Oh… don’t we need to pray about our government and leaders, as they race to make bigger promises but don’t tell us how hard we must all work at it? Our OT reading is about trying to choose a leader in tricky times!
Please come and pray for the life of our parishes. This will take place in the Canterbury Room at St Thomas’. Coffee and croissants from 8:15am, followed by prayer for the life of our churches. Finished by 9.30am. Please do join us.
Thank you - So good to see children with their hands in the mud seeing what they have grown. Thank you to everyone who helped, supported and entered into our Great Big Green Food day last week.
We had a special service together with a global range of music and gave time to think about this important subject. A fabulous range of stalls and groups taking action was gathered. Thank you so much to Annabel and all the committees for their work to bring it together. The speakers at the Panel gave insight into what is involved and the costs to the world of some of our food industry and where steps are being made. A big focus on things we can do, personally and locally, and the power of supporting national groups like The Soil Association or….
Piano Recital by Patrick Lillie On Saturday 22nd June we are delighted to welcome back local pianist Patrick Lillie to St Thomas'. He will be playing a selection of works by Debussy, Liszt, Chopin and Beethoven.
Filing cabinet (still) looking for a new home We have a small (40cmx40cmx66cm) two drawer metal filing cabinet which is no longer needed. The width is smaller than a regular filing cabinet but there are some hanging folders included. Please contact the office (875651) if you are interested.
This week we are asked to pray
Prayers for this week from "Roots on the Web" Lord, as we come to you today, we think of different changes that have happened in our lives – those that have had positive effects on us and those that were very hard. We know that you were with us through all the changes, even when we couldn’t immediately see you at work. As we focus on the coming few days and weeks, give us the confidence to know that you are still with us, always with us, through change and when everything stays the same. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
We pray for those facing difficult changes in their lives: perhaps through ill health, bereavement, unemployment or separation from loved ones. Lord, we name anyone known to us who is struggling in this way…. We ask that your peace and comfort be upon them. Reassure them that, although their circumstances may change, you do not. Give them the courage to face their future knowing that you are holding their hand. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
We pray for those who need to make difficult decisions about their future. Give them wisdom and insight. Help them to see the positives, where change can bring more peace of mind or freedom. Encourage them to go forward into this new phase with the comfort of knowing that you will go before them to prepare the way. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
We pray for those who are looking at exciting changes… maybe a new job, new school, university or college. We think of all the young people in our community soon to finish school for the summer, especially those who are leaving primary or secondary school. Strengthen them in preparation for the new adventures ahead of them and help them to go forward to new things with open minds and hearts ready to make new friends, learn new things and deepen their understanding of how to live well in their community. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
We pray for all countries where elections are taking place, where there may be massive changes that will have a huge impact on the citizens of the countries concerned. We pray for those newly elected to office, that they will be people of integrity and work towards changing their nations for the good of all those who live there. We pray for those who will be voted out and the changes that will make in their personal lives. Help them to be peacemakers… Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
We pray for those whose lives never seem to change at all. Those who face daily struggles with their health, those who are depressed, stressed or anxious and who find each day a challenge. We remember those who live alone and feel that every day is exactly the same as the last. Lord, where can we bring change into these situations? Go before us and guide us to bring healing and hope into difficult situations. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
Lord, we pray for our church. Maybe there are big changes happening…. or maybe things have stayed the same for a long time. Lord, help us to see where trying new things and doing things differently may be effective. Help us to see where leaving things just as they are can also bring growth. Give our church leaders wisdom and discernment to listen to how you want our church to move forward as a witness in our community. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
In this Father’s Day in the UK, we pray for fathers we know, especially any facing change right now. We particularly pray for new fathers as the changes in their lives will be hugely significant at the moment. And we remember those who have recently lost their fathers – help them adjust to the loss and sorrow that that change brings. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near.
Lord, as we go forward into a new week, show us where you want us to change. Help us to listen to you, particularly in our homes and families. Perhaps there is something important that we need to change that will bring reconciliation, or help someone, or just make the lives of those around us easier… Speak to us and nudge us towards those changes. Lord, maybe you have some big changes that you want us to make. Give us the courage to go forward with you into the future, knowing that you have gone ahead of us to prepare the way. Show us the guiding light of your presence as we step out into new ways of being who you want us to be. Changeless God, we come to you. Help us to know you are near. Help us to listen to you. And help us to follow where you lead. Amen.