PRAY FOR GOD'S WORLD, for the people of Gaza, for Ukraine, Sudan, and other war zones worldwide; for all refugees trying to reach safety; for those in desperate conditions caused by climate change, or the cost-of-living crisis; for those working in supermarkets and shops at this very busy time; and for those caring for the sick and the elderly, including John, Ruth, Elizabeth, Ken, and Ann.
PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER BEFORE GOD (who knows the needs of each) those for whom our prayers have been asked; Bella, Audrey, Barry, Olive, Paul, Tania, David 1, Jenny, Luke, Nicholas, David 2, Joss, Jennifer, Bert, Ian, Jerry, Bob, Sue 1, Sue 2, Robert, those experiencing problems with difficult children, and those in mourning.
REMEMBER the recently departed - Norman B, Patrick S, Ron W, Ben P, Alan A, Jim G; and those whose anniversary of death occurs at this time: Michael Rawlins, Iris Jury, Jean Bland, Eric Younghusband, Daniel Paul.
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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.
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The Church is OPEN as detailed below:
SUNDAY 14th DECEMBER - ADVENT 3 (GAUDETE)
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Parish, that we will be strong in our faith in God, and not fear.
3pm CAROL SERVICE in Church
4pm CHRISTMAS FAIR in the Hall
530pm Evening Prayer (note later time, or it might be at 6pm! Sorry we can't be more specific)
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WEEKDAY SERVICES & Mass intentions
Monday 15th December - 10am Mass Advent feria
For local schools as they come to the end of term.
Tuesday 16th December - 530pm Mass Advent feria
For those working in local shops and supermarkets.
Wednesday 17th December - 8am Mass O Wisdom
For help in keeping these final days of Advent .
Thursday 18th December - 10am Mass O Lord of Lords
For peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, and in other war zones world-wide.
Friday 19th December - 10am Mass O Root of Jesse
For those who are lonely and unwanted.
7pm Squirrels/Beavers/Cubs/Scouts CHRISTINGLE SERVICE in church
Saturday 20th December - 10am Mass O Key of David
For the recently departed, and for those whose anniversary of death falls in December.
NEXT SUNDAY - 21st December - ADVENT 4 O Rising Sun
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Parish, that we will let Mary lead us to put her son, Jesus, into our Christmas.
5pm Evening Prayer & Benediction