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.
24 kind of volunteers have each grade to create and illuminate a magical festive window display. Each window will be lit from dusk until 10 pm every evening from their given date until the end of 2022 and will display a number. Once opened that house will continue to light up every evening. Some will be easier to spot than others! Treat yourselves by wandering around the village to see if you can find them. Day by day, more and more windows will be on show for you, your kids, your family and friends to my marvel at. A map of the houses will be available to view on the Aston’s website and at the crib service at Saint Michaels church on Christmas Eve. Please do not enter anyone’s garden or driveway to look at the displays, the houses have been specifically chosen for their visibility from the road. If you enjoy this new bit of festive chair, and would like to make a donation please scan the QR code. The money will be equally split between the parish church Council and OxPat.org. The money they receive is distributed to organisations providing shelter, food, day centres, clothing, advice and medical care to people in need in Oxford. The QR code will take you to the PCC donation page. Once all the donations have been received they will give 50% to OxPat.
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 theattacks on their country and fear for their lives• For the leaders of nations, for diplomacy, for pressure on theRussian leadership, including the Russian Orthodox Church, for peace• For the people of Russia who are living in fear, for courage to speakout and protest• For the Anglican Church in Europe in those lands, particularly thesmall congregation of Christ Church, Kyev and the congregation of StAndrew’s, Moscow• For the journalists working in Russia and the Ukraine, for goodchannels of communication• For the humanitarian response to the crisis, international aidagencies, for our own response to be effective as we give in the bestpossible way• For refugees, their welcome, the hospitality of nations and our owngovernment’s response.
