Praying for each other in Essex & East London

Chelmsford Diocese Prayer Diary#chelmsdioprayers

WEPRAYOCT - NOV 2019

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“A praying church is a living organism, powered by the love of God, and directed by his will.” (Susan Sayers)

Remegius, Bishop of Rheims, Apostle of the Franks, 533 Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, Social Reformer, 1885

Colchester Episcopal AreaRoger Morris, Area Bishop; Ruth Patten, Archdeacon of Colchester; Robin King, Archdeacon of Stansted. Advisers: Vacancy, Mission & Ministry; Ian Hilton, CMD; Christine Gorringe, Women’s Ministry; Janet Nicholls, Rural & Agricultural; Lydia Smith, Director, Centre for Rural Excellence; Dot Salmon, Youth.Chaplains: Julia Murphy, Essex University; Allison Cline-Dean, East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Robert Burles, Stansted Airport.

The Dioceses of Pelotas (Brazil) and Chester (England)

The Deanery of WithamArea Dean: Vacancy. Acting Area Dean: Simon Garwood. Lay Chair: Mike Robinson.

West Mersea (St Peter and St Paul) w East Mersea (St Edmund), Peldon (St Mary Vn), Great & Little Wigborough St Stephen & St Nicholas Clergy: Vacancy (R), Terry Walker (A). LLM: Anne Owen.

The Dioceses of Perth (Australia), Chhattisgarh (North India) and Chicago (The Episcopal Church)

George Bell, Bishopof Chichester, Ecumenist, Peacemaker, 1958Fingringhoe (St Andrew) w East Donyland [or Rowhedge] (St Lawrence), Abberton (St Andrew) w Langenhoe (St Mary) Clergy: Vacancy (PiC).

Fingringhoe School: Suzy Ryan (HT).

Rowhedge St Lawrence School: Kerry Malcolm (HT).

The Dioceses of Peru (South America) and Chichester (England)

Please refer to the Notes and Abbreviations on the back cover.

October

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INVESTMENT FOR THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES

“A garden requires patient labour and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions

or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.”

– Liberty Hyde Bailey,

Horticulturalist and Botanist

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Francis of Assisi, Friar, Deacon, Founder of the Friars Minor, 1226

Great Totham (St Peter) w Little Totham (All Saints) and Goldhanger(St Peter) Clergy: Vacancy (R), Susan Godsmark (AC).

The Dioceses of Peshawar (Pakistan), Chotanagpur (North India) and Koforidua (West Africa)

“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them” ― Thomas Merton

The Dioceses of Peterborough (England) and Christ the King (Southern Africa)

The Sixteenth Sunday After TrinityAnimal Welfare Sunday: Pray for all charities involved in the care and protection of our animals, and for veterinary surgeons and all those who work for the welfare of animals.

PRAY for The Church in Wales, The Most Revd John Davies, Archbishop

Hatfield Peverel (St Andrew) w Ulting (All Saints)Clergy: Stephen Northfield (V), Derek Clark-Mayers (AC).

St Andrew’s Junior School: Rebecca Black (HT).

The Dioceses of Phulbani (North India), Christchurch (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) and Kolhapur (North India)

Kelvedon (St Mary the Virgin) and Feering (All Saints)Clergy: Simon Garwood (Acting AD, PIC).

Kelvedon St Mary’s Primary Academy: Michael Walsh (HT).

Feering School: Bridgette Gough (Executive HT).

The Dioceses of Pittsburgh (The Episcopal Church ) and Chubu (Japan)

Fri 4

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October

Our Celebration of Lay Ministry on 12 October is when the diocese celebrates all forms of lay ministry. At the celebration, held at Chelmsford Cathedral, those who have completed their training are licensed and commissioned.

Our new Licensed Lay Ministers, Geoff Aanonson (The benefice of Bentley Common St Paul & Kelvedon Hatch & Navestock), Pennie Ley (Becontree, St Thomas) and Bernard Eaton (Walthamstow, St Peter in the Forest) will be licensed by the Bishop of Chelmsford.

The day will also celebrate and commission our new Pastoral Assistants, Evangelism Enablers, Spiritual Companions, Lay Pioneers, Authorised Local Preachers, Lay Funeral Ministers and Newham Evangelists.

Revd Dr Elizabeth Jordan, Lay Development Adviser said:

“This day brings together those starting out in authorised and licensed ministry and those who have given faithful service for many years.

We will be celebrating with some Readers who were licensed more than 40 years ago and praising God for Women Readers, first licensed 50 years ago.

We are also thrilled that so many people have heard God’s call to begin a new chapter in their lives.”

Celebrating Lay Ministry

If you are feeling inspired by our new Lay Ministers, discover more about lay ministries in the Church of England at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/vocations.

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Denys, Bishop of Paris, and his Companions, Martyrs, c.250Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, Philosopher, Scientist, 1253

North Blackwater Parishes: Tollesbury (St Mary Vn), Salcott Virley (St Mary Vn), Tolleshunt D’Arcy (St Nicholas), and Tolleshunt Major (St Nicholas) Clergy: Vacancy (PIC). Readers: Isabel Adcock, Tim Whitfield.

Tolleshunt D’Arcy St Nicholas School: Louise Eastbrook (HT).

The Dioceses of Polynesia (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia), Clogher (Ireland) and Cochin (South India)

Paulinus, Bishop of York, Missionary, 644Thomas Traherene, Poet, Spiritual Writer, 1674

Wickham Bishops (St Bartholomew) w Little Braxted (St Nicolas)

Clergy: Hilary Le Sève (PIC), Derek Clark-Mayers (AC).

The Dioceses of Popondota (Papua New Guinea) and Coimbatore (South India)

Ethelburga, Abbess of Barking, 675James the Deacon, companion of Paulinus, 7th century

Thurstable and Winstree Team Ministry: Tolleshunt Knights (All Saints) w Tiptree (St Luke), Great Braxted (All Saints), Layer-de-la-Haye (St John the Baptist), Layer Breton (St Mary the Virgin) w Birch (St Peter), Layer Marney (St Mary the Virgin), Copford (St Michael), Easthorpe (St Mary), Messing (All Saints) and Inworth (All Saints) Clergy: Anne-Marie Renshaw (TR), Lydia Smith (TV), Christine Gorringe (AC). Reader: Harold Toms.

Tiptree St Luke’s School: Martin Moriarty (HT).

Layer de la Haye School: Donna Gaffney (HT).

Birch School: Kate Moore (HT).

The Dioceses of Port Moresby (Papua New Guinea), Colombia (The Episcopal Church) and Kollam-Kottarakkara (South India)

Fri 11

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Wed 9

October

Jo Lacey is the new Parish Nurse for the North Blackwater Parishes and the first in the diocese of Chelmsford.

The Bishop of Colchester will affirm Jo in her new role at a special service on October 6 at St Nicholas Church, Tolleshunt Major.

Parish nurses work with people of all ages and backgrounds, those with any faith or none. They care for a person’s overall wellbeing – incorporating their physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Supported by the charity Parish Nursing Ministries UK, Jo will lead the development of a parish nursing service locally. Her role will involve leading befriending events, providing confidential health and wellbeing drop-in sessions, and offering mental health-focused home support visits within the North Blackwater Parishes.

Speaking about her new role, Jo said:

“I feel so humbled to have been called by God to begin this new professional and spiritual journey of health ministry”

The Right Reverend Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester added:

“Some years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting regularly with Revd Helen Wordsworth - the UK Coordinator of Parish Nursing Ministries - just as the charity was establishing itself in the UK. I was hugely inspired by the vision for people who could act as a bridge between the medical care that a person is receiving and the pastoral and practical support that they also need.

I am hugely excited that, some 15 years later, the ministry has reached the shores of Essex and the Blackwater parishes in particular. It has been a delight to witness Jo’s sense of call develop and I look forward to seeing her ministry flourish.”

Blackwater Parishes welcome Parish Nurse

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Wilfrid of Ripon, Bishop, Missionary, 709Elizabeth Fry, Prison Reformer, 1845Edith Cavell, Nurse, 1915

Holiness is difficult to pin down but it has something to do with making a real connection between what we believe and how we live – faith in action for a world in need. And that’s something Christian history can really help us with. A figure like Elizabeth Fry, who is remembered in the Church of England today, is inspirational. Basically, she was a deeply committed Christian whose faith led her to work tirelessly for prison reform. It was triggered by her horror at the conditions for women and children in Newgate prison, and her personal response was to offer help. And that led to a lifetime of campaigning, action and writing leading to real social change. In the same way, having seen the body of a boy who had frozen to death in Brighton, she established the first night shelter. Our increasingly divided culture needs us to be like her.

The Dioceses of Port Sudan (Sudan), Colombo (Ceylon) and Kondoa (Tanzania)

The Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity Give thanks for the work and ministries of our hospices who bring comfort and relief to patients and families in times of physical and spiritual need and stress. Pray for our hospice chaplains.

PRAY for The Church of the Province of West Africa, The Most Revd Daniel Sarfo, Primate and Metropolitan

Witham and Villages Team Ministry: Witham (St Nicolas), Rivenhall (St Mary & All Saints) and Silver End (St Francis), Fairstead (St Mary & St Peter), Terling (All Saints), White Notley (St Etheldreda), and Faulkbourne (St Germanus) Clergy: Vacancy (TR), Paul Watkin (TV), Susan Malam (AC), Graham Dowling (AC), Will Abbott (A), Christine Newmarch (A).

Witham Howbridge Junior School (Academy): Lisa Dale (HT).

Rivenhall School: Rebecca More (HT).

Terling School: Sarah Meares (Acting HT).

White Notley School: Ruth Baugh (HT).

The Dioceses of Portsmouth (England), Colerado (The Episcopal Church)and Kongor (South Sudan)

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October

At the Hope Community Church you will be greeted with a warm welcome, delicious homemade cake, good coffee and great company every Sunday.

The church gathers at 10:30am every Sunday at Howbridge CofE School, Witham and there really is something for everyone.

Together with music, prayers and a short talk the church comes together to look at real issues in today’s world.

The church has an activity area especially for toddlers, whilst children under 11 have their own group called ‘Huddle’, led by Children and Young People’s Worker Meg.

The Hope Community Church offers much more than a service on Sunday.

There’s a weekly Parent and Toddler group – ‘Hatfield Howlers’, held every Thursday and the ‘Crib’, a weekly youth group for Secondary school age children.

The church also holds a monthly ‘Men’s Breakfast’ at a local pub and runs ‘Alpha’ courses for those interested in exploring the Christian faith.

Pioneer Minister, Will Abbott, says,

“The vision for the Hope Community Church is to bring hope and be community. To be church is to do life together.”

The Hope Community Church is a Church Plant from St Nicholas Church, Witham and is part of the diocesan vision to grow 101 new churches in the next ten years.

Bringing hope and being community

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Teresa of Avila, Teacher of the Faith, 1582The retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Witham.

The Dioceses of Pretoria (Southern Africa) and Concepcion (Chile)

Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, Reformation Martyrs, 1555The Deanery of HinckfordArea Dean: Jonathan Lowe. Lay Chair: Brian Vidler. Assistant Area Dean: Katie de Bourcier.

The Dioceses of Puerto Rico (The Episcopal Church), Connecticut (The Episcopal Church) and Connor (Ireland)

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c 107

North Hinkford Team Ministry: Alphamstone (St Barnabas), Belchamp Otten (St Ethelbert & All Saints), Belchamp St Paul (St Andrew), Belchamp Walter (St Mary), Bulmer (St Andrew), Foxearth (St Peter & St Paul), Great & Little Henny (St Mary), Lamarsh (Holy Innocents), Liston and Borley, Middleton (All Saints), Ovington (St Mary), Pentlow (St Gregory & St George), Twinstead (St John Evangelist) and Wickham St Paul (All Saints) Clergy: Margaret King (TR), Gillian Morgan (TV), Paul Grover (A). Reader: Graham King.

Bulmer St Andrew’s School: Jinnie Nichols (Executive HT).

Belchamp St Paul’s School: Linda Taylor (Executive HT).

The Dioceses of Pune (North India) and Cork, Cloyne & Ross (Ireland)

Luke the Evangelist

The United Benefice of Great Tey (St Barnabas) w Little Tey (St James the Less), Wakes Colne (All Saints) & Chappel (St Barnabas) Clergy: John Richardson (R).

Great Tey School: Lucy Overton (HT).

Chappel School: Julie Ingram (HT).

The Dioceses of Qu’Appelle (Canada), Costa Rica (Central America) and Kontagora (Nigeria)

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October

As we enter the final season of the year, why not take some time to reflect, listen and contemplate the year’s past. Take time to be still in God’s presence, rest in the now before the forward planning of 2020 kicks in.

In the coming months our door at The Retreat House, as always, is open to you – and we’ve a few spaces on the upcoming events of 2019.

The Romantic God Tue 22 October 9.30am - to 4.30pm: a day of reflection on prayer, embracing God’s love in prayer, led by Bishop Trevor Mwamba (Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Chelmsford and formerly Bishop of Botswana). £29 including lunch.

An Audience with Sheila Jacobs Fri 1 November – 7-9pm: Sheila, an esteemed author and Chaplain, will talk you through her new Advent book, Humbug and Happiness. Free entry.

The Grace of Waiting Friday 22 - Sun 24 November: a weekend retreat to learn the gifts of patience to help us through the waiting times with Grace, led by Margaret Whipp. Prices start from £155.

Being Church in Three Dimensions Thurs 28 November 9.30am to 4.30pm: a day reflecting on the Book of Revelation, teaching us about ‘living between the ages’, in the light of Jesus’ ascension, yet awaiting his return, led by Dr Ian Paul. £29 including lunch.

You can celebrate Christmas here at The Retreat House too; bring your team, cell, leadership group or friends for a group meal throughout November and December.

To book any of these events please call 01245 23725, or email retreathouse@chelmsford.anglican.org.

You’re always welcome atThe Retreat House Kate Marshall, Manager of the Retreat House, highlights events this autumn

Henry Martyn, Translator of the Scriptures, Missionary, 1812“It depends on faith” writes Paul in one of today’s readings (Romans 4.13, 16-18). And that is core to Paul’s teaching. It can sound like messing about with words, but it is worth noting that the primary meaning of the word normally translated “faith” is actually “trust”. That’s always the problem with translation! How different would it be if we chose to translate it “it depends on trust”, or if we began the Creed by saying “I trust in one God…” In the Greek of the New Testament they are exactly the same word, and the “trust” emphasis is primary. But if course that is exactly what we mean when we say we believe in someone. We don’t mean that we believe they exist but that we trust them. That’s exactly the relationship with God into which Jesus invites us. It does depend on trust.

The Dioceses of Quebec (Canada), Coventry (England) and Krishna-Godavari (South India)

The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity One World Week begins : Climate Changes Everything – Now is the time to act. Pray that a time will come when all the peoples of the world may be enabled to live together in peace, harmony and love.

PRAY for The Church in the Province of the West Indies

Halstead Area Team Ministry: Colne Engaine (St Andrew), Earls Colne (St Andrew), Gosfield (St Catherine), Greenstead Green (St James), Halstead (St Andrew w Holy Trinity), White Colne (St Andrew), Gestingthorpe (St Mary Vn), Great Maplestead (St Giles), Little Maplestead (St John the Baptist), Pebmarsh (St John the Baptist)Clergy: Katie de Bourcier (PIC), Gay Ellis (TV), Rose Braisby (AC), Jo Parrott (A), Beverley Vincent (A). Reader: Nick Ellis.

Colne Engaine School: Julie Sarti (HT).

Halstead St Andrew’s School: Bridgette Gough (HT).

Great Maplestead St Giles School: Jinnie Nichols (EHT).

Pebmarsh St John’s School: Karen de Pietro (HT).

Halstead Holy Trinity School: Hayley Todd (HT).

The Dioceses of Raiwind (Pakistan), Cuba (The Episcopal Church) and Kubwa (Nigeria)

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October

Revd Canon Philip Ritchie has been appointed as the Colchester Area Mission and Ministry Adviser.

As Mission and Ministry adviser Philip will encourage congregations in the Colchester Area to thrive and support Mission and Ministry Units to serve and transform their communities.

Philip has served all of his ordained ministry in the diocese of Chelmsford, most recently as Team Rector in the Great Baddow Team Ministry. Philip has extensive experience of parish ministry with a particular focus on team ministries. Philip also served as the Diocesan adviser with responsibility for lay education and training for ten years.

Welcoming the appointment, the Right Reverend Roger Morris, Area Bishop of Colchester said:

“Phil is a hugely experienced priest having served in this Diocese for over 30 years. He brings to this post many gifts, a great track record and a strong desire to share the love of Jesus with others.

We look forward to welcoming Phil and Kate to the Colchester Episcopal Area and to working with him at this exciting time.”

Philip added:

“I am really excited to be joining with Bishop Roger and the Colchester Area Team in encouraging and supporting churches and deaneries across the Colchester Episcopal Area in their mission at this time of great challenge and opportunity.”

Philip will take up his new role in the New Year.

Philip Ritchie appointed Colchester Area Mission and Ministry Adviser

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Two Rivers Benefice: Ridgewell (St Laurence), Ashen (St Augustine of Canterbury), Birdbrook (St Augustine of Canterbury), Sturmer (St Mary), Steeple Bumpstead (St Mary the Virgin) and Helions Bumpstead (St Andrew) Clergy: Jonathan Lowe (AD, V), Sue Cruse (AC), Theresa Lowe (A), Claire Robertson (A). LLM: David Buckley.

Ridgewell School: Linda Taylor (HT).

The Dioceses of Rajasthan (North India) and Cueibet (South Sudan)

The Hedinghams and Upper Colne: Great Yeldham (St Andrew), Little Yeldham (St John the Baptist), Stambourne (St Peter & St Thomas), Tilbury-juxta-Clare (St Margaret), Toppesfield (St Margaret), Sible Hedingham (St Peter) and Castle Hedingham (St Nicholas) Clergy: Liz Paxton (R), Michael Bursell (AC). LLM: Dave Brown.

Great Yeldham St Andrew’s School: Emma Flin (HT).

Toppesfield St Margaret’s School: Vanessa Thomas (HT).

St Peter’s School, Sible Hedingham: Julie Harper (HT).

The Dioceses of Rayalaseema (South India), Cuernavaca (Mexico) and Curitiba (Brazil)

United Nations DayThe retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Hinckford.

The Dioceses of Recife (Brazil) and Cuttack (North India)

Crispin and Crispinian, Martyrs at Rome, c.287The Deanery of BraintreeArea Dean: Chris Davey. Lay Chair: John Turton

The Dioceses of Rejaf (South Sudan), Cyangugu (Rwanda) and Kuching (South East Asia)

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October

Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, Scholar, 899Cedd, Abbot of Lastingham, Bishop of the East Saxons, 664Here in the Diocese of Chelmsford we celebrate today as the feast of Cedd, the Yorkshire born monk and bishop, trained by Aidan in Northumberland, and sent here as evangelist and bishop.

His name is celebrated in the dedication and projects across the diocese. And the church he built at Bradwell still stands today, the oldest church in the UK still used for worship.

An inspiring tradition, and Bede, the great historian of the early British church, suggests that Cedd was decisive in the evangelization of Essex. But in fact there had been missionaries before him, and after his death Essex largely reverted to paganism.

And that is an important message: each generation needs to make a new start with the Gospel and the work of evangelization is not a brief spurt of energy, but the on-going work of the church.

The Dioceses of Remo (Nigeria), Cyprus and the Gulf (Jerusalem & Middle East) and Kumasi (West Africa)

The Last Sunday after Trinity (Bible Sunday)Lord, help us to grow in faith, hope and love as we spend time with you and your Word this coming week. Help us also to support others as they grow in their faith.

PRAY for The Church of Ceylon (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury), The Rt Revd Dhiloraj Ranjit Canagasabey, Bishop of Colombo and The Rt Revd Keerthisiri Fernando, Bishop of Kurunegala

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October

Half term sees the return of Stay and Play Lego. On Tuesday 29 October between 10am and 12 noon, a free play session will be held in the Cathedral for children, parents, grandparents and carers. Lego, trails and colouring sheets will be available along with tea and coffee.

Whether or not you have been to the Cathedral before, if you have primary school aged children, do join others for some brick building fun in what is proving to be a popular regular fixture in the Cathedral.

On Sunday 24 November at 3.30pm, the Cathedral will welcome members of churches across the Diocese to a service of Confirmation led by Bishop Stephen Cottrell. All are welcome to attend this special service.

Looking ahead, the Cathedral is holding its first ever Children’s Advent Celebration at 3.30pm on Sunday 1 December. We are really excited to be holding this special family friendly service.

Autumn highlights at Chelmsford Cathedral

For more details visit

www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk

You can also find the Chelmsford Cathedral

on Facebook and @CCathedral on Twitter

The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford joined young people from across Chelmsford in the recent global strikes for climate change.

The protest, which took place on 20 September outside Shire Hall, was part of the youth strike movement calling for action to tackle the climate crisis.

In a recent letter to all clergy in East London and Essex, Bishop Stephen called on churches to raise awareness and to take time to reflect on the climate change emergency we are facing, particularly between October 6 and October 20.

Bishop Stephen wrote:

“We are encouraging all churches to open their doors so that people can come together to pray and reflect during the two weeks of action, reaching out to both congregation members and those outside the church.

There may already be those in your congregations and parishes who are grieving for what is happening to God’s beautiful creation, and this may be a time when we as clergy can come alongside individuals in their sorrow and desire for action.”

Please join with churches across the diocese in using the prayer opposite in your Sunday services on 6 and 13 October.

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Taking action to change climate change

There may already be those in your congregations and parishes who are grieving for what is happening to God’s beautiful creation, and this may be a time when we as clergy can come alongside individuals in their sorrow and desire for action.”

We Hold the Earth

We hold brothers and sisters who suffer from storms and droughts intensified by climate change.

We hold all species that suffer.

We hold world leaders delegated to make decisions for life.

We pray that the web of life may be mended through courageous actions to limit carbon emissions.

We pray for right actions for adaptation and mitigation to help our already suffering earth community.

We pray that love and wisdom might inspire my actions and our actions as communities. . . so that we may, with integrity, look into the eyes of brothers and sisters and all beings and truthfully say, we are doing our part to care for them and the future of the children.

May love transform us and our world with new steps toward life. Amen

Source: www.faithclimateactionweek.org/prayers-and-climate-blessings

Simon and Jude, Apostles

Black Notley (St Peter and St Paul), The Church in Great Notley, and Rayne (All Saints) Clergy: Beth Bendrey (R), Iain Bendrey (AC), Philip Howlett (A), Roman Kukiewicz (A).

The Dioceses of Renk (South Sudan), Daejeon (Korea) and Kumi (Uganda)

James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda (1885)Bocking (St Mary the Virgin) and Panfield (St Mary and St Christopher) Clergy: Rod Reid (R), Mark Payne (A).Bocking (St Peter) Clergy: Tim Barnes (PIC), Robert Stone (A).

The Diocese of Rhode Island and the Diocese of Dallas (The Episcopal Church)

Braintree (St Michael) Clergy: Nigel Adams (PIC). LLM: John Turton. Reader: Roger Cooke.

Braintree St Michael’s School: Andrew Cumpstey (HT).

The Dioceses of Rift Valley (Tanzania), Damaturu (Nigeria) and Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania)

Martin Luther, Reformer,1564

Coggeshall (St Peter ad Vincula) w Marks Hall (St Nicholas’ Chapel)

Clergy: Chris Davey (PIC, AD), Robert Burden (AC), Katharine King (AC), Sara Batts (A), Tracey Harvey (A). LLM: Dee O’Reilly.

Coggeshall St Peter’s School: Alison Cole (HT).

The Dioceses of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Davao (Philippines)

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October

Some aren’t sure quite what to feel about Hallowe’en – is it just harmless fun, or are there aspects of it that don’t fit in with how we want to see the world?

Hallowe’en can be a good time to talk about the reality of good and evil and how the love of Jesus can be a ‘light in the darkness’ for everyone. The word “hallowe’en” actually means “the eve of all hallows’ day” – in other words, the night before the church’s festival celebrating All Saints. A Saint is sometimes thought to be an exceptionally holy person – someone who did extraordinary things because of their faith in God. But in the Bible, St Paul calls all Christians saints, whatever their age, so All Saints’ Day is a celebration of the whole family of God.

If you’d like to mark Hallowe’en, many churches hold special events around this time of year.

There might be a ‘light party’ with fun activities for children and young people, focussing on all that’s life-giving and positive around All Hallows.

Some churches also have a special service for All Souls’ Day – a time when we remember our loved ones who have died. There might be an opportunity to go and light a candle to remember someone.

Why not pop into your local church or take a look at our online calendar, to find out what’s happening across Essex and East London?

Share a little light

View our events calendar at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/events/listings

All Saints’ DayFinchingfield (St John the Baptist) w Cornish Hall End (St John the Evangelist) and Wethersfield (St Mary Magdalen) w Shalford (St Andrew)Clergy: Colin Wilson (PIC). Reader: Sarah Pilgrim.

Wethersfield School: Caroline Shingleton (HT).

Finchingfield School: Lisa Feldman (HT).

The Dioceses of Rio Grande, Delaware (both The Episcopal Church) and Kurunegala (Ceylon)

Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day)Today is a conflicted day in the Christian calendar. Yesterday for centuries has been the great celebration of All Saints – a fantastic proclamation of the relationship between the “saints” on earth (i.e. the Christian community) and the saints in light.

That should have been enough perhaps but gradually the second day crept into the calendar as a time to remember and give thanks for all those who have died. Fine, in a sense, but that’s already a theme of All Saints. And then gradually All Souls (only in the western church) became associated with prayers for the dead and a series of theories about heaven without warrant in Scripture.

And yet pastorally many churches know the power of this day as a pastoral response to those who are bereaved, a powerful moment to point people from sorrow to thanksgiving.

The Dioceses of Rochester (England), Rochester (The Episcopal Church) and Kushtia (Bangladesh)

Fourth Sunday Before Advent Pray for the ministry of all those who work with young people, and especially the Diocesan Area Youth Advisers. We remember St Mark’s College and all who work there. Also those who manage and minister at the Asheldham Centre.

PRAY for The Church of Bermuda (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury), The Rt Revd Nicholas Dill, Bishop of Bermuda

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Sun 3

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Fri 1

November

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The Youth Advisory Team have commissioned a new resource for small groups, inspired by young people who were involved in establishing key priorities for youth ministry in the diocese.

When asked what was most important to them in this area of work, it always came back to one thing: Listen.

In order for us to create spaces in which young people can explore their place in the Kingdom of God, we need to listen to their ideas, thoughts, questions, feelings, … Young people want to feel heard and know that their voice is just as valued as that of adults.

We also need to make time to listen to God and be led by him in our ministry with young people.

The resource consists of session notes for three meetings, and a short film which accompanies the pack.

The aim of the sessions is to allow you to focus on listening to the voice of young people, to make time to pray end explore how God is already building his kingdom in their lives, and how he might be calling you to join in – in your own context.

Explore the resource here: www.chelmsford.anglican.org/listen

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/G7T1Mqz7wkI

Listen

Cressing (All Saints) w Stisted (All Saints) and Bradwell-juxta-Coggeshall (Holy Trinity) and Pattiswick (St Mary the Virgin) Clergy: Chris Davey (PIC, AD), Robert Burden (AC), Katherine King (AC), Sara Betts (A), Tracey Harvey (A).

Stisted Primary Academy: Martin Hawrylak (HT).

The Dioceses of Rockhampton (Australia), Delhi (North India) and Kutigi (Nigeria)

Braintree (St Paul) Clergy: Vacancy (PIC), Colin Fairweather (A). Reader: Susan Riches.

The retired Clergy, Readers and Lay ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Braintree.

The Dioceses of Rokon (South Sudan) and Derby (England)

Leonard, Hermit, 6th CenturyWilliam Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher of the Faith, 1600The Deanery of ColchesterArea Dean: Paul Norrington. Lay Chair: Roger Ennals. Assistant Area Dean: Erwin Lammens.

The Dioceses of Rorya (Tanzania), Derry & Raphoe (Ireland) and Dhaka (Bangladesh)

Willibrord of York, Bishop, Apostle of Frisia, 739Marks Tey (St Andrew) and Aldham (St Margaret & St Catherine) Clergy: Ian Scott-Thompson (PIC), Wendy Pagden (A).Reader: Iain MacCallum.

Marks Tey St Andrew’s School: Lelia Berkeley (HT).

The Dioceses of Ruaha (Tanzania), the Diocese in Europe, and Europe (The Episcopal Church)

The Saints and Martyrs of EnglandBerechurch (St Margaret w St Michael) Clergy: Vacancy (V), Jackie Sams (AC).

The Dioceses of Rumbek (South Sudan), The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands (West Indies) and Kwara (Nigeria)

Wed 6

Thu 7

Fri 8

25

Mon 4

Tue 5

24

November

Saturday 14 September was wonderful day of celebrations as the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, ordained 28 new Deacons at Chelmsford Cathedral.

The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford said:

“It is a great joy that God is calling men and women to serve in the ordained ministry. It says in the Ordinal that deacons are ordained so that the people of God are better equipped to make Christ known.

These new deacons will help the church help the world. It is all very good news indeed.”

Take a look at the highlights from the ordination services on Twitter @Chelmsdio and read about our new Deacons at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/new-rev.

Congratulations to our new Deacons

Find out more about ministry in the Church of England at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/vocations.

Margery Kempe, Mystic, c.1440In today’s reading from Romans (15.14-21) Paul writes “I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named…” And that is precisely the world, the culture we now live in, one where Christ has not been named, where for the vast majority of the population life is not shaped in any way by the practice of the Christian faith or the words and deeds of Jesus Christ.

We stand like Paul on the edge of a whole new world and need to equip ourselves to practice our faith distinctively, immersing ourselves deeply in knowledge of the Scriptures, and demonstrating in our lives the love we know in Jesus.

The Diocese of The Free State [formerly Bloemfontein] (Southern Africa)

Remembrance Sunday (Third Sunday before Advent)Ever-living God, We remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war into the peace of your presence; may that same peace calm our fears, bring justice to all peoples and establish harmony among the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A prayer from the Church of England.

PRAY for The Lusitanian Church (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury) The Rt Revd Jorge Pina Cabral, Bishop

Martin, Bishop of Tours, c.397Greenstead w Colchester St Anne TM: Colchester (St Anne), Colchester (St Andrew), Colchester (St Matthew) Clergy: Tim Platts (PIC), Susannah Howlett (Pioneer TV), LLM: Terry Gray.

Colchester Parsons Heath School: Claire Newson (HT).

The Dioceses of Rumonge (Burundi), On the Coast [formerly Ikale-Ilaje] (Nigeria) and Kwoi (Nigeria)

Colchester (St Barnabas Old Heath)Clergy: Richard Tilbrook (V). Reader: Jackie Twinn.

The Dioceses of Rupert’s Land (Canada) and Dogura (Papua New Guinea)

Mon 11

27

Sun 10

Sat 9

Tue 12

26

November

O God of truth and justice,

we hold before you those men and women

who have died in active service:

in Iraq, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,

may we put our faith in your future;

for you are the source of life and hope,

now and for ever.

Amen.

Remembrance Day prayer

A prayer from The Church of England.

Charles Simeon, Priest, Evangelical Divine, 1836Langham (St Mary the Virgin) w Boxted (St Peter) Clergy: Mandy Elmes (PIC), Sarah Hayward (Pioneer Minister), Hannah Cooper (AC), Ray Gibbs (AC), Paul Mann (AC), Ann Mason (A). Reader: Denise Hobday.

Boxted St Peter’s School: Laura Khine (HT).

The Dioceses of Rutana (Burundi), Doko (Nigeria) and Dominican Republic (The Episcopal Church)

Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796Colchester (St James and St Paul) Clergy: James McCluskey (R).

St James School: Belinda Fellowes (HT).

The Dioceses of Ruwenzri (Uganda) and Dornakal (South India)

Colchester (St John the Evangelist)Clergy: Andy Sachs (PIC), Tim Solosy (A), Vivien Whitfield (A). Colchester St John’s School: Craig Twin (HT).

The Dioceses of Sabah (South East Asia) and Down & Dromore (Ireland)

Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Philanthropist, Reformer, 1093Edmund Rich of Abingdon, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1240 Margaret of Scotland was an extraordinary person. She was a Queen and certainly wielded power and authority, and as mother of three future kings had enormous influence. But she was also deeply devout – in ways that we can really learn. She sought to live out the summary of the law (love God and love your neighbour as yourself) every day, through a deep commitment to costly daily prayer and through serving widows and orphans every day before she ate and actually washing their feet. She is a great reminder of early Christian teaching on wealth and privilege – that it’s OK as long as you use it in the service of the poor.

The Dioceses of Sabongidda-Ora (Nigeria) and Dublin and Glendalough (Ireland)

29

Fri 15

Thu 14

Wed 13

28

Sat 16

November

The Right Reverend David Muriithi Ireri, The Bishop of Embu – visiting from our partner diocese in Kenya - and The Venerable Ruth Patten, Archdeacon of Colchester were recently given a tour of Colchester Foodbank.

Archdeacon Ruth and Bishop David experienced how the busiest Foodbank in Essex was run and heard about the increasing demand for the service. Bishop David also blessed the work of the Foodbank and its volunteers.

Mike Beckett, Chief Officer of Colchester Foodbank said, “We were delighted to welcome both Bishop David and Archdeacon Ruth to Colchester Foodbank for their very first visit and to show them the vital service Colchester Foodbank provides.”

“We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our local community and

especially our local Churches and schools at Harvest time who donate their Harvest collections. Their generosity helps us to meet the needs of local families in crisis. Our local community heroes donate a can or packet when they shop or support us with monetary donations and 150 people volunteer at the Foodbank each week - Colchester is so blessed.”

Archdeacon Ruth said: “It was inspiring to learn more about the work of Colchester Foodbank and the support of their trustees and volunteers. 

They are passionate about serving their local communities and do so with such care, commitment and generosity.  However, I know that they also long for the time when Foodbanks will no longer be needed.” 

Bishop Prays for a Good Harvest for Colchester Foodbank.

For more information on Colchester Foodbank, including a list of items they need, visit www.colchester.foodbank.org.uk.

Second Sunday Before AdventPray for all those men and women who work in the emergency services providing 24 hour care and protection, both in front line and behind the scenes. Pray, too, for their chaplains. PRAY for The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain (Extra-Provincial to Canterbury), The Rt Revd Carlos López-Lozano, Bishop

Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess of Thuringia, Philanthropist, 1231Colchester (Christ Church) w (St Mary at the Walls) Clergy: Paul Norrington (AD, R), Pat Prestney (AC). LLMs: Sara Humphreys, Clive Joyce.

The Dioceses of Saldanha Bay (Southern Africa) and Duk (South Sudan)

Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680Mechtild, Béguine of Magdeburg, Mystic, 1280Colchester New Town and the Hythe (St Stephen, St Leonard, St Mary Magdalene) Clergy: Lorraine Badger-Watts (R). Reader: Andrew King.

Kendall School: Clare French (HT).

The Dioceses of Salisbury (England) & Dunedin (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia)

Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870Priscilla Lydia Sellon, a Restorer of the Religious Life in the Church of England, 1876Colchester (St Luke) Clergy: Hannah Cooper (PIC), Sarah Hayward (Pioneer Minister), Mandy Elmes (AC), Ray Gibbs (AC), Paul Mann (AC), Ann Mason (A), Chris Smith (A). LLM: Diana Benge-Abbott, Hugh Thomas.

The Dioceses of Sambalpur (North India), Dunkwa-on-Offin (West Africa) and Durgapur (North India)

Colchester (St Peter and St Botolph) Clergy: Mark Wallace (PIC). Reader: Duncan Breckels.

The Dioceses of San Diego (The Episcopal Church) and Durham (England)

Cecilia, Martyr at Rome, c.230Fordham (All Saints) w Eight Ash Green (All Saints) Clergy: Vacancy (R), Francis Blight (AC).

Fordham All Saints School: Kate Coates (HT).Holy Trinity School Eight Ash Green and Aldham: Ceri Daniels (HT).

The Dioceses of San Joaquin (The Episcopal Church), Dutse (Nigeria) and Kyoto (Japan)

Sun 17

Mon 18

Tue 19

Wed 20

Thu 21

Fri 22

3130

November

Colchester is one of the fastest growing towns in the South East and the church is looking to respond to the opportunity and challenge the huge population influx brings.

Pioneer Hub supports the growth of new Christian Communities in Colchester

In recent times numerous pioneer initiatives have emerged. The Colchester Pioneer Hub has arisen as a response to the need for pioneers to come together for mutual support and encouragement along with the sharing of good practice.

Pioneer ministers have recently been appointed to minister to people living on new housing developments and grow new Christian communities. Revd Sarah Hayward is a pioneer minister on the new Severalls housing development in Myland Parish and Revd Sue Howlett is a pioneer minister on the Greenstead Estate.

Revd Dave Beales works across Colchester and also supports Janie Beales at the Pioneer Hub.

The Pioneer Hub offers support and training for lay and ordained ministers.

Janie Beales, leader of the Colchester Pioneer Hub said:

“It is both exciting and inspiring to see fellow pioneers working creatively in response to God’s leading, making their homes centres of welcome and hospitality, safe spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can encounter the living presence of Jesus. Pray for those pioneering and for their ministry.”

The projects in Colchester are part of the diocesan mission to grow 101 new Christian communities by 2028.

For more information on the Colchester Pioneer Hub www.chelmsford.anglican.org/mission-and-fresh-expressions/colchester-pioneer-hub

Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c.100It’s easy to think that the age of the martyrs is way in the past - like Clement of Rome in 100 AD. But one of the most startling statistics is that 250 Christians are killed every week simply for being Christians.

In traditional language, that is 250 martyrs (a Greek word meaning “witnesses”) every week worldwide.

That is hugely challenging to our complacency. Christianity is the most persecuted faith, and we need to stand up to that challenge. That old question: if you were arrested for being a Christian, would there really be enough evidence to convict you?

The Dioceses of Santiago (Chile) and Santiago (Philippines)

Christ the King (Sunday next before Advent)O loving Lord, be near us at this time of worship. Open our ears to hear your voice; our eyes to behold your glory; our hearts to receive your grace; our lips to show forth your praise; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our King and Saviour.

PRAY for The Falkland Islands (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury)The Rt Revd Timothy Thornton, Bishop to the Forces & the Falkland Islands

Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th Century Isaac Watts, Hymn Writer, 1748Stanway (St Albright w St Andrew’s Church Centre) Clergy: Tony Bushell (PIC). LLM: Clement Arde-Acquah, Penny Bonham, Morag Bushell.

The Dioceses of Sao Paulo (Brazil) & East Carolina (The Episcopal Church)

West Bergholt (St Mary the Virgin) and Great Horkesley (All Saints, St John) Clergy: Mandy Elmes (PIC), Sarah Hayward (Pioneer Minister), Hannah Cooper (AC), Ray Gibbs (AC), Paul Mann (AC), Ann Mason (A), Maggie Whiteman (A). Reader: Sandra Baker.

Heathlands School, West Bergholt: Rick Cranfield (HT).The Bishop William Ward School, Great Horkesley: Toby Bull (HT).

The Dioceses of Sapele (Nigeria) and East Kerala (South India)

Sat 23

Sun 24

Mon 25

Tue 26

November

Essex Free School Uniform, run by DNA Networks in Colchester, helps alleviate the financial pressure on parents and carers by offering free school uniform.

The project receives donations of school uniforms and sportswear from the local community, schools and some High Street stores. A team of volunteers sort and wash the clothes, ready for them to be collected by families who need them. Those who use the exchange are encouraged to donate previous school uniforms to help others.

The programme, set up in January 2019, has helped over 350 families, not only with school uniform, but with new coats and school shoes, thanks to a small grant from the Colchester Winter Resilience Fund.

Staff at DNA networks work closely with other agencies and can also signpost families to other services for additional support.

The Essex Free School Uniform project attends lunch clubs and school community events in the Colchester area where the uniforms can be collected or donated.

Eddie Campbell, Managing Director of DNA Networks said:

“The Free School Uniform Project has helped faith, community groups and lunch clubs to make essential contact with families, individuals and build the community. A big thank you to PTA’s and schools for their support in donating lost school uniform items and local Councillors, Matt Goss, Dave Harris and Pauline Bacon for their continued support, not forgetting DNA staff and volunteers who donate their time.”

More information, including a full list of upcoming Essex Uniform Exchange events can be found at www.facebook.com/essuniex.

DNA Networks supporting familes

3332

Lexden (St Leonard)Clergy: Matthew Simpkins (PIC), Viv Mendham (A), Jacquie Messinger (A).Myland (St Michael) Clergy: Ray Gibbs (PIC), Sarah Hayward (Pioneer Minister), Hannah Cooper (AC), Mandy Elmes (AC), Paul Mann (AC), Hazel Greenland (A).

The Dioceses of Saskatchewan (Canada), East Ruwenzori (Uganda) and East Tennessee (The Episcopal Church)

Wormingford (St Andrew) and Mount Bures (St John) w Little Horkesley (St Peter and St Paul) Clergy: Vacancy (PIC), Sarah Hayward (Pioneer Minister), Hannah Cooper (AC), Mandy Elmes (AC), Ray Gibbs (AC), Paul Mann (AC).

The Dioceses of Saskatoon (Canada) and Eastern Himalayas (North India)

Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the ChurchShrub End (All Saints w St Cedd) Clergy: Vacancy (V).

Wivenhoe (St Mary) Clergy: Erwin Lammens (AAD, R). Reader: Glyn Stanway.

The retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Colchester.

The Dioceses of Sebei (Uganda), Eastern Kowloon (Hong Kong) and Kyushu (Japan)

Andrew the ApostleYesterday was a special day of prayer for the missionary work of the Church. For a long time that meant praying for foreign missions, but today – living as we do in the most secularized culture in the world – the urgent priority is inevitably the task of re-evangelising our culture.

As the New Testament demonstrates, that is primarily a corporate task, the church turning itself inside out to become a place of good news for all people. Therefore part of the task we pray for today is the re-evangelisation of each Christian community. Ask yourself what a trip advisor review of your church might look like – would a visitor know that this was an outward facing community with Jesus at its centre?

The Dioceses of Sekondi (West Africa) and Eastern Michigan (The Episcopal Church)

Wed 27

Thu 28

Fri 29

Sat 30

November

Pilgrims from St Mary’s Church, Wivenhoe were welcomed to Canterbury by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, after walking 40 miles to raise funds to renovate their church.

Seven members of the church walked The Pilgrims’ Way across three days from Aylesford Priory to Canterbury Cathedral in aid of St Mary’s Transformation Project.

The Transformation Project will include the building of an annexe, with a meeting room, kitchen and toilets, and for the reordering and refurbishing of the church. The renovations will transform the historic grade II listed building into an even more attractive and suitable venue for worship and community use.

Revd Erwin Lammens, Rector of St Mary’s, said:

“It was a great experience which brought us closer together as we explored our physical fitness and spiritual strength in Christian faith.

Thank you everyone who has supported us with donations and prayers throughout the pilgrimage. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the Transformation Project at St Mary’s.”

The pilgrims have raised over £3,200 for the St Mary’s Transformation Project.

Wivenhoe pilgrims greeted by Archbishop Justin

3534

The Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AT

01245 294443 • Registered charity, No 249505

NOTES:

Where parochial links are known to exist the names of overseas workers are placed immediately

after the appropriate parish. Further information concerning overseas dioceses, including the

names of bishops, is contained in the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, available on their website

www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer.aspx

ABBREVIATIONS:

A Assistant Clergy; AAD Assistant Area Dean; AC Associate Priest/Minister; AD Area Dean;

AM Assistant Minister, AR Associate Rector; AV Associate Vicar; AYO Area Youth Officer, BMO

Bishop’s Mission Order; BP Bishop; CA Church Army; CIC Curate in Charge; CHP Chaplain; EVN

Evangelist; HT Head Teacher; LLM Licensed Lay Minister; MCD Minister of Conventional District;

MIC Minister in Charge; PEV Provincial Episcopal Visitor; PIC Priest in Charge; PP Public Preacher;

R Rector; RD Rural Dean; Rdes Rector designate; RDR Reader; PTO Permission to Officiate; RES

Residentiary Canon; Sr Sister, TM Team Ministry; TR Team Rector; TV Team Vicar; V Vicar; Vdes

Vicar designate; WDN Warden.

Follow our daily prayers on Twitter @chelmsdio #chelmsdio_cop and on our website

www.chelmsford.anglican.org/wepray.

The contribution of Mrs Jenny Robinson to compiling the prayers in WE PRAY is

gratefully acknowledged.

CONTACT:

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