ICS Prayer Diary ISSN 2059-187X March-June 2018 ICS Prayer Diary is published three times a year. For the latest prayer requests, please look on our website www.ics-uk.org or to receive the monthly ICS News and Prayer Update, contact Maggie on mawinham@ics-uk.org or phone: 024-7646 3940. *Asterisks denote ICS Associate Ministry Partners (clergy who choose to link to ICS with their chaplaincy s support), also a chaplaincy in interregnum where the previous chaplain was such a partner. DAY 1 Christ Church, Amsterdam The Netherlands Chaplain: Alan Strange and Natalie Assistant City Centre: James Hill, Anna, Jonathan and Lucy Warden Zuidoost: Ben Crabbe South March: Financial challenges continue: we need 300k per year to sustain four congregations in separate locations. We currently fall short of that and we will have to consider the future. April: The season of resurrection and annual meetings: may the first be relevant to the second. Our council has agreed a new Constitution and we hope to have it to present to our AGM. Some will want more, some less, autonomy for the four congregations pray for wisdom among us. May: Please pray for the Clergy Chapter of the Netherlands, meeting this month. We hope to have a new Area Dean in place, so please pray for him/her. June: Long summer evenings give opportunities for socialising and for personal evangelism. Pray that our members are equipped to make the most of every opportunity. City Centre March: For our neighbourhood Lent groups, as we gather to study Jonah and pray for our local communities. That these will bring people together, that we learn from one another and inspire one another to reach out more into our neighbourhoods. April: For Holy Week and Easter, that many visitors will come and be blessed through our programme of events. For our congregational and chaplaincy annual meetings and the annual Women s Retreat. May: For James, Anna and the family as they attend the ICS Conference (30 April-4 May) and take holiday. For the finances of the chaplaincy. June: For a Discovery course planned for the summer and the future of Christ Church City Centre and the wider chaplaincy.
Zuidoost March: Please pray that our congregational annual meeting will elect new leaders with fresh ideas and spiritual gifts to serve our congregation. April: That members of our congregation with a love for children will step forward and be part of the leaders of our children s ministry. May: Pray for an increase in our members and for more people with a talent and passion for singing to join the music team. June: Pray for signs and wonders to follow us as we spend time praying and seeking the face of the Lord, with healing and deliverance a natural occurrence. Assistant Heiloo: Francis Blight, Georgina, Tom, Sam and Zoë DAY 2 Arnhem and Nijmegen Locum Priest: Jos Strengholt (and Adrienne) Heiloo March: For learning that leads to discipleship from Mark s Gospel. For Easter proclamation including a Good Friday film screening of The Case for Christ. For God to provide a second warden, treasurer and the chaplaincy council members that we need. April: Last November the chaplaincy council passed a resolution requesting Bishop Robert to begin a process that will lead to the independence of Heiloo as a new chaplaincy under the patronage of ICS. Please pray for God s leading. May: Please pray for God to enable Drake Williams and Roy Forster as they seek to build on the weekly Men s Bible Study by organising occasional social activities. The goal is to strengthen fellowship between men in the church and to draw others in. June: Ask God to help us care for one another and for local international people in Heiloo, Alkmaar and the surrounding region. March: Join us in thankful reflection that our special locum chaplain, Jos Strengholt, is able to continue with us in this new year and introduce us to the Didache in this season. April: Pray that our ardent new members continue to find formal and informal scope for their talents in our chaplaincy and communities. May: Commemorating the Dutch fallen, join us in gratitude for our members who survived the war and still contribute to the life of our chaplaincy. June: Pray for our students and those who are the children and grandchildren of older members as the academic year draws to a close. St. Mary s, Rotterdam March: For a genuine renewal through our Lenten activities, that St. Mary s would grow in our understanding and practice of a Christian community.
Jenni Pridmore and Jason Curate: Dennis Woodward, (Aniek and Tessa) April: For our AGM, that we would give thanks with joyful hearts and re-dedicate ourselves to following God s plan for St. Mary s mission in Rotterdam. May: For our students as they finish the year, that they would know God s peace through their exams and for future planning. June: For the chaplaincy council, as we continue our journey of Mission Action Planning, that we would be faithful in hearing and following the direction of the Holy Spirit. DAY 3 St. John and St. Philip, The Hague Andrew Gready and Marion Pastoral Assistant: Matt Thijs March: For our Lenten activities: services and home groups. It is a busy time in the chaplaincy, so we do pray for time for prayer and reflection. April: For our Easter services, a good chance for us to welcome many members of the community into the church. This is an important time for us. May: For those preparing to get married at StJ&StP this summer these are special occasions for us, and for the families involved. We do pray for God s blessing on all the couples involved. June: For Guy Diakiese Matumona as he prepares to be ordained priest we thank God for his ministry among us, and pray for God s blessing upon him. DAY 4 Holy Trinity Church, Utrecht (Amersfoort, Zwolle, Groningen/Friesland) Utrecht March: Pray for David as he ministers in Utrecht. That he will have opportunities to reach out and see people coming to a living knowledge of Christ Jesus. April: Pray for the children and young people s work, for those who are involved to have the energy and inspiration as they seek to make young disciples. May: Pray for more people to get involved and active in the church. June: We remember members of the congregation who are bereaved or suffering emotionally. For those who suffer in silence or struggle to attend, may they know the love of Christ in their lives and His light in their darkness.
Chaplain: David Phillips Assistant Amersfoort: Grant Crowe Jolanda, Callum and Thirza Honorary Associate Groningen/Friesland: Sam Van Leer, Coretta, Francisca, Nicolas and Stephanie All Saints Anglican Church, Amersfoort March: For our preparations for Easter through our Holy Week services, that we will grow deeper in appreciation of the Cross. Praying for new visitors from the area to attend our Easter celebration (1 April). April: For the new church leadership team elected this month, for God's wisdom and leading in all their duties. For our home groups, their leaders and members, as they re-start after the Easter break. May: Church away weekend (11/12); for fruit of a deeper community; for the teaching; for all to draw near to God. June: For leading and growth in our overseas connections with Open Doors, Compassion, and a church planting network in Albania. Pray for greater involvement from our members. Anglican Church, Zwolle March: For a fruitful renewing evening (20) aimed at helping members appreciate the events of Holy Week. Praying for internationals and ex-pats to join us at our Easter celebration (1 April). April: Pray for our Anglican church music event (18) aimed at raising the church's profile and at those interested in knowing more about Anglican music. Pray for those attending and for Christiaan who leads the evening. May: For our second church music event (16) and for our bi-weekly bible study group as it studies the life of Joseph. June: For discernment about how to develop our bible study group further and for God's leading on what topics to study from September (after summer break). Grace Anglican Church, Groningen March: Give thanks for the opportunity Lent provides to focus more on Christ and His teachings for our lives. Pray for the ongoing bible studies, the Spiritual Disciplines reading group, and the special Lent course. April: Give thanks for our Easter celebrations and renewed life in Christ's body, the Church. Pray for wisdom and inspiration for our annual meeting (22) and the new leadership team to be elected. May: For refreshment and renewal in the May holiday, especially for a fruitful ICS Conference. June: That our local service projects spread the love of Christ among those in need in the city of Groningen.
DAY 5 St. James, Voorschoten March: Please pray for our small groups: our ongoing home-groups, a post-alpha course, a Transforming Work study group (faith in the workplace), and several one-off Lent groups. Pray for growth in maturity and discipleship. April: For our annual meeting (19), give thanks for God s blessings in the last year: a Ruan Crew, Lisette, Emily, Hannah and Tim vibrant, loving and active congregation, a balanced budget, and a growing desire to reach out to others. May: Pray for our relationship with the international community, particularly the staff and students of the British School where we meet every Sunday. June: Ruan and the council are continuing to flesh out the priorities identified in our away-day in January, led by Richard Bromley. Pray for faith and action. DAY 6 Holy Trinity, Brussels and EU Institutions Belgium Chaplain: Paul Vrolijk, Janine, Hannah, Davita, Boaz and Lydia Associate: John Wilkinson and Susie EU Institutions: Jeremy Heuslein, Natalie Jones (Youth, Children and HT Discipleship Worker), Charlotte Elise CEMES Intern : Lloyd Brown March: We give thanks for the people, skills and resources God has blessed us with. At our AGM (18) we thank and pray for people who have served faithfully in leadership roles, especially Carole Ludlow who is stepping down as warden, and for those who are taking on new responsibilities. April: Our annual church weekend in Drongen Abbey (22-24) with the Venerable Liz Adekunle, Archdeacon of Hackney, as our speaker. That it may strengthen and deepen our life as God s people. May: In 2018, we celebrate 200 years of Anglican Worship in Brussels. We pray for God s empowering presence for our life and mission. Come Holy Spirit! June: Our other church weekend in Chassepierre (22-24), pray for it to be a joyful time of blessing and rest. EU Institutions March: Please pray for our outreach during Lent, including all the events of Holy Week. Usually a time when young professionals leave Brussels, for those who stay it can be very lonely.
April: Please pray for Holy Trinity's weekend retreat at Drongen, Belgium. May relationships built and furthered at the retreat slip over into life and ministry back in Brussels after the retreat, particularly with the youth. May: Please pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to inspire and encourage the faith journeys of those to whom we are ministering, particularly for those who are weak or wounded in their faith. June: Please pray as people prepare for the summer break and the Chapel for Europe hosts its last events until September, may we be able to connect people to each other and to Christ. DAY 7 St. Martha and St. Mary s, Leuven Jack McDonald* CEMES Intern: Annie Bolger (and Jacob Quick) March: Please pray for our Lent and Passiontide sermon-series on the characters involved in Jesus' trial and execution, with various members of the church preaching on the different biblical personalities: the woman who anointed Jesus, Judas, Herod, Pilate, Claudia Procula, Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, that Christ's saving love may truly be witnessed by these sermons. April: Please pray for the church's annual general meeting, for the stream of student councillors who will be leaving and for those who will be elected to replace them, for wisdom and growth in our young leaders. May: Pray for our students as they face their end-of-year exams, for strength from God to do their best and to keep hold of a real perspective on life as they revise. June: Please pray for our annual church pilgrimage, this year to God's Own County, that student hearts and minds will be opened and that we will all have lots of fun! St. Paul s, Tervuren Simon Tyndall and Ann Assistant: Nathan Gregory (Jen, William, Jessica, Oliver) March: Please pray for the music group at St. Paul s and for those who contribute to our music ministry. Pray for Elaine Dunn who co-ordinates this complex area of church life and cares for and encourages our musicians.
April: Our AGM takes place (22), please pray as we need to find a new church warden and other church council members. Pray also that those who join the council will bring a freshness and a dynamic and mission-shaped spirit. May: As we move towards Pentecost, please pray that we might be in tune with the Spirit and be able to celebrate our multicultural diversity. June: Please pray for our congregation and the (less obvious) effects of Brexit: less British people coming to live and work around this part of Brussels with a long-term vision of staying in Belgium for many years. DAY 8 The English Church, Ostend-Bruges-Knokke-Kortrijk Augustine Nwaekwe, Uchechi, Ozioma, Karen, Charlotte, Sorochi (and Ogenna Ilona) CEMES Intern: Guy Crumpler March: Pray for members of the chaplaincy council who manage full-time work and full commitment to chaplaincy ministry. Pray also for all involved in the work of restoration of the English Church in Ostend. April: Give thanks for our Easter services in all our churches in West Flanders. Pray for all who support our new church plant in Kortrijk and for the Ostend-Bruges AGM (22) in Ostend. May: Pray for the city of Bruges marking the Holy Blood Procession on Ascension Day (10), that it may help bring Jesus life to the public. June: Pray for our annual church social evening and barbeque on (30) that it may be an opportunity for fellowship and welcome for non-church regulars. Pray also for Guy Crumpler, our intern, as he concludes his CEMES program with us. DAY 9 Anglican Church in Freiburg Christopher Parsons*, Anke, Hannah and Lucia Germany March: Pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit as we hold our AGM and the election of various ministry positions. April: Pray for God's guidance in the lives of those preparing for baptism at Easter. May: We ask for prayers that will sustain and nourish those who are leading small groups. June: Pray for our children's church leaders and Safeguarding Officer, as well as, the many people who help in leading worship Sunday by Sunday. Leipzig English Church March: Pray for the nationwide ProChrist event being broadcast from Leipzig this Sunday-Saturday (11-17), for Martin as local chair. For the recruiting of leaders and members for the first German-English Interaction youth camp in July. April: AGM (20) for unity on the way ahead, especially about staffing and funding.
Chaplain:Martin Reakes-Williams* Lay Assistant: Klaus Hickel, Judith, Oliver, Lukas and Max Pastoral Assistant: Larry Norman and Sinead May: Church Weekend Away over Pentecost, pray for speaker Jonathan Fletcher; for the new venue to work well; good turnout, spiritual fellowship and depth. June: Martin at GAFCON in Jerusalem (17-22); for refreshment and time with the Lord for all, over the summer break. DAY 10 Frauenkirche, Dresden March: For the new Family Communion Service that started in January on the first Sunday afternoon of each month, particularly for the next one on Easter Day. Give thanks for the excellent venue, an ecumenical centre just a short walk from the Frauenkirche. April: The monthly English-language Anglican Evening Prayer Service in the Frauenkirche this month (15), with the theme 'Relationships' and the focus Luke 15: 11-32, The parable of Ricky Yates* (and Sybille) the two sons. May: The monthly English-language Anglican Evening Prayer Service in May has been moved to the fourth Sunday (27). Please pray for guest preacher Revd Frances Eccleston. June: For the board of the Verein (German legal entity) as it seeks to develop the work in Dresden. St. Clement s, Prague Locum Priest: Nathaniel* (Aditi, Andriel and Naysa) Czech Republic March: Our keeping of Lent and for a good attendance at Passion Week services. April: Pray for various choir events, that we may provide a true Christian reflection for the invitees to see. May: Uphold us in your prayers as we all share the Good News to people who don't have a personal relationship with God. June: Pray for our Brno congregation to grow both spiritually and in number. DAY 11 Anglican Church Basel Switzerland March: Pray for our Church Council Retreat (16/17), that good relationships are forged in our new council and that they work well together as we look at how to make our church financially sustainable. Pray for our children, that they will have an exciting and enjoyable time at their Easter Activity Day (26).
Chaplain: Hilary Jones (and Byron) Assistant: Anne Löwen (and John) Assistant: Russell Hilliard (and Vreni) April: Archdeaconry Choir Festival (20/21), pray for all the musicians of our Archdeaconry as they travel to Basel for a Choir Festival, that they may have a good and rewarding time. Stewardship Sunday (29), pray that people might give generously as we seek to sustain the level of ministry we have in our chaplaincy. May: Pray for our Weekend Away (25-27) in Langenbruck and for our speaker Neil Hudson that he may inspire the participants as he looks at being a Christian 24/7. June: Pray that a good number of people will attend our Church Picnic (17) and that a good time will be had by all. DAY 12 All Saints, Vevey March: A Love for Life team will visit this morning to resource parents and teenagers in navigating the wonderful though complex area of relationships. April: This month over twenty teenagers from All Saints and the region will join other teens from around Europe on Project Compassion (PC) in Serbia. PC is part of the ministry of Youth Compass based in Frankfurt. Many who come have yet to encounter Jesus. May: All Saints joins many other Christian communities Clive Atkinson (and Yvonne) around the world as we pray Thy Kingdom Come. June: Our Guest Service this month (17) offers our congregation another opportunity to invite people who God has put on their hearts. May we be faithful inviters and leave the yes or no up to the Lord. St. Peter s, Château d Oex Assistant: Elizabeth Bussmann and Eduard March: Our AGM takes place this month, a celebration of all God has done in St. Peter s this past year as well as a time to set apart members of the church for service over the next twelve months. Holy Week will provide an opportunity for special events in preparation for Good Friday and Easter. April: Tomorrow, St. Peter s joins with other local churches in hosting, ADONI, a choir made up of sixty children who will present the Book of Esther in musical form. May: Hans Kilchenmann has been spearheading our fundraising for the restoration of all stained-glass
windows. It has been amazing to experience the Lord s provision. Pray for further donations to fund the restoration of the remaining windows. June: St. Petertide marks the birthday of our church. We thank our Lord for His faithfulness over the years and for His promise to build His church in Château d Oex. Neuchâtel Church March: The NEC Church Council meets (21). Please pray for Maggie, Bern, Hazel, Pat, Ken and Jenny as they work together in preparation for the AGM in April. April: It is our AGM this month, may we sense The Lord s presence as we celebrate His faithfulness this previous year and may He guide us as we elect people to office. May: Ken Kvistad is the Assistant Minister at NEC. Please pray for him as he serves the congregation. June: Please pray for the new English-language people to arrive in the Neuchâtel area this summer and for the NEC community as they reach out. DAY 13 Christ Church, Naples Italy March: Please pray for people to grow in their depth of understanding and commitment as we do the Purpose Driven Life course for Lent. Pray for our new homegroups which have started for this course. April: Pray that our homegroups, which started for our Lent course, will continue. That people will appreciate the fellowship and get excited as they hear the Holy Jon Backhouse* and Carol Spirit speaking to them from the Bible. May: Please pray for more people to commit to taking on responsibility in the church and for musicians for our new worship group to come forward. Pray for our New Wine weekend (1-3 June) with Mark Aldridge speaking. June: Please pray for our ongoing Alpha courses in the church and on the NATO base, for people to be converted, encouraged and filled with the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, Corfu Jules Wilson* (Tish, Josh, Lily) Greece March: Pray we continue through this year with thankful heart and kindness to others. A regular holidaymaker is coming with the Redlynch Players to perform a Passion Play, pray that many be drawn in to see our Saviours love. April: AGM (29), we pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts to respond to God's call of service on the PCC. May: Brian Turnball is coming to give his testimony at a men s breakfast, pray for a good response, may hearts be inspired and there be a continuation of men s events. June: Pray for Jules and Trish who, having homeschooled Josh, are taking him to England to sit his A-level exams.
DAY 14 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine France Chaplain: Tony Lomas and Ingrid Deacon: Charlotte Sullivan (pictured middle) Assistants: Liz Morris and Richard (pictured right), Angela and David Marshall March: For blessings on Bishop Robert's weekend in Aquitaine (17/18): in Bordeaux to ordain Charlotte Sullivan as Priest and commission Tony Lomas as Area Dean, and in Bertric Burée to officiate a Confirmation Service for several candidates. April: For our annual general meeting (14), as we give thanks and look to the Lord for guidance on the way forward. For our annual theme Encouraging Growth, as we hope to grow closer to God, grow closer to one another, grow as disciples of Christ and grow as Christ s body in southwest France. May: We give thanks for all priests serving in our chaplaincy. Prayers for our annual Chaplaincy Retreat at the Belloc Abbey (31-3 June), for blessed prayer, study and fellowship, as we welcome Archdeacon Meurig Williams as guest speaker. June: The wedding season is upon us, prayers for these great outreach opportunities. We pray for the Fresh Expressions meetings in Eymet and Condom, as we endeavour to share the Good News and grow God's kingdom. DAY 15 Christ Church, Brittany Interim Chaplain: Jeremy Cross* and Suzanne March: For Robin Adams, newly appointed Chaplain for Christ Church, Brittany and his wife Donna, as they settle into their new life and ministry in France. That they may be empowered by the Holy Spirit to enable us to grow God s church in Brittany. April: For the newly appointed chaplaincy council, that they are united in their discussions about the future of Christ Church, prayerfully seeking God s guidance for new initiatives in discipleship and outreach. May: For the church centres at Huelgoat, Rostrenen and Ploermel, that each centre will undergird its message and outreach with increased prayer. June: For opportunities to reach holidaymakers and second-home owners in Brittany with the message of salvation in Jesus. Holy Trinity, Cannes March: Our Christianity Explored course continues, with a study day (24). Please pray for publicity and invitations for our Holy Week and Easter services. April: Our Church AGM took place (8), pray for a good spirit and for God s guidance in the elections of the new council. The French Archdeaconry Synod takes place (18-21) in Brittany.
Giles Williams and Chris DAY 16 St. Peter s, Chantilly May: The Cannes Film Festival takes over the town (8-19). We joined other chaplaincies for an Ascension Day Service and picnic at Lorgues (10). June: Pray for a retreat on St. Honorat Island (5-8); for our young people taking exams; for the Global Anglican Future Conference that will take place in Jerusalem (17-23). March: Give thanks for the Anglophone community and pray that St. Peter s be a beacon of support and hope for all. For our financial situation, that God will provide for our needs this coming year. Pray for the Lent course and our new sermon series. April: Give thanks for the ecumenical community and our continued participation in events as we build on relationships with other churches. Pray for those coming Sarah Tillett to Baptism and Confirmation in the coming months; for preparations for the Alpha course to run smoothly; for our annual meeting and for all those in leadership. May: Give thanks for the youth and children at St. Peter s: for the Scouts and Mothers and Others, as we reach out to families and children. Pray for those getting married this month, for our Confirmation Service and Bishop Robert s visit. June: Pray for the racing community in Chantilly and our links with them as the town welcomes many visitors this month. Give thanks for the home groups and the leaders, pray these will grow and become centres of pastoral support. St. Luke s, Fontainebleau March: We give thanks and pray for Bishop Emeritus Peter Lee from Johannesburg and his long interregnum with us which will give unique opportunities for pastoral care and the ongoing preparation of our baptism and confirmation candidates, for whom we also pray, together with their families. Chaplain: Vacant* April: Prayer for the new church council and those involved in keeping St. Luke's on track during this long interregnum. We pray they will be encouraged in their dedicated service to God through their ministry to St. Luke's. May: We give thanks for the hardworking team of our sister association Les Amis who take care of our charitable giving to great effect, not only in their fundraising but also in providing many happy social occasions that also reach the wider community, putting us on the map as a lively, vibrant Christian community. June: Pray for our children and young people at the end of term, especially those facing important exams and decisions. We pray for our Sunday services over the summer, especially in August when, at the time of writing, locum cover is less sure.
DAY 17 St. Marc s, Grenoble Assistant: Alan Golton and Valerie Bob Hurley and Jane March: For the Women s World Day of Prayer (2) held at St. Marc s, involving fellowship with other Christians in Grenoble. For invitations to our Easter services: Maundy Thursday evening meal and Holy Communion (29); Good Friday (30); Easter Family Communion (1 April). April: For our Women s Bilingual Evangelistic Breakfast (27 and 8 June); a wedding (14); for Bob playing the music at the French Archdeaconry Synod (18-21); for our AGM, a good attendance and the right people elected. May: That Pentecost (20) may bring a real work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, a deepening love for the Lord and a greater desire to pray together and study God s Word. June: For our Annual Church BBQ (24) bringing members out into the countryside. For students facing exams, writing up research, or finding work elsewhere. Christ Church, Lille March: As we aim to start a five-week course entitled Growing in Prayer, please keep leaders and participants in your prayers as they explore the concept of prayer as a relationship. April: For our chaplain and ministry team that lead our evening service: fresh guidance from God, a common vision among leaders and real impact for Christ. Prayers of thanksgiving for our new worship team leaders! May: As our students start to move on, we pray that their Debbie Flach (and Jerome) time at CCL has been one of spiritual growth and preparation for the next steps in their life journey. June: As the holiday season begins and tourists start to arrive in the city, pray that we will be a blessing to all who worship here while on holiday. DAY 18 Lorgues with Fayence in the Var Peter Massey* and Shirley March: Pray for Peter as he ministers in Lorgues, that he will have opportunities to reach out and see people coming to a living knowledge of Christ Jesus. April: Pray for the children and young people s work. For those who are involved directly and those who support, may they have energy and inspiration as they seek to make young disciples.
May: For more people to get involved and active in the church. June: For members of the congregation who are bereaved or suffering emotionally, may they know the love of Christ in their lives and His light in their darkness. Trinity Church Lyon Ben Harding and Jo CEMES intern: Julius Anozie (Roman and Tobias) March: Please pray for success for the joint meeting of the Anglican church and the Eglise Protestante Unie that Lyon is hosting at the beginning of March, as well as for our usual Lent activities. April: Pray for Eastertide services; for discernment in helping our refugee and migrant parishioners; for more volunteers for our children s and youth activities. May: Give thanks for our growing congregation and pray for wisdom in finding a way to accommodate increased numbers at our services and other activities. June: We pray for our young people facing exams and for students leaving after their stages. Also, for Julius, our youth worker, nearing the end of his placement. DAY 19 Holy Trinity, Maisons-Laffitte March: Pray that individually and as a community we would feel God's presence with us during Holy Week. April: We ask for wisdom and guidance for our council members, church wardens and church leaders at our AGM. May: Pray for rest and safety for all those who are Olaf Eriksson and Marie-Claire travelling over the many Bank Holidays this month. June: Ask that God would bless and anoint the children taking their first Communion this month. St. Michael s, Paris Associate: Dale Hanson and Pat Chaplain: Vacant March: We pray for an effective observance of Lent, deepening our love for God and commitment to His mission in the world. May our services for Holy Week and Good Friday stir us up to new works of love and service. April: We pray for glorious Eastertide services! We ask for wisdom in connecting with our geographical area and the wider networks of people who come to us for special events at Christmas and Easter. We pray too for our finances, that we have the resources to fund growing mission and ministry.
May: We pray for the relationship that we have with our mission partners around the world. We ask God to keep us faithful in prayer and wise and generous as we give financial support too. June: We pray for the future plans for our building, that we may know God's wisdom and way as we meet this month with our co-owners to review studies for potential improvements. DAY 20 Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd, Poitou-Charentes Adam Boulter* Beth, Joseph, Hannah and Benjamin Assistants: Paul Knight, Irene Knowles and Nicky Marshall St. Mark s, Versailles/St. Paul s, Chevry Assistant: Elaine Labourel (and Hervè) Chaplain: Vacant March: For the prayer life of this chaplaincy, both corporate and individual. May it be revitalised for all following the course that Adam has been leading. April: Please pray for the AGM (24), for people to prayerfully consider standing for election to council. Especially, to fill the role of chaplaincy warden and to replace those members who are standing down, one after several years. May God give wisdom and guidance to those elected. May: Pray for the Strategy Group as the decisions taken after last year s deliberations are implemented and for renewed vision, as three different areas of chaplaincy life are examined in the months ahead. June: Please pray for each of us to review the use of our time, talents and treasure in God s service. March: Please pray for our locum Canon John Smith and his wife as they join us. April: Please pray for John and Jane Dinnen as our next locum and the baptisms being prepared for Easter Sunday. May: Please pray for Ben Johnson-Frow and his family as they come to take care of St. Mark's and St. Paul's. Please pray for the recruitment process for our new Chaplain and the interviews which will take place this month. June: Pray for St. Mark s and St. Paul s in this time of transition. DAY 21 Greater Lisbon Chaplaincy Portugal March: Pray for our new monthly contemporary worship at St. George s, now in its third month. That Holy Week and Easter worship will draw us closer to Jesus Christ at St. George s, St. Paul s, in Caldas and in Evora. April: Pray for the AGM tomorrow, and especially for new wardens and council members. Pray for the visit of Bishop Robert to St. George s (12 May) and St. Paul s (13 May) and for our confirmands. Frank Sawyer* Ginnelle, Pippa and Maggie
May: Pray for our young people and their school communities as we come to the end of the school year. June: As we enter the tourist season we pray that we will be able to provide a sincere Christian welcome and hospitality to our visitors. St. George s, Barcelona and Andorra John Chapman and Deborah Spain March: We are having an increased focus on prayer this month and we have set ourselves seven desires. Our desire is that we might be a Grace-filled Community and a Christ-focussed Community. April: Our desire is that we might be a Loving Community through Christ and a Witnessing Community for Christ. Pray with us that as Eastertide is celebrated we might faithfully communicate this glorious message of hope. May: Our desire is that we might be a Committed Community, cherishing and learning from Christ and that we might be a people that truly make a difference. June: Finally, our desire is that we may be Filled with all the Fullness of God-Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Pray for our partnership with St. John s Casablanca. English-speaking Church on Ibiza and Formentera Peter Pimentel* and Sue March: Our Lent course continues: God, Creation and the Environment on Wednesday mornings and evenings on either side of the island. Pray that our very special Good Friday meditation followed by a Bring and Share Lunch will be well attended. Also, we pray for the safe visit of one of our past chaplains, Bill and Agnes Maxwell. April: Our Easter Day Service will be one service this year (no Sunrise Service and no BCP), pray that the various preferences will be catered for. Our annual meeting will be at S Hort de Can Masia after our morning service, followed by a fellowship lunch. May: As the summer season starts, pray for our Chaplain Peter and his wife Sue, and for the seasonal workers on the island, especially those from our congregation. June: Every Monday after the third Sunday, we hold a Healing Service, pray for miraculous works to be seen. Also, for the wedding blessings and renewal of vows. DAY 22 St. Martin, Sharjah United Arab Emirates March: Pray for Drew ministering in Sharjah, for opportunities to reach out and see people come to a living faith in Christ. April: Pray for the children and young people s work. For those who are involved, may they have energy and inspiration as they seek to make young disciples. May: For members of the congregation who are bereaved or suffering emotionally, may they know the love of Christ in their lives and His light in their darkness. Drew Schmotzer* June: Pray for more people to get involved and active in the church.
DAY 23 All Saints, Beirut Lebanon March: Pray for All Saints as David Roche and family relocate to the UK after four years in Beirut. April: Pray for more people to get involved and active in the church, especially during the interregnum. May: Pray for the children and young people and those who support them. June: For people to come to a living knowledge of Christ Jesus. David Roche* and Amy St. John s, Izmir Turkey March: Give thanks for our two churches: St. John's, Alsancak, and St. Mary Magdelene, Bornova. Pray for our congregations, especially those preparing for Baptism and Confirmation, that we may know the depth and the greatness of God's love for us, and the joy of the Risen Christ in our Easter celebrations. April: Give thanks for friendly relationships with other denominational churches, especially the Lighthouse Church which worships at St. John's. Pray for numerical growth and James Buxton* deepening in faith and compassion, for Alan Prior and Dianne Fowler (church wardens), James Buxton and the church council. May: We pray for God's blessing on our friendships with the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches in this city. We pray for the life of the city and especially for the many refugees from Syria, Iran and other parts of the world. June: During the summer, we pray for those away, on holiday, or for those who are too hot! We pray for holidaymakers in the area, and for all involved in the tourism industry. DAY 24 St. John the Baptist, Maadi, Cairo Michael Dobson*, Janet, Emily, Gordon Egypt March: For the children's choir; for pastoral care; for a taste of worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Pray for families separated and dislocated and for productive prayer in Lent. April: For our Weekend Away and for the Christianity Explored course. For extravagant worship and a fuller understanding of the love of God at the Cross. May: For the summer bazaar (5 June) and for many to be blessed to encounter the light of the world in this city that cannot be hidden. June: Safe journeys for families moving on and for new people to find us. For the health of the poor and the refugee. All Saints Cathedral, Cairo March: Pray for Kerry and Cynthia ministering in Cairo. For opportunities to reach out and see people coming to a living knowledge of Christ Jesus. April: Pray for more people to get involved and active in the church.
May: We remember members of the congregation who are bereaved or suffering emotionally. For those who suffer in silence or struggle to attend, may they know the love of Christ in their lives and His light in their darkness. June: Pray for the children and young people and those who support them. Kerry Buttram*and Cynthia DAY 25 Holy Trinity, Algiers Algeria March: Pray for Canon Huw Thomas as Priest-in-Charge, for his ministry at Holy Trinity Algiers. April: Pray for the children and young people s work. For those involved, may they have energy and inspiration as they seek to make young disciples. May: Pray for more people to get involved in the church. June: We remember members of the congregation who are Chaplain: vacant* bereaved or suffering emotionally. For those who suffer in silence or struggle to attend, may they know the love of Christ in their lives and His light in their darkness. DAY 26 St. George s, Tunis Tunisia March: Pray for the Annual Church Meeting, for it to be a positive and joyful occasion. For an elected church council with a balance of members from both congregations and with members able to contribute positively to meetings and to the direction the church is moving in. April: For a swift resolution to the legal issues that are holding up the building of the St. Cyprian Centre and for rapid progress in the construction phase once that is Peter Knight* and Christine reached. May: For the theological education which started this year with the aim of having five courses, for five days, over the course of the year. Pray for the tutors, students and organisers. June: For the prison-visiting ministry team who go out once a fortnight, visiting two prisons on a regular basis. DAY 27 Christ Church, Rio de Janeiro Brazil Mark Simpson, Jess and River Associate: Alex Cacouris, Jane, Mylo, Maia and Louis
March: Thank God for our Family Fun Days when we invite people to join us for a day of activities and to open the door on our church community. Please also pray for our trial initiative Bible Study over Breakfast between our two morning services. April: We launch Alpha this month, pray for invitations to reach the right people over Easter and for us to give a wonderful welcome to those who come. It is also AGM time, so please pray for a wise church council to be elected! May: Thank God for our Social Action project partners across Rio de Janeiro, pray for strengthened links and for more members of the congregation to serve. June: We are one year away from our bicentenary when Christ Church Rio will celebrate 200 years. Pray for God to give us a fresh vision for this church and for His guidance as we plan the celebrations. DAY 28 St. Peter s, Viña del Mar and St. Paul s, Valparaiso Chile March: Pray for Simon and Clare to be able to get more involved in the community around St. Paul s. For the doors of the church to be opened more frequently to let in people who come to look around or who just sit quietly and pray. On the big festival Sundays and for special events the Cathedral is usually full but we have no Simon Brignall and Clare regular congregation yet. April: Pray for Clare s work at the prison that will be increased to two days a week the next academic year, she is teaching some English and quite a lot of Convivencia Social, covering topics such as bullying, discrimination, self-esteem, etc. May: 2018 is the 160th anniversary of the building of St. Paul s. It has a special place in the hearts of local people and is on the tourist trail around the historic sites. Keeping the building open is a challenge but very rewarding. June: At St. Peter s, many members are third or fourth generation British who still use the English language as their heart language. This is no longer true of the younger generation, so we face a challenging future if we cannot reinvent ourselves. DAY 29 Christ Church Cathedral, Stanley Falkland Islands March: Pray for Nicholas Mercer and family as they begin their new ministry in the Falkland Islands. Also for Kathy Biles as she returns to the UK for her hip replacements. April: For Revd Betty Turner and for her ministry at Christ Church Cathedral amongst the elderly. May: For Maurice Lake (Reader) for his work amongst seafarers on the Falkland Islands. June: Please pray for the parish of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and British Nicholas Mercer (and Aurora) Antarctica. Let all the world in every corner sing. DAY 30 Bush Church Aid Society Australia March: At the time of writing the Society was finalising a new church planting appointment in Tasmania and an Aboriginal Ministry Traineeship in rural New South Wales. Pray that these and other new initiatives will bear fruit for God s glory.
Mark Short and Monica DAY 31 ICS Seasonal Mission St. Bernard s, Wengen ICS Team April: Thank God for Easter services held throughout Australia. Help the Field Staff and their congregations to be loving and effective in following up those enquiring about Christianity after attending an Easter service. May: Thank God for the BCA Councillors as they seek to honour God through sound governance of the Society. Bless the conversations and decisions made at the AGM and Annual Council Meeting (16/17). June: During the cold months of winter, please watch over the health of the Field Staff and their families. March: The Preparation Day for the Summer Seasonal Chaplains Team takes place on 10 April. Pray for the final planning for the day, that it may be both inspirational and of practical benefit for all who travel to attend. May: As the summer season begins in our Swiss and Italian chaplaincies, pray for those serving at this time as they have many practical tasks to cover as well as the joy of reaching out with the love of Christ to tourists, resort workers and local residents alike. March: Please pray for Andrew, Jim and Richard May: Please pray for Maggie, Yelena and Jeannette Jeannette, Andrew, Jim, Richard, Maggie and Yelena New Work March: We can have ideas and plans but we look to the Lord of the Harvest for His direction and calling. Pray we may be receptive to where God may be calling us to develop next. May: Pray for the team as we work on the new website, may it be a useful tool in the mission of ICS to reach out. Intercontinental Church Society, Unit 11 Ensign Business Centre, Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry CV4 8JA, United Kingdom Telephone: 024 7646 3940 Email: enquiries@ics-uk.org Registered Charity Number: 1072584; A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales: 3630342 Data about individuals and organisations ICS is in contact with may be held in manual or electronic databases for the purposes of pursuing its activities. ICS does not pass mailing lists to unconnected third parties.