Pray for Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, for the 74 councillors serving 24
different wards, including leader Patrick Harley and for the staff who support them. Pray
that their decisions will have a positive impact on those living in the Borough.&n… Continue Reading
Pray for our community, ongoing building projects at Birtsmorton and Hollybush and
the wedding ministry connected to Birtsmorton Court. For Churchwardens: Rosemarie,
Mary and Janet; ALM: David; PCC Secretary: Gill and Treasurers: Shirley & Doug. For
PC… Continue Reading
Over the next two weekends in September,
many of our churches will be taking part in
the national Heritage Open Days event.
Every year in September, historic places
across the country throw open their doors
to celebrate their heritage, community
and history. It’s a chance to see hidden
places and try out new experiences, all
for free. This year there are two weekends
being held: 6-9 & 13-16 September.
Church Building Project Manager, Kate Andrew said: “It’s fantastic that so many of our
churches are engaging with the Heritage Open Days. It really is a great opportunity to
reach those who might not normally go into a church. We’ve got loads of history and
stories to share with people and it’s also a good way for parishes to begin thinking
about how they might interpret their buildings for a wider audience, learning things
along the way about the church that they probably had no idea of before.”
For those churches who are regularly open, the weekends provide a chance to give people
an insight into areas where they might not normally be allowed. St Mary’s, Kidderminster
and St Stephen’s in Redditch will both give visitors the opportunity to go up their towers
and at Top Church in Dudley people will be able to book to visit the Medieval crypt.
“At the very least, I hope that most churches will be open with some refreshments
provided,” continued Kate. “It’s a chance to show those from the local community and
beyond what’s been happening in our churches and for PCCs to consult visitors on
future plans.”
Please pray for all our churches who are opening their doors and putting on special
events for the Heritage Open Days and that those who visit may experience a warm
welcome and the love of God when they come.
Upton Deanery – Rural Dean: Chris Moss; Lay Chair: Maria Toman
The Anglican Church of South America: Archbishop Gregory Venables
Diocese of Turku (Finland): Archbishop Kari Mäkinen with Bishop Kaarlo Kalliala
Diocese of York: Archbishop John Sentamu with Bishops Paul Ferguson (Whitby),
John Thomson (Selby), Alison White (Hull), Glyn Webster (Beverley)
Pray for our community and projects. For Pendock CE Primary School, Head: Sally
Lyndon-Chance. For churchwarden: Elisabeth; ALM: David; Administrator: Mel; PCC
secretary: Martin; Treasurer: Andrew. Pray for support with the mission and ministry of
our … Continue Reading
Pray for the Synod in encouraging support for its overseas mission links, and for outreach
to children and young people. Pray for the Deanery Clergy. For Rural Dean: Chris Moss; Lay
Chair: Maria Toman; Deanery Secretary: Eileen Moss; Deanery Treasurer:… Continue Reading
Pray for all those who are studying or working in our further education colleges and
universities, particularly those starting this Autumn. Pray for all those who act as chaplains
to colleges and universities.
Diocese of Guadalcanal (Melanesia, South Pacific): Bishop Nathan Tome
Diocese of Hanuato’o (Melanesia, South Pacific): Bishop Alfred Karibongi
The Diocese of Peru was able to respond to wider community relief work following the spring
floods, putting the gifts from Worcester to good purpose. Pray for the continuing work of
community and social service engaged in by the Anglican Church of Peru in some very
deprived and poverty-stricken communities.
Diocese of Sabongidda-Ora (Nigeria) Vacant
Pray for all teachers, teaching assistants and all the support staff in schools as they
return for a new school year. Pray that they have been refreshed by the school holiday. Diocese of Gombe (Nigeria): Bishop Henry Ndukuba Diocese of Goma (… Continue Reading
Pray for all those children returning to school shortly and for those starting in nursery
and reception. Pray also for their parents and guardians as they ensure everything is
ready for the new school year. Diocese of Gloucester: Bishop Rachel Tre… Continue Reading
Robert Higham has been our Diocesan Secretary since
January 1999 and will be retiring in mid-November.
Robert said: “It’s been good to be a member of the
Bishop’s staff and lead the team at the Diocesan
Office, working with them to support the mission and
ministry of clergy and parish officers throughout the
diocese. An underlying theme has been the need for
the Church to proclaim afresh to each generation the
good news about Jesus Christ. So, please join me in
giving thanks to God for the way our Kingdom People
vision has been developed and widely owned throughout the diocese and that in that
context we have secured national funding to invest in the mission work now under way
in the Calling Young Disciples and Resourcing Churches projects.”
“One of the joys of the job has been to see a bigger picture of the Church, including
contact with our diocesan links in Magdeburg, Morogoro and Peru. When we might
anxiously reflect on the tight fnancial resources of our parish and diocesan budgets,
it was a reality check to hear a Peruvian vicar talk about trusting in God’s faithfulness
for resources and seeing the Church growing, despite its poverty. Their vibrancy of faith
in Jesus Christ and love of sharing that good news is a humbling encouragement as to
how we see our plans – including for ‘retirement’!”
Robert asks for prayer:
• That he will be open to God’s plans for what’s next, including ongoing ministry as
a Reader.
• For a really good handover to his successor, John Preston, starting in late October.
Upton Deanery – Rural Dean: Chris Moss; Lay Chair: Maria Toman
The Anglican Church of Southern Africa: Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
Diocese of Espoo (Finland): Bishop Tapio Luoma
Diocese of Edinburgh (Scotland): Bishop John Armes
