Author: Peter Wells

No. 99 March 2021

This month we continue with our focus on all Parishes in the Deanery as we begin to emerge from our third Lockdown.

In our Deanery, please pray for:

• All our Churches, our clergy, and people
• Our keeping of the season of Lent
• Lent groups for our fellowship and our learning as we study together virtually.
• Mothering Sunday Services in whatever form they take.
• Palm Sunday Services
• Holy week services as we prepare to celebrate Easter Day.

In our communities, please pray for:

• Our keeping to the plan for our progress out of Lockdown and that we will continue to respect sensible rules to keep us all safe.
• The recovery of all the NHS staff who are worn out having worked so tirelessly in hospitals and in the community over the past year.

In the wider world we pray:

• That the wealthier countries will make supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine more available to the poorer countries

We give thanks for:

• The role out of the vaccines and for the efficient way the services have worked together, and the protection it is giving us.
• The numbers of people applying to train as nurses, inspired by what they have seen of the NHS during the Pandemic,
• Signs of spring all around us in the snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and the song of the birds.

Ever present God,
be with us in our isolation,
be close to us in our distancing,
be healing to us in our sickness,
be light in our darkness,
be wisdom in our confusion,
be all that is familiar when all is unfamiliar,
that when the doors re-open
we may with the zeal of Pentecost
inhabit our communities.
and speak of your goodness.
to an emerging world.
For Jesus’ sake. AmenVery Rev’d Andrew Nunn

No 97 January 2021

This month our special focus is on the Parish of Winnersh, St Mary the Virgin and St Catherine Bearwood.

Please pray for:         

Interim Priest in Charge                                     Rev’d James Warren
Priest with PTO:                                                      Rev’d Clifford Smith
Church Warden                                                       Debbie Brunt
Assistant Church Warden – St Mary’s        Anne Warner
Assistant Church Warden – St Catherine’s Joanne Brown
PCC Secretary:                                                        Alison Vacher
Parish Administrator                                            Samantha Robson-Hurst
PCC Treasurer                                                         Derek Manning

In the Parish, please pray:

• For all involved in the ‘ Next Steps ‘ process of the Parish engagement in discerning ways to better resource and sustain ministry and mission in the future; working towards July 2021 when James Warren will have completed his 3year period of Interim Ministry. 
• That God’s blessing will rest on the planning committee for the celebrations.in April 2021 to mark 175 years since the consecration of St Catherine’s and for all those who we hope will attend

In the Deanery, please pray for:

• Our Churches and our worship and fellowship whether we are able to continue worshiping in our Church buildings or on-line through live streaming, video or sound cloud.
• Those with technical skills who continue to provide these online services and resources.
• All meetings, business and social held on Zoom or other on-line resources.
• All who feel side-lined because they do not have the technological knowledge or resources to engage in this way.

In the wider community, please pray:

• That we will all act responsibly obeying the rules whether we are in Tier 4 or Lockdown.
• For the lonely that we will keep in contact with them so that they know they are not forgotten
• For the effects of the pandemic on all our lives, our NHS and the financial state of the country.
• For all sick with the Covid 19 virus and for those caring for them in hospital or at home.
• And give thanks for the vaccine and all who have to organise and administer its role out.
• About the effects of Brexit on our trade and movement round Europe.
• For those we miss who have died in the past year, that they may Rest in Peace. and Rise in Glory

God our Father, when the earth shakes and the nations are in uproar,
speak, and let the storm be still, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

No. 96 December 2020

In our Deanery let us give thanks:

• That we shall be able to hold Christmas services in Church.
• For those with technical skills who continue to provide online services and resources.

In our Churches please pray for:

• Advent Online’, that it may bless all who engage with the resources made available in many ways and find the daily offerings enriching and helpful in deepening our faith.
• The message of hope that is Christmas, will be an encouragement to all.
• All those attending Services whether in Church and those continuing to feel safer watching online or listening to recordings
• The families who are staying away from Church for fear of spreading the virus to older members of the congregation.
• All Christingle, Crib Services and Nativity plays in Church and online throughout the Deanery; that the sense of joy, sparkle and wonder may be felt and special memories made.
• Services of Nine Lessons and Carols
• Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Services
• Continued creativity even though many of us are tired and weary with all we have had to cope with in the last months.
• Fun activities including the Arborfield Christmas Mince Pie Evening on 3 December on Zoom
• The fun and fellowship of the Zoom Coffee and chat sessions
• Hardship funds and Food banks seeking to give assistance to those most in need at this time
• All who have been bereaved this year, especially for those who are anxious about their first Christmas alone. That they may know your comforting presence holding them safe and steady.

In our country please pray for:

• All in government and all scientists seeking for a way through the pandemic.
• Ourselves that as restrictions are eased over Christmas, we will behave responsibly and continue to observe social distancing and all other measures for the protection of all.
• And give thanks for positive news of vaccines to protect us from the virus.

Lord of heaven and earth,
as Jesus taught his disciples to be persistent in prayer,
give us patience and courage never to lose hope,
but always to bring our prayers before you,
though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From Daily Prayer SSF

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Collect for Advent Sunday

Lord Jesus Christ, your birth at Bethlehem
draws us to kneel in wonder at heaven touching earth:
accept our heartfelt praise
as we worship you,
our Saviour and our eternal God.
The Collect for Christmas Day

No.95 November 2020

This month our special focus is on the Parish of Wargrave with Knowl Hill

Please pray for:
Vicar:                                      Rev’d John Cook
Curates:                                 Rev’d Hugh Barne and Rev’d Steve Turville
Lay Minister:                         Andy Ferguson
Church Wardens:                Peter Mayes and Ian Matthews
Administration Manager:    Lucy Bowley
Communications Manager: Rosalyn Lane Heath

In the Parish please pray for:    

• Wisdom and Godliness as we navigate these uncertain times faithfully, making the most of every opportunity
• Our planning for a creative approach in our outreach into the community this Christmas that Jesus will be made known and people drawn to him in obedience and faith.
• Planning for changes to the service pattern from the 1st November alongside restarting our Sunday Club, that this will encourage families to return to Sunday worship

In the Deanery please pray for:

• The Parish of Winnersh  – St Mary the Virgin and St Catherines for wisdom and discernment for those in Archdeaconry, Deanery and Parish roles discussing the future of ministry when Rev’d James Warren (Interim Priest In Charge) moves on in 2021 – that the most appropriate structures and resources may be employed in a time of national crisis.
• Woosehill Church –two Steward/Wardens elected at the recent AGM and that two people will volunteer to share the work with them.
• Services for All Souls as we remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died.
• Remembrance Sunday as we are unable to meet together for this service, that we will still be able to mark the day to honour those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts.
• Those who are not physically able to get to Church and those who work hard on the technical side of things to make sure that they are still included and part of our Church community.
• Those who are isolated and alone and having to cope week after week without their normal clubs and groups.
• All in education, especially those in senior leadership facing impossible decisions.
• Teachers in school and lecturers in colleges and universities working under pressures and limitations.

In our nation and the wider church please pray for:

• In Oxford Diocese, Slough as it moves into Tier Two restrictions on Saturday 24^th October.
• Archbishop Stephen Cottrell as he takes up his post in York at such a difficult time.
• Politicians, scientists and health professionals and all who are seeking to bring the Covid Pandemic under control.
• Those working on vaccines and all volunteers testing these vaccines.