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Prayer Thought is put together weekly by Julie Lomas and e-mailed to those people on a circulation list who wish to receive it. It also contains prayer requests for individulals which are not on this web site for confidentuality. Please contact Julie if you wish to be on the circulation list, (contact details are in the church address book) or the Church Office. More information about prayer at St Thomas' is available here. 09.05.08 Hello everyone this week I feel the need to refocus our prayer e-mail just this once. I hope you don't mind and I will return to the normal format next week. Julie xx This week you are invited to pray for people in need who are facing immense upheaval and change in their lives. Please begin with prayers for the People of Myanmar (Burma) Tearfund is one of the organisations working with partners in the country to assess and respond to immediate relief needs. However it is quickly becoming apparent that the need for prayer is considerable with 100,000 dead, at least 41,000 people missing and a million homeless. Please pray: -for all those affected by the cyclone, the thousands who have been bereaved and the million left homeless. -for the relief effort. Pray that our partners World Concern Myanmar and the Myanmar Baptist Convention can reach those who need help most and that the necessary resources and supplies would reach them swiftly and easily. -for partner staff who have lost loved ones, friends and homes. -that partner staff get time to rest amidst the intensity of the work before them, so they can operate to the maximum of their potential. -for the government in Myanmar, that it would be open to receiving help and accept international intervention and that this might be the beginning of improved relationships with the international community. -for the swift restoration of communication links. -for visa clearance for Tearfund staff to travel to Myanmar. -that the UN agencies and NGOs provide an effective and coordinated response. -for the church and that it can provide a healing touch and Christian witness at this time. Please pray for People from our Church Family This week, please remember these people in our family facing immense changes to their lives: -Kath Steer as she takes up residency in Rydal House, Somersall, after 8 weeks in hospital - please pray for Kath who is in her 90s, and ask God to help her to settle in her new home, to lessen any confusion she may be feeling, and to give her reassurance that God has her in his hands. -Heather Lord, who is also learning to live in the community of Rydal House. Please ask God to support Heather and those who love and care for her as the multiple sclerosis takes hold. -The Barnes family as they move into the Parish and settle in their new home. As they move in, the workmen have not yet moved out - they have no kitchen and will be living in "a mess" for at least the coming week. Pray for Matt and Mel, and for Ellie, Jack and Amy as the full impact of the changes in their lives starts to be known. May God provide for them in very special ways this coming week - surround them with His love - and inspire the workmen to finish their work as well and as quickly as they can. You will have other people on your heart - you are invited to pray for them NOW. 02.05.08 Hello everyone, thank you for continuing to pray. This week, before you scroll down, you are invited to spend a moment being still and this poem / prayer by Jim Cotter may be of help. Julie x to the fragile feelings, not to the clashing fury........ Listen to the quiet sounds, not to the loud clamour......... Listen to the steady heartbeat, not to the noisy confusion...... Listen to the hidden voices, not to the obvious chatter....... Listen to the deep harmonies, not to the surface discord....... Prayer Thought I Thessalonians 5 v 23 - 24 (The Message) "May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it." As you pray, allow your imagination to help you see how God is making everything holy and whole - and if you can't see it happening, allow yourself to believe that God has said he will do this - and if he said it, he'll do it. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - the success of the coffee morning organised by the Flower Team for the Living Stones project. - the "Furnace" event which helped so many with its theme of "Hope". - news that Michele Toterdell has had her operation and is recovering well. Joyce writes - "Michele continues to make good progress and sends her love , and wishes to thank everyone for their concern and for their love and prayers". People - Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel. This week, please carry on praying for their children as they settle into Walton & Holymoorside School. -Those who are ill and the people looking after them. - Our children and young people are now engaged in significant exams be it SATs, GCSEs, AS or A levels - please pray for them and their parents at this time - that they may know themselves to be loved and valued by God and that this may empower them to do their best. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the licensing of Rev Audrey Smith to St Peter's this Sunday afternoon. - John Prentice and his friends who will be entertaining us on Friday night to raise funds for the Living Stones project. - plans being made for the induction service for Matt Barnes in a few weeks time. Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book) - as you read the names, ask God to make them "holy and whole". - for yourself - spend time with God and talk to Him about you, how you are feeling, and what is on your heart - and ask God to make you holy and whole too. World Mission Focus Christian Aid - as we remember the poor of the world in Christian Aid Week (11th - 17th May) please pray for people to come forward as volunteers to collect money from our parish to help alleviate poverty around the world. May the public also respond generously as the message of this organisation is brought into their living rooms - "We believe in life before death". Amen. Novi Most ask us to pray for a specific situation which has unfolded in Capljina - ethnic division is not only continuing but appears to be being actively pursued against the Bosniak children (muslim) and their families. What appeared to be the offer of a school for their use turned out to be the place where Bosniak prisoners of war were taken, interrogated and tortured. As a result Bosniak families are saying they feel they should move out of Caplijna. Our friends in Novi Most write: "We ask for your prayers into this situation, that the local government will rethink this policy that aggressively reinforces the ethnic divide. We asked ourselves “can we do anything? Who can intervene?” And we know that our God who is so faithful and so mighty will hear our prayers. We have experienced God’s answers to prayer so much in this land. We thank you all so much for your prayer support and will keep you informed of the situation." 25.04.08 Hello everyone, thank you for contiuing to pray, Julie x Prayer Thought Isaiah 40 v 11 (The Message) Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, hugging them as he carries them. As you come to pray this week, imagine you (and those people you are praying for) are being held by God - what does His hug feel like in the situation being faced? How does it feel to be carried in the arms of God? Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - the success of the car wash organised by the Scouts for the Living Stones project. - the families of the children baptised at St Thomas' last Sunday - Alex Cole and Eva Whieldon. - news that Rev Audrey Smith has moved into Holymoorside this week. People - Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel. This week, please pray especially for their children, Ellie, Jack and Amy as they settle into Walton and Holymoorside School. - Those who are ill that we know and love, both locally and far away. - Our children and young people are about to engage in significant exams be it SATs, GCSEs, AS or A levels - please pray for them and their parents at this time - that they may know themselves to be loved and valued by God and that this may empower them to do their best. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - tonight's (Friday) Furnace event which is on the theme of "HOPE". Please ask God's blessing on all who take part in the event, and all who come along in response to their desire to "seek the Lord our God". - the Flower Team coffee morning on Saturday - thank God for this lovely opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of the Flower Team and for their willingness to contribute their time, energy and talents to the Living Stones Project in this way. - the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which is taking place this coming Sunday at 6.30pm. Please pray for our Church Leaders and Workers as this meeting unfolds. Please pray for a good attendance and interesting contributions from Church Members. Parish Mission - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book). World Mission Andy and Liz Goodacre write to say prayers have been answered and they now know the next place of service for God will be in Geelong, near Melbourne, South Australia. Please pray for them as they take in this momentous news and all the practical arrangements that will need to be made over the coming weeks - and please also pray for John and Barbara and for Liz's parents as they too take in the news that their family is on the move again. Thank God for the internet and broadband which will help keep them in touch. Christian Aid - as we remember the poor of the world in Christian Aid Week (11th - 17th May) please pray for people to come forward as volunteers to collect money from our parish to help alleviate poverty around the world. May the public also respond generously as the message of this organisation is brought into their living rooms - "We believe in life before death". Amen. 05.04.08 and 12.04.08 Hello everyone, many thanks for your prayers and thoughts - I am feeling much better now. I will be away next week, so would you mind using this prayer e-mail for an extra week please. Julie x Prayer Thought John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. As you come to pray this week, imagine your prayers mingling with the fragrance of the perfume - a love offering to God. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for - the many prayers and time spent on behalf of NoviMost this last week - may God honour and answer them according to His will and purposes. - improvements in the health of some of our church family. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. I do not name anyone this week but please take a moment to be quiet and still before God and ask Him to bring to your mind those He has a special care for at this time and to inspire your response to their need. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the services this coming Sunday. - Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel and their children, Ellie, Jack and Amy as they prepare to move to our parish and take up their new role in our parish from the beginning of June. - Audrey Smith as she prepares to move into Holymoorside later this month, and take up a role supporting Matt when he arrives in the Parish, and especially the work of St Peter's. - members of the PCC as they prepare to meet on Monday evening - may they know God's love guide their every thought, word and action. - the carwash planned by the scouts for Saturday 12th in aid of the Living Stones Project - thank God for their willingness to get involved - and pray for a good turn out of car owners! Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book). World Mission Focus Christian Solidarity Worldwide invite us to join together for a Day of Prayer for Nepal this weekend - feel free to continue to pray for Nepal during the week as well: -for the National Council of Churches of Nepal helping hundreds of churches work together for justice and peace. -for the Christians working behind the scenes for peace between the political leaders. -for the elections planned for 10th April - that they will be free of intimidation and violence. Johnny and Ann McClean in Thailand have written with their latest news and invite us to join them in their work by praying for: -Johnny as he is currently leading a Go! team to NE Thailand where with other missionaries he will be engaged in market evangelism, children's work, visiting rural homes and leading team bible studies. -the whole family as they anticipate a well earned holiday from 9th - 24th - we are asked to pray that they will fit back together again as a family after so many weeks of being apart in different locations, and that it will be a time of real refreshment and free of crises! 29.03.08 Hello everyone, No official prayer thought this week -please use the Prayer Focus. 14.03.08 Hello everyone, As we enter Holy Week you are invited to consider what it will mean for you to "share the love of Jesus" (our church statement) as this coming week there is time to meditate on the passion of Christ through readings from the Gospels. Julie x Prayer Thought O Jesus, stretch forth your wounded hands over your people to heal and to restore, and to draw us to yourself and to one another in love. Amen. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for the activities which have taken place under the banner of Hope 08 this week. Also on tonight's news, we hear that 9 year old Shannon has been found alive - please thank God for her safe return to her family. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially our friends who are unwell in body, mind and spirit - we acknowledge that we cannot make them better, but we can hold them, and those who are caring for them, before the Great Healer. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: David Sanderson and all involved in completing the week of activities for Hope 08. Please pray for -Saturday - family activities day at St Thomas' preparing for Palm Sunday -Sunday - 6pm final celebration event at St Mary's School sports hall For all involved in leading and supporting our Church services this coming week, thinking especially of - the Pram service on Monday afternoon - those additional services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday - and for all involved in preparing the celebration event for Easter Sunday morning, and the Praise event in the evening Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel and their children, Ellie, Jack and Amy as they prepare to move to our parish and take up their new role in our parish from the beginning of June. Parish Focus -Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 1 - 7 this week) -Our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of people who may be drawn to a church this Easter week. 07.03.08 Hello everyone, The Lord is here, His spirit is with us - Prayer Thought Today is the Women's World Day of Prayer - prepared by the women of Guyana, the theme is "God's wisdom provides new understanding" and we are invited to read and dwell on the words of Job 28 v 20 - 28: "Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds of the air. Destruction and Death say, 'Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.' God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.'" Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - the Furnace event and the testimonies heard that evening - the Just Desserts evening which saw 50 women spending time together, and hear of the love of God through a fruit pavlova - the inspiration of the mothering day services - volunteers who have been out delivering Spotlight this week People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - our friends who are unwell in body, mind and spirit - we acknowledge that we cannot make them better, but we can hold them, and those whoare caring for them, before the Great Healer in a moment of stillness thinking this week of - people we know who are grieving the loss of someone close to them, thinking this week of friends and family who are at or near an anniversary of the death of a loved one. Please hold them in prayer before God that His comfort might flow through your prayers into their lives even now. We remember especially the family and friends of Pastor Neil Edirisinghe, a friend of Petra Owen, who was murdered in Sri Lanka by buddhist extremists on 21st February. His wife is still critically ill in hospital, unaware that her husband has died. Please pray for her recovery and for their son. And also please pray for all the Christian Leaders, Church Planters and Pastors in Sri-Lanka who labour in very difficult circumstances. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - David Sanderson and all involved in the week of activities starting tomorrow (saturday). Please pray for - energy for the team, - for support for all the activities both in the number of people who attend, and in prayer support - and for people to be stirred or disturbed by their contact with Christians that week so that they want to find out more about the love of God Please ask God to prepare the ground for each of these events to take place without opposition and ask Him where He wants you to be involved - listen carefully as He may ask you to support something out of your comfort zone! Saturday, 10.30am - litter pick at Walton Dam Sunday - preachers at the three services Monday - visiting Tuesday - prayer meeting Wednesday - 7.30pm Food, Fun and a Window on the World Thursday - 2 - 4pm, over 55s remembering the 1960s Friday - prayers Saturday - family activities day preparing for Palm Sunday Sunday - 6pm final celebration event at St Mary's school sports hall - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 8 - 15 this week) Parish Focus - our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of people who have or will shortly be receiving the Easter edition of Spotlight through their letter boxes - ask God to speak into their hearts this coming week World Mission Focus Andy and Liz Goodacre have written with their news - they invite us to pray with them for this weekend's gathering for young leaders in Poland, that they will have a clear idea of how to motivate and encourage more European young people to engage with mission and missional living. Paul and Sarah Tester have also provided a news update in which they ask for prayers for their work. They ask us to please continue to pray for: · Children’s Ministry – for the launch of the Playbus project, for the Holy Spirit to minister to the children involved and for young people to be keen and able to help in the leadership. · For the Compassion project at San Juan Evangelista to be able to go ahead at the right time – for the modifications to go well and all the necessary forms to be completed in time. 29.02.08 Hello everyone, Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for feedback about the prayer e-mail - your words have been a great encouragement to me, and when I have collated them I will send them round as I believe they will encourage you too - thank you. Julie x x Prayer Thought From the story, Grandad's prayers of the earth by Douglas Wood- "Are our prayers answered, Grandad?" I asked Grandad smiled. "Most prayers are not really questions", he said. "And if we listen very closely a prayer is often its own answer. Like the trees and winds and waters, we pray because we are here - not to change the world but to change ourselves. Because it is when we change ourselves ......that the world is changed." Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - our friends who are unwell in body, mind and spirit - we acknowledge that we cannot make them better, but we can hold them before the Great Healer in a moment of stillness - those who work for the Church family in whatever capacity, thinking this week of the wardens, deputy wardens and members of the PCC. - our friends and fellow pilgrims from St Barnabas' in Clay Cross who are facing a vacancy now that they know Matt Barnes is leaving them. - people we know who are grieving the loss of someone close to them, thinking this week of friends and family who are at or near an anniversary of the death of a loved one. Please hold them in prayer before God that His comfort might flow through your prayers into their lives even now. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - tonight's (Friday) "Furnace" led and organised by our young people - please pray for them as they create a safe and sacred space for us, where we can come together to fuel the fire within - the Just Desserts ladies Social evening (Saturday) - please pray for a wonderful time of fun and for friendships to grow and blossom - the men's breakfast on Saturday morning - for the companionship of our menfolk to grow deeper with one another and with God - for Sunday's Services - - celebrating Mothering Sunday in the morning please pray especially for Dawn as she returns from sickness to lead our all age worship - and for the house group leading the evening service - please pray that people will be drawn to these different styles of service, and find them to be a source of comfort, strength and encouragement to continue in their walk with God - for David Sanderson and all involved in planning and leading the Hope 2008 week of activities starting on 8th March. Please pray for energy for the team, and for people to be stirred or disturbed by their contact with Christians that week so that they want to find out more about the love of God. Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 1 - 7 this week) - our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of people who will shortly be receiving the Easter edition of Spotlight through their letter boxes - ask God to prepare their hearts this coming week World Mission Focus Andy and Liz Goodacre have written with their news - they invite us to pray with them for the forthcoming gathering for young leaders in Poland from 6 - 9 March, that they will have a clear idea of how to motivate and encourage more European young people to engage with mission and missional living. Paul and Sarah Tester have also provided a news update in which they ask for prayers for their work, but on re-reading their letter I feel drawn to invite us to pray for them personally this week as they have experienced some knocks recently, and Sarah is recovering from being bitten by a dog and having her mobile phone stolen. Daily News Reading the newspaper continues to be a source of areas for prayer. At home group this week we were thinking about faith and politics, and we were encouraged to read our local newspaper and use it to help us pray for our community leaders, the bereaved, the lost and those at the edge of society as these are the people Jesus would have been spending time with. Today's Derbyshire Times leads with the death of Stephanie Kimberly, age 31 in a house fire. Please pray for her family and friends, for her would be rescuer, Stephen and for the fire crew who attended the incident. 21.02.08 Hello everyone, I read again this week the following words which may be of interest to you: "Prayer is a place, not a tick list" May you enjoy being in a place of prayer as you read this e-mail Julie x x Prayer Thought 2 Chronicles 7: 13 - 16 (NIV) Over the past few weeks we have taken time to join together in meditating on the words from 2 Chronicles and the aspects of "Living Stones" and the St Thomas' Development Project. This final week our thoughts turn to our own response to the invitation to be involved- Living Stone -Pray that we all will be seized by an overwhelming desire to play our part and work together in harmony to move the project forward for the Glory of God. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - our friends who are unwell in body, mind and spirit - we acknowledge that we cannot make them better, but we can hold them before the Great Healer in a moment of stillness - those who work for the Church family in whatever capacity, thinking this week of: - Dawn, Gemma and Anne, each of whom have their own ministry - our musicians, and singers who help us to praise God in songs and through music - those who teach our children and young people the ways of God - our friends and fellow pilgrims from St Barnabus' in Clay Cross who are facing a vacancy now that they know Matt Barnes is leaving them - people we know who are grieving the loss of someone close to them Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - the appointment of a new Rector in the person of Matthew Barnes (Matt) - the positive news coming from the Living Stones Project update meeting held on 10th Feb - the exciting time had by the young people on their weekend away Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the forthcoming Just Desserts ladies Social evening (1st March) - please pray for the people who will come along, that they might feel welcomed and encouraged; and for those of us involved, that we might also be encouraged - the plans which are being made for the Hope 2008 events throughout the year, but especially those in March - pray for David Sanderson as he heads up this activity, and also that God might show you how He wants you to be involved Parish Focus Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 8 - 15 this week) - our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of people who use the shops in our Parish World Mission Focus Andy and Liz Goodacre have written with their news - they invite us to pray with them for the forthcoming gathering for young leaders in Poland from 6 - 9 March, that they will have a clear idea of how to motivate and encourage more European young people to engage with mission and missional living. Daily News Reading the newspaper continues to be a source of areas for prayer. Two articles caught my eye this week on Tuesday. May I invite you to take a little time this week to pray for: Yang Chunlin, a Chinese activist who has criticesed the Olympics while lobbying for farmers' rights - he is on trial for subversion. I do not know if he is a Christian, but let us pray for a fair trial and for truth and justice to be evident Pervez Kanbaksh is an Afghan student sentenced to death for dowloading an article on women's rights. He has been promised the chance to appeal against this sentence in an open court in Kabul. So far over 87,100 people have signed an on-line petition organised by the Independent newspaper. Should we get involved? Ask God. 09.02.08 Hello everyone, I am sorry this e-mail is later than usual. My prayer is that your relationship with God will deepen as you read the e-mail, and turn your thoughts to Him. Julie x x Prayer Thought 2 Chronicles 7: 13 - 16 (NIV) Over the coming weeks we are invited to join together in meditating on the words from 2 Chronicles and the aspects of "Living Stones" and the St Thomas' Development Project. This week -Working Stone -Pray that all who are working on the project will have the guidance and wisdom of Christ. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially many in our congregation who are really unwell this weekend - please take time to hold each person in this list, in turn, before God who knows them better than they know themselves. May the Peace of our Lord surround them, enfold them and warm them from the inside out. - Gemma Machin - leading the youth weekend away she writes - "please pray for me over this weekend. I am not well already and full of cold. I want it to be an amazing and life changing experience for everyone and I want to be able to give it my all" Please ask God to honour that prayer. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the young people and their leaders finding our more about living a life for God this weekend. - the services being held in our churches this Sunday, especially for those people stepping in at short notice to help lead our worship. - the Development Project Update meeting being held on Sunday afternoon. - the plans which are being made for the Hope 2008 events throughout the year, but especially those in March - pray that God might show you how He wants you to be involved. Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 8 - 15 this week). 01.02.08 Hello everyone, this week the prayer e-mail is mcuh shorter, and invites us all to be still before God as we intercede for our Church Julie x x Prayer Thought This coming Sunday is often known as Candlemas, as we come before God may this prayer be helpful in providing us with a focus. "Christ as a light - illumine and guide us" We come into God's presence this week and wait on Him for: The interviews taking place on Wednesday 6th for our new Rector: - we remember, David Garnett; Andy Broom; Karen Riley; Bernard Blanksby; Mark Marsden - we think of the candidates, and thank God for their willingness to be considered for the role - we ask for all the arrangements that go on behind the scenes to go smoothly, and add to the sense of occasion "Christ as a light - illumine and guide us" The meeting for the congregation about the development project on the 10th: - may God's presence be known by those who are leading this project, and may they heed His voice today - may we as the congregation support, encourage and give generously in all aspects of the project - may the way forward be ever clearer, as we continue to become God's "Living Stones" "Christ as a light - illumine and guide us" For ourselves: - let us thank God that He cares for us - bring to Him today what is on your heart - a person, a decision, a situation, those we kow who are currently unwell and struggling with life - and wait "Christ as a light - illumine and guide us" Hello everyone, I hope this e-mail will be a blessing to you as well as to those for whom we pray Julie x x 25.01.08 Prayer Thought 2 Chronicles 7: 13 - 16 (NIV) Over the last few weeks we have been invited to join together in meditating on the words from 2 Chronicles and the aspects of "Living Stones" and the St Thomas' Development Project. This week: EMERGING STONE --- Pray that we will pass through the darkness into a new light with bright new ideas for the project. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - the front page of the Derbyshire Times this week featuring our project. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - many people who are poorly this winter. - anyone that we know personally who is feeling low, under the weather or is awaiting news on their illness or condition - may they know the Peace of our Lord surround them. - please pray this week for Anne, Gemma and Dawn - we collectively employ these people to work on our behalf and so this week let us collectively bring them before God and ask for Him to fill them in every way. - those involved in interviewing for the new Rector on 6th February - Archdeacon David; Rural Dean, Andy Broom, Bernard Blanksby, Karen Riley and Mark Marsden. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the forthcoming Nearly New Sale (2nd February) - please pray for the people who will come along, that they might feel welcomed and encouraged; and for those of us involved, that we might also be encouraged. - the plans which are being made for the Hope 2008 events throughout the year, but especially those in March - pray that God might show you how He wants you to be involved. - the team preparing for the next Church meeting to update us on the progress on teh Development Project, to be held on 10th February, thinking especially of Paul Benson as he Chairs the team. Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 1 - 7this week) - our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of people who use the shops in our Parish World Mission Focus Novi Most International We have been invited to join with others in praying for the Prayer Conference being hosted in Mostar this weekend - they write: "Around 100 people from all the different churches in Bosnia and Herzegovina and missionaries will come together to pray and intercede for our country. Please pray that Holy Spirit will lead us in prayer and that the prayer that comes from our hearts will be heard by our Lord. That He will hear our cry for this land and for its people. You can also join us in prayer for our country especially through these three days of the conference by logging on to the website (www.pray4bosnia.co.cc) " We are also invited to pray for Gill Rowell, Director od Novi Most International, who is visiting the area this coming week. Daily News Reading today's newspaper, may I invite you to take a little time this week to pray for our brothers and sisters in the following places, whose lives are being reported on in the papers, often in a small column near the bottom of the page, and yet who are known and loved by God in intimate detail. We bring before God our fellow Christians in Burma and in Kenya. 17.01.08 Prayer Thought 2 Chronicles 7: 13 - 16 (NIV) Over the coming weeks we are invited to join together in meditating on the words from 2 Chronicles and the aspects of "Living Stones" and the St Thomas' Development Project. This week: HEALING STONE -pray that God will direct us and hold us in our desire not to sin so that we will receive God's favour through His healing Spirit. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - Robin Dawson and his fiance Val who are to be married this Saturday - congratulations and much love to you both! People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - many people who are poorly this winter. - and anyone that we know personally who is feeling low, under the weather or is awaiting news on their illness or condition. - may they know the Peace of our Lord surround them. - those involved in interviewing for the new Rector on 6th February - Archdeacon David; Rural Dean, Andy Broom; Bernard Blanksby, Karen Riley and Mark Marsden. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the forthcoming Nearly New Sale (2nd February) - please pray for the people who will come along, that they might feel welcomed and encouraged; and for those of us involved, that we might also be encouraged. - the plans which are being made for the Hope 2008 events throughout the year, but especially those in March - pray that God might show you how He wants you to be involved. - please pray this week for Anne, Gemma and Dawn - we collectively employ these people to work on our behalf and so this week let us collectively bring them before God and ask for Him to fill them in every way. - the team preparing for the next Church meeting to update us on the progress on the Development Project, to be held on 10th February, thinking especially of Paul Benson as he Chairs the team. Parish Focus - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book - pages 8 - 15 this week). - our fellow parishioners - thinking this week of our immediate neighbours - name them before God if you can and ask for His blessing to be upon them. World Mission Focus Crosslinks - Please pray for the General Secretary, and friend of St Thomas', Andy Lines. This week please pray for their SMILE programme - SMILE stands for Serving Mankind In Love - and they ask for us to pray. -for the teams and individuals on placements at the moment, or preparing to go. -for local Christians and non-Christians – for encouragement and challenge from Smilers they have met / will meet. -for Christopher, the Smile Co-ordinator, and Crosslinks – for wisdom as we seek to organise and run placements that will, not only be great for the people involved, but that ultimately will bring glory to God. 10.01.08 Prayer Thought Chronicles 7: 13 - 16 (NIV) Over the coming weeks we are invited to join together in meditating on the words from 2 Chronicles and the aspects of "Living Stones" and the St Thomas' Development Project. This week: FORGIVEN STONE - ask God to help us be humble and pray for our sins to be forgiven. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - a successful Winter Wonderland Ball - the services held over the Christmas period - fair weather and a lovely time at the Night Hike - the generosity of people who donated over £800 to the Church on the Bus at Christmas services - God's touch on those who have been ill People Come into the presence of God on behalf of people we know, not to inform God of their needs, but to be open to Him and a channel for His love into their situation. We remember especially: - the Mouncer family as they move house Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - the World Mission Prayer event next Wednesday - the forthcoming Nearly new Sale (2nd February) - please pray for the people who will come along, that they might feel welcomed and encouraged; and for those of us involved, that we might also be encouraged Parish Focus -Church members, and their families (using the Church address bok - pages 1 - 7 this week) - our fellow parishioners World Mission Focus Samaritan's Purse: -please pray for Jane Simmonds, away in Belarus this week Barbara Goodacre writes: At the beginning of this New Year let us remember afresh that we in St. Thomas' are committed to supporting World Mission not only financially but also in prayer. Please pray that many will feel able to confirm their committment by joining us at the World Mission Prayer Event which is this coming Wednesday 16th January at 7.45pm in the Meeting Room. Please pray for preparations for the next World Mission Sunday which is on February 17th when the speaker at all three services will be John Grayston form Scripture Union. Prayer requests from Novi Most International in Bosnia. Klub Novi Most reopened on Tuesday 8th January. Please pray for the workers - that God will give them wisdom to decide about the best evening programmes and for joy and peace in their work. Many young people from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina and even wider will be in Mostar this weekend,10th - 12th January, for a youth conference. The theme of the conference is 'Identity'. Please pray for: -the leaders - that God will lead them as they speak and that they will preach in the power of the Holy Spirit -the young people - that they will know and understand who God is, who they are in Him and how much He loves them and wants to be in a close relationship with them -the situation in Kosova. - "The Serbian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to condemn any attempt by Kosova to become independent. Authorities in the province say they will declare independence unilaterally in the coming weeks, because talks with Serbia have made no progress". Please pray for peace. 03.01.08 Hello everyone and Happy New Year! The prayer e-mail "proper" will be up and running next week, and I would really appreciate any updates, or news on people and situations we have been praying for over the last few weeks / months to include, so if you have anything to share please let me know. This Saturday sees the first of our "fun" draising events for the Living Stones development project - the 12th Night - Night Hike will set off from St Thomas' at 4.30pm with Ben Widdowson (Scout leader) aiming to lead brave souls on foot to Linacre Woods (and back again!). At about the same time, members of the Wheeler family will be at the lower car park at Linacre Resevoir to rendezvous with anyone wanting to undertake a shorter, but no less adventurous, walk in the woods. I am hoping all will return to enjoy soup and sandwiches at St Thomas from 6pm or thereabouts. If you would like to support this event please come along wearing suitable footwear, and with a torch or lantern. You are also welcome to just join us for the refreshments! Suggested donation £3. If anyone is able to help me in the kitchen that would be most appreciated. Please pray for this event - for people to turn out on a winter's eve; for safety on the walk, for good conversation, and for relationships to be strengthened, as well as money raised. Finally, please pray for the catering - the most unpredictable element of the whole event! God bless, love, Julie x
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