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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 confidentiality. 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. 21.12.08 I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought As we read the Bible, different translations can help us travel further into the truth of the words - you are invited to take time this week to allow this one verse from John's gospel to enter into your consciousness - John 1: v 14a And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (King James version) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (NIV) The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. (The Message) And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us (The Amplified Bible) Give Thanks - for the Christmas Ball being enjoyed by over 80 young people last Friday evening - the gift of music and song - enjoyed in this past week at the concerts held in the church, and in the residential homes visited by the singing group on Wednesday - for favourite carols and Christmas songs which remind us of the wonderful news of "the word made flesh" Upholding our Leaders in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our pastoral staff in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Matt, Audrey and Gemma that they will resist temptation People Bearing in mind that God, in Jesus "the word made flesh", is fully aware of what it is to be human, we can come into the presence of God on behalf of: - those who mourn, thinking of the family of the late Bishop Jonathan, whose funeral will be held on Monday - those who are experiencing brutal illnesses - those who are feeling the pressure of living, and may even say " I wish I was dead" - those who are facing a very uncertain future, thinking of neighbours whose work for Woolworths and MFI is coming to an abrupt end - those who are working through difficult times with those they love over the Christmas period Church Life Pray for - - the services being held over the weekend, and on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Pray for everyone involved in any way, and for the courage to invite a friend for the first time - the Hope 2008 event being held at the Winding Wheel on Monday evening Living Stones Building Project over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - what are your dreams for this project as we draw to the end of another year - share your dreams with God World Focus Prayers for a troubled world - as you read your newspaer, or watch TV, may these words form a prayer on your lips and in your heart GOD of love, turn our hearts to your ways; and give us peace. Amen. 12.12.08 Hello everyone, Earlier this week I came across a prayer from "The Wee Worship Book" which struck a chord, and I offer it to you this week as the frame to the picture of our prayer e-mail, and maybe your private prayers this coming week. God bless, Julie xx We are in the middle of the season of Advent - a time of waiting, and so our prayers this week are on the theme of "waiting" - You keep us waiting, You, the God of all time, want us to wait for the right time in which to discover who we are, and where we must go, who will be with us, and what we must do. So thank you......for the waiting time. We think of: - the Living Stones Project and the need to wait for others to grant permission for us to go forward with the building - please pray for the decision makers that they will come to their decisions at just the right time. - the special carol service in Residential Homes on Wednesday 19th, and for the candle service of remembrance for loved ones. - people who are struggling with the need to wait - for illness to pass, for a decision to be made, for God to speak.... - the joy and excitement of the planned Christmas Ball for our young people as we watch them grow in their understanding, and discover who they are in God. - our pastoral team, and especially Matt, Audrey and Gemma, and Ruth as she continues to prepare to join us next summer, that they will resist the temptation to rush, but be comfortable in the waiting time. You keep us looking. You, the God of space, want us to look in the right and wrong places for signs of hope, for people who are hopeless, for visions of a better world which will appear among the disappointments of the world we know. So thank you...... for the looking time. We think of: - people we know who are being made redundant, especially people who work at high street store, Woolworths whose plight has made national headlines this week. - the children being supported by The Children's Society - remembering the Christingle Service at 4pm on Sunday. - those who mourn the death of a loved one, - remembering the family and friends, of Jonathan, the former Bishop of Derby, and praying for all of us who came into contact with him, and were touched by his ministry in some way. - holding those whose grief will be especially raw as we approach Christmas. You keep us loving. You the God whose name is love, want us to be like you - to love the loveless and the unlovely and the unlovable; to love without jealousy or design or threat; and, most difficult of all, to love ourselves. So thank you........for the loving time. We think of: - the delivery of Spotlight to every home in the Parish - may the messages found within this publication provide evidence of God's love to those who least expect it. - the homeless people who will receive gifts from our church family from under the tree as we change cardboard into gold. - the Church on the Bus being supported by our church family via the Christmas card appeal, and collections at services. And in all this, you keep us. Through hard times with no easy answers; through failing where we hoped to succeed and making an impact when we felt we were useless; through the patience and the dreams and the love of others; and through Jesus Christ and His Spirit, you keep us. So thank you ......... for the keeping time and for now, and for ever, Amen. 06.12.08 I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought: Colossians 1: 11 - 14: Since His power is so glorious, may you be strengthened with strength of every kind, and be prepared for cheerfully enduring all things with patience and long-suffering; and give thanks to the Father who has made us fit to receive our share of the inheritance of God's people in Light. It is God who has delivered us out of the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us into the Kingdom of His dearly-loved Son, in whom we have our redemption - the forgiveness of sins. Give Thanks Ruth Turner, our Curate designate, writes - "Just to let you know that the preach went really well so thanks to all the pray-ers! " Upholding our Leaders in Prayer over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our pastoral staff in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Matt, Audrey and Gemma that they will make personal devotions and quiet time with God a priority. People come into the presence of God on behalf of: - the name of one person whom you know is in need of a special sense of God's love, concern and plan for their lives. May they know themselves to be held by God during the coming week. Church Life Pray for - - today's Christmas Craft event - for those involved in the organisation, and for those who come along to see what it is all about. - Matt Barnes, as he prepares for the busy, and exciting, opportunities that the Christmas season present. Please pray for the timely production and distribution of Christmas publicity material. Living Stones Building Project over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - - for the necessary permissions to be granted. - for the concert being organised by our Rendezvous members, to be held on 12th December. World Focus - 27 Christians and other people supported by CSW will be spending another Christmas in prison for thier faith this year - www.csw.org.uk - Tear Fund ask us to pray for their work - www.tearfund.org, especially remembering the tragedies in Congo and Zimbabwe. - Samaritans Purse continue to collect, sort, check and distribute shoeboxes - please remember the volunteers and workers at this busy time. 12.12.08 I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought: Shepherd of my soul I give you full control Wherever You may lead I will follow I have made the choice To listen for your voice Wherever You may lead I will go Martin Mystrom, (C) 1988 Maranatha Music Give Thanks: - for the many thousands of shoeboxes which have been donated locally and which will bring love to children who have nothing. - for the ground clearance work going on in the churchyard. - for the money raised last weekend for the Linving Stones project at the concert with John. Pickering, and the car boot sale - and for the ongoing support being shown by the Church Family. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer: over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our pastoral staff in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Matt, Audrey and Gemma that they will know God's will - and do it. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - the participants on the current Alpha course as they explore the Christian faith. - the name of one person whom you know is in need of a special sense of God's love, concern and plan for their lives. Church Life Pray for: - Ruth Turner asks for our prayers as she has her preaching assessed this weekend. - Matt Barnes, as he prepares for the busy, and exciting, opportunities that the Christmas season present. Please pray for the timely production and distribution of Christmas publicity material. Living Stones Building Project over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project: - for the necessary permissions to be granted. - the DAC meet on 1st December. - the planning application has been submitted to the local authority. - the pastoral scheme regarding the graves is being circulated to interetsed parties. All of these permissions are absolutely necessary for us to be able to move forward in the new year. - for the concert being organised by our Rendezvous members, to be held on 12th December. World Focus: You are invited to join with the Tear Fund day of prayer for Congo which is being held on Saturday 22nd November. (http://www.tearfund.org/Praying/Urgent+prayer+news/DR+Congo+churches+urges+day+of+prayer.htm) You are invited to use this prayer to hold before God each of the dioceses of the Anglican Church of the Congo. We pray now in turn for each of the dioceses of the Anglican Church of the Congo: Aru, Boga, Bukavu, The Kasais, Katanga, Kindu, Kinshasa, Kisangani, Nord Kivu Blessed and holy Trinity, within the mystery of your perfect love the Son knows the depth of human brokenness, the Spirit is constantly in movement for abundant life, the Father is working out your glorious purpose; receive our thankfulness and attend to our plea for the whole life of the Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo, heal its brokenness, renew its life, and bring to fulfilment your purposes for it and through it, for the sake of your kingdom, through Christ, AMEN. 07.11.08 I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought A prayer for this week of Remembrance O God of truth and justice,we hold before you those whose memory we cherish, and those whose names we will never know. Help us to lift our eyes above the torment of this broken world, and grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm. As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen. Give Thanks: - for our church family and the community life we enjoy at St Thomas' and St Peter's. - for Billy Graham who is 90 today - and for the many thousands of people who met Jesus through him. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer: over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our pastoral staff in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Matt, Audrey and Gemma to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - this Remembrance Sunday - pray those we know who have died, or been injured, in the service of this country - and those we don't know - pray for healing of bodies, memories, and for an end to war and for God's kingdom to come. - the participants on the current Alpha course as they explore the Christian faith. Matt asks us to pray for them and the session on 9th November on the Holy Spirit - in Matt's words - "often a very significant time for participants". Church Life: Pray for: - Ruth Turner asks for our prayers as she prepares her essays for a 22nd December deadline, and as she has her preaching assessed on 23rd November. Living Stones Building Project: Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - - for the necessary permissions to be granted. - for the John Pickering concert to be held on 15th November. World Focus: You are invited to pray for: - President Elect Obama - may he be guided into making good choices. - the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo - for the miracle of peace to break out all over this nation 01.11.08 I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought St Francis of Asissi - "Preach the gospel at all times - if necessary, use words" Give Thanks - for the Spectrum party held last night and for the children and adults who came into contact with God because of the activities taking place - giving special thanks for Charlotte Bird and the team of leaders and helpers who made it all happen. - for the Furnace team and the event last night on the theme of light and darkness (Matt's talk on spiritual warfare / welfare will shortly be on the website and is highly recommended). Upholding our Leaders in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our Church leaders in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Matt, Audrey and Gemma as they attend Clergy Conference from 5 - 7th November. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - those who mourn the loss of a loved one and who might be attending the memorial service this Sunday evening. - the participants on the current Alpha course as they explore the Christian faith. Matt asks us to pray for them and the session on 9th November on the Holy Spirit - in Matt's words - "often a very significant time for participants". Church Life Pray for - Ruth Turner asks for our prayers as she prepares her essays for a 22nd December deadline, and as she has her preaching assessed on 23rd November. - the building work at St Peter's. - the First Thursday Rendezvous meeting this week. Living Stones Building Project Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - for the necessary permissions to be granted, thinking especially of the Pastoral Committee meeting to be held on Monday 3rd about the graves. - for the John Pickering concert to be held on 15th November. World Mission Focus: You are invited to pray for the mIssion organisation of your choice - find their prayer diary, or their latest prayer needs, and commit some time to them this week. 24.10.08 Hello everyone, May this help you draw closer to God, so that you may hear His voice in equal measure to Him hearing your voice with love, Julie x Prayer Thought "Prayer is keeping company with God" - so said early Church Father, Clement of Alexandria, (c.150 - 211/216) Give Thanks Continue to thank God for the quite remarkable response to the gift day on 12th October Upholding our Leaders in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our Church leaders in prayer. This coming week - please pray that God will protect them spiritually. -Matt -Audrey at St Peter's -Gemma -Anne -Ruth Turner our new Curate designate People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - the family and friends of David Statham, 38, his wife Michelle, 33, and their children Reece, 13, Jay, nine, Mason, 20 months, and 10-week-old Elouise who died on the M6 in Cheshire earlier this week. - pray too for the Portugeuese lorry driver charged with their deaths. - the family and friends of Gayle Williams, 34, was a UK and South African national. She was killed by two men on a motorbike, witnesses told the BBC. The Taleban are reported to have said they killed her because she was working for a Christian organisation called Serve Afghanistan. - pray too for the two men who carried out this murder and in so doing be obedient to Jesus Matthew 5: 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Church Life Pray for: - Ruth Turner asks for our prayers as she prepares her essays for a 22nd December deadline, and as she has her preaching assessed on 23rd November. - Charlotte Bird and all the helpers as they prepare for the Spectrum light party on 31st October; and for the many children and their parents who will come along as an alternative to hallowe'en. - the Furnace team as they also prepare for an evening of worship and testimony on 31st - pray that people from the Spectrum party might be intrigued to stay and experience God for themselves. - for Stuart Windsor as he speaks to us on Sunday about the work of Christian Solidarity Worldwide. Living Stones Building Project Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project for: - for the timely progress of the plans. - for the necessary permissions to be granted, thinking especially of the pastoral scheme required for the graveyard. World Mission Focus You are invited to pray for: - Jane Simmonds as the work of Samaritan's Purse really "hots up" over the coming weeks and shoe boxes get filled and handed in to collection points - as Regional Manager Jane supprots many volunteers and churches across the Midlands - please pray for her protection in the car as she drives many miles each week. 11.10.08 Hello everyone, Well this is it! This weekend we are engaged in a time of prayer, and giving of our time, our commitment and our money to see the Living Stones Project taken further. At the service last night, Matt encouraged us to meditate on 3 passages of scripture to help us with our prayers - I offer them to you here - Julie x Listen to the service here Seek first the kingdom: Matthew 6: 25 - 34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Pray that the Living Stones project may first and foremost be about how we seek the kingdom of God. Think about the characteristics of God's kingdom - peace, grace, forgiveness, wholeness, healing, love, justice, acceptance - and pray they are woven into the very fabric of the new building. The spirit of Caleb Number 13: 26 - 30 They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." Pray that we will have the spirit of Caleb in the face of the "giants" that are before us, so that we can say we confidence "We should go and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it". Please pray that the giants will be overcome, or better still, will melt away. God's provision Genesis 22: 1 - 18 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about." Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together. When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Even as Abraham is being tested in his faith as he trudges up the mountain side, God is causing a ram to be trudging up the other side of hte mountain, out of site, hidden until the moment when God knows he can reveal it to his servant. Pray that we might be faithful in our giving and not withhold from God what he asks us for, and that we might trully know that it is the Lord who provides what is needed. May we come to tell our children and grandchildren the story of the Parish Centre as "The House that God built." Amen. Joint service of celebration and commitment - 10.30am on Sunday. 3.10.08 with love, Julie x Prayer Thought - (words by Martin Ball (c) 1982 Restoration Music) "Look and see the glory of the King Sense the presence of the Lord amongst his people Feel Him fill the temple of our lives As He sits upon the throne of our praise" When I heard these words this morning I thought I heard God ask if He could show me the throne of praise that I had presented Him with this last week - well it was more like a three legged stool, but with only two and a half legs! It was actually a very comical moment, and at the risk of you all thinking I am completely mad, God and I had a good laugh over it. But then it got me thinking about what sort of throne I would really like to make for God from my praise, and it was large, comfy, luxurious material, and very red. So this week's prayer thought and the prayer e-mail is all about finding our way into a place of praise, and as we do so we can offer Him a more fitting throne - Give Thanks Praise God for - the encouragment of last week's PCC away day; - the exciting plans and drawings for the church centre that are on display; - the testimonies shared at Furnace by Abi and Charlotte, listen here Upholding our Rector in Prayer During the service of Induction for Matt back in June, we promised to uphold Matt and serve with him - when questioned by the Archdeacon, we answered "By the grace of God, we will" - this week, praise God for Matt, and for the ways in which each of us may find ourselves able to uphold him and serve with him. People Most of us will be aware of at least one person who is in need of a healing touch from God this week - as we remember them, and name them before God, do so giving thanks for their life, and for its purpose and value even in difficult and painful circumstances - praise God who says, "Let there be life" - and it lives. Church Life Praise God for: - the celebration of Harvest at our services on Sunday, and the invitations that have been distributed in the parish to come to church for Harvest Festival - the plans being made for The Spectrum, our alternative hallowe'en event Living Stones Building Project Praise God for: - John Small, walking the Cumbrian Way this week - the Line Dance and Harvest Market tomorrow (Saturday) - the events to "clear the ground" this weekend - the 24 hours of prayer, "claim the ground" and make a commitment all happening next weekend 1 Peter 2 v 9 - "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light" 26.09.08 Hello everyone As a community of people who pray may these words be of use to us this coming week, Julie x For each of the items for prayer listed below I offer this prayer by William Barclay, Lord, Help us to believe in your love, so that we may be certain that you will hear our prayer; Help us to believe in your power, so that we may be certain that you are able to do for us above all that we ask or think; Help us to believe in your wisdom, so that we may be certain that you will answer, not as our ignorance asks, but as your perfect wisdom knows best. Amen. Please pray for: -our Living Stones building project - and for a stirring of the people (Haggai 1 v 13 - 15) - thinking of the plans for ground clearance, 24 hours of prayer, claiming the ground sleep-over, commitment & gift day. -our services this coming Sunday on the theme, "Investing in the Kingdom". -the Furnace event this evening (Friday) and the team who prepare this monthly act of worship. -the Line Dance and Harvest Market And pray a special blessing on: -Matt in his personal ministry -our PCC on their Away Day tomorrow (Saturday) -people you know who are in need of God's touch because of illness, sorrow, or some other disease -the person who last irritated or annoyed you, upset you or angered you yourself. 19.09.08 Hello everyone, Let's continue to concentrate on the job in hand of praying for the Living Stones building project as we come ever closer to our commitment day on 12th October. However, it has been my experience this last week that I have often found it hard to bring myself to prayer for the project - even with the prayer e-mail to help me! Julie xx One thing which has been helpful and which I share with you now is this call to prayer in the Celtic tradition - Who is it that you seek? - We seek the Lord our God. Do you seek Him with all of your heart? - Amen, Lord have mercy. Do you seek Him with all of your soul? - Amen, Lord have mercy Do you seek Him with all of your mind? - Amen, Lord have mercy Do you seek Him with all of your strength? - Amen, Christ have mercy This week, specifically in our prayers for the building project, and all that still needs to come together to bring this about, may we find out what it means to "seek". Seeking means: To look for; to pursue; to rummage around for; to chase; to ask for; to obtain. As you can see, seeking is an activity - it needs energy and will quite possibly tire you out, but keep going - don't give up - you are not alone! Our Lord and our God, We seek you for the money - all of it. We seek you for the plans, design and construction. We seek you for our community in these difficult times. We seek you for peace in the decision making. We seek you for wisdom for the team leading the project. We seek you to use us to share the Good News of your love. This then is also my prayer - to seek you with all of my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. 12.09.08 Hello everyone, just when you thought it was going to be safe to get back into the prayer mail, it's different again this week - forgive me..... Julie x This week we have been called to concentrate on the job in hand and pray for the Parish Centre development project. We have been asked to spend time each day - praising God for all that he has done in the past, for His faithfulness and love for our Church - asking God for the needs of the day - thanking God for all He will do and all that will be achieved through the new centre - listening to what God might be saying to each of us, and sharing it with the Church if appropriate In Amos ch 3 v 3 it says, "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" (NIV) or in the Message version "Do two people walk hand in hand if they aren't going to the same place?" So, this week you are invited to take a walk with God. Imagine you and God have, in the words of Amos 3: 3, agreed to walk together, walking hand in hand to the same place. God asks you to tell Him about what is going on at St Thomas', and you begin to open up about the development project. You talk about the building, the problems, the years gone by and the hope that is in your heart that it is about to all happen. And then you say "in my heart I desire for this to go ahead. But we need ......." and you hesitate - At this point, God turns to you and smiles, and then He replies, "Tell me about the 'But we need' - I like hearing about the 'But we need' ---- I'm listening." Friday - Lord, but we need £450,000 to be given as I really don't want the project held up by lack of finances. I am facing the credit-crunch, and might loose heart - I need to believe that You will meet my needs as I meet the needs of the Church. Saturday - Lord, but we need the design and construction team to have real wisdom and vision to create a centre that will last for many, many years. We need the procurement procedure to go well, and for the designers, contractors, suppliers, installers all to come together at the right time. Sunday - Lord, but we need your Holy Spirit to come and stir things up in our church and in our community so that we can provide a "centre for good news", a beacon of light in darkening times, a home for restless souls. Monday - Lord, but we need all these permissions to be granted swiftly and where there is opposition may be understand and deal with it, or may it be overcome and peace and understanding descend on those who might otherwise stand in the way. Tuesday - Lord, but we need help for the team leading all this - Paul, Emma, Matt, Bernard, Angela, Phil J, Karen and Phil R all need courage, strength, faith, wisdom and time to do all that is necessary. Wednesday - Lord, but we need to think ahead to all the groups and activities which will take place in the centre and be inspired and excited by what's already happening. Thursday - Lord, but we need to remember we are here for the benefit of our non-members, and that there will be many more mission opportunities we will be able to realise once we have the right facilities. And in the quiet of the moment, you hear God gently reply - 04.09.08 Hello everyone, After the summer break I am resuming our weekly prayer e-mail which I hope will help us all draw nearer to God. This week, as a one off, I bring to you a prayer for our church, a prayer for people on our hearts, and a prayer for our christian brothers and sisters around the world. My prayer is that you will find one of these prayers speaks to you and you are able to use it in your converation with God. Julie xx Prayer for our church This coming Sunday is the 16th after Trinity. Dr William Barclay wrote this prayer after meditating on the collect for this day, and I offer it to you here as a prayer for St Thomas' O God, our Father, you intended our Church to be the Body of Jesus Christ, your Son. You meant our church to be a voice to speak for him, hands to work for him, feet to go upon his errands. Without your help our church can never be what you meant us to be. We ask you to cleanse our church. Take from us all bitterness that would disturb our fellowship; all divisions that would destroy our unity; all coldness that would lessen our devotion; all slackness that would paralyse our actions. We ask you to defend our church - from all persecution and attack from without; from all gossip and rumour from within; from the hostility of our enemies, and from the failure of its members. We ask you to help and assist our church. Give to us all courage in speaking and tirelessness in acting. Give to all who are our leaders an ability to study, the skill to teach, wisdom to counsel, bravery to act, and a heart of love to help. We, your church members, ask that we might be generous in giving, faithful in prayer, diligent in worship and Christlike in witness. Then may we truly be the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Prayer for People we know who are in need of God We remember before God - people who are ill - people who have moved, or who are about to move to new places thinking of Phil and Rachel Michell, Rosie and Ellie; Janet and Kevin Turville; Josh Wheeler; Gaz Simmonds; Becky Riley to name a few - people who are facing change in their workplace; homelife; and in our church life (A prayer by David Adam) Lord be with ................(name) In their weakness Be their strength In their troubles Be their peace In their danger Be their shelter In their fears Be their hope And be with them evermore Prayer for Christians around the world (A prayer from Christian Solidarity Worldwide) Father God, we lift up Your beloved children around the world who face danger every day for the sake of their faith. We pray that You would comfort the distressed, protect those in danger and heal those who have been harmed in Your name. Amen. For the summer My apologies for the late arrival of this week's prayer e-mail. This will also be the last one for a few weeks as the Lomas family is going on holiday and will be here and there during August. Back again early September. Please feel free to use the e-mail network for urgent prayer requests in that time as you see fit. with love, Julie x Prayer Thought "Staying in the plait" - Have you ever made a friendship bracelet - you take three strands of silk, loop them over, tie a knot, and begin to plait them finishing off with another knot at the bottom. In the prayer area at the last Furnace we were encouraged to make one thinking of one strand as "me", another strand as "God" and the third as the person or situation on our hearts. Having created the plait, the separate strands stay in place - neither pulling away, nor unravelling. And so, may this picture help you as you come to pray for the same people and issues. You are invited to re-read this e-mail, and to stay in "the plait of prayer" - reminded that our intercessions for others, in the name of Jesus, are like a plait drawing them, and us, towards heaven. Give Thanks For the weddings of church family members that took place this Saturday (July 26) -Chris Whitham and Rachel Barnsley - Catherine Cowley and Jonathan Hill please pray for these couples as they start their married life together. Upholding our Rector in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes in prayer in his role as our new Rector. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's Persevering life - may he know Godly courage and steadfastness, and through it all - Hope. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: People who are leaving St Thomas' - Phil and Rachel Michell, Rosie and Ellie as they move to Bristol. - Janet and Kevin Turville as they move to Torquay for Janet to take up her role as Childrens' and Families worker. - Josh Wheeler moving to Ireland to work for Youth for Christ. - Gareth Simmonds moving to Oxford in September on an internship to be a worship. leader People who are suffering with long term poor health. Church Life Please pray for the arrangements for the Summer Rendezvous event in August and for Nanette and the team as they make final preparations. Please also remember the people who will be attending - ask God to pierce their hearts with the truth of His love for them. Living Stones Building Project Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - for: - protection for our existing buildings - there have been three thefts recently and although we are insured there are penalties attached to multiple claims in future years - please pray that thieves will be turned away from our church buildings, and that they might instead find the living stone of our Lord Jesus. - for the timely progress of the plans and the necessary decisions to be made and permissions granted. World Mission Focus Please take time over the summer to pause and read the World Mission Notice Board in church - thinking as we do of four partners over the coming weeks: Scripture Union - are running summer outreach programmes in the UK and overseas and ask for our prayers for the leaders and those they will be working with - may the many faith building conversations that take place lead people to a deeper knowledge of the love of God. OMF - Johnny and Ann McClean continue to work in Thailand - they have a very busy schedule over the next few weeks and would value our prayers for them and their children. SAMS - Paul and Sarah Tester have written to ask for our prayers for the Compassion Project, and for Sarah as she trains more volunteers to work on the Ark project. They also ask us to pray that they might have wisdom on how to spend their time - a prayer echoed by so many of us! Novi most - Barbara has forwarded the following message: - As I heard the news yesterday and have just read this prayer update from Novi Most, I have been reminded afresh just how great is our God and what a wonderful Saviour we have in Jesus - He knows our feelings, He carries our burdens and He does not give up on the prayers of His people. We can get so wrapped up in our own church needs that we can so easily forget the plight of so many across the world who are suffering the after effects of atrocities which have been afflicted on them and their families over many years. Our prayers for the peoples of the former Yugoslavia are as crucial now as they were in the 1990's. 18.07.08 May the words written here bring you comfort, hope and help you draw closer to God this coming week, with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Religion is not something apart from life and business. Not something for special days or sacred places. It is the whole of life. It is a way of life. It is something that one does, and is. Rufus Jones, Quaker historian, theologian and philosopher - quoted in "A light to walk by" Give Thanks Give thanks....... go on - give thanks ......... Upholding our Rector in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes In prayer in his role as our new Rector. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's Preaching life - for a richness to his study time, and for boldness in his proclamation of Jesus. People come into the presence of God on behalf of those who are sick or in need. Also Rosie Michell needs a school to go to in September - please pray for the right school to make a place available to her Church Life Please pray for the arrangements for the Summer Rendezvous event in August and for Nanette and the team as they make final preparations. Please also remember the people who will be attending - ask God to pierce their hearts with the truth of His love for them. Living Stones Building Project Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - this week please pray for people to begin to respond to the invitation to contribute financially to the project ahead of the gift day in October. Parish Focus This week you are invited to pray for 3rd Brampton Scouts, meeting under the leadership of Ben Widdowson - they are away on their annual camp for one week from 26th July, this year in the Lake District. Ben has asked for our prayers for the leaders, and the 25 young people on the camp. World Mission Focus Prayers for Zimbabwe - we have been invited to join with others in a commitment to pray for Zimbabwe for one minute a day at either 8am, 1pm or 8pm - we are asked to stop what we are doing and spend 60 seconds in the presence of God, and ask Him to intervene in the affairs of this country and to collectively pray for the country, its people and for peace. 10.07.08 Prayer Thought Psalm 147:2-3 reads: The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Ponder on these verses - as we continue to think about our buildings project at St Thomas', consider how many different ways God is in the construction business (building, repairing and restoring) Refer back to these verses as you read the requests for prayer below. Give Thanks - for news that the Michell family now have a house to live in when they move to Bristol. - for the news of the plans for the buildings project, and the unanimous support that they received at the PCC meeting on Monday. - for the celebrations to mark the silver wedding anniversary of Philip and Karen Herrick. Upholding our Rector in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes in prayer in his role as our new Rector. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's Professional life - that he may be given oodles of wisdom. People come into the presence of God on behalf of: - those who are ill or facing operations. - those who are suffering chronic pain. - Rosie Michell needs a school to go to in September - please pray for the right school to make a place available to her. Living Stones Project Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for the Living Stones project - this week please pray for the outline design to be firmed up and papers prepared for the DAC standing comittee. Pray also for Matt and the team - for wisdom and energy as they carry the project forward over the coming weeks and months. Parish Focus This week you are invited to pray for the hairdressers and beauticians at work in the beauty salons in our parish - that they may be valued for their skill in helping people look and feel good about themselves. And in the words of Peter's first letter, ask God to help you cultivate your own inner beauty - a gentle and quiet spirit. (1 Peter 3:3-4) World Mission Focus Four weeks today the world's eyes will be on Beijing and the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games - Christian Solidarity Worldwide invite us to mark the one month countdown with this prayer - Heavenly Father, we cry out to You for the nation of China. Thank You for the courage of many Chinese Christians who suffer much to follow you. We pray for real religious freedom in China and that You would move in power to make this possible. We pray for the release of all those imprisoned for their faith. Thank You for the world’s eyes being on China this summer; may the Beijing Olympic Games be a real success, and a turning point for change. We look forward to China transforming into a country full of love, justice, freedom and prosperity in Your name. (Prayer themes taken from an open letter to the international community from Zhang Mingxuan, President of the Chinese House Church Alliance.) 28.06.08 Prayer Thought O thou Great Chief, light a candle within my heart that I may see what is therein and sweep the rubbish from thy dwelling place. (An African Girl - from the anthology "A light to walk by") Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people: -This last week I know I want to thank Him for the "fun" events for the Living Stones project and the way the rain held off for the crucial times outdoors!! -The testimonies at last night's Furnace from Tony Wittham and Matt Barnes. -Major exams are all over now for our young people - thank God for His hand on them . Upholding our Rector in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes in prayer in his role as our new Rector. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's Prayer life - may he not be distracted from his personal devotions. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: -Rita - Dawn Edinborough's mother. Dawn would like to thank everyone for their prayer support - we hear that Rita is recovering physically from the fire, and is in temporary accommodation which is not very good. Lets continue to ask God to provide Rita with the very best new home, and new life. -Our Young People - as they await the results of their exams, and look to decisions about their future, please pray for their first thought to be of God and His desires for their life. -People who are sick - there is a list of people whose names we hear on a Sunday - this week you are invited to focus your thoughts and prayers on one person and commit to asking God to heal them of their illness. Church Life Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for different aspects of our church life. This week, you are invited to pray for: - The nurturing role of House Groups - please pray for anyone who is in a leadership or co-ordinating role. - The opportunities to share the love of Jesus with friends and neighbours at the Summer Rendezvous in August - please pray for Nanette and the team as they make final preparations. Parish Focus This week pray for the people who work in pubs, coffee shops and restaurants in our Parish this week. If you partake of refreshment locally then pray for the person who serves you, that they might seek and find the Living God, and be thirsty and hungry no more. World Mission Focus Stuart Windsor was due to come and speak to us on Sunday about the work of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, but he has been called to Hong Kong for a series of meetings. You are invited to hold Stuart in your prayers this week, asking God to protect him as he travels; inspire him as he speaks; and give him a listening heart to the needs of persecuted Christians in Asia, and in particular in China as the world's eyes focus on this country in the run up to the Olympic Games. 21.06.08 Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people - especially give thanks for the testimony of Johnny which is printed in full in this week's Derbyshire Times. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of Rita, Dawn's mother whose house has been distroyed by a fire. Please pray this Celtic blessing forthem both, and if you can remember to pray it at night time that would be particularly appropriate: may God fill Rita and Dawn; may God keep Rita and Dawn; may God watch Rita and Dawn; may God bring Rita and Dawn this night to the nearness of His love. Church Life Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for different aspects of our church life as represented by the Mission and Ministry teams. This week, you are invited to pray for the work of the Worship and Teaching Team, now led, of course, by Matt Barnes: - for the "Furnace" event next Friday (27th) when Matt will be giving his testimony. - for the services planned for tomorrow, and for Sunday 29th June. Parish Focus This week pray for the people who work in shops. As you enter a shop in our Parish this week, perhaps you could pray a blessing on the person who serves you. World Mission Focus As Andy Goodacre, Liz and Olivia prepare for Andy's ordination in Guildford, and then to pack up and move to Geelong in Australia - we are asked to pray for them as a family, and to ask God to help them move well, and settle into "a strange and foreign land". 12.06.08 Prayer Thought Things on your mind this week? Here is what Paul says in his letter to the Phillipans (4:6-7 The Message) "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." I really love the picture this conjures up of my worries being shaped into prayers - no matter how solid the worry seems, it can change shape when I bring it to God. As we come to pray this week, there may be things in the e-mail below that shout "Worry" - difficult and trying circumstances, hurt, loss, confusion, the unknown - the invitation from God is to bring it all to Him, and in so doing to allow His creative and loving presence to re-shape our worries into prayers, and release His wholeness into our lives. Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people - this means you and your prayers too! Thank God for an answer to prayer. Upholding our Rector in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes in prayer in his role as our new Rector. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's personal life - for all obstacles facing him and his family to be overcome. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - those grieving the death of a loved one. - people you know who are ill and feeling low at this time. - those who are in a caring role and feeling just as vulnerable and tired. - the Michell family - Phil and Rachel, Rosie and Ellie - who ask us to pray for their housing situation. They need to find someone to rent their house here in Chesterfield, and they need to find a house to rent in Bristol so Phil can start his training as a Minister in September. - the Barnes family - Matt & Mel, Ellie, Jack and Amy - continuing to pray for their house to soon feel like their home; for friends at school and for friends at church. Church Life Over the coming weeks you are invited to come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for different aspects of our church life as represented by the Mission and Ministry teams. This week, you are invited to pray for the work of the Childrens and Youth team, praying for: - a new leader to be found to replace Phil Michell as M & M leader. - Gemma Machin and everyone working with her supporting the work amongst our young people, thinking especially of their ministry to us through the Youth Service on Sunday. - Dawn Edinborough and the team of volunteers working with her amongst children and families, thinking especially of the teaching that takes place on a Sunday morning in our Discoverers classes. Parish Focus This week pray for the Nursing Homes and in particular the residents and the staff - Chatsworth Lodge, Rydal House and Brookholme and for the small team of people who regularly visit these communities to share the love of God. Please pray for their forthcoming visit on Wednesday and for God to lavish His blessing on them and those they minister to that afternoon. World Mission Focus Church on the Bus Thanks and praise for: - Johnny. He became a Christian a few months ago and is becoming a natural evangelist, giving his testimony to others on the Bus! He is proving to be a real witness to the homeless community where he is well known. He has also been to the Derbyshire Times to tell them how the Church on the Bus has changed his life. Pray they will cover his story and that this will have a far reaching witness, with God receiving the praise and glory. Please also pray for his ongoing walk with Jesus. He has come off all drugs now and has not had any alcohol for over 2 weeks. Praise God! - the newly formed nurture group held weekly at the Safe Haven, where 4 people meet regularly to learn more about Jesus; Johnny, Karen, Dusan and Mick. Pray for Jane who leads this group and that all will grow in knowledge and faith. - that the project is growing so well that Church Army are going to support a newly qualified Church Army evangelist to work alongside Alan for the next 12 months. - that links with Cliff College students through Hope 08 have continued, with students attending the Bus on Monday nights and providing music to enhance the worship time. Please continue to pray for Captain Alan as he leads the growing team and takes the work forward. Novi Most -Capljina School Situation A few weeks ago we were asked to pray with NoviMost for the school in Capljina and the use of a previous place of Muslim torture during the war as a school for Muslim children today. Reports are that the siutation does not seem to hae got any better. We are asked to pray for: - the team in Mostar, that they will be open to the Croat and the Muslim at this time. - that the centre will be a place where God's peace, love and unity will be evident for all to see - in both a physical and a spiritual way. - that because of Jesus, there will be a noticable difference in the place compared with the town around. 06.06.08 Hello everyone may God bless you as you come to Him in prayer at your computer. Julie x Prayer Thought The prayer for our church: make it vulnerable that it may speak with calm humility; make it outward looking that it may care deeply, make it a community of peacemakers and bridge builders. In the midst of turbulence let the church make space for the hearing of your still small voice. God continues to answer the prayers of His people. - Please thank Him for the induction service for Matt Barnes last night. - Thanks also to God for protection for Steve, Graham and David as they completed their sponsored cycle ride - and for the local press coverage it has generated. Upholding our Pastor in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold Matt Barnes in prayer in his role as our new Pastor. This week you are invited to pray for Matt's private life - for protection of his health and well being, for energy and rest in equal measures. People Come into the presence of God on behalf of: - anyone who is suffering a berievment. - people you know who are ill and feeling low at this time thinking. - remembering also those who are in a caring role and feeling just as vulnerable and tired. - the Michell family - Phil and Rachel, Rosie and Ellie - who ask us to pray for their housing situation. They need to find someone to rent their house here in Chesterfield, and they need to find a house to rent in Bristol so Phil can start his training as a Minister in September. - the Barnes family - Matt and Mel, Ellie, Jack and Amy - continuing to pray for their house to soon feel like their home; for friends at school and for friends at church - may the welcome party this Sunday help them to ease their way into their new lives with us. church Life Come into God's presence and spend time in prayer for: - the services this coming Sunday. - Totzone on Monday, and for Dawn as she works with local families. - mid week youth activities and for Gemma as she supports our young people in their journey of faith. - open house groups meeting on Wednesday for study, prayer and mutual support. Parish Focus This week pray for our schools and in particular the head teachers and their staff: Brookfield Community School. Westfield Infants School. Old Hall Junior School. Walton and Holymoorside Primary School. World Mission Focus Ruth and Paul Lapworth have written with their latest news - let us hold them before God this week and ask Him to bless their work, their family and keep them close to Him, the good shepherd. This Sunday, our mission partner is Andy Goodacre - let us come into the presence of God on behalf of Andy and Liz, and Olivia remembering them as they prepare to leave Germany for their new work and home in Australia. 30.05.08 Hello everyone, this week's prayer e-mail focuses on prayers for our new Rector Matt Barnes and his family. Julie x Prayer Thought God can do anything you know - far more that you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Amen Ephesians 3 v 20 (The Message) Looking back - Give Thanks We have much to thank God for as we look back over the last year, and especially the period of the vacancy. Here are some thoughts - you may have your own - - for the ministry we enjoyed under David Mouncer who taught that God is "bananas for you!" - for Karen and Bernard, our Wardens, who have shouldered the responsibility of the church through the vacancy. - for the input from the Bishop, the Archdeacon and the rural dean into the recruitment and selection process. - for our paid staff - Anne, Gemma and Dawn - who have each found this vacancy period to be trying and testing in different ways. - for everyone involved in helping to sustain our acts of worship week in and week out. - for Matt's call and gifts to be shared with us at St Thomas' / St Peter's. Focus on Matt Barnes This week come before God and wait on Him as you bring Matt Barnes to mind. These seven "Ps" may help - this week, pray for Matt's: -Private life - for protection of his health and well being. -Personal life - for all obstacles facing him, his wife, Mel, and children, Ellie, Jack and Amy to be overcome. -Praise life - may he enjoy a strong heart for worship. -Prayer life - may he not be distracted from his personal devotions. -Professional life - that he may be given oodles of wisdom. -Preaching life - for a richness to his study time, and for boldness in his proclamation of Jesus. -Persevering life - may he know Godly courage and steadfastness, and through it all - Hope A prayer for us as the Church and for our Parish Enable this church to do your will, Make it vulnerable that it may speak with calm humility; Make it outward looking that it may care deeply, Make it a community of peacemakers and bridge builders. In the midst of turbulence let the church make space, for the hearing of your still small voice. 24.05.08 Hello everyone, sorry for the lateness of this week's e-mail due to family commitments. Julie x Prayer Thought "Prayer is not to ask what we wish of God, but what God wishes of us." -16th century mystic Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - a small item in today's paper that reports the UN Secretary General saying Burma's junta has agreed to allow "all aid workers" into the country to help cyclone survivors - PRAISE GOD for this miracle! People This week - ask God what His wish is for you in relation to the people named below, and those you carry on your heart: - Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel. Please pray for the family as they settle into the house, and for Matt and Mel to enjoy a few days away by themselves this coming week. - Our children and young people are now engaged in significant exams be it GCSEs, AS or A levels or university exams for some of our older youngsters- please pray for them at this time - that they may know themselves to be accepted, loved and valued by God and that this may empower them to do their best. - Steve, Graham and David as they cycle coast to coast in aid of the Living Stones Project. - Church family members who have health concerns. br> Church Life This week - ask God what His wish is for you in relation to: - the Furnace event next Friday. - welcoming Matt Barnes as our new Rector after his induction a week on Thursday. - being open to Matt's leadership, open to change and having open hands not clinging on to anything - however hard this may be! Parish Focus This week - ask God what His wish is for you in relation to: - Church members, and their families (using the Church address book). - for yourself - spend time with God ask Him to show you what His wish is for you. World Mission Focus This week - ask God what His wish is for you in relation to: This week's prayer mission partners - Christian Solidarity Worldwide - is there something God would have you do to support Christians in prison for their faith? (Channel 4 on Monday at 7.35pm has a programme on the experience of Egypt's Christian minority, the conditions they live in and the persecution they face which may be of interest) The ongoing relief effort needed for the people of Burma, as reported by Tearfund thinking especially of Tearfund partners World Concern Myanmar and the Myanmar Baptist Convention The ongoing situation in China's earthquake hit region - please pray for the survivors, that the injured receive medical help quickly and the homeless receive urgent relief supplies. Pray too for the many thousands of parents grieving the death of their one and only child - in the words of Matthew 5 v4 (The Message) "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." For all those people in China who have lost what is most dear to them, may they somehow know God's embrace. The newly emerging terror in South Africa where people are turning on one another in the most appalling of acts of violence and brutality - what is going on in the world? What does God wish of us in these situations? 15.05.08 Hello everyone, thank you for continuing to pray. Julie x Prayer Thought John 7 v 37 - 39a: "On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive." what kind of stream are you today? Are you flowing along steadily? Have you reached a still pool? Are you tumbling over a rocky place? Are you near to drying up? Are you meandering through a desert place - the only source of life for miles around? It matters not - the invitation is to "come" to Jesus and recieve from Him the spirit of life........ Give Thanks God continues to answer the prayers of His people. Please thank Him for: - Christian Aid week - and for everyone who has turned out this last week to collect envelopes door to door. People - Matt Barnes, and his wife, Mel. This week, please carry on praying for their children, Ellie, Jack and Amy as they settle into Walton & Holymoorside School. - Our children and young people are now engaged in significant exams be it GCSEs, AS or A levels or university exams for some of our older youngsters- please pray for them 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. - Steve, Graham and David as they prepare to cycle coast to coast in aid of the Living Stones Project. Church Life We come into God's presence on behalf of: - 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). - for yourself - spend time with God and talk to Him about you, how you are feeling, and what is on your heart World Mission Focus Tearfund asks us to continue to pray for the people of Myanmar (Burma) - you may like to use these ideas in your prayers: Sudarshan Sathianathan, Tearfund’s Head of Asia Region, said, `In spite of a variety of difficulties, our partner organisations have been extremely resourceful and determined in mounting a relief response. `We need to stand with them in prayer and offer sustained support during this crisis.' -Please continue to pray for the survivors of the cyclone and that aid supplies will get through to them in larger quantities. -Pray that the military government of Myanmar will respond effectively to the crisis and show greater willingness to allow international help into the country. -Pray that the British government and the UN continue to put pressure on the Myanmar regime. -Pray for our partners, and the local churches they work with, as they deal with the emotional trauma involved in their relief work. We are also asked to pray for the people of China affected by the earthquake. The official death toll stands at nearly 20,000 but there are fears this will rise sharply as recovery teams continue their work. Tearfund does not have partners working in Sichuan province, but we pray for those affected by the earthquake which registered 7.8 on the Richter Scale. -Please pray for the survivors of the earthquake, that the injured receive medical help quickly and the homeless receive urgent relief supplies. -Pray that the Chinese authorities respond effectively in Sichuan, one of the country’s poorest provinces. -Pray that God gives Christians in the affected areas a sense of his strength and that they will show unity in responding to this disaster. 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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