O God of all justice and peace, we cry out to you in the midst of the pain and trauma of violence and fear which prevails in the Holy Land. Be with those who need you in these days of suffering; we pray for people of all faiths – Jews, Muslims and Christians and for all people of the land. While we pray to you, O Lord, for an end to violence and the establishment of peace, we also call for you to bring justice and equity to the peoples. Guide us into your kingdom where all people are treated with dignity and honour as your children – for to all of us you are our Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Ukraine . USPG and the Church of England Diocese in Europe have launched an emergency appeal to get aid to people in desperate need because of the invasion of Ukraine. Funds raised by the appeal will support Christian charities and churches carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries. Donate using the link: https://ukraine-emergency-appeal.raisely.com/ .Continuing to cover the Ukraine emergency in prayer is just as important as financial donations. Please pray:• For the people of Ukraine and for their leaders as they counter the attacks on their country and fear for their lives• For the leaders of nations, for diplomacy, for pressure on the Russian leadership, including the Russian Orthodox Church, for peace• For the people of Russia who are living in fear, for courage to speak out and protest• For the Anglican Church in Europe in those lands, particularly the small congregation of Christ Church, Kyev and the congregation of St Andrew’s, Moscow• For the journalists working in Russia and the Ukraine, for good channels of communication• For the humanitarian response to the crisis, international aid agencies, for our own response to be effective as we give in the best possible way• For refugees, their welcome, the hospitality of nations and our own government’s response.There will be a candlelit evening vigil in St Michael’s Church, Blewbury, on Friday April 1st from 6pm to 7pm. A time of quiet reflection and private prayers for peace, interspersed with recordings of the choral music of Rachmaninov’s “Vespers.” This beautiful music is based on the chants of the church in Kyev, as well as the music of the Russian and Greek Orthodox churches. The entire Benefice is invited and welcome to come along.Ukraine . USPG and the Church of England Diocese in Europe have launched an emergency appeal to get aid to people in desperate need because of the invasion of Ukraine. Funds raised by the appeal will support Christian charities and churches carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries. Donate using the link: https://ukraine-emergency-appeal.raisely.com/ .Continuing to cover the Ukraine emergency in prayer is just as important as financial donations. Please pray:• For the people of Ukraine and for their leaders as they counter the attacks on their country and fear for their lives• For the leaders of nations, for diplomacy, for pressure on the Russian leadership, including the Russian Orthodox Church, for peace• For the people of Russia who are living in fear, for courage to speak out and protest• For the Anglican Church in Europe in those lands, particularly the small congregation of Christ Church, Kyev and the congregation of St Andrew’s, Moscow• For the journalists working in Russia and the Ukraine, for good channels of communication• For the humanitarian response to the crisis, international aid agencies, for our own response to be effective as we give in the best possible way• For refugees, their welcome, the hospitality of nations and our own government’s response.
