Please come and pray for the life of our parishes and seek God’s guidance for the new year ahead. This will take place in the Canterbury Room at St Thomas’. Coffee and croissants from 8:15am, followed by prayer for the life of our churches. Finished by 9.30am.
Christmas at Cleeve Lodge Cleeve Lodge would like to welcome residents, families, friends and the local community to their Christmas activities. Further details can be found by clicking here. Cleeve Lodge are also opening on Christmas Day to anyone that may be on their own or unable to cook a Christmas meal for themselves. Please contact them at management@cleevelodge.co.uk to book.
This week we are asked to pray:
Prayers for the week from Roots on the web Please respond to the Aramaic word “Maranatha” with its meaning “Come Lord Jesus”. God of all our hopes and fears. We ask you to come among us as we pray. Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus. As we hear of those experiencing storms buffeting coasts and lands, typhoons and flooding, earthquakes and hurricanes, we pray for: those who feel there is little hope in their lives and whose hearts feel broken and empty; those overwhelmed by their inner storms and those buffeted by the incessant demands of daily life; those burdened by too much responsibility and those afraid of how tired they are. We pray too for those coping with the aftermath of Storm Bram especially those whose homes and premises have been flooded and for all those in the emergency services, constantly facing difficult and dangerous situations. Come Lord Jesus fill them with courage, resilience and joy, that sorrow and sighing may flee away. Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus. We pray for those who live in places of conflict and violence: We remember especially the people of Thailand and Cambodia; the people of Ukraine surrounded by so much uncertainty; and the European leaders seeking unity and initiatives to end the suffering of so many. We pray for the people of Sudan amidst so much brutality; for the people of Gaza and all those in refugee camps around the world desperate for the waters of aid to stream into the deserts of their misery. Come Lord Jesus fill them with strength, reconciliation and joy, that sorrow and sighing may flee away. Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus. We pray for young people coming to the end of another university, college or school term: For those trying to cope with the pressure of assignments and work; For those struggling emotionally and mentally with environments they find difficult; For those endangered by social media; For those being bullied or exploited; and for those who go home to places of tension or sadness or hardship. We pray for teachers and all who share the responsibility of guiding and equipping children and students with knowledge and confidence. Come Lord Jesus fill them with wisdom, fulfilment and joy, that sorrow and sighing may flee away. Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus. We pray for our churches: For those called to share the Christmas message publicly in pulpits and podcasts; And those who will share it privately through hospitality, through listening and through example. We pray our churches will be places of warmth and welcome for those whose journey through Advent is marred by ill health; for those struggling on the streets of our towns and cities; for those who are in debt or plagued by addiction; or those who are alone or dreading Christmas Day. Come Lord Jesus fill them with grace, hope and joy, that sorrow and sighing may flee away. Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus. And we pray for one another and for ourselves That we may be open to the needs of others; Aware of the needs of our own hearts; And follow in the footsteps of those who have journeyed to the crib before us With integrity, humility and joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.