We all need mothering…. and to be thankful for all who mother in so many different ways. Do invite friends and neighbours to come and join us and to be encouraged in this great art.
Eco church, could we be one? We are hosting a meeting this week on Thursday 14th March at 7pm in the Canterbury Room. Come and listen to a talk by Sara Kandiah entitled “Greener Henley and Eco Church”. All welcome.
Eco-tip for March from A Rocha Celebrate Spring. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season – breathe in the fragrance of blossoms, observe budding catkins, note different bird songs, spot footprints, or use the Pl@ntNet app to identify spring flowers. Nature can boost our happiness, so spend time in your garden, on your balcony, and in local green spaces. Dedicate quality time to appreciate creation’s beauty, and thank God for the hope that spring can bring with our Lent resources at arocha.org.uk/connect-with-gods-creation-over-lent or https://arocha.org.uk/connect-with-our-creator-and-gods-creation-during-lent/
Church Times What is happening in the church worldwide and nationally? What needs to be challenged, changed and what celebrated and shared? An independent charity runs this weekly national paper, which happens to employ a local journalist in our congregation. There is a special offer on this month for new subscribers to give it a go - £10 for 10 editions delivered through your door... Do pick up a leaflet from church.
This week we are asked to pray
Prayers for this week from "Roots on the web" Your light shines, your light is with us now.
We thank you for the light of Jesus that shines in us as we come here to be together. We thank you that we are free to worship, and there is no darkness of fear for us in this country. We ask that your light would help us in our worship and prayer, in our activities and our learning, and fill us with the joy of knowing more about you. We remember those who face the darkness of arrest, cruelty and harm for wanting to worship you. In sadness we pray for all the families and friends of the five thousand Christians who have lost their lives for their faith over the last year, and we ask that wherever in this world they are, they would see and know your light right now. Your light shines, your light is in our country.
We thank you for all that makes us feel safe and good in our country, and the many good things that we enjoy. We thank you for all the churches that work to shine your light. We ask that we as your people here would be active and energised to share your light in our schools, shops, colleges, hospitals, and all places of work near us. We remember those who have the responsibility of bringing light and hope to all people in our nation. We think of all those badly affected by the recent budget, and for those who can now be more generous in helping others. In hope we pray for our politicians and leaders who have been elected or chosen to serve all people, and we ask that they would daily put aside the darkness of temptation, greed and selfishness, and instead consider and work for all that would make our lives better and brighter. Your light shines, your light shines across your world.
We thank you for the light of creation, when all was made and you saw that it was good. We thank you for all the wonders of your world; our daily reminders of you. We ask that we, as your people, would value your world and do all we can to protect land, animals, birds, rivers and the seas and work to end the darkness of pollution and destruction. We remember with sadness those who have lost their homes, their land and their work through changes in the seasons, the rising of water levels, and the increasing power of the sun’s heat. As we move from one of the wettest winters on record we are aware of the damage being done to our climate, and the challenges for the future. Help us to think about all that we can do, and all that we can encourage and vote for, to protect your created world better. Your light shines, your light is never defeated by darkness.
We thank you that where you are there is always light and hope through your love for all people, but we recognise that for many people right now that light is hard to find. We ask that we would be willing to speak up for those whose darkness seems overwhelming, and are in the middle of despair and conflict. We remember those normal families who are caught up in war and conflict, who have no security and safety, and who have suffered the loss of those close to them. We think of people in Haiti where unrest is developing; Gaza where millions are in despair; Ukraine, Israel, and other nations across the world. We ask that you would strengthen all those who can bring light in the darkness of this hopelessness and pain. Your light shines, your light is with us now. Help us to be people who stay in your light, and share your light with those around us.