Circuit Prayers

District Prayer Diary 2021 – 22

Prayer for the Circuit:

We thank you, Lord Jesus, for one another; for the pastoral support and belonging and friendship and fellowship we experience in our local church and in the wider Circuit, as well as with many other people in a variety of contexts.
Deepen our commitment to working with others as an expression of your prayer that your will might be done and your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.
Amen.

NB: You are welcome to send in contributions to this page

Prayers of Intercession and Blessing

In these uncertain times, dear Lord, we pray for peace.
We hold before you all those who are putting others before themselves.
We pray for those who are worried about their financial situation, not knowing how they will cope in the coming weeks.
We pray for the people and situations close to our heart...
We hold before you the governments and leaders of the world, those making many difficult decisions...
So in these uncertain times may we reach out to support each other, our families, our friends, our neighbours.
May we speak using words of grace and comfort.
May we reflect your love for all of creation
And may we be a reassurance and a blessing to all we speak to this week.
And may the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you this day and forever more. Amen

District Prayer Diary

Due to the current pandemic and in an effort to save waste, the District Prayer Diary has been distributed electronically this year.
You can download and print copies from this page, but printing of hard copies can be arranged.
Please let Pete Honeyball know if you would like printed copies in booklet form, and if so, whether A4 or A5?

Prayers for the Churches

This idea arose from a Circuit Consultation where members said that they would like to see better communications around the Circuit. It was felt that there was a lot of good work going on within the Circuit but few outside of their particular church ever got to hear about it. In these days when the only news we seem to hear concerning churches is when they are threatened with closure, it is vital that we get to hear the other side as well. One small example of how useful this 'Good News' has been so far is on the subject of our work with young people – Methodism has a wonderful history of work amongst young people. Some of the 'Good News' tell us that there is still good work going on amongst children and young people in many parts of our Circuit – the problem is that we never get to hear about it. It is so encouraging to hear the success stories of Toddler Groups, Youth Groups, Cafe and Messy Church, Drop-in Church – the list is endless and it is growing!

It was recently suggested that these prayers should be expanded to cover other aspects and groups that serve the Circuit or are given Circuit support. Four such topics have been suggested; The leadership Team, our Locals Preachers and regular Visiting Preachers, Fair Trade, Karibuni Children and a recent addition, Young People; other suggestions would be welcome.

This Sunday 5 December, it is the turn of Whitchurch to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers

Dear All
Roger talks below of the loss of a long-time member, a
faithful witness to his Lord for many years. Where would we be without people like Brian, who touch our lives and point us toward the love of Christ, indeed, sometimes more than pointing – they carry us? Bless all those who serve in this way, and bless and pray for the fellowship and the work at Whitchurch this Sunday.
Pete

Roger writes:
Whitchurch has suffered the loss of a member with rather a long track record of membership, as on the 22nd September the funeral was held for Brian Foulger.
He was baptised in our Church and remained an active participant in our
activities from the time he could walk and talk, a total of over 90 years. He
had held office in both the Church and the Community, serving faithfully for as
long as he was physically able and was a ferocious advocate for Christian
witness through village Methodism.
I was reminded of Simeon in Luke's Gospel who "was righteous and devout and
was waiting for the consolation of Israel". Self-effacing Brian would deny
any such comparison, but due to his large number of descendants, always
ruefully accepted his nickname of "Abraham".
Our Church is blessed, as a result, with three of his family currently holding
office (in addition to being Worship Leaders) who remain deeply involved in our
activities.
As the lockdown eased our normal Sunday Service has been added to by the
activities of:-

• Little Steps – a weekly session, supporting parents and young children
• Little Chapel – a monthly Sunday afternoon service for parents and young children
• Pop Up Café – a monthly coffee morning open to all and locally famous forits cakes!

These have all gone from strength to strength with increased attendance.
As we all prepare for Christmas please join us in your prayers for all those
who have given and continue to give faithful service to our Lord throughout our
Circuit community and Local Churches, trusting that others may be drawn to
accept our Saviour as a result.
Thankyou

Roger