Praying for God’s Kingdom to come in City

Churches Together in Gloucester

May 2021 – and beyond…

Lord, enlarge our vision of your work in Gloucester, and empower us afresh to play our part. Thy Kingdom come! Amen

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Dear friends in the churches and Christian communities of Gloucester City

When Jesus’ friends asked him how to pray, he responded “pray ’Father in heaven… Your Kingdom come…’” (Luke chapter 11).

As we approach Pentecost, we’re taking part in a great wave of prayer across the world. We invite you to share in praying expectantly during the 11 days from 13 to 23 May, and beyond, for our life and mission across the city.

To inform our prayers, we asked leaders of all the churches and Christian communities in Gloucester to share:

• “one key area for which you thankful to God ; • one key area for which you are asking God ”.

In this booklet we list all the churches and communities contacted, and all replies received. They are grouped into 11 days: the churches roughly by area, followed by chaplaincies, education and other organisations. We start each day with a Bible verse for reflection.

As we cautiously re-emerge, like tender new shoots after the pruning of the pandemic lockdown, we’re carrying something of the pain of grief, loss and division, while facing the deepening challenge of climate change.

May God use our prayers to release hope, and to grow us together into the temple of the Holy Spirit that we are, for God’s glory, and for God’s Kingdom to come in Gloucester – soon!

Thank you for all your prayers.

God bless us all, as we stay close to Jesus through this season and beyond.

Churches Together in Gloucester Email: [email protected] PS Do join the ‘Prayers for the City’ – Fridays 1-1.30pm @de Crypt on Southgate Street – come when you can.

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DAY 1 Thomas said, “Lord we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way? Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn 14:5-6)

Gloucester Cathedral

for the teamwork across the for discernment and forward-looking cathedral community that has enabled strategic planning with the city clergy good common working and mutual and other key partners in the coming support over the pandemic period. year.

Christ Church (Brunswick Rd)

Brunswick Baptist

for our recently retired minister, who for the right new minister, that we served the church for 19 years. might serve the community in Gloucester even better. St Peter's Catholic Church (London Rd) for the witness of care and for the grace to be attentive and the compassion seen in the lives of so many willingness to respond to the cry of the people throughout the pandemic. poor and the cry of the earth. St Catharine (London Rd) for the way people have stayed for how we help individuals and connected with and caring for each families who have begun a faith journey other, and that this time has helped in the last year to connect in a deeper people discover and use gifts that God way with Jesus and the church. has given them. Kingsholm Christian Community for support and encouragement of for God to encounter us powerfully one another through the past year through his spirit, to move us forward Destiny Temple (Kingsholm)

Ebenezer Gospel Hall (Russell St)

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DAY 2 “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Saviour and my God!” (Psalm 42:11)

Mariners (Docks) that God has helped and guided that God would guide us in this new Mariners through this period without a season as Rev Kieran Douglass takes Senior Leader (in the midst of a up his role, and as we come out of pandemic!), and we are so thankful that lockdown. That He would show us what our new Senior Leader has now joined church ministries to take up again, and us. which to lay down. Southgate Street Evangelical for the many ways in which God has for God’s blessing on those who blessed us individually, as a community have tirelessly nursed many back to and as a nation during the last year; for health and on those who have brought our doctors and nurses who have comfort to the dying; for the nation to be attended the sick, while willingly placing brought closer to God; that our themselves in a situation of grave Government may seek God’s face, as danger; for the scientists and clinicians we travel along the road to recovery. who have worked tirelessly to find a vaccine to halt the suffering caused by the pandemic. St John's Methodist Northgate & Barton Street Methodist for God’s continuing ‘Good for God’s guidance and support as Shepherding’ care of these flocks during we move to discern what is the best the time of the Pandemic, all have safely forward for the continuing presence of passed through the dark valley of Methodism in the City of Gloucester. … lockdowns. Salvation Army for the opportunity of online worship for major refurbishment to improve and small groups access, welcome and support for the community, and to live out the great commission to make disciples.

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DAY 3 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you were called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Col. 3:15)

Discover de Crypt (Southgate St) for the dedication of staff and as we prepare to welcome visitors volunteers including those whose work again, for opportunities to share our has transformed the churchyard space FAITH in Jesus Christ, the STORY of our history and heritage and the LIFE of the city of Gloucester. Gloucester Quaker Meeting for the intellect and commitment of We pray for the continuing equitable scientists who have brought us the hope deployment of vaccines throughout the of safety and security through the world. development of vaccines; also for the technology which has enabled us to remain connected to those of us dispersed across the country and helped us maintain a sense of meaningful worship during this difficult year. St Mary de Lode

for opportunities to offer pastoral for guidance in community care during the pandemic including in consultation around the wider use of the the local care homes church building St Mary's Congregational

St Swithun’s for the work of the Children and for opportunities to deepen our Families Worker, for our partnership with commitment to the environment as we the local school, for the joy of Virtual work for an Eco Church award Messy Church Elim (Park End Rd)

Seventh-Day Adventist (Cromwell St)

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DAY 4 “The Lord will come to us as surely as the arrival of dawn, or the coming of rains in early spring” (Hosea 6:3)

St Paul’s and St Stephen’s (Stroud Rd) for the health of people (apart from for our mission and ministry to the vicar nobody has contracted Covid) children and families and how we can and the joy of people returning and able serve them in this diverse community; to gather together in a variety of ways for God to raise up volunteers and across the parish. encourage them to step forward. City Church (Seymour Rd)

Gloucester Community Church (St Luke’s Stroud Rd)

New Testament Church of God (Stroud Rd)

Church of God of Prophecy (Tredworth) that God has kept us safe through for God’s help for those of our this pandemic. families who are not Christians to experience Jesus Christ as their personal saviour. Kingfisher Tredworth for the people who have come to to be not distracted by pre-lockdown faith in Christ over the lockdown period but focussed on what the Lord is doing now and calling us to in this new season, and to seize that! New Apostolic Church (Tredworth) for the grace of our Lord Jesus that the promised glorious return of Christ, God’s love, and the activity of the His Son be soon fulfilled and that many Holy Spirit through the ministry may be worthy partakers on this day. St James' Tredworth (Upton St)

Emmanuel Christian Church Upton St

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DAY 5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; not on your own insight. Seek God’s will in all you do, and God will show you the path to take” (Proverbs 3:6)

Holy Trinity Longlevens for the opportunity to support for guidance on how to reach out to individuals exploring their faith anew communities; and to grow our commitment to becoming an Eco-church Kendal Road Baptist for continued connections with our for help and guidance as we local community through the pandemic: gradually start meeting physically, from our Out To Lunch group for sensitive to the needs of everyone, from Seniors, to our Mums and Baby group. those desperate to come back to those who are not yet ready. Lonsdale Rd Methodist

Golden Valley Church ()

St Lawrence’s Barnwood for growth in pastoral care and for guidance in renewing our communication with members of our Sunday services pattern from congregation during the pandemic, September, to include a more including providing worship for people at contemporary-style service, and groups home via video and printed material. for children; also to move forward together, and that this will lead to a growth in faith and discipleship among the present congregation and those who are newly welcomed in. St Oswald’s (Coney Hill) for the great work of the Coney Hill for a time of prayerfulness seeking Food Hub, providing thousands of food God’s direction for the future of the portions throughout the pandemic. church in the community. continued…

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…continued Abbey Church (Abbeydale)

for two baptism services this month for our Sunday meeting to move (two because of COVID restrictions!) from Abbeydale Community centre, back to Heron School with more capacity; for wisdom in moving forward with blended online and in person services. Christchurch Abbeydale

that our Pastoral Team and pastoral for our embracing of ‘Leading Your links have more than stood up to the test Church Into Growth’ which will re-start of the lockdowns. Pastoral work has this autumn, to enable us to grow a excelled and the links system has vision for spiritual, numerical and worked really well, in every test. missional growth. St Leonard's (Upton)

“How wonderful and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. (Psalm 133:2)

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DAY 6 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” (1 Timothy 2:1)

St Augustine's RC Church Matson for the multi-cultural nature of the for courage to serve the poor and parish and the use of its buildings by vulnerable on our doorstep in Matson Indians of the Syro Malabar Rite. and the pastoral area for which the parish has responsibility. Matson Baptist that the fellowship has developed that God would give us a greater and drawn closer, whilst also breaking vision going forward, with boldness faith out of the walls, during Covid and expectancy; playing our part in seeing His Kingdom grow in our community, transforming lives St Katherine's (CofE) Matson for being able to worship in our for wisdom and guidance as we beautiful building and for deepening further grow relationships and continue relationships with Share Matson and the to be part of all that God is doing in Long Table Matson. Forest Church, Robinswood Hill that our tentative explorations about for wisdom for the decision making how to re-engage are beginning to take around how to re-engage. some initial shape and offer some possibilities. One Church Robinswood

Trinity Baptist (Finlay Rd)

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DAY 7 “Jesus said, ‘the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have told you” (Jn 14:26)

St Barnabas’ for one another, our new for discernment of the way in which relationships with the Church in Tuffley we are called to “share the good news of and other churches and community Jesus” and deepen our relationship with organisations, and for God’s love and God and one another as we continue to guidance through the pandemic. Also move out of lockdown. for the many gifts, fruits and hearts being grown, released and stirred up by the Holy Spirit One Church for the opportunity to meet together for new opportunities within the again and for what God has done in the community over this next season. lives of our congregation over this last year. English Martyrs for the Church in Tuffley – for reaching out to Catholics who relationships, prayer and mission with are resting, and to those who are Christians of other denominations. interested, in the pastoral area for which the parish has responsibility. Grange Baptist for the way God has helped us grow for the future as we seek God on together over the last 12 months. the way forward with how we reach out to our neighbours and grow our church . St George's Tuffley for keeping us worshipping together for growth and for successful easing in different ways over the last year or so of lockdown measures so we can gather and a successful day of interviews for together in worship as we prefer to. new vicar. …continued

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…continued Church in Tuffley (churches together) for the joint vision and passion to for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, see God's Kingdom in Tuffley and the bringing people to faith, taking initial ongoing unity of its church folk. steps confidently on their journeys with Christ. Vineyard (Holmleigh Park Tuffley) that God has sustained and for wisdom as we re-engage in strengthened the church over COVID , and for a venue from which to base our outreach. St Margaret's Whaddon for the faithful witness of our for faithful workers to join us in congregations during this difficult year spreading the good news of Jesus and the Kingdom

Father, thank You for Your beautiful, multicultural, intergenerational family, gathering regularly online and in person across the city. Revive and sanctify us, we pray. Build us together into Your house of prayer for the city, for all who live and work and visit, for those who struggle and for those who care. Grow our clarity and confidence to play our part in Your mission. And set our hearts on fire afresh with Your gospel of love for all, as we look forward expectantly for Your Kingdom to come. Amen

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DAY 8 “Jesus said, ‘this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12)

Coopers Edge Mission

Hucclecote Methodist

St Philip‘s & St James’

Hillview Evangelical for God’s protection and provision for real wisdom as we grapple with for us as a church in this tough time; for what kind of church God wants us to be being able to use new technology to as we emerge from this pandemic. We keep people connected; and for the new need clarity and unity for the way initiatives to connect and share practical forward so we can share Jesus with love with the local community. others. St James' for being able to remain open for for guidance and blessing in worship and prayer during the recent appointing a new Priest in Charge; and lockdown. that we may be better equipped for serving needs in our community, particularly of the most vulnerable. St Nicholas’ Hardwicke for the possibility of pioneer ministry that our newly livestreamed Sunday on service would gain a larger audience St John the Baptist’s Elmore for our partnership with Elmore that plans to renovate the Guise Court and the many weddings we mausoleum would help us in our mission conduct as a result to visitors St Lawrence’s Longney for our partnership with the local that the planned re-ordering of our school and the news of new classrooms Church for community use would come to be built there to fruition.

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Chaplaincies, Education, and other Christian organisations

DAY 9 “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:17)

Gloucestershire University Oxstalls (Chaplaincy) “that we and other teams have been for God to continue to help students, able to work and support students and especially the large numbers who are staff through the pandemic; and for feeling lonely, confused, and opportunities where we have been able anxious; that all students and staff may to offer comfort and reassurance to find ways to adapt to yet more changes isolated students. as they prepare to return full time in September; and that students may find their way to our Sanctuary Spaces when they need to retreat from academic and social pressures and where we can offer help.” King's School Gloucester for God’s support for the school for everyone connected with the community in the last 12 months, with all school; for God's guidance as we plan the challenges of lockdown, online for assemblies and services next year, teaching etc; for the online assemblies hopefully building on some of the things and services, and the services that we we did differently during this last year. were able to hold in the Cathedral, including the 9 Carol Services! St Peter's RC High School for God’s continuing care, for all young people and their shepherding and invitation to see anew families to know their worth in the eyes through his eyes; for diversity of of Father God and in our communities; environment, of people, of cultures, and and to be strengthened to use their gifts the richness each brings to us. to build communities of love for all. St Peter's RC Primary School for those who help people in need. to help us shine God’s light in all that we say and do …continued 15

…continued Church of England Schools and Academies

Gloucester City Council (Mayor's Chaplain) that the Council has been able to for the period of transition after the support vulnerable people financially 6 May elections; and for the incoming through local projects throughout the mayor. various lockdowns Wotton Lawn Hospital chaplaincy for the dedicated staff members and that the Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy teams who have worked so tirelessly to Team might continue to offer the highest maintain services and to keep people quality spiritual, religious and pastoral healthy and safe in the most challenging care and support to all patients and of circumstances, and for the members of staff in our mental health tremendous blessing to the nation that and learning disability services, and in the NHS is. our community hospitals. Gloucester Royal Hospital (GRH) Dept of Spiritual Care for the privileges and opportunities for the grace to build upon them in that have been ours through the coming months, especially as we bring pandemic. our volunteer team back together.

The Commemorative Dandelion garden at GRH, remembering Gloucestershire’s lives lost from the pandemic and the compassion and resilience shown by carers and key workers who responded so courageously in adversity.

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5) 16

DAY 10… Dear friends, since God loved us so much that he sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins, we surely ought to love each other! (1 Jn 4:11)

GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees & Asylum Seekers) that we have been able to continue for a more kind and generous to support our clients throughout such a attitude to those in dire need of safety difficult year, with remarkable support across the world would become the from so many. norm from Government and community. Gloucester City Mission for being able to keep going through for wisdom in developing new the pandemic in offering love and projects to enable clients to live support to clients, practically, spiritually. independent lives with the love of Jesus. Gloucester Food Bank for donations of food, funds, time for legal breakthrough on the lease and vans, enabling us to support those for new premises. struggling to feed themselves with larger food parcels delivered to their door within the City and beyond Glos & District Christian Choir for the choir’s welcome to for God to guide us into making the everyone regardless of denomination, right decisions about coming together to race or colour or no faith at all; and for sing face to face zoom which has enabled us to be together every week Gloucester City Church of England Funerals project for the dedication of funeral for times of refreshment, renewal directors, ministers, crematorium staff and space to find God’s compassion and and others ministering to the bereaved hope in the midst of bereavement. Churches Together in Gloucester for good health and safety for most; that we learn from the pruning Covid for the sacrificial service of so many, not has delivered and move forward to bear just in the church; for the innovation of more fruit. those producing on-line worship.

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DAY 11 “When we run into problems and trials, we can rejoice, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:1-5)

Street Pastors for good atmosphere on the streets for growth in night-clubbers’ attitudes and acceptance/welcoming of Street of responsibility and care for each other Pastors as part of night life in as night life gets going again; interest in Gloucester. and willingness to talk about faith. TIC+ (previously Teens in Crisis) for God’s provision for our service for the children and young people enabling us to be able to offer support to who contact us needing support, whose over 3000 children young people and numbers have risen dramatically: that families over the past 12 months. God will protect them His peace joy and hope. Many are struggling with self- harm, suicidal thoughts and some have plans to take their own life; also for the wellbeing of our team, and for the resources and wisdom to manage the increase in risk and demand. Gloucester Church of England Diocesan Staff for the commitment and hard work for finding new working patterns as of so many that has enabled local we emerge from the pandemic that churches to serve their communities in strengthen our life and our support for the last year the wider diocese Listening Post for our amazing staff and volunteer for our clients, those who are counsellors, our funders, and all those struggling to cope, and for us to better who enabled us to weather the meet the needs of all our communities. pandemic storm, able to continue counselling online and by phone in the past year.

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Roots Community (Café) for government support keeping us for a strong reopening with plenty of afloat and many generous grants; for a business, and clarity about what it strong team and continued good means for us to be on mission in relationships with local organisations Kingsholm World Café for relationships within the World for wisdom in reconnecting safely as Café that have continued to flourish we seek to gather again, how we can during the pandemic: supporting 50 grow and develop together as an families per week with groceries through organic faith community that spans generous donations. many nations.

“I pray Father that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:21)

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“Yes, I am coming soon”, says the Lord. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)

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