The Church of England are encouraging us as Christians to take time out each day to pray. You can find more information here:

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us-service-daily-prayer

In #Meltham, people are being encouraged to join this too……….

Thanks to everyone who continues to commit to prayer together at 11am.  We know everyone cannot commit to this time, but may find these prayers helpful at whatever time prayer can take place.   Prayer can be hard work but as Christians this is what we are called to and is something we can do at this difficult time.

We hope to issue prayer list each Monday – if you need to know anything contact Rev’d Peter Rolls:
p.c.rolls@hotmail.com 01484 340342

PRAYERS

Give thanks for how our local community has risen to this new challenge we are all faced with.  Help them and strengthen them to continue to work together for this community.

We also ask that you give wisdom and plain common sense to all those amongst us who do not seem to want to heed the advice we are given.

Lord God of all Wisdom, we pray for our leaders: the World Health Organisation, national governments, and local leaders  – those working in schools, hospitals, the food industry  and other institutions.

We ask you to grant them wisdom beyond their own wisdom to contain this virus, faith beyond their own faith to fight fear, and strength beyond their own strength to sustain vital institutions through this time of turmoil.

Lord of all Peace, we remember those living in coronavirus hotspots and those currently in isolation. May they know your presence in their isolation, your peace in their turmoil and your patience in their waiting.

Lord God of all Comfort and Counsel, we pray for those who are grieving, reeling from the sudden loss of loved ones.  May they know your presence with them.

Lord God who heals, we pray for all medical professionals dealing daily with the intense pressures of this crisis. Grant them resilience in weariness, discernment in diagnosis, and compassion upon compassion as they care. We thank you for the army of researchers working steadily and quietly towards a cure – give them clarity in their research and an unexpected breakthrough.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord  Amen

Bible Reference – Jeremiah 32.17

“Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17 )

HAPPY MOTHERING SUNDAY!
Sadly we cannot join together for our usual Mothering Sunday services. However, we are all no doubt thinking about our Mums, Grandmas and probably all those whom we care for, but are not able to visit or be with today.

Rev’d John has put together a condensed Mothering Sunday service which you may find useful to go through at your usual service time or anytime that suits. It contains the main service, reading and prayers.

You can also watch Rev’d John give us his thoughts through this short video sermon (don’t miss it – it’s probably the shortest talk he’s ever done! haha)

You can also listen to a hymn that we would normally sing today. https://1drv.ms:443/u/s!BJUFY78M1xXegQ8IroVzG3f7uCLH?e=Km1GEGudcECS9J5Ebd7oxA&at=9

We hope these will help you to celebrate Mothering Sunday at home.

CHURCH SERVICES PAUSED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) It is with great sadness that we must pause our public worship for a while.  Due to the current public health situation we must stop meeting physically for a while but, we must ensure that we continue to be united in both a spiritual sense and in love. All our churches in the Parish of Christ the King, Meltham will be closed for public worship until further notice. We are hoping that at least one of our churches will soon be available for safe, private, individual prayer or quiet reflection. Because of the restriction on numbers, only two or three people will be able to use the church at any one time. Come in, light a candle; sit quietly; reflect and pray for God’s Peace to be with us all. Weddings and funerals will continue. However, there are very strict number limitations, especially at weddings – only 5 people will be permitted at the wedding – the priest; the bride and bridegroom and two witnesses!  Numbers permitted at funerals have not been finalised but those who are considered to be vulnerable should consider the government guidelines on public gatherings. All social events and meetings have been cancelled. We will shortly be developing new ways for people to engage in prayer and worship. This will come in various forms; both digital/virtual and through resources that can be used at home. Please be assured that I will continue to pray for you and, please pray for each other. God bless Reverend John Dracup (Vicar) Please look at our website www.melthamparish.co.uk for services and prayer resources in the coming weeks or contact parishofchristtheking@gmail.com if you require further information. You can find the full Church of England information here: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

PLEASE PRAY in this week leading up to Mothering Sunday for all those who have cared for us in the past and care for us now.

READ THE GOOD NEWS – John 4, 5-42 – Thank God that we are blessed by receiving living water that is always there and quenches every thirst if we put our trust in God and not ourselves.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP IN THE COMING WEEK

Monday 16th March
09.30am Morning Prayer, Christ Church

Tuesday 17th March
09.30am Morning Prayer, St Mary’s

Wednesday 18th March
9.00am Holy Communion BCP, St Bart’s
10.00am Meltham Churches Together Prayers for the Community, St Bart’s

NEXT SUNDAY 22nd March – Mothering Sunday
09.30am St Bart’s, Service of the Word
09.30am St James’ Holy Communion
11.15am St Mary’s, Holy Communion
11.15am Christ Church, Service of the Word.

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Lent Groups – not too late to join
Mondays at 7.45pm – Pat Radford’s home
Tuesdays at 2.00 pm at St Bart’s
Wednesdays at 11am at the Methodist Church

Friday 20th March
10.00am-12noon St James’ Community Card Group.
10.30am-12 noon St Bart’s, Coffee and Chat.
7.00pm St Mary’s HD9 Club for high school age young people

Wednesday 25th March
10.30-3.00 Quiet Day at St James’ – bring a packed lunch
7.30pm St Bart’s PCC Meeting

Friday 27th March
7.00pm St James’ Ladies speaker and supper evening, with Corrine Scandling and Bolster Moor pie & peas. (or a vegetarian option). No charge, but a small donation welcome.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS, SOME SERVICES AND EVENTS WILL BE CANCELLED OR POSTPONED AS THE SITUATION EVOLVES. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED ONCE PLANS ARE CONFIRMED.

PLEASE PRAY that we will #LiveLent – not paralysed by guilt, worry or fear – neither irresponsible or careless – but emboldened and empowered by our faith in the unfailing grace of Jesus Christ, God incarnate.

READ THE GOOD NEWS – John 3, 1-17 – For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

PRAYER AND WORSHIP IN THE COMING WEEK

Monday 9th March
09.30am Morning Prayer, Christ Church

Tuesday 10th March
09.30am Morning Prayer, St Mary’s
1.30pm Songs of Praise, Greenacres

Wednesday 11th March
9.00am Holy Communion BCP, St Bart’s
10.00am Meltham Churches Together Prayers for the Community, St Bart’s

NEXT SUNDAY 15th March
09.30am St Bart’s, Holy Communion
09.30am St James’ Service of the Word with Reflections on the Holiness of God
11.15am St Mary’s, Service of the Word
11.15am Christ Church, Holy Communion

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Lent Groups – not too late to join
Mondays at 7.45pm – 6 Howard Way on 9th March then back at Pat Radford’s in the weeks following
Tuesdays at 2.00 pm at St Barts
Wednesdays at 11am at the Methodist Church

Thursday 12th March
8:00pm St Bart’s, Rehearsals start for Stainer’s Crucifixion. Singers welcome from across the Parish to join the augmented choir.

Friday 13th March
10.00am-12noon St James’ Community Card Group.
10.30am-12noon St Bart’s, Coffee and Chat.

Friday 20th March
7.00pm St Mary’s HD9 Club for high school age young people

Wednesday 25th March
10.30-3.00 Quiet Day at St James – bring a packed lunch
7.30pm St Bart’s PCC

Friday 27th March
7.00pm St James’ Ladies speaker and supper evening, with Corrine Scandling and Bolster Moor pie & peas. (or a vegetarian option). No charge, but a small donation welcome.