Hello everyone,
This week we pray for all those affected by Hurricane Milton as it makes landfall across the Atlantic; for those evacuating having to leave behind their homes and seek shelter, and for the emergency services as they work tirelessly against the elements to keep everyone safe. Pray for affected communities that in the aftermath of the coming days they may come together to rebuild and recover from the damage.
Services this week:
This Sunday we have Holy Communion with Baptism at Appleby, Holy Communion at Donisthorpe, Morning Worship at Packington, and Harvest at Measham and Snarestone, all at 10.00am. Kids’ Kingdom Sunday School also meet at Appleby from 9.45am. Later on, there is an open invitation to us all to Choral Evensong led by Leicester Cathedral Choir at 4.00pm at Christ Church, Coalville.
Looking ahead:
Deanery Synod will be held at Packington Church at 7.30pm on Tuesday. This meeting is open to all not just Synod reps so do come along.
We have another busy Wednesday with:
Midweek Communion at Packington at 10.00am.
Coffee, Cake & Chat in Swepstone Church Hall from 10.30am.
Activeage at 11.00am in Measham Church Hall.
Appleby’s Community Lunch at 12.30pm in the Church Hall.
On Thursday, Kids Kingdom Baby & Toddler group meet from 9.00am to 11.00am in Appleby Church Hall.
Thursday afternoons, Packington have a new group, ‘Come and See’ for 11-14 year olds (school years 7-9), run in partnership with Ashby Youth for Christ. They meet at 3.45 to 5.00pm in Packington Church for games, Bible, fun and noise.
Next Sunday (20th) we have Holy Communion at Normanton, Norton, and Swepstone, a lay led service at Donisthorpe, Sunday People at Appleby, and Breakfast Church at Measham, all at 10.00am.
On Monday (21st) there will be a Deanery Laity Meeting at Measham Church Hall from 2.00 to 3.00pm where all lay members of church are invited to drop in for a coffee and a chat.
Woodfield Team prayer
God our Father, you long to draw all people into your love.
Increase in number your church throughout the Woodfield Team; deepen us as followers and learners of Christ; and give us courage to share the good news of your kingdom.
We pray this in the power of your Spirit, to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect for Sunday 13th October – The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
God, our light and our salvation:
illuminate our lives,
that we may see your goodness in the land of the living,
and looking on your beauty
may be changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Reading for 13th October – Hebrews 4:12-16 New International Version (UK)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Jesus the great high priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Prayers for today:
We pray:
Eternal Lord, you are our creator and sustainer. We bring before you the needs of our church, our world, our communities, and ourselves.
- Everlasting God, you want us to be a generous people offering our time, talents, and resources to your service. Guard us, Lord, from holding back when we should be letting go and honouring you as Lord of all we have. Help our churches to be places of welcome and service to the communities in which we live.
- Creator God we pray for harvests in parts of your world suffering drought, floods, natural disaster, disease, war, or terrorism. We pray for the struggling and the oppressed. Bless all working to meet their needs and fill us all with compassion and a willingness to share what we have with those in need, both near and far away from us.
- Merciful Father, we pray for peace in the world; that every nation may seek the way that leads to peace. We cry out to you on behalf of every person affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
- Saving God, please help the people who are in the path of Hurricane Milton. Be with them in this time of uncertainty, giving them peace in their hearts. Guide them safely along their journeys as they evacuate homes and seek shelter. Help them to trust in you and to remember that you are their refuge and strength, and that you are with them in the storm.
- Compassionate God we remember those who are sick, sad or lonely and those who are brave and patient when things are going wrong. We pray that they may be aware of your comforting presence and know that in your hands they are safe and loved.
- Merciful God, we remember with thankfulness and gratitude all those who have left their mark on our lives by giving us love and laughter, but who have now gone before us to be with Christ. We hold them in our hearts, knowing that you, Lord, hold them in yours.
- Faithful God, we offer you our prayers and ourselves, that we may play our part in your response. May we be steadfast in faith and active in service. In the name of him who showed us the way, your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray,
Amen.