We’re thankful for our positive links with our sister Church of St Mary’s Hurst Hill, and
pray that together we will bear a stronger witness to the people of our shared locality.
Clergy: Emma Stanford, Tim Westwood.
Diocese of Maseno North (Kenya): Bishop Simon Oketch
Pray for those confirmed in February and for us as we seek direction on reorganisation
of the building: that the church will be “fit for purpose” and we’ll know that purpose!
Clergy: David Hoskin, Simon Archer; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton
Diocese of Masasi (Tanzania): Bishop James Almasi
The Christian Life and Formation (VCF) Committee produced a report at the end of last
year, which looked at the place of ministry and discipleship in the Diocese of Peru. Pray
for all those now reflecting on that report and seeking to determine God’s will for the
future shape of the diocese and the nurturing of its congregations.
Diocese of Maryland (USA): Bishop Eugene Sutton
Pray for St John Brockmoor with St Paul Hawbush. Pray for our growth in energy in
discipleship and mission. For the growth of the ‘B&B’ monthly Bible study at St John’s;
development as a Place of Welcome; for the work required on the building at St John’s;
for the growth of relationships with fellow Christians in Hawbush. Clergy: Simon Archer,
Beryl Pritchett; Reader: Keith Colley; ALMs: Kathy Garton, Ron Shaw, Jan Yorke
Diocese of Marsabit (Kenya): Bishop Robert Martin
Give thanks for those who have been faithful over many years in the parishes of this
Deanery. Pray for vision as we seek to face the challenges of these days. Rural Dean:
David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Helen Jones
Diocese of Maridi (Sudan): Bishop Justin Arama Continue Reading
During Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 27 February
to 12 March, campaigners, businesses, schools and
places of worship show their support for the farmers and
workers who grow our food in developing countries.
However hard farmers work to provide the things we depend on, millions in developing
countries still aren’t paid what they deserve. When we come together we can change
the way people think about trade and the products on our shelves – the fairtrade
movement is made up of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their communities
for fairtrade. Their actions help shoppers to make choices that change the lives of
farmers and workers.
This year, the Fairtrade Foundation is encouraging people to take a fairtrade break and
take a moment over tea or coffee to think about whether they are feeding exploitation
and how they can take action.
Edson Maotchedwe, from Malawi, is a Fairtrade
tea farmer and father of seven. Edson’s cooperative
has invested Fairtrade Premium in
building a maternity wing and school, a new
bridge, clean water and an ambulance.
This was life-saving when two of Edson’s children
suffered from malaria. “I believe Fairtrade has
already started playing a role in helping me
realise the future for my children and children of our area,” he says.
But there is more to do. “My thoughts almost every night are preoccupied by worries of
how I can improve the welfare of my family. I have children and a wife to look after and
it is difficult to raise proper income in our country. So I always ponder how or what I can
do to improve our lives as a family.”
Pray for all the farmers both overseas and here in the UK, that they are paid
a fair price for the food they produce.
Kingswinford Deanery – Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Helen Jones
Diocese of Marathwada (India): Bishop Madhukar Kasab
Diocese of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby with Bishop Trevor Willmott (Dover)
Diocese of Down and Dromore (Ireland): Bishop Harold Miller
Please pray for diocesan office receptionists Liz Yapp and Jacci Hunt in their role
supporting parishes and diocesan officers. Diocese of Mara (Tanzania): Bishop Hilkiah Deya Continue Reading
Pray for those currently in college training for ordination and for all those currently
considering whether they are being called to become a Deacon or Priest. Diocese of Te Hui Amorangi ki Te Tairawhiti (New Zealand): The Revd Don Tamihere Continue Reading
Pray for Mission Development Officer, Doug Chaplin as he continues to support parishes
and work with a range of people and groups both inside and outside the Church. Also
for Phillip Jones as he leaves the post to move to a parish in Lichfield Diocese…. Continue Reading
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the
sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts that
we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive fro… Continue Reading
