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.
This year we are supporting the work of The Children's Society with a very special Christingle Service on Sunday 30th January 2022 at 3pm in Clare Church.Families are also welcome to join us on Saturday 29th January 2022 from 10.30am until 12 Noon for coffee, refreshments, and a chance to help make the Christingles ready for our service on Sunday.Everyone is welcome.
Following on from the Governments recent enhancement of COVID precautions, Face Masks in Church are now mandatory (unless exempt).In order that we can keep each other safe, please wear a face mask correctly over your mouth and nose whenever you are in church, and regularly sanitise your hands.We hope that by all following these simple steps, our planned Christmas activities, services and concerts can proceed as planned.
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.
