PRAY FOR GOD'S WORLD, especially for the people of Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and other war zones worldwide; for all refugees trying to reach safety; for the people of America; for those in desperate conditions caused by climate change or the cost-of-living crisis; and for those caring for the sick and the elderly, including Liz, John, Ruth, Valerie, Elizabeth, Ken, and Ann.
PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER BEFORE GOD, who knows the needs of each, those for whom our prayers have been asked; Jenny, Grant, Jason, Mike, Jasmine, Cherry, Frankie, Ross, Jimmy, Pauline, Michael, Graham, David, Chrissie, Bob, Sue, George, Robert, Nathaniel & Teagan & Noah and their parents & teachers, and those in mourning.
REMEMBER the recently departed - Pope Francis, Anne H, Stephen D, Rita M; and those whose anniversary of death occurs at this time; Winifred Seath, John Middleton, Barbara Skinner, Elaine Osborne, Pat Wilton, Richard Gilpin.
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1. A Prayer for our Church and Parish:
Let us pray for those of our parish who are poor, or anxious, or unwell. Let us pray for God’s blessing on our Youth Club, our nearby uniformed groups, those who live and work in Prospect Place and the other new building developments, and on the King William Nursery and Burnt Oak School. Let us remember, too, the Sunlight Centre, the Medway Food Bank, the Gillingham Street Angels, and others who work amongst the many disadvantaged people in this area.
Heavenly Father, you have called us to be the bearers of Good News, following the example of St Luke the Evangelist, our Patron.
Send your light and truth to lead us; open our minds to worship you in spirit and in truth; open our eyes to the opportunities you give us in the people we meet each day, or who come through the doors of our church.
Open our ears to hear your call; open our hearts to your love, that we may serve you and bring others to your light.
God of hope, in this moment, and in the days ahead as we look to the future, however dark and uncertain it may seem, fill us with all joy and peace, as we trust in you, that we may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
2. An alternative Collect for Easter Day:
God of glory, by the raising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: fill your Church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned, and the way to life stands open in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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The Church is OPEN as detailed below:
SUNDAY 27th APRIL - EASTER 2
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Parish, that we will know, and rejoice in, Christ’s blessings.
12 noon ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
3pm St George's-tide Masonic Service - all welcome! - followed by tea in the Hall
6pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
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WEEKDAY SERVICES & Mass intentions
Monday 28th April - 10am Mass St George the Martyr
For England, and for our political and religious leaders.
Tuesday 29th April - 530pm Mass ST MARK THE EVANGELIST
For St Mark's Church, Canterbury Street, Gillingham.
Wednesday 30th April - 8am Mass Easter feria
For local schools.
Thursday 1st May - 10am Mass St Joseph the Worker
For those working in this parish, and for those who are unemployed.
Friday 2nd May - 10am Mass St Athanasius
For faithfulness to Jesus in suffering.
Saturday 3rd May - 10am Mass ST PHILIP & ST JAMES
For the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the choosing of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
NEXT SUNDAY - 4th May - EASTER 3
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Parish, that, along with the beloved disciple, we will say to others of Jesus - *It is the Lord*.
The Ministry of Healing will be available in the Lady Chapel immediately after Mass
6pm Evening Prayer & Benediction