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1 December 2020 | Kingswinford Deanery
Pray for the Deanery Chapter, Synod and PCCs as we work through the effects of the pandemic and join in the Diocesan Restructuring Conversation. For hope and courage. Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Worshipping God creatively is:
Pray for those churches able to offer online worship, that it may be a comfort to those unable to make it to our churches on a Sunday.
Seoul (Korea): Bishop Peter Lee
Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada): Bishop Geoffrey Peddle |
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2 December 2020 | Diocese of Peru
Following the impeachment of the president and the widespread public discontent with this action by Congress, pray for the people of Peru as they endure political turmoil on top of the devastating consequences of pandemic, especially that they may find leaders of integrity to lead them through this crisis.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Worshipping God creatively is:
Pray for all those who help to bring music to our worship.
Seychelles (Indian Ocean): Bishop James Richard Wong Yin Song
Eastern Oregon (USA): Bishop Patrick Bell |
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3 December 2020 | Brierley Hill Team: St Michael, Brierley Hill
Give thanks for monies coming into the area through the High Street Heritage Action Zone. Pray for benefits for the whole community and for church to recognise opportunities. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Worshipping God creatively is:
Pray for all those who lead worship in our churches, that they will feel inspired and inspire others through their preaching and teaching.
Sheffield: Bishop Pete Wilcox, with Bishop Sophie Jelley (Doncaster)
Eastern Zambia (Africa): Bishop William Mchombo
Easton (USA): Bishop Santosh Marray |
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4 December 2020 | Brierley Hill Team: Christ Church, Quarry Bank
Pray for the choir and all working to produce creative Christmas worship for Facebook and YouTube that they may become real community events. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston. Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Worshipping God creatively is:
Give thanks for those churches in our diocese who are resourcing other parishes and helping them to grow and develop.
Shinyanga (Tanzania): Bishop Johnson Chinyong’ole
Eau Claire (USA): Bishop William Jay Lambert |
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5 December 2020 | Brierley Hill Team: St John Brockmoor
Pray for the recruitment of a community missioner to work across the parish - making links with the population who do not worship in the Team. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Worshipping God creatively is:
Pray that we will look for opportunities to start new congregations and find ways to revitalise existing groups.
Edinburgh (Scotland): Bishop John Armes
Gasabo (Rwanda): Bishop Laurent Mbanda |
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6 December 2020 | Comfort & Joy at Christmas
Father, we pray that you help us all to find much-needed Comfort and Joy this Advent season, especially those of us who have been bereaved or who will be apart from loved ones over Christmas.
#ComfortandJoy is the Church of England’s Advent and Christmas campaign for 2020. It holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a difficult year with an acknowledgement that – for those who have experienced loss or bereavement, or who are still not able to be together with loved ones – it may be the Church’s role to provide consolation.
Daily reflections are available along with a printed booklet Comfort and Joy: Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas which explores biblical texts alongside the words of much-loved Christmas carols.
Nine online services, created in partnership with charities like Christian Aid and the Church Army, are also available. These include: a service for each Sunday of Advent; a Children’s Society Christingle; nine lessons and carols; and midnight services. Churches are encouraged to list the full range of their Advent and Christmas services on A Church Near You.
It is hoped that Comfort and Joy will reconnect us to the rich and joyous traditions of the past and offer God’s consoling love in the present.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Lord, help us to see the opportunities for coming alongside others and sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray for those just starting on their journey of faith, that they will continue to grow and develop as your disciples.
Kingswinford Deanery - Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy
Praying for our Baptism families - Loving God, we ask that you help our Baptism families know and understand the fullness of your love. Give them peace in knowing that you are with them from the beginning and until the end. Amen.
Chester: Bishop Mark Tanner, with Bishop Keith Sinclair (Birkenhead)
The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain: Bishop Carlos López-Lozano
Kuopio (Finland): Bishop Jari Jolkkonen |
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7 December 2020 | Yesterday's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples was:
Lord, help us to see the opportunities for coming alongside others and sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray for those just starting on their journey of faith, that they will continue to grow and develop as your disciples.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray that churches across our diocese will grow as new people join and develop in their faith.
Shyira (Rwanda): Bishop Samuel M Mugisha
Edmonton (Canada): Vacant |
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8 December 2020 | Kingswinford & Wall Heath
Pray for St Mary’s and Church of the Ascension as they enter vacancy; for all in ministry and supporting continued worship and the online Jigsaw Church and for our ALMs. For St Mary’s & Ascension CE VC Primaries; Heads: Peter Booth and Steve Hudson. Readers: Jill Nicholls, Deborah Filgate, David Cousins.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray for all the nurture courses taking place and being planned throughout our diocese.
Shyogwe (Rwanda): Bishop Jered Kalimba
Egba (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Adekunle
Lafia (Nigeria): Bishop Godwin A Robinson |
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9 December 2020 | Diocese of Morogoro
We pray for all those who lost homes and land in severe flooding in Morogoro earlier this year. During this time, church buildings were destroyed and many clergy lost their homes. We rejoice that gifts from our own diocese have played an important part in bringing some much needed relief.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray for all those in our communities who are yearning for God’s love, that we will recognise those people and help them to come to faith.
Sialkot (Pakistan): Bishop Alwin John Samuel
Egba West (Nigeria): Bishop Samuel Oludele Ogundeji |
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10 December 2020 | St Mark, Pensnett
Please pray that God’s spirit replenishes us, keeps us going and gives us joy in these hard times. We pray that our needs will be provided for. Clergy: Ness Tobin; Reader: John Lawrence.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray for our Calling Young Disciples project as it reaches out to children, young people and families in communities across our diocese.
Singapore (South East Asia): Bishop Titus Chung
Egbu (Nigeria): Bishop Geoffrey Okoroafor
Egypt (Jerusalem & Middle East): Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis |
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11 December 2020 | St Chad, Coseley
As we start a new chapter in the life of St Chad’s Coseley, we pray that God’s love will continue to shine brightly to all in the community, illuminating his love and compassion. Clergy: Gary Hartill.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray for our 100 church schools in Worcestershire and Dudley as they share God’s love with over 22,000 children and young people.
Sittwe (Myanmar): Bishop James Min Dein
Eha - Amufu (Nigeria): Bishop Daniel Olinya |
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12 December 2020 | St Mary, Hurst Hill
Praying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. Strengthen our clergy: Emma Stanford and Tim Westwood, and our ALM: Bob Hill.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Making disciples is:
Pray for the many different ways in which people hear God’s word throughout our diocese, whether through Messy Church, Open the Book, homilies at lunch clubs etc.
Ekiti (Nigeria): Bishop Christopher Tayo Omotunde
Ekiti Kwara (Nigeria): Bishop Andrew Ajayi
Ekiti Oke (Nigeria): Bishop Isaac Olubowale
Ekiti West (Nigeria): Bishop Rufus V A Adepoju |
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13 December 2020 | Christmas-tide in Malvern Link and Cowleigh
Lord, we thank you for inspiring us with many ways in which to creatively celebrate and learn about the Nativity with our children, young people and families this year.
This Christmas-tide, Malvern Link and Cowleigh are getting creative with the children, young people and families in their parish, with support from their Mission Enabler, Helen Laird.
To celebrate the Advent season, every Primary school child has been invited to decorate a bunting pendant with Christian imagery of Christmas. Once decorated, the 1,500 themed pendants will be sewn together in class groups and used to decorate the church.
Not only will the Christmas story be recreated in fabric, but also with food at the planned ‘Edible Nativity’ next weekend. On Saturday 19 December, families will visit St Matthias and St Peter’s churches to decorate pre-cut and baked gingerbread biscuits in the shape of Nativity characters, ready to take home and adorn their Christmas trees, if they make it that far!
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
O God we thank you for Jesus: wonderful counsellor, our prince of peace. As we celebrate Emmanuel we know that you are with us, and in the warmth of your love we find our hope renewed and our confidence restored. Help us to share that hope with others. Amen.
Kingswinford Deanery - Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy
Southwell and Nottingham: Bishop Paul Williams with Bishop Andrew Emerton (Sherwood)
Falkland Islands: Bishop Timothy Thornton
Borg (Norway): Bishop Atle Sommerfeldt |
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14 December 2020 | Yesterday's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope was:
O God we thank you for Jesus: wonderful counsellor, our prince of peace. As we celebrate Emmanuel we know that you are with us, and in the warmth of your love we find our hope renewed and our confidence restored. Help us to share that hope with others. Amen.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
In today’s difficult world, we give thanks that You are there to bring light and hope.
Sodor & Man: Bishop Peter Eagles
El Camino Real (USA): Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves |
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15 December 2020 | Christ Church, Coseley
Praying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. For our ALM: Bob Hill. Clergy: Emma Stanford and Tim Westwood.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
Pray for all those suffering financially at this time and give thanks for those Christian charities locally who provide advice and support.
Sokoto (Nigeria): Bishop Augustine Omole
El Salvador (Central America): Bishop Juan David Alvarado Melgar |
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16 December 2020 | The Protestant Church of Central Germany
We pray for the EKM’s Lutheran partner churches in Belarus, especially for the young people who experience major penalties affecting their personal life due to their involvement in the demonstrations for political change.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
Give us courage to be a listening ear for those who are currently struggling, bringing comfort where appropriate.
South Ankole (Uganda): Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe
Eldoret (Kenya): Bishop Christopher Ruto |
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17 December 2020 | St James the Great, Lower Gornal
Please pray for the faithful congregation at St James the Great, Lower Gornal during a time of change.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
Pray for all those who are living out their Christian calling in our world, particularly those who work in our public services.
South Dakota (USA): Bishop John Tarrant
El-Obeid (Sudan): Bishop Ismail Gabriel Abudigin |
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18 December 2020 | Wordsley Team
Give thanks for all who have enabled the safe opening of churches and hall. Pray for those still unable to come to worship especially our local schools. Clergy: Colin Jones, Lyn Rowson; Readers: Terry Blewitt, Chris Geary.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
Help us all to look for ways in which we can demonstrate the difference that God’s call has made on our own lives.
Ely: Bishop Stephen Conway with Bishop Dagmar Winter (Huntingdon)
South Kerala (India): Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam
Embu (Kenya): Bishop David Muriithi Ireri |
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19 December 2020 | Gornal & Sedgley Team Ministry
Please pray for all in leadership, for our Church councils, and especially our Children and Young People’s Hub as we seek to pick up our work with young people and families during the pandemic; and give thanks for our ALMs who give so much. Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Jan Humphries.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Sharing hope is:
Help us to share the hope of our hearts with one another and enable us to give hope to others through Your work amongst us.
South Rwenzori (Uganda): Bishop Jackson Nzerebende
Enugu (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma
Enugu North (Nigeria): Bishop Sosthenes Eze |
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20 December 2020 | Christmas Carols
Hark! The herald-angels sing:
“Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconcil’d.”
(Wesley, 1758)
For many of us, the rich melodies of Christmas carols are synonymous with the Advent season. They serve us with a reminder of hosts of angels filling the night sky with joyous songs at the miraculous coming of the Christ-child.
Carols as we know them have their roots as early as the fourth century, with several traditional pieces like ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night’ first appearing during the Medieval period. However, most of today’s popular carols were first composed and circulated in the Victorian era.
With moving harmonies and a mixture of solemn and uplifting lyrics, carols are often full of awe, hope and joy – emotions we can identify with as we await the Nativity.
This year, we have been recording a diocesan version of ‘Once in Royal David’s city’ featuring singers from across our parishes. Look out for it on our social media channels and the diocesan website this week.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Lord God, we thank you for all the places we can find you in our communities. This Christmas week, help us to remember that Jesus came to transform the world and we all have a role to play in that.
Kingswinford Deanery - Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy
Pray for mission agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican Communion, including the Mothers’ Union around the world.
Durham: Bishop Paul Butler, with Bishop Sarah Clark (Jarrow)
Moray, Ross & Caithness (Scotland): Bishop Mark Strange
Oslo (Norway): Bishop Kari Veiteberg |
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21 December 2020 | Yesterday's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities was:
Lord God, we thank you for all the places we can find you in our communities. This Christmas week, help us to remember that Jesus came to transform the world and we all have a role to play in that.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Give thanks for all churches across the Diocese do to reach out to those outside of our church buildings.
South West Tanganyika (Tanzania): Bishop Matthew Mhagama
Esan (Nigeria): Bishop Friday Imaekhai |
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22 December 2020 | Gornal & Sedgley Team Ministry
Please pray for all of the people of St Peter’s Church as we continue with the closure of the current church building and for the development of our church hall. Also for the Churches Together Alpha course across the area starting in January. Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Canon Jan Humpries.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Pray that our eyes might be opened to issues that are particularly affecting our locality such as poverty, dementia or a lack of facilities for young people.
Etche (Nigeria): Bishop Precious Nwala
Etsako (Nigeria): Bishop Jacob Bada |
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23 December 2020 | Economy and Daily Life
Pray for those working in retail during the difficulties of lockdown, with the continuing pressure of Christmas, and especially for all working over the holiday period; that all may find the rest they need and know the Peace of the Christ-child.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Pray for all those who are working towards become ‘Eco Churches’ in our Diocese.
Exeter: Bishop Robert Atwell, with Bishops Jackie Searle (Crediton), Nick McKinnel (Plymouth)
Evo (Nigeria): Bishop Innocent Ordu |
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24 December 2020 | Churches Together in Brierley Hill
Pray for all the Christian denominations working together in the Brierley Hill area.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Pray for all those who feel excluded from our churches and help us to find new ways to ensure they are welcomed.
Ezo (South Sudan): Bishop John Kereboro Zawo
Faisalabad (Pakistan): Bishop John Samuel
Falkland Islands: Bishop Timothy Thornton |
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25 December 2020 | Christmas Day
Eternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty Word to pierce the world’s darkness with the light of salvation: Give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
(Common Worship, Church of England)
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
This Christmas Day, pray for all those who are spending the day alone, particularly those unable to mix with others due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Give thanks for all our churches are doing to reach out to these people.
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of Bethlehem. |
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26 December 2020 | Retired clergy in Kingswinford Deanery
On this commemoration of Stephen, deacon and martyr, we give thanks for the retired clergy of Kingswinford Deanery. For their own ordination to the diaconate, and for the many years of service and of preaching they have given in the course of their ministry.
Today's Growing as Kingdom People prayer for Transforming communities is:
Pray that the New Year will bring with it new opportunities to support our communities.
Fianarantsoa (Indian Ocean): Bishop Gilbert Rateloson Rakotondravelo
Florida (USA): Bishop John Howard
False Bay (South Africa): Bishop Margaret Brenda Vertue |
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27 December 2020 | Diocesan Chancellor retirement
Lord, we give thanks for Charles’s work and commitment over the years and pray for him as he takes this next step on his journey.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Charles Mynors, will be retiring at the end of 2020.
Charles is a barrister and has been in post for 23 years. During that time, he has sat in judgement on a whole range of issues affecting churches in Worcestershire and Dudley.
Charles said: “I have enjoyed my time at Worcester; and have been hugely supported both by the two Bishops of Worcester as well as the seven archdeacons with whom I have had the privilege of working. I am very grateful to all.”
Bishop John said: “Charles’s wisdom and judgement have been hugely appreciated. His skill and deep Christian commitment have enabled him to act at all times for the good of the mission of the church as well as the care of our heritage. I give heartfelt thanks for him and pray for God’s rich blessing on him in the future.”
Every Church of England diocese has an ecclesiastical court whose judge is the Chancellor. Much of the routine work that the Chancellor undertakes is centred on faculty jurisdiction, which allows work to be carried out on consecrated churches and churchyards.
Droitwich Deanery - Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon; Lay Chair: Janet Bryan
Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement.
Chichester: Bishop Martin Warner with Bishops Ruth Bushwager (Horsham), Will Hazelwood (Lewes)
Mikkeli (Finland): Bishop Seppo Häkkinen |
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28 December 2020 | PCC and Deanery Synod members
Pray for all those who serve their church as members of the Parochial Church Council and give thanks for their important role in the mission of the Church. Also for Deanery Synod members who play a vital role in the governance of the Church.
Fond du Lac (USA): Bishop Matthew Alan Gunter
Fort Worth (USA): Bishop Scott Mayer |
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29 December 2020 | Lay Ministry
Pray for all those who serve the church in a lay capacity. Giving thanks especially for the ministry of Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs).
Fredericton (Canada): Bishop David Edwards
Freetown (Sierra Leone): Bishop Thomas Arnold Ikunika Wilson |
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30 December 2020 | Diocesan HR Team
Pray for the Diocesan Human Resources Team: Jo Hyrons and Becky Lowe. Give thanks for their skills and experience and for all they do to support clergy and employees of the Diocesan Board of Finance.
Gahini (Rwanda): Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo
Gambia (West Africa): Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico |
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31 December 2020 | New Year's Eve
Lord, as we enter the new year, we each have our hopes and expectations for all that is ahead of us - but you alone know what it holds. Give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges and assure us of the certainty of your unchanging love.
Gasabo (Rwanda): Bishop Onesphore Rwaje
Gboko (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Nyitsse
George (South Africa): Bishop Brian Marajh
Georgia (USA): Bishop Scott Benhase |
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