PRAYER DIARY JULY - SEPTEMBER 2020 Launde Abbey is a retreat house in the heart of the country with God at its centre July - October 2020 Retreats at Launde Abbey For more information and to book Please note that due to ongoing restrictions, please call or see our website these retreats may not go ahead or may require reduced numbers – please contact Launde Launde Abbey, East Norton, Abbey for more information. , LE7 9XB BEGINNERS RETREAT Led by Helen Newman 17th-19th July

CREATIVE BIBLE JOURNALING Led by Jamie Thackray and Karen Herrick 28th-31st July

INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED RETREAT Led by Jane Keller and her team 17th-21st August

CHARISMATIC & CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Led by David Newman 31st August-3rd September

GARDENING WEEK Led by Karen Johnson 7th-11th September

SEEING THROUGH GOD’S LENS Led by Morna Simpson 14th-17th September

FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD Led by Edel McLean 2nd-4th October

FINDING REST IN A BUSY WORLD Led by Sarah Chabowska and Libby Dobson 19th-22nd October

GARDENING WEEK Led by Karen Johnson 26th-30th October © Matt Musgrave

Serving the Dioceses of and Peterborough www.laundeabbey.org.uk • 01572 717254 • [email protected] • Charity No: 1140918 FOREWORD FROM THE BISHOP OF

At the time of as the ground of our being, to retain trust writing, the and hope when all around there is turmoil. whole country Some people have known about this for a and much of long time – those who live with debilitating the world is illness or disability, those in countries with in lock down oppressive regimes, those who cannot rely in response on a steady income; and there are many to the crisis others too. Others of us have much to learn caused by the from the experience of those who have Coronavirus. long been negotiating the challenging and There is no way often painful path of uncertainty. of knowing what the situation Embracing our lack of control is not an will be by the time this Prayer Calendar is excuse to do nothing but an invitation to published and distributed. For many of us rely more fully on God and return to our it’s strange to feel so out of control and primary baptismal vocation to pray, to uncertain even about the short term future. serve God and God’s people. This favourite The virus has pricked the bubble - the prayer of mine seems particularly apt: illusion of control we may once have had is no longer. The ease with which we used God grant me the serenity to make plans and fully expect them to go To accept the things I cannot change; ahead has been greatly challenged. Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. And perhaps this is no bad thing. One of the things we’ve had to learn during this period is to live with uncertainty and lack of control. The challenge is to do that well and remain whole - to focus more fully on God

www.laundeabbey.org.uk • 01572 717254 • [email protected] • Charity No: 1140918

WELCOME

Welcome to the new edition of the diocesan calendar of prayer, which takes us through summer to early autumn. If you know of anyone else who would like to receive a paper copy of this document, then please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain as below. It can also be downloaded from www. leicester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/calendar-or-prayer/

Every day we pray for Bishops and our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world using the Anglican Cycle of Prayer and the Porvoo prayer calendar (www.porvoochurches.org) – these are included in italics at the bottom of each day. You will also find one of our own partner dioceses featured every week. The have changed their practice and now only include the name of the diocesan bishop, asking us to pray for the people, clergy and bishops of the names dioceses.

The key to the parish entries is as follows: C = Clergy; R = Reader; PA = Pastoral Assistant; Pio = Pioneer Minister; Evng = Evangelist; PTO = Permission to Officiate.

Do let the Bishop’s Chaplain know if you’ve got a story to feature on a Sunday in a future edition – with as much notice as possible please! Email Revd Rosie Woodall at [email protected] or phone 0116 270 3390 or send it c/o Bishop’s Lodge.

We are very grateful to Revd Brian Davis for his work on gathering parish prayer requests. SUNDAY 5 JULY 4

This month thousands of children and young The DBE felt it was still important to offer people prepare for a crucial moment of something, and so have produced a brief transition in their lives – Year 6 children are online service for 2020, with a welcome from moving to secondary school; Year 11 pupils are the Director of Education, Canon Carolyn moving onto sixth form or FE college or into Lewis; a Bible reading; a talk from Bishop the world of work or apprenticeships; while Guli; and prayers and a blessing from Bishop Year 13 students are leaving education or Martyn. It will also include a song from Fischy preparing for university. Others of all ages are Music. Pupils and staff will be invited to join moving schools for a variety of reasons. in either together if they are at school, or can watch it at home with their families. This year, while those times of transition will still happen, they will not be marked Please pray for: by the usual rituals that take place around them. Even those young people that have • all those students moving through returned to schools or college will not have a time of transition at school, college the full experience of leavers’ services, award or university ceremonies, graduations, or end of year • all educational institutions and their parties or proms. They will not be bale to say teaching and support staff ‘farewell and thank you’ to staff, institutions and classmates in the expected way. • the Diocesan Board of Education and their support of our diocesan In recent years, Leicester Diocesan Board of family of schools Education (DBE) has hosted leavers’ services for Year 6 pupils in the Cathedral towards the end of the summer term. As demand for Pray for the United : these services has increased, we were due to Archbishop Humphrey Peters - Bishop have two such services in 2020, with senior of Peshawar & Moderator of the diocesan staff helping to lead them. Church of Pakistan

CSI School - Woraiyur, Trichy MON 6 JULY Diocese of Kiteto Bishop Isaiah Chambala Pray for those affected by COVID19 in , for good and just governance of the country and for businesses and churches struggling in Kiteto. North Queensland (Australia): Bishop Keith Joseph; Awgu / Aninri (Nigeria): Bishop Emmaunuel Ugwu; Kaduna (Nigeria): Bishop Timothy Yahaya

TUES 7 JULY Kibworth with Smeeton Westerby & Saddingston Ludger Fremmer (C); Anne Flower (R); Patricia Thompson (R-PTO); Eunice Hayes, Jamie Witcombe (Evng); Theresa Jackson, Jacki Shorley (P-Ast), Ann Perry (P-Ast-PTO). Please pray for the Kibworth Benefice to be effective in its pastoral care and mission during lockdown. Pray for the Well in Kibworth and all its volunteers to continue to be able to effectively meet the practical needs of the poor. North West Australia: Bishop Gary Nelson; Awka (Nigeria): Bishop Alexander Ibezim; Kafanchan (Nigeria): Bishop Marcus Dogo

WED 8 JULY Bishop’s Leadership Team meeting Pray for those with leadership in our diocese, especially the Bishop’s Leadership Team, meeting today. Northern Argentina: Bishop Nicholas Drayson; Awori (Nigeria): Bishop J Akin Atere

THURS 9 JULY Market Harborough Resourcing Church Team Barry Hill, Susan Cooper, Andy Giles, Alistair Helm, Pep Hill, Alison Iliffe, Peter Mackenzie, James Pickersgill, Jack Wixon (C); Dawn O’Connell (Families); Liz Allen (P-Ast); Eileen Bangerter, Angela Hill (P-Ast- PTO); Jo Giles, George Marshall, Susan Meadows, Lydia Tebbutt (R); David Palmer (Pio); Rob Leveritt (ordinand) As we work towards six new worshipping communities, please pray for Rob planting into new housing, Dawn and Josh leading with under 18s, Pep leading termly Alpha, Administrator Sue, and Barry as team leader. Northern California (USA): Bishop Barry Beisner; Badagry (Nigeria): Bishop Joseph Adeyemi; Ballarat (Australia): Bishop Garry Weatherill

FRI 10 JULY Transfiguration: St Nicholas & St Hugh / St Dionysius Market Harborough Market Harborough CE Primary School Please pray for our discernment at St Hugh for the way ahead and for our pastoral engagement with families at St Nicholas. At St Di’s, we give thanks for the faculty for major re-ordering work and pray for the financing of the project to proceed in 2021. Northern Indiana (USA): Bishop Douglas Sparks; Bangor: Bishop Andrew John

SAT 11 JULY St Peter and Paul, Great Bowden / All , Lubenham All Saints’ Lubenham CE Primary School & Gt Bowden Academy Please pray for our work with our schools. Pray for our care for elderly congregation members in Lubenham. In Great Bowden pray for the appointment of a new Team Vicar and our outreach to newcomers to the village, including through Cafe Church. Northern Luzon (Philippines): Bishop Hilary Pasikan; Banks & Torres (Melanesia): Bishop Alfred Worek; Kagera (Tanzania): Bishop Darlington Bendankeha SUNDAY 12 JULY TRINITY 5

This week we were expecting to welcome our partner bishops for a link meeting preceding “The Big Hello”, the international hospitality period leading up to the . That has been postponed until at least 2021 due to the global COVID19 pandemic. Each of our partner dioceses has had to respond differently to the crisis depending on their local circumstances and resources. All are grateful for our prayers and support. Tanzania has relatively low numbers of reported cases (although the true picture may be more serious). Christian Aid reports that in nations like India and Tanzania, although aid agencies are responding to the immediate humanitarian impact, they also recognise the associated social and economic impacts as well- thus producing a triple impact for countries with fragile health systems. To the right is a photograph of Bishop Chandrasekaran of Trichy visiting a church during the pandemic. or to provide non-food-related assistance (e.g. financially with rent/mortgages, other Meanwhile, in the Diocese of Wyoming, living costs, or emergencies). The grant could $1 million were allocated by the Diocesan not be spent on church operating or capital Foundation to be used in support of those expenditure. Parishes could then make an most affected by COVID19. All of the forty application for additional funding by early six parishes in the diocese received an initial June to sustain these critical ministries. grant of $10,000 on 1st April 2020, regardless of the size of their community or parish. Please pray for: Bishop John wrote to the parishes to say • the projects being supported “Our hope is that you will dream of ways you by the Wyoming grants can make a love-spreading difference in the lives of those negatively impacted by this • our partner dioceses and their crisis... to meet the most pressing needs you social action projects discern”. General grant guidelines asked that • all those affected long-term funds were prioritised for community, family by this pandemic or individual needs in four broad categories: childcare, vulnerable adults, food insecurity, MON 13 JULY Diocese of Trichy Bishop D Chandrasekaran This week Leicester would have been welcoming a visiting group from Trichy. Please remember our partners in India and pray for a time when we are able to welcome international visitors once more. Kajiado (Kenya): Bishop Gadiel Lenini; Kajo-Keji (South Sudan): Bishop Emmanuel Modi; Kamango (Congo): Bishop Sabiti Daniel

TUES 14 JULY Cornerstone Benefice Rob Miles, Tom Devas, Steve Ransley, Helen Bence (C) Giving thanks for opportunities to connect online and in small groups while in lockdown; and for evangelism including Christianity Explored online. Praying for our caring for the most vulnerable in our communities; seeking the Lord’s leading on timing and plans for planting. Northern Malawi: Bishop Fanuel Magangani; Barbados: Bishop Michael Maxwell; Kampala (Uganda); Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba

WED 15 JULY Oadby & Great Glen Team Ministry Steve Bailey (C), Mohammad Eghtedarian (C-Pio); Hugh James (R-PTO); Colin Chettle, Karen Johnson (R); Louise McGoldrick (Youth) Maria Jukes (ordinand) Please pray for Mohammad as he settles into his new role; for St Peter’s as they seek the way forward and also need to raise funds to repair their church walls; for our community links and witness. Northern Mexico: Archbishop Francisco Moreno; Bari (Nigeria): Bishop Idris Zubairu

THURS 16 JULY Glen Magna cum Stretton Magna, Carton Curlieu & Burton Overy Kim Ford, Sarah Collins (C); Angela Allen, Roger Flowers (R); Charles Ford (Evng), Carole Henson (P-Ast) St Cuthbert’s CE Primary School, Great Glen We give thanks for how our villages have pulled together and shared the love of God to others around them through this difficult time. For the future we are praying to serve the community and the church family through building a missional hub. Northern Michigan (USA): Bishop Rayford Ray; Barisal (Bangladesh): Bishop Shourabh Pholia; Barrackpore (North India): Bishop Paritosh Canning

FRI 17 JULY Clergy with Permission to Officiate in Gartree deanery We give thanks for the ministry of Tricia Allsopp, Bernard Baker, Richard Barribal, Fred Brodie, Pip Clements, Jan Collins, Janet Dudley, David Faulks, Ian Gemmell, Martin Hathaway and Bernard Higgins. Northern Philippines: Bishop Brent Alawas; Bath & Wells: Bishop Peter Hancock

SAT 18 JULY Clergy with Permission to Officiate in Gartree deanery We give thanks for the ministry of Mary Ireland, Diana Johnson, Matthew Joy, Mary Lister, John Morley, Philip Norwood, Chris Oxley, Alan Pyke, Colin Southall, Brian Thompson, and Geoffrey White. Northern Territory (Australia): Bishop Greg Anderson; Bathurst (Australia): Bishop Mark Calder; Kano (Nigeria): Bishop Zakka Nyam SUNDAY 19 JULY TRINITY 6

James, often called ‘the Great’ was a Galilean fisherman who, with his brother John, was one of the first apostles called by Jesus to follow him. The two brothers were with Jesus at his Transfiguration and with him again in the garden of Gethsemane. They annoyed the other followers of Jesus by asking to sit one on his left and the other on his right when he came into his glory, and they were present for the appearances of Christ after the resurrection. James was put to death by the sword on the order of Herod Agrippa, who hoped in vain that, by disposing of the early Christian leaders, he could stem the flow of those hearing the good news and becoming followers in the Way. James’ martyrdom is believed to have taken place in the year AD44.

St James the Greater by Guido Reni As we join our prayers with theirs, This week the Church remembers two of we give thanks: the greatest figures of the early Church, Mary Magdalene on 22nd July and James the • for the example of their lives and Greater on 25th July. witness and pray that they can continue to inspire us today All four gospels give Mary Magdalene a • that celebrating the saints gives us unique place among Jesus’ followers, despite a connection with the church across their apparent disagreement about her the world and reminds us of our personal history. Along with other faithful place in the life of the Church women, she stayed beside the cross during through the centuries. the crucifixion and was with the first disciples to discover the empty tomb on Easter morning. She was privileged with Pray for the Episcopal Church in the the first appearance of the risen Lord, Philippines: Archbishop Joel Pachao who sent her to take the good news of the resurrection to the other disciples. This commission earned her the title of ‘Apostle to the Apostles’ in the early Church. MON 20 JULY Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro Bishop Stanley Hotay Pray for Pastors and Evangelists as they serve and minister on the frontline. Pray also for peace and faith for the new believers in the church in DMK. Northern Uganda: Bishop Johnson Gakumba; Bauchi (Nigeria): Bishop Musa Tula; Kansas (USA): Bishop Cathleen Bascom

TUES 21 JULY Goscote Deanery Area Dean: Rob Gladstone Please pray for the review of the future make up of ministry across the Fosse Team area for the sake of mission; for Birstall, in vacancy with the frustrations of a temporary moratorium on appointments. Northern Zambia: Archbishop Albert Chama; Belize (West Indies): Bishop Philip Wright; Kanyakumari (South India): Bishop A R Chelliah

WED 22 JULY Mary Magdalene Pray for those who watch and weep at the grave of loved ones today; and for those who run to bring the good news of the gospel to others. Northwest Ankole (Uganda): Bishop Amos Magezi; Bendigo (Australia): Bishop Matt Brain

THURS 23 JULY Rob Gladstone (C); Valerie Joyce, David Wilson (R-PTO) Rothley CE Primary School Pray that we would continue faithful to our Lord in prayer, worship, evangelism, discipleship and pastoral care – that through this time the Lord may grow his church and grow his people to the glory of Christ. Northwest Texas (USA): Bishop Scott Mayer; Benin (Nigeria): Bishop Peter Imasuen; Bermuda: Bishop Nicholas Dill

FRI 24 JULY , Cossington & Duncan Beet (C); John Dean (R-PTO); Heather Hall, John Harrison (R) Cossington CE Primary School Praise God that we are seeing people come to faith through online services and an Online Christianity Explored Course pray for our new Christians that they grow in faith. Northwestern Pennsylvania (USA): Bishop Sean Rowe; Bethlehem (USA): Bishop Kevin Nichols

SAT 25 JULY James the Apostle Pray that we may follow Christ without delay when he calls us to be his disciples. Norwich: Bishop Graham Usher; Bhopal (North India): Bishop Manoj Charan; Kapoeta (South Sudan): Bishop Isaac Chol SUNDAY 26 JULY TRINITY 7

We are just at the beginning of the holiday season, although it may look rather different for most of us this year. But perhaps the stresses and strains of recent months make it even more vital that we find space to recharge our batteries and to find rest and refreshment.

In the Ten Commandments we read “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work...” (Exodus 20:8-10). So the Sabbath is intended as a day of rest but also a day to be considered holy, a portion of the Israelites’ time consecrated to God. Israel’s observance of the Sabbath was to be a sign of their special relationship with God, an imitation of God’s own rest on the seventh day after the completion of creation, and a reminder of the relief God granted his people in delivering them from slavery in Egypt. The only work Please pray for: allowed was that performed to save a • safe journeys for all who travel human life. On the Sabbath, Jews went to the synagogue for prayer, Scripture readings and • rest and refreshment for all on holiday educational debates. The Christian Church • all those who work in the tourism moved the Sabbath to the first day of the and hospitality industry, especially week – Sunday, the day of resurrection. those who have been made redundant in recent months, In a hectic and busy world, it is perhaps more and for struggling businesses important than ever that we have our own Sabbath time – yes a day of rest, but perhaps • a rediscovery of the concept of even something more: a gift from God for Sabbath in our busy world which we should be thankful – time to restore our spiritual selves as well as our physical bodies. And perhaps an opportunity to “do Pray for the Bishops and Archbishops good for God” - some kind of service of the of the Anglican Communion and for the church or the community. postponed Lambeth Conference MON 27 JULY Diocese of Wyoming Bishop John Smylie Pray for the Native American population who are particularly hard hit by Covid-19. Pray too for all those struggling with unprecedented unemployment and for the economy of Wyoming as our state’s mining and tourism industries are devastated. Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island (Canada): Archbishop Ron Cutler; Bida (Nigeria): Bishop Jonah Kolo; Karachi (Pakistan): Bishop Sadiq Daniel

TUES 28 JULY and Lee Francis-Dehqani (C); Sue Essex (P-Ast), Brian Middleton (P-Ast PTO); Wendy Hardy, Ruthie Leonard, Theresa Morgan (Pio) SS Peter & Paul School Syston Please pray for Mrs Biddy Saunders due to be ordained to serve in our benefice and all the missional planning for a new phase in the life of our parishes. Nsukka (Nigeria): Bishop Aloysius Agbo; Biharamulo (Tanzania): Bishop Yusuph Vithalis; Karamoja (Uganda): Bishop Joseph Abura

WED 29 JULY and Tim Day (C); Andrea Day, Stephen Gamble, John Hewer, Sheila Langley (R); Mandy Green (Pio) Church Hill Junior School, Thurmaston Please pray for the process of reorganisation in the Fosse Team and for discernment in Mission opportunities for Thurmaston and East Goscote. Nyahururu (Kenya): Bishop Stephen Kabora; Birmingham: Bishop David Urquhart

THURS 30 JULY , , Ratcliffe-on-the-Wreake, Rearsby Mary A’Herne Smith, Ian Hill (C); Geoff Dixon (R); Queniborough, Rearsby, & Thrussington Schools. Please pray for our schools at this difficult time; and for the three parishes that we recognize where God is ahead of us, as we seek to discern how best to serve our communities. Nzara (South Sudan): Bishop Richard Aquilla; Blackburn: Bishop Julian Henderson; Bo (Sierra Leone): Bishop Solomon Scott-Manga

FRI 31 JULY Birstall & in vacancy; Gill (Pio); Doreen Wilson, Gill Pope, (P-Ast); Pete Chester, Lesley Walton (R) We are in good heart, awaiting a new Rector - appointment has been delayed by the lockdown. We share an online weekly information sheet. We are keeping together by phone, trying to ensure nobody gets lost and praying for one another at 11am every day. Missionary District of Oeste-Brasil (Brazil): Archbishop Naudal Gomes; Boga (Congo): Bishop Mugenyi Bahemuka; Port Elizabeth (Southern Africa): Bishop Edward Daniels

SAT 1 AUGUST Clergy with PTO in Goscote deanery We give thanks for the ministry of Joy Chapman, David Cherry, Kerry Emmett, Anne Horton, John Leonard, Robin Martin, Nicky McGinty, Alison Price and Michael Webb with Permission to Officiate. Offa (Nigeria): Bishop Solomon Olusola Akambi; Bolivia (South America): Bishop Raphael Samuel; Karimnagar (South India): Bishop Reuben Mark SUNDAY 2 AUGUST TRINITY 8 St Catherine’s Monastery, Mount Sinai

Next Thursday, the Church celebrates the feast the temporal meets the eternal, with Jesus of The Transfiguration. In the gospels according himself acting as a bridge between heaven to Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus and three and earth. The presence of Moses and Elijah, of his apostles (Peter, James and John) go up a combined with the words of God, indicates to mountain to pray. Here Jesus is ‘transfigured’ the apostles that Jesus surpasses both the law before them, his face and clothes shine with a and the prophets. Furthermore, the appearance brilliant light. The prophets Moses and Elijah of Elijah fulfils the messianic prophecy in appear and he speaks with them. Jesus is then Malachi (4:5-6) that Elijah would return to hold called ‘Son’ by a voice from heaven, assumed to out the hope of repentance before judgement. be God the Father, as at his . (Although the account does not appear in John’s gospel, The feast of The Transfiguration not only some have hypothesised that the prologue of encourages us to worship, but also challenges his gospel alludes to it in John 1: 14). us to consider where we glimpse the glory of God – is it in church? In other human beings? The Transfiguration is one of the five major In creation? milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Jesus – the others being his baptism, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. It is Please pray that we may: unique amongst the gospel miracles in that • witness to the glory of God in our words it happens to Jesus himself. It immediately and actions follows the confession of Peter “You are the Christ” (Matt 16:16) so acts as a further • listen to the words of God’s beloved Son revelation of the identity of Jesus as Son of • hear Christ say to us “do not be afraid” God to his disciples.

The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment and Pray for the Bishops and Archbishops the setting on the mountain is presented as the of the Anglican Communion and for the point where human nature meets God, where postponed Lambeth Conference SUNDAY 2 AUGUST TRINITY 8 MON 3 AUGUST Diocese of Kiteto Bishop Isaiah Chambala Pray for the health needs of Kiteto, particularly the increasingly urgent need to raise funds to recruit new staff for the dispensary. Karnataka Central (South India): Bishop Prasana Samuel; Karnataka North: Bishop Ravikumar J. Niranjan; Karnataka South: Bishop Mohan Manoraj

TUES 4 AUGUST The Deanery of Akeley East (Loughborough) Area Dean: Wendy Dalrymple; Lay Chair: Codra Spencer; Asst Area Dean: Lauretta Wilson Give thanks for the variety of ways our churches have continued in mission through lockdown and for the sharing of resources and ideas across the parishes. Pray that recent discussions at Deanery Synod about becoming an Eco Deanery as part of the Diocesan vision would continue to shape our planning for the future. Ogbaru (Nigeria): Bishop Prosper Amah; Bondo (Kenya): Bishop David Kodia; Kasai - Mbujimayi (Congo): in vacancy WED 5 AUGUST , , , , Belton & Lauretta Wilson, Louise Corke (C); Timothy Aldsworth, Sue Hack (R); Nadine Hawkins, Anne Matravers (R-PTO); Linda Pascoe (P-Ast PTO) Belton, Diseworth, Hathern & Long Whatton CE Primary Schools We give thanks for the kindness and friendship evident in our village communities during lockdown. Praying the church will continue to be part of the hope and light shining in this time, and for all those who are struggling. Ogbia (Nigeria): Bishop James Oruwori; Bor (South Sudan): Bishop Ruben Akurdid Ngong; Umzimvubu (Southern Africa): Bishop Sitembele Mzamane THURS 6 AUGUST Transfiguration of our Lord Pray that a glimpse of Christ’s glory may encourage us in our journey of discipleship. Ogbomoso (Nigeria): in vacancy; Botswana (Central Africa): Bishop Metlhayotlhe Beleme; Brandon (Canada): Bishop William Cliff

FRI 7 AUGUST Barrow on Soar with Walton le Wolds and and with Clive Watts, Fiona Cotton-Betteridge (C); Rex Shaw (R); Ron Hetherington, Pam Knowles (R-PTO); David Spencer (P-Ast) Barrow-on-Soar and Wymeswold CE Primary Schools Please pray for Fiona Cotton-Betteridge as she joins the Barrow and Wolds Group as Associate . Please also pray for us as we seek to work together and grow closer as a group of churches and reach out to our villages. Ogoni (Nigeria): Bishop Solomon Gberegbara; Brasilia (Brazil): Bishop Maurício Araujo De Andrade; Brazzaville (Congo): Bishop Molanga Botola

SAT 8 AUGUST , and Lockington cum Hemington Andrew Race (C) St Edward’s CE Primary School, Castle Donington Pray that God will teach us to swim in the online deep-end in which we find ourselves, and that those who are engaging with our digital presence will encounter the life-giving gift of Jesus in a fresh way. Ogori-Magongo (Nigeria): Bishop Festus Davies; Brechin (Scotland): Bishop Andrew Swift; Katakwa (Kenya): Bishop John Omuse SUNDAY 9 AUGUST TRINITY 9

Community Organising starts with the recognition that change can come about when communities come together to compel public authorities and businesses to respond to the needs of ordinary people. It identifies and trains leaders in diverse communities in civil society (faith groups, unions, schools), bringing them together and building partnerships to voice their needs, and it organizes campaigns to ensure that these needs are met. Citizens UK have been organising for 30 years, with over 340 churches, mosques, trade unions, schools, faith groups and community associations as dues-paying member institutions working successfully together on campaigns like the real Living Please pray into the local issues Wage, Community Sponsorship of Refugees Leicester and Leicestershire Citizens and the ending of Child Detention for are working on that have emerged Immigration purposes. through listening to what matters With the Diocese as a principal partner, to the people in our institutions: Leicester and Leicestershire Citizens has • safer streets for young people developed over the last two years, and the Cathedral and Holy Trinity Leicester • better access to mental health are member institutions together with services and for schools in the Winstanley School in Braunstone, the support they offer Progressive Synagogue, the University of • access to affordable housing and Leicester Students Union, SOCOPA (Somali permanent multi-sectoral solutions community groups) and One Roof Leicester:. to street homelessness ‘It gives a practical active way of expressing • the Real Living Wage for care our Christian faith - to love and serve one workers national campaign. another. It links the two things that are core to who I am – a passion for Jesus and a deep rooted thing for injustice. Now I have a way Pray for the Province de L’Eglise of giving positive expression to that anger. Anglicane au Rwanda: Archbishop Laurent I can ‘act justly’ as it says in Micah 6. ’ Mbanda – Archbishop and Bishop of Shyira (Ann Webster, Holy Trinity). MON 10 AUGUST Diocese of Trichy Bishop D Chandrasekaran Pray for the in Trichy, particularly for their work in health care and training of nurses as they respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Ohaji / Egbema (Nigeria): Bishop Chidi Oparaojiaku; Brisbane (Australia): Bishop Phillip Aspinall

TUES 11 AUGUST Emmanuel, Loughborough Michael Broadley, Steven Harvey, Ben Gardner (C); Stephen Barney, Bob Smith, Codra Spencer (R); Ros Barney, Shirley Harris (P-Ast); Alex Howlett, Penny Pullan (R in training) Loughborough CE Primary School Pray for us as we continue to discern our calling to plant churches in partnership with the Good Shepherd and St Barnabas. Pray for us too as we seek to deepen our discipleship through welcome and our small group ministry as well as seek to discern what a post “lockdown” church looks like. Ohio (USA): Bishop Mark Hollingsworth; Bristol: Bishop Viv Faull; Katanga (Congo): Bishop Bertin Subi

WED 12 AUGUST Loughborough All Saints with Holy Trinity Wendy Dalrymple, Mark Carroll, Emily Sharman (C); Martyn Davison (R-PTO), Suzanne Hanson (Pio)Loughborough CE Primary School Give thanks for the deepening fellowship and spiritual life of our existing congregation and pray that we would be able to reopen our church building safely for the whole community; and for the work of Emma Trounson as Director of Mission through Music. Oji River (Nigeria): Bishop Amos Madu; British Columbia (Canada): Bishop Logan McMenamie

THURS 13 AUGUST The Good Shepherd, Loughborough Sue Willetts (C); Tony Harper, Jackie Rotter, Andy Willetts (R) Please pray for our continuing partnership to plant churches that plant churches, as together we endeavour to prepare the ‘ground’, both inside and outside the church, for the next stages of our plans in the light of the lockdown experience. Okene (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Onsachi; Buhiga (Burundi): Bishop Evariste Nijimbere; Bujumbura (Burundi): Bishop Eraste Bigirimana

FRI 14 AUGUST St Barnabas, Loughborough Ben Gardner (C); Paul Chung (R) Please pray for all those who are connecting with STB online, especially those who are exploring faith for the first time. Pray for our STB KIDS team as they continue to produce online resources for young families on the estate to learn more about Jesus. Oke-Ogun (Nigeria): Bishop Cornelius Adagbada; Bukavu (Congo): Bishop Sylvestre Bahati

SAT 15 AUGUST The Blessed Virgin Mary Pray that we may be strengthened to walk with Mary on the joyful path of obedience. Oke-Osun (Nigeria): Bishop Abraham Akinlalu; Bukedi (Uganda): Bishop Samuel Egesa; Katsina (Nigeria): Bishop Jonathan Bamaiyi SUNDAY 16 AUGUST TRINITY 10

We come to God in prayer not only with words, but sometimes also in silence, or through using our senses. In the Catholic tradition, the is used (Latin “rosarium”: garland of roses). This is a set of prayers, accompanied by a string of beads or knots. It is thought that counting beads frees your mind to help you meditate. Pope John Paul II placed the Rosary at the very centre of Christian spirituality and called it “among the finest and most praiseworthy traditions Its plain design is felt to be a reminder of the of Christian contemplation.” It has its origins harsh wood of the cross of Jesus. Sometimes in the knotted prayer ropes used by the it is enough simply to hold the cross silently Desert Fathers of early Christianity. The (particularly used with those who may be ill). prayers begin with the Apostles’ Creed, and Holding a cross can also be a way of prayer for then include, in repeated sections, the Lord’s others, especially those who are suffering, or Prayer, ‘Hail Mary’, and ‘Glory be’. There are when making an act of penitence. also twenty “Mysteries of the Rosary” (‘joyful’, ‘sorrowful’, ‘glorious’ and ‘luminous’) which are used on different days and recall events in the Please pray for: life of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. • the enrichment of our life of prayer, The Lutheran developed a as we learn from other traditions similar aid to prayer in 1995, called the ‘Pearls • a deepening of our individual of Life’ or ‘Wreath of Christ’. Each of the discipleship through prayer eighteen pearls carries a specific meaning, a question of life, a thought, or a prayer. There • the unity in difference of the are no specific words provided, and the user Church across the world may meditate or say a prayer on each bead. Others find a holding cross helpful, often made from olive wood from the Holy Land. The Pray for the Scottish Episcopal Church: cross beam is deliberately uneven, in order to Archbishop Mark Strange - Primus & Bishop fit between your fingers more comfortably. of Moray, Ross & Caithness MON 17 AUGUST Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro Bishop Stanley Hotay Pray for the serious practical needs of the Pastors and other Church Workers. Pray that no-one dies from the COVID 19 pandemic or through lack of food and provisions. Okigwe (Nigeria): Bishop Edward Osuegbu; Okigwe North (Nigeria): Bishop Godson Ukanwa; Okigwe South (Nigeria): Bishop David Onuoha; Kebbi (Nigeria): Bishop Edmund Akanya

TUES 18 AUGUST St Mary in Charnwood, Nanpantan Adele Adshead (C); Helena Wilkinson (R); Richard Harries, Richard Meredith (R-PTO) Please pray for the fulfilment of our 3 vision priorities - to be an OPEN and CONNECTED church EQUIPPED for mission - giving thanks for our community connections and praying for them to grow. Okinawa (Japan): Bishop David Uehara; Bukuru (Nigeria): Bishop Jwan Zhumbes

WED 19 AUGUST Christ Church & St Peter; St Leonard’s, Colin Resch, Darren Walker (C); Helen Hodson, Gary Lee, Edmund Stacey (R-PTO); Linda Vesty, Alison White (Children & Family) Christ Church & St Peter’s CE Primary School, Mountsorrel; St Leonard’s CE Primary School, Swithland Pray for an openness to the gospel among our toddler group families; that they may truly grasp the love of God. Pray also for our autumn outreach programme and, in particular, the participants on our Alpha Course. Oklahoma (USA): Bishop Edward Konieczny; Bunbury (Australia): Bishop Ian Coutts

THURS 20 AUGUST Quorn David Bowler (C) St Bartholomew’s CE Primary School; Rawlins College (Academy) Please pray that, as and when our buildings are re-opened, we will be granted the wisdom to restore fellowship and at the same time keep people safe to benefit from the sterling work done by the NHS. Please pray for Wendy Walker, our Family Worker, as she continues her work with families and schools. Okrika (Nigeria): Bishop Tubokosemie Atere; Bungoma (Kenya): Bishop George Mechumo

FRI 21 AUGUST & Lydia Humphreys, John Bird (C); Diane Melton (P-Ast) St Botolph’s CE Primary School We give thanks for the wonderful people who have stepped forward during this pandemic and for those members of our congregation who have enabled us to spread an umbrella of prayer and care through live streamed worship and acts of service. Oleh (Nigeria): Bishop John Aruakpor; Bunyoro-Kitara (Uganda): Bishop Samuel Kahuma

SAT 22 AUGUST Woodhouse & Lisa Temperley-Barnes (C); Claire Zanker (R); William Leeson, Marion Porter (P-Ast-PTO) St Leonard’s CE Primary School, Swithland; St Paul’s CE Primary School, Woodhouse Eaves We give thanks to God for our communities who have pulled and worked together in such a wonderful way to show Christ’s love to others in word and action. Please pray for our pupils, parents and staff as they continue to sustain the academic side of education. Kentucky (USA): Bishop Terry White; Kericho (Kenya): Bishop Ernest Ng’eno; Khartoum (Sudan): Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo SUNDAY 23 AUGUST TRINITY 11

and ultimately to each other. The high degree of team working has been tremendous to witness, across operations and regions, and the impressive figures set out above could not have been achieved without everyone’s willingness to communicate with and support each other and our members.

FareShare Midlands (FSM) owes its formal A quote from one of the projects supported by creation to the - in FSM, Eyres Monsell Club for Young People. “Our July 2008 the Diocese signed the franchise dedicated team of Volunteers have devoted agreement and FareShare Leicester began. their time during the pandemic to provide food parcels to the most vulnerable members of the Since then it has increased the area covered community. This work is only possible due to and from very humble beginnings, supports our partnership with FareShare Midlands and community food members in Leicestershire, their weekly food donations. Their continued Derbyshire, , Warwickshire, support really does make a difference in Northamptonshire, West Midlands as well our community. On 18th May, we hit a huge as parts of Shropshire and Staffordshire, milestone for the project by providing our Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. 1000th Parcel to a member of the community.” 8.4million people in the UK are struggling to afford to eat. This is equivalent to the entire population of ! Since the Covid 19 Please pray for: emergency began FSM has undertaken to • the director, staff and volunteers as they support many other organisations providing seek to support all those in our country emergency aid including local authorities who are struggling to afford to eat and Red Cross. This pandemic has brought an • those who are isolated, quarantined and even higher demand of our services so that unable to do their own food shopping; and we can help fight hunger in the Midlands. for the agencies who are supporting them During April FSM provided 818 tonnes of food • all our community Food Members who which is about I,947,300 meals to the most are providing extra value to the lives of vulnerable in the Midlands! those in need The organisation is supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and supporters, Pray for the Church of the Province of all of whom continue to show remarkable South East Asia: Archbishop Melter Tais – commitment to the organization, the cause Archbishop and Bishop of Sabah MON 24 AUGUST Bartholomew the Apostle Pray that we may have the grace to, like Bartholomew, truly believe and teach God’s word. Kibondo (Tanzania): Bishop Sospeter Ndenza; Kigali (Rwanda): Bishop Nathan Rusengo; Kigeme (Rwanda): Bishop Assiel Musabyimana

TUES 25 AUGUST Diocese of Wyoming Bishop John Smylie Give thanks for the generosity of the Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming who recently committed $1 million to the Covid-19 relief effort in the State of Wyoming. Olo (South Sudan): Bishop Tandema Obede; Busan (Korea): Archbishop Onesimus Park; Kigezi (Uganda): Bishop George Bagamuhunda

WED 26 AUGUST Thorpe Acre with Dishley in vacancy, Jenny Bickley (P-Ast PTO) We give thanks for the ministry of Keith Elliot and pray for him and the parish after his retirement. Pray for the wardens and all those who will lead through this time of change. Olympia (USA): Bishop Gregory Rickel; Busoga (Uganda): Bishop Paul Naimanhye

THURS 27 AUGUST Clergy with Permission to Officiate in Akeley East deanery Give thanks for the ministry of Lesley Butler, Martin Charles, Tony Cox, Charles Dobbin, Susan Forshaw, Paul Hackwood, Margaret Harper, Glenn Martin, Geoffrey Mitchell, Simon Richardson, Reg Stretton, Rosie and Eric Whitley, and Peter Yorkstone. Omu-Aran (Nigeria): Bishop Philip Adeyemo Butare (Rwanda): Bishop Nathan Gasatura; Butere (Kenya): Bishop Timothy Wambunya

FRI 28 AUGUST Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive’s office Please pray for Jonathan Kerry (Diocesan Secretary), Andy Brockbank (Director of Operations and Governance), Lynn Philips and Ariel Baker. On the Lake (Nigeria): Bishop Chijioke Oti; Buye (Burundi): Bishop Sixbert Macumi

SAT 29 AUGUST The Archdeacons’ Office Please pray for the work of the Archdeacons – Claire Wood and Richard Worsfold – and for Claire Bampton and Wendy Dunnington. On the Niger (Nigeria): Bishop Owen Nwokolo; Byumba (Rwanda): Bishop Emmanuel Ngendahayo; Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh (Ireland): Bishop Ferran Glenfield SUNDAY 30 AUGUST TRINITY 12

Creationtide runs from 1st September to 2019 and has started on its Silver, while October 4th. It will include most harvest Croft is working towards its first award. festivals, and concludes on the feast day of In Broughton Astley, these changes and St Francis of Assisi - remembered for his initiatives include replacing the heating simplicity of lifestyle and his love of all God’s system for more economical units and creatures. He is appropriately the patron replacing the lighting system with LED of ecology and the environment. lights. They have a wildlife area outside the church with bird boxes, bat boxes, a Last year, led by Bishop Martyn and the hedgehog house and log piles for insects Bishop’s Youth Council, we made a pledge to to use. Messy Church frequently bases its become an Eco Diocese within two years. On activities around the theme of creation, 7 June, we formally registered our intent to while each of the three churches follows the work towards this with the awarding body, season of Creationtide and regularly holds A Rocha. One of the qualifications for this worship themed around the care of God’s is for a certain percentage of parishes to be planet, often using liturgies from Iona and accredited as an Eco Church at bronze, silver the Celtic tradition. In all the churches they or gold status. avoid single use plastics, and think about In the benefice of Broughton Astley and who produces and makes their food, using Croft with Stoney Stanton, caring for the Fairtrade products whenever possible and environment has become something of sourcing local, organic produce. a principle in recent years. Broughton Astley received its Silver Award in 2019; Stoney Stanton was awarded a Bronze in Please pray: • for a deeper appreciation of God’s gifts to us in creation • that we may be better stewards of the natural world • for churches working towards an EcoChurch award and our diocese’s progress towards Eco-Diocese status • for those suffering as a result of the worsening environmental crisis

Pray for the United Church of South India: Archbishop Dharmaraj Rasalam - Moderator of CSI & Bishop of South Kerala MON 31 AUGUST Diocese of Kiteto Bishop Isaiah Chambala Pray for a funding solution for the transport problems of the diocese and the Eye Dispensary in particular, so that its outreach work can continue. Kimberley & Kuruman (Southern Africa): Bishop Oswald Swartz; Kindu (Congo): Bishop Zacharie Katanda Kinkiizi (Uganda): Bishop Dan Zoreka

TUES 1 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Finance and Generous Giving departments Please pray for John Orridge (Director of Finance), Jim Pullen, Karen Issitt, Tracy Brito; and for Sally Bossingham, Hannah Silcock and Phil Leech. Ondo (Nigeria): Bishop Stephen Oni; Calabar (Nigeria): Bishop Tunde Adeleye; Kinshasa (Congo): Bishop Achille Mutshindu

WED 2 SEPTEMBER Bishop’s Leadership Team Please pray for those exercising leadership in our diocese. Ontario (Canada): Bishop Michael Oulton; Calcutta (North India): Bishop Probal Kanto Dutta

THURS 3 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Board of Education meeting We pray for tonight’s meeting of the DBE; for the diocesan education team (Carolyn Lewis, Yolanda Morley-Mackay, Claudia Brockbank, Emma Heesom and Anne Rattigan); and for all connected with our family of schools as the new term gets underway. Ogbomoso (Nigeria): Bishop Titus Olayinka; Caledonia (Canada): Bishop David TJ Lehmann; Calgary (Canada): Bishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson

FRI 4 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Safeguarding Team Please pray for Rachael Spiers, Pete Holloway, Rachel Boyes and Julie Foulds, and for all parish safeguarding co-ordinators. Oregon (USA): Bishop Michael Hanley; California (USA): Bishop Marc Andrus

SAT 5 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Property, Church Buildings and IT departments Please pray for Nicky Caunt, Dinta Chauhan, Lesley Whitwell; Rupert Allen, Gill Elliott, Simon Headley; and Phil Ash. Orlu (Nigeria): Bishop Bennett Okoro; Cameroon (West Africa): Bishop Dibo Elango; Kirinyaga (Kenya): Bishop Joseph Kibichwa SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 13

Next Sunday (13th September) is Education Sunday - a national and ecumenical day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education, which has been recognised in and Wales for over a hundred years. Resources to help churches and schools mark this can be found online.

Our Diocesan Director of Education, Carolyn Lewis, writes: The ’s Vision for Education is ‘Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good’. This vision – for all of education and The visits Billesdon School in Nov 2017 not simply Church schools - embraces the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, In other schools which are not rooted in moral and social development of children an explicit Christian ethos, the vision for and young people. The Diocesan Board of education can still be expressed and promoted Education team work to promote this vision of as one of human flourishing that can inspire human flourishing for all; one that embraces what the school is and does. excellence and academic rigour, but sets them in a wider framework. This is worked out Please pray for school and academy theologically and educationally through four trust leaders and Governors that they basic elements which permeate the vision: can lead their schools with: • wisdom • hope • Wisdom: making wise, prayerful decisions • community • dignity rooted in the school’s Christian vision • Hope: reminding and reassuring their The vision, in line with the Church of England’s school communities that the Christian role as the established Church, is for the story is one of hope common good of the whole human community and its environment. It is ‘scandalously • Community: inspiring and encouraging inclusive’, respecting freedom of religion and children, young people and their families belief, and encourages others to contribute to feel part of Christian community from the depths of their own traditions and • Dignity: holding the inherent value and understandings. worth of each child and young person at the forefront of all decisions In Church schools the deeply Christian foundation for this vision will be seen explicitly in teaching and learning both in RE and across Pray for the Anglican Church of Southern the curriculum, and also in the authentically Africa: Archbishop Thabo Makgoba - Christian worship and ethos of those schools. Archbishop of Capetown MON 7 SEPTEMBER Diocese of Trichy Bishop D Chandrasekaran As schools, colleges and universities start their new academic year, pray for the staff of the Bishop Heber College in Trichy, India, that it may sustain its high reputation, especially in giving opportunities to students from poorer families. Oru (Nigeria): Bishop Geoffrey Chukwunenye; Canberra & Goulburn (Australia): Bishop Mark Short

TUES 8 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Mission and Ministry Department Please pray for Stuart Burns (Director); Beth Cluer, Louise Corke, Jonathan Dowman, Rob Hay, Mike Kelly, Claire Stapleton, and Louise Warner. And for the Resourcing Church project – for Barry Hill and Alastair Michaelwaite. Osaka (Japan): Bishop Andrew Haruhisa Iso; Canterbury: Archbishop

WED 9 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Communications Team Please pray for our diocesan Communications team – for Jon Barrett, Jo Griffin, Grace McSharry and Gemma Starkings. Osun (Nigeria): Bishop James Popoola; Cape Coast (West Africa): Bishop Victor Atta-Baffoe

THURS 10 SEPTEMBER Mission and Ministry with our BAME communities Please pray for the BAME project team – for Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, Suzanne Hanson, Luke Fogg and Aletta Carpenter van Barthold - and for our Intercultural Worshipping Community pioneer ministers: Vee Pinto, Kat Gibson and Mohammed Eghtedarian. Osun North (Nigeria): Bishop Abiodun T Olaoye; Cape Town (Southern Africa): Archbishop Thabo Makgoba; Carlisle: Bishop James Newcome

FRI 11 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Vocations Team Please pray for Paul Rattigan (DDO) and Assistant DDOS; Liz Rawlings (Discipleship and Vocations); for lay vocations advisers; and those serving as national selectors for ordained ministry. Osun North East (Nigeria): Bishop Ebenezer Okuyelu; Cashel & Ossory (Ireland): Bishop Michael Burrows

SAT 12 SEPTEMBER Ordination of Please pray for those to be ordained priest this weekend (delayed because of the pandemic). Ottawa (Canada): in vacancy Central Buganda (Uganda): Bishop Michael Lubowa SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 14

Next weekend, the Episcopal Diocese of The Revd Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler is Wyoming - one of our four international currently Rector of the Anglican Church partner dioceses – will gather (virtually or in Qatar in the Middle East. An appointed in person) for their Diocesan Convention. mission partner with the Episcopal Church, One of the most significant elements of this he has lived and worked around the world in year’s Convention is the election of their new leadership roles, including as a peace builder bishop who will become the tenth bishop of and arts curator. Wyoming in February next year. He or she The candidates would normally spend will replace Bishop John Smylie, who was time around the diocese between May due to have been with us last July for the pre- and September, but much of that will Lambeth meetings, when we also expected to have been done virtually under COVID19 say farewell to him. restrictions. The elected candidate will begin The three short-listed candidates are: their ministry as Bishop of Wyoming on 13 February 2021, which is also the date that The Revd David L. Duprey has been an active Bishop John begins his retirement. duty US military chaplain for the past twelve years, serving with both the US Marines Please pray: and the US Navy. He was ordained in 1988 in Laramie and spent his early years of ministry • the three candidates and for those in parishes in Wyoming. who will elect them at next weekend’s Convention The Revd Mary Erickson currently serves as an Associate Priest at St. John’s Church in • Bishop John and his wife Jill as they Jackson, Wyoming. She is known among the transition into retirement congregation as a force for social justice, servant leadership and spirituality. She has • the diocese of Wyoming and our other also been a hospice chaplain. partner dioceses around he world MON 14 SEPTEMBER Holy Cross Day Pray that we may have the grace to glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Otukpo (Nigeria): Bishop David Bello; Central Busoga (Uganda): Bishop Patrick Wakula; Kisangani (Congo): Bishop Lambert Botolome

TUES 15 SEPTEMBER College of Bishops Please pray for the College of Bishops meeting until Thursday. Owerri (Nigeria): Bishop Chukwuma Oparah; Central Ecuador: Bishop Victor Scantlebury; Kita Kanto (Japan): Bishop Zerubbabel Hirota

WED 16 SEPTEMBER College of Bishops

Please pray for the College of Bishops meeting until Thursday. Owo (Nigeria): Bishop Stephen Fagbemi; Central Florida (USA): Bishop Gregory Brewer

THURS 17 SEPTEMBER College of Bishops Please pray for the College of Bishops meeting. Oxford: Bishop Steven Croft; Central Gulf Coast (USA): Bishop Russell Kendrick; Central Melanesia: Archbishop Leonard Daweas

FRI 18 SEPTEMBER Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro Bishop Stanley Hotay Pray for God’s wisdom as to how to lead the Church in DMK at this time and especially the opportunities this provides for the Church to grow and strengthen. Thank God for our partnership in the Gospel. Oyo (Nigeria): Bishop Williams Aladekugbe; Central New York (USA): Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe

SAT 19 SEPTEMBER Wyoming Diocesan Convention Pray for the Diocese of Wyoming gathered today for their diocesan convention, where they will elect their new bishop. Pacong (South Sudan): Bishop Joseph Atot; Central Newfoundland (Canada): Bishop John Watton; Kitale (Kenya): Bishop Stephen Kewasis SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 15

Although the has the The Diocesan Synod keeps Deanery Synods responsibility for leading and encouraging informed about matters of concern. Deanery parish work across the diocese, there are Synods also have the opportunity to submit also Synods, Boards and Councils that meet matters for discussion at the diocesan to make important decisions, advise the level. Six people from the Diocesan Synod are Bishop and facilitate the work that needs also elected members of the General Synod, to be done. This week, one of those groups and elections had been due this year but have - Diocesan Synod - is scheduled to meet on been postponed as a result of COVID19. Tuesday evening. In the last couple of years, the Synod Every diocese has its own Diocesan Synod. has adopted a new interfaith strategy Its role is similar to the national Church of “Confident Engagement” and made the England’s General Synod but at the regional commitment to become an “Eco Diocese”. diocesan level. The Synod has also heard presentations on our pioneering and fresh expressions; The role of Diocesan Synod is to:- the diocesan budget; the national “Living in • consider matters affecting the Church Love and Faith” resources (around human of England in the diocese relationships); and stories from our Social • act as a forum for debate of Christian Responsibility panel. opinion on matters of religious or public interest The Diocese of Leicester’s Bishops and • formulates diocesan policy on a wide Archdeacons, along with elected laity and clergy range of issues from across the diocese, make up the members. • advise the Bishop of Leicester where Sessions are usually chaired by Bishop Martyn, requested or by the Chairs of the House of Laity (Canon • deal with matters referred by General Prof David Wilson) or Clergy (Revd Canon Peter Synod Hooper). The Synod is advised by relevant diocesan staff, where appropriate.

Please pray: • for the members of Diocesan Synod in their discussions and decisions • that the membership of Synod (and of other boards and Councils) may come to reflect the diversity of our diocese

Pray for the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan: Archbishop Justin Badi Arama – Bishop of Juba and Archbishop MON 21 SEPTEMBER Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Pray that we may have the grace to lay aside our love of possessions and riches to follow in the way of Jesus. Kiteto (Tanzania): Bishop Isaiah Chambala; Kitgum (Uganda): Bishop Wilson Kitara; Kitui (Kenya): Bishop Josephat Mule

TUES 22 SEPTEMBER Diocesan Synod Please pray for the members of the Diocesan Synod, meeting this evening. Panama (Central America): Archbishop Julio Thompson; Central Pennsylvania (USA): Bishop Audrey Scanlan; Kivu (Rwanda): Bishop Augustin Ahimana

WED 23 SEPTEMBER Diocese of Wyoming Bishop John Smylie Pray for Bishop John and Jill as they begin to transition into the next chapter of their lives and give thanks for their ministry of presence to the Dioceses of Wyoming and Leicester. Pankshin (Nigeria): Bishop Olumuyiwa Ajayi; Central Philippines (Philippines): Bishop Dixie Taclobao

THURS 24 SEPTEMBER Deanery of North West Leicestershire Area Dean: Gill Pinnington; Lay Chair: Noreen Mewies We continue to pray for all of our churches, for their vision and safety as we face a different future together. Panyana (South Sudan): Bishop Seme Abinda; Central Solomons (Melanesia): Bishop Ben Seka; Central (Tanzania): Bishop Dickson Chilongani

FRI 25 SEPTEMBER with Donington, & in vacancy, Chris Haywood (C); Christine Hall, Trevelyn Hodson (R-PTO); David Hitchcock (Pio) We pray for all those exercising ministry and leadership in the benefice during the extended vacancy; and pray for the people and communities we serve. Central Zambia: Bishop Derek Kamukwamba

SAT 26 SEPTEMBER Ordination of Please pray for those to be ordained this weekend in our diocese. Paraguay (South America): Bishop John Bartlett; Central Zimbabwe: Bishop Ignatius Makumbe; Kobe (Japan): Bishop Augustine Kobayashi SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER TRINITY 16

In this diocese, we normally ordain our new The Transfiguration priests and deacons at Petertide (around Dawn Matthew, Hinckley St John 29th June), but this year the ordinations in Crystal McAllister, Upper Wreake all dioceses had to be postponed due to the Biddy Saunders, Syston and Barkby COVID19 pandemic. We hope and pray that two Those to be ordained priest are: weeks ago (13th/14th September), we will have been able to celebrate their ordination with Hazel Aucken, Newbold de Verdun, Barlestone our new priests. This weekend it is the turn of and Kirkby Mallory with Peckleton our new deacons. Obviously the delay has been Ivan Bennett, Leicester, Church of the Nativity frustrating for the ordinands, and for their Jon Berry, Hinckley St John parishes, and we are grateful for the grace and Wilma Colley, The Woodfield Team patience they have shown. Our new deacons Sarah Collins, Oadby Great Glen Team have been able to minister as licenced lay Mark Cooper, Hinckley Holy Trinity workers for the last few months, as they begin Matthew Gough, Knighton to get to know their new contexts. Ann Hall, Bosworth Laura Jackson, Broughton Astley with Croft With some restrictions likely to still be in place, and Stoney Stanton we pray for them in this time of transition as Emily Sharman, Loughborough, All Saints with they begin their ministry in a very different Holy Trinity world. We pray too that their ordinations Chris Szejnmann, Leicester, Holy Trinity with may still be a time of encouragement and St John the Divine inspiration for them, even if they may look Jon Tearne, Leicester, St John the Baptist rather different to usual. Clarendon Park Those to be ordained deacon are: Nick Baker, Wigston Please pray for: Matthew Creber, Cornerstone Team • these ordinands in their new ministries Pauline Cummins, Earl Shilton with • their families, friends and colleagues Elmesthorpe • their training incumbents and contexts Paul Emberton, Thurnby Lodge Ros Harper, Burbage cum Aston Flamville Pray for the Province of the Episcopal Church Maria Jukes, Oadby Great Glen Team of Sudan: Archbishop Ezekiel Kumir Kondo - Rob Leveritt, Market Harborough and Archbishop & Bishop of Khartoum MON 28 SEPTEMBER Diocese of Kiteto Bishop Isaiah Chambala Pray for the training of pastors and teaching of the churches and the development of the centre at Namelock. Pray for the well-being of schools run by Kiteto Diocese. Patna (North India): Bishop Philip Marandih; Chandigarh (North India): Bishop Younas Massey

TUES 29 SEPTEMBER Michael and All Angels Pray that our worship may join with the host of heaven. Pelotas (Brazil): Bishop Renato Raatz; Chelmsford: Bishop (Acting)

WED 30 SEPTEMBER with Bardon Hill & Ravenstone Gill Pinnington (C); Geoff Pinnington (R) All Saints CE Primary School, Coalville We give thanks that we have continued to minister to our church congregations and the wider community through social media. Please pray for those who are feeling lonely and may be struggling through the pandemic, that they may know the presence of Jesus. Pennsylvania (USA): Bishop Daniel Gutierrez; Chester: Bishop Mark Tanner

THURS 1 OCTOBER Broom Leys in vacancy, Jenny Holland (P-Ast) We pray for the ministry team maintaining the life of the church through the vacancy. Perth (Australia): Bishop Kay Goldsworthy; Chhattisgarh (North India): Bishop Robert Ali; Chicago (USA): Bishop Jeffrey Lee

FRI 2 OCTOBER with Heather Andrew Hartropp (C); Carole Oswin (R); Judith Coleman (P-Ast) St Denys CE Infant School, Ibstock Pray for the new Rector Andy, and his wife Claire: for wisdom in leading the churches out of lockdown. For the church communities to gain confidence in the gospel, helping others to see the relevance and truth of Christ and come to faith. Peru: Bishop Jorge Luis Aguilar; Chichester: Bishop Martin Warner

SAT 3 OCTOBER , & Swannington in vacancy; Jeannette Bulmer (R); Carol Albrighton, Barry Albrighton (R-PTO) Swannington CE Primary School & St John the Baptist CE Primary School, Whitwick We pray for all those exercising ministry and leadership in the benefice during the extended vacancy; and pray for the people and communities we serve. Peshawar (Pakistan): Archbishop Humphrey Peters; Chotanagpur (North India): Bishop B. B. Baskey; Koforidua (West Africa): Bishop Felix Annancy