We give thanks for a spirit of co-operation between PCCs, ministers and congregations of neighbouring parishes. Pray for renewed vision for ministry to schools and community, for new heart for mission and evangelism. Clergy: Ted Whittaker, Sallie Butch… Continue Reading
Give thanks and pray for the work of the emergency services, especially the emergency care and crisis intervention teams working for the EKM. These teams are often especially busy in winter months and over the Christmas period. May they know God’s protection as they work in difficult situations, and be an instrument of his care to others.
Please pray that Vikki continues to be open and listen to wisdom and guidance. Renew, refresh and resource her as she supports the people and parishes across the deanery and continues to help them as Kingdom People. Give thanks for all those opportunit… Continue Reading
We give thanks for a spirit of co-operation between PCCs, ministers and congregations of neighbouring parishes. Pray for new Bible Study Groups, Great Witley’s ministry team and new people joining the church, Shrawley’s hospitality project and Little Witley’s links with its village. Clergy: Ted Whittaker, Sallie Butcher; Reader: Marjorie Workman; ALM: Liz Whitehead.
The observance of Plough Sunday on the First Sunday of Epiphany goes back to Victorian times, but behind it there is a much older observance, associated with the first working day after the twelve days of Christmas, hence ‘Plough Monday’ in some places. In medieval times some ploughs were kept in the parish church, and some churches kept a ‘plough-light’. In days when work was scarce in winter, the observance looked forward to the time of sowing with the promise of a harvest to come.
Although the nature of farming has changed over the centuries, Plough Sunday is seen as a way of generally celebrating farming and the work of farmers. Some church communities have also reintroduced it as a focus for asking a blessing on human labour near the start of the calendar year. It is an opportunity to cherish the land and human labour, and to remind us all of our dependence upon it and upon God.
Plough Sunday Prayer:
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation:
for in your abundant care you have given us fertile land,
rich soil, the seasons in their courses.
You provide seed for sowing, water, light and warmth to
bring forth the miracle of growth.
You give us skill to work the land, to prepare and nourish it, that it may be fruitful.
By your blessing, let this plough be a sign of all that you promise to us.
Prosper the work of our hands,and provide abundant crops for your people to share.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God speed the plough.
Stourport Deanery – Rural Dean: Mark Turner; Lay Chair: Andrew Quinn
Pray for St Bartholomew’s CE Primary, Head: Sue Helps and Astley CE Primary, Exec Head: Simon Stubbs, Head: Alison Reakes-Williams. For the continuing Fresh Expressions Church on the Walshes estate & Messy Church at St Bartholomew’s. For the building up of our relationships with the school communities. Clergy: Mark Turner, Josie Callam, Paul Brothwell (retired); Readers: Sue Matthews, Julia Quinn.
Pray for us as we learn together with our new Vicar. For those who have been working hard including Churchwarden Pam Craven and Lay Chair of the PCC Chris Tompkin.
For Wilden CE Primary School, Head: Francesca Fishwick. Clergy: Carey Saleh. Continue Reading
Pray as we move forward together with our new Vicar. For those who have been working hard for a long time including our Churchwardens (Liz & Roger), Readers and others in different ministry roles of ministry, including retired priest Paul Brothwell and… Continue Reading
Give thanks for the life and ministry of Morogoro Cathedral, and the community gathered around the Anglican compound in the heart of the city. Pray for the new
Sub-Dean, and Diocesan Link Officer, Peter Mkengi, and the renewed energy he is bringing to … Continue Reading
Pray for the Deanery Clergy and Vikki Day, Lay Mission Developer, particularly as she trains for Reader Ministry. For us all as we grow our spiritual and prayer life as a deanery. Rural Dean: Mark Turner, Lay Chair: Andrew Quinn. Continue Reading
