November 2011

November

The Deacons

Give thanks for those who serve our church in leadership roles and pray for them that they may know God’s guidance in decision-making and his strength to equip them for the tasks they fulfil.

As elections take place for new deacons, pray for discernment to identify the people God is calling to serve him in this way. Pray that they may recognise their calling and be given the power and gifts they need to respond. Pray that those who are elected will be able to work well together as a team and know the support and encouragement of the whole church, and that they may be given wisdom as they lead us in the year ahead.

REMEMBERING

November 2^nd, All Souls Day, is traditionally a day for remembering those who have died.

Give thanks for the lives of those you know who have died during the last year.

Pray for those you who know who have been bereaved and ask God to continue to give them comfort and support.

On November 5^th we remember the unsuccessful

attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament.

Give thanks for the freedom and democracy we now enjoy in this country.

Pray for:

• countries where people live with the daily threat of terrorist attack;
• the nations emerging from the ‘Arab Spring’ that they may be able to build freedom and stability;
• people who live under dictators and oppressive regimes.

As we mark Remembrance Sunday, please pray:

• for the protection of the young men and women serving with the armed forces in Afghanistan;
• for all those who have been injured, traumatised or bereaved in the conflict there;
• for the long-term development of peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and neighbouring states, and throughout the Middle East.

On November 19^th we hold a Reminiscing Evening at church as we prepare for our anniversary year.

Give thanks for all those who have served faithfully at Blenheim over the past 75 years.

Pray for the future, that God will guide and equip us, and enable us to flourish and grow, and to be an effective witness to the surrounding neighbourhood in the years that lie ahead.