St Thomas’ churchyard working party, Saturday 11th November 9.30am-12 noon This is an opportunity to get the churchyard tidied and ready for winter. We will break at 11am for a minute’s silence and some prayers. Coffee and Scottish shortbread will be available as refreshments…. Please come bringing your garden tools (e.g. secateurs) – all welcome!
Deanery Synod, Tuesday 14th November at 7.00pm The meeting will take place at the Chantry House at St Mary’s, Henley where Revd Sarah Nesbitt will be talking about County Lines and Cuckooing. If you have no idea what County Lines are, or what we mean when we talk about cuckooing, come along and find out. Sarah will also help us to explore the vulnerabilities in our communities. Please let Ben know if you would like a lift.
Friends' of St Mary’s event A Friends' of St. Mary's Quiz and Fish and Chip Night is taking place on Saturday 25th November in the Morrell Room starting at 7 p.m. Individuals, couples and groups are welcome; teams of between four and six can be made up on the evening. Bring your own drinks. Tickets £10 per head, to include a fish and chip supper, must be booked by 8 p.m. on 21st November, by contacting Jeremy or me via the church office (875651 or officeofgsandss@yahoo.com). Proceeds in aid of the Friends. John Rogers
This week we are asked to pray for
Prayers for this week Thank you to Simon for this week’s prayers.
Father God, during this time of Remembrance, we call to mind the sacrifice made by the men and women of our armed forces, their families and supporters. We solemnly remember with deep gratitude those who gave their lives, as well as those who returned from conflict wounded and those who care for them. By your saving grace, bless all those serving today, whether on active duty at the frontline or in support.
Even as we commemorate the fallen in our own conflicts past and present, we continue to bring before you the continued struggle and bloodshed in the Middle East and Ukraine. We pray for safety for the people of Palestine, and that the necessary humanitarian aid be given prompt passage. Guide the leaders and international partners in the best way to provide the support required to bring these conflicts to a swift conclusion.
In the week of the first King’s speech, we pray for wisdom for our Sovereign and the Ministers that form his government. With a new term beginning in Parliament, we ask for your guidance and inspiration to all those making decisions about how to address the cost-of-living crisis, as well as your provision and protection for all those suffering under these extreme conditions as winter begins to close in.
We ask that you bless the leaders at our Churches here in our Benefice; for Gavin our Bishop, Ben and the ministry team. Inspire our life as a fellowship, and in particular the ecumenical Advent course, due to start shortly.
Finally, we pray for those sick or suffering from our congregations and any others who are ill or in distress at this time.
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God our Lord and Father.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.