Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. Since its start in May 2016 God has grown Thy Kingdom Come from a dream of possibility into a movement. Christians from 172 countries have taken part in praying ‘Come Holy Spirit’, so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.This praying together has been across our diversity and differences as every person, household and church are encouraged to pray in their own way. According to our annual survey findings an astonishing percentage of people said they were praying for family and friends to come to faith in Jesus, and a significant number of people join in for the first time, we recognise there is much more we can do together to help Thy Kingdom Come be fully in the lifeblood of the Church. During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:(1) Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ.(2) Pray for 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus.(3) Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness.After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total – on our own we can do nothing.Through the centuries Christians have gathered at that time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ picks up this tradition. Over the years more and more worshipping communities have dedicated the days between Ascension and Pentecost to pray ‘Come Holy Spirit’.We are praying that the Spirit will inspire and equip us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with our friends and families, our communities and networks. It has been amazing how many varied ways there have been in which people from every tradition have taken up this challenge. The effects have been remarkable.It is our prayer that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for the world will hear it for themselves, and respond and follow Him. Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 friends who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, we invite you to take part – along with churches from over 80 different denominations & traditions in nearly 90% of countries (172) around the world.“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby#ThyKingdomComehttps://www.thykingdomcome.global/
We received with great sadness the news of the death of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. He has served our country selflessly as the Queen’s husband and consort since their marriage and her accession to the throne in 1952.He has shown genuine concern for the future of our country, through his interest in the environment, wildlife, education, and by ensuring we are at the forefront of scientific advancement. He was a keen sportsman, seen until recently behind the reins of a horse and carriage around Windsor, one of his favourite pastimes since 1970s, and a sport which he helped expand and promote.While our monarchy has its formal and solemn side, Prince Philip has shown a forthright wit and sense of humour and has helped the monarchy adapt and embrace change over the years.The Queen described him as her rock and he has been a major stabilising influence throughout her whole reign. He will be sorely missed.A Prayer for the Duke of Edinburgh.'Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ (Matthew 25.21)God of majesty, give rest to your servant Philipwho, having served his Queen and Country,has passed from this life, full of years yet strong in spirit.As we give thanks for his life, as Prince and husband, as Consort and family man, we pray that all that he has done may continue to bear fruit in the lives of individuals and the life of this nation, to your honour and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.You are welcome to send you message of condolence online using the Church of England's link: https://www.churchofengland.org/remembering-his-royal-highness-prince-philip
At Noon on 23rd March 2021 join people from across the nation as we stop for a minute and remember all those who have died in the COVID Pandemic.REFLECTLoving God, You hold all our times in your hands, our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember all the difficulties and disappointments of the past year. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence.CONNECTLoving God, You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.HOPELoving God, As we journey towards Easter, help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.
Whilst many of our churches will have a service on Mothering Sunday, because of COVID these will be 'low key' affairs, and it means that we won't be able to provide flowers to give to their mothers, or to those who have played a mother’s role in their life. If you’re preparing for Mother’s Day at home, it can be a good time to help children learn about God’s love for them too, which is also like a mother’s love. Here are some things to do together as you think about that love:• Make a few pom pom chicks, (you can save them for Easter Day as a table decoration): see: www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/easter-craft-ideas.html •Ask your child who the chicks’ mummy is. If you like, you can talk about how they are born from an egg. •Talk about how a hen protects her little chicks by hiding them under her wings. She feeds them and holds them close to her to keep them warm and safe. •Think about how God’s love is like this. We are like God’s little chicks and God wants to keep us safe too, just like the hen. •Why not play at being hens and chicks together, spreading out arms and gathering underneath them? •At home, you can also read one of the Bible stories that has a mother’s love at its centre – for example, the story of Moses. A mother’s love is so special it’s worth celebrating, but some people may find Mother’s Day difficult for lots of different reasons. Some people may not have a mother who they see any more. She may have died, or they just never knew her. Some parents find Mother’s Day sad because they have lost a child and still grieve. As well as celebrating the love of mothers, we will always remember that Mother’s Day can be difficult as well, and will include some special prayers during the service. Revd Mark is happy to offer a confidential listening ear and prayer if that is something you would like.
