A Message from Bishop MartinThe crisis in Ukraine is creating a humanitarian catastrophe, as all of us can see from the daily news reports. Bishop Mike and I are calling on all the parishes and congregations of the Diocese this Lent to raise funds through collections, individual gifts, events and activities, to respond to the terrible situation the people of Ukraine are facing, both in the country and as refugees. We are very grateful to be in partnership with World Vision who will receive our donations and handle the gift aid. Please follow the instructions on this World Vision webpage to make your donation, and please make donations as you receive them so that they reach the people in desperate need as soon as possible. Be assured that every pound goes directly to those in need. World Vision is also part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), whose appeal is supported by the UK Government. We ask you to be as generous as possible, and to continue to pray fervently for the end of the military operation and for peace. With prayers for you and for the children and families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell have condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine as “an act of great evil” and they are urging Christians to make this Sunday a special day of prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace. They are also supporting a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday. In your own intercessions you may wish to use this prayer: God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today. We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them. We pray for those with power over war and peace, for wisdom, discernment, and compassion to guide their decisions. Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk, and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
The continued work of our church is reliant on people’s generosity, a generosity that is a hallmark of a lived-out faith and a testament to it.We give to our church in a variety of ways, but one thing that has come out of the recent pandemic is that fewer people are carrying cash with them and this has meant that we have not been able to receive all the gifts that we usually would.However, we are delighted that we are now able to receive your donations online.If you would like to make an Online Donation to support the continued Mission and Ministry to our community as well as supporting the ongoing Maintenance of our historic building, please visit our online donations page by clicking here.
When someone whom we have loved dies their love and their legacy carries on in our own hearts and memories.As we approach the time of the year when the Church remembers All Souls and All Saints, there are various ways in which you might like to remember and give thanks for your loved ones.Light a CandleMany of our churches have places where you can light a candle, but if not, you can still light a virtual candle at www.churchofengland.org/light-a-candleSay a prayerYou can say your own prayers, or if you would like some words to help you if you are missing someone has died, they you might find the following web page helpful: www.churchofengland.org/prayers-for-the-momentCome to a special church serviceThis year all are invited to attend a special Benefice "All Souls" service on Sunday 31st October 2021 at 3.30pm in St Peter and St Paul's Church, Clare. There will be an opportunity to light a candle, and for your loved one to be named. If you cannot attend in person but would like your loved ones name to be read out, please email The Revd Mark Woodrow at rector@stourvalley.org.uk or telephone 01787 277515 and he will be happy to include them for you.For more information see the attached poster.
