PRAYER DIARY JANUARY - MARCH 2020

www.laundeabbey.org.uk • 01572 717254 • info@launde.org.uk • Charity No: 1140918

Launde Abbey is a retreat house in the heart of the country with God at its centre

Serving the Dioceses ofLeicester and Peterborough

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Retreats January - April 2020at Launde Abbey

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Launde Abbey, East Norton, Le icestershire , LE7 9XB

M A K I N G C H U R C H C O N F L I C T C R E AT I V E Led by David Newman and Louise Corke 13th-14th January

G ROW I N G U P I N TO T H E C H I L D R E N O F G O D Led by David Newman 14th-16th February

D E E P E N I N G D I S C I P L E S H I P : T H E E N I G M A O F F O R G I V E N E S S Led by Stephen Cherry 17th February

T H E C O N T E M P L AT I V E H E A R T Led by Ian Cowley 17th-20th February

L I V I N G W I T H L O S S Led by Abi and John May 17th-21st February

L E N T R E T R E AT: S E A S O N E D B Y S E A S O N S Led by Michael Mitton 9th-12th March

P O S T B E G I N N E R S R E T R E AT Led by Helen Newman and Cathy Davies 13th-16th March

H O L Y W E E K R E T R E AT: C A R R Y I N G D E AT H , R E V E A L I N G L I F E Led by David and Helen Newman 6th-9th April

TA I Z É E A S T E R R E T R E AT Led by Cathy Davies and Emily Walker 14th-17th April

The idea of journeying is a noble and age old Christian tradition which acknowledges that in faith we seldom stand still. Rather, we are called to be ever on the move, always

seeking fuller and deeper understanding. With our eyes on Christ who goes before us, we are led (both through times of suffering and joy), towards new ways of being and perceiving. We are shaped and reshaped, renewed and transformed. The lectionary helps give shape to our Christian journey, enabling and encouraging us to explore different themes along the way. In this edition of the Prayer Calendar we continue reflecting on the journey of the magi through the season of Epiphany, we travel with the Holy Family to Jerusalem where they meet Simeon and Anna who bless the Christ child, and we step into the wilderness of

Lent as Jesus faces temptation and eventually turns his face towards the cross.

Journeys may sometimes be about a physical move to pastures new but often they are an internal activity. As well as having our eyes on that which lies ahead and draws us forward, to journey well means being aware of the past and all that has shaped us and being rooted in the present and all that God is doing now. To journey well requires an openness to being changed and to gaining new insights. As I prepare to journey round the Diocese this Lent (see Sunday 1 March “Salt of the Earth”) I expect to be both challenged and encouraged. My prayer is that God will open my heart, mind and eyes, so that I may learn more about what it means to be a faithful and obedient disciple of Christ. May each of you too be blessed in the journeys you undertake during this season of your life.

www.laundeabbey.org.uk • 01572 717254 • info@launde.org.uk • Charity No: 1140918

FOREWORD FROM THE BISHOP OF LOUGHBOROUGH

WELCOME

Welcome to the new edition of the diocesan calendar of prayer, which takes us through spring, from Epiphany to Candlemas, Lent and to the beginning of Holy Week. If you know of anyone else who would like to receive a paper copy of this document, then please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain as below. It can also be downloaded from www.leicester.anglican.org/everyday-faith/calendar-or-prayer/

Every day we pray for Bishops and our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world using the Anglican Cycle of Prayer and the Porvoo prayer calendar (www.porvoochurches.org) – these are included in italics at the bottom of each day. You will also find one of our own partner dioceses featured every week. The Anglican Communion have changed their practice and now only include the name of the diocesan bishop, asking us to pray for the people, clergy and bishops of the names dioceses.

The key to the parish entries is as follows: C = Clergy; R = Reader; PA = Pastoral Assistant; Pio = Pioneer Minister; Evng = Evangelist; PTO = Permission to Officiate.

Do let the Bishop’s Chaplain know if you’ve got a story to feature on a Sunday in a future edition – with as much notice as possible please! Email Revd Rosie Woodall at chaplain.leicester@leccofe.org or phone 0116 270 3390 or send it c/o Bishop’s Lodge.

We are very grateful to Revd Canon Brian Davis for his work on gathering parish prayer requests.

“It becomes ever clearer that climate change is the greatest challenge that we and future generations face. It’s our sacred duty to protect the natural world we’ve so generously been given, as well as our neighbours around the world who will be first and worst affected. Without swift decisive action the consequences of climate change will be devastating.”

Archbishop Justin Welby, 7th October 2019

Within the Diocese of Leicester there is already much going on within our churches, fresh expressions, schools and chaplaincies to respond practically to this call to action. One example is Eco Church - an award scheme administered by Christian mission agency A Rocha UK for churches in England and Wales who want to demonstrate that the gospel is good news for God’s earth (https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/) There are currently around 20 parishes in Leicester Diocese with Eco Church status or which have begun this process.

Arising out of the parish-based scheme, Eco Diocese (is an initiative to encourage diocesan-level engagement with Eco Church, and promote

local church participation in the scheme (https://ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/denominational-awards/eco-diocese/) Several dioceses in the Church of England have already achieved this status, and many others have registered their intent to become an Eco Diocese. On 23rd November 2019, a motion was agreed unanimously by Leicester’s Diocesan Synod to seek Eco Diocese status within two years and encourage Eco Church across our Diocese.

In total, there are eight elements to achieving Bronze Eco Diocese status (the first level). These include: an environmental policy agreed by Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod; achieve the appropriate levels of local church registration (10% of churches) and award (5%); achieve the relevant award in relation to diocesan offices; embed environmental issues in the curricula of ongoing ministerial education; manage diocesan investments ethically; work with other dioceses/faith groups to encourage greater environmental action; and record and celebrate individual environmental initiatives.

Please pray for:

• those working towards Eco Diocese status

• more churches to pursue a calling to become an Eco Church

• our diocesan environmental officer, Revd Andrew Quigley, and the environmental group

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

Taranaki: Archbishop Philip Richardson;Pihopa o Aotearoa: Archbishop Don Tamihere;

Polynesia: Archbishop Fereimi Cama

SUNDAY 5 JANUARY EPIPHANY

Please pray for those who, like the Magi, are on a journey of faith, and that more people will come to see Christ as he really is.Lake Rukwa (Tanzania): Bishop Mathayo Kasagara; Southern Highlands (Tanzania): Bishop Julius Lugendo; Gitega (Burundi): Bishop John Nduwayo

MON 6 JANUARY Epiphany

Bishop Stanley HotayPray for wisdom from God for Bishop Stanley and his team as they enter a New Year and seek to be led by God in their mission and ministry.Lango (Uganda): Bishop Alfred Olwa; Southern Malawi (Central Africa): Bishop Alinafe Kalemba;Glasgow & Galloway (Scotland): in vacancy

TUES 7 JANUARY Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro

Please pray for Anthony Lees-Smith, licenced as Area Dean of the City of Leicester Deanery this morning; and for Sr Liz Heaton, to be licenced as Rector of the Upper Soar benefice this evening. Langtang (Nigeria): Bishop Stanley FubeSouthern Nyanza (Kenya): Bishop James Ochiel

WED 8 JANUARY Licensing services for Sr Liz and Anthony Lees-Smith

Area Dean: Anthony Lees-Smith, Assistant AD: Adrian Jones; Lay Chairs: Les Mitchelmore & Margaret TerryGive thanks for recent appointments and pray for those new to the deanery and for our new Area Dean; celebrate the amazing diversity of our deanery and the many creative ways churches are reaching out to their communities. Lebombo (Southern Africa): Bishop Carlos Matsinhe; Southern Ohio (ECUSA): Bishop Thomas Breidenthal;Southern Philippines: Bishop Danilo Bustamante

THURS 9 JANUARY City of Leicester Deanery

Bertin Hermo, Gareth Hutchinson (C); Shayne Ardron, Chris Freeman, David Shepherd, Evernice Tirivanhu (R); Michael Dampier (R-PTO); Margaret Farrell, Peter Coopey (PA)We’ve recently spent time revisiting the Good News of Jesus, personally, corporately and missionally.  This spring we’re running Alpha, encouraging the church community to attend and inviting new people.  Pray for us to see faith deepening and new faith commitments.Leeds: Bishop Nick Baines

FRI 10 JANUARY The Martyrs, Leicester

Co-convenors: Steve Delaforce & Nisar MasihPlease pray that the clergy from the four churches may find ways in being able to meet each together to explore what might be best for the future of the Mission Partnership.Leicester: Bishop Martyn Snow; Southern Virginia (ECUSA): Bishop Herman Hollerith; Gloucester: Bishop Rachel Treweek

SAT 11 JANUARY Watermead Mission Partnership 

The Revd Rob Marsh writes:

Before I was ordained, I had a very active role in Scouting. During more recent times, myself and a colleague, Michael Smith, have been offering chaplaincy to some of the international Scout and Guide camps held around the UK. This might require us to be away from home and parish for up to two weeks.

For us this not an insignificant role - some camps can host up to 10,000 young people, plus adult leaders and other staff. We do not see our role as being exclusively Anglican but open. We regularly offer a selection of services, including Morning Prayer, a Eucharist, and a time of reflection at the end of the day. We also endeavour to ensure that those of other faiths have their requirements met and it is our hope to form a national group of multi-faith Chaplains for these camps.

The chaplain offers a safe space to talk and is there for support, without judging. We are not counsellors or social workers. Chaplains are a friend to those who have faith and to those who don’t - and to those seeking faith. Our role is not to make people into believers but to be alongside them. We are often considered as part of the “Disaster Recovery Team”, available to assist when incidents happen.

For local Churches, we need to appreciate the opportunities available to us as ministers. Both Scouting and Guiding have faith-based achievement badges that expect them to visit a place of worship and to talk with a faith leader. Perhaps this

is something that parishes might like to consider doing - reaching out to and building a relationship with local Scouts and Guides?

As we move forward, it is good to be able to share that we have been invited to attend the 2020 European Jamboree in Poland, with an anticipated 20,000 young people attending.

Please pray:

• a source of funding for the purchase of resources

• the formation of a national Chaplaincy team

• the growth of work with Leicestershire Scouts and Guides

Please also pray for those being baptised and confirmed today at Countesthorpe

Pray for the Anglican Church of Australia: Archbishop Philip Freier

SUNDAY 12 JANUARY BAPTISM OF CHRIST

Bishop John SmylieWe pray for all those involved in the discernment process around the election of the 10th Bishop of Wyoming during the coming year.Lesotho (Southern Africa): Bishop Adam Taaso; Southwark: Bishop Christopher Chessun

MON 13 JANUARY Diocese of Wyoming

Martin Court, Clare King (C)Please pray for: the clergy and people of St. Chad’s; Elaine, our Community Missioner, and the work of the parish Centre; our ministry and outreach to the local community; our work among children and families, especially through local schools.Lexington (ECUSA): Bishop Mark van Koevering; Southwell & Nottingham: Bishop Paul Williams

TUES 14 JANUARY St Chad

Convenor: Anthony Lees-SmithGive thanks for our partnership in the gospel and opportunities to celebrate together; pray for our common witness and engagement with all faiths and cultures in our communities; for our work among the marginalized and vulnerable. Liberia (West Africa): Archbishop Jonathan Hart; Southwest Florida (ECUSA): Bishop Dabney Smith

WED 15 JANUARY Evington & Highfield Mission Partnership

Please pray for this evening’s DBE meeting, for the DBE staff and for our diocesan family of church schools.Lichfield: Bishop Michael Ipgrave; Southwestern Virginia (ECUSA): Bishop Mark Bourlakas

THURS 16 JANUARY Diocesan Board of Education meeting

Jonathan Surridge (C)Pray for and give thanks for our 150th year of worship and the next phase of our restoration works. Please pray for our neighbours and our Let’s Eat initiative, sharing stories, good food and faith.Limerick & Killaloe (Ireland): Bishop Kenneth Kearon; Spokane (ECUSA): Bishop Gretchen Rehberg

FRI 17 JANUARY The Presentation of Christ Team: St Peter’s, Highfields

Anthony Lees-Smith, Nigel Rostock (C); Geraldine Moulden, Sian Rigby (R); Sarah Gregory (Youth)Give thanks for 800 years of presence and prayer and all the celebrations in 2019; pray for wisdom and discernment about the future direction of the church; for Sian beginning as a Reader and for Sarah’s developing work with young people. Lincoln: Bishop David Court (acting); Springfield (ECUSA): Bishop Daniel Martins;Goma (Congo): Bishop Kadhoro Makanirwa

SAT 18 JANUARY St Denys, Evington 

The story of St Paul’s shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27, 28) leads us, during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, to reflect upon aspects of our own lives and the lives of our churches. As we seek unity, we recognize that we sometimes carry baggage from history, tradition and cultural expectation, which can weigh us down. There is a danger that, in the face of that experience, we lose sight of the hope which first called us.

St Paul challenged his fellow travellers to keep up their courage. In the midst of apparent desperation and hopelessness, we are challenged to put our trust in God and allow ourselves to be carried through the waters. There will be times when we are broken, as individuals and as churches, and looking back we will see not one set of footprints in the sand, but hundreds, as we are surrounded and supported by those who love us. There will be times when, standing in the storms of our own making, we are challenged to demonstrate unusual kindness in the face of worldly indifference.

To demonstrate such kindness is to look on one another as fellow children of God. As we reflect upon, and pray for, Christian unity, we acknowledge the injury that we have caused, the pain that we carry, the baggage that we must jettison. We pray for Christian

unity as the place from which we can move onward in faith and hope for the redemption of the world.

For this year’s WPCU, we accompany the churches of Malta, praying with and alongside them as they seek the unity for which Christ prayed. We rejoice with them that Malta traces its Christian origins back to the time of the Apostles. In so doing, we enter into the drama of St Paul and those who travelled with him, to discover our shared unity, and to recognise the importance of unusual acts of kindness that bear witness to the Gospel of peace and reconciliation.

Please pray for:

• for the churches of Malta

• that God will transform our painful disunity into harmony and our mistrust into mutual acceptance

• for the leaders of different denominations

• for all those working for unity - internationally, nationally and locally

Pray for the United Church of Bangladesh: Archbishop Samuel Sunil Mankhin

(Moderator)

SUNDAY 19 JANUARY EPIPHANY 2

Bishop Isaiah ChambalaPray for the ongoing work of Church & Community Mobilisation Programmes in the diocese driving economic development. Pray about recurrent food shortages in Tanzania and the knock-on adverse consequences that has upon the work of pastors and the diocese.Litoral Ecuador (Episcopal Church): Bishop Alfredo Morante; St Albans: Bishop Alan Smith;Gombe (Nigeria): Bishop Henry Ndukuba

MON 20 JANUARY Diocese of Kiteto

Martin Court, Clare King (C)We pray that our confidence in God’s providence may be strengthened when we feel overwhelmed by the storms of life.Liverpool: Bishop Paul Bayes; St Asaph (Wales): Bishop Gregory Cameron;Grafton (Australia): Bishop Murray Harvey

TUES 21 JANUARY Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Please pray for today’s Bishop’s Leadership Team meeting.St David’s (Wales): Bishop Joanna Penberthy

WED 22 JANUARY Bishop’s Leadership Team meeting

We pray that we may welcome with unusual kindness our sisters and brothers who are in peril or need.Llandaff (Wales): Bishop June Osborne; St Edmundsbury & Ipswich: Bishop Martin Seeley; St Helena (Southern Africa): Bishop Dale Bowers

THURS 23 JANUARY Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

We pray that our Christian communities may be agents of healing in the world.Lokoja (Nigeria): Archbishop Emmanuel Egbunu; St Mark the Evangelist (Southern Africa): Bishop Martin Breytenbach

FRI 24 JANUARY Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

We pray for all those experiencing dramatic conversion, and for those whose call to follow Christ comes as a gentle whisper. Lomega (South Sudan): Archbishop Paul Yugusuk; Sunyani (West Africa): Bishop Festus Yeboah-Asuamah;Grahamstown (Southern Africa): Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali

SAT 25 JANUARY Conversion of Paul

St Andrew’s (Jarrom Street, Leicester) in the spirit of their patron saint have been casting their nets out of their boat to see where Jesus is drawing them to. They embarked on a pilot experimental Eucharistic service which took the ritual of their Anglo-Catholic heritage and weaved it with a Charismatic thread which encouraged a Spirit-led fresh expression which they called Spirit Space. These services have a contemplative flavour, acknowledging that we all have a piece of the wisdom - as the Word is broken open in a way which allows space to contemplate, to be with God, and allows time and space to respond to what God has revealed.

As well as the Spirit Space Eucharist, they also had a Spirit Space:Prayer Lab where a smaller group of people explored different ways of praying in order to deepen their relationship with God, and be encouraged in prayer by one another. This space was Holy Ground with a tangible sense of God as they explored Visio Divina, Lectio Divina, praying with art, the rosary and praying the examen, as well as resting in the presence of God through Benediction.

St Andrew’s have been so encouraged through casting these nets, and the energy that they have found in these places, that they have decided to continue to explore with Spirit Space and will be holding a Spirit Space Eucharist on the fourth Sunday of the month from 3pm, at St Andrew’s. The first of these will be today - 26th January and the service starts with coffee and doughnuts, and leads into worship at 3:30pm. All are welcome!

Please pray for:

• God would continue to gather and grow the Spirit Space community

• those who come would encounter God in a way which deepens and strengthens their faith

• in a true spirit of discipleship, people would draw together to support the efforts of a small core from the St Andrew’s congregation with the work involved in Spirit Space

Please also pray for those being confirmed today at Market Harborough.

Pray for the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil: Archbishop Naudal Alves Gomes

SUNDAY 26 JANUARY EPIPHANY 3

Bishop D ChandrasekaranFollowing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we give thanks for the pioneering ecumenical witness of the Church of South India, and for Churches Together in Leicestershire’s companion link with the Diocese of Trichy.London: Bishop Sarah Mullally

MON 27 JANUARY Diocese of Trichy

Jonathan Surridge (C)Give thanks for dedication and service of long standing members, and the new ideas that people have brought forward. We continue to pray as we discern God’s new calling for St Philip’s.Long Island (ECUSA): Bishop Lawrence Provenzano; Swansea & Brecon (Wales): Archbishop John Davies;Guadalcanal (Melanesia): Bishop Nathan Tome

TUES 28 JANUARY St Philip’s, Leicester

Please pray for the meeting of the College of Bishops in Oxford, today and tomorrow.Los Angeles (ECUSA): Bishop John Harvey Taylor; Swaziland (Southern Africa): Bishop Ellinah Ntfombi Wamukoya

WED 29 JANUARY College of Bishops

Please pray for the meeting of the College of Bishops in Oxford.Louisiana (ECUSA): Bishop Morris Thompson Jr.; Sydney (Australia): Archbishop Glenn Davies; Tabora (Tanzania): Bishop Elias Chakupewa

THURS 30 JANUARY College of Bishops

Tom Wilson (Director) & staffWe give thanks for the provision of funding and opportunities to develop stronger and deeper relationships with friends of many faiths and no faith. We ask for wisdom to know how best to respond to complex situations which have no clear or simple resolution.Luapula (Central Africa): Bishop Robert Mumbi; Taita-Taveta (Kenya): Bishop Liverson Mng’onda

FRI 31 JANUARY St Philip’s Centre

Paul Savage (C); Viv Froggatt (R)Please pray for the three parishes, as we discern how to grow in love with God, one another, our community and care for our world.Lucknow (North India): Bishop Peter Baldev;Guatemala (Central America): Archbishop Armando Guerra SoriaGrahamstown (Southern Africa): Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali

SAT 01 FEBRUARY Ascension Team: Christchurch, Thurnby Lodge & St Mary’s & St Barnabas Humberstone

Throughout many generations the Church has spoken of giving; giving in service to the poor, giving in time and energy to ministry within the church, giving of money to charitable causes. The Church also grapples with both an anxiety that we are perceived to always be talking about money, and a reticence to do so as it can feel awkward, intrusive and embarrassing.

Generosity is of course more than just giving money. Generosity can be seen within the very nature of God; God gave first to us, through the giving of his only Son, and with abundance beyond our imagination. There are examples of faithful people showing generosity throughout the bible: the generosity of self-identity and relationship demonstrated by Ruth as she chooses to remain with Naomi, and the generosity of attentiveness and comfort demonstrated by Mary as she anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume.

But what does it mean for us to be generous, as Christians and as Christian communities? Over the coming weeks a number of churches across the Diocese are considering these questions. A group gathered yesterday to explore what it might mean to grow a Generous Church. We shared stories of generosity from within our Diocese: some churches have undertaken a “Boomerang Offertory” – giving the collection one Sunday back to the congregation, who then use it to show God’s love in their community.

As we grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s generosity to us, so we seek to respond with generosity in our own lives. As such, generosity is a core part of our Everyday Faith, a hallmark of Christian discipleship and a witness to God’s love.

Please pray for:

• churches who are exploring how to Grow a Generous Church

• those who experience generosity, to glimpse something of the nature of God

• individuals who give generously, in many ways, to their church and community

• our diocesan Generous Giving team – Sally, Claire and Hannah

Please also pray for the licensing of Revd Elaine Sutherland and Revd Canon John McGinley at Holy Trinity Leicester this evening.

Pray for the Anglican Church of Burundi: Archbishop Martin Blaise Nyaboho

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE / CANDLEMAS

SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE / CANDLEMASBishop Stanley HotayGive thanks for the progress made in church planting over the past year. Pray especially for the parishes of Kiseu and Lucy Makao Mapya as they supply roofs for their churches as well as for pastors’ houses in Meserani and Basutu. Lui (South Sudan): Archbishop Stephen Mbalah; Taiwan (Episcopal Church): Bishop David Lai;Guildford: Bishop Andrew Watson

MON 3 FEBRUARY Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro

Paskal Clement (C); Sister Beverley CSF, Sister Christine CSF; Chrispal Anand (Reader in training); St Peter’s, Belgrave CE Primary School As the Church of the Resurrection enters into new phase, starting soon two new projects: Toddler Group and Messy Church. Praying for the team, and families that may join us. Lusaka (Central Africa): Bishop David Njovu; Tamale (West Africa): Bishop Jacob Ayeebo;Guinea (West Africa): Bishop Jacques Boston

TUES 4 FEBRUARY The Resurrection, Leicester

Simon Stevens (Pio) We give thanks for our continued work in our school community and our new partnership with Holy Trinity as Resourcing Church; for openings into our estate and contacts with those not yet Christians. Lusitanian Church (Portugal): Bishop Jorge Cabral; Tanga (Tanzania): Archbishop Maimbo Mndolwa

WED 5 FEBRUARY St Peter’s Belgrave BMO

Sunny George (C); Riffat Zamurad (R)Pray for our mission and ministry as we extend our hand of hope and hospitality to people of different faiths; and thank God for leading many from a casual conversation at a coffee morning to a blessing at the Communion Table.Luwero (Uganda): Bishop Eridard Nsubuga; Tarime (Tanzania): Bishop R Mwita Akiri; Tasmania (Australia): Bishop Richard Condie

THURS 6 FEBRUARY All Saints, Belgrave BMO

Susan Leighton (C)We give thanks for the replacement roof of the church. In 2020 we mark the fortieth year of St Theodore’s church building – please pray for our celebrations as a church fellowship, and within the community.Lweru (Tanzania): Bishop Godfrey Mbelwa; Te Pihopatanga o Tai Tokerau (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Bishop Te Kitohi Wiremu Pikaahu

FRI 7 FEBRUARY St Theodore of Canterbury

Martin Court (C); Julie Harget (PA)Pray for the many new residents in the new-builds in Scraptoft, and for the forthcoming redevelopment of the golf course for housing. Pray for guidance to reach out to these new areas.Machakos (Kenya): Bishop Joseph Mutungi; Te Pihopatanga o Tairawhiti (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Archbishop Don Tamihere; Gujurat (North India): Bishop Silvans Christian

SAT 8 FEBRUARY Scraptoft & Netherhall

The Conference of European Churches, of which Bishop Guli is Vice-President, emerged from the fragmented and divided Europe of the 1940s and 1950s. Following the Second World War, there was a real need in Europe to overcome political divisions, and work for healing and peace. During the Cold War, a small group of church leaders in Eastern and Western Europe began to consider the possibility of bringing together churches in European countries separated by different political, economic, and social systems. Their hope was that churches could become instruments for peace and understanding throughout a wounded continent. This original mission carries CEC forward today as they continue to work for a humane, social and sustainable Europe at peace with itself and its neighbours.

Today, CEC is a fellowship bringing together 114 churches from Orthodox, Protestant, and Anglican traditions from all over Europe for dialogue, advocacy, and joint action. Together they strengthen our common witness, act in service to Europe and the world, promote peace, and work for the unity of the Church. A network of National Councils of Churches keeps them connected to national and regional concerns. Every five years the General Assembly (joined by many young people) meets to make decisions for the future of CEC, and set the direction of its work – most recently in early June in 2018 in Novi Sad, where they were addressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, amongst others.

CEC maintains relationships with a number of partner organisations. These are church or ecumenical bodies with expertise in

particular issues or areas, such as the Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME). These collaborations help CEC respond to a broader range of social and theological issues, including peacebuilding and reconciliation; human rights; economic and ecological justice; employment and social issues; and bioethics. They are also developing expertise in ecclesiological and theological dialogue in areas including diaconia and women and youth in the churches.

Please pray for the challenges facing Europe in our time:

• Brexit;

• long-term economic difficulties in Southern Europe;

• a massive influx of migrants and refugees;

• threats to peace and stability;

• military conflict in Eastern Ukraine;

• issues concerning people living together with different cultures and religions.

Pray for the Anglican Church of Canada: Archbishop Linda Nicholls

SUNDAY 9 FEBRUARY THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Photo: Albin Hillert/CEC

Please pray for the General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in London this week.Madhya Kerala (South India): Archbishop Thomas Oommen; Te Pihopatanga o Upoko o Te Ika (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Bishop Waitohiariki Quayle; Gusau (Nigeria): Bishop John Garba Danbinta

MON 10 FEBRUARY General Synod

Please pray for the General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in London this week.Madi & West Nile (Uganda): Bishop Charles Collins Andaku;Te Pihopatanga o Upoko o Te Waipounamu (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Bishop Richard Wallace;Guyana (West Indies): Bishop Charles Davidson

TUES 11 FEBRUARY General Synod

Please pray for the General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in London this week.Madras (South India): Bishop George Jeyaraj;Temotu (Melanesia): Archbishop Leonard Dawea

WED 12 FEBRUARY General Synod

Please pray for the General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in London this week.Madurai-Ramnad (South India): Bishop Marialouis Joseph;Temuco (Chile): Bishop Abelino Apeleo

THURS 13 FEBRUARY General Synod

Please pray for the General Synod of the Church of England, meeting in London this week.Mahajanga (Indian Ocean): Bishop Spencer Speers;Terekeka (South Sudan): Bishop Paul Modi Farjala

FRI 14 FEBRUARY General Synod

Bishop John SmyliePlease pray for the continued growth and development of Fresh Expressions of faith across the diocese of Wyoming.Maiduguri (Nigeria): Bishop Emmanuel Morris;Territory of the People (Canada): Bishop Barbara Andrews;Gwagwalada (Nigeria): Bishop Moses Tabwaye

SAT 15 FEBRUARY Diocese of Wyoming

Fairtrade Fortnight in 2020 takes place from 24th February to 8th March, with a focus on cocoa farmers. But what is Fairtrade?

Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. The Fairtrade label guarantees that disadvantaged producers in the developing world are getting a better deal.

By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices (which must never fall lower than the market price), Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. As well as suppliers receiving a minimum price that covers the cost of sustainable production, they also receive an extra premium that the workers invest in social or economic development projects, such as providing schools, nursery care for working mothers, training for workers, better

housing for workers and their families, buying better equipment.

With Fairtrade YOU have the power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal, which means they can make their own decisions, improve their position, control their future and lead a dignified life.

There are over 6,000 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers and gold, so when you shop, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark.  Choosing Fairtrade is an easy way to make a positive difference – see their website: www.fairtrade.org.uk/Buying-Fairtrade

As we give thanks for the food on our plates, please pray for:

• producers as they grow their crops and craft their works; grant them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions about how to use the benefits of Fairtrade

• the Fairtrade Foundation and their work; for the Just Fairtrade shop in Leicester and retailers elsewhere

• ourselves that we have an understanding of the impact of our choices when we shop; that we look for and buy Fairtrade products

Pray for the Church of the Province of Central Africa: Archbishop Albert Chama

SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Bishop Isaiah Chambala Pray for Bishop Isaiah as he seeks God’s discernment in building women’s ministry in the diocese. Pray for the development of the Namelock Institute for Theology, in both the land and training courses.Maine (ECUSA): Bishop Stephen Lane;Texas (ECUSA): Bishop Andrew Doyle

MON 17 FEBRUARY Diocese of Kiteto

Irving Richards (C) Please pray for those exercising ministry and leadership in our parish. Maiwut (South Sudan): Bishop Peter Lual;The Arctic (Canada): Bishop David Parsons;Haiti (Episcopal Church): Bishop Jean Duracin

TUES 18 FEBRUARY St Stephen, North Evington

Stephen Delaforce (C); Liz Smith (PA) Please pray for our Messy Worship pilot study, led by Sue Hesselwood, which aims to offer non-churched families who visit our premises in connection with our social outreach projects, a safe space to encounter something of God.Makamba (Burundi): Archbishop Martin Nyaboho; South Carolina (ECUSA): Bishop Gladstone Adams

WED 19 FEBRUARY Stocking Farm and Beaumont Leys

Simon Lumby (C)Please pray for all involved in mission, ministry and leadership at St Aidan’s, and for our local community.Makueni (Kenya): Bishop Francis Mboya Matui; The Murray (Australia): Bishop Keith Dalby;Spain: Bishop Carlos Lopez-Lozano

THURS 20 FEBRUARY St Aidan

Convenors: Margaret Gillespie & Keith MageeWe give thanks for Revd Bertin Hermo and Revd Liz Wilson who have joined us since the start of the summer. Please pray for us as we start to plan a series of prayer walks around our parishes.Makurdi (Nigeria): Bishop Nathan Inyom; Thika (Kenya): Bishop Julius Njugana Wanyoike

FRI 21 FEBRUARY West Leicester Mission Partnership

Tony Leighton (Master)As we experience a major building project, please pray for good communication with the contractors. Please also pray that we are able to attract new residents who would benefit in living in a place of safety and comfort.Malabar (South India): Bishop Royce Manoj Victor;Thoothukudi-Nazareth (South India): Bishop Samuel Clement;Hanuato’o (Melanesia): Bishop Alfred Karibongi

SAT 22 FEBRUARY Wyggestons

Today is Poverty Sunday. Our Diocesan Social Responsibility Enabler, Revd Canon Alison Adams, writes:

Poverty is by no means straightforward. It’s certainly financial deprivation - but what does that mean? How relative is it - people in some other countries exist on far less than our minimum wage? And, while some parts of this country are cheaper to live in than others, the poverty there is more extreme. Let’s pray into all of that.

Let’s also beware of stereotyping. ‘The poor’ are folk like us whose life experiences and abilities have landed them in difficulty. People slip into poverty for many reasons - loss of job, breakdown of family relationships, mental health issues, bad decisions….. and so on. Poverty is not just about money: poverty of relationships and isolation both affect peoples’ abilities to live stable and meaningful lives.

So how to pray? Pray for Church Action on Poverty, an ecumenical Christian social justice charity tackling poverty in the UK through raising awareness and campaigning with the strapline ‘speaking truth to power’. Pray too that we, following Christ, may be active in righting injustices.

Also active in our diocese is CAP (‘Christians Against Poverty’), with the strapline ‘Always Hope’, aiming to release families from poverty through debt and budget counselling. They work alongside other excellent organisations, both Church-based and non-faith affiliated, also providing support in financial management at times of crisis. Pray for them, but also for people within the statutory agencies, whose work is both challenging and challenged, and for the alleviation of poverty through national strategy.

Pray too for those developing local strategy - in particular the Fair Finance Strategy Group - a coalition of organisations under the Diocesan umbrella, with a clear action plan, drawing in financial institutions and partnering with Clockwise Credit Union and local communities, to support people in financial difficulty.

Finally let’s pray for all who seek to mitigate the effects of poverty and help individuals in crisis. Pray for Foodbanks, lunch clubs, holiday hunger programmes and other Church activities where the Gospel plays out in a myriad of diverse loving ways.

Pray for the Anglican Church of Central America: Bishop Julio Murray Thompson

SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY SUNDAY NEXT BEFORE LENT

Pray for Bishop Chandrasekaran of Trichy and for his vision of reviving the Church’s work in health care and education amongst the poorest communities of their part of India.Malaita (Melanesia): Bishop Samuel Sahu; Tirunelveli (South India): Bishop Jayaraj Christdoss;Harare (Central Africa): Bishop Chad Gandiya

MON 24 FEBRUARY Diocese of Trichy

Liz Wilson, Jan Gough (C); Margaret Gillespie (R- PTO)  Pray for Liz at the beginning of her new ministry, giving thanks for everyone who supported and cared for the benefice during the interregnum; for our ‘Open the Book’ team and for relationships with local schools to continue to flourish.  Malakal (South Sudan): Archbishop Hilary Deng; Toamasina (Indian Ocean): Bishop Jean Paul Solo

TUES 25 FEBRUARY Leicester, St Anne, St Paul & St Augustine

As we begin this period of repentance, we pray for our growth in discipleship and a drawing closer to God.Malek (South Sudan): Bishop Peter Mayom;Tohoku (Japan): Bishop John Yoshida

WED 26 FEBRUARY Ash Wednesday

Please pray for today’s Bishop’s Leadership Team meeting.Malek Rup (South Sudan): Bishop Peter Agok;Tokyo (Japan): Bishop Francis Takahashi;Toliara (Indian Ocean): Bishop Todd McGregor

THURS 27 FEBRUARY BLT meeting

Mark Battison (C); Margaret Gillespie (R -PTO); Liz Piki (PA)Please pray for all working to repair our ancient church – that we may be able to continue to be a welcoming, worshipping community despite the industrial safety barriers! And for our ministry with two local schools.Malindi (Kenya): Bishop Lawrence Dena; Tonj (South Sudan): Bishop Peter Yuol Gur

FRI 28 FEBRUARY The Abbey Team Ministry

Karen Rooms, Morna Simpson (C); Herbert Fadriquela (Anglican Chaplain to the Filipino Community); Donald Sherriff (R) For everyday faith lived out in city institutions in the parish: De Montfort University, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester Tigers and Leicester City FC. For the work and witness of LGBTQI+ Christians from St Nicholas and across the Diocese.Manchester: Bishop David Walker;Torit (South Sudan): Bishop Bernard Balmoi

SAT 29 FEBRUARY Holy Spirit, Leicester (St Nicholas and St Andrew)

During Lent, Bishop Guli will be spending significant time each week out and around the Diocese - in different locations and contexts, learning about and joining in activities embodying everyday faith in action, and praying with and for those communities. Not only will this form significant part of her personal Lenten spiritual focus, but also, as stories emerge and as we pray together, she hopes it will inspire and encourage the wider Diocese.

She will be celebrating, reflecting, reviewing and blessing projects – from those already well-established to those just beginning, and, above all, praying with and for these expressions of God’s love, energy and grace in local neighbourhoods. The visits will include foodbanks, lunch clubs and cafes, money advice services, environmental activities and many other expressions of service to the community which look outward beyond the Church and involve both church members and the wider public.

The title of the pilgrimage, ‘Salt of the Earth: Lenten pilgrimage’, is also the title of the Cathedral’s Lent, Holy Week and Easter season. Bishop Guli starts the prayerful journey at the evening Eucharist at the Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, and will complete the journey by returning on Good Friday to reflect and pray with the Cathedral congregation at the foot of the Cross, as part of the Good Friday liturgy.

During the season, the theme will feature in the Cathedral’s programme of events. Displays in the Cathedral will also feature Bishop Guli’s various Lenten locations, with prayer stations inviting visitors to pray for these locations, Churches and projects. Each Deanery features in the locations, which vary from urban to rural, small villages, towns and the city.

More details of her itinerary will appear on the diocesan website, and she is hoping to write a blog during the pilgrimage.

Please pray for:

• the many community projects supported by local churches across our diocese

• our ‘loving service of the world’ which embodies everyday faith in action

• those Bishop Guli will encounter on her pilgrimage

Pray for the Anglican Church of Chile: Archbishop Hector (Tito) Zavala Munoz

SUNDAY 1 MARCH LENT 1

Please pray for the Bishop’s Council residential at Launde Abbey with the Area Deans and Deanery Lay Chairs.Mandalay (Myanmar): Bishop David Naing;Toronto (Canada): Bishop Colin Johnson

MON 2 MARCH Bishop’s Council residential

Please pray for the Bishop’s Council residential at Launde Abbey with the Area Deans and Deanery Lay Chairs.Manicaland (Central Africa): Bishop Erick Ruwona;Toungoo (Myanmar): Bishop Saw John Wilme;Hawaii (ECUSA): Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick

TUES 3 MARCH Bishop’s Council residential

Bishop Stanley Hotay Pray for Munguishi Bible College in their ministry to train and equip pastors and evangelists. Pray especially for Revd Joseph Bea, the Principal, as he juggles many competing demands.Maper (South Sudan): Bishop William Machar;Trichy-Tanjore (South India): Bishop

WED 4 MARCH Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro

Co-convenor: John Raven As we terminate this MP we thank God for the youth work that has been accomplished, and pray for a lasting effect among the hundreds of young people, whose lives were touched by it.Mara (Tanzania): Bishop George Okoth; Trinidad & Tobago (West Indies): Bishop Claude Berkley;Truro: Bishop Philip Mountstephen

THURS 5 MARCH Southern Edge Mission Partnership

Please pray for and with the women of Zimbabwe as they and their families face the continuing challenges of a struggling economy and the aftermath of drought. Maralal (Kenya): Bishop Jacob LesuudaTuam, Killala & Achonry (Ireland): Bishop Patrick Rooke

FRI 6 MARCH World Day of Prayer

Rowena Bass (C); Barbara Paget (R); Brenda Spencer (R-PTO)We give thanks for 800 years of St Andrew’s in Aylestone, and for the Christian community which has been here for much longer.  May all we do as a church now, continue to build the Kingdom.Marathwada (North India): Bishop Madhukar Kasab;Twic East (South Sudan): Bishop Ezekiel Malangdit;Hereford: Bishop Richard Frith

SAT 7 MARCH Aylestone, St Andrew with St James

Louise Davis has taken up the role of Chaplain to Leicester City Women Football Club. She will be a pastorally proactive, spiritually reactive, non-judgmental listening ear, working with everyone from the Under 9s girls to the physiotherapists, while focusing on the first team female players.  “I’m really excited by this new opportunity,” says Louise.  “I think sports chaplaincy is a great way to bring God’s love and compassion into an environment that you wouldn’t historically associate with faith.”

Louise is volunteering her time with the club (alongside her ‘day job’ with the national rural charity Germinate) and has committed to attend weekly training and every home game on a Sunday afternoon. She is also available to talk, in confidence, around these fixtures. “You’ll find me in the clubhouse, with my knitting, ready to listen. As a chaplain, the football itself isn’t my first priority. Fundamentally, I’m there as someone people can talk to about whatever they want... When a player is injured, I’ll be concentrating on how that’s affecting their mental health and emotional wellbeing, rather than when they’ll be back on the field...  When everyone is judging on results, I’m the one person who won’t be.”

Louise says “For me, the chaplaincy role is about being present. It’s about forging deep relationships and building trust, and proving myself to be a consistent and reliable source of support... One of the challenges for me is to be a Christian, with integrity and authenticity, whilst navigating the negative preconceptions that some have about people of faith.”

Captain of Leicester City Women, Holly Morgan, believes the support of a chaplain is increasingly necessary in today’s game. “Football is such a competitive sport, it can be difficult – not just physically, but mentally. When you’re not feeling confident, or in the right head space, that can have a massive impact on the game; so it’s great to have someone to talk to, and listen, to let those thoughts out.”tained angels without knowing it!”

Please pray:

• Louise’s work with Leicester City Women’s FC and for all involved in sports chaplaincy

• those taking the gospel into new and challenging contexts

• those in sport struggling with mental health

Pray for the Anglican Church of the Congo: Archbishop Zacharie Katanda

SUNDAY 8 MARCH LENT 2

Bishop John SmylieWe pray for Bishop John and his wife Gill as they transition into retirement, and give thanks for their partnership in the gospel over these last years.Maridi (South Sudan): Bishop Moses Zungo; Udi (Nigeria): Bishop Chjioke Aneke;Highveld (Southern Africa): Bishop Charles May

MON 9 MARCH Diocese of Wyoming

Please pray for today’s one day meeting of the House of Bishops.Ughelli (Nigeria): Bishop Cyril Odutemu; Ho (West Africa): Bishop Matthias Mededues-Badohu

TUES 10 MARCH House of Bishops

Chris Collins (C); Elaine Smith (Evng) Samworth Enterprise AcademyGive thanks for the new contacts made with people locally through various means - Foodbank, Craft Café, door-to-door, Angels & Heroes. Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s power so that these contacts come to know Jesus for themselves.Marsabit (Kenya): Bishop Daniel Qampicha; Ukhahlamba (Southern Africa): Bishop Moses Madywabe

WED 11 MARCH St Christopher, Leicester

Andrew Lee (C)We thank God for Fr. Andrew as our Vicar and for this church of Eyres Monsell (and Huncote). Bind us to all men and women of our parishes, so that together we may bring the Good News to all.Maryland (ECUSA): Bishop Eugene Sutton; Ukwa (Nigeria): Bishop Samuel Kelechi Eze;Umuahia (Nigeria): Archbishop Ikechi Nwosu

THURS 12 MARCH St Hugh, Eyres Monsell

John McGinley, Jenny Ridge, Tony Leighton (C), Ian Newcombe, Denis Walsh (R); Ashley Prince (PA); Sylvia Herbert (PA-PTO)Give thanks for growing signs of mission and outreach in the church membership. Please pray for planning permission process for the demolition of the current church building and acceptance of plans for a new church, and flats to finance the development. Masasi (Tanzania): Bishop James Almasi; Upper Shire (Central Africa): Bishop Brighton Vitta Malasa

FRI 13 MARCH Holy Apostles, Leicester

John McGinley, Jitesh Patel, Elaine Sutherland, David Hendra, Jenny Ridge (C); Chris Davidson, Bridget Patel, Rachel Tingley, Lois Cobold, Helen Feathers, Mandy Forrest, Wyn Rees, Anne Scott, Cathryn Shilling, Frances Watts, Andrew James, Alex Herrick (Pio)Pray for us during this time of staff transition; for our partnership with St Peter’s Community Church; for the establishment of an international fresh expression of church for people of many different cultures.Maseno East (Kenya): Bishop Joshua Owiti; Upper South Carolina (ECUSA): Bishop Andrew Waldo;Hokkaido (Japan): Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu

SAT 14 MARCH Holy Trinity & St John the Divine, Leicester

Local Celebrations is one of the ways in which Together Leicester supports churches to serve their local communities. It is a process, facilitated by Sian, the Development Worker, which helps churches notice what their local communities have, where God is at work and the spaces where God could be at work, and to reflect on how the church can best serve their local community. We focus on celebrating the gifts God has given each of our communities, and acknowledge that in every place there are things that people want to see changed, sharing Christ’s love and pointing to how He is at work in local communities. Having noticed and listened, we celebrate with the local communities all the good things they have to offer.

The five groups Sian is currently working with are:

• Castle Donington Churches – St Edward’s Castle Donington, Castle Donington Community Church, Castle Donington Baptist Church and Castle Donington Methodist Church

• St John the Baptist, Whitwick

• Coalville Christ Church and St Michael

& All Angels, Ravenstone

• St Peter’s, Glenfield

• St Hugh’s, Market Harborough

Please pray for them that through this process they will:

• share Christ’s love in their local communities as they pray for, listen to and affirm the people around them

• rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep in their local communities, so that people in their communities are heard, by the Church and by other institutions that affect the local community

• understand what God is doing in their communities, and what God is wanting to do in the future

• have a vision for who God is calling them to work with, in what ways, to be part of enabling the transformation and flourishing of their local community

Pray for the Church of England: Archbishop Justin Welby

SUNDAY 15 MARCH LENT 3

Bishop Isaiah ChambalaPray for the development of the dispensary and the appointment of a medical officer and nurse. Pray for a successful outcome for our Tanzania link’s visit to Kiteto this Spring, especially in regard to the dispensary. Pray that the transport needs of the diocese can be met as this is hampering its work.Maseno North (Kenya): Bishop Charles Asilutwa; Utah (ECUSA): Bishop Scott Hayashi;Honduras (Episcopal Church): Bishop Lloyd Allen

MON 16 MARCH Diocese of Kiteto

Pray for this plant from Holy Trinity two years ago, meeting in St Andrew’s Hall. Imprint has grown to approximately 100 young adults, many from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.  Please pray for their lay minister ‘ST’ who has been appointed to lead.Maseno South (Kenya): Bishop Charles Ong’injo; Uyo (Nigeria): Bishop Prince Antai;Hong Kong Island: Archbishop Paul Kwong

TUES 17 MARCH Imprint Leicester

Chaplain: Johannes ArensPlease pray for our process of exploration and negotiation with other Christian denominations, other faith representatives and the university about how religion and belief can be incorporated into the wider student offering at DMU and how collaborative chaplaincy can be arranged.Maseno West (Kenya): Bishop Joseph Wasonga; Valparaiso (Chile): Bishop Samuel Morrison

WED 18 MARCH De Montfort University

Please pray for all fathers: for those bringing up children who are not their own; for those estranged from their families; and those who long for a child.Masindi-Kitara (Uganda): Bishop George Kasangaki; Vanuatu (Melanesia): Bishop James TamaVermont (ECUSA): Bishop Thomas Ely

THURS 19 MARCH Joseph of Nazareth

Chaplain: Luke BriggsPlease pray for our team of chaplains, our volunteers and our many new opportunities to communicate the gospel in word and deed, connecting with students & staff of all faiths and none.Massachusetts (ECUSA): Bishop Alan Gates; Victoria Nyanza (Tanzania): in vacancy

FRI 20 MARCH University of Leicester

Chaplain: Helen StokesPlease pray for all at HMP Leicester, especially for those men who leave us without secure accommodation. Give thanks for the work of the Leicestershire Homelessness Charter, and all charities who work to end homelessness.Masvingo (Central Africa): Bishop Godfrey Tawonezwi; Virgin Islands (Episcopal Church): Bishop Ambrose Gumbs; Hpa-an (Myanmar): Bishop Saw Mark Maung Doe

SAT 21 MARCH HMP Leicester

On 24th April 2019, the process began to elect the 10th Bishop of our partner diocese of Wyoming, to replace Bishop John Smylie. The process is very different to that of the Church of England. A profile and job description was drawn up by a Search Committee after consultation across the diocese. Applications closed on 13th November 2019, and the diocese is now in a period of discernment, during which candidates will be interviewed. In May, three candidates will be proposed to the diocese, and over the summer they will go on tour around the diocese. The election of the new bishop is scheduled to occur at the Wyoming Diocesan Convention, 18-20 September 2020. Then all other dioceses in the Episcopal Church (USA) must approve the result before the ordination and consecration of the new Bishop can occur (on 13th February 2021). Bishop John will continue to remain fully engaged in the ministry of the diocese throughout the election process, until his retirement on the day his successor is consecrated.

The diocesan profile seeks “a Bishop who will visit, love and value every faith community in our diocese, regardless of the size, the number of congregants, leadership model, or resources”; who values and practices collaborative ministry; who

wishes to grow the church outside its traditional boundaries (including continuing a focus on Fresh Expressions); who is “open to innovation” but “unafraid of failure” as creative ways of being and doing church evolve; who is a “spiritual leader who will respect and honour the bedrock values of the diocese while crafting a bold vision for the future”; and who will “continue to grow with us in our journey toward inclusive love rooted in God’s Kingdom as part of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement”.

Give thanks for:

• our partnership in the gospel with dioceses across the world

Please pray for:

• the diocese of Wyoming in this time of transition, and for all exercising leadership

• the discernment process to elect a new Bishop

A prayer from the Diocese of Wyoming

Gracious God, we give thanks for the great work and wisdom of the Search Committee

for developing a vision for our future Bishop that represents our hopes and dreams.

May these dreams be carried out into the world to those discerning their call to the

episcopate. Grant them clarity and courage as they open their hearts to God’s call.

Continue to guide those who are leading us through this process with wisdom and open

hearts. We pray this in the name of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

SUNDAY 22 MARCH LENT 4 / MOTHERING SUNDAY

Bishop D ChandrasekaranAs Bishop Guli prepares to visit Trichy, accompanied by ordained and lay women leaders from Anglican and Methodist churches, pray for them and the women evangelists, pastors, teachers and medical staff who serve the mission of the Church in South India.Matabeleland (Central Africa): Bishop Cleophas Lunga; Virginia (ECUSA): Bishop Shannon Johnston;Huron (Canada): in vacancy

MON 23 MARCH Diocese of Trichy

Please pray for the Bishop’s Leadership Team on residential in Derby.Matana (Burundi): Bishop Seth Ndayirukiye; Wad Medani (Sudan): Bishop Saman Mahdi;Hyderabad (Pakistan): Bishop Kaleem John

TUES 24 MARCH BLT residential

We pray for all those receiving unexpected news today, that they may be conscious of God’s presence with them.Matlosane (Southern Africa): Bishop Stephen Diseko;Waiapu (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Bishop Andrew Hedge

WED 25 MARCH Annunciation of our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Please pray for the Bishop’s Leadership Team on residential in Derby.Mauritius (Indian Ocean): in vacancy; Waikato & Taranaki (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Archbishop Philip Richardson; Wangaratta (Australia): Bishop John Parkes

THURS 26 MARCH BLT residential

Chaplain: Barry NaylorTrinity Hospital has existed, as an Almshouse, since 1331. Please pray for residents, staff and trustees, as we seek to build an attractive  and supportive community and develop plans to improve our facilities.Mbaise (Nigeria): Bishop Chamberlain Ogunedo; Warri (Nigeria): Bishop Christian Ide

FRI 27 MARCH Trinity Hospital

Please pray for the ecumenical and multi-faith chaplaincy team at our city’s hospitals, supporting staff and patients with a huge range of needs.Mbale (Uganda): Bishop Patrick Gidudu;Washington (ECUSA): Bishop Mariann Budde;Ibadan (Nigeria): Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa;Ibadan North (Nigeria): Bishop Segun Okubadejo;Ibadan South (Nigeria): Bishop Akintunde Popoola

SAT 28 MARCH UHL chaplaincy

An edited extract from +Guli’s article in the Church of England newspaper:

The world around us has changed enormously in recent years and we are conscious of greater multiculturalism where we live, in our places of work, and in society more generally. But in our churches, regardless of the wider context in which that church sits, you are likely to find a congregation that is primarily, if not totally, white British. In the Diocese of Leicester, we are intentionally working towards creating churches that reflect the community around them and that are places of welcome for all people regardless of the colour of their skin or their cultural heritage.

We are creating six intercultural worshipping communities (IWCs) over the next five years. One is a new plant and five will develop existing churches into places of greater ethnic diversity, with the aim of planting and grafting more churches themselves from 2024 onwards. An IWC is essentially where people from different cultural and ethnic heritage deliberately interact with one another in order to deepen their understanding and experience of God and each other. They learn and grow together to build communities which are transformed, shaped and moulded from each other’s experiences. The project also aims to encourage more BAME Christians to get involved in a range of areas in parish and diocesan life, including lay leadership and ordained ministries.

We are striving for something richer and more meaningful - an integrated and shared Christian life that revels in difference. This is about conversion of heart and mind – a

transformed attitude towards how we welcome people, how we celebrate diversity, and how we are truly open to change through our encounter with others.

So whilst this initiative is undoubtedly about increased involvement of BAME Christians in diocesan life, at its core lies a journey towards greater openness and generosity of heart – one that truly sees the face of Christ in others so that none are strangers and aliens, but together we are fellow citizens in the household of God.

Please pray for:

• openness, generosity and welcome to all

• our six intercultural worshipping communities as they develop and grow

• Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, our BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler, and the project team of Suzanne Hansen, Luke Fogg and Aletta Carpenter van Barthold

SUNDAY 29 MARCH LENT 5 / PASSIONTIDE BEGINS

Bishop Stanley HotayPray for Revd Maurice, the Headteacher of St Paul’s Primary School Arusha, especially for his plans to grow and develop the school environment.Mbamili (Nigeria): Bishop Henry Okeke;Wau (South Sudan): Archbishop Moses Deng Bol;Ibba (South Sudan): Bishop Wilson Kamani

MON 30 MARCH Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro

Please pray for Mark Aldridge, Rupert Allen, Pip Berry, Derek Brown, Walter Burleigh, Andy Cain, David Clark, Sr Beverley Davies, and Arthur Deegan.Mbeere (Kenya): Bishop Moses Nthukah;Wellington (Aotearoa, NZ & Polynesia): Bishop Justin Duckworth;Idah (Nigeria): Bishop Joseph Musa

TUES 31 MARCH Clergy with PTO in City of Leicester deanery

Please pray for Stephen Foster, Janet Gasper, John Gates, Jan Gough, Keith Hebden, Derek Hole, Alan Humphrey and Russell Hunt.

WED 1 APRIL Clergy with PTO in City of Leicester deanery

Please pray for Rajni Kaneria, Aphro McCullough, Brian Robertson, Alison Roche, Keith Shepherd, Peter Tailby, Peter Taylor and John Tonkin.

THURS 2 APRIL Clergy with PTO in City of Leicester deanery

Please pray for all those preparing for confirmation in the season of Eastertide.

FRI 3 APRIL Those preparing for confirmation

Please pray for all those preparing to lead their worshipping communities through Holy Week as we journey first to the foot of the cross and then to the empty tomb.

SAT 4 APRIL Preparations for Holy Week