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The list can also be used to ask for special prayers or urgent prayer which can be e-mailed out at any time. Please contact Carolyn if you wish to be on the circulation list, make a contribution, have special prayers or urgent prayers at stthomasprayer@live.com or telephone Carolyn (number in the church address book). More information about prayer at St Thomas' is available here. 27.12.09 Dear Friends, We have, wherever we are in the world celebrated the birth of Jesus over the last few days. In our Churches we have sung familiar carols heralding the first coming of our Lord, we have exchanged gifts and pulled crackers. Some of are perhaps feeling a little frayed by all the activity. In this holiday week following this greatest of birthday celebrations let us find time in our prayers to Be With God - to enjoy his presence and the bliss that can come from this. Prayer Meditation I have chosen an extract from Psalm 131 to be the focal point of our meditation this week. The description of our relationship with God here is motherly and is particularly fitting at this time. This is a very evocative piece. As many of us know the time after child birth can be frantic with a newborn whose demands for feeding can rule the lives of the mother and the entire family. A weaned child is less demanding and there is a peace that comes with a mother and her child just being close to each other without the constant demand for food. Let us try to cultivate this peace and closeness with God as we meditate on these lines. "I have stilled and quietened my soul; Like a weaned child with its mother, Like a weaned child is my soul within me" Psalm 131:2 Please hold before the Lord people you know who need our prayers for healing at this time. Prayer for Rest Please pray for a well deserved rest for Matt and Ruth all those who worked with them to make the Advent and Christmas Services a Spiritual feast. Praying in union this week during our 1000 Days of Prayer Usually each week day St Thomas' is open for prayer 0930-1230. However the church will not be open this week but please continue to pray according to the lectionary at the allotted times or when you can during the day. Monday 0930 Psalm 36 1215 Matthew 18:1-10 Tuesday 0930 Psalms 19 1215 Colossians 1:1-14 Wednesday 0930 Psalms 113 1215 Colossians 1:15-23 Thursday 0930 Psalms 102 1215 Colossians 1:24-2:7-end Friday 0930 Psalms 103 1215 Romans 2:17-end I would like to wish you all a Happy New Calendar Year as 2010 approaches. Carolyn 21.12.09 Dear Friends, Last Christmas my then six year old asked me why our Christmas Cards had snow on them because he'd never seen snow at Christmas. Conversley its increasingly hard to find Christmas Cards with a Nativity Scene although when I was a child most Christmas Cards had a Christian theme. For me as a child Christmas meant Carols, Baby Jesus, a Christmas tree , Father Christmas, a stocking with nuts and an orange at the bottom and I remember thinking that it wasn't truly Christmas unless we had snow. For many years I mourned the loss of the expectation and excitment that I felt as a child as Christmas approached and the snow fell from leaden skies. This year it has been different for me. December has not been about cards, presents, trees and baubles although they all have their place. This year I have experienced Advent from a new perspective as I search to deepen my faith as a Christian and understand how to apply it in my own life. There has been a real expectation and excitment for me as I've savoured the daily readings from Michael Mittons book and experienced the wonderful variety of services at St Thomas'. This Sunday we had the opportunity to show our committment to Jesus by putting our unique thumbprint onto a piece of paper and placing it in front of the altar. I found it a humbling experience. Today we've had snow in Chesterfield. Real, thick "Mother Carey is plucking her chickens" type of snow. As I looked at the flakes tumbling before me I remembered being told that each one of these flakes is a unique and beautiful creation, there will never be another exactly the same. We are like these snowflakes. Beautiful, unique and made by God. It is the same for each one of us and it is in understanding how we use our own uniqueness to serve GOD that we become truly free. This week lets medidate on how we can help others to achieve their GOD given uniqueness through the LOVE of Jesus. Praying in union this week during our 1000 Days of Prayer Each week day St Thomas' is open for prayer 0930-1230. The following will be read at 0930 and 1230. Monday 0930 Psalm 40 1215 Matthew 16:13-end Tuesday 0930 Psalms 121 1215 Matthew 19:1-12-end Wednesday 0930 Psalms 124 1215 Matthew 19:13-15 Thursday 0930 Psalms 128 1215 Matthew 19:16-end Friday -Christmas Day 10am Family Communion Pray for Physical Healing Hold before the Lord for individuals you know and pray that they will find strength and support in their battle to regain their health. Pray that this time over Christmas will be a time of peace and happiness and a time to restore themselves spiritually. Pray for Spiritual Healing Please pray for anyone who is struggling with low self esteem. Pray that through the love of Jesus they may understand how to break through the chains that bind them. Pray that they will grow to know God in a new and liberating way. Pray for the Church Team Pray for Matt and Ruth and all the Service leaders as they deliver the Christmas message this week. Let us also thank God for the uniqueness they each bring to the Service experience and in doing so reach the hearts and minds of those who attend Church this week. Pray for Volunteers Pray for all those who volunteer their time and energy to support church events and services. Pray for Peace Where there is hatred ..... let me sow love. Where there is injury ...... pardon Where there is doubt ......faith Where there is despair .....hope Where there is darkness .....light Where there is sadness ..... joy Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be understood ... as to understand, To be loved ... as to love For it is in giving ... that we receive, It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned, It is in dying, that we are born to eternal life. (St Francis Prayers) Carolyn 14.12.09 Dear Friends, I attended the Christingle Service today, a new experience for me and my youngest son. It was moving to light the candles of others as they waited in the darkness and symbolic of the purpose of our lives as Christians to share the light of Jesus in the world even in the darkest corners. This light is HOPE in a world of darkness. Advent prepares us for celebrating the birth of God as Man and the HOPE that this brings. As we celebrate this event we all know, in our hearts, how this story of God on earth unfolds and yet the' ending' is full of hope too, that endings are not endings but are opportunities for God to bring new beginnings. If we place hope only in ourselves and our circumstances and how we want them to be then we will be disappointed. Our HOPE should be placed in God, for whom 'all things are possible' (Mat 19:26). I have chosen Psalm 121 for meditation this week. From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keep you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber or sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is you shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and for evermore. Prayer for Healing Lift up to the Lord those who especially need our prayers at this time. Prayer for Sam Wheeler Please pray for Sam as he travels to Belarus to help distribute shoeboxes to children out there. Pray for blessings and protection as he carries out his tasks. Prayer for the lonely Pray for all those who are lonely and who are missing loved ones and friends. Prayer for Matt (our Rector) and Ruth (our Curate) Please pray for Matt and Ruth as they gear up for even more services than usual. Pray for full church services and the opportunity to spread the word of the Lord to many for whom Christmas is the only time they visit a Church. Praying in union this week during our 1000 Days of Prayer Monday 0930 Psalm 40 1215 Matthew 16:13-end Tuesday 0930 Psalms 70 1215 Matthew 17:1-13-end Wednesday 0930 Psalms 75 1215 Matthew 17:14-21 Thursday 0930 Psalms 76 1215 Matthew 17:22-end Friday 0930 Psalms 77 1215 Matthew 18:1-20 7.12.09 Dear Friends, As I begin to get used to the discipline required to produce the weekly prayer thought, I find the way I approach the task is changing. Instead of an 'Oh its Sunday I'd better do the prayer email' kind of approach, I begin to pray and listen for next weeks content as soon as the current weeks has been sent. I have no idea as I begin this process what the outcome will be but I look out for things during the week - events, thoughts, books I am reading that will help shape the outcome. My goal is the Prayer Thought for the week but the journey along the way is full of interest and learning and discovery. Prayer Thought So it is too for those of us who have made the choice to walk with God. For each of us this walk of discovery will bring Gods Kingdom on Earth a little closer. This walk can be marred by potholes, wrong paths and diversions or in other words sin. Sin forms the prison bars that keep us from reaching Gods Kingdom and it is by Faith that we become free. If we are willing to face ourselves through confession and repentance then through the love of Jesus we can be set free by the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Prayer Meditation For this weeks meditation I have chosen Psalm 139 (23-24). Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Prayer for Healing Lift up to the Lord those who need our prayers at this time. Praying in union this week during our 1000 Days of Prayer Monday 0930 Psalm 44 1215 Matthew 11:2-11 Tuesday 0930 Psalms 56 1215 Matthew 14:13-end Wednesday 0930 Psalms 62 1215 Matthew 15:1-20 Thursday 0930 Psalms 54 1215 Matthew 15:21-28 Friday 0930 Psalms 86 1215 Matthew 15:29-end Prayer for Spotlight Please pray for all those delivering spotlight that all houses in the Parish receive a copy this week. Pray that the recipients are moved to attend a service this Christmas or attend an open prayer session. God Bless Carolyn 30.11.09 Dear Friends, As a 'new' Christian having only recently accepted Jesus as my Saviour, thinking about this weeks prayer email made me realise that I knew little about Advent itself except that it referred to the four weeks before Christmas. It has been an enlightening few days as I devoured anything I could find about Advent. I am also looking forward to reading Michael Mittons book 'A handful of light' and following the 11am sermons. During Advent we look forward to celebrating the Birth of Christ, affirming that he is present in the world today and that he will come again. Whether we are new to Christianity or not, Advent is a time for reflecting on how 'awake' we are as Christians and where our spiritual journey is taking us. We must pray for new birth within ourselves and that God will do something new in our lives. Meditation As the commercial build -up to Christmas continues unabated let us find time to pause and pray. Pause and pray in a crowded shopping mall or at the office Christmas party - you may be surprised at what you discover. I have picked Romans 13: 11-12 as the scripture for meditation this week. 'Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.' Pray for Those attending ALPHA this week. The DCC who meet this week. The Beavers Carol Service. Mens Breakfast. The Christmas Crafts and Market. Those attending the Rendevous Christmas Lunch and party. 1000 Days of Prayer Lift this initiative to the Lord asking that it provides a firm foundation for the development project. Healing Steve Lomas has asked me to thank everyone for their concern and prayers, for their visits, emails and phone-calls. Please hold Steve in your thoughts and pray for a successful outcome. Please hold before the Lord others who are ill. God Bless Carolyn 23.11.09 Dear Friends, As I write this the wind is howling around the house and rain is battering the windows. The smallest cracks are enough to let in a powerful blast of wind. I imagine rotting trees and branches are falling on our roads and loose debris is collecting in corners. The air is being refreshed inside and out. The rain is washing down our streets and filling our streams and resevoirs. Tomorrow morning Derbyshire will look a little different. Change will have occurred. Maybe in your garden or street. This is how I imagine the Holy Spirit working in our lives - coarsing through us, cleansing us, entering the very fibre of our being. When the Holy Spirit works in us things change, the old and rotten dies and is cleared away and we are renewed. Like the wind, the Spirit is sovereign and invisible, inscrutable and incomprehensible. John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." Like the wind, the Spirit is indispensable and lifegiving. John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 42 - 22 Nov -Sunday Pray for all those who attended the Sunday services today. If you were at one of the services pray for someone you saw there - lift them to the LORD daily this week and ask for the Holy Spirit to work as a healing and rejuvinating force in their life. Give thanks to all those involved in preparing and leading the worship. The service leaders, readers, intercessors, musicians and preachers and those giving prayer. Give thanks to the LORD for their dedication and sensitivity, their care and thoughtfulness. Pray that the Holy Spirit will rejuvinate them. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 43 - 23rd Nov - Monday Pray in Unison 0930 Psalms 96 1215 Rev. 14.1-13 Pray for those out and about today on their way to work, school, shopping or leisure activities. Pray for those on the roads to take care from fallen debris and wet roads. Pray that commuters leave their homes a little earlier to avoid accidents as the mornings darken and the roads are wet. Hold before the Lord those who pray daily in St Thomas' Church. Pray that prayer infiltrates the fabric of our Church and the new building, ensuring that at every step the project is blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us give thanks that the unofficial results from the bore hole tests look promising and pray that the official report due in a few weeks confirms this result. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 44 - 24th Nov - Tuesday Pray in Unison 0930 Psalms 97 1215 Rev. 14.14 - end of 15 Pray that as the word spreads more people in Brampton come to use our church as a place of oasis and calm in their busy lives. Spend a few moments in quiet meditation imagining passers by - imagine them seeing the open church doors and imagine them walking in to a warm welcome. Pray for Matt and Ruth as they attend the Clergy Conference this week. Pray that they find this a refreshing and motivating experience. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 45 - 25th Nov - Wednesday Pray in Unison 0930 Psalms 112 1215 Rev 16.1 - 11 Pray for the members of St Thomas' and St Peters PCC/DCC who met for their away day last Saturday. Give thanks for the good work that was started there and pray for the working group that is being formed to progress the work. Pray that the team will work well together to produce the M.A.P (Mission Action Plan) which will give the Parish its strategy for the next three years. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 46 - 26th Nov - Thursday Pray in Unison 0930 Psalm 125 1215 Rev. 16.1 - end Pray for Tracy who met with the love of Jesus a few weeks ago and has been attending StThomas'. Pray that she finds help and support as she strengthens her faith and finds a new life in Jesus Christ. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 47 - 27th Nov - Friday Pray in Unison 0930 Psalms 139 1215 Rev 17 Pray for Cerian who visited St Thomas' for the first time last Sunday. Pray for her as makes arrangements to move into the area and as she attends job interviews in preparation for starting her life in the area. Pray that she finds St Thomas' a welcoming home from home. Hold before the LORD all those who are ill in body mind or spirit. 1000 Days of Prayer - Day 48 - 28th Nov - Saturday Let us pray today for the Cubs, Beavers and Scouts as they bag-pack at Sainsburys to raise much needed funds for their activities. Let us pray for all those who do not normally attend Church - that today they may be prompted to notice a Church and feel compelled to seek out a service tomorrow. We ask especially that those living in Brampton or Holymoorside feel the power of the living Jesus and that they respond by walking through the doors of St Thomas' and St Peters tomorrow. Hold before the Lord someone you know who doesn't know the love of Jesus and ask that you may be an instrument of facilitation in bringing them to Faith. We ask that our Churches are seen as Beacons in the darkness and shelter from the storms of life. Father, we ask all this in the name of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen Love Carolyn 16.11.09 Dear Everyone, I was lucky enough to be driving across Snake Pass this week and was struck by the beauty of the fading Autumn all around. Dark rain clouds hung low before me and as I looked up I could see the hills in the background. Above all this was a crystal clear blue sky. In that moment GODS wonderful creation spoke to me of faith through adversity and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I was reminded of Psalm 19:1-4. The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language, where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, Their words to the end of the world. Let us pray that as we go about our daily life this week we see GOD's word in his creation. Samaritans Purse Pray this week for Jane Simmonds and her team of volunteers who will be receiving and preparing thousands of shoe boxes for distribution in Liberia, Romania and Belarus. Pray that this labour of love will touch the hearts of the children who receive them and who in receiving will come to know in a tangible way the love of Jesus. Last year around 33,000 boxes were processed in Chesterfield. Pray that the people of Chesterfield are as generous in their giving this year. ALPHA Lift to the LORD all those attending the ALPHA course. Pray that each one opens their hearts and minds to receive the Holy Spirit this week. 1000 Days of Prayer -Days 35 to 41. Hold before the Lord those who pray daily in St Thomas' Church. Ask that through this regular and visible act of worship the Church will become known as a place of love and peace and refuge for the wider community, your Kingdom on Earth. Pray that prayer infiltrates the fabric of our Church and the new building, ensuring that at every step the project is blessed with the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray too that volunteers come forward to ensure that Ann is supported in the open Church when other staff members are not available. Pray for those who are not able to attend in person that through imagination they place themselves in St Thomas' during the prayer time. Healing Hold before the LORD by name those whom you know who need the healing power of Jesus to touch their lives in body, mind or spirit. AMEN Love Carolyn 8.11.09 -Remembrance Sunday Day 28 of our 1000 Days of Prayer Dear Friends, It is a priviledge to receive the prayer email baton from Julie and I would like to thank her for her guidance and support in the handover. If you would like to make contributions to the prayer email or have special prayers or urgent prayers to be emailed please send them to stthomasprayer@live.com In Remembrance Lord, at this time we remember all those who have fought and died for us in the First and Second World Wars and other more recent conflicts. We pray that their souls have found rest and peace with our God and Saviour. We pray for their families and for the suffering felt by their loss. The reunions that didn't happen, the celebrations not shared, the hurts not healed. We remember - and reflect on these words from the scriptures: 'No-one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends' (John 15:13) Memorial Let us pray for all those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and hold up to God those we know by name. Living Stones Project We pray for speedy progress now that the ground has been broken and the first tasks are underway. 1000 days of Prayer Lord, we pray for those who have visited our Church to spend time in prayer with others or on their own. We pray that more people will find the time to visit over the coming weeks and that they may find love, acceptance, rest and peace. As awareness grows we ask that St Thomas' becomes an oasis of calm amidst the uncertainty and noise of our daily lives and that as a Church we move closer to creating your Kingdom in Brampton. Ministry in the Church Let us hold before God Matt, Ruth, Audrey, Gaz, Gemma ,Karen and Ann for their tireless committment to spreading the word of the Lord in Brampton and Holymoorside. Meditation Suggestion In a quiet moment find time to reflect on the following words which were found, written on the wall of a Nazi concentration camp, after the Second World War. I believe in the sun, even when it isn't shining, I believe in love, even when I feel it not. I believe in God, even when He is silent. O give thanks to the God of Heaven , for his steadfast love endures for ever. (Psalm 136 1:26) Amen Love Carolyn 23.10.09 Hello everyone An announcement: As I prepare to hand on the baton of the prayer e-mail to Carolyn Baker in the next few weeks, I thank you for your prayers since 2007 when I took on this role. It has been a privilege to collect and present prayers for God's people to offer to God himself, and to be a witness to the many answers to prayer, the comfort that our prayers have given to others, and the journey that praying takes all of us on towards the very heart of God. This coming week, let's pray for the activities in our church: -The prayer mornings (every weekday 9.30-12.30 in St Thomas' Church); -The Furnace worship event on Friday evening (7.30pm 30.10.09); -The Treat for families on Saturday evening (6pm 31.10.09); -Our services of prayer, praise, teaching and learning on Sunday. Let's also pray for the needs of people we hold close: -Giving thanks for those are getting better after an illness; -Asking God for guidance for those caring for others; -Offering our prayers for Matt, Audrey, Ruth, Gemma, Karen, Anne, Gareth and all who support them in their roles. Finally let's give thanks to God for the gifts He lavishes upon us day by day, and may we become a people who praise the living God is all that we do, all that we say, and all that we are. May this e-mail 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 17.10.09 Hello everyone I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought This week you are invited to use the prayer known as St Patrick's Breastplate as the framework for our collective and our individual prayers. If possible, this prayer is best said unhurriedly, and thoughtfully - if you can, say the words out loud and let them hang in the air before you for a moment as the early morning mist hangs over the hedgerow this time of year........ Christ be with me...........Christ within me............ Christ behind me...........Christ before me .................. Christ beside me................Christ to win me................. Christ to comfort and restore me Take a moment to wait before God, just as you are imagine the protective presence of Christ around you, and be reassured of His presence with you. Christ beneath me...............Christ above me..................... Christ in quiet......................Christ in danger.......... Christ in hearts of all who love me Christ in mouth of friend and stranger Take a moment to bring to mind people you know who would particularly welcome a sense of confidence and security in God. We think of those who are ill or bereaved. We give thanks for Jake Howe and Hannah Willis as they prepare for their wedding at St Thomas' in 3 weeks. We pray earnestly for the preparations for The Treat, our non-Halloween event for families on 31st October. We continue to pray for the Living Stones project, that all barriers to progress be removed one after another. We offer ourselves and our private prayers to God now - remembering that whatever is on our hearts today, nothing is outside the reach of Christ. As we embrace the vision for 1000 days of prayer may this and other prayers be taken up, spoken in awe and worship, saturate the fabric of our buildings, and infiltrate the fabric of our lives. Amen xx 09.10.09 Hello everyone I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought O God before us, lead us forward to pray O God beside us, teach us gently to pray O God within us, still our hearts to pray O God beyond us, give us faith O Christ beside us, give us peace O Spirit within us, give us life Prayers for Church Family members There are a number of church family members facing operations in the next couple of weeks. If you know who they are, pray for them by name. If you don't, please pray that they will know God's presence in all they have to face. 1000 Days of Prayer Starts Sunday (11 October). Let's all get involved. More details here. 02.10.09 Hello everyone I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought O God before us, lead us forward to pray O God beside us, teach us gently to pray O God within us, still our hearts to pray Give Thanks At the time of harvest thanksgiving ponder all the good things in our lives - clean water from a tap; plenty of food; warm clothes now that winter approaches to name but a few - ask God to make you truly thankful for all that you have received. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for the leaders of our Church - this week please pray for Readers People There are others known to each one of us in need of God's healing touch - name someone close to you and imagine them standing in God's presence now. Church Life Pray for The Harevst supper and line dance - for the arrangements behind the scenes, and for fun and fellowship on the dance floor. Living Stones Building Project We continue to come to God with our prayers for the buidling project, and also for God's inspiration and guidance on how it will be used to enable people to encounter the One who Lives and Loves us all. Pray that the Japanese Knotweed will continue to respond to treatment. Finally If there are people and situations on your mind and heart and you do not know what or how to pray - may these words help: O God beyond us, give us faith O Christ beside us, give us peace O Spirit within us, give us life 19.09.09 Hello everyone Praise God for the news that the final piece of permission has been granted for the Living Stones Building Project - the Faculty we needed has been granted, and in the timescale that we were hoping for. This is an answer to prayer - thanks be to God! This coming week please pray for: The Alpha groups meeting on Tuesday and on Thursday. Furnace on Friday evening. The forthcoming harvest celebrations, including the pie and pea supper and line dancing event on 3rd Oct. There are also people on our hearts this week, as we continue to hold before God those in our fellowship who are really struggling with their health and well being - as well as those you know personally. Finally, may we continue to hold before God those who serve Him in the church - please pray for Matt, Ruth, Audrey, Anne, Gemma, Karen and Gaz - what a privilage to have such a group of people willing to work amongst us - let's ask God to protect them, fill them with the Spirit, and use them and us to bring the kingdom here on earth. O Christ beside us, give us peace O Spirit within us, give us life Amen 05.09.09 Hello everyone It has been a while since a prayer e-mail has come round as many of us have enjoyed the summer holidays. Now we are into September everything seems to be getting back to "normal" so regular e-mails will soon be on their way. In the meantime, may these words aid us in our prayers this week. Julie In the beginning, God..... God of beginnings, where you are present, at your most creative, delighting in what you call out of the darkness into the light, be with us as we bring these prayers before you - - for those starting a new school, as pupils or as staff. - for those starting new jobs. - for Ruth, Karen and Gareth at the beginning of their ministry in our church. - for those leaving home for university for the first time, or returning to continue their studies. - for the building project. - for those beginning life without a job, or under the threat of losing their employment. - for those beginning the month without a loved one at their side, an empty chair to remind them of their loss. 09.08.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought All people are made in the image of God - let's look for God in the people we meet - in the variety of faces, and the variety of needs. See yourself as one of them, and remember that you too reflect the face of God. Give Thanks for holidays, and time to relax with family and friends Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for the leaders of our Church - this week please pray for childrens and youth leaders, naming Gemma and Karen amongst those who co-ordinate this aspect of our church family life People - we have heard that Ruth Turner is in a lot of pain with a trapped nerve in her back - pleae pray for healing for Ruth, and for protection of her in all aspects of her life - please continue to hold Glyn Botham in your prayers as he continues his pilgrim journey towards heaven's gate. Please ask God to provide the right people to accompany him, to support him and to encourage him through these days and nights. Pray too for appropriate and sufficient pain relief. We also ask for God's hand to be upon members of his family. - we are asked to pray for John Hartson, friend of the Bird family, who is also seriously ill with multiple cancers, but who has also to cope with media interest thus placing their private grief on public display. Please pray for peace and healing for John and strength and courage for his family to support him in his illness. Please pray for the wider circle of friends (Charlotte amongst them) as they seek to love and care for them all. - Pam Brimelow asks for prayers for her friend Martin, and his wife and family, as his health deteriorates - as swine flu spreads, and members of our church family, and our community are affected, please pray for those who are ill, and for those who fear becoming ill. Please hold before God those people known to you who are in any way caught up in this outbreak. Church Life Pray for - the Scouts and their leaders who are on a week long camp next week to Walesby Forest. Pray that they will enjoy and develop in the activities they undertake and that they are all kept safe whilst doing activities including raft building, canoeing, swimming, cycling, fire lighting and that lasting friendships will foster. - Summer Rendezvous which will soon be upon us - ask God to support those who lead this event and to encourage the leaders by more people signing up to take part. Living Stones Building Project - we continue to come to God with our prayers for the buidling project, and also for God's inspiration and guidance on how it will be used to enable people to encounter the One who Lives and Loves us all. - don't give up - keep on praying - please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power - pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds Finally If there are people and situations on your mind and heart and you do not know what or how to pray - may these words help: Still (me / name) O Lord, keep (me / them) from harm Let all the tumult within (me / them) cease Enfold (me / them) Lord in Your peace. Amen. 18.07.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought The joy of prayer is one of the best-kept secrets of the century - Meryl Doney ('The Art of Prayer') As you spend a few moments in prayer in response to this e-mail be aware of yourself entering into a place of spiritual growth. Give Thanks Thank God for Alan Sheldon who is with us this weekend because he was wearing a cycling helmet when he was involved in an accident with a car. We give thanks for the care and support he received at the scene and afterwards. We continue to thank God for Ruth Turner as she makes her way amongst us at the beginning of her ministry as curate. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for the leaders of our Church - this week please pray for music leaders, naming Keith, Philip and Peter amongst those who co-ordinate this aspect of our church family. life Please remember in your prayers our newly appointed Children's Ministry & Community Outreach Co-ordinator, Karen Herrick - please ask God to bless her and keep her as she explores this area of ministry within our parish. People - Please pray for those you know who are ill. - As swine flu spreads, and members of our church family, and our community are affected, please pray for those who are ill, and for those who fear becoming ill. Please hold before God those people known to you who are in any way caught up in this outbreak. Church Life Pray for: - Summer Rendezvous which will soon be upon us - ask God to support those who lead this event and to encourage the leaders by more people signing up to take part. - the Church cricket match this weekend - for an opportunity for fellowship and deepening relationships, and for protection from loose cricket balls). Living Stones Building Project - Please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power. - Pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds. World Focus - Please pray for Afghanistan - for peace and an end to the war, bloodshed, terror and death that is being endured by all involved in the conflict, and for all families caught up in the anxiety and fear of knowing their loved ones are in a place of danger. - CSW invite us to pray for Pastor Gude Pérez in Cuba. He was sentenced to six years in prison, despite credible claims that he was falsely charged due to his leadership role in a fast-growing Christian organisation. The pastor’s family home will also be confiscated as part of the sentence 11.07.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought "We meet in the presence of God who knows our needs, hears our cries, feels our pain, and heals our wounds" it is with these words in mind that I invite you to read on - allowing these words of truth to find a way deep into you heart as we bring to God some of the needs of our church family, our community and the world. Give Thanks Thank God for Ruth's ordination and her willingness to serve Him in our parish. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for the leaders of our Church - this week please pray for House Group leaders, and Emma who co-ordinates this aspect of our church family life. People - please continue to hold Glyn Botham in your prayers as he finds out more this coming week about the cancer and the treatment that will be proposed by the medical team - pray for Glyn to know God's healing in his body, mind, and spirit - pray for those who knew Kim Trickett and who will remember her at the funeral next Wednesday - thinking especially of her family, her boyfriend, and for the Riley family who brought Kim to our attention - there are 7 people being licensed as Lay Readers in our Diocese tomorrow (Saturday) - please pray for them, and for the Lay Readers who serve (or who have served) our churches so faithfully Church Life Pray for - wisdom to discern whether there is a role for a Parish Assistant (Gareth Simmonds) to work with our church family, and especially the young people, and if there is the money available to support him - Summer Rendezvous which will soon be upon us - ask God to support and encourage those who lead this event and those who will be attending Living Stones Building Project - please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power - pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds World Focus - please pray for Afghanistan - for peace and an end to the war, bloodshed, terror and death that is being endured by all involved in the conflict, and for all families caught up in the anxiety and fear of knowing their loved ones are in a place of danger. 03.07.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Almighty and eternal God, who, for the firmer foundation of our faith, allowed your holy apostle Thomas to doubt the resurrection of your Son til word and sight convinced him: grant to us, who have not seen, that we also may believe and so confess Christ as our Lord and our God; who is alive and reigns with you in teh unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Give Thanks for: - the day of prayer and fasting for our church and community taking/taken place today (Friday 3 July). Upholding our Leaders in Prayer: You are invited to pray for Ruth Turner as she prepares for ordination at Derby Cathedral on Sunday, and for her emerging ministry amongst us Please pray for parish clergy (Matt and Audrey), Readers, Wardens, service and worship leaders, - as you see these people in Church on Sunday ask God to bless them and their ministry. People: - those who you know are ill Church Life Pray for: - the meetings coming up this week - the Development Committee meets this evening (3 July) and PCC meets on Monday (6 July) - may those who attend take time to "tune in" to God before, during and after the meetings - wisdom to discern whether there is a role for a resident musician / song writer (Gareth Simmonds) to work with our church family, and especially the young people, and if there is the money available to support him - please ask God to bless all the arrangements being made for the summer Rendezvous - 6- 8th August, and to keep those involved in organising the event fit and well Living Stones Building Project: - pray for tomorrow night's "Fabulous You!" event - for people to come along and enjoy a fun evening in a church with friends and help raise funds for the project at the same time - please pray for clarity over the permissions that need to be sought and granted - there is some confusion and we need to know what needs doing World Focus: Today in Burma the trial resumes of Aung San Suu Kyi. Please pray for justice to prevail for her, and others imprisoned for their stand against unfair regimes. 27.06.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought "Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you?" Psalm 71:19 Give Thanks Thank God for: - Ruth's arrival in the Parish - the contacts and new friendships made suring the Dadfest weekend Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for Ruth Turner as she prepares for ordination at Derby Cathedral next Saturday. People - please continue to hold those who are ill Church Life Pray for: - the meetings coming up this week - the DCC and Development Committee both meet this week - may those who attend take time to "tune in" to God before, during and after the meeitngs - Alpha and Rendezvous take place this week - pray for those leading these gatherings - that they may be encouraged and energized by the work they do - wisdom to discern whether there is a role for a resident musician / song writer (Gareth Simmonds) to work with our church family, and especially the young people, and if there is the money available to support him Living Stones Building Project - pray for the forthcoming "Fabulous You!" event - for people to come along and enjoy a fun evening in a church with friends and help raise funds for the project at the same time - please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power - pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds World Focus Tomorrow (Sunday 28 June) we are holding our annual day for SAMS (South American Missionary Society) - please pray for Paul and Sarah Tester who are serving with SAMS in Lima, Peru. Please pray for: - good health for them both, and for safety as they travel - funds to become available to emply a Peruvian youth worker - the work of "The ARk" playscheme - the Alpha group currently underway 12.06.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Give Thanks Thank God for the mammoth painting and decorating job that has gone on at the house to prepare it for Ruth's arrival. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer You are invited to pray for all in a leadership role within our church asking this week for God to encourage them to continue in their walk with Him. We are also asked to pray for Ruth Turner, as she arrives amongst us this coming week - may the house be ready and waiting, and so may we. People Pray for those who are facing and recovering from medical treatments and interventions. Church Life Pray for - The Dadfest events over the weekend of Father's Day. - St Thomas' youth team carrying out dethatched youth work in Somersall Park and other locations in Brampton on alternate Fridays chatting to young people, talking about life, and learning about them. - The Alpha group meeting on a Wednesday evening. Living Stones Building Project - Pray for the group making their way by canoe and kayak down the River Wye this weekend - for fair weather, safety on and off the water and a lovely time with one another and with God. - Please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power. - Pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds. World Focus In two weeks we are holding our annual day for SAMS (South American Missionary Society) - please pray for Paul and Sarah Tester who are serving with SAMS in Lima, Peru. 24.05.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought St Julian of Norwich's most famous words: "All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well." You are invited to meditate upon this phrase during the week. Give Thanks Thank God for upholding you through your prayer life Upholding our Leaders in Prayer we continue to pray for Matt and Audrey , Gemma and Kat asking this week for God to meet their spiritual needs. We are also asked to pray for Ruth Turner, our incoming Curate - she asks us to pray: that she is able to finish all her work at college for a good "ending" at college that her move next month goes well for protection for her back during all this activity as she is prone to a bad back that she settles in quickly to life in Chesterfield and enjoys herself! People - please continue to pray for 20 year old Kim, friend of the Riley family, who has an inoperable brain tumour - may God work in her life in a miraculous way. - please pray for someone you know who may be at a crossroads in their life - at work, in their family life, in other relationships - that this in-between time and space at the very edge of their comfort zone may provide them with an opportunity to encounter God. - you will know of someone who is in need of God the Healer - in your imagination, picture yourself with them and accompany them until you are face to face with Jesus - then ask Jesus to make them better - how does He respond? Church Life Pray for - the plans for the Dadfest coming up in June - that men will already be being prepared by God to come along to the events. - As the team prepares for this month's Furnace event on Friday (29th) please pray for the Spirit to move in the lives of all who attend. - St Thomas' youth team carrying out detatched youth work in Somersall Park and other locations in Brampton on alternate Fridays - chatting to young people, talking about life, and learning about them. Living Stones Building Project - please pray for staff at the Home Office who are dealing with the pastoral scheme - may our file find its way to the right people at the right time and make steady progress through the corridors of power. - as you become aware of fundraising events and activities over the coming weeks and months, pray for those involved and for the remaining funds to be forthcoming as needed. - pray that the Japanese Knotweed will respond to treatment and be removed from the grounds. World Focus CSW ask for prayers for Burma to continue and in particular for Aung San Suu Kyi. The trial began in Burma this week after she was taken from her home and charged with breaking the terms of her house arrest. In a surprise move, the regime decided to let a group of journalists and diplomats into the trial hearing. Pray that "all shall be well" for Aung San Suu Kyi and the people of Burma - holding them before God, for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (www.csw.org.uk) 15.05.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Prayer is encounter - God's action in us - as you read on be ready for God to act - in you! Give Thanks Thank God for answered prayer in your life. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer We continue to pray for Matt and Audrey , Gemma and Kat asking this week for God to meet their personal needs such as: -effective use of time. -strong relationships with those they love and love them. -quality time with family and friends. -physical and mental strength - it can en exhausting way of life. -opportunities to relax - time to do things that energise them, and fill them with pleasure wisdom in making decisions. We are also asked to pray for Ruth Turner, our incoming Curate - she asks us to pray: -that she is able to finish all her work at college. -for a good "ending" at college. -that her move next month goes well. -for protection for her back during all this activity as she is prone to a bad back. -that she settles in quickly to life in Chesterfield and enjoys herself! People -please pray for a 20 year friend of the Riley family, who has an inoperable brain tumour, may God work in her life in a miraculous way. -please pray for someone you know who may be at a crossroads in their life - at work, in their family life, in other relationships - that this inbetween time and space at the very edge of the comfort zone may provide an opportunity to encounter God. -please ask God to be close to those who have served and loved us in the past - thinking especially of Christopher and Pam Frith; Petra (and Bruce) Moore; David and Lisa Mouncer, and Neil and Amanda Roper. -please pray for those young people taking exams at the moment Church Life Pray for - the plans for the Dadfest coming up in June - that men will already be being prepared by God to come along to the events. Living Stones Building Project -please pray for the pastoral scheme that now needs to be confirmed. -as you become aware of fundraising events and activities over the coming weeks and months, pray for those involved and for the remaining funds to be forthcoming as needed. World Focus Our own country - as we hear almost daily of the improper / illegal activities of those in Parliament let us pray that God will uphold His people in places of authority at local, regional and national levels - remembering Keith Morgan, local councillor and deputy mayor for the coming year, and any others known personally to us. use the witness of Christian MPs and Councillors to share the good news of His love to us all - "for we have all sinned and gone astray". Be present in the voting booths at the forthcoming elections - so that our country and the European Parliament might be led by people who acknowledge Him in all their ways reveal to us as individuals the part we might play in bringing people to God to experience His love, grace, mercy and peace. 30.04.09 Sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Loving God, our lives are so busy; we are distracted and pulled in different directions; we have many concerns, worries, fears and are troubled about those duties, failures and things to do that are beyond us. We come into your presence from the hurly burly of life, the noise of the street, the pleas, expectations and demands of others. You ivite us to come apart and rest awhile - and for a moment, at our computers, we are here with you, and your love reassures us. Give Thanks Thank God for answered prayer- Especially for the smooth running of the annual meeting last Sunday, For all the volunteers who came forward to support the new DCC and PCC For Bernard Blanksby as he stands down as Church Warden and for Mark Hoare as he takes up this role for a second time - thank you Mark. Mark Torkington also thanks everyone for their prayers, and thanks God for enabling him to complete the marathon despite injury, and exceed his fund raising target for Oxfam - he writes: "It was a wonderful experience, and I am so grateful for all the love and support along the way. The few blisters and aches will heal soon - we have an amazing God." Upholding our Leaders in Prayer We continue to pray for Matt and Audrey our ordained ministers please pray for God's chosen person to become known for the appointment of ArchDeacon for Chesterfield. People - Please pray for 20 year old Kim, friend of the Riley family, who this week has had surgery to treat a brain tumour - Please pray for someone you know who may be at a crossroads in their life - Remember around 25 young people who are taking part in 24 hours of prayer and activities at All Saints Wingerworth tomorrow (Friday) - please pray for them and their leaders, for Kat Witham who has organised the event, and ask God to meet this next generation of His people in a real and deep way - Please ask God to be close to Christopher and Pam Frith as they move home this week and for Christopher's mother who is unwell Church Life Pray for - the newly appointed members of the DCC for St Thomas, and the newly appointed PCC for the Parish Living Stones Building Project Please pray for the pastoral scheme that now needs to be confirmed (my understanding is that this scheme is a legal matter which will deconsecrate the ground, clearing the way for building to start) World Focus Let's pray that the swine flu does not turn into a pandemic, and for those affected that they will be well treated and cared for. As the involvement of British forces comes to an end in Iraq let's pray for families of those who died in service, and for the forces returning home with all the pressures that may bring - let's also pray for the people of Iraq and especially the christian community in this country. 19.04.09 Hello everyone, This coming week, you are invited to pray for our church and our parish as we approach the Annual Parochial Church Meeting next Sunday 26th April, at 6pm. Give thanks - reading through the "Year in the Life of the Parish" booklet we have much to give thanks for - let your mind wander over the past year and focus on something or someone that you want to say a special 'thank you' to God for. Upholding our Leaders in prayer - pray for Karen and Bernard our Church Wardens. - pray for members of the PCC who also hold special positions of responsibility thinking of Sue Ward, PCC Secretary; Phil Johnson, Treasurer and Mark Hoare, Vice-Chair to name just a few. - pray for our youth leader, Gemma Machin and for Kat Witham who is so ably assisting in the work during her gap year. - pray for Matt and Audrey, and also for Ruth who will be joining us shortly. People - please ask God to prompt people to come forward to serve on the newly formed DCC for St Thomas' and also the PCC for the Parish. - please pray for people who feel called to serve in this way - that they will recognise the prompt as from God, and then have courage to put their names forward. Church Life - remember "Furnace" in your prayers - and come along if you can - Friday evening at 7.30pm where the theme will be "life's storms." - as the current Alpha group draw their course to a close please pray for the participants as they continue their walk with God. Please pray for more people to be interested and sign up for the next course starting shortly. May the peace of the Lord be with you, with love, Julie x 06.04.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought an act of despair As the pace of the coming week takes us to Easter Sunday, may you also find a way to stay a while in the despair of the passion story and allow God to speak to you of His story - His struggle, His obedience, His sacrifice, His love. Give Thanks Thank God for answered prayer - thinking especially of the prayer request circulated last week - Many thanks to you all for your prayers and concern regarding Josh and his transport arrangements. Praise God, the YFC board shared Josh's and our concerns when they met yesterday evening. They have sugested setting up an account with a local taxi firm, which we all feel is an excellent solution. We give thanks to God for a swift and simple answer to our prayer. Love Tim and Sue. Upholding our Leaders in Prayer over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our music / worship leaders in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Philip Herrick and Pete Cooney and the few who faithfully lead our singing and musical worship. Please ask God to sustain those currently involved, and also ask Him to stir up new people to come forward and offer their instruments and voices so as to help the rest of us to praise God. Please pray for a music leader to be available for the April Furnace event. People As the recession continues to bite, please pray for people in our congregations who are in positions of responsibility in business and commerce facing severe financial pressures. Hold them by name if you can before God, and ask Him to strengthen them in their decision making, giving them wisdom and assurance of His presence in this difficult times. Pray also that they may be able to feel the support of the rest of the congregation of believers, invisible though it may be. Church Life Pray for - the distribution of Spotlight this week as an opportunity to pray for the parish. - the services of prayer and reflection planned for the early part of the week. - all the services planned for Good Friday and Easter Sunday - may the message of Easter in all its shades of light and shadow touch the life of one new person / one family - may it touch you as well. - the Annual Church meeting coming up on 26th April. Living Stones Building Project please pray for the pastoral scheme that now needs to be confirmed (my understanding is that this scheme is a legal matter which will deconsecrate the ground, clearing the way for building to start). World Focus Please remember Gareth Simmonds who is in Mozambique with a group from St Aldate's for two weeks - please pray for protection as the group travels, and for receptive hearts - of those they meet, and for Gaz and his friends as they encounter God in a different guise CSW have asked for our urgent prayers for Gao Zhisheng. Gao is a prominent Christian human rights lawyer in Beijing who has been a target for the Chinese Government because of his work defending house church Christians and others persecuted in China. He was last seen being hauled away from his home by more than a dozen police officers on 4 February and has not been heard from since. Reports indicate he is undergoing brutal torture – the situation is now critical, and he is in desperate need of our help. 26.03.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Praying gives sense, brings wisdom, broadens and strengthens the mind. Julian of Norwich Give Thanks That nothing is ever wasted in God's kingdom - not broken lives; splintered dreams; shattered people; fragmented things - "Gather up the pieces that remain, says God, "Let nothing be wasted" Upholding our Leaders in Prayer Over the coming few weeks, you are invited to uphold our music / worship leaders in prayer. This coming week - please pray for Philip Herrick and Pete Cooney and the few who faithfully lead our singing and musical worship. Please ask God to sustain those currently involved, and also ask Him to stir up new people to come forward and offer their instruments and voices so as to help the rest of us to praise God. People Mark Torkington asks for prayer as he is suffering with an injury which medics and physios cannot sort out - he is in training to run in the London marathon for Oxfam and in memory of his sister, Mandy, whom you may remember died about 2 years ago on her way to an Alpha group. As the recession continues to bite, please pray for people in our congregations who are in positions of responsibility in business and commerce facing severe financial pressures. Hold them by name if you can before God, and ask Him to strengthen them in their decision making, giving them wisdom and assurance of His presence in this difficult times. Pray also that they may be able to feel the support of the rest of the congregation of believers, invisible though it may be. Church Life Pray for - Furnace tomorrow (Friday) - please pray for Marie and Karen as they share their stories of their walk with God. Please also remember in your prayers the musicians, technicians and Sam and Nick as they co-host the evening, as well as asking God to continue to draw people to this lovely time with Him. - The joint service between St Peter's and the 9 o'clock congregation this coming Sunday (29 March) - that it may be a joyful time and a special encounter with God. - The continuing Alpha course. - The meeting about church structure and how it will support our mission and ministry this Sunday (29 March @ 4pm) Living Stones Building Project Please pray for the pastoral scheme that now needs to be confirmed (my understanding is that this scheme is a legal matter which will deconsecrate the ground, clearing the way for building to start). Pray too for the forthcoming update meeting (29 March 4pm) World Focus We continue to remember our mission partners in prayer - this week you may like to pray for the work of Samaritan's Purse. During March we are asked to pray for the HIV and AIDS programme in Swaziland, working through their partner agency Teen Challenge. We are asked to pray that they will be able to mobilise churches within rural communities in Swaziland to care for those affected by HIV. 13.03.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Matthew 4:23 (New International Version) Jesus Heals the Sick. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Give Thanks for the Living Stones project - and for the affirming and confirming news that the revised building plans have been approved at council level at last Monday's meeting. 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, Gemma , Kat and Anne as they lead us in our walk with God. Please continue to hold Ruth Turner before God (our curate in waiting). People For people we know who are need of "Jesus the healer"- In your imagination, see yourself having some private time with Jesus, and hear him ask you who you know wants to be healed. -as you bring each name to Jesus, be aware of how you feel about asking for healing so directly, be aware of how you feel about your friend and listen carefully - Jesus may want to speak to you as well. Church Life Pray for- - All the services being held on Sunday thinking of those who are leading and preaching, and also of those who will be attending - may God move amongst us all, and may we encourage and enable His love to flow freely. Living Stones Building Project Please pray for the pastoral scheme that now needs to be confirmed (my understanding is that this scheme is a legal matter which will deconsecrate the ground, clearing the way for building to start). Pray too for the forthcoming update meeting (29th March) World Focus We continue to remember our mission partners in prayer - this week you may like to pray for the work of Novimost. In their latest prayer letter (full version available in church) they ask for our prayers for the following: - God's guidance over a possible third location for their work - a place called Jajce. - Ongoing conversations with the government about funding for youth work which could bring about a more sustainable future for Novimost. - The health and well being of worker Indira Zovko in the latter stages of pregnancy, and for her unborn / newborn child. - For God to bring unity and harmony to Bosnia and Herzegovina. 28.02.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Another gem from St Julian of Norwich for you to ponder: "Our prayer brings great joy and gladness to our Lord. He wants it and awaits it. So he says this, "Pray inwardly, even though you find no joy in it. For it does good, though you feel nothing, see nothing, yes, even though you think you cannot pray. For when you are dry and empty, sick and weak, your prayers please me, though there be little enough to please you. All believeing prayer is precious to me." Give Thanks For the Furnace event on Friday and the testimonies shared by Angela and Peter. 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, Gemma , Kat and Anne and their time on retreat Monday - Thursday Please continue to hold Ruth Turner before God (our curate in waiting). People - for people we know facing uncertainty in their work and employment situations. - for people we know applying for new jobs, being interviewed and waiting for news. - for people we know who are still in the grip of a long term illness or health condition. - for anyone feeling at the lowest depth of need - that God's goodness might reach down and find them. Church Life Pray for - - the world day of prayer this coming Friday - for all involved in this service at St Thomas'. - for the First Thursady Rendezvous and outreach to senior members of the Parish. - for the forthcoming Lent course. Living Stones Building Project Please pray for the meeting of Chesterfield Borough Council Planning Committee on 9th March. World Focus We all support organisations and people around the world - take time this week to find out something new from an organisation dear to your heart and pray for them. Please also remember Josh Wheeler in Northern Ireland, and Gareth Simmonds in Oxford as they continue their in service training experiences. 23.02.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work - it is the greater work" - Oswald Chambers. Give Thanks for the six people from St Thomas' who were confimed by Bishop Jack last night - Ashley, Lisa, Julie, Ben, Robin and Hayley - thanking God that they have each said "Yes" to 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 that they will give glory to God. Please continue to hold Ruth Turner before God (our curate in waiting). People - For people we know facing uncertainty in their work and employment situations. - For people we know applying for new jobs, being interviewed and waiting for news. - For people we know who are still in the grip of a long term illness or health condition. - For anyone feeling at the lowest depth of need - that God's goodness might reach down and find them. Church Life Pray for - The Furnace team, and those giving their testimonnies at this week's Furnace event on the theme of "Growth" - The participants on the Alpha course. - The service on Ash Wednesday this weekand the forthcoming Lent course. Living Stones Building Project Please pray for the meeting of Chesterfield Borough Council Planning Committee on 9th March. World Focus Christian Solidarity Worldwide - this week we are invited to focus on the needs of the privince of Jos, Nigeria, and inparticular to pray - For CSW Nigeria as they seek to bring practical help to the victims of religious violence. - For the Church in Jos, that it would be strengthened and that Christians continue to support one another during difficult times. 13.02.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought St Julian of Norwich lived in the mid 1300's - her meditations are an inspiration. As we come to prayer this week perhaps this reading might inspire you to rest in the goodness of God: Then the way we often pray came into my mind and how, through lack of knowing and understanding of the ways of love, we pester him with petitions. Then I saw truly that is gives more praise to God and more delight if we pray steadfast in love, trusting his goodness, clinging to him by grace, than if we ask for everything our thoughts can name. All our petitions fall short of God and are too small to be worthy of him, and his goodness encompasses all that we can think to ask. The best prayer is to rest in the goodness of God knowing that that goodness can reach right down to our lowest depths of need. (Enfolded in Love - daily readings with Julian of Norwich, 1980) Give Thanks That the youth weekend went well and also giving thanks for the young people who gave their lives to Christ or made a commitment in prayer on that weekend (and the ones who didn't because they're all worth giving thanks for!). 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 handle opposition well. Please continue to hold Ruth Turner before God (our curate in waiting) People - for people we know facing uncertainty in their work and employment situations. - for people we know applying for new jobs, being interviewed and waiting for news. - for the family and friends of Bishop Jonathan as they attend the memorial service on Saturday 21st February. - for Joe and Vera - neighbours of the Lomas family - Joe, 83, is seriously ill in hospital and his wife Vera has had to take up residence in a home for her own safety and well being. - for anyone feeling at the lowest depth of need - that God's goodness might reach down and find them. Church Life Pray for - the candidates being confirmed at St Thomas' on 22nd February: Ashley Weatherall; Lisa Collins; Julie Lomas; Ben Marshall; Robin Broadbent; Hayley Broadbent. - the residential homes visits on Wednesday. - for the participants on the Alpha course. Living Stones Building Project Please continue to hold before God the need for permissions to be granted by families of people buried in the graveyard. World Focus Thinking of our visitors from OMF who will be with us this Sunday - please pray for the Thomas family. Let's also pray for everyone working for OMF using the words of their vision statement: God, through your grace, may all who work for OMF see an indigenous, biblical church movement in each people group of East Asia, evangelizing their own people and reaching out in mission to other peoples. 06.02.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought How have you been feeling this last week? With all the disruption because of the snow and winter weather; reduction in interest rates; concern and worry for jobs you can be forgiven for having had a bad week. I heard a verse quoted on UCB radio this morning which I offer now to you as we come to the Lord in prayer at our computers: "we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5b NIV) I was challenged to imagine myself as a character from "The Bill" - shouting "Freeze" to run away thoughts and anxieties, then "arresting" those thoughts/ anxieties, and taking them to Jesus who is able to take responsibility for dealing with the situation. Give Thanks For all of us who make up the Christian presence in our community. 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 each have a heart full of compassion. People Please pray for people known to us who are ill or need a touch from you at this time. Also for: - Chantal's family - Jean Francois who went missing in dreadful circumstances; his wife Jina and son Riki. - The families of people who have died during the week in snow related incidents, thinking especially of Francesca who died at Rother Valley Country Park. -For people we know facing uncertainty in their work and employment situations - please find here a prayer called 'Redundant' for your use and also a prayer for working people  Church Life Pray for: -The young people and their leaders who are away for the weekend in North Yorkshire. Please pray for safe travelling there and back; for the teaching and learning to be God centred, and for the warmth of God's love to spread further into the hearts of all involved. Living Stones Building Project: -Please continue to hold before God the need for permissions to be granted by families of people buried in the graveyard. A prayer for ourselves: We pray for ourselves, That through our choices, actions and words We may daily live out our faith, and bear witness to you, the source of all good things. Amen 25.01.09 Hello everyone, I am sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought At the 11.00am services we are following a series on new year's resolutions. We have thought about resolving to trust God completely, and to worship God wholeheartedly. Consider this week what it might mean to you to "resolve to model faithfulness persistently" Give Thanks For God's faithfulness to You in the words of 2 Samual 22: 18 - 21 (The Message): But me he caught—reached all the way from sky to sea; he pulled me out of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning. They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved—surprised to be loved! God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before 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 that they will be concerned for the lost. Please also pray for Ruth Turner, as she enters the final months of her training and work in Cambridge, before joining us as Curate in the summer. People This week sees the beginning of the Alpha course - please pray for the participants as they meet for the first time on Tuesday evening. Church Life Please remember before God the plans being put together for outreach work amongst young people in our area - pray for Gemma and the meeting on Wednesday to be encouraging, and action focused. Living Stones Building Project Please continue to hold before God the activities to take this project forward World Focus This Sunday, the All Africa Conference of Churches wants Christians worldwide to pray and fast for justice in Zimbabwe and Tearfund is supporting that call. Peter Grant, Tearfund’s International Director, said, `We can pray for a new hope around many urgent issues, especially as a new US president steps up to multiple challenges. Zimbabwe is one of these and we know that prayer can overcome injustice. The need is urgent. As Christians and churches pray for Zimbabwe there remains the “audacity of hope” for those whose single challenge this week is to survive.’ Please pray for God’s justice for Zimbabwe and that the country receives political leadership which restores its people. Pray too for the spread of cholera to be contained. 18.01.09 Hello everyone, sending you this e-mail with love, Julie x Prayer Thought Growth means change and change involves risk, stepping from the known to the unknown - Author unknown Give Thanks For change taking place in your life - ask God to show you how stumbling blocks can become stepping stones. 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 their ministry will be Christ centred. Please also pray for Ruth Turner, as she enters the final months of her training and work in Cambridge, before joining us as Curate in the summer. People For people known to us who are anticipating, or are in the midst of change - think of the two or three people uppermost on your mind and name them before God, allowing His presence to flow into their world through you. Church Life Pray for - the PCC meeting on Monday evening - pray for an atmosphere of loving risk taking to be present during the meeting. Living Stones Building Project Please continue to hold before God the activities to take this project forward. World Focus Please pray for Barak Obama and his family as he is inaugurated as President of the USA. Please remember citizens of Gaza and Israel - may the risks they face each day turn to change and growth - with God, all things are possible. 12.01.09 Hello everyone, This coming week please remember the Cooney family in your prayers as they await news of Chantal's cousin, Jean-Francois. Peter writes: "It appears two criminal fugitives posed as tourists and then hijacked the boat which Jean-Francois skippered ( a trimaran called Patrol One). The criminals were on bail and trying to escape to Madagascar. They got near to the coast of Madagascar when the boat ran out of fuel - it appears they then abandoned Patrol One - the boats dingy is missing so it is thought they left on the dingy to get to Madagascar. At some point they attacked the assistant skipper, Leon Alphon. He was hit on the head with a bottle and thrown over board - he survived in the water by holding on to part of the boat's engine. After the criminals left he managed to get back onto the boat, but Jean-Francois was missing. Leon lost consciousness and woke up in hospital in Madagascar- he needed stitches to a head wound. The family's HOPE is that the fugitives (who are still at large, presumably somewhere in Madagascar) took Jean-Francois with them - he's an experienced seaman who could assist them whilst at sea - they were still about 15 miles out from the coast- and to act as a hostage? - who knows? Chantal and I appreciate your prayer support. Jean-Francois' wife, Rajina (known as Jina) and son Riki continue to hope and pray." Please also remember the Barnes family as they enjoy some family time together - pray for Matt and Mel, Ellie, Jack and Amy. As plans begin to be made for detatched youth work in our parish, please pray for Gemma and for people to come forward to assist in this work. Thank you, Julie
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