They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4We pray for the nations of the world, for resolution of all the conflicts and oppression, all the tyrannies and injustices, as we celebrate the 80 years since VE day, giving thanks for all who gave their lives to protect the innocent. We who live in a safe environment, pray for those who live in constant fear, we who have easy access to emergency treatment, pray for those whose hospitals have been bombed to destruction. Lord have mercy.We pray for our Catholic friends as they await the decisions about who will be the next Pope. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinals into deciding for a Godly and compassionate person, who will influence the world, as well as the Church, for good.Ascension Day is this month, reminding us that Jesus is the Lord of all, ascended on high, ruling all creation as well as our hearts.We pray for all our friends who live in Nursing Homes or are house bound because of infirmity or disease. We pray that they will realise that they are still in our hearts, and still part of the Body of Christ, here in the church. We ask that we be drawn to visit, showing in practical ways that they are still important and special.The APCM is this month, we pray for each member of the PCC, and the Wardens and officials. We give thanks for the work and ministry of those who are stepping down from office, and pray for the right people to replace them, to come forward in response to God’s call.And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
MAY 25 NEWSLETTERJulie Writes...Dear friends,Last month I wrote that I was looking forward to journeying with you on the way to Easter. Well, I was, but I couldn’t have been prepared for the moving experience of Holy week and the joy of Easter morning. It was wonderful! Thank you to all who were involved in any way in making our worship so varied, poignant and joyful.May will be no quieter! There is much to do.Firstly, we will begin what will be a thorough and lengthy task of finding a new Vicar to lead us. Although it will be a relatively small number of people who will be involved in the interviewing and appointing, the opinions of all of us is important in deciding the person we wish to appoint. We need to spend time thinking and praying about what the next chapter of Holy Trinity and St Michael and All Angels will look like. What areas we would like to see develop and the gifts and skills which will be needed by our new incumbent to lead us all to be a part that new future.To this end the PCC have decided to invite all the members of both churches to come along to Holy Trinity’s Church Hall on Sunday 18th May for a light ‘hunger’ lunch – to raise funds for Christian Aid and afterwards to have an opportunity to pray and to put forward our thoughts which will be used to help inform the recruitment process.Please put the date in your diary and come along. This is everyone’s opportunity to play a part in the process.Christian Aid 11th - 17th May. The days of door-to-door collections in Christian Aid week have now gone but it remains essential that we help to support those struggling in our world. The current global financial issues which have seen many countries, including ours, cut their Aid giving, along with the ongoing ecological crisis which often affects those least able to cope with the changes, alongside wars and disasters mean the need is great. There will be envelopes in both churches so please consider donating and filling in the Gift Aid section if you are able. In addition, having had a conversation with a concerned member of our Church I have suggested a ‘Hunger Lunch’ on Sunday 18th May at 12.15pm. I am grateful to Church warden Jan for agreeing to sort out the catering for this. It will be a simple soup and bread lunch for which you are invited to donate, maybe consider giving what you would have paid for your usual Sunday lunch. If you would like to know more about the campaign this year, please see Christian Aid’s website - caweek.org There is also a link there to make a direct donation if you so wish.Julie.
