Diocese of Newcastle Prayer Diary January 2021 This month, MARK WROE, Bishop-Designate of Berwick, has again provided weekly themes around Biblical texts to nourish our prayers as we make our next steps in growing church bringing hope. The theme as we start the New Year is Bringing Good News.
Secondly, ROB KELSEY, Assistant Archdeacon, has prepared condensed versions for every day of the prayers in his new book, Praying for the Earth. You will find a further note about this book at the end of this month’s Prayer Diary.
Also this month, we also begin using a completely revised Cycle of Prayer for the Anglican Communion in over 165 countries, praying for just one diocese each day. Where possible, I’ll include the first name of the bishop.
I hope that these developments help to make the Prayer Diary more than simply a list of people and places to pray FOR (important though that is) but also a list of concerns and issues to pray ABOUT. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts about these changes. Richard Hill
Diocese of Botswana 1 NAMING AND CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS Theo Naledi, retired Bishop Diocese of Aba (Nigeria) Morpeth Deanery: Bishop Christian Benefice of Stannington St Mary the Virgin Diocese of Botswana Priest-in-Charge: vacant Metlha Beleme, Diocesan Bishop DECARBONISATION Diocese of Newcastle: We pray for the transformation Bishop Christine and Pete Askew, her of our carbon-based economies. Chaplain and Adviser Help us to play our part in steering RENEWABLE ENERGY the world to a sustainable future We give thanks for the power of the sun
and the freedom of the wind. Grant us ingenuity and inspiration This coming week … ‘Nations shall come to your light …’ in the development of renewable energy. (Isaiah 60:3)
2 Saturday As we celebrate the Epiphany, we remember Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus, that the revelation of Jesus Christ is for all bishops, teachers of the faith, 379 and 389 people, so let us pray for our friends and Seraphim, monk of Sarov, spiritual guide, 1833 family, who we long to recognise the Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, bishop in South wonder of the good news of Jesus Christ, India, evangelist, 1945 that their steps will be guided in the way Diocese of Aba Ngwa North (Nigeria) that is true.
Bishop Nathan 3 SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS 5 Tuesday Roger Thornton, benefactor, 1430 [CNS] * Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney Porvoo Communion: (Scotland): Bishop Anne Diocese of London Diocese of Botswana: Dioceses of Nidaros and Trondheim Parish of Francistown: (Church of Norway) Ven Moreri Leteemane (Archdeacon - Anglican Communion: North), Fr George Callender, Fr Samuel The Province of Alexandria: Moraloki, Fr Olebile James Galebotswe, Archbishop Mouneer Fr Lekono Malabola and Fr Andries Matlhare Diocese of Botswana: Morpeth Deanery: Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Gaborone: Benefice of Widdrington Celestino Chishimba, Dean and Archdeacon Priest-in-Charge: Joanna Dobson (Cathedral) and Fr Octavius Bolelang WILD ANIMALS Diocese of Newcastle Grant us a sense of kindred For Mark, Bishop-designate of Berwick, with our fellow living creatures. preparing for his Consecration on Tuesday Make us a friend of helpless things, and * Isabella McDonald Booth, Lay Canon help us to prevent all cruelty and neglect. DRINKING WATER We offer thanks for easy access to safe Please remember our new Suffragan Bishop of drinking water, sufficient to meet our needs. Berwick, Mark Wroe, at his Consecration as We remember those who walk for miles bishop in York Minster today. to fetch water for their families.
6 EPIPHANY 4 Monday Diocese of Abuja (Nigeria): John of Damascus, monk, teacher of the faith, Archbishop Henry c.749 Diocese of Botswana: Nicholas Ferrar, deacon, founder of the Little Parish of Francistown: St Patrick’s Church Gidding Community,1637 and St Carantoc’s Church Diocese of Abakaliki (Nigeria) Diocese of Newcastle: Bishop Monday Rachel Wood, Acting Archdeacon of Diocese of Botswana: Northumberland Cathedral of the Holy Cross Celestino Chishimba, Dean and Archdeacon EPIPHANY (Cathedral) and Fr Octavius Bolelang In the manifestation of Christ, you use Morpeth Deanery: the things of the earth to reveal your glory. Benefice of Ulgham Grant us wisdom to use the resources Priest-in-Charge: Joanna Dobson of the earth for the good of all creation. Reader: Jonathan Cummins THE SOIL 7 Thursday As the soil provides nourishment for us, Ambrose, bishop of Milan, teacher of the faith, may we nourish the soil 397 on which our lives depend Diuma, apostle to Mercia, 658 [CNS]
Diocese of Abyei (South Sudan)
Bishop Michael This Prayer Diary can be downloaded each month from the Diocese of Botswana: Newcastle diocesan website: St Stephen’s, Tonota, St Alban’s, Moroka, www.newcastle.anglican.org/prayerdiary All Saints’ Matsiloje and St Paul’s Tati Siding (all served by the Parish of Francistown)
Diocese of Newcastle: This coming week … Catherine Sourbut Groves, Archdeacon of ‘On hearing this, they were baptized in the Lindisfarne name of the Lord Jesus.’ (Acts 19:5) The Mothers’ Union For Barbara Packer, and all who work with As we celebrate the Baptism of Christ, let us her in the leadership of the MU in the pray for all who are considering baptism for Diocese. themselves, or for a child, and those RE-USE AND RECYCLING preparing for confirmation, that they will Bless those who work have grace to bear faithfully the name of in the recycling industry, Jesus and bring good news to others. and those who work in charity shops.
10 BAPTISM OF CHRIST (Epiphany 1) 8 Friday Porvoo Communion: John Dobson, architect, 1865 [CNS] * Diocese of Oulu (Evangelical Lutheran Church Diocese of Accra (Ghana, West Africa) in Finland) Bishop Daniel Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland (Church of Diocese of Botswana: Norway) Christ the King, Orapa, St John’s, Makaleng Diocese of Coventry and Sowa Town (served by the Parish of Anglican Communion: Francistown) The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Diocese of Newcastle: Zealand and Polynesia Shane Waddle, Diocesan Secretary, and all Archbishops Philip, Don and Fereimi who work at Church House, Percy Main Diocese of Botswana: * Roger Windass, Lay Canon St Peter’s, Mmadinare (outstation of St SOLAR POWER Andrew’s, Selebi Phikwe) As the sun gives light and life to the earth, Diocese of Newcastle: may we harvest its power All the members of the Diocesan Synod for the good of all your children. PLOUGH SUNDAY As we mark another turning 9 Saturday in the agricultural year, Diocese of Adelaide (Australia): may we turn over a new leaf Archbishop Geoff in our dealings with the earth. Diocese of Botswana: Parish of St Andrew, Selebi Phikwe: 11 Monday Ven Sefularo Mogopodi (Archdeacon- Benedict Biscop, abbot of Wearmouth, scholar, Central 689 [CNS] * Diocese of Newcastle: Mary Slessor, missionary in West Africa, 1915 Rob Saner-Haigh, Director of Mission and Diocese of Afikpo (Nigeria) Bishop Paul Ministry Diocese of Botswana: CLOUDS AND PRECIPITATION St Augustine’s Theological School: We bless you for the clouds Canon James Amanze and soft refreshing rain. Diocese of Newcastle: Pour upon us and all creation Honorary Assistant Bishops: the continual dew of your blessing. John Packer, Stephen Pedley, Stephen Platten, John Richardson, Mark Bryant and Glyn Webster * Peter Dobson, Residentiary Canon Continued >>>>
PLANTS Diocese of Botswana: May a rich variety of species St Joseph, Shoshong and St Ignatius of be clothed in glory, Loyola, Machaneng (served by St James the and provide refuge and food Great, Mahalapye) Norham Deanery: for all manner of animals. Area Dean: Rob Kelsey 12 Tuesday Lay Chair: John Ayerst Aelred, abbot of Hexham, abbot of Rievaulx, * Andrew Shipton, Vicar of All Saints, 1167 [CNS] * Gosforth Diocese of North Africa (Province of FOOD WASTE Alexandria): Bishop Samy Help us, in our homes, and as a nation, Diocese of Botswana: to avoid wasting good food. Parish of St Augustine, Serowe: May we buy as much as we need, Ven Sefularo Mogopodi (Archdeacon – and share whatever we can. Central) and Fr Ford Godiraone Gaogane Diocese of Newcastle: 15 Friday Education Director: Paul Rickeard and all John Cosin, theologian and liturgist, 1672 [CNS] who work with him in supporting the many Ceolwulf, king of Northumbria, 737 [CNS] Church schools in our Diocese Diocese of Aguata (Nigeria) Bishop Samuel INSECTS Diocese of Botswana: Help us to preserve the populations Parish of St Mark, Lobatse: of bees and other insects. Fr Botshabelo Beleme and May we kill not the moth nor butterfly, Fr Solomon Diphoko for your tender mercy’s sake. Norham Deanery: Deanery Secretary: Phil Rowett 13 Wednesday Finance Officer: Terry Harris Hilary, bishop of Poitiers, teacher of the faith, BIOFUELS 367 Give guidance to those involved Kentigern (Mungo) missionary bishop in in the development of biofuels. Strathclyde and Cumbria, 603 Help us to find the right balance between George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends the need for food and the need for fuel. (the Quakers), 1691 Diocese of the Horn of Africa (Province of Alexandria) Bishop Kuan 16 Saturday Diocese of Botswana: Henry of Coquet Island, 1127 Parish of St James the Great, Mahalapye: Diocese of Ahoada (Nigeria) Fr Kealeboga Lekoba Bishop Clement Diocese of Newcastle: Diocese of Botswana: The work of the Children’s and Young Parishes of St Mary Magdalene, Palapye and People’s Work Support Team St Cyprian, Seleke: Fr George Moshapa THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Norham Deanery: We give thanks for the ingenuity and artistry Benefice of Berwick Holy Trinity and of engineers and architects. St Mary Bless those who maintain the fabric of Vicar: Dennis Handley our cities, and our green and pleasant land. Curates: Tracey Usher and Thomas Sample Readers: Anne Harris and Sheena Hewitt Berwick Holy Trinity C of E First School and 14 Thursday Berwick St Mary’s C of E First School John the Chanter, monk and musician, c.681 [CNS] * Diocese of Agra (North India) Bishop Prem SPACE JUNK For all local ecumenical events planned for As we praise you this Week of Prayer for the purity of the spangled heavens, CHRISTIAN UNTIY keep us from littering the sky May we rejoice with space debris. in the diversity of the universal Church, the rich diversity of your creation, This coming week … and our unity in Christ. ‘Come and see.’ (John 1:46) Tuesday After a conversation, Philip invited his friend 19 Nathaniel to ‘come and see’ who he had Week of Prayer for Christian Unity found in Jesus. Let us pray that we might Wulfstan, bishop of Worcester, 1095 have courage to have conversations about Diocese of Ajayi Crowther (Nigeria) our faith with friends or family, and the Bishop Olugbenga opportunity to invite them to ‘come and Diocese of Botswana: see’. Parish of St Paul, Molepolole: Fr Mooketsi Mokgatlhe, Fr Western Medupe, and Fr Bakang Banks Lesetedi 17 SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY Norham Deanery: Porvoo Communion: St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Carham Diocese of Tampere (Evangelical Lutheran For the Roman Catholic Church Church in Finland) COMPANION ANIMALS Diocese of Manchester We ask for your blessing Anglican Communion: on our pets and animal companions. The Anglican Church of Australia May we care for them, as you care for us. Archbishop Geoffrey Diocese of Botswana: Parish of St Michael and All Angels, 20 Wednesday Broadhurst: Fr Jooste Motshwane, Richard Rolle of Hampole, spiritual writer, 1349 Fr Bonny Bashe and Fr Patrick Rampha Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Norham Deanery: Diocese of Akobo (South Sudan) Benefice of Cornhill with Carham Bishop John Priest-in-charge: Rob Kelsey Diocese of Botswana: FISH AND FISHING St Thomas’, Letlhakeng (served by the We praise you Parish of St Paul, Molepolole) for all that swim in the waters, Norham Deanery: and pray for the protection Benefice of Branxton of endangered species. Priest-in-Charge: Rob Kelsey For all churches in the Orthodox tradition 18 Monday THE WASTE OF WAR Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins We remember with sorrow Amy Carmichael, founder of the Dohnavur the waste of war: Fellowship, spiritual writer, 1951 help us to work together for the Diocese of Aipo Rongo (Papua New Guinea) peace and well-being of all living things. Bishop Nathan
Diocese of Botswana: St Matthew’s, Mochudi (served by the Parish of St Michael and All Angels) Norham Deanery: St Helen’s Parish Church, Cornhill
Fr Ezekiel Nthokwa and 21 Thursday Fr Munyaradzi Mubata Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Norham Deanery: Agnes, child martyr at Rome, 304 Church of St Mary the Virgin, Etal Dame Eleanor Allen, educationalist, 1708 [CNS]* For the Salvation Army Army and the Society Diocese of Akoko (Nigeria) of Friends (the Quakers) Archbishop Gabriel WIND ENERGY Diocese of Botswana: As the Holy Spirit, like the wind, Parishes of St Andrew, Mmopane, St James, gives life to the world and its creatures, Kopong and St Luke, Lentsweletau: we pray for wisdom Fr Paul Beleme Norham Deanery: in the siting of wind turbines. Benefice of Ford and Etal and Lowick and Kyloe with Ancroft This coming week … Priest-in-Charge-Designate: ‘You have kept the good wine until now.’ Charlotte Osborn (to be licensed on (John 2:10) Wednesday 27th January) For the worldwide Methodist Church Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding * Julie Robson, Lay Canon celebration. Let us pray that we are open to LITTER the joyful abundance of God’s transforming Change the hearts and minds love, and also pray for all preparing for of those who drop litter without a care. marriage in 2021 that they will know the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Help us to protect the natural world from the selfishness of the human race. 24 THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY 22 Friday Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Porvoo Communion: Vincent of Saragossa, deacon, first martyr of Diocese of Birmingham Spain, 304 Diocese of Elsinore (Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Akoko Edo (Nigeria) Church in Denmark) Bishop Jolly Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (Church of Diocese of Botswana: Ireland) Parishes of Holy Trinity, Mmankgodi, St Anglican Communion: Matthew, Thamaga and St Mark, Moshupa: The Church of Bangladesh: Fr Isaac Mupfumi Most Revd Samuel Mankhin, Moderator Norham Deanery: Diocese of Botswana: St Anne’s Parish Church, Ancroft Parishes of St John the Baptist, Gabane and For all Lutheran and Reformed Churches St Patrick, Kumakwane: Fr Martin Mosima EDUCATION AND CAMPAIGNING Norham Deanery Bless teachers and scientists, St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Ford As they reveal the wonder of creation, Hugh Joicey C of E First School, Ford and raise awareness of our need For all churches in the Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions to respect and protect the earth. WATER SHORTAGES Guide our response to droughts, 23 Saturday and help us resolve the disputes Diocese of Akoto (South Sudan) caused by lack of rainfall Bishop Isaac and depleting water supplies. Diocese of Botswana:
Parish of St Peter, Mogoditshane:
GENETIC MODIFICATION CONVERSION OF PAUL 25 Help us, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends who have dominion over every living thing, Diocese of Akure (Nigeria) Bishop Simeon to respect the integrity of every species.
Diocese of Botswana: Parish of St Simon of Cyrene, Tiokweng: Please pray this evening for Charlotte Osborn, to Ven Joe Tsuaneng (Archdeacon – South), be licensed by Bishop Christine as Priest-in-Charge Fr Peter Moshapa and Fr Dr Nelson Mwaniki of Ford and Etal and Lowick with Kyloe and Norham Deanery: Ancroft, and for the congregations and St John’s Parish Church, Lowick communities Charlotte will serve. Lowick C of E First School All Black, African and Ethnic Minority Thursday churches in Britain 28 ROADSIDE VERGES Thomas Aquinas, priest, philosopher, teacher of the faith, 1274 We pray for your blessing on Diocese of Saint Albans Bishop Alan grass verges and roadside nature reserves. Diocese of Botswana: May we treasure all small areas Villages with churches in the Tsabong area: of outstanding natural beauty. Maralaleng, Omaweneno, Malashe and Khisa (served mainly by Lay Ministers) 26 Tuesday Norham Deanery: Timothy and Titus, companions of Paul Benefice of Scremerston and Spittal and Diocese of Alabama (USA) Bishop Glenda Tweedmouth Diocese of Botswana: Vicar: Rachel Hudson Parish of St John the Baptist, Tsabong: Readers: Phil Rowett and Harry Plater Vacant MENTAL WELL-BEING Norham Deanery: Make us ever mindful Benefice of Holy Island St Mary the Virgin of your presence in creation, Vicar: Sarah Hills and help us all to find our rest Curate: Samantha Quilty in the beauty of the earth, Holy Island C of E First School URBAN WILDLIFE 29 Friday We pray for the animals and plants Gildas, priest and historian, 570 [CNS] that live in cities and towns. Diocese of Albany (USA) Bishop Bill Help us, so far as we are able, Diocese of Botswana: to live and let live. Villages with churches in the Tsabong area: 27 Wednesday Draaiheok, Makapong and Werda (served mainly by Lay Ministers) Holocaust Memorial Day Norham Deanery: Theme: Be the light in the darkness St Peter’s Parish Church, Scremerston Diocese of Alaska (USA): Bishop Mark PANDEMICS Diocese of Botswana: In the plagues and pandemics Villages with churches in the Tsabong area: Khuis, Middlepits, Bogogobo and that afflict the human race, Kolonkweng (served mainly by Lay may we realise our vulnerability, Ministers) and learn a new humility Norham Deanery: in our relation to the earth. Benefice of Norham St Cuthbert and Duddo All Saints Vicar: Rob Kelsey Norham St Ceowulf C of E First School 30 Saturday 31 FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY Charles, king and martyr, 1649 May be kept as Candlemas Diocese of Algoma (Canada) Porvoo Communion: Archbishop Anne Diocese of Bangor (Church in Wales) Diocese of Botswana: Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough (Church New Church groups: Maun and Kasane of Ireland) (served by the Parish of Francistown) Anglican Communion: Norham Deanery: Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil St John’s Parish Church, Spittal Archbishop Naudal FOOD PRODUCTION AND Diocese of Botswana: DISTRIBUTION The strengthening of links between our Help us to find the right balance dioceses
between buying and selling locally, Norham Deanery: St Bartholomew’s Parish Church, and supporting our global neighbours Tweedmouth in developing countries. ANTARCTICA
We praise you for the only continent This coming week … without a native human population. ‘… and a sword will pierce your own soul Bless the penguins and seals, too’. (Luke 2:35) and the research work of visiting scientists. As we celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, we remember the words given to Mary, as we pray for those who face grief and pain in our communities that we might bring them the good news of God’s comfort and hope in Jesus Christ with care and compassion.
Canon Rob Kelsey’s book, Praying for the Earth, aims to be a resource for the Church and for individual Christians, in the belief that environmental concerns should be an integral part of the public and private prayers of all Christian people. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to an environmental good cause, and copies can be ordered from here: https.//www.sacristy.co.uk/books/ministry-resources/prayers-earth-environment. About this Prayer Diary
We continue to include in the Prayer Diary all those commemorated in Celebrating the Northern Saints, [CNS] and to remember our lay, residentiary and honorary canons on the day of the saints and influential people who have given their canonry its designation and/or stall in the Cathedral.
SUNDAYS
For each Sunday, we follow a well-established pattern: First are intercessions for the Porvoo Communion (https://www.ireland.anglican.org/cmsfiles/pdf/news/Committee/PORVOO-PRAYER-DIARY- 2020.pdf). The Porvoo Declaration commits the churches which have signed it to “share a common life” and “to pray for and with one another.” Second are intercessions from the new Anglican Cycle of Prayer, available at www.anglicancommunion.org. Prayers on Sundays are for a Province of the Communion. Thirdly we pray for our link Diocese of Botswana. Fourthly we remember our own Diocese of Newcastle, and the Morpeth and Norham Deaneries, their churches, people and organisations, including Church Schools.
WEEKDAYS
The pattern is similar on weekdays, but without the Porvoo Communion:
Firstly, dioceses from the Anglican Cycle of Prayer Secondly, our link Diocese of Botswana Thirdly, our own Diocese, and the people, parishes, churches and schools in Morpeth and Norham Deaneries. On the first Thursday, we pray for the work of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese In January, we remember every day during the Week of Prayer for Unity our fellow Christians in many denominations of the worldwide Church.
We pray for our Link Dioceses as follows: Botswana during January, April and October. Møre during March, June and September. Winchester during May, August and November.
The Deaneries are incorporated in the Prayer Diary in such a way as to include the Benefices (with names of ordained and lay ministers) and also, for benefices with more than one church, the constituent churches, in order that every congregation – and the local community in which it is set - can be remembered at least once during the year.
January Morpeth (cont.) and Norham July Newcastle East February Bedlington August Newcastle West March Bellingham September Tynemouth April Corbridge October Alnwick May Hexham November Bamburgh & Glendale June Newcastle Central December Morpeth
I try to mark important days in the life of the Diocese (e.g. Diocesan Synods, Institutions and Licensings, ecumenical occasions) with a special note, but can only do so if I have the information early in the previous month. Please don’t hesitate to send me information and prompts in good time.
Richard Hill 0191 284 1108 07597 933 367 [email protected]