January 2012

‘Forgetting what is behind

and reaching towards what is ahead,

I press towards the goal of the high calling in Christ

(Philippians 3:13-14)

A prayer for the beginning of a new year:

Lord of the years,

may we celebrate the good life past

and not forget the Giver of that life.

God of the call

may we contemplate the good road ahead

and walk along it,

with love in our hearts, hand in hand with You.

© Ray Simpson ‘Celtic Daily Light’

At the beginning of this New Year, please pray for the following:

Our minister and diaconate, especially our newly elected deacons, for God’s guidance and wisdom as they consider the direction of the church in the coming year and also begin to think and pray about our longer –term ministry.

The newly re-formed Rainbow Guide group as they meet for the first time on 11^th January: for the girls who will attend and for Helen Owen as she leads the group and the parent-helpers who will be supporting her.

The planned events of our 75^th anniversary year, that they will be successful and enable us not only to celebrate the past, but to grow a vision for the future, develop contacts with the community, and invite and welcome new people into our fellowship.

Remembering the wider world, take some time to look back at the events of the last year and pray for those who have been affected by them:

Communities and families affected by the riots: for reconciliation and hope for the future.

Those who have been victims of natural disasters, wars and terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan and many other countries: that those who have been injured, bereaved, traumatised or made homeless will be given the help they need to rebuild their lives.

The countries involved in the ‘Arab Spring’ protests and revolutions: that where old regimes have been overthrown, new governments may be able to build just and stable nations, and that there may be freedom and peace in lands where people still suffer oppression.