Alleluia, Christ is risen…… He is risen indeed, Alleluia! Jesus the good shepherd, in his love for us, laid down his life and rose again.
Please come and pray for the life of our parishes. This will take place in the Canterbury Room at St Thomas’. Coffee and croissants from 8:15am. Followed by prayer for the life of our churches. Finished by 9.30am. Please do join us.
Lent Groups wrap up session A reminder that there will be a wrap up session on Thursday 25th April at 10.30am in the Canterbury Room. Do come along even if you didn't attend but want to find out more about the groups.
St Mary’s and St Thomas’ Annual Parochial Church Meetings The Annual Parochial Church Meetings for St Mary’s will take place this Sunday, 21st April, after the morning service which will start at the earlier time of 10:45am. Paper copies of the annual report and accounts will be available in the church. The Annual Parochial Church Meetings for St Thomas’ will take place next Sunday, 28th April, after the 9:30am service. Paper copies of the annual report and accounts will be available in the church.
Benefice website reminder Our new benefice website (this website!) has been up and running for over a year now. The old website (which is no longer being updated) will be turned off in the next few days.
Eco-tip for April from A Rocha Fit more active travel into your day and daily routine. Re-evaluate your journeys: explore walking or cycling options, or modify your route to include some form of active travel, i.e. disembark a stop early and complete the remaining part of your journey on foot, indulge in a leisurely stroll, or opt for a bike ride along a cyclist-friendly route. Consider connecting with your local Ramblers or cycling group for shared experiences. Use the extra steps or the changed travel arrangements as a prompt to pray for God’s creation, nature’s preservation and the reduction in fossil fuel usage.
Pathways The new edition of the Diocesan magazine, Pathways, is now available in all our churches. Please do help yourself to a copy.
This week we are asked to pray for
Prayers for this week from "Roots on the Web"
God of the universe, we pray for the rapidly changing situation in the Middle East. We pray for the United Nations as it seeks to foster the values enshrined in its charter of peace, justice, respect, human rights, tolerance and solidarity. We ask that the leaders of the nations of the Middle East will seek harmony and lasting peace. May power and influence be used with wisdom and compassion.
God of all nations, we pray for those who work for the police and in justice systems throughout the world. Be especially close to those who work in Sydney as they cope with the aftermath of the attacks in a shopping mall and church. We ask that those who strive to keep their fellows safe and those who administer justice may be strengthened and supported. May power and influence be used with wisdom and compassion.
God of wholeness and health, we pray for all patients in hospital. We remember those awaiting appointments, tests and test results, their families and all who are concerned for them. Enable policymakers and administrators to make decisions in imaginative and innovative ways. May power and influence be used with wisdom and compassion.
God of Church and Chapel, we pray for members of synods and conferences, councils, assemblies and meetings. Help them to respond to agenda items with justice and concern for all people. Guide all Christian leaders to follow Jesus’ example of service and humility. May power and influence be used with wisdom and compassion.
God of all people, lastly we pray for ourselves. Help us to be aware that our conduct can make a difference and that our words can bring about change. Help us to be inspired by justice, to seek to serve rather than be served, and to be bold in challenging the status quo when it needs to be challenged. May power and influence be used with wisdom and compassion. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen