to rebel against dishonesty, laziness and time-wasting.

Help me to conform to hard work, integrity and efficiency.

In my friendships, help me to rebel against disloyalty, unreliability and gossip.

Help me to conform to loyalty, reliability and keeping confidences.

In my devotion to you, help me to rebel against lethargy, cold ritual and complacency.

Help me to conform to the passion for holiness that is in you, and live a cross-centred existence for you.

Amen

I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Family Likeness

Father God, plant in me a thought, a prayer, a word, some silence, I don't care what form your presence takes, just so long as it helps me know you.

Plant, then nurture your chosen mode of knowing until I recognise your hand in its fruitfulness and submit to your season. Temper my inclination to impetuous rushing, outgrowing my capabilities before your time; until then hold me in gentle, measured wholeness.

Plant in my identity a strong familial likeness, traits of genus Christian that make me know you claim me and others to recognise my creator.

[Taken from: Another Pot of Coffee – Irena Milloy]

Mike Chinneck

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

8TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 2nd august 2020

The Readings for 2nd August – Trinity 8

Isaiah 55: 1-5 Romans 9: 1-5 Matthew 14: 13-21

Thoughts for this Week

Readings: Isaiah 55: 1-5. God invites everyone who thirsts to come to the waters, and those with no money to share wine and milk for free. God promises an everlasting covenant with David, drawing in all nations.

Romans 9: 1-5. Paul laments for his Jewish kindred, to whom belongs God’s covenant. Longing for them to believe in Christ. He would happily sacrifice himself for their sake.

Gospel:Matthew 14: 13-21. Jesus withdraws from the crowd in a boat, but is followed by a multitude of men, women and children who follow him on foot, some prepared better than others. Jesus provides for all their needs, healing the unwell, and ensures all are fed.

Recent news reports featured the sacking of 350 experienced pilots by British Airways and the retirement of their 747 Jumbo fleet of 32 aircraft, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus response. The inevitable cycle of economic downturn in customers, income, jobs, infrastructure and overheads, in the quest for survival. A downward spiral which has touched every Diocese and Church Organization in the land, a continued reduction in income staff and buildings in response to shrinking membership.

For quite some time I have been troubled by what can only be described as a disturbing spiritual motivation, hiding within the complex subjects of Global Warming, Brexit and Coronavirus Pandemic. Common to all three, it is the power of disunity. The power to separate, unlike any previous conflict and totally alien to the Christian Spirit, by which we have a powerful bond within the unity of The Holy Trinity, to form what I often refer to as the quadrinity. A unity revealed in the well-known Gospel of today, when the logistics of how to feed a very large crowd with what appears to be a very small amount of food is dealt with by God the Son within the example of latent human generosity. And how the very presence of Christ and perhaps a little boy’s sacrificial example, released sufficient flow of food to produce an overflow.

Firstly, the miracle is told in all four Gospels, giving an indication of it’s importance. All follow the same basic form. The crowd, by this time in Christ’s ministry are Followers, many already hooked by his teaching and healing. Within reason, they know what to expect. It appears particularly in John’s account of the experience, that Jesus was testing the faith of Phillip and Andrew as much as anything else. We note that in all the accounts it is the Disciples who are concerned about the possible hunger of the crowd and also their own. John’s Gospel introduces the generosity of the little boy willing to give up what little he had for Christ.

Christ expresses a certain familiarity with the people in the crowd. I guess he will have seen many of the faces before and he will already know that many would not have come to a gathering like this without some provisions. But many miles will have been walked to get there, and provisions were hard to come by and if there is no need, not to be shared. But this crowd owed Christ a lot in terms of healing, teaching and the promise of forgiveness. While not obvious, all it needed was a trigger or key to unlock their gratitude.

The gift of five loaves and two fish became that key which unlocked the sharing generosity of the multitude and the ministry of that day became a miraculous event involving God and

humanity. Leaving us with the guidance that whatever we bring to God in His service, on behalf of our fellow humanity no matter how small, it will be enough if we share it in faith. Final thought – Did Christ feed the multitude with the help of the little boy or did the little boy feed the multitude with the help of Christ?

Amen

Roger Davenport

Although we are apart, we pray together:

Heavenly Father, you are the light of our world, through your Son, Jesus Christ you feed us with the bread of life. We ask that we can receive Him into our daily lives to live a fruitful God-filled life together and as a true and complete family until eternity, filled with the fullness of your love so that we can abide in you as you abide in us.

Lord in your mercy....

We give you thanks for your churches and ask that in the not too distant future we may be able to reunite with our friends and fellow Christians, to once again share our faith, be able to join in prayer and jubilation, to listen to your word and to sing your praises as a united Christian family and community.

Lord in your mercy....

Blessed are you, Lord God, for the gifts you give to your people. We pray and give thanks for our social workers, carers, home helps, doctors and nurses who do so much to make our life that much easier. During the recent epidemic, we know and appreciate that without them, life would have become intolerable for some and much harder for so many.

Lord in your mercy....

We pray for all those who are in need. For those we know and those we love, give them the strength and courage to overcome their difficulties or illness and restore them to full health and normality in your true glory. We think of, especially, Alan Field, Kevin Bennett, Janet Thornby, Derek & Nicki North, Daniel Stevens, Katherine Goody, Baby Rowan, Mike Wilson, David Ratcliff, Colin Laker, June Edwards, Derek Ufton, Jean Anderson, Paul Hutchins, John Hammond, Sheila Godden, and for all known to us who need a prayer for healing.

We think of those recently departed known only to us, and those who mourn them,

Len Wilson, Richard Preedy and Paul Warren.

We remember also all those dear, whose year’s mind falls at this time: Frank Marshall,

Rev Michael Dymock, Michael Allen, Eric Doy, Janet Coleman, Pauline Phipps (also Roy Phipps 2010), Pamela Speedy and Dot Baker.

Lord in your mercy....

Finally heavenly Father, the giver of all good things, we give you thanks for all those who have provided for us. We pray for our homes, our friends and for all those that we also try to provide for. May we also be sensitive and caring to all those who live in our community.

Bill Meakin

Merciful Father, Accept these Prayers for the sake of thy only Son, Amen

May we conclude with the prayer Jesus taught us;

Traditional

the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

Contemporary

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.

a prayer for guidance during lockdown

Father God, we are beginning to at last understand, that the things that are wrong with your world are the sum total of all the things that are wrong with us as individuals.

Yet, by making us in the Spirit of your own image, our hearts and minds can find no rest until they rest in you.

We are perhaps, too Christian to enjoy sinning and too fond of sinning to fully enjoy Christianity.

Most of us know perfectly well what we ought to do; our trouble is, that deep down not all of our ’Self' wants to do it.

Your guidance and strength is our only hope. So our honest prayer must be;

Knowing nothing is impossible for You, “Lead us heavenly Father lead us, and give us the determination and strength to continually seek Your Leading”.

Amen

19th sunday of trinity - 18th october 2020 - st luke

18th sunday of trinity - 11th october 2020

Additional Information

17th sunday of trinity - 4th october 2020

16th sunday of trinity - 27th september 2020

Additional Information

Harvest to Advent Prayer Card

15TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 20TH SEPTEMBER 2020

14th sunday of trinity - 13th september 2020

The final on-line service video for the Benefice

13th sunday of trinity - 6th september 2020

12th sunday of trinity - 30th august 2020

A prayer for the world

Amen.

For Government Leaders

For all those affected by Coronavirus

Amen.

Amen.

Amen

For the Christian community

Lord, in Your mercy hear our prayer

Sundays 16th & 23rd August 2020

sunday 9th august

9TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 9th AUGUST 2020

House of Commons Prayer before every session

For our communities

For those who are ill

For hospital staff and medical researchers

Conform or rebel

Family Likeness

sunday 2nd august 2020

8TH SUNDAY OF TRINITY - 2nd august 2020

Changing Lives Prayer Network

Connected in Prayer: Pentecost to Harvest 2020

a prayer for guidance during lockdown

the uk blessing