No. 121 January 2023
This month our special focus is on the Churches of Arborfield, Barkham, Christ Church Wokingham and The Church@TheGreen
Please Pray for:
Rector: Piers Bickersteth
Associate Minister: Andy Kearns
Leaders at Barkham: Julian Bidgood, David Horrocks, Michael Byrne
Elder at Church@TheGreen: James Carpenter
Wardens: Adedayo Ajibola, Joe Brown
Treasurer: Patricia Fryer
For Arborfield please pray:
- And give thanks for the eagerness amongst the church family to be serving one another in all sorts of different ways.
- That we would grow in our love for Jesus and our obedience to Him.
For Christ Church, Wokingham (CCW) please pray:
- For us as on Sundays and in mid-week small groups through January and February we consider the theme of ‘being human’
- For Barkham please pray:
- And give thanks for the opportunity to run Christmas events that connect with the local community again after Covid, that we will have the privilege of welcoming new people to church in January and that the Lord would draw a number to faith in Christ.
- That this year we are preaching through the book of Isaiah, each week we might see more of God’s glory and that in all of our troubles, we will be encouraged to trust in Him.
For Church at the Green (CTG) please pray:
- And give thanks for the opportunities for witness to Christ we are having through schools, mums and toddlers group and children’s ministries
- For the Hope Explored course being run in January that those who come along may see the hope there is Jesus and be drawn to Him.
For all our Churches please pray:
- That the families who attended our Christmas services will be encouraged to come back and hear more about Jesus in the New Year.
- For the organisations which we support that despite the cost-of-living crisis they will be well funded. Pray for wisdom and generosity in the church family.
- For every person within the church family, that the clergy would feel supported and appreciated, for protection against burn out.
In the Deanery Please Pray for:
- All Parishes in the Deanery at the start of a New Year
- Rev. Laura Wheatley Downs and the people of Crowthorne as they settle into a deepening relationship.
- The people of St Sebastians as they interview for a new incumbent in January; for all those who have responded to the advertisement and for wisdom as the appointment is made.
- The parishes in vacancy as they consider their future – for Ruscombe, Twyford and Hurst and for Winnersh and Bearwood.
- The group of people from Hong Kong who are exploring worship at Winnersh in a separate service, that all will listen carefully to the call of the Spirit and that our longing to get to know each other will be fulfilled.
In the wider community:
- The homeless and those forced to sleep outside during this winter and for all seeking to provide hot meals, temporary beds and help with applications for benefits.
- All struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, to keep their families warm and food on the table.
- All Food Banks
In the World: PEACE
Lord, you led us out of darkness to hope in Jesus.
Unite us in our commitment to establish your reign of love, justice and peace,
bringing light to those living in the darkness of despair and disillusionment.
Shine your light upon us and surround us with the warmth of your love.
Lift us up to you, so that our lives may glorify you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
From the World Day of Prayer Website