Sharing the Journey: Seeking the Kingdom St John & St Stephen’s Church, Reading, Saturday 17th May, 10am – 3pm For the first time, we are going to have partners from all our link dioceses visiting us - and you're invited to join them! Join with partners from India, Jamaica, South Africa and Sweden as together we reflect on ways to live as disciples of Jesus. Whether your passion is for sharing the gospel, nourishing young people's faith, serving our communities, seeking justice, or caring for creation, there will be opportunities for learning and conversation.
● worship
● workshops
● information on links/ mission agency partners
● free event, including lunch with dishes from the different links.
Register here: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/world-mission/world-mission.php
This week we are asked to pray:
Prayers for the week Thank you to Mike for this week’s prayers based on David Adam’s ‘Glimpses of Glory’. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, give us wisdom and faith to trust in you. When we cannot see your presence, when the way is full of darkness and doubt, increase our faith and help to know that you will never leave us or forsake us, for you are ever with us, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, now and forever, Amen. Lord, we rejoice that we abide in you and in your great love. We pray that you will strengthen the fellowship of your people, that you will sustain us in our unity and help us to know we are one with you. We pray for inter-church relationships and all groups that help to break down barriers. And we pray that Pope Leo will help to bring forward our togetherness. Lord, lead us from despair to hope, from division to wholeness. Lord, we bring before you areas where there is division, strife and racial hatred – for the crises in the Holy Land and Ukraine, the renewed clash between India and Pakistan, and conflict throughout the world. We pray for strengthening of the United Nations and for all who work for peace and unity and for the building up of community and fellowship. Lord, lead us from despair to hope, from division to wholeness. We give thanks for our own homes and their love. We pray for homes of strife and discord, homes where there is neglect, abuse or violence. We pray for all families suffering from a breakdown in their relationships. Lord, lead us from despair to hope, from division to wholeness. We pray for all who are suffering from physical or mental illness. for those who are torn apart by memories or fears. We ask your blessing on loved ones and friends who are suffering at this time. Lord, lead us from despair to hope, from division to wholeness. We rejoice that you lead us through the valley of the shadow of death and offer us life eternal. We remember all who rejoice in your love and in your kingdom. Lord, lead us from despair to hope, from division to wholeness. Merciful Father accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.