PRAY FOR GOD'S WORLD, for the people of Ukraine, the Middle East, 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; and for those caring for the sick and the elderly, including Liz, John, Valerie, and Elizabeth.
PLEASE ALSO PRAY for all who are in any kind of trouble, sorrow, sickness, need, or anxiety, and for whom our prayers have been asked; Rachel, Adam, Ken, Eileen, Esther, Push, Deborah, Rosalind, Nikki, Evie, Michael, Gar, Kelsey, Daisy, Gary, Jason, Phil, Shaun, Tony, Peter, Terry, Mike, Liam, and those in mourning.
REMEMBER the recently departed: Beatrice B, Geoffrey R: and those whose anniversary of death occurs at this time; Rosemary McKenchie, Mervyn Delve, Matthew Gwyther, Tony Argent, Cath Humphries, Steve Ostler.
FOR YOUR PRIVATE PRAYER TIME:
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 their 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. A reflective version of the Lord’s Prayer (from the Anglican Church of New Zealand/Te Aotearoa)
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver, Source of all that is and that shall be, Father and Mother of us all, Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever.
Amen.
3. Eastertide Prayers from the Taize Community:
We worship you, Jesus our Saviour; you conquered death by your cross.
You are the stone rejected by the builders; you have become the cornerstone: make all of us living stones in your Church.
We pray to you for all Christians: may they live in the joy of the resurrection, and may they be a visible sign of your presence by their mutual love.
We pray to you for the leaders of your Church: as they celebrate your resurrection with all your servants, may they be strengthened for your service.
We pray to you for the leaders of the nations: may they exercise their office as servants of justice and peace.
We pray to you for all who are suffering from illness, grief, old age and exile: may your resurrection be a source of comfort and aid for them.
Jesus our joy, in your presence we find forgiveness, the clear flowing waters. Thirsting for the realities of God, we recognize your presence as the Risen Lord. And just as the almond tree begins to blossom in the light of springtime, you make even the deserts of the soul burst into flower.
Amen.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Church is OPEN as detailed below.
We ask you to continue to use hand-sanitizers on entering/leaving the Church. Face-coverings or masks are recommended, but not mandatory. Please respect the wishes of those who want to continue to maintain social distancing!
SUNDAY 14th APRIL - EASTER 3
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS & Visit to the Easter Garden
Today's Mass intention is for our Church and Parish, that we will be clothed with Jesus' power from on high!
6pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEEKDAY SERVICES & Mass intentions
Monday 15th April - 10am Mass Easter feria
For those returning to school, and for those preparing for exams.
Tuesday 16th April - 530pm Mass Easter feria
For peace in the Middle East, and in Ukraine.
Wednesday 17th April - 8am Mass Easter feria
For Sunday's Annual Parochial Church Meeting.
Thursday 18th April - 10am Mass Easter feria
For our organists and singers.
Friday 19th April - 10am Mass Easter feria
For those awaiting operations.
730pm *Growing in Faith* group at 12 Medway Road
Saturday 20th April - 10am Mass Easter feria
For those choosing the new Bishop of Richborough.
NEXT SUNDAY - 21st April - EASTER 4
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for our Church and Parish, that we will let Jesus be our true spiritual Good Shepherd.
12 noon ANNUAL PAROCIAL CHURCH MEETING in the Hall
6pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
We ask you to continue to use hand-sanitizers on entering/leaving the Church. Face-coverings or masks are recommended, but not mandatory. Please respect the wishes of those who want to continue to maintain social distancing!