Diocese of Armagh. Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (incorporating Anglican Cycle of Prayer)

Transcription

1 Diocese of Armagh Diocesan Cycle of Prayer 2015 (incorporating Anglican Cycle of Prayer)

2 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 THE Armagh Diocesan Cycle of Prayer for 2015 is presented in a similar format to previous years. I have not made any changes believing that when we become familiar with a format we find it easier to use. Again Readers and those from the diocese who are in training for the ordained ministry are included in the prayers for the parish in which they are based or have come from. I have also included Holy Days on the Sunday on which they occur. Those that occur during the week are shown in brackets on the Sunday during which week they occur. Included in this edition are days through Holy Week, Ascensiontide, and throughout Advent and Christmas. The prayers for the Anglican Communion are adapted from The Anglican Cycle of Prayer 2015, and although it is not consistent in the amount and type of information it gives about various Provinces of the Anglican Communion I have included selected information that I feel may inform our prayers. Due to the constant changes in posts held throughout the world-wide church almost any publication can be out of date even before it is published. The posts held by individuals mentioned in this publication are correct as of published date. This information can be verified and updated at the Anglican Communion Web Site at While this publication is entitled Armagh Diocesan Cycle of Prayer it is not written in stone; it is simply a guide to help us remember one another, and the wider Anglican family in prayer. Adaptation locally is important and essential. Please accept my apologies for any errors or omissions. Your comments, suggestions, updates and prayers are welcomed as we seek to improve this important aspect of our family life, our Common Prayer. I can be reached by (preferably) at revdjohnny@gmail.com or by mail to Clonfeacle Rectory, 4 Clonfeacle Road, Benburb, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 7LQ. The rhythm of common prayer is core to our Anglican identity, and is a regular reminder of our interdependence as the Body of Christ, and of the primacy of love and unity. Through our prayers may we hold fast to God, one another, and the Anglican family of Churches world-wide. Johnny McLoughlin Editor

3 4th JANUARY THE SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS (Epiphany - 6th January) Saint Patrick s Cathedral Dean: Gregory Dunstan Reader: Betty Beamish Chapter and Staff of the Cathedral The Centre for Celtic Spirituality: Grace Clunie Lagos West - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd James Odedeji Lagos Mainland - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Adebayo Akinde 11th JANUARY FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Acton and Drumbanagher Bishop s Curate: Derek Dunn Langtang - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Stanley Fube 18th JANUARY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Annaghmore Rector: Dorothy McVeigh Reader: David Parker. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity London - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard John Carew Chartres London - Edmonton - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Peter William Wheatley London - Fulham - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Jonathan Mark Richard Baker London - Kensington - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Paul Gavin Williams London - Stepney - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Adrian Newman London - Willesden - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Peter Allan Broadbent

4 25th JANUARY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (25th January - Conversion of Saint Paul) Ardtrea and Desertcreat Rector: David Bell Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Long Island - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Lawrence Provenzano 1st February FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (2 Feb Presentation of Christ in the Temple) Armagh, St Mark s Rector: Malcolm Kingston Readers: Maureen Reddick (Diocesan Reader) Ronald Watt, Barbara Wilson (Parish Reader) Diocese of Cashel, Waterford, Lismore and Ossary and the Rt Rev Michael Burrows Luwero - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Evans Kisekka 8th FEBRUARY SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT Ballinderry, Tamlaght and Ardboe Rector: Barry Paine The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Maiduguri - (Jos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Emmanuel Kana Mani

5 15th FEBRUARY SUNDAY BEFORE LENT (TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY) Ballymore; Loughgilly and Clare Rector: Shane Forster Curate: Geoffrey Spence Readers: William Frizell; Tom Goringe (Diocesan Reader) Walter Evans, Graham Patterson (Parish Readers) PRAY for those who serve on Select Vestries and work for the good of the local parish. Mandalay - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd David Nyi Nyi Naing 18th FEBRUARY ASH WEDNESDAY Prayer for Ash Wednesday ACCEPT our repentance, Lord, for the wrongs we have done: for our blindness to human need and our indifference to injustice and cruelty. Almighty and Everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 22nd FEBRUARY FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT Brackaville, Donaghendry and Ballyclog Rector: Andrew Rawding Reader: Florence Gallagher (Diocesan Reader); Vera Henderson (Parish Reader) Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Maseno North - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Simon Oketch Maseno South - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Francis Abiero

6 1st MARCH SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT Camlough and Mullaglass Rector: Vacant Curate: William McCracken (NSM) (Curate) Diocese of Clogher and the Rt Rev John McDowell Mbale - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Patrick Gidudu 8th MARCH THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Carnteel and Crilly Rector: Vacant Reader: Gary Lee (Parish Reader) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Pray for our partner-diocese, Madi West Nile, Church of Uganda, and for Bishop Joel Obetia. Also pray for the people of Arua (rural) archdeaconry and their Archdeacon, the Ven Asher Matua Meru - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Charles Mwendwa 15th MARCH FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (17th March Saint Patrick) (19th March Saint Joseph of Nazareth) Clogherny, Drumnakilly and Seskinore Rector: Andy Heber Reader: David Moses; Sarah Cathers (Diocesan Reader) Missouri - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Wayne Smith

7 22nd MARCH FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (25th March The Annunciation of our Lord) Clonfeacle, Derrygortreavy and Eglish Rector: Johnny McLoughlin Reader: Molly Batchelor (Parish Reader) Morogoro - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Godfrey Sehaba 29th MARCH PALM SUNDAY Prayer for Palm Sunday Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human family you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection. Derryloran Rector: Norman Porteus Curate: Drew Dawson Reader: Canon Wilfred Young, Raymond Bradford, Ron Griffin (Parish Readers) Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Jerusalem - (Jerusalem & Middle East) The Rt Revd Suheil Dawani All glory, laud and honour, To Thee, Redeemer, King, To Whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.

8 2nd APRIL MAUNDY THURSDAY When Jesus wept, the falling tear in mercy flowed beyond all bound; when Jesus groaned, a trembling fear seized all the guilty world around. Almighty and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Mundri - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Bismark Monday Avokaya 3rd APRIL GOOD FRIDAY For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation, thy mortal sorrow, and thy life's oblation; Thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, for my salvation. Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee, I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee, think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, not my deserving J Heerman Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly serve the through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Muyinga - (Burundi) The Rt Revd Paisible Ndacayisaba

9 5th APRIL EASTER DAY A prayer for that Easter Hope We worship you, our living, conquering Lord, because by your death you have broken the power of death and by your glorious resurrection you have brought life and immortality to light. As those who partake of your victory we pray that we may continually rejoice in this hope, and live on earth as those whose citizenship is in heaven, where you reign in the glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen Desertlyn and Ballyeglish Rector: Adrian Stringer Diocese of Connor and the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy Clergy, Clergy spouses, Clergy families Retired clergy, Clergy widows and widowers Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! 12th APRIL THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER Donaghmore and Donaghmore Upper Rector: Peter Thompson Reader: Christine Kelly, Anne Kelly, Elizabeth Burrows, Maxwell Trimble, Alan Williamson (Parish Readers) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Nandyal - (South India) The Rt Revd Eggoni Pushpalalitha

10 19th APRIL THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (25th April - Saint Mark the Evangelist) Drogheda Union; Ardee Union and Kilsaren Union Rector: Michael Graham and Joyce Moore NSM (Curate) Reader: Brian Bellew (Diocesan Reader); Victor Whyte (Parish Reader) Nebbi - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Alphonse Watho-kudi 26th APRIL THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (1st May - Saint Philip and Saint James) Drumcree Rector: Gary Galway Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council New Jersey - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd William Stokes 3rd MAY THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Drumglass Rector: Andrew Forster Curate: Peter Jones, Elizabeth Stevenson (NSM) Intern: Robbie Robinson Reader: Samuel Newell, Roy Palmer (Diocesan Readers) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross and the Rt Rev Paul Colton Ngbo - (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Christian Ebisike

11 10th MAY THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Dundalk; Heynestown Union; Ballymascanlon Union; Creggan and Rathcor Lay Pastor in Charge: Geoffrey Walmsley Curate: Richard Moore (NSM) Reader: Rodney McDowell, Catharine Okuno (Parish Reader) Nike - (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Evans Jonathan Ibeagha 14th MAY ASCENSION DAY (15th May St Matthias transferred) A hymn of glory let us sing New songs throughout the world shall ring Christ, by a road before untrod Ascendeth to the throne of God. Alleluia 17th MAY SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION Errigle Keerogue, Ballygawley and Killeshil Rector: Ian Cruickshank North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba - (West Indies) The Rt Revd Leroy Brooks 24th MAY DAY OF PENTECOST: WHITSUNDAY Keady, Armaghbreague and Derrynoose Rector: Vacant Northern Luzon - (Philippines) The Rt Revd Renato Mag-Gay Abibico

12 31st MAY TRINITY SUNDAY (31st May The Visitation of Blessed Virgin Mary) Kildress and Altedesert Rector: Brian Cruise The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and the Rt Rev Ken Good Pray for the work of the Anglican Centre in Rome Nova Scotia & Prince Edward Island - (Canada, Canada) The Rt Revd Ronald Wayne Cutler 7th JUNE THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (9th June Saint Columba) (11th June Saint Barnabas) Killylea, Caledon and Brantry Rector: Bill Atkins Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Ogbomoso - (Ibadan, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Matthew Osunade Ogoni - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Solomon Gberegbara

13 14th JUNE THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Killyman Rector: Robert Boyd Okigwe - (Owerri, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Edward Osuegbu 21st JUNE THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (24th June - Birth of John the Baptist) Kilmore and Saint Saviour s Rector: Vacant Clergy, Clergy spouses, Clergy families Retired clergy, Clergy widows and widowers Olympia - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Gregory Rickel 28th JUNE THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (29th June Saint Peter) (3rd July - Saint Thomas) Lisnadill and Kildarton Rector: Vacant Young people, Sunday School Teachers, Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Osaka - (Japan) The Rt Revd Samuel Osamu Onishi

14 5th JULY THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Lissan Rector: Alan Cross Diocese of Down and Dromore and the Rt Rev Harold Miller Please pray for our partner-diocese, Madi West Nile, Church of Uganda; and for the staff of Kuluva Hospital, Arua, and of the West Nile Ecumenical Vocational Training Centre. Oyo - (Ibadan, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe 12th JULY THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Loughgall and Grange Rector: Paul McAdam Reader: Joyce Dobbin (Parish Reader) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Peru - (South America) The Rt Revd Dr Harold William Godfrey Suffragan Bishop of Peru - (South America) The Rt Revd Michael Alexander Chapman 19th JULY THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (22nd July Saint Mary Magdalene) (25th July - Saint James) Magherafelt Rector: Terry Scott (Archdeacon) Reader: Cath Mitchell, Richard Gregg (Parish Readers) Port Elizabeth - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Nceba Nopece Pretoria - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Dr Johannes Seoka

15 26th JULY THE EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Milltown Rector: Vacant Clergy, Clergy spouses, Clergy families Retired clergy and Clergy widows and widowers Quebec - (Canada, Canada) The Rt Revd Dennis Paul Drainville 2nd AUGUST THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (6th August - The Transfiguration of our Lord) Moy and Charlemont Rector: Aonghus Mayes Reader: Shirley McKay (Diocesan Reader) Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough and the Most Rev Michael Jackson Renk - (Sudan) The Rt Revd Joseph Garang Atem 9th AUGUST THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Mullabrack, Markethill and Kilcluney Rector: Neville Hughes Reader: Jill Hunter, Paul Fenton (Parish Readers) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Rochester (USA) - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Dr Prince Singh

16 16th AUGUST THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Mullavilly Rector: Elizabeth Cairns Readers: Margaret Neill and Colin Patterson (Parish Readers) Ruvuma - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Dr Maternus Kapinga 23rd AUGUST THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (24th August Saint Bartholomew) Newtownhamilton and Ballymoyer Union Rector: Colin Moore San Diego - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd James Mathes 30th AUGUST THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Pomeroy Evangelist in Charge: Valerie Thom Young people, Sunday School Teachers, Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Sebei - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Augustine Arapyona Salimo

17 6th SEPTEMBER THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (8th September Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary) Saint Columba s, Portadown Rector: William Adair Reader: Cecil Allen, Tom Stevenson (Diocesan Readers) Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh and the Rt Revd Ferran Glenfield Sialkot - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Samuel Pervaiz 13th SEPTEMBER THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Saint Mark s, Portadown Rector: James Campbell Curate: Keith Marshall and Amelia McWilliams (NSM) Reader: Kenneth Mulholland, George Reid (Diocesan Readers) Barbara Campbell, Kenneth Flannagan (Parish Readers) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees South Dakota - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd John Tarrant 20th SEPTEMBER THE SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (21st September Saint Matthew) Richhill Rector: David Somerville Reader: Betty Mourant (Diocesan Reader) Southern Brazil - (Brazil) The Rt Revd Humberto Maiztegue

18 27th SEPTEMBER THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (29th September Saint Michael and All Angels) Sixmilecross and Termonmaguirke Rector: Alan Barr Young People, Sunday School Teachers Young People s Organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. Spokane - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd James Waggoner 4th OCTOBER THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Tartaraghan and Diamond Rector: David Hilliard Reader: William Dunlop (Diocesan Reader) Eleanor Trouton (Parish Reader) Diocese of Limerick, Ardfert, Aghadoe, Killaloe, Kilmacduagh and Emily Bishop-Elect - Revd Canon Dr Kenneth Kearon Pray for our partner-diocese, Madi West Nile, Church of Uganda, and for Bishop Joel Obetia. Also pray for the people of Aringa Archdeaconry and their Archdeacon, the Ven Manase Viga Sunyani (Ghana) - (West Africa) The Rt Revd Dr Festus Yeboah-Asuamah

19 11th OCTOBER THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (11th October - Saint Philip the Deacon) Tullanisken and Clonoe Priest in Charge: William Anderson (NSM) The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Tamale (Ghana) - (West Africa) The Rt Revd Dr Jacob Ayeebo 18th OCTOBER EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (18th October Saint Luke the Evangelist) (23rd October St James, the Brother of our Lord) Tynan, Aghavilly and Middletown Rector: Matthew Hagan The Arctic - (Rupert's Land, Canada) The Rt Revd David Parsons Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of the Arctic - (Rupert's Land, Canada) The Rt Revd Darren McCartney 25th OCTOBER THE FIFTH SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT (28th October Saint Simon and Saint Jude) Woodschapel and Gracefield Rector: Ruth Murray Reader: Isa Hunter (Parish Reader) Young people, Sunday School Teachers, Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council.

20 Tohoku - (Japan) The Rt Revd John Hiromichi Kato Tokyo - (Japan) The Rt Revd Andrew Yoshimichi Ohata 1st NOVEMBER THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT (1st November All Saints) Young people, Sunday School Teachers Young people s organisations, Youth Ministers, the Diocesan Youth Council. The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Diocese of Meath and Kildare and the Most Revd Pat Storey Truro - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Timothy Thornton Truro - St Germans - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Christopher David Goldsmith 8th NOVEMBER THE THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT (Remembrance Sunday) Clergy, Clergy spouses, Clergy families Retired clergy, Clergy widows and widowers Pray for our partner-diocese, Madi West Nile, Church of Uganda, and for Bishop Joel Obetia. Also pray for the people of Maracha archdeaconry and their Archdeacon, the Ven Caleb Draonzi. Upper Shire - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Brighton Vitta Malasa

21 15th NOVEMBER THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT Parish and Diocesan Readers Those training for Ordained Ministry and those training to become Readers Venezuela - (IX, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Orlando Guerrero 22nd NOVEMBER THE SUNDAY BEFORE ADVENT: The Kingship of Christ The Diocesan Secretary, Jane Leighton, and her assistant, Jennifer Kirkland The Archbishop s Secretary, Pamela Hutton The Diocesan Council, Diocesan Synod, Diocesan Boards and Committees Wangaratta - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd John Parkes 29th NOVEMBER ADVENT SUNDAY (30th November Saint Andrew) For the work and witness of the Mothers Union in the Diocese and throughout the world. Diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achrony and the Rt Rev Patrick Rooke West Malaysia - (South East Asia) The Rt Revd Ng Moon Hing Assistant Bishop of West Malaysia - South East Asia) The Rt Revd Andrew Phang Assistant Bishop of West Malaysia - (South East Asia) The Rt Revd Jason Selvaraj

22 6th DECEMBER SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT For all missionary organisations at home and abroad. Pray for our partner-diocese, Madi West Nile, Church of Uganda, and for Bishop Joel Obetia. Also pray for the people of Koboko Archdeaconry and their Archdeacon, the Ven John Asega. Western Louisiana - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Jacob W Owensby 13th DECEMBER THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Windward Islands - (West Indies) The Rt Revd Calvert Friday 20th DECEMBER THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Yewa (formerly Egbado) - (Lagos, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi 24th DECEMBER CHRISTMAS EVE Almighty God, you make us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your Son Jesus Christ; Grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our redeemer, we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our judge; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen York - (York, England) The Most Revd & Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu York - Beverley - (York, England) The Rt Revd Glyn Webster York - Hull - (York, England) Vacant York - Selby - (York, England) The Revd Canon John Bromilow Thomson York - Whitby - (York, England) The Ven Paul John Ferguson

23 25th DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DAY - THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Eternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty Word to pierce the world's darkness with the light of salvation: Give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take furniture upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Ysabel - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Richard Naramana 27th DECEMBER THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Zaki-Biam - (Abuja, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Benjamin Vager