Prayer DiaryPrayer DiaryDecember & January 2020-2021

Campaigning against gender-based violenceEach year, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November marks the start of a 16-day international campaign, which culminates on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Throughout the campaign, the Mothers’ Union is joining with around 6,000 organisations from approximately 187 countries

to raise awareness of, and call for an end to, gender-based violence in all forms and in all societies. As part of the campaign this year the Mothers’ Union will be holding their Global Day (5 December) online, focusing on the disturbing and unacceptable figure that ‘1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced domestic or sexual abuse’.In Worcester Cathedral, a candle with be lit and the MU prayers used each day.To find out more about the work of our local Mothers’ Union and this campaign against gender-based violence, please visitwww.worcestermu.org.uk/.

Advent 1Sunday 29 NOVEMBER

Lord, we pray that through the work of the Mothers’ Union and other charities worldwide, gender-based violence is brought to an end.

Kingswinford Deanery Rural Dean: David Hoskin Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy

Foreword from Bishop JohnAs I write this foreword, we are in the midst of the second lockdown. Our Archbishops have asked us to make this month a month of prayer and I’m delighted how many people have responded positively to their request.

This prayer diary covers the season of Advent and Christmas and it reminds us that prayer should be as natural to us as breathing. It’s appropriate to every season, something we can do as long as the Holy Spirit gives us breath. It’s one thing that cannot be banned during lockdown.

These are hard times: we should take encouragement from St Paul’s words to the Christians at Philippi: ‘Do not worry about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’

With that in mind, it’s good, now and then, to have an extra ‘push’ on prayer and to follow the national month of prayer we are also publishing a ‘prayer diary extra’ – a sustained period of prayer specifically linked to ‘Growing as Kingdom People’ during Advent.

God bless you this Advent, one like no other, and may the joy of the Christ-child be yours this Christmas.

At the moment we are continuing to produce the prayer diary monthly in electronic format. In this two-month edition,

we’re praying for Kingswinford and Droitwich. We try to pray for those with a licence from the Bishop by name, but please do remember all who minister and witness with them in each parish.

On Sundays we are offering a monthly prayer for you to pray for your baptism families and we also continue to pray for dioceses around the world through the Poorvoo prayer calendar (Sundays) and the Anglican Cycle of Prayer. These are all placed in a column, on the side edge of each page.

St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane (Scotland): Bishop Ian Paton Lusitanian Church: Bishop Jorge Pina Cabral Porvoo (Finland): Bishop Bo-Göran Åstrand

Sekondi (Ghana): Bishop Alexander Asmah Eastern Michigan (USA): Bishop Todd Ousley

Seoul (Korea): Bishop Peter Lee Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada): Bishop Geoffrey Peddle

Seychelles (Indian Ocean): Bishop James Richard Wong Yin Song Eastern Oregon (USA): Bishop Patrick Bell

Sheffield: Bishop Pete Wilcox, with Bishop Sophie Jelley (Doncaster) Eastern Zambia (Africa): Bishop William Mchombo Easton (USA): Bishop Santosh Marray

Shinyanga (Tanzania): Bishop Johnson Chinyong’ole Eau Claire (USA): Bishop William Jay Lambert

Edinburgh (Scotland): Bishop John Armes Gasabo (Rwanda): Bishop Laurent Mbanda

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Mon 30 Growing as Kingdom People: Worshipping God creativelyGod of all the world, as we worship you, may we feel today the good news of your love, and know its truth within us. May we rejoice in that love day by day through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tue 1 DECEMBER Kingswinford Deanery Pray for the Deanery Chapter, Synod and PCCs as we work through the effects of the pandemic and join in the Diocesan Restructuring Conversation. For hope and courage. Rural Dean: David Hoskin; Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy.

Wed 2 Diocese of PeruFollowing the impeachment of the president and the widespread public discontent with this action by Congress, pray for the people of Peru as they endure political turmoil on top of the devastating consequences of pandemic, especially that they may find leaders of integrity to lead them through this crisis.

Thur 3 Brierley Hill Team: St Michael, Brierley HillGive thanks for monies coming into the area through the High Street Heritage Action Zone. Pray for benefits for the whole community and for church to recognise opportunities. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.

Fri 4 Brierley Hill Team: Christ Church, Quarry BankPray for the choir and all working to produce creative Christmas worship for Facebook and YouTube that they may become real community events. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston. Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.

Sat 5 Brierley Hill Team: St John BrockmoorPray for the recruitment of a community missioner to work across the parish - making links with the population who do not worship in the Team. Clergy: David Hoskin, Carol Weston; Readers: Keith Colley, Val Houghton. Reader-in-training: Tracey Skidmore.

Comfort & Joy at Christmas #ComfortandJoy is the Church of England’s Advent and Christmas campaign for 2020. It holds together the hope that Christmas will bring joy and celebration after a difficult year with an acknowledgement that – for those who have experienced loss or bereavement, or who are still not able to be together with loved ones – it may be the Church’s role to provide consolation.Daily reflections are available along with a printed booklet Comfort and Joy: Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas which explores biblical texts alongside the words of much-loved Christmas carols.Nine online services, created in partnership with charities like Christian Aid and the Church Army, are also available. These include: a service for each Sunday of Advent; a Children’s Society Christingle; nine lessons and carols; and midnight services. Churches are encouraged to list the full range of their Advent and Christmas services on A Church Near You.It is hoped that Comfort and Joy will reconnect us to the rich and joyous traditions of the past and offer God’s consoling love in the present.

Sunday 6 DECEMBERAdvent 2

Shyira (Rwanda): Bishop Samuel M Mugisha

Edmonton (Canada): Vacant

Shyogwe (Rwanda): Bishop Jered Kalimba

Egba (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Adekunle

Lafia (Nigeria): Bishop Godwin A Robinson

Sialkot (Pakistan): Bishop Alwin John Samuel

Egba West (Nigeria): Bishop Samuel Oludele Ogundeji

Singapore (South East Asia): Bishop Titus Chung

Egbu (Nigeria): Bishop Geoffrey Okoroafor

Egypt (Jerusalem & Middle East): Bishop Mouneer Hanna Anis

Sittwe (Myanmar): Bishop James Min Dein Eha - Amufu (Nigeria):

Bishop Daniel Olinya

Ekiti (Nigeria): Bishop Christopher Tayo Omotunde

Ekiti Kwara (Nigeria): Bishop Andrew Ajayi Ekiti Oke (Nigeria):

Bishop Isaac Olubowale Ekiti West (Nigeria):

Bishop Rufus V A Adepoju

Kingswinford Deanery Rural Dean: David Hoskin Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy

Chester: Bishop Mark Tanner, with Bishop Keith Sinclair (Birkenhead)

The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain:

Bishop Carlos López-Lozano Kuopio (Finland):

Bishop Jari Jolkkonen

Christmas-tide in Malvern Link and CowleighThis Christmas-tide, Malvern Link and Cowleigh are getting creative with the children, young people and families in their parish, with support from their Mission Enabler, Helen Laird. To celebrate the Advent season, every Primary school child has been invited to decorate a bunting pendant with Christian imagery of Christmas. Once decorated, the 1,500 themed pendants will be sewn together in class groups and used to decorate the church.

Not only will the Christmas story be recreated in fabric, but also with food at the planned ‘Edible Nativity’ next weekend. On Saturday 19 December, families will visit St Matthias and St Peter’s churches to decorate pre-cut and baked gingerbread biscuits in the shape of Nativity characters, ready to take home and adorn their Christmas trees, if they make it that far!

Advent 3Sunday 13 DECEMBER

Sodor & Man: Bishop Peter Eagles El Camino Real (USA): Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves

Sokoto (Nigeria): Bishop Augustine Omole El Salvador (Central America): Bishop Juan David Alvarado Melgar

South Ankole (Uganda): Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe Eldoret (Kenya): Bishop Christopher Ruto

South Dakota (USA): Bishop John Tarrant El-Obeid (Sudan): Bishop Ismail Gabriel Abudigin

Ely: Bishop Stephen Conway with Bishop Dagmar Winter (Huntingdon) South Kerala (India): Bishop Dharmaraj Rasalam Embu (Kenya): Bishop David Muriithi Ireri

South Rwenzori (Uganda): Bishop Jackson Nzerebende Enugu (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma Enugu North (Nigeria): Bishop Sosthenes Eze

Southwell and Nottingham: Bishop Paul Williams with Bishop Andrew Emerton (Sherwood) Falkland Islands: Bishop Timothy Thornton Borg (Norway): Bishop Atle Sommerfeldt

Praying for our Baptism families - Loving God, we ask that you help

our Baptism families know and understand the fullness of your

love. Give them peace in knowing that you are with them from the

beginning and until the end. Amen.

Kingswinford Deanery Rural Dean: David Hoskin Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy

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Lord, we thank you for inspiring us with many ways in which to creatively celebrate and learn about the Nativity with our children, young people and families this year.

Father, we pray that you help us all to find much-needed Comfort

and Joy this Advent season, especially those of us who have

been bereaved or who will be apart from loved ones over Christmas.

Mon 14 Growing as Kingdom People: Sharing hopeO God we thank you for Jesus: wonderful counsellor, our prince of peace. As we celebrate Emmanuel we know that you are with us, and in the warmth of your love we find our hope renewed and our confidence restored. Help us to share that hope with others. Amen.

Tue 15 Christ Church, CoseleyPraying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. For our ALM: Bob Hill. Clergy: Emma Stanford and Tim Westwood

Wed 16 The Protestant Church of Central GermanyWe pray for the EKM’s Lutheran partner churches in Belarus, especially for the young people who experience major penalties affecting their personal life due to their involvement in the demonstrations for political change.

Thur 17 St James the Great, Lower GornalPlease pray for the faithful congregation at St James the Great, Lower Gornal during a time of change.

Fri 18 Wordsley TeamGive thanks for all who have enabled the safe opening of churches and hall. Pray for those still unable to come to worship especially our local schools. Clergy: Colin Jones, Lyn Rowson; Readers: Terry Blewitt, Chris Geary

Sat 19 Gornal & Sedgley Team MinistryPlease pray for all in leadership, for our Church councils, and especially our Children and Young People’s Hub as we seek to pick up our work with young people and families during the pandemic; and give thanks for our ALMs who give so much. Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Jan Humphries

Mon 7 Growing as Kingdom People: Making disciplesLord, help us to see the opportunities for coming alongside others and sharing the good news of Jesus. We pray for those just starting on their journey of faith, that they will continue to grow and develop as your disciples.

Tue 8 Kingswinford & Wall HeathPray for St Mary’s and Church of the Ascension as they enter vacancy; for all in ministry and supporting continued worship and the online Jigsaw Church and for our ALMs. For St Mary’s & Ascension CE VC Primaries; Heads: Peter Booth and Steve Hudson. Readers: Jill Nicholls, Deborah Filgate, David Cousins

Wed 9 Diocese of MorogoroWe pray for all those who lost homes and land in severe flooding in Morogoro earlier this year. During this time, church buildings were destroyed and many clergy lost their homes. We rejoice that gifts from our own diocese have played an important part in bringing some much needed relief.

Thur 10 St Mark, PensnettPlease pray that God’s spirit replenishes us, keeps us going and gives us joy in these hard times. We pray that our needs will be provided for. Clergy: Ness Tobin; Reader: John Lawrence

Fri 11 St Chad, CoseleyAs we start a new chapter in the life of St Chad’s Coseley, we pray that God’s love will continue to shine brightly to all in the community, illuminating his love and compassion. Clergy: Gary Hartill

Sat 12 St Mary, Hurst HillPraying for a continued sense of hope and strength during the time of uncertainty. Also giving thanks for our growing daily online worship. Strengthen our clergy: Emma Stanford and Tim Westwood, and our ALM: Bob Hill

Christmas CarolsFor many of us, the rich melodies of Christmas carols are synonymous with the Advent season. They serve us with a reminder of hosts of angels filling the night sky with joyous songs at the miraculous coming of the Christ-child. Carols as we know them have their roots as early as the fourth century, with several traditional pieces like ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night’ first appearing during the Medieval period. However, most of today’s popular carols were first composed and circulated in the Victorian era.

With moving harmonies and a mixture of solemn and uplifting lyrics, carols are often full of awe, hope and joy – emotions we can identify with as we await the Nativity.This year, we have been recording a diocesan version of ‘Once in Royal David’s city’ featuring singers from across our parishes. Look out for it on our social media channels and the diocesan website this week.

Sunday 20 DECEMBER

Advent 4

South West Tanganyika (Tanzania): Bishop Matthew Mhagama

Esan (Nigeria): Bishop Friday Imaekhai

Etche (Nigeria): Bishop Precious Nwala

Etsako (Nigeria): Bishop Jacob Bada

Exeter: Bishop Robert Atwell, with

Bishops Jackie Searle (Crediton), Nick McKinnel (Plymouth)

Evo (Nigeria): Bishop Innocent Ordu

Ezo (South Sudan): Bishop John Kereboro Zawo

Faisalabad (Pakistan): Bishop John Samuel

Falkland Islands: Bishop Timothy Thornton

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of Bethlehem.

Fianarantsoa (Indian Ocean): Bishop Gilbert Rateloson

Rakotondravelo Florida (USA):

Bishop John Howard False Bay (South Africa):

Bishop Margaret Brenda Vertue

Kingswinford Deanery Rural Dean: David Hoskin Lay Chair: Anthony Lovesy

Hark! The herald-angels sing:“Glory to the new-born King;

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconcil’d.”

(Wesley, 1758)

Durham: Bishop Paul Butler, with Bishop Sarah Clark (Jarrow)

Moray, Ross & Caithness (Scotland): Bishop Mark Strange

Oslo (Norway): Bishop Kari Veiteberg

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Diocesan Chancellor retirementThe Diocesan Chancellor, Charles Mynors, will be retiring at the end of 2020.Charles is a barrister and has been in post for 23 years. During that time, he has sat in judgement on a whole range of issues affecting churches in Worcestershire and Dudley. Charles said: “I have enjoyed my time at Worcester; and have been hugely supported both by the two Bishops of Worcester as well as the seven archdeacons with whom I have had the privilege of working. I am very grateful to all.”Bishop John said: “Charles’s wisdom and judgement have been hugely appreciated. His skill and deep Christian commitment have enabled him to act at all times for the good of the mission of the church as well as the care of our heritage. I give heartfelt thanks for him and pray for God’s rich blessing on him in the future.”Every Church of England diocese has an ecclesiastical court whose judge is the Chancellor. Much of the routine work that the Chancellor undertakes is centred on faculty jurisdiction, which allows work to be carried out on consecrated churches and churchyards.

Christmas 1 / JohnSunday 27 DECEMBER

Fond du Lac (USA): Bishop Matthew Alan Gunter Fort Worth (USA): Bishop Scott Mayer

Fredericton (Canada): Bishop David Edwards Freetown (Sierra Leone): Bishop Thomas Arnold Ikunika Wilson

Gahini (Rwanda): Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo Gambia (West Africa): Bishop James Allen Yaw Odico

Gasabo (Rwanda): Bishop Onesphore Rwaje Gboko (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Nyitsse George (South Africa): Bishop Brian Marajh Georgia (USA): Bishop Scott Benhase

Aba (Nigeria): Bishop Christian Chiodoadighi Ugwuzor

Aba Ngwa North (Nigeria): Bishop Nathan C O Kanu

Chichester: Bishop Martin Warner with Bishops Ruth Bushwager (Horsham), Will Hazelwood (Lewes) Mikkeli (Finland): Bishop Seppo Häkkinen

Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Janet Bryan

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Lord, we give thanks for Charles’s work and commitment over the years and pray for him as he takes this next step on his journey.

Mon 21 Growing as Kingdom People: Transforming communitiesLord God, we thank you for all the places we can find you in our communities. This Christmas week, help us to remember that Jesus came to transform the world and we all have a role to play in that.

Tue 22 Gornal & Sedgeley Team Ministry Please pray for all of the people of St Peter’s Church as we continue with the closure of the current church building and for the development of our church hall. Also for the Churches Together Alpha course across the area starting in January. Clergy: Guy Hewlett, Catherine Mitchell; Reader: Canon Jan Humpries.

Wed 23 Economy and Daily LifePray for those working in retail during the difficulties of lockdown, with the continuing pressure of Christmas, and especially for all working over the holiday period; that all may find the rest they need and know the Peace of the Christ-child.

Thur 24 Churches Together in Brierley Hill Pray for all the Christian denominations working together in the Brierley Hill area.

Fri 25 Christmas DayEternal God, in the stillness of this night you sent your almighty Word to pierce the world’s darkness with the light of salvation: Give to the earth the peace that we long for and fill our hearts with the joy of heaven through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen (Common Worship, Church of England)

Sat 26 Retired clergy in Kingswinford DeaneryOn this commemoration of Stephen, deacon and martyr, we give thanks for the retired clergy of Kingswinford Deanery. For their own ordination to the diaconate, and for the many years of service and of preaching they have given in the course of their ministry.

Mon 28 PCC and Deanery Synod membersPray for all those who serve their church as members of the Parochial Church Council and give thanks for their important role in the mission of the Church. Also for Deanery Synod members who play a vital role in the governance of the Church.

Tue 29 Lay MinistryPray for all those who serve the church in a lay capacity. Giving thanks especially for the ministry of Readers/Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) and Authorised Lay Ministers (ALMs).

Wed 30 Diocesan HR TeamPray for the Diocesan Human Resources Team: Jo Hyrons and Becky Lowe. Give thanks for their skills and experience and for all they do to support clergy and employees of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

Thur 31 New Year’s EveLord, as we enter the new year, we each have our hopes and expectations for all that is ahead of us - but you alone know what it holds. Give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges and assure us of the certainty of your unchanging love.

Fri 1 JANUARY Black Country Urban Industrial Mission Pray for Chaplains and Trustees of the Black Country Urban Industrial Mission (BCUIM), as they support workers across the Black Country, including the retail sector, Jaguar Land Rover, West Midlands Ambulance Service and National Express Bus drivers and staff.

Sat 2 Fire Service / Police Pray for all who work in the Fire & Rescue Service and the Police, for safety and resilience, especially with the added pressure of Covid-19. Pray also for their chaplains as they reflect God’s love and care for all officers and staff. Joint Lead Chaplain: Dick Johnson. Chaplains: Richard Bubbers, Stuart Sandys, Tony Whalley, Paul Lawlor, Tim Williams, Mike Wilkinson, Keith Locke, Keith Osmund-Smith, Catalin Macrae, Tony Whalley, Ahmed Hans.

Pray for mission agencies and their ministry throughout the Anglican

Communion, including the Mothers’ Union around the world.

Pray for Christians in other denominations and the work of the ecumenical movement.

Berrow’s Phone Church The benefice of Berrow with Pendock, Eldersfield, Hollybush & Birtsmorton is in a rural area in the south of our diocese. Internet is often poor quality and intermittent, so to keep in touch, parishioners have been able to join online worship by telephone.Rector, Julie James, said: “There are usually around 8 – 10 people joining via phone. We’ve found that it’s been a very powerful experience – people really have to listen to each other. We’ve felt very close to each other and to God.”Three different online services are offered – a Eucharist on Sunday morning, Morning Prayer on a Wednesday and Compline on Friday evening.“People have missed coming to church in person, but ‘Phone Church’ has helped them to stay connected. Because they can’t see, we explain what’s happening and tell them what’s coming up. Individuals are invited to speak at different points, but I’ve learnt that it’s important to not be afraid to keep periods of silence.”After each service there’s a chance for people to catch up and to share any news – even if it’s just what they’ve seen out of the window that day! “It’s great that we’ve been able to be there for our whole community both spiritually and through offering fellowship. We’re reaching those on the margins and the vulnerable - we’ll definitely keep doing it.”

Sunday 3 JANUARY

Epiphany

Abakaliki (Nigeria): Bishop Monday Chukwuma Nkwoagu

Aberdeen & Orkney (Scotland): Bishop Anne Dyer

Abuja (Nigeria): Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba

Abyei (South Sudan): Bishop Michael Deng K Bol

Accra (Ghana): Bishop Daniel Sylvanus Mensah Torto

Adelaide (Australia): Archbishop Geoffrey Smith

Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon

Lay Chair: Janet Bryan

Lord, we pray for all those who have been unable to

access worship for a range of reasons, including through a lack of technology and fear.

London: Bishop Sarah Mullally with Bishops

Graham Tomlin (Kensington), Pete Broadbent (Willesden), Rob Wickham (Edmonton),

Jonathan Baker (Fulham), Ric Thorpe (Islington), Joanne Grenfell (Stepney)

Nidaros / New see and Trondheim (Norway):

Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit The Episcopal / Anglican Province

of Alexandria: Archbishop Mouneer Hanna Anis

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Mon 4 Droitwich AreaIn the new deanery structure, Droitwich Deanery is likely to be split three ways with parishes moving into the new Worcester, Bromsgrove and Evesham deaneries. Thank you to our hard-working Deanery Officers past and present. Pray for Rural Dean Wyn Beynon who is retiring in Summer 2021.

Tue 5 Wychebrook Benefice Pray that although our church communities may move forward in different directions, we are always open to missional ways of working and see boundaries as lines of welcome and cooperation rather than borders. Clergy: Wyn Beynon; Reader: Melissa Beynon

Wed 6 Diocese of PeruPray for all those who have suffered so heavily as a result of Covid in Peru, particularly for those fighting illness and those who have no income in a country without universal healthcare or unemployment support. Pray especially for young people for whom the future seems so bleak, that they may have hope.

Thur 7 Wychebrook BeneficePray as planning continues for Feckenham to potentially join the existing Christ the King Team (Crabbs Cross, Headless Cross and Astwood Bank) to form a new benefice sharing their focus of the south side of Redditch and immediate countryside. Clergy: Wyn Beynon

Fri 8 Wychebrook Benefice In our proposed new structure, Stock and Bradley will return to the ‘new’ Bowbrook Group. Pray that the building may be well used as a centre for this very rural and dispersed community. Clergy: Wyn Beynon

Sat 9 Growing as Kingdom People As the new deanery plan comes into effect, pray for all those who struggle with change and pray that the new structure will be effective in offering us more flexibility in deploying ministry to better meet pastoral and missional needs.

Children’s Society Climb ProjectIn May 2020, the Children’s Society launched a new project, ‘Climb’, in the West Mercia region to support young people aged between 10 and 17 who could be at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

The Services Manager for Worcestershire and Herefordshire, Georgia Boyce said: “By working with young people and encouraging them to be involved with more positive activities, it reduces the risk that they will become involved in negative behaviour. We listen, asking them where they want to be and then work out how we can help them get there.”The programme supports young people in many ways, including through the provision of opportunities to take part in sports or creative activities. “It’s all about building up trust, helping the young people to grow in confidence and raising their awareness to vulnerable situations,” said Georgia. “We’ll always be here if they need help and will keep supporting them until we are sure that they have other networks in place.” Find out more on The Children’s Society website.

Baptism of ChristSunday 10 JANUARY

Afikpo (Nigeria): Bishop Paul A. Udogu

North Africa: Bishop Samy Fawzy

The Horn of Africa: Bishop Kuan Kim Seng

Agra (India): Bishop Prem Prakash Habil

Aguata (Nigeria): Bishop Samuel C. Ezeofor

Ahoada (Nigeria): Bishop Clement N. Ekpeye

Coventry: Bishop Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop John Stroyan (Warwick) Oulu (Finland): Bishop Jukka Keskitalo Sør-Hålogaland (Bodø) (Norway): Bishop Ann-Helen Fjeldstad Jusnes Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia: Archbishop Don Tamihere

Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Janet Bryan

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Please pray for all young people who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system, that they might direct their energy into alternative activities and flourish as unique individuals made in the image of God.

Mon 11 Wychebrook BeneficePlease pray for Paula Honniball as she begins her ministry as Associate Priest in Stoke Prior, Wychbold and Upton Warren, lead the parish as it hopefully becomes part of the Bromsgrove team. Clergy: Wyn Beynon, Paula Honniball

Tue 12 Bowbrook Benefice Pray for all who minister in Crowle and Bredicot, for Crowle First School, the Open the Book team & Fellowship Group; that we can meet again soon. For new facilities at Crowle church. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson

Wed 13 Diocese of MorogoroGive thanks for the vital work at the hospital in Berega. Pray for Director, Canon Isaac Mgego, and all the doctors and nurses. We rejoice that the nursing school has been recognised by the Government as an officially approved training institute.

Thur 14 Bowbrook Benefice Pray for our ministry team at Hadzor w Oddingley and Tibberton and for all who have been recently bereaved. For those exploring vocations and for Tibberton First School. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson

Fri 15 Bowbrook Benefice Pray for all in Himbleton & Huddington; the school, congregations and volunteers who maintain an active, visible and caring ministry. Pray for all who minister here. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson

Sat 16 Bowbrook Benefice Pray for the community of Hanbury. Pray also for the retired clergy that offer their ministries and for our worship leaders especially those leading the Open Door Sunday services. Pray for Hanbury First School and for all those who will hopefully be married here this year. Clergy: David Morris, Rita Holden, Keith Withington; Readers: Peter Charlesworth, Margaret Farquhar, John Spencer, Yuki Johnson

Praying for our Baptism families – Lord, Bless the parents in our

Baptism families as they nurture the children in their care.

Help them to nurture the unique qualities in each member

of the family. Amen.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally held between 18-25 January. This year’s materials have been prepared by the Monastic Community of Grandchamp in Switzerland. The chosen theme, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit”, is based on John 15:1-17 and expresses the Grandchamp Community’s vocation to prayer, reconciliation and unity.

The community has fifty sisters, all women from different generations, Church traditions, countries and continents. The sisters remain faithful to a life of prayer, life in community and the welcoming of guests as they share the grace of their monastic life with visitors and volunteers who go to Grandchamp for a time of retreat, silence, healing or in search of meaning.Abiding in Christ is an inner attitude that takes root in us over time. It demands space to grow. It can be overtaken by the struggle for the necessities of life and it is threatened by the distractions, noise, activity and the challenges of life. During this week, the sisters are inviting churches to enter into their tradition of prayer and silence, remembering that prayer and everyday life are not two separate realities but are meant to be united. All that we experience is meant to become an encounter with God.

Sunday 17 JANUARY

Epiphany 2

Aipo Rongo (Papua New Guinea): Bishop Nathan Ingen

Ajayi Crowther (Nigeria): Bishop Olugbenga O. Oduntan

Akobo (South Sudan): Bishop John Jok Cho

Akoko (Nigeria): Archbishop Gabriel A. Akinbiyi

Akoko Edo (Nigeria): Bishop Jolly E. Oyekpen

Akot (South Sudan): Bishop Isaac Dhieu Ater

Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon

Lay Chair: Janet Bryan

Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one, we pray to you for the unity of Christians.

May your Spirit enable us to experience the suffering

caused by division and to hope beyond all hope. Amen.

Manchester: Bishop David Walker with

Bishops Mark Ashcroft (Bolton), Mark Davies (Middleton)

Tampere (Finland): Bishop Matti Repo

The Anglican Church of Australia: Archbishop Geoffrey Smith

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Mon 18 Saltway TeamPlease pray for all who are part of our existing congregations in Droitwich Spa (St Peter de Witton, St Augustine Dodderhill, St Andrew and St Nicholas) and Salwarpe & Hindlip w Martin Hussingtree as we embrace new patterns of worshipping together. Please also pray for all those who have lost loved ones over recent months. Clergy: Nigel Byard, Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen.

Tue 19 Saltway Team Please pray for the work with local schools across the team as we continue to seek to serve them in the best way during these challenging times. Clergy: Nigel Byard, Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen

Wed 20 The Protestant Church of Central GermanyPlease pray for our EKM congregations as we work to establish ourselves as a ‘Church for Peace with Justice’. Let our journey be shaped together with our partner churches, through the sharing of experiences in peace work.

Thur 21 Saltway Team Please pray for the new contemporary congregation at St Andrew’s Church and the continued Civic role at the centre of the town and in the wider community. Clergy: Nigel Byard, Laura Handy; Reader: Philip Bowen

Fri 22 Worcestershire Severn Parishes At St Andrew, Ombersley, pray for the ongoing ‘Towards 10 Years’ programme looking forward to the 200th anniversary of the current church in 2028. At St Mary, Doverdale, pray for links with Sytchampton school and the securing of the church fabric. Clergy: Stephen Winter; Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes

Sat 23 Growing as Kingdom PeoplePray that we may each find ways to play our part in the journey towards healthy and sustainable churches and that the values of love, compassion, justice and freedom will continue to underpin our lives together.

Holocaust Memorial Day Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place every year on 27 January, and is the international day to remember those murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution and in the genocides that followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. It is promoted and supported by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), the national charity which encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide.HMD is marked in communities across the UK who come together to learn, reflect and take action for a safer future. Faith groups are a huge part of this, and HMDT provides support and resources to help churches mark HMD with their parishes. For HMD 2021, the theme is “Be the light in the darkness” – a call to action which resonates with people of all faiths and none.Resources include prayers, liturgical resources, films, life stories and much more. For more information, visit HMDT’s website.

Epiphany 3Sunday 24 JANUARY

Akure (Nigeria): Bishop Simeon O. Borokini

Alabama (USA): Bishop John McKee Sloan

Alaska (USA): Bishop Mark Lattime

Saint Albans: Bishop Alan Smith with Bishops Michael Beasley (Hertford), Richard Atkinson (Bedford)

Albany (USA): Bishop William Love

Algoma (Canada): Archbishop Anne Germond

Birmingham: Bishop David Urquhart with Bishop Anne Hollinghurst (Aston) Cork, Cloyne and Ross (Ireland): Bishop Paul Colton Elsinore (Denmark): Bishop Lise-Lotte Rebel The Church of Bangladesh: Archbishop Samuel Sunil Mankhin

Droitwich Deanery Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon Lay Chair: Janet Bryan

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Pray for all victims of genocide, and those at risk today in different parts of the world. Pray that God’s peace may reign in the hearts of all nations; for reconciliation where there is division and that God’s love would overcome hatred and fear.

Mon 25 Worcestershire Severn Parishes At St Michael, Elmley Lovett, pray for plans for the church building and links with Cutnall Green school. At St James, Hampton Lovett, pray for the vision for the future of the church building. At St Mary, Elmbridge, for our All Age Worship and at St Michael, Rushock, for the opportunities with young families. Clergy: Stephen Winter; Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes

Tue 26 Worcestershire Severn Parishes At St James, Hartlebury, pray for new opportunities in the village and with the school and the future of the mission church at Crossway Green. Clergy: Stephen Winter; Readers: James Homer and Richard Jeynes

Wed 27 Economy and Daily LifeAt this time of the year, when it is cold or wet, pray for those who work outside and for those who keep our vital services going. Give thanks for those who put comfort or health at risk to provide us with the things we need or want, and in the service of others, and pray for safety for all.

Thur 28 Retired clergy in DroitwichOn this Commemoration of Thomas Aquinas, when we give thanks for his great wisdom and gifts as a teacher, we give thanks too for the wisdom and insight which has informed the preaching of the retired clergy of Droitwich across the years.

Fri 29 Diocesan Office support staffPray for those who enable the diocesan office to function effectively – the caretakers, receptionists, cleaners and gardeners along with all those who serve in an administration role.

Sat 30 Education in the DiocesePray for all those who work in the Diocesan Education Team. For Director of Education, Margaret James; Deputy Director, Tim Reid; Executive Officer, Gilly Maxim; Administrator, Laura Farmer; Education Advisers, Gemma Martin and Duncan Hutchison; and the consultants who support their work. Also pray for the Diocese of Worcester Multi Academy Trust (DoWMAT), CEO: Claire Davies.

Design: IndigoMoonDesign

If you have a story to feature on a Sunday in a future diary, please do get in touch! Large print copies of the diary are always available – email Sam

Setchell, Communications Officer on ssetchell@cofe-worcester.org.uk, or contact the Diocesan Office reception on 01905 20537

if you or someone you know would like one.