Prayer Diary

December & January 2020-2021 Sunday 29 NOVEMBER Advent 1 Campaigning against gender-based violence Lord, we pray that through Each year, the International Day for the Elimination of the work of the Mothers’ Violence Against Women on 25 November marks the start Union and other charities of a 16-day international campaign, which culminates on worldwide, gender-based Foreword from John International Human Rights Day on 10 December. violence is brought to an end. As I write this foreword, we are in the midst of the Throughout the campaign, the Mothers’ Union is joining with second lockdown. Our Archbishops have asked around 6,000 organisations from approximately 187 countries us to make this month a month of prayer and to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms Kingswinford Deanery and in all societies. I’m delighted how many people have responded Rural : David Hoskin positively to their request. As part of the campaign this year the Mothers’ Union will be holding their Global Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy Day (5 December) online, focusing on the disturbing and unacceptable figure that This prayer diary covers the season of Advent and ‘1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced domestic or sexual abuse’. St Andrews, Dunkeld and Christmas and it reminds us that prayer should In Worcester Cathedral, a candle Dunblane (Scotland): be as natural to us as breathing. It’s appropriate with be lit and the MU prayers Bishop Ian Paton Lusitanian Church: to every season, something we can do as long as used each day. the Holy Spirit gives us breath. It’s one thing that Bishop Jorge Pina Cabral To find out more about the work Porvoo (Finland): cannot be banned during lockdown. of our local Mothers’ Union and Bishop Bo-Göran Åstrand These are hard times: we should take encouragement from St Paul’s words this campaign against gender- to the Christians at Philippi: ‘Do not worry about anything but in everything based violence, please visit by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made www.worcestermu.org.uk/. Sekondi (Ghana): M known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, Bishop Alexander Asmah will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ .’ Mon 30 Growing as Kingdom People: Worshipping God creatively Eastern Michigan (USA): Bishop Todd Ousley With that in mind, it’s good, now and then, to have an extra ‘push’ on God of all the world, as we worship you, may we feel today the good news of your prayer and to follow the national month of prayer we are also publishing love, and know its truth within us. May we rejoice in that love day by day through Seoul (Korea): T a ‘prayer diary extra’ – a sustained period of prayer specifically linked to Jesus Christ our Lord. Bishop Peter Lee Eastern Newfoundland ‘Growing as Kingdom People’ during Advent. Tue 1 DECEMBER Kingswinford Deanery & Labrador (Canada): God bless you this Advent, one like no other, and may the joy of the Pray for the Deanery Chapter, Synod and PCCs as we work through the effects of Bishop Geoffrey Peddle Christ-child be yours this Christmas. the pandemic and join in the Diocesan Restructuring Conversation. For hope and Seychelles (Indian Ocean): W courage. Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy. Bishop James Richard Wong Yin Song Eastern Oregon (USA): Wed 2 Diocese of Peru Bishop Patrick Bell

Following the impeachment of the president and the widespread public discontent Sheffield: Th with this action by Congress, pray for the people of Peru as they endure political Bishop Pete Wilcox, turmoil on top of the devastating consequences of pandemic, especially that they with Bishop Sophie Jelley (Doncaster) may find leaders of integrity to lead them through this crisis. Eastern Zambia (Africa): Bishop William Mchombo Thur 3 Brierley Hill Team: St Michael, Brierley Hill Easton (USA): At the moment we are continuing to produce the prayer diary Give thanks for monies coming into the area through the High Street Heritage Bishop Santosh Marray Action Zone. Pray for benefits for the whole community and for church to recognise monthly in electronic format. In this two-month edition, Shinyanga (Tanzania): F we’re praying for Kingswinford and Droitwich. We try to pray opportunities. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Bishop Johnson Chinyong’ole for those with a licence from the Bishop by name, but please do Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore. Eau Claire (USA): Bishop William Jay Lambert remember all who and witness with them in each parish. Fri 4 Brierley Hill Team: Christ Church, Quarry Bank Pray for the choir and all working to produce creative Christmas worship for Facebook Edinburgh (Scotland): S Bishop John Armes and YouTube that they may become real community events. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Gasabo (Rwanda): Weston. Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore. Bishop Laurent Mbanda Sat 5 Brierley Hill Team: St John Brockmoor On Sundays we are offering a monthly prayer for you to pray for your baptism families and we also Pray for the recruitment of a community missioner to work across the parish - making continue to pray for dioceses around the world through the Poorvoo prayer calendar (Sundays) and links with the population who do not worship in the Team. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol the Anglican Cycle of Prayer. These are all placed in a column, on the side edge of each page. Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore. Advent 2 Sunday 6 DECEMBER Sunday 13 DECEMBER Advent 3

Father, we pray that you help us all to find much-needed Comfort Comfort & Joy at Christmas Christmas-tide in Malvern Link and Cowleigh Lord, we thank you for and Joy this Advent season, #ComfortandJoy is the Church of ’s Advent and This Christmas-tide, Malvern Link and Cowleigh are getting creative with the inspiring us with many ways in especially those of us who have Christmas campaign for 2020. It holds together the hope children, young people and families in their parish, with support from their Mission which to creatively celebrate been bereaved or who will be apart that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a difficult Enabler, Helen Laird. and learn about the Nativity from loved ones over Christmas. year with an acknowledgement that – for those who have To celebrate the Advent season, every Primary school child has been invited to with our children, young experienced loss or bereavement, or who are still not able decorate a bunting pendant with Christian imagery of Christmas. Once decorated, people and families this year. Kingswinford Deanery to be together with loved ones – it may be the Church’s role the 1,500 themed pendants will be sewn together in class groups and used to Rural Dean: David Hoskin to provide consolation. Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy decorate the church. Daily reflections are available along with a printed booklet Comfort and Joy: Nine Not only will the Christmas Kingswinford Deanery Praying for our Baptism families - Lessons and Carols for Christmas which explores biblical texts alongside the words story be recreated in fabric, but Rural Dean: David Hoskin Loving God, we ask that you help of much-loved Christmas carols. Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy our Baptism families know and also with food at the planned Nine online services, created in partnership with charities like ‘Edible Nativity’ next weekend. understand the fullness of your Southwell and Nottingham: Christian Aid and the Church Army, are also available. These On Saturday 19 December, love. Give them peace in knowing Bishop with that you are with them from the include: a service for each Sunday of Advent; a Children’s families will visit St Matthias and Bishop Andrew Emerton (Sherwood) beginning and until the end. Amen. Society Christingle; nine lessons and carols; and midnight St Peter’s churches to decorate Falkland Islands: services. Churches are encouraged to list the full range of pre-cut and baked gingerbread Bishop Timothy Thornton Chester: Bishop , with Borg (Norway): Bishop (Birkenhead) their Advent and Christmas services on A Church Near You. biscuits in the shape of Nativity The Reformed Episcopal It is hoped that Comfort and Joy will reconnect us to the rich characters, ready to take home Bishop Atle Sommerfeldt Church of Spain: and joyous traditions of the past and offer God’s consoling and adorn their Christmas trees, Bishop Carlos López-Lozano love in the present. if they make it that far! Kuopio (Finland): Bishop Jari Jolkkonen

M Shyira (Rwanda): Mon 7 Growing as Kingdom People: Making disciples Mon 14 Growing as Kingdom People: Sharing hope Sodor & Man: M Bishop Samuel M Mugisha Lord, help us to see the opportunities for coming alongside others and sharing the O God we thank you for Jesus: wonderful counsellor, our prince of peace. As we Bishop Peter Eagles Edmonton (Canada): Vacant good news of Jesus. We pray for those just starting on their journey of faith, that they celebrate Emmanuel we know that you are with us, and in the warmth of your love El Camino Real (USA): Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves T Shyogwe (Rwanda): will continue to grow and develop as your disciples. we find our hope renewed and our confidence restored. Help us to share that hope Bishop Jered Kalimba with others. Amen. Sokoto (Nigeria): T Egba (Nigeria): Tue 8 Kingswinford & Wall Heath Bishop Augustine Omole Bishop Emmanuel Adekunle Pray for St Mary’s and Church of the Ascension as they enter vacancy; for all in Tue 15 Christ Church, Coseley El Salvador (Central America): Lafia (Nigeria): ministry and supporting continued worship and the online Jigsaw Church and for our Praying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. Bishop Juan David Alvarado Melgar Bishop Godwin A Robinson ALMs. For St Mary’s & Ascension CE VC Primaries; Heads: Peter Booth and Steve Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. For our ALM: Bob Hill. Clergy: South Ankole (Uganda): W W Sialkot (Pakistan): Hudson. Readers: Jill Nicholls, Deborah Filgate, David Cousins Emma Stanford and Tim Westwood Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe Bishop Alwin John Samuel Eldoret (Kenya): Egba West (Nigeria): Wed 9 Diocese of Morogoro Wed 16 The Protestant Church of Central Germany Bishop Christopher Ruto Bishop Samuel Oludele Ogundeji We pray for all those who lost homes and land in severe flooding in Morogoro earlier We pray for the EKM’s Lutheran partner churches in Belarus, especially for the South Dakota (USA): this year. During this time, church buildings were destroyed and many clergy lost young people who experience major penalties affecting their personal life due to Th Th Singapore (South East Asia): Bishop John Tarrant Bishop Titus Chung their homes. We rejoice that gifts from our own diocese have played an important their involvement in the demonstrations for political change. El-Obeid (Sudan): part in bringing some much needed relief. Egbu (Nigeria): Thur 17 St James the Great, Lower Gornal Bishop Ismail Gabriel Abudigin Bishop Geoffrey Okoroafor Thur 10 St Mark, Pensnett Ely: F Egypt (Jerusalem & Middle East): Please pray for the faithful congregation at St James the Great, Lower Gornal during Bishop with Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis Please pray that God’s spirit replenishes us, keeps us going and gives us joy in a time of change. Bishop (Huntingdon) these hard times. We pray that our needs will be provided for. Clergy: Ness Tobin; F Sittwe (Myanmar): Fri 18 Wordsley Team South Kerala (India): Bishop James Min Dein Reader: John Lawrence Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam Give thanks for all who have enabled the safe opening of churches and hall. Pray Eha - Amufu (Nigeria): Fri 11 St Chad, Coseley Embu (Kenya): Bishop Daniel Olinya for those still unable to come to worship especially our local schools. Clergy: Colin Bishop David Muriithi Ireri As we start a new chapter in the life of St Chad’s Coseley, we pray that God’s love Jones, Lyn Rowson; Readers: Terry Blewitt, Chris Geary S Ekiti (Nigeria): will continue to shine brightly to all in the community, illuminating his love and South Rwenzori (Uganda): S Bishop Christopher Tayo Omotunde Sat 19 Gornal & Sedgley Team Ministry Bishop Jackson Nzerebende compassion. Clergy: Gary Hartill Enugu (Nigeria): Ekiti Kwara (Nigeria): Please pray for all in leadership, for our Church councils, and especially our Children Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma Bishop Andrew Ajayi Sat 12 St Mary, Hurst Hill and Young People’s Hub as we seek to pick up our work with young people and Ekiti Oke (Nigeria): Enugu North (Nigeria): Bishop Isaac Olubowale Praying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. families during the pandemic; and give thanks for our ALMs who give so much. Bishop Sosthenes Eze Ekiti West (Nigeria): Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. Strengthen our clergy: Emma Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Jan Humphries Bishop Rufus V A Adepoju Stanford and Tim Westwood, and our ALM: Bob Hill Advent 4 Sunday 20 DECEMBER Sunday 27 DECEMBER Christmas 1 / John

Hark! The herald-angels sing: Christmas Carols Diocesan Chancellor retirement Lord, we give thanks “Glory to the new-born King; For many of us, the rich melodies of Christmas carols are synonymous with the The Diocesan Chancellor, Charles Mynors, will be retiring at for Charles’s work and Peace on earth and mercy mild, Advent season. They serve us with a reminder of hosts of angels filling the night sky the end of 2020. commitment over the years with joyous songs at the miraculous coming of the Christ-child. and pray for him as he takes God and sinners reconcil’d.” Charles is a barrister and has been in post for 23 years. Carols as we know them have their roots as early as the fourth century, with this next step on his journey. (Wesley, 1758) During that time, he has sat in judgement on a whole range several traditional pieces like ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night’ first of issues affecting churches in and Dudley. appearing during the Medieval period. However, most of today’s popular carols were Charles said: “I have enjoyed my time at Worcester; and Kingswinford Deanery first composed and circulated in the Victorian era. Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: David Hoskin have been hugely supported both by the two of With moving harmonies and a mixture Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy Worcester as well as the seven archdeacons with whom I of solemn and uplifting lyrics, carols have had the privilege of working. I am very grateful to all.” Lay Chair: Janet Bryan Pray for mission agencies and their are often full of awe, hope and joy – Bishop John said: “Charles’s wisdom and judgement have been hugely appreciated. ministry throughout the Anglican emotions we can identify with as we Pray for Christians in other His skill and deep Christian commitment have enabled him to act at all times for denominations and the work of Communion, including the await the Nativity. Mothers’ Union around the world. the good of the mission of the church as well as the care of our heritage. I give the ecumenical movement. This year, we have been recording a heartfelt thanks for him and pray for God’s rich blessing on him in the future.” Durham: Bishop , diocesan version of ‘Once in Royal Every diocese has an ecclesiastical court whose judge is the Chichester: with Bishop Sarah Clark (Jarrow) David’s city’ featuring singers from Bishop with Moray, Ross & Caithness (Scotland): Chancellor. Much of the routine work that the Chancellor undertakes is centred on Bishops Ruth Bushwager (), across our parishes. Look out for it faculty jurisdiction, which allows work to be carried out on consecrated churches Bishop Mark Strange on our social media channels and the Will Hazelwood (Lewes) Oslo (Norway): Bishop Kari Veiteberg and churchyards. Mikkeli (Finland): diocesan website this week. Bishop Seppo Häkkinen

South West Tanganyika (Tanzania): Mon 21 Growing as Kingdom People: Transforming communities Mon 28 PCC and Deanery Synod members Fond du Lac (USA): M M Bishop Matthew Mhagama Esan (Nigeria): Lord God, we thank you for all the places we can find you in our communities. This Pray for all those who serve their church as members of the Parochial Church Bishop Matthew Alan Gunter Bishop Friday Imaekhai Christmas week, help us to remember that Jesus came to transform the world and Council and give thanks for their important role in the mission of the Church. Also Fort Worth (USA): we all have a role to play in that. for Deanery Synod members who play a vital role in the governance of the Church. Bishop Scott Mayer T Etche (Nigeria): Bishop Precious Nwala Tue 22 Gornal & Sedgeley Team Ministry Tue 29 Lay Ministry Fredericton (Canada): T Etsako (Nigeria): Bishop David Edwards Bishop Jacob Bada Please pray for all of the people of St Peter’s Church as we continue with the Pray for all those who serve the church in a lay capacity. Giving thanks especially for the Freetown (): closure of the current church building and for the development of our church hall. ministry of Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs). Bishop Thomas Arnold Ikunika Wilson W Exeter: Also for the Churches Together Alpha course across the area starting in January. W Bishop , with Wed 30 Diocesan HR Team Gahini (Rwanda): Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Jan Humpries. Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo Bishops (), Pray for the Diocesan Human Resources Team: Jo Hyrons and Becky Lowe. Give Nick McKinnel (Plymouth) Wed 23 Economy and Daily Life Gambia (West Africa): thanks for their skills and experience and for all they do to support clergy and Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico Evo (Nigeria): Pray for those working in retail during the difficulties of lockdown, with the continuing employees of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Bishop Innocent Ordu pressure of Christmas, and especially for all working over the holiday period; that all Gasabo (Rwanda): Th Thur 31 Bishop Onesphore Rwaje Th Ezo (South Sudan): may find the rest they need and know the Peace of the Christ-child. New Year’s Eve Gboko (Nigeria): Bishop John Kereboro Zawo Lord, as we enter the new year, we each have our hopes and expectations for all Bishop Emmanuel Nyitsse Faisalabad (Pakistan): Thur 24 Churches Together in Brierley Hill that is ahead of us - but you alone know what it holds. Give us the strength and the George (South Africa): Bishop John Samuel Pray for all the Christian denominations working together in the Brierley Hill area. wisdom we will need to meet its challenges and assure us of the certainty of your Bishop Brian Marajh Falkland Islands: unchanging love. Georgia (USA): Bishop Timothy Thornton Fri 25 Christmas Day Fri 1 JANUARY Black Country Urban Industrial Mission Bishop Scott Benhase F Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Eternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty Word to pierce the Aba (Nigeria): F and the People of Bethlehem. world’s darkness with the light of salvation: Give to the earth the peace that we long Pray for Chaplains and Trustees of the Black Country Urban Industrial Mission Bishop Christian Chiodoadighi Ugwuzor for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen (BCUIM), as they support workers across the Black Country, including the retail S Fianarantsoa (Indian Ocean): (Common Worship, Church of England) sector, Jaguar Land Rover, Ambulance Service and National Express Aba Ngwa North (Nigeria): S Bishop Gilbert Rateloson Bus drivers and staff. Bishop Nathan C O Kanu Rakotondravelo Sat 26 Retired clergy in Kingswinford Deanery Florida (USA): Sat 2 Fire Service / Police Bishop John Howard On this commemoration of Stephen, and martyr, we give thanks for the False Bay (South Africa): retired clergy of Kingswinford Deanery. For their own to the diaconate, Pray for all who work in the Fire & Rescue Service and the Police, for safety and Bishop Margaret Brenda Vertue and for the many years of service and of preaching they have given in the course resilience, especially with the added pressure of Covid-19. Pray also for their of their ministry. chaplains as they reflect God’s love and care for all officers and staff. Joint Lead Chaplain: Dick Johnson. Chaplains: Richard Bubbers, Stuart Sandys, Tony Whalley, Paul Lawlor, Tim Williams, Mike Wilkinson, Keith Locke, Keith Osmund-Smith, Catalin Macrae, Tony Whalley, Ahmed Hans. Epiphany Sunday 3 JANUARY Sunday 10 JANUARY Baptism of Christ

Berrow’s Phone Church Children’s Society Climb Project Please pray for all young people Lord, we pray for all those who are at risk of entering the The benefice of Berrow with Pendock, Eldersfield, Hollybush & Birtsmorton is in a In May 2020, the Children’s Society who have been unable to criminal justice system, that they rural area in the south of our diocese. Internet is often poor quality and intermittent, launched a new project, ‘Climb’, in the access worship for a range of might direct their energy into so to keep in touch, parishioners have been able to join online worship by telephone. West Mercia region to support young reasons, including through a alternative activities and flourish , Julie James, said: “There are usually around 8 – 10 people joining via people aged between 10 and 17 who lack of technology and fear. as unique individuals made in phone. We’ve found that it’s been a very powerful experience – people really have could be at risk of entering the criminal the image of God. to listen to each other. We’ve felt very close to each other and to God.” justice system. Three different online services are offered – a Eucharist on Sunday morning, The Services Manager for Worcestershire and Herefordshire, Georgia Boyce said: Droitwich Deanery Morning Prayer on a Wednesday and Compline on Friday evening. “By working with young people and encouraging them to be involved with more Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon “People have missed coming to church in person, but ‘Phone Church’ has helped positive activities, it reduces the risk that they will become involved in negative Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Janet Bryan them to stay connected. Because they can’t see, we explain what’s happening and behaviour. We listen, asking them where they want to be and then work out how we Lay Chair: Janet Bryan Praying for our Baptism families tell them what’s coming up. Individuals are invited to speak at different points, but can help them get there.” : – Lord, Bless the parents in our I’ve learnt that it’s important to not be afraid to keep periods of silence.” The programme supports young people in many ways, including through the Bishop , Baptism families as they nurture After each service there’s a chance for people to catch up and to share provision of opportunities to take part in sports or creative activities. Bishop (Warwick) the children in their care. any news – even if it’s just what they’ve seen out of the window that day! “It’s all about building up trust, helping the young people to grow in confidence Oulu (Finland): Help them to nurture the unique “It’s great that we’ve been able to be there for our whole community both and raising their awareness to vulnerable situations,” said Georgia. “We’ll always Bishop Jukka Keskitalo qualities in each member Sør-Hålogaland (Bodø) (Norway): be here if they need help and will keep supporting them until we are sure that they of the family. Amen. spiritually and through offering fellowship. We’re reaching those on the Bishop Ann-Helen Fjeldstad Jusnes margins and the vulnerable - we’ll definitely keep doing it.” have other networks in place.” Find out more on The Children’s Society website. Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia: : Archbishop Don Tamihere Bishop with Bishops Mon 11 Wychebrook Benefice (Kensington), Mon 4 Droitwich Area Please pray for Paula Honniball as she begins her ministry as Associate in (Willesden), In the new deanery structure, Droitwich Deanery is likely to be split three ways Afikpo (Nigeria): M Stoke Prior, and , lead the parish as it hopefully becomes Bishop Paul A. Udogu (Edmonton), with parishes moving into the new Worcester, Bromsgrove and deaneries. (Fulham), part of the Bromsgrove team. Clergy: Wyn Beynon, Paula Honniball (Islington), (Stepney) Thank you to our hard-working Deanery Officers past and present. Pray for Rural North Africa: T Nidaros / New see and Dean Wyn Beynon who is retiring in Summer 2021. Tue 12 Bowbrook Benefice Bishop Samy Fawzy Trondheim (Norway): Tue 5 Wychebrook Benefice Pray for all who minister in Crowle and , for Crowle First School, the Open The Horn of Africa: W Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit the Book team & Fellowship Group; that we can meet again soon. For new facilities Bishop Kuan Kim Seng Pray that although our church communities may move forward in different The Episcopal / Anglican Province at Crowle church. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: of Alexandria: directions, we are always open to missional ways of working and see boundaries Agra (India): Th Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis as lines of welcome and cooperation rather than borders. Clergy: Wyn Beynon; Bishop Prem Prakash Habil Reader: Melissa Beynon Wed 13 Diocese of Morogoro Aguata (Nigeria): F Bishop Samuel C. Ezeofor M Abakaliki (Nigeria): Wed 6 Diocese of Peru Give thanks for the vital work at the hospital in Berega. Pray for Director, Canon Isaac Mgego, and all the doctors and nurses. We rejoice that the nursing school Bishop Monday Chukwuma Nkwoagu Pray for all those who have suffered so heavily as a result of Covid in Peru, Ahoada (Nigeria): S has been recognised by the Government as an officially approved training institute. Bishop Clement N. Ekpeye T Aberdeen & Orkney (Scotland): particularly for those fighting illness and those who have no income in a country Bishop Anne Dyer without universal healthcare or unemployment support. Pray especially for young Thur 14 Bowbrook Benefice people for whom the future seems so bleak, that they may have hope. W Abuja (Nigeria): Pray for our ministry team at w and Tibberton and for all who have Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba Thur 7 Wychebrook Benefice been recently bereaved. For those exploring vocations and for Tibberton First School. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Th Pray as planning continues for Feckenham to potentially join the existing Christ Abyei (South Sudan): Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson Bishop Michael Deng K Bol the King Team (Crabbs Cross, Headless Cross and Astwood Bank) to form a new benefice sharing their focus of the south side of Redditch and immediate Fri 15 Bowbrook Benefice F Accra (Ghana): countryside. Clergy: Wyn Beynon Bishop Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto Pray for all in & ; the school, congregations and volunteers Fri 8 Wychebrook Benefice who maintain an active, visible and caring ministry. Pray for all who minister here. S Adelaide (Australia): Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Archbishop Geoffrey Smith In our proposed new structure, Stock and Bradley will return to the ‘new’ Bowbrook Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson Group. Pray that the building may be well used as a centre for this very rural and dispersed community. Clergy: Wyn Beynon Sat 16 Bowbrook Benefice Sat 9 Growing as Kingdom People Pray for the community of Hanbury. Pray also for the retired clergy that offer their ministries and for our worship leaders especially those leading the Open Door As the new deanery plan comes into effect, pray for all those who struggle with Sunday services. Pray for Hanbury First School and for all those who will hopefully change and pray that the new structure will be effective in offering us more flexibility be married here this year. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; in deploying ministry to better meet pastoral and missional needs. Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson Epiphany 2 Sunday 17 JANUARY Sunday 24 JANUARY Epiphany 3

Lord Jesus, who prayed that Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Holocaust Memorial Day Pray for all victims of we might all be one, we pray to The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally held Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes genocide, and those at you for the unity of Christians. between 18-25 January. place every year on 27 January, and is risk today in different parts May your Spirit enable us This year’s materials have been prepared by the Monastic the international day to remember those of the world. Pray that to experience the suffering Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The chosen murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi God’s peace may reign in caused by division and to hope theme, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is persecution and in the genocides that the hearts of all nations; beyond all hope. Amen. based on John 15:1-17 and expresses the Grandchamp followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and for reconciliation where Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity. Darfur. It is promoted and supported by there is division and that Droitwich Deanery The community has fifty sisters, all women from different generations, Church the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), God’s love would overcome Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon traditions, countries and continents. The sisters remain faithful to a life of prayer, the national charity which encourages hatred and fear. Lay Chair: Janet Bryan life in community and the welcoming of guests as they share the grace of their remembrance in a world scarred by genocide. Manchester: monastic life with visitors and volunteers who go to Grandchamp for a time of HMD is marked in communities across the UK who come together to learn, reflect Bishop David Walker with retreat, silence, healing or in search of meaning. and take action for a safer future. Faith groups are a huge part of this, and HMDT Droitwich Deanery Bishops Mark Ashcroft (Bolton), Abiding in Christ is an inner attitude that takes root in us over time. It demands provides support and resources to help churches mark HMD with their parishes. Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Janet Bryan Mark Davies (Middleton) space to grow. It can be overtaken by the struggle for the necessities of life and it For HMD 2021, the theme is “Be the light in the darkness” – a call to action which Tampere (Finland): is threatened by the distractions, noise, activity and the challenges of life. During resonates with people of all faiths and none. : Bishop Matti Repo this week, the sisters are inviting churches to enter into their tradition of prayer Bishop with Bishop Anne The Anglican Church of Australia: Resources include prayers, liturgical resources, films, life stories and much more. Hollinghurst (Aston) Archbishop Geoffrey Smith and silence, remembering that prayer and everyday life are not two separate For more information, visit HMDT’s website. realities but are meant to be united. All that we experience is meant to become an Cork, Cloyne and Ross (Ireland): encounter with God. Bishop Paul Colton M Aipo Rongo (Papua New Guinea): Mon 25 Worcestershire Severn Parishes Elsinore (Denmark): Bishop Nathan Ingen Mon 18 Saltway Team Bishop Lise-Lotte Rebel At St Michael, Elmley Lovett, pray for plans for the church building and links with The Church of Bangladesh: T Ajayi Crowther (Nigeria): Please pray for all who are part of our existing congregations in Cutnall Green school. At St James, , pray for the vision for the Archbishop Samuel Sunil Mankhin Bishop Olugbenga O. Oduntan (St Peter de Witton, St Augustine , St Andrew and St Nicholas) and future of the church building. At St Mary, Elmbridge, for our All Age Worship and & w as we embrace new patterns of at St Michael, Rushock, for the opportunities with young families. Clergy: Stephen W Akobo (South Sudan): Akure (Nigeria): M Winter; Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes Bishop John Jok Cho worshipping together. Please also pray for all those who have lost loved ones over Bishop Simeon O. Borokini recent months. Clergy: Byard, Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen. Th Akoko (Nigeria): Tue 26 Worcestershire Severn Parishes Alabama (USA): T Archbishop Gabriel A. Akinbiyi Tue 19 Saltway Team At St James, , pray for new opportunities in the village and with the school Bishop John McKee Sloan F Akoko Edo (Nigeria): Please pray for the work with local schools across the team as we continue to seek and the future of the mission church at Crossway Green. Clergy: Stephen Winter; Alaska (USA): W Bishop Jolly E. Oyekpen to serve them in the best way during these challenging times. Clergy: Nigel Byard, Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes Bishop Mark Lattime Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen S Akot (South Sudan): Wed 27 Economy and Daily Life Saint Albans: Th Bishop Isaac Dhieu Ater Wed 20 The Protestant Church of Central Germany At this time of the year, when it is cold or wet, pray for those who work outside and Bishop Alan Smith with Bishops Michael Beasley (Hertford), Please pray for our EKM congregations as we work to establish ourselves as a for those who keep our vital services going. Give thanks for those who put comfort Richard Atkinson (Bedford) ‘Church for Peace with Justice’. Let our journey be shaped together with our partner or health at risk to provide us with the things we need or want, and in the service of churches, through the sharing of experiences in peace work. others, and pray for safety for all. Albany (USA): F Bishop William Love Thur 21 Saltway Team Thur 28 Retired clergy in Droitwich Algoma (Canada): S Please pray for the new contemporary congregation at St Andrew’s Church and the On this Commemoration of Thomas Aquinas, when we give thanks for his great Archbishop Anne Germond continued Civic role at the centre of the town and in the wider community. Clergy: wisdom and gifts as a teacher, we give thanks too for the wisdom and insight which Nigel Byard, Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen has informed the preaching of the retired clergy of Droitwich across the years. Fri 22 Worcestershire Severn Parishes Fri 29 Diocesan Office support staff At St Andrew, , pray for the ongoing ‘Towards 10 Years’ programme Pray for those who enable the diocesan office to function effectively – the looking forward to the 200th anniversary of the current church in 2028. At St Mary, caretakers, receptionists, cleaners and gardeners along with all those who serve in Doverdale, pray for links with Sytchampton school and the securing of the church an administration role. fabric. Clergy: Stephen Winter; Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes Sat 30 Education in the Diocese Sat 23 Growing as Kingdom People Pray for all those who work in the Diocesan Education Team. For Director of Pray that we may each find ways to play our part in the journey towards healthy and Education, Margaret James; Deputy Director, Tim Reid; Executive Officer, Gilly sustainable churches and that the values of love, compassion, justice and freedom Maxim; Administrator, Laura Farmer; Education Advisers, Gemma Martin and will continue to underpin our lives together. Duncan Hutchison; and the consultants who support their work. Also pray for the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DoWMAT), CEO: Claire Davies. If you have a story to feature on a Sunday in a future diary, please do get in touch! Large print copies of the diary are always available – email Sam Setchell, Communications Officer [email protected] , or contact the Diocesan Office reception on01905 20537 if you or someone you know would like one.

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