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.
This week we are asked to pray:
Prayers for the week from Roots on the web Lord Jesus, we thank you that you care about every aspect of our lives. You’re not just interested in the big, life-changing moments - everything is important to you no matter how small. So we come with confidence, knowing that you will not turn us away. We can ask for anything, pray about anything and you will listen, and you will care. Give us the courage to pray the big prayers… And help us not to be diffident about praying for the small things. And give us the confidence to acknowledge that, though our prayers may not be answered in the way we want, you are ultimately in control. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Lord Jesus, we come with our big prayers for the world. We weep with you for those who are suffering from war and famine. We lift the people of Gaza to you, urgently praying for an end to hostilities. We pray for the Israeli hostages longing for home and for those so anxious for their release. We pray that aid may be brought to those in desperate need. And we pray for Ukraine and Russia, and all who suffer from the consequences of war. We pray for those who are seeking to negotiate a ceasefire. We pray for the leaders of the nations, asking that you will give them wisdom to speak out to bring an end to war wherever it is fought. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Lord, you call us to show hospitality to strangers, so we pray for refugees, asylum seekers and all those who travel to our nations from elsewhere. We pray that migrants will be made welcome and shown compassion rather than being greeted with hostility and suspicion. Give us the courage to see others as you see them and to serve them as if we are serving you. We remember all those who are in prison. We remember, too, their families, who live with the sadness of being separated from them for long periods of time. We thank you for prison visitors and those who support the lonely and troubled. And we pray for all victims of crime who are often forgotten about… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Lord, after a long summer holiday, many of our children are preparing to return to school this week. We pray for those who are excited to be in new classes and those who are nervous about starting new schools. We remember that many will be very anxious, especially those who feel unable to attend school. Be close to each child, we pray, may they know your presence with them as they enter the classroom or do their lessons at home. We also pray for teachers. Give them patience, wisdom and clear heads as they go back to their classrooms this week. And we pray for parents who may feel lonely when their children start school for the first time or whose young adults are preparing for university. Give us eyes to see those in our communities who may need some extra support over the coming days and make us quick to help. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Lord we pray for our communities. We think of the businesses, the surgeries, schools and shops - everyone who lives and works around us. We focus our minds on one particular place… We pray for all who work there, help us to find ways of bringing your love to that place. We pray for our neighbours and friends, the housebound and the lonely. Show us how we, as a church, can make a difference in our community. And we pray for ourselves as a congregation. Fill us with your Spirit in this place that we may go from here renewed and refreshed having met with, and been challenged by, you. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Finally, we lift ourselves to you. Lord, you know where we are joyful and you know where we have deep sadness and worry. In the stillness, we tell you our deepest needs. Help us not to be afraid to pray but to open our souls to you because you are a God of compassion. Lead us forward into the week ahead knowing that you go before us. Help us to listen to you and be people of compassion wherever you send us. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever… So we are confident that you listen and you care. Send us out, lead us on, into your world, as listening and caring people. Amen.