Reading and Prayers: 19th November 2023

Hello everyone,

This week it is Safeguarding Sunday. Please pray for the vulnerable and all those who work protecting them, for safer cultures and communities for all, and for a world free from harm and neglect.

Services this week:

This Sunday there are services of Holy Communion at Measham, Normanton, and Swepstone, and a lay led service at Donisthorpe at the Halfway House Pub.

Looking ahead:

With another busy Wednesday:

At 10.00am there will be midweek Holy Communion at Donisthorpe at Rev’d Edwina’s house;

Packington have Coffee & Chat from 10.00am to 12.00noon in Church;

There is also Coffee & Chat at Appleby Church Hall from 10.30am to 12.00noon;

And Activeage meet at 11.00am in Measham Church Hall.

On Thursday, Kids Kingdom Baby & Toddler group meets at Appleby Church Hall from 9.00 to 11.00am.

Next Saturday (25^th), Measham have a Christmas Fayre from 10.00am to 12.00noon in the Church Hall.

Norton village also have a Christmas Fayre in the Village Hall 10.00am – 2.00pm on Saturday.

Next Sunday (26^th November) there are 10.00am services of Holy Communion at Packington and Donisthorpe at the Halfway House Pub, Breakfast Church at Measham, and Morning Prayer at Appleby with Kids Kingdom from 9.45am.

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 19^th November 2023 – The Second Sunday before Advent

Heavenly Lord,

you long for the world’s salvation:

stir us from apathy,

restrain us from excess

and revive in us new hope

that all creation will one day be healed

in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Reading for 19^th November 2023 – 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 New International Version (UK)

The day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. ⁵ You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Prayers for today:

We pray:

Loving God, we offer our prayers for all people and their situations; for lives that are going through upheaval or distress; for circumstances which only you can change.

• We pray for the Church throughout the world, remembering those Christians in countries where their beliefs make them vulnerable and in danger. Uphold and strengthen all who are persecuted for their faith. We pray for hostages and their families and loved ones from whom they are separated.

• Creator God, we pray for peace in the world, for understanding between nations, religions and factions, and for an end to war. We think especially of those in present danger: the people of Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. Keep them safe in the midst of trouble.
• We continue to pray for all those in our own country who are at risk, are abused, or otherwise helpless, for those who offer guidance through the dark and those who endeavour to safeguard the vulnerable. Help us to remember that we have a duty to love one another, to look out for one another, and be full of care for one another. May we all be led into safe and sound living.
• May those who are learning to live a new pattern of life feel that you are walking beside them. We especially pray for the sick and suffering in our churches and communities, and give you thanks for those who are on the road to recovery.
• Merciful God, we remember those who have died and those who are bereaved. May the light of Christ which eternally shines bring hope to their dark places. We especially pray for those whose anniversary falls at this time.
• Gracious God, forgive us when we only turn to you when things trouble us and when we forget to thank you for your blessings. Help us to see how precious and worth protecting all the wonderful people and things in our world are.  Give us your strength for today, your hope for tomorrow, and the light of your love to guide us in all things.

Amen.