DOCSLIB.ORG

Together Uniting the Diocese of Derby During the Covid-19 Pandemic Issue 8 - December 2020

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Together Uniting the Diocese of Derby During the Covid-19 Pandemic Issue 8 - December 2020 Our Diocese Together Uniting the Diocese of Derby during the Covid-19 pandemic Issue 8 - December 2020 Bishop’s Badge honours Covid Community Heroes Meet Malcolm Macnaughton the next Bishop of Repton News Advent Hope Between 30 November and 24 December 2020, Bishop Libby invites you to join her each week for an hour of prayer and reflection based upon seasonal Bible passages and collects as together we look for the coming of Christ and the hope that gives us of his kingdom. Advent Hope is open to all and will be held on Mondays from 8am - 9am and repeated on Thursdays from 8pm - 9pm. Email [email protected] for the access link. Interim Diocesan Director of Education announced Canon Linda Wainscot, formerly Director of Education for the Diocese of Coventry, will take up the position as Interim Diocesan Director of Education for two days a week during the spring term 2021. Also, Dr Alison Brown will continue to support headteachers and schools, offering one and two days a week as required, ensuring their Christian Distinctiveness within the diocese. Both roles will be on a consultancy basis, starting in January 2021. Linda said: “Having had a long career in education, I retired in August 2020 from my most recent role as Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) for the Diocese of Coventry (a post I held for almost 20 years). Prior to this, I was a teacher and senior leader in maintained and independent schools and an FE College as well as being involved in teacher training. In addition to worshipping in Rugby, I am privileged to be an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral and for two years I was the chair of the Anglican Association of Directors of Education. At the heart of my philosophy for education is my passion that every young person and adult connected with Church of England schools might experience the love of God in a tangible and life-giving way. I am honoured to have been asked to support the Diocese of Derby, the DBE and its family of schools and academies for the spring term and look forward to ‘meeting’ and working with you”. Living in Love and Faith The Church of England has published a landmark set of resources drawing together the Bible, theology, science and history with powerful real-life stories as it embarks on a new process of discernment and decision-making on questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. Living in Love and Faith includes a 480-page book, a series of films and podcasts, a course and an online library of other publications, in what is thought to be the most extensive work in this area by any faith group in the world. The Church of England has invited everyone to learn together. In the New Year, Bishop Libby will draw together a working group to facilitate using these resources for open and honest discussions, listening and learning from each other across the Diocese of Derby. 2 Archdeacon Carol writes... Christmas will be different this year O tidings of comfort and joy, to the shepherds on the hillside giving them a feeling of urgency, or the peace of the Christ Comfort and joy, child asleep on the hay. O tidings of comfort and joy For us perhaps we could look for ways in our lives that would help us and others experience We all need a little comfort and joy in our lives Christmas in a different way. In the days of - this year more than ever. As we approach my grandparents, Christmas was a far simpler the longest and darkest months of this affair. There were homemade gifts, knitted unprecedented year we will all have to hold socks / scarfs, baked cookies, homemade onto creative ways to show each other some decorations, a small gathering of carollers comfort and joy. singing outside for figgy pudding, and we The traditions we may have had of large were grateful for the time spent with one family gatherings, people travelling for day another. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, visits, the extravaganza shopping trips, or a smile to a passer-by at two metres apart, visits to the theatre and the panto, are not could give a measure of comfort and going to be possible this year in the way we acknowledgement of joy. would normally expect. Christmas will be As Christians we can be firm in the knowledge different! that we are all loved beyond all measure with As you prepare in Advent, and think of the hope for our future. And as we begin a New nativity narratives, of Mary and Joseph Year, lets us all try to be witnesses to that travelling to Bethlehem, of Shepherds in the message in the real and virtual world so we fields, you can reflect on what might it have can change lives with Faith, Hope and Love. been like for them. How would they have Blessings for Christmas and the New Year. found comfort and joy? It might have been through the very simplest Carol of things, the kind words of Elizabeth to Mary, the steady capability of Joseph searching to The Ven Carol Costlett find a place to rest for Mary, the hope brought Archdeacon of Chesterfield The Church of England has offered Reflections on “Comfort and Joy” based on Nine Lessons and Carols with a welcome from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. A free app is available to download from Apple and Google which features audio versions of the Bible readings and carols. You can also purchase the “Comfort and Joy” booklet for your prayers and thoughts. #Comfort and joy invites us to hear again the message of the angels - good news of God’s unfailing love for the world that is weary and hurting. Visit the Church of England or Diocese of Derby website for more 3 Breaston’s Bishop’s Badge Winner! Sarah Warburton, a parishioner at St Michael’s Church in Breaston, was one of around 40 people from the across the Diocese of Derby to be recognised for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic and awarded a Bishop’s Badge. A special service was live-streamed on Zoom from Derby Cathedral where Bishop Libby officially gave recognition and presented the awards. Sarah was recognised for her work in leading and coordinating the Covid-19 street leaders in Breaston, providing support for the vulnerable and setting up and leading a food collection service for local food charities. Sarah said she felt incredibly lucky to be awarded the Bishops Badge: “It certainly feels like I received the Bishop’s Badge on behalf of a fabulous team of volunteers, without whom we definitely wouldn’t have been able to do everything that we have done in Breaston. I collected it on behalf of a group of people especially those who helped make the scheme possible, including Richard Warburton, my Husband, Paul Stuttle, Jo Whitehead and Sarah and her daughter outside Revd Chris Smedley – vicar at St Michael’s Breaston.” St Michael’s Church, Breaston When it looked like a lockdown was likely, St Michael’s Church had a meeting with the parish council, the Breaston community forum, the Good Neighbour Scheme and the Methodist Church about how they could respond in the village to help the community. Flyers were sent to each house offering help with shopping, post and prescription collections. Such was the hugely positive response that shortly after 130 volunteers had registered. The group’s ambitious goal of having a leader on every street in the village was achieved within a week and when things quietened down, the network organised a food collection for the Canaan Trust and the Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank. Sarah said: “There were just so many incredible stories coming out of what was happening in the village. One lady was shopping for 10 elderly neighbours and that was at the time that the restrictions were in place.” Sarah really hopes that the community spirit will continue: “We have been at St Michael’s Church for three years and during that time we have seen so many volunteers from the church being active in the community. At the time of the pandemic, many of those were forced to isolate, so it’s been a really good time for the younger generation to step up and get involved to do their part.” “We’ve now got the network and hope to continue it. We have a food collection planned for Christmas and with the second wave we have been in contact with everyone again to see if they are available to help and have again received such a great response.” 4 St Wilfrid’s, Barrow upon Trent New look church offers new opportunities to local community Since May 2020, our Anglo-Saxon / Medieval We hope to welcome many people over the church has been undergoing a large-scale next few months for visits, meetings and any transformation with builders making our other activities that may be provided church into a place for everyone to use, not (restrictions permitting). just on Sundays. We hope to reopen St Wilfrid’s in December The first stage began in February; the pews when everyone can see their church with its were sold and all rubbish and redundant items new appearance, taking it back to its Anglo- were removed from the church. Whilst it was Saxon roots - a community open space for sad to see our old pews going out the church everyone. door, we were also delighted that they had In 2021, we hope to organise some events.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Report on the Developments in Women's Ministry in 2018
    A Report on the Developments in Women’s Ministry in 2018 WATCH Women and the Church A Report on the Developments in Women’s Ministry 2018 In 2019 it will be: • 50 years since women were first licensed as Lay Readers • 25 years since women in the Church of England were first ordained priests • 5 years since legislation was passed to enable women to be appointed bishops In 2018 • The Rt Rev Sarah Mullaly was translated from the See of Crediton to become Bishop of London (May 12) and the Very Rev Viv Faull was consecrated on July 3rd, and installed as Bishop of Bristol on Oct 20th. Now 4 diocesan bishops (out of a total of 44) are women. In December 2018 it was announced that Rt Rev Libby Lane has been appointed the (diocesan) Bishop of Derby. • Women were appointed to four more suffragan sees during 2018, so at the end of 2018 12 suffragan sees were filled by women (from a total of 69 sees). • The appointment of two more women to suffragan sees in 2019 has been announced. Ordained ministry is not the only way that anyone, male or female, serves the church. Most of those who offer ministries of many kinds are not counted in any way. However, WATCH considers that it is valuable to get an overview of those who have particular responsibilities in diocese and the national church, and this year we would like to draw attention to The Church Commissioners. This group is rarely noticed publicly, but the skills and decisions of its members are vital to the funding of nearly all that the Church of England is able to do.
    [Show full text]
  • GS Misc 1158 GENERAL SYNOD 1 Next Steps on Human Sexuality Following the February 2017 Group of Sessions, the Archbishops Of
    GS Misc 1158 GENERAL SYNOD Next Steps on Human Sexuality Following the February 2017 Group of Sessions, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York issued a letter on 16th February outlining their proposals for continuing to address, as a church, questions concerning human sexuality. The Archbishops committed themselves and the House of Bishops to two new strands of work: the creation of a Pastoral Advisory Group and the development of a substantial Teaching Document on the subject. This paper outlines progress toward the realisation of these two goals. Introduction 1. Members of the General Synod will come back to the subject of human sexuality with very clear memories of the debate and vote on the paper from the House of Bishops (GS 2055) at the February 2017 group of sessions. 2. Responses to GS 2055 before and during the Synod debate in February underlined the point that the ‘subject’ of human sexuality can never simply be an ‘object’ of consideration for us, because it is about us, all of us, as persons whose being is in relationship. Yes, there are critical theological issues here that need to be addressed with intellectual rigour and a passion for God’s truth, with a recognition that in addressing them we will touch on deeply held beliefs that it can be painful to call into question. It must also be kept constantly in mind, however, that whatever we say here relates directly to fellow human beings, to their experiences and their sense of identity, to their lives and to the loves that shape and sustain them.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Bristol
    Easter Day 4 April 2021 Welcome to the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, Bristol Whether you are a regular worshipper, or this is your first time visiting the Cathedral, you are most welcome. The service can be followed in the main booklet. This week’s services can be found on the Music List on our website. HAPPY EASTER! The Bishop of Bristol joins the Dean & Chapter in wishing you all a peaceful and blessed Easter. The Chapter also thanks all those who have contributed to the life and worship at Bristol Cathedral this Lent and Holy Week. It has been a most memorable time. THIS WEEK We will continue to broadcast Morning Prayer at 8.00am, daily, and the Eucharist on Sundays. Services are broadcast via www.facebook.com/bristolcathedral and www.youtube.com/bristolcathedralvideo. From Tuesday 6 April the Cathedral will be open for the 12.30pm Eucharist (not broadcast). There is no need to book, but your contact details will be taken on arrival. GENERAL New Canon Missioner and new Chief Operating Officer You may have seen two announcements on our social media this week: our new Canon Missioner is the Revd Jonnie Parkin, currently a priest in Grantham. Our new Chief Operating Officer (Chapter Clerk) is Bristol born-and-bred Ben Silvey. Ben will start on Monday 24 May, and Jonnie will be installed at Evensong on Sunday 22 August. Do keep them and their families in your prayers as they prepare to move to these new positions. Daily Hope – phone line A reminder that the Church of England has launched a dedicated phone line.
    [Show full text]
  • Work-In-Worship.Pdf
    WORK IN WORSHIP (Revised edition 1997) A COLLECTION OF MATERIAL FOR THOSE COMPILING "WORK THEME" SERVICES Compiled and edited by David Welbourn 1 CONTENTS Introduction Section 1: Prayer Material for Services 5 Section 2: Hymns, Psalms & Poems 89 Section 3: Readings 113 Section 4: Sermons 138 Section 5: Sample Services 165 Section 6: Private Prayer 225 2 INTRODUCTION The previous edition of Work in Worship was published in 1985. It has served its purpose well, but now looks considerably dated - for example in the way it assumed that work is typically male, full-time and in manufacturing industry, as well as in its use of gender-exclusive language. A new edition is now needed, one that takes into account the very changed - and ever-changing - work scene of today. The opportunity is also taken to incorporate some of the valuable new material produced since 1985. The retention of our original title, however, indicates that we still stand four-square behind the aims of the first Work in Worship; that is, our purpose is to provide material which will assist clergy and others in the task of compiling "work theme" church services. The most significant differences from the 1985 edition are that (1) we now include whole "sample" services (presenting, as it were, complete meals not just individual dishes); and (2) we offer the material in electronic format. We provide Prayer Material for Services under various headings – Opening, Thanksgiving etc – which are intended as building-blocks for a work-theme service. But before going any further, let us briefly consider some basic principles of service compilation, and ask ourselves what purposes should be served in services of worship.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Derby in the Matter of St Alkmund Duffield and in the Matter of Two Petitions Dated 20Th July 2011
    In the Consistory Court of the Diocese of Derby In the Matter of St Alkmund Duffield and in the matter of two petitions dated 20th July 2011 Before the Chancellor, His Honour John W. Bullimore Hearing 21st December 2011 Judgment 1. The church, which stands a little way outside the centre of Duffield, a few miles from Derby itself, is a listed building of Grade 1. It is therefore placed within only 3% or so of all listed buildings and considered by the Secretary of State to be of exceptional architectural and historic interest. The petitions 2. I have two petitions to consider, both dated 20th July 2011, presented by the Vicar, the Reverend Mark Pickles, and the wardens, Mr Stuart Holmes and Mr Michael Stanier. The following brief verbal description of the works proposed, is more clearly seen by reference to the architect’s drawings of Mrs Elizabeth Walker of Anthony Short and Partners, (‘ASAP’), numbered T62-22A and 23. 3. The first petition seeks permission to relocate the chancel screen into the Bradshaw Chapel that lies to the north-east of the nave, and to make changes to raised platforms that are positioned at various points in the church. The petitioners want to remove a pew platform at the east end of the south aisle, which presently accommodates the music and singing groups, and another that is partly located within the Chapel and extends southwards into the area to the east of the north aisle. This contains three or four rows of pews, facing to the south, and behind them, rows of chairs, similarly placed.
    [Show full text]
  • Porvoo Prayer Diary 2021
    PORVOO PRAYER DIARY 2021 The Porvoo Declaration commits the churches which have signed it ‘to share a common life’ and ‘to pray for and with one another’. An important way of doing this is to pray through the year for the Porvoo churches and their Dioceses. The Prayer Diary is a list of Porvoo Communion Dioceses or churches covering each Sunday of the year, mindful of the many calls upon compilers of intercessions, and the environmental and production costs of printing a more elaborate list. Those using the calendar are invited to choose one day each week on which they will pray for the Porvoo churches. It is hoped that individuals and parishes, cathedrals and religious orders will make use of the Calendar in their own cycle of prayer week by week. In addition to the churches which have approved the Porvoo Declaration, we continue to pray for churches with observer status. Observers attend all the meetings held under the Agreement. The Calendar may be freely copied or emailed for wider circulation. The Prayer Diary is updated once a year. For corrections and updates, please contact Ecumenical Officer, Maria Bergstrand, Ms., Stockholm Diocese, Church of Sweden, E-mail: [email protected] JANUARY 3/1 Church of England: Diocese of London, Bishop Sarah Mullally, Bishop Graham Tomlin, Bishop Pete Broadbent, Bishop Rob Wickham, Bishop Jonathan Baker, Bishop Ric Thorpe, Bishop Joanne Grenfell. Church of Norway: Diocese of Nidaros/ New see and Trondheim, Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit, Bishop Herborg Oline Finnset 10/1 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland: Diocese of Oulu, Bishop Jukka Keskitalo Church of Norway: Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland (Bodø), Bishop Ann-Helen Fjeldstad Jusnes Church of England: Diocese of Coventry, Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop John Stroyan.
    [Show full text]
  • Mission and Ministry Training Opportunities 2017-2018
    MISSION AND MINISTRY TRAINING PPORTUNITIES O 2017-2018 Dear Colleague, I am delighted to send you the CMD programme for 2017-2018. We have tried to respond to needs identified in MDR summaries. There are a wide variety of events on offer. Towards the end of the brochure there are also some events organised by other organisations that may be of interest to you. There will be one or two more events arranged as the year progresses and we will email you about these in due course. However, I encourage you to take a look at what is on offer here and book up. Attending a training event such as these can give us new perspectives, as well as the opportunity to share our experience with others. Of course it comes at a cost; our work does not go away while we are out of the Mission Community. It is our responsibility to feed ourselves though. Taking time out to do so can give us new energy as well as new skills and perspectives. It is part of the task of ministry. I encourage you to take a look and book some training now. Inevitably some events will be oversubscribed. If the system does not allow you to book, please contact Cathy Scoffield [email protected] to be added to a waiting list. The easiest way to book is to follow the instructions below and book online. You will receive a confirmation that we have received your booking and 7 – 10 days before an event you should receive joining instructions.
    [Show full text]
  • THE DIOCESE of TRURO – June 2006
    DIOCESE OF TRURO Church House, Woodlands Court, Truro Business Park Threemilestone, Truro, TR4 9NH Daily Intercessions including Anglican World Cycle April 2017 1 Frederick Denison Maurice, priest, teacher of the faith, 1872 Bishop Tim returning from his sabbatical Sa Missouri (V, The Episcopal Church) + Wayne Smith. West Missouri (VII, The Episcopal Church) + Martin Field. 2 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT. The Cathedral – Roger Bush (C), Lynda Barley (C), Alan Bashforth (C), Mark Chapman (C), Simon Griffiths (C), Jane Horton (C) & the other members of the Chapter, Audrey Elkington (C), Helen Davies & Daphne Skinnard. Deanery of Carnmarth North – Vacant (RD), Sally Piper (LC). Su Porvoo: Church of Ireland: Diocese of Armagh, Archbishop Richard Clarke; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark: Diocese of Funen, Bishop Tine Lindhardt. AWC: Mityana (Uganda) + Stephen Kaziimba. 3 Members of the Episcopal College meeting today M Mombasa (Kenya) + Julius Katio Kalu. 4 The Rural Deans meeting today Tu Monmouth (Wales) + Richard Pain. 5 The Lay Chairs of our deaneries W Montana (VI, The Episcopal Church) + Charles Franklin Brookhart. 6 Members of Deanery Synods Th Montreal (Canada, Canada) + Mary Irwin-Gibson. 7 United Nations World Health Day* St Goran (Patr’l) w St Michael Caerhays – Christopher Newell (C), Graham Downes (R). F Moosonee (Ontario, Canada) + Thomas Corston. 8 For all those working in Church House Sa Moray, Ross & Caithness (Scotland) + Mark Strange. 9 PALM SUNDAY Boscastle and Tintagel Group of Churches – includes Minster (Patronal) and Tintagel (Patronal) - Churchwardens and Parish Officers, for their parishes in transition. Su Porvoo: Church of Sweden: Diocese of Uppsala, Archbishop Antje Jackelén, Bishop Ragnar Persenius; Church in Wales: Diocese of Llandaff, Archbishop Barry Morgan, Bishop David Wilbourne.
    [Show full text]
  • JULY 2021 Part 1 of 2 Cycle of Prayer
    JULY 2021 Part 1 of 2 Cycle of Prayer Holy Days / Saint’s Days / Calendar Day Date Name of Parish Schools People (Incumbent, Clergy, LLM’s) (Lectionary) Frampton Cotterell CE VC 1 Henry, John, and Henry Venn the younger, Primary School, July Priests, Evangelical Divines, 1797, 1813 and Frampton Cotterell: St Peter Headteacher: Mr Peter 2021 1873 Barnard 2 Iron Acton CE VC Primary Iron Acton: St James the Rector: Revd Malcolm Strange, Associate July School, Headteacher: Mr Less Ministers: Revd. Julia Chard, Revd Bob 2021 Mike Riches Conway, Revd Howard Smith, Curates: Revd Joanne Hodge, Revd Dave Jones, Revd Bob Latham, LLMs: Mr Les Colechin, Mrs Val Slade, Mrs Joanne Strange Winterbourne Down: All July THOMAS THE APOSTLE Saints 2021 St Michael's CE VC Primary 4 Winterbourne: St Michael the School (Winterbourne), July THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Archangel Headteacher: Mrs Kirsty 2021 Robson 5 Pray for good discernment as we reflect on Transforming Church July the findings from the engagement exercise Together 2021 and its implications for Diocesan priorities 6 Thomas More, Scholar, and John Fisher, July Bishop of Rochester, Reformation Martyrs, Alderton: St Giles 2021 1535 Vicar: Revd Adam Beaumont, Associate Minister: Revd Susan Harvey, LLMs: Mrs Becky Fisher, Mrs Henny Metters 7 July Easton Grey 2021 JULY 2021 Part 2 of 2 Cycle of Prayer Date Porvoo Cycle Thematic Prayer Point 1 The Diocese of Colombo – Extra Provincial to the Archbishop of Canterbury The homeless and those who July (The Church of Ceylon) support them 2021 2 The Diocese
    [Show full text]
  • Cycle of Prayer Those I Live With, Those I Rub Shoulders With, Those I Work With, Those I Don’T Get on With, Thursday 29 May Each Be the Focus of My Prayer
    September 2016 Wednesday 28 Friday 30 Pray for all preparing for the new term at This world I live in, this town I live in, University, especially those leaving home for this street I live in, this house I live in, the first time may each be the focus of my prayer. Cycle of Prayer Those I live with, those I rub shoulders with, those I work with, those I don’t get on with, Thursday 29 may each be the focus of my prayer. Michael and All Angels Those who laugh, those who cry, those who Thursday 1 Monday 5 hurt, those who hide, Pray that the Church as a body will be em- In the United Benefice of Morton and Stone- For a first day at school powered to stand up against powers of dark- may each be the focus of my prayer. broom with Shirland the parish of Holy Cross, Prayers centred less on self and more on ness and bring God’s light into the world. Morton, during the vacancy of Vicar, do pray O God, the strength of my life, let me be others, for those who have responsibility for the care less on my circumstances, more on the needs strong today as I meet new people in new If we had a fraction of the faith in you that you of this parish and those who will support the places. have in us of others. Churchwardens and PCC Clergy: May my life be likewise centred less on self help me to discover friends among strangers, then this world would be transformed, Lord.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter Sunday 9Th February 2020
    Newsletter Sunday 9th February 2020 Sun 9th 8.00am - BCP Communion (Church) 9.00am - Parish Communion (Church) 10.45am - Morning Praise with Communion (Church) 4.00pm - Asian Congregation (Centre) 6.30pm - Church Hill Praise (Church) Mon 10th 9.00am - Play and Pray (Church) 3.15pm - Kids Club (Centre) 7.30pm - Personnel Committee (Rectory) 7.30pm - Whole Church Prayer: Imagine (Church) Tues 11th 10.00am - Open Church 3.15pm - Younger Youth (Centre) 7.30pm - Passage & Praise Rehearsal Wed 12th 9.30am - Toddlers (Centre) 4.00pm - Joint Christian Union (Crescent Baptist Church) 7.30pm - Bellringing Practice 7.30pm - The Bible Course (Church Centre) 7.30pm - Band Rehearsal (Church) Thurs 13th 2.00pm - OWLs (Centre) 4.30pm - Blue Coat Academy Governors Fri 14th Church Office Closed 8.40am - Blue Coat Academy Assembly (Church) 9.30am - Church Open, Cleaning and Flower Arrangers (Church) 7.30pm - Signs for Worship Walsall (Centre) Sat 15th Sun 16th 8.00am - BCP Communion (Church) 9.00am - Parish Communion (Church) 10.45am - Morning Praise (Church) 4.00pm - Asian Congregation (Centre) 6.30pm - Church Hill Praise (Church) Further ahead Mon 17th 7.30pm - Whole Church Prayer: Imagine (Church) Thurs 20th 7.30pm - Deanery Synod standing committee Mon 24th 9.00am - Staff Team meeting 7.30pm - Whole Church Prayer: Imagine (Church) Over half-term week 17th-21st February the Church Centre will be closed, and we will be operating on a skeleton staff. Worshipping God; Equipping his people; Growing his kingdom; Serving Walsall Prayer Requests From Church Rotas Mike Ray has kindly agreed to to Lichfield with her husband Andrew and take our prayer cards and email look after the Church rotas till April to allow on her new role in April, after almost four years prayers.
    [Show full text]
  • Diocesan Prayer Cycle 1St July – 30Th September
    Diocesan Prayer Cycle 1st July – 30th September I am often challenged when I read the opening words of Paul’s letters in the New Testament, where he reminds his readers that they are constantly in his prayers. Think about the impact for the Philippian Christians as they read these words: ‘I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.’ Philippians 1: 3-5 Many of you will be able tell stories of the impact of having others pray for you. Some of you are prayed for every day by friends or family members. Others have been held close to God through times of challenge when your own prayers have felt inadequate or even impossible. And most of us can recount the importance of others’ prayers when we have been ill or facing difficult choices. What a joy to pray for one another. So why I am challenged by the words of Paul? Why do I find it difficult to pray when that is the thing I so desperately desire? Perhaps I forget that prayer is a joy and think of it as a responsibility that weighs heavily. Or maybe I just don’t carve out the time to spend in God’s presence. The Prayer Course is a great resource to encourage us to pray more regularly and it contains a simple reminder of how we can approach prayer: - Keep it simple - Keep it real - Keep it up Prayer is a conversation with God and we can speak with him outdoors in nature, as we go about our daily work, as we gaze out of the window, with words or in silence.
    [Show full text]