God of our lives,
we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip,
for his love of our country,
and for his devotion to duty.
We entrust him now to your love and mercy,
through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
A PRAYER ON THE DEATH OF HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
The Church of England has opened an online condolence book, which is open to any individual who wish to sign and record a message.
Churches together in Crowthorne invite you to join one of our study programmes over Lent. An opportunity to learn together with other Christians about our shared discipleship.
On Monday evenings, “Mission and creation care for Christian Disciples” a five week course (starting Monday 22nd February) connecting science, Christianity and the environment designed to challenge our understanding of Christian discipleship and encourage us to practice sustainable lifestyles including the care of creation. Joining details here.
On Tuesday evenings, a series of pre-recorded lectures on the theme ‘Excited by…’ This year our speakers will deliver recorded lectures to be hosted on Facebook and YouTube followed by an opportunity for Questions and Answers on Zoom at 9pm. Full details here.
On Thursday evenings, “Woven”, a six week course (starting Thursday 18th February). As people of faith we know that our story and God’s story are woven together, not
because we wish it to be so but because God is interested in the smallest detail of our
lives. During the course we will reflect on our personal relationship with God and on
every Christian’s responsibility to engage with the world as it is. Joining details here.
For further details contact the secretary, churchestogetherincrowthorne@gmail.com
“So that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete”
(John 15:11)
Colossians 1:15-20 – In him all things hold together
Mark 4: 30—32 – As small as a mustard seed
Thrice-holy God, We thank you for having created and loved us.
We thank you for your presence in us and in creation.
May we learn to look upon the world as you look upon it, with love.
In the hope of this vision, may we be able to work for a world where justice and peace flourish, for the glory of your name.
The Prayer chain for climate justice was set up to help us all connect together across the world in our prayer and action for climate justice. It is an initiative of Christian Aid and is being done in partnership with CAFOD and Tearfund. It was initially set up to lead to the climate change talks originally planned for November 2020 but now postponed to November 2021 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
You can sign up on the calendar to fill a time-slot to pray by yourself or with others from your church. You can choose to pray on a regular basis as part of the prayer chain.
Are your local churches already involved with ecocongregations or ecochurch ? Visit Christian Aid campaigns to find out how to add your voice to the call for climate justice.
Visit Green Christian to join in the conversation and get involved in making a positive difference in the world. Green Christian are a community of ordinary Christians from all backgrounds and traditions working to care for Creation through prayer, living simply, public witness, campaigning and mutual encouragement.
“I am the vine, you are the branches”
(John 15:5a)
1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:21-23 – Is Christ divided?
John 17:20-23 – As you and I are one
“Go and bear fruit, fruit that will last”
(John 15: 16b)
Genesis 18:1-5 – Abraham hosts the angels at the Oak of Mamre
Mark 6:30-44 – Jesus’ compassion for the crowds
“You have already been pruned by the word… “
(John 15:3)
Deuteronomy 30:11-20 – The word of God is very close to you
Matthew 5:1-12 – Blessed are you
Blessed are you, God our Father, for the gift of your word in Holy Scripture.
Blessed are you for its transforming power.
Help us choose life and guide us by your Spirit,
so that we can experience the happiness which you want so much to share with us.
Global: Find out more about the Just Scripture initiative and help organise a session connecting the churches in your area with a community across the world.
Local: What one act of kindness could the churches in your area take together to be a unified blessing in your wider community?
Personal: Read the Beatitudes through slowly (Matthew 5: 3-11). Which of the actions described in the passage are you encouraged to take today?
(see www.ctbi.org.uk/goanddo)
Romans 8:26-27 – The Spirit helps us in our weakness
Luke 11:1-4 – Lord, teach us to pray
Lord Jesus, your entire life was prayer, perfect harmony with the Father.
Through your Spirit, teach us to pray according to your will of love.
May the faithful of the whole world unite in intercession and praise, and may your kingdom of love come.
Colossians 3:12-17 – Clothe yourself with compassion
John 13:1-15; 34-35 – Love one another
God our Father, you reveal to us your love through Christ and through our brothers and sisters.
Open our hearts so that we can welcome each other with our differences and live in forgiveness.
Grant us to live united in one body, so that the gift that is each person comes to light.
May all of us together be a reflection of the living Christ.
“Abide in me as I abide in you”
(John 15:4a)
Ephesians 3:14-21 – May Christ dwell in our hearts
Luke 2:41-52 – Mary treasured all these things
• The Bible tells us very little about Jesus’ youth and early adulthood, when he seems to have lived an ordinary life in Nazareth. How are you conscious of God’s presence with you in the everyday things of life?
• In your church or group of churches how do you nurture your children and young people to walk with God in their everyday lives, and how could you do this better?
• What does the churches having a ‘presence’ together in the community look like in your area?
