Lent begins this week on Wednesday, 14th February - coincidentally on Valentine’s Day this year. What greater love is there than God’s revealed to us on the cross? Mark this together at 10.30am in St Thomas’ or 8pm in St Mary’s. Come and receive this sign on Ash Wednesday and ask God how to help you grow closer to him this Lent.
How will you make Lent fruitful?
Singing workshop review Almost 50 people attended the Singing Workshop held last month. Afterwards, we received lots of positive comments as well as some useful suggestions to make the next workshop even more enjoyable - particularly for those who don't read music. Thank you, Matt. A great occasion for opening the church to the wider community.
There will be sign up sheets in our churches or please contact the church office to order. We will be placing an order by the end of February as the eggs sell out quickly! £5 milk; £5.50 dark; £5 fun pack egg box; £10 luxury. Please see https://meaningfulchocolate.co.uk/collections/real-easter-egg for more information.
Piano Recital at St Mary’s There will be a recital entitled “A Song on Love” by concert pianist Ikuko Inoguchi on Sunday February 25th at 4pm in St Mary's followed by tea afterwards. The programme will feature both Western Classical and Japanese pieces including works by Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, Debussy and Toru Takemitsu. Tickets are available on the door for £10 full, £9 concessions (cash only please).
This week we are asked to pray
Prayers for this week Lord, as we come to you in stillness now, help us to feel your proximity. As we breathe in, we say in our hearts ‘Jesus is near’. As we breathe out, ‘nearer than our breath’.
(Pause to breathe in and out a few times).
In this quiet moment, we replay the week just passed in our minds. Ask God to show you places and moments when he was particularly close.
Thank you, Lord, for being with us even when we didn’t know you were there. For the times when we caught a glimpse of you. For moments when we might have had an amazing encounter. We rejoice that you are a God who comes to us. Raise our eyes towards you today that we might go into the week ahead energised and inspired to meet you in every person and every situation. Lord, whenever we catch a glimpse of you, Help us to tell others the story.
Lord, we lift to you our world. We pray for the places that are in such need of your presence and your glory. We pray for Ukraine and the Middle East. For Ethiopia and other parts of Africa, once again facing famine. Lord, we pray that, in every place where there is need, pain, hunger and despair, there may be a new revelation of you. Give us the eyes of faith to see where you are at work in the darkness of our world. Help us to see your light and seek ways to spread that light further and further until all the world sees a glimpse of your glory. Lord, whenever we catch a glimpse of you, Help us to tell others the story.
Lord, we pray for all who have hit the headlines this week… whether for good, painful or unpleasant reasons… We also remember those who were prominent in the news just a few days or weeks ago who have now faded from the front pages, yet whose stories are still known to you… Thank you, Lord, that you never forget anyone. You know our stories and love us throughout our lives. Lord, whenever we catch a glimpse of you, Help us to tell others the story.
Lord, we bring to you those who need a special touch from you right now. We pray for those who are sick, remembering King Charles among them. Lord, may they know the revelation of your healing power. We pray for those who are sad and sorrowful. Come close, Lord, with your tender touch. Help us to be bringers of peace and kindness this week to anyone we know who needs to feel your presence in their lives… Lord, whenever we catch a glimpse of you, Help us to tell others the story.
Lord, thank you that the disciples and Gospel writers had the courage to tell their stories. We pause for a moment to think of those who directly, or indirectly, led us to this faith moment in our lives... Lord Jesus, the great storyteller, help us never to be ashamed of our story of faith, even if it doesn’t seem as dramatic or exciting as those of other people. Give us the courage and desire to tell our story to others, that our witness may in some way help to bring others to trust and follow you. Lead us this week into moments of opportunity where we can share your love with those who need you so deeply. Lord, whenever we catch a glimpse of you, Help us to tell others the story. Amen.