Lent has begun. It is not too late to decide how to spend this gift of life and time. Together may we grow closer to God, be blessed and be a blessing.
How will you make Lent fruitful?
Eco-tip for February from A Rocha Go green for Lent. The weeks leading up to Easter are a time for self reflection, repentance and emulating Jesus’ obedience to the Father. Is there something you’d like to give up or take up during Lent that will enable you to reflect on God, contribute to our planet’s well-being and enhance others’ lives through sustainable, ecofriendly living? Explore some of these changes at arocha.org.uk/go-green-for-lent/
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 of 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 Thank you to Ann for this week’s prayers.
Prayers for the Church Dear Lord when we cannot find the words to pray, Word of God pray through us.
When we cannot see the path ahead, Way of God direct us.
When we are overwhelmed by contradictory news, Truth of God instruct us.
When we fall away from you, Life of God live through us, and draw us to yourself.
When our days are dark, Light of the World shine on us.
Prayers for Creation Dear Lord, the wild beasts kept you company in the desert. Help us to stay beside you on our Lenten journey. Teach us to find you in every person and every creature that we meet, and thus enable us to glimpse your angels on our pilgrim path.
Dear Lord, it is February, the trees rejoice in your glorious light, bird song fills the air, and snowdrops and crocuses cheer our way. May we carry your joy into our churches, and your love out into the world.
Prayers for the Community Dear Lord, thank you for everyone who has sustained our community through the winter. Thank you for all who have blessed us with light and heat and food and clothing. Thank you for those who have brought us the post, and thank you for those who have taken away the refuse. Thank you for the people who have prayed for us, and stayed with us. Thank you for all who have cared for us in sickness, and visited us in times of loneliness. Thank you for all who have guarded and guided our children. Thank you for those who have shared their gift of music with us. Thank you for the lock-keeper, especially in this season, who has kept watch when the river rose. Thank you for everyone, both man and creature, who have enriched our lives with warmth and fellowship.
Prayers for the World Dear Lord Jesus, prince of peace, help us to find a way to live together in harmony with each other, and with the earth and all creation. May your love cast out our fear. May your word overcome our weapons. May your life bless us and lead us all to heaven.
Dear Lord, who said suffer the little children to come to me, shield the children everywhere especially those on the streets in Talanga, and in the war zones in Ukraine and the Holy Land, and please bless all who care for them as well.
Prayers for the Sick Dear Lord whose love brings healing to the sick, we bring them to you now. May your touch bless them.
Prayers for the Departed Dear Lord, we remember before you all those whom we love and see no more. Dear Lord, who holds heaven and earth as one, help us to know that all those we love are safe with you, and you are very close.
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.