Praying for each other in Essex & East London

Chelmsford Diocese Prayer Diary#chelmsdioprayers

WEPRAYAUG - SEPT 2019

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“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” Isaiah 65:24

Southminster (St Leonard) and Steeple (St Lawrence and All Saints) Clergy: Peter Begley (PIC).Southminster Primary School: Pauline Ward (Executive HT), Chris Beazeley (Interim Head of School).

The Missionary District of Oeste-Brasil, the Diocese of Boga (Congo) and the Diocese of Port Elizabeth (Southern Africa)

Woodham Mortimer (St Margaret) w Hazeleigh and Woodham Walter (St Michael) Clergy: Vacancy (PIC), Julie Willmot (A).

Woodham Walter School: Sue Dodd (HT).

Mayland (St Barnabas) and Latchingdon (Christ Church) Clergy: Vacancy (R).

The Dioceses of Offa (Nigeria), Bolivia (South America) and Karimnagar (South India)

One of today’s readings – Leviticus 25.1, 8-17 – tells us about the year of Jubilee, the fiftieth year. In the Old Testament Jubilee is a radical concept – that every fiftieth year there will be a redistribution of property and wealth. This rooted in the conviction that everything is a gift from God anyway and that gifts are for sharing.

There is a real challenge for us, not just about property and money but about the whole way we understand the gifts God gives us. It is too easy to think that these are our possessions which we need to protect when of course they are always gifts for sharing.

The Dioceses of Karnataka Central, Karnataka North and Karnataka South (South India)

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

August

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The Seventh Sunday after TrinityPray for the work of the Salvation Army, Herts and Essex Division: Major Norman Ord, Divisional Commander.

PRAY for the Church of the Province of South East Asia the Most Revd Ng Moon Hing, Archbishop.

Oswald, King, Martyr, 642Althorne (St Andrew) and North Fambridge (Holy Trinity) Clergy: Sandra Manley (R). Licensed Lay Minister: Hayley Rogers.

Dengie (St James) Clergy: Steven Poss (PIC).

The Dioceses of Ogbaru (Nigeria), Bondo (Kenya) and Kasai-Mbujimayi (Congo)

The Transfiguration of Our LordThe retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Maldon and Dengie.

The Dioceses of Ogbia (Nigeria), Bor (South Sudan) and Umzimvubu (Southern Africa)

John Mason Neale, Priest, Hymn Writer, 1866The Deanery of HadleighArea Dean: David Tudor, Lay Chair: Ron McLernon.

The Dioceses of Ogbomoso (Nigeria), Botswana (Central Africa) and Brandon (Canada)

Dominic, Priest, Founder of the Order of Preachers, 1221Canvey Island TM: (St Nicholas, St Anne, St Katherine)Clergy: David Tudor (TR), Marion Walford (TV), Terry Brown (A), Lesley McGlynn (A). Licensed Lay Minister: Trudy Arnold.

St Katherine’s School: Anne-Marie Taylor (HT).

The Dioceses of Ogoni (Nigeria), Brasilia (Brazil) and Brazzaville (Congo)

Mary Sumner, Founder of the Mothers’ Union, 1921Eastwood (St Lawrence and All Saints) Clergy: Vacancy (V).

Eastwood (St David) Clergy: Paul Joyce (V).

The Dioceses of Ogori-Magongo (Nigeria), Brechin (Scotland) and Katakwa (Kenya)

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August

Each school holiday, the familiar sound of Lego can be heard coming from Chelmsford Cathedral, along with the happy chattering voices of hundreds of children and their families.

Since February half term this year, the Cathedral has run ‘Stay and Play’ sessions for families with primary school aged children. ‘The idea is simple’ says Communications Manager Clare Broome.

‘Families are looking for free activities to enjoy together in the school holidays and the Cathedral, being in the heart of the city, is the ideal place to host this. We want to offer our space’.

Each session lasts two hours, is free and alongside Lego, there is either a craft activity, storytelling, or in our most recent May half term adventure, a trail with explorer ‘Harrison’ (pictured).

Many people who attend have never been into the Cathedral before and are amazed by the space and the welcome they receive.

At the time of printing, there aren’t any specific dates planned for stay and play at Cathedral this summer.

However, running throughout the whole school holidays, there will always be activities for children.

Lego Stay and Play

Event details can be found on www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events-diary.

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Laurence, Deacon at Rome, Martyr. 258Laurence the deacon is an early Christian martyr who is said to have died a particularly gruesome death.

But the action that is said to have led to his martyrdom is fantastic and a real challenge to quite a few of our values and practices. In a time of persecution officers were sent to seize the treasurers of Laurence’s church. So Laurence brought out the widows and orphans of the Christian community and said “Well, here are our treasurers!”

How deeply can we respond today to Jesus’ first sermon in Luke 4 and his final piece of discipleship training in Matthew 25? The radical demands of the Gospel.

The Dioceses of Ohaji/Egbema (Nigeria) and Brisbane (Australia)

The Eighth Sunday after TrinityPlease pray for the work of the Leprosy Mission. Remember, too, the people of those countries where leprosy is still a major problem.

PRAY for the United Church of South India, The Most Revd Thomas Kanjirappally Oommen, Moderator.

Hadleigh (St James the Less); alsoHadleigh (St Barnabas) Clergy: Ruth Cartwright (PIC), Christine Robinson (AC), Jackie Turner (A). Licensed Lay Minister: Sheena Slater.

The Dioceses of Ohio (The Episcopal Church), Bristol (England) and Katanga (Congo)

Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down and Connor, Teacher of the Faith, 1667Florence Nightingale, Nurse, Social Reformer, 1910Octavia Hill, Social Reformer, 1912

Leigh-on-Sea (St Aidan) Clergy: Gordon Tarry (V). Reader: Wendy Thornhill.

Leigh-on-Sea (St Clement)Clergy: Clive Hillman (PiC); Cherry Sandover (AC), Neil Dalley (A).

The Dioceses of Oji River (Nigeria) and British Columbia (Canada)

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AugustChurch of England social media guidelines and charter

Read the guidelines & sign up to the charter at www.churchofengland.org

The Church of England has published social media advice aimed at tackling online abuse, misleading content and encouraging a positive atmosphere for online conversations. The guidelines encourage positive engagement across all national social media accounts run by the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.

At the same time the Church is urging Christians and others to sign up to a voluntary digital charter aimed at fostering a more positive atmosphere online.

The charter is centred on the five principles of: truth, kindness, welcome, inspiration and togetherness, and the opportunity for people to sign-up to show they support the principles.

The Diocese of Chelmsford has signed up to the charter and is encouraging its churches to do so too.

Commenting on the new guidelines and charter, the Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford said:

“There are not two worlds, one off-line where we behave courteously and kindly towards each other, and one online where it is okay to be rude and defamatory. There is one world where one set of values should prevail and where we would not think to say things online that we would not be prepared to say off-line.

These guidelines and this charter will help us be the best that we can be.”

We’ve signed up, have you?

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Maximilian Kolbe, Friar, Martyr, 1941Leigh-on-Sea (St James the Great) Clergy: William Bulloch (V).

Leigh-on-Sea (St Margaret) Clergy: David Wylie (PIC).

St Michael’s School: Katharine Mansfield (Acting HT).

The Dioceses of Okene (Nigeria), Buhiga (Burundi) and Bujumbura (Burundi)

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

New Thundersley (St George) Clergy: Vacancy (V).

The Dioceses of Oke-Ogun (Nigeria) and Bukavu (Congo)

South Benfleet (St Mary) Clergy: Leslie Drake (V).

The Dioceses of Oke-Osun (Nigeria), Bukedi (Uganda) and Katsina (Nigeria)

In today’s Gospel – Matthew 19.13-15 – Jesus rebukes the disciples for preventing children coming to him, with the words ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ 

We are deeply afraid to let go and become children ourselves, welcomed by Jesus just as we are. In the words of the recently deceased Jean Vanier, ‘All of us have a secret desire to be seen as saints, heroes, martyrs. We are afraid to be children, to be ourselves….’

We human beings are all fundamentally the same. We all belong to a common, broken humanity. We all have wounded, vulnerable hearts.

Each one of us needs to feel appreciated and understood; we all need help.

The Dioceses of Okigwe, Okigwe North, Okigwe South and Kebbi (Nigeria)

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August

Congratulations to our students who recently completed our Course in Christian Studies (CCS) and attended their graduation evening at Chelmsford Cathedral. This year’s graduates included those who were part of the first ever online CCS group.

The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, presented graduates with their certificates.

CCS is a two-year foundation course exploring the Christian faith with other learners, delivered weekly in local centres around the diocese or the course can be accessed online.

CCS has a foundational first year and a more flexible second year and leads to the Bishop’s Certificate. The course starts each September.

To find out more about CCS visit www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ccs.

Celebrating our CCS Graduates

“I’ve always wanted to do his but home and work prevented me. Now I’ve just finished the online version and I thoroughly recommend it.” - CCS Graduate

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The Ninth Sunday after TrinityPray for the work of all Authorised Lay Preachers in our Diocese.

PRAY for the Anglican Church of Southern Africa The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop and Primate.

Thundersley (St Peter, St Michael & All Angels) Clergy: Andy Hudson (PIC), Susan Croucher (A). Licensed Lay Minister: Jan Kersey.

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

The Dioceses of Okinawa (Japan), Bukuru (Nigeria) and Keewatin (Canada)

Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, Teacher of the Faith, 1153William and Catherine Booth, Founders of the Salvation Army, 1912 and 1890The Deanery of SouthendArea Dean: Jonathan Collis. Lay Chair: Linda Barnard. Assistant Area Dean: Louise Williams.Southend Healthcare NHS Trust: David Childs (Lead CHP).

The Dioceses of Oklahoma (The Episcopal Church) and Bunbury (Australia)

North Shoebury (St Mary the Virgin) Clergy: David Pierce (Lead Minister).

The Dioceses of Okrika (Nigeria) and Bungoma (Uganda)

Prittlewell (St Mary the Virgin) Clergy: Paul Mackay (V), Jacky Lindoe (A), Bernard Noghiu (A).

Prittlewell School: Nicholas Booth (HT).

Prittlewell (St Luke) Clergy: Ben Drury (V).

The Dioceses of Oleh (Nigeria) and Bunyoro-Kitara (Uganda)

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August

Church of England parishioners are becoming baristas in a new initiative to create a vibrant, welcoming, uplifting place for people in Westcliff to spend some time together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Lifestreams at Saint Peter’s Church, Westcliff has recently launched a community coffee house, which is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm.

The Lifestreams Coffee House aims to tackle issues of mental-health, loneliness and isolation.

As well as serving coffee, the friendly volunteer staff are on hand to lend a listening ear and have a chat.

Developing the traditional church coffee morning, the Coffee House provides a unique and high quality service; and working in partnership with Chase High and Lancaster Schools the Coffee House will provide work experience and training for their students.

Revd Colin Baldwin, Priest-in-charge of the Lifestreams churches said “The church is open for the community most days; it just doesn’t look like it!

The Coffee House is that relaxed place that passers-by can see, where people can meet and talk.

This is an exciting first step, we have been talking to architects and planners about creating an even better facility.”

Lifestreams Coffee House open for business

Westcliff (St Peter) w St Cedd and the Saints of Essex (The Bridgewater Drive Church); also Prittlewell (St Stephen) Clergy: Colin Baldwin (PIC).

The Dioceses of Kentucky (The Episcopal Church), Kericho (Kenya) and Khartoum (Sudan)

Bartholomew the ApostleToday – the feast of Bartholomew – invites us to think about power and authority. We often construct the church as if it were a power structure. But today’s Gospel could not say it stronger: “A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest.

But he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.

For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22.24-27).

The Dioceses of Kibondo (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda) and Kigeme (Rwanda)

The Tenth Sunday after TrinityPlease pray for those in our Diocesan Registry: George Pulman, Chancellor; Aiden Hargreaves-Smith, Registrar; Melanie Tucker, Registry Clerk.

PRAY for the Anglican Church of South America, The Most Revd Gregory James Venables, Presiding Bishop.

Southchurch (Holy Trinity) Clergy: Reid Humble (PIC - elect).

Southchurch (Christ Church) Clergy: Simon Roscoe (V). Readers: Elizabeth Butterworth, Sandra Evans.

The Dioceses of Olo (South Sudan), Busan (Korea) and Kigezi (Uganda)

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August

This is a really exciting project! I hope the 1000 mile cycle challenge has raised awareness. Thank you to everyone for their support and donations so far”

The community centre will provide a fitness area, café, consultants’ areas, as well as spaces for community support for debt and food banks, soft-play and emergency accommodation. The innovative, low-cost, environmentally sound design uses refurbished shipping containers to create flexible and useable space which can be used by the whole community.

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colinsbaldwin1000.

Southend Priest completes 1000 mile cathedral cycle challenge

Revd Colin Baldwin, Priest-in-charge of the Lifestreams churches, has recently completed a circular route around England, cycling 1000 miles, visiting 21 cathedrals in 12 days to raise funds for an imaginative new church and community centre in Alton Gardens, Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, replacing the Saint Stephen’s buildings.

Colin set off from Chelmsford Cathedral on Sunday 7 July and embarked on a route which encompassed Norwich, the Midlands, the South West as far as Truro, the south coast and Canterbury before returning via St. Paul’s Cathedral to a reception hosted by Bishop Stephen Cottrell at Chelmsford Cathedral on Friday 19 July.

Colin commented:

“We are a small church but with huge ambitions and need to raise £50,000 to get the scheme to planning permission.

Our leaders were recognised by Southend Council for the youth work we did in the area and we want to re-activate it and play our part in the regeneration of the area.

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Monica, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387Southend Team Ministry (St John the Baptist, St Mark, All Saints, St Alban Westcliff) Clergy: Vacancy (TR), Neil Paxton (TV), Michael Ballard (AC), Phyllis Owen (AC), Cherry Sandover (AC). Reader: Margaret Henning.

The Dioceses of Olympia (The Episcopal Church) and Busoga (Uganda)

Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher of the Faith, 430South Shoebury (St Andrew w St Peter) Clergy: Louise Williams (R). Licensed Lay Minister: Andy Clipsham.

The Dioceses of Omu-Aran (Nigeria), Butare (Rwanda) and Butere (Kenya)

The Beheading of St John the BaptistThorpe Bay (St Augustine) Clergy: Jonathan Collis (AD, V), Chris Giles (A).

The Dioceses of On the Lake (Nigeria) and Buye (Burundi)

John Bunyan, Spiritual Writer, 1688Westcliff-on-Sea (St Andrew) Clergy: Paul Gambling (PIC), Clive Lucas (A).

Westcliff (St Michael & All Angels) Clergy: Tom Loh (PIC), Clive Lucas (A), Michael Walker (A).

The Dioceses of On the Niger (Nigeria), Byumba (Rwanda) and Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh (Ireland)

Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 651Celtic Christianity is largely an invention of the Romantic movement in the 19th century. The reality of what is sometimes referred to as “Celtic” was pretty challenging – huge night vigils chanting huge numbers of psalms; serious fasting; and extreme penitential discipline.

Aidan, the great monk from Iona who became Bishop of Holy Island in Northumberland is an extraordinarily radical example of this tradition – immersed in hours of liturgical prayer; addicted to walking across his vast diocese because that’s what ordinary people do; and giving away the king’s silverware when the poor came knocking. And an absolute determination not to use God – his great prayer when the Danes were attacking Bamburgh Castle was simply “Lord, look what they are doing”.

The Dioceses of Kimberley & Kuruman (Southern Africa), Kindu (Congo) and Kinkiizi (Uganda)

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August

Prayer is key to growing God’s ChurchRevd Canon Dave Wade, the Head of New Christian Communities, is enjoying working with all who are seeking to make the love of Jesus real in new and different ways across Chelmsford Diocese.

Dave has the responsibility for the development of Christian communities, pioneer ministry and fresh expressions; this includes managing the church planting programme and working with deaneries and Mission and Ministry Unit’s as they seek to grow 101 new Christian communities in the next ten years.

Many of these will be very local and can include anything from the church offering worship and prayer in a Sheltered Housing Unit, to starting a new Messy Church.

In Southend, two great proposals are progressing. St John’s is going to receive a church plant from St Michael’s, Westcliffe and St Mark’s is a ‘seeding’ project from St Clement’s, Leigh on Sea.

Dave is visiting deaneries to chat with the leadership teams about their hopes to grow God’s Church.

Commenting on what he has learnt in his first three months in post, Dave has said:

“Prayer is the key to making new Christian communities happen. There is much to do, but where a parish is clear about its mission and prays about it together, we can relax knowing that God will grow his Church. Please pray for the church planting projects in Southend and across the whole Diocese.”

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Saturday 14 September will be a wonderful day of celebration as the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell will ordain 28 new Deacons at Chelmsford Cathedral.

Philip Need, the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, said:

“It is fantastic that 28 new Deacons will be ordained this September. It is so exciting to work with the wide range of people who are offering themselves for ordained ministry as they seek to live out their baptismal calling and offer themselves afresh to God.

There are so many ways in which we can serve Him as faithful members of the Church and we are trying to make it possible for people to answer their sense of calling in new and exciting ways.

If you have even a slight flicker of the idea that God might be calling YOU to ordination, speak to your local clergy.”

If you are attending one of the ordination services, you can share your pictures with us on Twitter with the hashtag #NewRevs.

Biographies and photos of our new Deacons will be uploaded the Diocese of Chelmsford website throughout August. To read about our new Deacons visit www.chelmsford.anglican.org/newrevs.

Feeling inspired by our soon-to-be new Deacons and our new Priests? Find out more about ministry at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/vocations

Congratulations to our 30 new Priests who were ordianed by the Bishops

of Barking, Bradwell and Colchester at services across the Diocese of

Chelmsford in June. Our new priests are pictured here on pre-ordination

retreat at the Diocesan Retreat House Pleshey.

Ordinations 2019: Welcoming our new Deacons and Priests

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The Eleventh Sunday after TrinityPlease pray for the work of the Dean and Chapter in their daily work of the administration of the Cathedral.

PRAY for the Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, The Most Revd Justin Bada Arama, Archbishop.

Martyrs of Papua New Guinea, 1901, 1942Westcliff-on-Sea (St Saviour) Clergy: Lee Mullen (V).The retired Clergy, Readers, and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Southend.

The Dioceses of Ondo (Nigeria), Calabar (Nigeria) and Kinshasa (Congo)

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 604 The Deanery of ThurrockArea Dean: Darren Barlow. Lay Chair: Leslie Brock. Assistant Area Dean: Dave Rollins.

The Dioceses of Ontario (Canada) and Calcutta (North India)

Birinus, Bishop of Dorchester (Oxon), Apostle of Wessex, 650Mardyke Team Ministry: Aveley (St Michael) and Purfleet (St Stephen), South Ockendon (St Nicholas) and Belhus Park (All Saints)Clergy: Tara Frankland (TR), Peter Rabin (TV), Matt Drummond (TV), David Bates (A). Reader: Glynis Pettit.

The Dioceses of Ogbomoso (Nigeria) Caladonia (Canada) and Calgary (Canada)

Chadwell (St Mary the Virgin) (Emmanuel) Clergy: Michael Walton (R).

The Dioceses of Oregon (The Episcopal Church) and California (The Episcopal Church)

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September

Linking with Kenya Roger Matthews, our Dean of Mission, Ministry and Education, and Heather Tetchner from the Education Team recently visited our ‘Link Dioceses’ in Kenya. They found huge congregations for two Education Sunday celebrations and cathedrals and hospitals under construction.

The Dioceses are clearly thriving, with 600 children attending the Sunday School at the newly extended Kirinyaga Cathedral and a new diocesan TV studio being built, but there are also concerns including tribal violence, increased road traffic accidents and some failing harvests.

Draught continues to be a problem, especially in Marsabit Diocese where they are making good use of the water bowser funded through our 2018 Lent Appeal.

Contacts with Chelmsford Diocese are cherished, with many parishes and schools wanting to establish links with parishes and schools here.

There are also hopes for links between St Andrew’s Theological College and our own St Mellitus.

Work has started on a number of projects at St Andrew’s which have been supported by money raised through this year’s Lent Appeal, including improving the water supply and building new seminar rooms.

There are plans for our Diocese to be represented at forthcoming consecrations of Cathedrals and church buildings in Kenya and The Right Reverend David Ireri, Bishop of Embu Diocese, will be attending our ordination of deacons in September.

Roger Matthews and Heather Tetchner visited Mount Kenya hospital

Around 2000 people attended Education Sunday celebrations

Newly extended Kirinyaga Cathedral

#TryAlpha

Done with small talk?

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Alan Gardiner, Missionary, Founder of the South American Mission Society, 1851Corringham (St Mary the Virgin) and Fobbing (St Michael)Clergy: David Rollins (R), Wendy Mott (A), John Noddings (A).

East and West Tilbury (St Catherine) and Linford (St Francis)Clergy: Michèle Marshall (PIC elect).

The Dioceses of Orlu (Nigeria), Cameroon (West Africa) and Kirinyaga (Kenya)

Tomorrow marks the birthday of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary has been seen in very different ways in the Christian tradition, so it’s worth paying attention to what the New Testament says: she is a virgin, a word in the Old Testament that is always negative, unfruitful; she is unmarried; she sings an extraordinary version of the song of Hannah (a barren woman made fruitful by God) that challenges all our assumptions about human power and authority and looks forward to the profoundly subversive ministry of her son Jesus.

The Dioceses of Oru (Nigeria) and Canberra & Goulburn (Australia)

The Twelfth Sunday after Trinity: Today is Education SundayLord God, we thank you for the education we have received from teachers and schools, from colleges, academies and universities, from parents and friends. Help us to support those who work in education, to appreciate the important job that they do in shaping the future of our world and to remember them in our prayers.

PRAY for the Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan, The Most Revd Ezekiel Kumir Kondo, Archbishop.

Charles Fuge Lowder, Priest, 1880Grays Thurrock Team Ministry: Grays (St Peter & St Paul), Little Thurrock (St Mary the Virgin), West Thurrock (St Clement), Chafford Hundred (All Saints) Clergy: Darren Barlow (AD, TR), David Peterson (TV), Charlie Kosla (TV), Tony Burford (AC), Suzanne Fryer (A), Cathy Hasler (A).Reader: Cheryl Ramballi.

The Dioceses of Osaka (Japan) and Canterbury (England)

Sat 7

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September

Exploring big questions with ALPHAThe people who run Alpha believe that Alpha is for everyone, because everyone has questions.

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone’s welcome. It runs in cafés, churches, universities, homes - you name it. No two Alphas look the same, but generally they have three key things in common: food, a talk and good conversation.

From Sunday 22 September, there’s an Alpha course beginning with a meal at Kushi Indian Restaurant, Chafford Hundred, Grays RM16 6EW.

You can book your place by contacting Revd Charlie Kosla, Team Vicar of All Saints Church, Chafford Hundred on rev.charlie@gttm.org.

Please pray for Charlie and his team as they run Alpha in Grays, and for those embarking on the Alpha journey for the very first time.

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Grays North (St John the Evangelist) Clergy: Clive Russell (V).Licensed Lay Minister: Marilyn Going.

The Dioceses of Osun (Nigeria) and Cape Coast (West Africa)

Orsett (St Giles and All Saints with Bulphan (St Mary the Virgin) and Horndon-on-the-Hill (St Peter & St Paul) Clergy: Sue Mann (PIC), Max Blake (AC).

Orsett School: Shelley Jones (HT).

Bulphan School: Emma Wigmore (Exec. HT) Sally Finch (Head of School).Horndon-on-the-Hill School: Mrs D. Bradley (Interim HT).

The Dioceses of Osun North (Nigeria), Cape Town (Southern Africa) and Carlisle (England)

Stanford-le-Hope (St Margaret) w Mucking (St John the Baptist)Clergy: John Guest (R).

The Dioceses of Osun North East (Nigeria) and Cashel & Ossory (Ireland)

John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, Teacher of the Faith, 407Stifford (St Mary and St Cedd) Clergy: Andy Higgs (R).

The Dioceses of Ottowa (Canada) and Central Buganda (Uganda)

Holy Cross DayToday – Holy Cross Day – has unusual origins but at its heart is an invitation to gaze on the crucified God and know how much he loves us. In the words of the great preacher and teacher Austin Farrer: “Yet all [God’s] dear and infinite kindness is lost behind the mask of power.

Overwhelmed by omnipotence, we miss the heart of love. ....the weakness of God proves stronger than men, and the folly of God proves wiser than men. Love is the strongest instrument of omnipotence, for accomplishing those tasks he cares most dearly to perform; and this is how he brings his love to bear on human pride; by weakness not by strength, by need and not by bounty.”

PRAY for all those being ordained Deacon today, for their families and for the parishes where they serve.

The Dioceses of Otukpo (Nigeria), Central Busoga (Uganda) and Kisangani (Congo)

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September

Seven churches in the Diocese of Chelmsford were recognised at the DAC design awards which took place in June.

The awards scheme recognises excellence in design and craftsmanship and encourages the commissioning of individual designs. Anything which

requires Faculty consent was eligible for entry. This can include small items such candle sticks, to large scale building developments and anything else in between!

The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Revd Stephen Cottrell, presented certificates to:

Prittlewell St. Luke - Rewiring and lighting (Merit)

Tiptree St. Luke - New front entrance to church and church extension (Commended)

Kelvedon Hatch St. Nicholas - Memorial stained glass window (Commended)

Romford St. Alban - ‘The Big Six’ Candlesticks (Highly Commended)

Layer de la Haye, St. John - New south porch and internal re-ordering (Highly Commended)

Saffron Walden St. Mary - ‘The Welcome Project’ re-ordering (Highly Commended)

Creeksea All Saints - Church Annex and meeting room (Commended)

For more details on the winners of the 2019 DAC Design Awards visit www.chelmsford.anglican.org/the-dac.

Celebrating excellence in design and craftsmanship

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The Thirteenth Sunday after TrinityPlease pray for the work of the Essex Clergy Charity Corporation.

PRAY for The Anglican Church of Tanzania, The Most Revd Dr Maimbo Mndolwa, Archbishop.

Ninian, Bishop, Apostle of the Picts, c.432 Edward Bouverie Pusey, Priest, 1882Tilbury Docks (St John the Baptist) Clergy: Tim Codling (V).

The Dioceses of Owerri (Nigeria), Central Ecuador (The Episcopal Church) and Kita Kanto (Japan)

Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen, Visionary, 1179Pray for all retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Thurrock.

The Dioceses of Owo (Nigeria) and Central Florida (The Episcopal Church)

The Deanery of RochfordArea Dean: Nick Rowan. Lay Chair: Lynda Edmunds.

The Dioceses of Oxford (England), Central Gulf Coast (The Episcopal Church) and Central Melanesia (Melanesia)

Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690Ashingdon (St Andrew) w South Fambridge (All Saints), Canewdon (St Nicholas) and Paglesham (St Peter) Clergy: Ernie Guest (PIC).

Canewdon CE Primary School: Lorna Pigram (Exec. HT).

The Dioceses of Oyo (Nigeria) and Central New York (The Episcopal Church)

John Coleridge Patteson, First Bishop of Melanesia, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1871Hawkwell (St Mary and Emmanuel) Clergy: Nick Rowan (PIC).

The Dioceses of Pacong (South Sudan), Central Newfoundland (Canada) and Kitale (Kenya)

Wed 18

Thu 19

Fri 20

25

Sun 15

Mon 16

Tue 17

September

Drop in to our Digital SurgeryDo you want to use your church website and social media to its full potential but not sure how or where to start?

Book into our Digital Surgery and ask us anything - we can offer website advice, help you set up a social media account for your church, give you tips on improving your social media presence, show you how to schedule content and much more.

Our Digital Surgeries will take place on the last Wednesday of the month, 25 September, 30 October and 27 November from 9.30am-12pm at the Diocesan Office in Chelmsford (CM1 1AT).

You are welcome to come as a group or by yourself, to book your place email communications@chelmsford.anglican.org.

We are exploring the possibility of hosting an online Digital Surgery one evening to cater for those who can’t attend a day time session, to register your interest please email the Communications Team.

26

Matthew, Apostle and EvangelistMatthew is celebrated as the writer of the Gospel that bears his name (though of course the Gospel itself never claims to be by Matthew!)

He is also a fantastic example of God’s love in Jesus Christ.

Matthew is a tax-collector and therefore hated by his Jewish people twice over: first because he is working for the Romans and secondly because fraud is built into the system, so he is a swindler.

But Jesus doesn’t judge him. He loves him and then calls him to follow.

The Dioceses of Kitego (Tanzania), Kitgum (Uganda) and Kitui (Kenya)

The Fourteenth Sunday after TrinityPeacemaking Sunday (Yesterday was the UN International Day of Peace).Please pray for our brothers and sisters in the Religious Society of Friends.

PRAY for The Church of the Province of Uganda, The Most Revd Stanley Ntagali, Archbishop.

Hockley (St Peter & St Paul) Clergy: Kenneth Havey (PIC), Stephanie Stroebel (AC).

The Dioceses of Panama (Central America), Central Pennsylvania (The Episcopal Church) and Kivu (Rwanda)

Rawreth (St Nicholas) Clergy: Richard Jordan (PIC), Elizabeth Jordan (Hon. A), Brenda Wallace (AC).

Rawreth School: Lorna Pigram (Exec. HT).

The Dioceses of Pankshin (Nigeria) and Central Philippines (Philippines)

Mon 23

27

Sun 22

Sat 21

Tue 24

September

Parish of Rayleigh raise funds to support mission partner in UgandaThe parish of Rayleigh has built strong relationships with overseas mission partners. Team Vicar, Revd Tracy Marlow, writes about her recent visit St Michael’s Obiya Gulu, Uganda which has been a mission partner since 1998.

“My visit to Uganda was to be an amazing experience. St Michael’s, Obiya, not far from the northern Ugandan town of Gulu, has been linked to Rayleigh parish for over twenty years. During this time financial support has been given to complement the fundraising among the Christians of Obiya.

The story of this parish is that of a slow realisation of their vision to have a permanent church building, a clergy house, a nursery school and a dispensary, to serve the local

community. This vision has expanded, because St Michael’s now has three parishes under its care, each of which has its own building project.

Largely thanks to the donations sent from Rayleigh, the nursery school building is now complete. There is still much work to be done and, as a parish, we in Rayleigh continue to uphold our brothers and sisters in Uganda through prayer and financial support.

I often tell people that if someone had told me a few years ago that I would be a vicar I would have laughed. To say I would preach in Africa would have been hilarious!

We serve a God that takes us on adventures beyond our wildest dreams. Apwoyo Yecu! (Thank you, Jesus).”

Revd Eunice with the congregation of St Matthews

Laroo at one of the parish building projects.

28

Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, Spiritual Writer, 1626 Sergei of Radonezh, Russian Monastic Reformer, Teacher of the Faith, 1392 Ember DayRayleigh Team Ministry (Holy Trinity, St Michael, Grovewood Church)Clergy: David Oxtoby (TR), Tracy Marlow (TV), Tracy Nutter (AC).

The Dioceses of Panyana Area (South Sudan), Central Solomons (Melanesia) and Central Tanganyika (Tanzania)

Wilson Carlile, Founder of the Church Army, 1942. Ember DayThe Roach Parishes TM: Rochford (St Andrew) and Sutton (All Saints) w Shopland (St Andrew); Barling Magna (All Saints) w Little Wakering (St Mary the Virgin); Great Wakering (St Nicholas); and FoulnessClergy: Kim Lepley (R), Sharon Guest (TV).

The Dioceses of Papua New Guinea (Papua New Guinea) and Central Zambia (Central Africa)

Vincent de Paul, Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists), 1660 Ember Day

Stambridge (St Mary and All Saints) Clergy: Vacancy (PIC). Reader: Sandra Parker.

The Dioceses of Paraguay (South America), Central Zimbabwe (Central Africa) and Kobe (Japan)

29

Fri 27

Thu 26

Wed 25

September

Lay ministry to grow wings in new Team MinistryThe Roach Parishes were legally established on 1 June 2019, after a long period of prayer, consideration and lots of conversations.

At the beginning of 2019 Revd Sharon Guest joined the parishes of Great Wakering, Barling Magna and Rochford giving the green light to go full steam ahead in formulating the United Benefice Team Ministry.

Revd Kim Lepley, Team Rector for the Roach Parishes said:

“We are delighted that the new Team Ministry has been formed. The vision of the three churches is to continue to work in partnership with each other, supporting and encouraging each

other and growing ministry within our contexts. We have a fantastic team of Authorised Preachers and worship leaders, and a Pastoral Assistant who bring ministry alongside myself and Sharon.”

Revd Sharon Guest, Vicar, added: “We would value prayer for the first tentative steps we are taking in formulating a pastoral team across all three parishes, the on-going united service once a month and the proposal that Lay ministry expand its wings from the home church to its sister churches in both leading and preaching.

We thank you for your continued support and prayers.”

Ember Day“How regrettable it is, how unnatural in fact, that through the centuries the confessional stalls around the walls of many churches have received the secrets of so many sins, and have not been equally available for the confidences of men and women and children who have been overtaken by the ecstasies or insights or consolations that declare the reality of God!

Had this other side of personal experience been invited ... at least it might have redressed the balance and made the churches everywhere as mindful of divine initiative as of human failure.” John Taylor

The Dioceses of Patna (North India) and Chandigarh (North India)

Michael and All AngelsGive 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 Episcopal Church, The Most Revd Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop.

Jerome, Translator, Teacher of the faith, 420Rettendon (All Saints) and Hullbridge (St Thomas of Canterbury)Clergy: Richard Jordan (PIC), Susan Adams (AC), Brenda Wallace (AC).Pray for all retired Clergy, Readers and Lay Ministers who live and work in the Deanery of Rochford.

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

Sun 29

Mon 30

Sat 28

30 31

September

Harvest ThanksgivingThese lyrics form the opening verse of the familiar harvest hymn written by Henry Alford. It is one of my favourite calls to worship!

Our Harvest Festival services provide farmers with the opportunity for a prayerful pause in their frenetic autumn work. It gives us all, whether farmer or consumer, the opening to give thanks to God for the good fertile land of our diocese. And we give thanks for the commitment of all who work in agriculture to produce good food from this land to feed us.

Farming is a challenging way of life with unique anxieties and pressures, often unappreciated by wider society. In the UK, on average, one farmer dies by suicide each week.

This harvest time, please pray for the farms in your parish. Let them know that you are truly grateful for their work and that our churches are giving thanks for the food they produce.

God has blessed our diocese with some of the most fertile arable land in the UK. With the skill of our farmers, it sustains an agricultural industry that produces top quality cereal.

This year our Essex County Harvest Festival celebrates the cereal harvest. On 29 September at 3.30pm our celebration will begin with a procession of farmers carrying sheaves of corn into Chelmsford Cathedral. And we will truly give thanks!

Do join us. Everyone is welcome.

‘Come ye thankful people, come,

Raise the song of harvest home,

All is safely gathered in.’

Revd Janet Nicholls Rural Adviser and Agricultural Chaplain

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:

To contact us about the distribution of or items for WE PRAY, please email

wepray@chelmsford.anglican.org. To have WEPRAY delivered to your inbox, sign up to our

e-bulletin at www.chelmsford.anglican.org/media/e-bulletins.

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