The qualities of leadership After a power struggle David becomes king of the two split regions. It all sounds rather like today perhaps. What does God ask of leaders and those who are led? Come, let us learn and pray together.
Bishop Gavin to visit on 14th July Gavin is delighted that, due to a cancellation, he can join us next Sunday. We will celebrate a new church member, Bill, who has been coming for the last year who will publicly Confirm promises made many years ago when he was baptised at birth. We give thanks for him and will hear what has made him make this step at this stage of life. Also Enrique who visits sometimes from afar will be confirmed into the C of E. Please all come and cheer and pray for our own faith. Bishops are hard to come by following the sad loss of Bishop Alan of Bucks who died suddenly in February, and as Bishop Olivia retires in September. We pray for Bishop Steven and Bishop Gavin in all the responsibility they carry, in all we tend to blame them for. May we support and uphold them.
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.
Eco-tip for July from A Rocha Taste the benefits of seasonal and local food. Plan to incorporate locally grown produce into your diet and shopping list throughout the seasons, as it is harvested at its peak ripeness, ensuring superior flavour compared to imported alternatives that have travelled thousands of miles. If saying grace before a meal is a regular practice in your household, this month, include giving thanks for your local food producers.
This week we are asked to pray
Prayers for this week from "Roots on the Web"
God of truth On this day when we are reflecting on leadership, we pray for those newly elected to Parliament and for our new Prime Minister Keir Starmer... May he and all who will serve as MPs use their strengths well, be mindful of their weaknesses, and be blessed with the gifts of courage, wisdom and integrity For the good of all We pray for all leaders in our churches and communities, for the leaders in industry and for leaders in countries around the world, particularly where the acquisition of power has corrupted and the pursuit of more power has led to injustice, suppression and war... May all who lead and all in power be held accountable for their actions and be blessed with the gifts of humility, empathy and truthfulness For the good of all We ask this in the name of Jesus, servant, shepherd, king who died and rose again For the good of all Amen We pray for the people of Union Island, left with so little after the devastation of Hurricane Beryl We pray for the leaders of the neighbouring islands as they organise supplies and support. We pray for all those impacted by extreme weather, and for the leaders of all the nations to unite and invest in the future of our planet and for one another as we seek to live more sustainably For the good of all We pray for those facing storms in their personal lives, those who have been devastated by sudden tragedy, by the actions of others, and those who regret their own actions and the impact they have had on those around them.... For those whose long term situations have left them with little energy and little hope, Lord Jesus lead and guide them and us by your Spirit For the good of all We pray for ourselves and one another... For those on our hearts and minds... For those who have shaped our lives and guided us... And for those we have the joy and the privilege of being alongside.... Bless each of us with compassion, openness and discernment For the good of all Amen
Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.