Adult baptism/confirmation preparation course. Have you stood up and been counted as a member of God’s family? Have you got an adult understanding of who Jesus is? What feeds you? We have a 15 year old and a ripe adult and would welcome others to join a group. Timing will depend on what people can do but will probably be in the evenings in September. Do speak to a member of the ministry team about this if you are interested.
Songs of Praise service - please help us choose hymns! Live in harmony, join together in songs of praise the Bible urges us. So we can look forward to doing as we are told, for once!
Our Benefice Songs of Praise on Sunday 31st August at 10.30am is in St Andrew’s. The organist and choirs from Streatley and Goring will be there to help raise the roof.
Marriage of Emily and Matt On Saturday 9th August, a very special wedding took place at St Thomas' church between our organist, Matt, and Emily. Unsurprisingly, the service was filled with beautiful music, sung by a choir of 50+ people and expertly accompanied on organ and piano by Matt's two brothers.
Over the last two years, we have been blessed with Matt's musical skills, energy and enthusiasm and Emily's beautiful soprano voice helping lead our worship. We felt honoured that they had chosen to hold their wedding at St Thomas' and enjoyed meeting their family and friends as the wedding celebrations continued in Rectory Gardens and the Village Hall after the service. Matt and Emily are now on honeymoon but have sent the following message:
This week we are asked to pray:
Prayers for the week Thank you to Alun for this week’s prayers. Father, we thank you that you call us to your service as members of the Body of Christ. We ask your blessing on those who share in the life and work of the churches of this benefice:
We pray for all the members of the three congregations, that using their varied gifts they may find their true vocation and advance your kingdom, bearing witness to your love as shown in your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us. Lord, we bring before you the deep divisions of the world. We think especially of the people of Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, Syria, and other countries where conflict continues to rage. Set in the hearts of their leaders the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, that they may no longer distrust or fear one another, but be drawn together in understanding. Then with unity of purpose they may seek the way of peace. Bless the work of agencies bringing humanitarian aid and succour to those in greatest need. We remember as well missionaries across the world, working on the edge, and pray that more may feel called to follow this challenging but rewarding path. We ask your blessing particularly on Lindsey and Steve Poulson in Honduras, and the example they set for the young people they mentor. Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us. Lord, we thank you for the beauty of earth, sea and sky, for the richness of mountains and rivers, for the songs of birds and the precious loveliness of flowers. These are gifts to be treasured; may we strive hard to safeguard them for posterity. Grant that we continue to grow in grateful enjoyment of your creation, whilst always remaining aware of our responsibilities as stewards. Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us. Father, we thank you for our homes and families, for the love, care and mutual protection they provide, and the blessings which we often take for granted. Make us mindful of those who are less fortunate – the lonely, the homeless, the unemployed, the depressed, the confused and the vulnerable. We commend to you the work of those who strive, sometimes unheralded, to minister to their need. Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us. We pray for those who care for the sick, in hospital, nursing home or the patient’s own home. Grant to doctors and nurses the skill, understanding and compassion required, and to carers the strength and perseverance to look after their charges sympathetically. We remember those who have died recently. Grant, O Lord, to the bereaved the strength and courage to face the days ahead and the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. Lord, hear us, Lord, graciously hear us. Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.