PRAYING THE WAY November 2017

Transcription

1 PRAYING THE WAY November 2017 World: Pray for: the troubled areas of the world and for the refugee crisis; wisdom for international governments to try to find a solution; all those people around the world who are suffering because of natural disasters of storms, earthquakes, fires and floods. Our country: Pray for: wisdom for our government at this time of negotiations over Brexit; all who work in the health service as the winter approaches that there will be sufficient resources and staff to deal with those who need it; a blessing on all who serve us in our communities. Diocese: Pray for: Called Together the new shared vision and framework for the whole Diocese, that people may be encouraged, inspired and equipped to find and follow God s calling for them; the launch event on 4 November, for smooth logistics, fruitful conversation and worship which glorifies God; that all may find their own ways to grow, enrich and resource the Diocese of Rochester. A special prayer: God the Creator of all, grow your church in faith; God the Son who saves the world, enrich us with your presence; God the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, resource us for your mission and ministry; That we may be a blessing throughout and beyond this Diocese, For we are called together to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Pray for: all Acts of Remembrance and Memorial services that they will be a time of comfort to those who mourn. BROMLEY AND BEXLEY ARCHDEACONRY Beckenham Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that he is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve Bromley Deanery Bickley Pray for: our ministry to the bereaved that St George s would become a death confident congregation; for Fr Richard as he attends a Leading Your Church into Growth course. Chislehurst Christ Church. Pray for: our service of Remembrance on 12 November; our Advent Community Tea on 30 November; our annual service for the bereaved in Advent Sunday; that on each occasion those who are not regular church members will feel welcomed. Chislehurst The Annunciation Pray for: our Autumn Fair on 4 November. Hayes Pray for: our new LLM Becky Willoughby and newly appointed Youth and Family Worker Charlotte Abernethy as they start a number of new projects during the autumn and winter.

2 Erith Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that he is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve Orpington Deanery Orpington All Saints Pray for: the parish leadership during the interregnum and all involved in the discernment process for our new vicar; the special service on our patronal festival; our stall and presence at the Lighting Up event on the streets of Orpington. Sidcup Deanery Foots Cray with North Cray Pray: that those attending the Mothers Union s Quiet Day to be held in our church on 25 November will leave feeling renewed and inspired. Sidcup Christ Church Pray for: the advanced stage of the plans for our West Wing Annexe project; growth in the faith throughout the church family. Sidcup St John the Evangelist Pray for: our Vicar Stephen Sealy, who will be leaving the parish this month to take up an appointment in Norfolk; the continuing ministry in the parish during the vacancy. ROCHESTER ARCHDEACONRY Cobham Deanery Pray for: the Clergy Archdeaconry day and the Diocesan Strategy presentation at the Cathedral; all parishes remembering loved ones as they have services on All Soul s Day and Remembrance Sunday; Bishop James as he visits our Deanery and the plans he will join in with. May we be led and guided by him; for Rev Mell Jemmett as she is licensed at Holy Redeemer Lamorbey on 8 November. RNWK Group Ministry Pray for: Rev Canon Ruth Oates as she retires; our clergy Jim, Dylan and Elizabeth; our former curate Rev Mell Jemmett as she is Collated Vicar of Holy Redeemer on 8 November; for the RNWK Group Council and its officers, (Chair: John Harding, Vice-Chair: Dylan Turner, Secretary: Marion Strachan); for the RNWK Group Services with +James on the morning of 26 November; for all those from RNWK (together with those from across the Cobham Deanery) who will be confirmed on the evening of 26 November. Fawkham and Hartley Pray for: All Saint s church as we celebrate our Patronal Festival; for our confirmation candidates as they prepare for the service this month; the meetings of Ministry Team, PCC and Prayers for Healing Team; our Christmas Fair and other fund raising activities. Istead Rise

3 Pray for: the volunteers that run Kidz Club (Key Stage 2) and Kidz Club Plus (Key stage 3) Friday evenings in term time, that God would energise and sustain them, encourage them in their work and add to their number; all the children and young people that attend, that they would be blessed by the experience and that they would know more about God s love for them; all the those making preparations for the Advent season, that God would inspire them and bring fresh revelation of His light to us all this Christmas. Longfield Pray for: the bereaved who will attend our All Soul s services- that they and all who mourn shall be comforted; all who will attend our Remembrance Service on Sunday 12 November; for fruitful encounters during Bishop James visit. Meopham with Nurstead Give thanks: for God s guidance in the thoughtful planning of all the church activities for Advent and Christmas, praying especially for development of our music in worship as a new organist takes up the role; for the welcome extended to representatives of the Church; thanks for our link with Itolwa parish in Kondoa. Pray for: the widening and deepening of this link as we seek to talk further about it with local schools and other village groups: the many seriously ill in the parishes and those who care for them; God s blessing on the two care homes we have contacts with, for the residents, the staff and for all who visit and support them. Southfleet Give thanks: for our Children s ministry that numbers are steady and children talk about what they have learnt. Pray for: the Patronal Festival and a Joint Deanery Service on 3 December, led by Bishop James, that it will be a service of great blessing and joy; our Churchwardens and PCC as they work together in supporting the life of the church during the interregnum; visiting clergy who support our spiritual life and those who lead as lay ministers within the parish; the schools within the parish, for Sedleys for closer continued working and for Bean School for the children and staff at both schools. Dartford Deanery Pray for: those being confirmed this month and for all Remembrance services: all our churches that are still in an interregnum that the right person will be appointed to become the incumbent; for our Rural Dean Rev Kenneth Clark and all who are helping to run these churches. Crockenhill Give thanks: for his diverse creation and this year s Harvest, the ongoing work and progress made on the Community Church room. Pray for: all who will not be as blessed and will go hungry for food and God s word; protection on all who are vulnerable, unwell, lonely or recently bereaved; that everyone attending the Alpha Course may become closer to God and to each other; the plans for the Christmas Bazaar in November and the Christmas Tree Festival planned in December. Darent Valley Give thanks: for our ministry team and churchwardens as they organised our services during the interregnum. Pray for: Rev Emma Young and family soon to join us in November, Induction Service 19 November at 3pm at St Mary s Church Horton Kirby; the necessary work on the boiler at St John s to be dealt with quickly so closure of the building will not be lengthy; the success with all events planned to give funding for each of our church buildings. Dartford Christ Church

4 Give thanks: for our Parish Weekend. Pray for: our monthly Men s Breakfast that they would have a good time of fellowship and many new members; for those being confirmed on 26 November; our joint birthday and Shoe Box Service on 5 November that many would be blessed; our Frosty Fayre on 25 November that we would provide a warm welcome and good witness to our neighbours; all the planning and preparation for Christmas services, may God draw many to the services to be blessed by the gospel message. Dartford Holy Trinity. Pray for: a blessing on all that God is doing in our church and community. Dartford St Alban Give thanks: for the faithful people enabling our services to continue. Pray for: the right vicar for St Albans and St Edmunds churches, someone who can fulfil the needs of both churches; the appointment of a second to visit the surrounding areas, the Bishop s plan; Olga, Jan and Debbie, for strength to cope as it gets harder with no vicar; all who work and use the Fleet Community Centre; future plans and for the growth of Christianity to overcome the acid attacks and stabbings we hear about daily. Come Lord Jesus, Come Dartford St Edmund Pray for: the future of St Edmund s and St Albans as we come to work together; someone to answer the call to be our Priest in Charge. Stone Give thanks: and congratulations to Carol Avery on her recent Ordination; for our Healing Service on 22 October and All Souls Commemoration held on 29 October. Pray: that those who attended will be blessed, healed and comforted with the love of God. Swanley St Mary the Virgin Pray for a blessing on all that God is doing here. Swanley St Paul and Hextable St Peter Give thanks: for the successful appointment of our new Vicar who will join us early in 2018; the completion of the vicarage. Pray for: the Amazing Ladies Conference on 4 November; our Craft Fayre on 25 November; and the continued work on the building project; volunteer drivers to help for our older peoples work and for Carols of Praise on 2 December. Wilmington Give thanks: for the very successful Model Railway Exhibition and our Holiday at Home. Pray for: the Remembrance Service and Memorial Service, remembering loved ones lost in this last year on 12 November at 6.30pm; Pudding Club on 25 November and Christmas Fair on 2 December; a blessing on all children s and young people s work. Gillingham Deanery Pray for: a blessing on all that God is doing in our churches and the community we serve. South Gillingham Pray for: all those suffering from dementia and their carers and for our monthly Dementia Friendly service. Gravesend Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that he is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve; the work of the Street Pastors and all that they do.

5 Rochester Deanery Chatham St Stephen Give thanks: for the diverse and multifaceted work so many in the church are doing in our mission to those in the parish. Pray for: God s leading and guiding as we take the next step together. Chatham St Philip & St James Pray for: the children and families involved in our weekly Kidz Klub. Strood Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that He is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve. Strood St Francis Pray for: our new monthly bereavement group, meeting on a Tuesday. TONBRIDGE ARCHDEACONRY Malling Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that He is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve. Aylesford Pray for: the all-day course with Peter Smith called Story telling with Jesus on 4 November, that all who have ears to listen and hear. Barming Pray for: those taking part in the Hearing and Speaking God s word course; that God will use the teaching to give greater confidence in their calling and gifts; all attending our Time to Remember service on 19 November and that God will bring healing and comfort; the social committee as they prepare for the Winter Fayre at the beginning of next month. Snodland with Lower Birling Give thanks: that we now have our new dais in use and we ask that it will be seen to be more inclusive to those who have difficulty accessing the altar; that the restoration work on All Saints is on schedule and we will be able to use our church in December. Pray for: our Service of Remembrance on the evening of the 12 November that it will bring both peace and comfort to those grieving the loss of a loved one. Paddock Wood Deanery Pray for: God s blessing on all that He is doing in the Deanery and in the communities the parishes serve. Hospice in the Weald Pray for: all staff, patients and their families and for their Chaplain Rev Liza Waller.

6 Sevenoaks Deanery Kippington, St Mary Give thanks: Two months ago we prayed for five of our young people who were beginning secondary school. They have all settled in well, including one who was anxious. Pray for: 5 November when we welcome the chamber choir of Kent College Canterbury, trained by Julian Ross, son of our organist Len, that God may be glorified as they bring us the choral music; David Kitley, that he will have wisdom as he leads assembly at Lady Boswell School speaking at their request on his trip last month to Burundi, the land of his birth; growth in our community with events like the Christmas pudding making evening on 17 November; Oscar and Beau s baptism on 19 November, that this may be a step forward in faith, understanding and commitment on behalf of their parents and godparents; preparations for our Triennial Christmas Fair which takes place on 25 November, that this may be very much a community event and that it will enrich our connections with every part of our parish and community in Christ. Thank you to all who pray. Sevenoaks St Luke Pray for: everyone during the interregnum especially our Associate Vicar Anne Bourne and for wisdom for those involved in the selection of our new incumbent. Sevenoaks St Nicholas Pray for: Contact (the youth group for year olds) curry guest night in the 1 November; our evangelistic Christmas pudding making evening on 10 November; Grace Church and 4 o clock Church on 18 November and craft, tea and a talk, for those who don t go to church. Weald Pray for: our Charity Christmas cards sale, bazaar and lunch on 18 November; Saltmine in the church hall on 16 November Shoreham Deanery Pray for: a blessing on all our churches. Ightham Give thanks: for the Breakfast service on the first Sunday of the month. Pray for: re-invigoration of home groups. Kemsing with Woodlands Pray: that plans for our new church hall will go ahead smoothly. Stansted with Fairseat and Vigo Give thanks: for people s generosity and also for the summer activities. Pray for: the Christmas Fair this month and for an increase in young people. Tonbridge Deanery Pray for: the Deanery Clergy Retreat at Worth Abbey November. Chiddingstone with Chiddingstone Causeway Give thanks and pray for: those who are helping with the services during the interregnum. Crockham Hill Pray for: our Advent Course and for our school, teachers, governors and children

7 Edenbridge Give thanks: for the new premises that have been identified for the weekly Sunday Club. Pray for: a replacement Sunday Club coordinator. Hever, Four Elms and Mark Beech Pray for: Wendy Izod, Priest in charge and for the churchwardens in the three churches. Hildenborough Pray for: our Annual Bereavement Service on 5 November at 4pm and Remembrance Day services and Mission Sunday for the Persecuted church on 19 November. Leigh Pray for: our Remembrance Service on 5 November and all preparations for the Christmas services. Penshurst and Fordcombe Pray for: the staff and children of our village school Tonbridge St Peter and St Paul Pray for: Tonbridge Christmas Carnival on 26 November and on 27 November Experience Christmas Week for schools coming in. Tonbridge St Stephen Pray for: baptism preparation and the baptism service; outreach in the community and in the local schools. Tunbridge Wells Deanery Bennett Memorial School Pray for: all staff and students Burrswood Pray for: God s blessing on our programme of events that they may equip and impact on those who attend. Tunbridge Wells St Barnabas and Tunbridge Wells St James Pray for: our Friday night club (11-15 year olds); our Youth Worker and our families' worker; our Remembrance service. Tunbridge Wells St Luke Pray for: our ongoing Pure Gold course; our Family Memorial service; our Christmas Bazaar and our home groups and Advent preparations Southborough St Peter with Christ Church and St Matthew and Bidborough St Lawrence Pray for: those taking on the running of the church throughout the interregnum; the person of God s choosing to be appointed as Vicar; the Alpha course taking place in Southborough; the preparations for the Christmas celebrations and the opportunities to reach out to our community. Prayer topics for DECEMBER AND JANUARY should be sent to Jenny Smith Flat 1, 52 High Street, Chislehurst BR7 5AQ jenny_marry@outlook.com by 10 November.