Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Isaiah 40 : 31Bible reading : Matthew 25 : 1 - 13Thought for the weekToday is Remembrance Sunday as we come to remember those who died in the wars defending our country, to give thanks for our freedom and to commit ourselves to the way of peace, in the strength of Jesus The Prince of Peace. This is of course all the more poignant as we face in these days an unseen enemy, and all the disruption that is causing to so many. We have today many who are making sacrifices, we have new front lines, a fight for a vaccine and for freedom, and the virus is affecting the lives of us all.Jesus tells the Parable of a wedding, and of bridesmaids called to take part, and yet some are unprepared. It is a reminder to us how we are all called by Jesus to take part in His Kingdom. We are all called to keep our lamps filled so we can shine brightly for Him. So we are ready to meet Him in the people we see and those on our hearts to pray for.This second lockdown has come with a call from the Archbishops to pray. Many of us have adopted the practice of pausing wherever we are to say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 o’clock each day. It connects us with one another and brings us into the conscious awareness of the presence of God. You may wish to join us.Alongside this, within the benefice, we will be giving a simple suggestion for each day of something you might like to pray about as we pray together for the world in all its trauma and anguish and also as we give thanks for God’s continued presence and faithfulness to us in this time of uncertainty and difficulty. - see separate news-item for this week's suggested topics.In this lockdown may we shine with Jesus’ Light, that everyone may know His presence and His Peace. Rev PaulPrayer for this weekGod, our refuge and strength,bring near the day when wars shall ceaseand poverty and pain shall end,that earth may know the peace of heaventhrough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Praying TogetherWeek beginning Sunday 8th NovemberJesus’ disciples once asked him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ Prayer is at the heart of our life together as followers of Jesus. Central to our worship, individually and as a fellowship, it is the lifeblood that holds us and sustains us. Jesus gave the disciples the words of the prayer we now call the Lord’s prayer. Jesus also taught us to pray simply and from the heart, not worrying about the words we use but instead being mindful that in prayer we are talking to our loving heavenly parent.Paul, in the letters that he writes to Christians, encourages them to, ‘pray always’, and to, ‘give thanks.’ Within the benefice many of us have adopted the practice of pausing wherever we are to say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 o’clock each day. It connects us with one another and brings us into the conscious awareness of the presence of God. During this time of lockdown we would like to encourage you to continue this or, if you’ve never done it to perhaps take this up. You might like to set a reminder on your telephone and if midday doesn’t work for you to commit to another time each day. We hope these prayer suggestions will be a helpful aid to your prayer times.Alongside this we will be giving a simple suggestion for each day of something you might like to pray about as we pray together for the world in all its trauma and anguish and also a we give thanks for all that is good and God’s continued presence and faithfulness to us in this time of uncertainty and difficulty. We hope this will be a reflection of our life and worship together as we pray together for the world God made and loves, which Jesus died for and in which the Holy Spirit lives and moves in grace and peace.Sunday 8th - We give thanks that the Holy Spirit unites us in prayer and and draws us together in the love of Christ.Monday 9th- We pray for all those who are unwell with Covid-19 and for those who care for them.Tuesday 10th- We hold in the Light of Christ the people of the USA following the election.Wednesday 11th- Hold before the Lord the young people of our country, many of whom are struggling. Thursday 12th- As we think of the beauty of God’s good creation we pray for the earth and our stewardship of it.Friday 13th- Spend some time today in quiet stillness remembering that you are loved by God, in whose image you are made.Saturday 14th- Pray for our worship tomorrow.Attached is a sheet of the above in case you prefer to print a copy for reference
In view of the Government announcements of a new four week lockdown we are now having to suspend our services in church. The church will however be open each day for private prayer. We are also introducing other opportunities for us to pray together:Praying Together each week - Within the benefice many of us have adopted the practice of pausing wherever we are to say the Lord’s Prayer at 12 o’clock each day. It connects us with one another and brings us into the conscious awareness of the presence of God.Alongside this we will be giving a simple suggestion for each day of something you might like to pray about as we pray together for the world in all its trauma and anguish and also as we give thanks for God’s continued presence and faithfulness to us in this time of uncertainty and difficulty. On the website there will be a separate news item each week with prayer ideas for each day that week.The livestreams are continuing with the following services being made available via the St Ed's Facebook page:Sunday 8th November 9:30 am Spiritual communion with Rev Paul Sunday 8th November 10:45am Remembrance Service with Rev Paul and Rev Phil (service sheet attached)Sunday 8th November evening 6.30pm with Rachel and Sophie (for Sunday Club and the young at heart) craft template on separate newsitemTuesday 10th November 10am Tiny Tunes (music for all young people)Wednesday 11th November 10.30am Rev PaulWednesday 11th November 9pm Rachel’s Rectory RamblingsSaturday 14th November 9pm Prayers together - Each Saturday leading up to Christmas at 9.00pm we will be lighting a candle in church and hold a half hour time of prayer on livestream. Please send in any prayer requests or join online at the time!Watch live if you are able --- or join later on 'catch up'.Everyone welcome.AdditionallyAdvent begins on Sunday 29th November.
Starting tomorrow, Saturday 7th November, we are inviting you to join us online each Saturday evening at 9pm for 30 minutes of quiet contemplative prayer time together. Join us on the St Ed’s Facebook page at that time - or later ‘on catch up’.
