PRAYING THE WAY December 2018 and January 2019

Transcription

1 PRAYING THE WAY December 2018 and January 2019 For our world: Pray for: those who have lost loved ones and homes in the wild fire in California and for the emergency services there; For the many countries where there is drought, famine, war, civil unrest: The Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and many more. For relationships between The West and Russia. That we may take care of our environment and persevere in a reduction of our use of plastic. For all who suffer persecution for what they believe. For our country: The Prime Minister, the Brexit situation and the UK s relationship with the rest of Europe; for the police and all whose work is to ensure the security and safety of all who live in this country; for all who work in any capacity in the NHS; for our legal system. For our Diocese: Give thanks for: Bishop James and Simon, bishop of Tonbridge, our Archdeacons, for all they do; give them wisdom in prioritising and in all decision-making Pray: that churches and individuals continue to engage with Called Together, seeking out places they can grow, enrich, and resource the Kingdom; that our applications for funding from external bodies will be reviewed favourably; for people considering standing for roles and taking positions of responsibility across the Diocese; for all Advent and Christmas services, that all who come may find a warm welcome and have ears to hear the message of good news. Beckenham Deanery BROMLEY AND BEXLEY ARCHDEACONRY Beckenham, Christ Church Pray for: all those coming through our doors over the Christmas period; that they will meet, not with a baby but the living Lord Jesus; for our building project as plans are drawn up; for the impact of the Christmas newsletter on parish and community; all who face being alone at Christmas and New Year; the Recovery course starting in January. Beckenham, Holy Trinity Pray for: Christmas services, especially for schools and the community; that those attending will encounter Emmanuel, God with us; our continuous journey to become a house of prayer; that our congregation may know more who they are in Christ and discover their gifts and talents.

2 Beckenham, St. Paul Pray for: our Advent and Christmas services; our youth work; that the church will continue to grow in depth of faith and in numbers. Eden Park, St. John the Evangelist Pray for: our ministry team, especially the Revd. Scott Smith, as we go into interregnum; our Christmas services, particularly our carol service on 23 December, that those who come just to sing carols may hear the true message of Christmas. Shortlands, St. Mary Give thanks: that God sent his Son Jesus, and for this special time of year. Pray for: all those who will attend our festive services this Christmas, that the Holy Spirit will be at work in their lives, bringing them to a knowledge of our Saviour; that those for whom Christmas is a difficult time will feel welcomed, included and loved. Bromley Deanery Bickley, St. George Pray for: Advent carol service on the 2 nd ; our outreach to children and families over the Christmas period. Bromley, Christ Church Give thanks for: the events we are able to hold over the Christmas period. Pray: that many will come under the sound of clear Bible teaching and come to know Jesus, including our women s craft evening, Comfort at Christmas for those suffering at this time of year, the Holiday Club for children, and our various Carols by Candlelight and Christmas services. Bromley, St John the Evangelist Pray for: Christingle service on 9 th December, the year s biggest outreach event for children and families; Nine Lessons and Carols on the 16 th ; Christmas Day Family Service; good attendance and fellowship at our Twelfth Night social on 5 th January. Chislehurst, The Annunciation Pray for: Carol Service on the 16th Erith Deanery Pray for: all crib, Christingle and carol services in our deanery; that we may show true Christian hospitality to all visitors, helping them to be part of this great celebration of our faith; preparations for the Bexley Winter Shelter for the homeless in the Christ Church Boys Brigade Hall and in other churches from January to March. Barnehurst, St. Martin Pray for: a successful Christmas Fair on the 1st; all our Christmas services, especially the Christingle service on Christmas Eve; that the many visitors to our church will want to visit again.

3 Belvedere, St. Augustine of Canterbury Pray that all attending our Advent and Christmas services may be touched by the good news of the incarnation. Bexleyheath, Christ Church Pray for the primary and secondary schools holding nativity services, carol services and concerts in our church during December; our carol service for the deaf on the 6 th ; the elderly, bereaved and lonely who will be guests at our parish afternoon tea with carols on the 13 th. Bexleyheath, St Peter Pray for our outreach over the Christmas period; that the change of our carol service from 6.30 pm to 4.00 pm may enable larger numbers to attend. Bostall Heath, St. Andrew Pray for our Christmas Eve services; the young children and families at our Christingle service; all at our midnight service; our Bible study groups. Slade Green, St. Augustine Pray that those who attend the Christmas services will feel God s presence; for those of our parishioners who find this time of year difficult. Welling, St. John the Evangelist Pray that our new prayer room is completed before the Christmas services in December; for our Assembly team as we build up relationships with a new school; that our children s groups will grow in number; that parents will appreciate the importance of bringing their children to church; for the prayerful use of all the opportunities the Christmas season brings to share our faith. Orpington Deanery Cray, St. Barnabas Pray for the new heating to be running effectively: for schools services and assemblies to celebrate Christmas; Advent and Christmas & services; outreach including Messy Church; a carol service and a service at St. Mary Cray Station run by Churches Together; that all our outreach will move worshippers hearts and minds. Orpington, All Saints Give thanks for: the witness of All Saints to our town; the many who contribute to its flourishing, its growth in faith and unity. Pray for: the process of appointing a new Director of Music; replenishing of the ministry team; endeavours to grow and build our families and youth ministry; our engagement in social action to the town, especially for those caught up in violence and knife crime.

4 ROCHESTER ARCHDEACONRY Cobham Deanery the Rev. Canon Alyson Davie and the Rev. Elizabeth Robertson who between them take on the role of our new Area Dean and especially for the Commissioning Service which takes place on Advent Sunday, 2 nd December, at St. John s, Meopham at 6.00 pm. All are welcome to attend and enjoy worship, fellowship and cake! Rural North West Kent Group Our various Group activities and services happening over the festive period, especially for Messy Nativity, carol singing at the Rising Sun and in Trafalgar Square; For all our Christmas services that we pray will reach out to many people in our communities as we rejoice in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fawkham, St. Mary, with Hartley, All Saints Our work in schools during Advent, especially for our Year 6 s Nine Lessons and Carols and for Fawkham and Steephill schools having a Christmas service in church; Our services in our local residential homes and especially for those who will feel alone at Christmastime. Amidst a time for family and rejoicing, we pray for those who find Christmas a difficult time; Please bless the work of the charities we support with our Christmas collections. We also pray for rest and refreshment amidst this busy period and as we approach a New Year. May God bless us as we enter Cobham, St. Mary Magdalene, and Luddesdowne, St. Peter and St. Paul The finances to be forthcoming for the refurbishment of the St. Mary s Church Room; Good contact with the wider community through our various Christmas services and ongoing relationships. Meopham, St. John the Baptist, with Nurstead, St. Mildred That our Christmas events and services will attract those on the fringe of the church and outside it, especially the conversations we will have with those coming to Carols on the Green; For those for whom Christmas will be an especially difficult time this year because of bereavement, illness, isolation or poverty; Please thank God: For our First Steps Group (under 5s) and the Lego Club, both growing and bringing families into contact with our church community; For our growing ministry with Meopham Community Academy and the opportunities that building that relationship up brings; As we continue to seek a new treasurer and a new organist at St. John s, that the people of God s choosing will be quickly found.

5 Dartford Deanery Give thanks: for the many Remembrance and Thanksgiving services around our deanery and pray that contacts will be strengthened and grow. Continue to lift areas with conflict and pray that all will work together for peace and that humanitarian aid will get to those who desperately need it. Give thanks: for Bishop James visit to Dartford Deanery last month and pray that we will all be encouraged in our work and calling to do God s will and purpose in our deanery. Pray for: all those who have recently been baptised and confirmed, that they will all grow deeper in their spiritual journey. Pray for: all plans and preparations for the celebration of Advent and Christmas seasons, that the Holy Spirit may guide us so that the true message of Christmas is proclaimed clearly and with love; that the Holy Spirit will guide us all and that we will do God s will for the communities we serve. Pray: as we move into 2019 that we will all continue to seek God s will and way forward, that we will be in tune with his heart, desires and plans for us so that we are faithful witnesses wherever we are. Pray for: the NHS during the winter particularly with added pressures and demands on resources. Give wisdom to all who manage our NHS Trust, for all staff in hospitals and doctors surgeries, that they will be safe and have energy, resources and wisdom in dealing with patients. Pray for: those for whom Christmas and the New Year is a very difficult time. Help us to be mindful of any we know who are struggling for whatever reason and prompt us to help wherever and whenever we can. Be with those who grieve at this time and we pray they may be surrounded with your loving arms of peace and comfort. Pray that the Lord will inspire all those who are seeking creative, technological and scientific solutions to the problems of plastic in our oceans and general litter and that people s hearts may change in their attitude to litter and plastic waste. Crockenhill, All Souls Give thanks: for all the communities involved with Remembrance Sunday services and activities and pray that it drew us closer together; Pray for our plans and preparation for the Advent and Christmas season, that we will be a beacon of light in the community. Darent Valley Benefice Pray for: blessings on all helpers and families of Messy Church and for the Mother and Toddler Group; our Angel Festival in December and for St. Mary s and St. Margaret s Christmas Fairs, Christingle and Toy Service. Continue to pray for all those who are suffering. Dartford, St. Edmund, Temple Hill and St. Alban For all our plans for Advent and Christmas and for all those involved in these plans. For both our churches this season that we will be a light and witness to the love of Jesus as we celebrate his birth.

6 Dartford, Christ Church Give thanks: for our joint Church Birthday and Shoebox Service last month and our Frosty Fair on the 24 th ; Pray for: for our Dignity Memorial Service on 5 th December, that we can comfort those who mourn and that they will know God s comfort, peace and strength; That we will be guided by the Holy Spirit in the various Christmas preparations so that the true message of Christmas is proclaimed clearly and with love. Dartford, Holy Trinity Pray for: God s blessing on all that he is doing in the church and community in which we serve. Hextable and Swanley Village, St. Peter and St. Paul Give thanks for the Confirmation Service last month, for the ministry of the kindergarten, which sadly closes at the end of this term. Pray for: all the staff and children as they seek new jobs or new play schools, that they will be guided to the right places and positions and that the Lord will heal any hurt at this time; Pray that as one door closes a new one will open and that we will all be in God s will. Pray for: all plans and preparations for Advent and Christmas. For the way forward for the next phase of our church building annexe and for a blessing on financial giving Swanley, St. Mary Pray for God s blessing on all that he is doing in the church and community in which we serve. Stone, St. Mary the Virgin Give thanks: for the Christmas Market on the 1 st and pray for its success and outreach to the community. Pray for the Mary s Child Advent Thanksgiving on the 2 nd after the launch one year ago. Please continue to pray that the circumstances of those who are helped will change for the better and that the will know God s love through the actions of Mary s Child project. More information: Wilmington, St. Michael & All Angels Give thanks: for our Remembrance Day services at Wilmington War Memorial and for the special Evening Service for those who have lost loved ones in the last year; Pray for: our Christmas Fair on 1 st December. Continue to pray for the churchwardens and the PCC in this time of interregnum and that God will bring the right person to come to the parish; and for other outreach activities in the season of Advent and Christmas. Gravesend Deanery Pray: for Nigel Bourne, Area Dean, for Sue and family, and for all who minister In our deanery; for our Bishops James & Simon and our Archdeacon Andrew Wooding- Jones; For all Advent and Christmas services

7 St. George s School Pray: for the new primary school and all new staff who have joined our school. Gravesham Street Pastors Pray: for all those with whom the Street Pastors make contact Give thanks: for the ministry of the School Pastors and for the Prayer Pastors who support both groups at base or at home. Gravesend, St. Aidan Pray: for the growth of our Sunday School and All-Age service, that children and young people may develop their faith with us. Greenhithe, St. Mary Pray for: those working with Mary s Child at Greenhithe and St. Mary, Stone, who have been increasingly busy over the past months as the needs become greater. Pray for all those involved and for lives to be changed through this ministry. Ifield, St. Margaret Pray for: progress for a C.A P. centre in the Deanery Milton, St. Peter and St. Paul Pray for: Who Let the Dads Out, for those leading and those attending Northfleet, Huggens College Pray for: those who mourn and those in failing health. Northfleet, St. Botolph Pray for: the Revd. Lawrence Smith, who retired last month and for God s guidance for his future and that of our parish. Perry Street, All Saints Pray for: our activities, that they will be well attended and encourage others to join us. Swanscombe, St. Peter and St. Paul We pray for: God s guidance as we are asked to make decisions regarding our parish boundaries; our parish is an old one with a long history. Wrotham Road, St. Mary Give thanks: for our ever-growing Messy Church, for the families who come and enjoy the afternoon and pray that they get a glimpse of Jesus in the activities. Rochester Deanery Pray for: the success of the Christmas Unwrapped at KICC on the 9 th, that many church members would invite friends to come with them to hear J. John preach and the Salvation Army Band (more at

8 Borstal, St. Matthew Please give thanks: for all the visitors who came to our World War One Exhibition in church and we pray that the warm welcome they received will encourage them to return. Also, for our new-look all-age services, which have been well attended and well received. Please pray for: the course we will be running in January for those new to the Christian faith, for the leaders as they prepare the course and for those who will attend. Our prayer is that we will deliver the course effectively and that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who attend. Also pray for our outreach over the Christmas period, that many will hear and respond to the message of God s love in sending his Son into the world. Chatham, St. Philip and St. James Please give thanks for the success of the Church Weekend Away at Home in early October. for the gift-wrapped opportunity that is Christmas outreach, that many would hear the good news about Jesus and respond positively. Please pray for the fostering and adoption focus on 27 th January with Home for Good UK, that some might be stirred to respond practically to this. Chatham, St. Stephen We give thanks for the blessings and opportunities of the past church year. As we celebrate Christmas, may we be aware and meet the needs of those we welcome into our church and, on into the New Year, we pray that we may be open to the challenges that the Lord has for us in our church, parish and deanery. Rochester, St. Justus Please give thanks: for continued growth of our two Community cafes, Café Plus and Café Plus 2, and pray that through these we may continue to build relationships across the parish. for our Christmas Tree Festival 14 th -16 th December, for many good contacts to be made that continue beyond the weekend and for people to come back with their questions to our Hot Potato evening in January. Rochester, St. Peter and St. Margaret for our Table Talk event at St. Peter s Church on 19 th January. Strood Deanery Strood, St. Francis Pray: for our Christmas hamper scheme; that all who give, all who pack, all who deliver and all who receive will know God s blessing. Malling Deanery TONBRIDGE ARCHDEACONRY Aylesford, St. Peter and St. Paul for us as we deliver leaflets to homes in our parish. The leaflet tells of all the Christmas events and services. Please pray for the people in Aylesford parish that they may be encouraged to join our Christmas worship.

9 Barming, St. Margaret Please pray for our Christmas card as it is delivered around the parish inviting people to our Christmas services and events; all those attending our seasonal services, that they will feel welcomed and come to know Jesus more. For Barming Primary School as they recruit new governors. Snodland, All Saints with Christ Church for all services and events this month and in January; for reconciliation and peace between Palestine and Israel that they will learn to live together in peace and harmony. Paddock Wood Deanery for our Archdeacon Julie Conalty, our Area Dean Bryan Knapp, all clergy in our deanery and all who minister; all who work for the emergency services in our Deanery; police, fire and ambulance. Pembury, St. Peter s Upper Church for the Revd. Douglas Robertson, who has moved on, and for us all as we go into interregnum. Pembury, Hospice in the Weald for all the staff and volunteers, for the Chaplains, the Revds. Penny Stephens and Annie Balmpied-Radojcin Pembury NHS Hospital For all staff, patients and the Revd. Stephen Baker, Chaplain, and all voluntary Chaplains. Sevenoaks Deanery Brasted, St. Martin for the Festival of Christmas Trees to be held in the church over the Christmas period. Kippington, St Mary 2 nd - Children s Christmas craft afternoon. Please pray this strengthens our outreach to families and strengthens our community. 5 th - Kippington lunch club Christmas dinner! We give thanks for the team who plan the club and pray these occasions will offer much pastoral support to all who come. 9 th - Bishop James and his wife, Bridget, will be in Harare today for the farewell service of Bishop Chad of Harare; We give thanks to God for +Chad s faithful service and pray for a godly leader who will follow his example. 11 th - Carol Service with Solefield School coming to church; pray we will all take in more deeply the truths so well expressed in our carols. 17 th - Pray for: our carol singing at Sevenoaks railway station, for contacts with commuters and generous giving to Christian Aid. 24 th -25 th Pray for: rejoicing and clear proclamation of the wonders of Christmas at each service. 30 th Pray for: the Revd. Sue Fauchon-Jones as she leads a healing communion service.

10 2019 January 13 th We welcome Bishop Simon Burton-Jones as our preacher and celebrant and pray God may bless him in his leadership and ministry among us. Knockholt, St. Katharine, and Halstead, St. Margaret for God s blessings and guidance over the busy Christmas period and give thanks for all those giving time to ensure the extra services and activities go well. Sevenoaks, St Luke For the Revd. Anne Bourne, and all those working so hard during these uncertain times. For ongoing discussions between St. Mary s, Kippington, St. Mary s, Riverhead and St. Luke s as they continue to explore working more closely together; 16 th For St. Luke s Nine Lessons and Carols Sevenoaks, St Nicholas 2 nd 6.30 pm Advent Service 7 th 7.30 pm Wreath-making evangelistic event 9 th am Grace Church All Age Christmas Service at Lady Boswell s 4.00 pm 4 O clock Church All Age Christmas Service at Walthamstow Hall 12 th am Pre-school Children s Carol Service with Mum & Co and Babies Club 16 th 9.15 am and am Children s Christmas Services 3.00pm Sunday@3 Christingle Service at Lady Boswell s School 7.00 pm Christmas Celebration with the Eynsford Concert Band 19 th 7.30 pm Contact Christmas Banquet (15-18year olds) 21 st 8.00pm Carol singing around Sevenoaks 23 rd 6.30 pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm Family Carols by Candlelight pm Midnight Holy Communion Christmas Day 8.00 am Holy Communion am Christmas Family Celebration am Christmas All Age Service at Lady Boswell s School January th Leaders Day 22 nd 8.00 pm Christian Institute meeting at St. Nicholas 24 th 7.00 pm Restored Lives course begins (for those dealing with divorce or relationship breakdown) Weald, St George For all who were recently confirmed. 2 nd Family Toy Service toys to London City Mission, Peckham 16 th Carol Service 24 th Christingle Service pm Midnight Communion 2019 For God s richest blessings on our church and our community during this new year.

11 Shoreham Deanery We pray for God s continued blessing and guidance for all our churches, clergy and congregations, especially during Advent and Christmas seasons. Ightham, St. Peter That our plans for enlarging our Parish Centre will receive approval and work will be able to start as soon as possible. We give thanks that this is needed due to the success of Breakfast Church. Platt, St. Mary for our children s church Explorers on Sunday mornings, First Steps for preschoolers and Open the Book. Kemsing, St. Mary with Woodlands For God s guidance and blessing on all in our parish Tonbridge Deanery For discussions and decisions about the future ministry in the Rural Parishes. Crockham Hill, Holy Trinity For our Vicar and her husband. For our link parishes of All Saints, New Cross, and St. Michael, Kongwa in Tanzania; For the food bank in Edenbridge, and for Julie Barry, our Parish Nurse, who runs the food bank. Edenbridge, St. Peter and St. Paul Give thanks: for the continued success of the All Age Worship Service resulting in a number of those parents attending subsequently bringing their children to church for baptism; The successful Anna Chaplaincy presentation delivered by Julia Burton-Jones in the Eden Centre with attendees from the variety of Churches in Edenbridge. Pray for: A wider group of helpers for the monthly All Age Worship service e.g. assisting with preparation for and participating in leading the services, setting up/putting furniture back afterwards and helping with refreshments; Preparations for Christingle and other Christmas services; The Christmas lunch being provided by SS Peter and Paul this year; Early preparations for the youth service. Hildenborough, St. John 2 nd December the outreach Christingle service today Christmas services and school carol services For more helpers for the children s ministry; For a peaceful and healthy new year for our clergy and the whole church family.

12 Leigh, St. Mary We give thanks: To the Lord for answered prayer. For all Christmas services; For Junior Church and children s groups Tonbridge, St. Peter and St. Paul For the appointment process for a new Associate Vicar; 2 nd Christingle service across the parish Preparations for the Christmas season and the evangelistic opportunities that offers; Plans for Big Questions outreach course to be run in the new year. Tonbridge, St. Stephen (and St. Eanswythe) Give thanks: For the clergy, youth and children s workers. Pray for: Miriam Barker as she takes over as Area Dean. For more volunteers to man the church for Open Church. Penshurst, St. John For Messy Church; For the homegroup and Friday prayer group; For staff and children of the village school as they come to the end of a long term and for all pre-christmas school activities. Tunbridge Wells Deanery Please pray for all Advent and Christmas services and special activities. Burrswood for all patients, staff and volunteers. Tunbridge Wells, King Charles the Martyr Please hold in your prayers all who worship in the church this Christmastide, remembering the schools holding their carol services in church, and the Poverty and Hope appeal supported with our Christmas collections Please pray for the King Charles Festival service and lecture. Prayer topics for February 2019 should be sent by 10 th January to: Lorna Kahan at 26 Wallis Close, Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7BE. lorna.kahan@hotmail.co.uk Tel: