My Calendar

Events in January 2020

  • Mary, the Holy Mother of God

    Mary, the Holy Mother of God


    01/01/2020

  • World Braille Day

    World Braille Day


    04/01/2020

    Here's a video (3:30) about how braille came to be devised, created, invented!

    A PRAYER FOR TODAY

    Loving God, we give thanks for the ingenuity and determination of Louis Braille

    and we ask you help us to notice and respond creatively and generously to our own needs and those of others.

    We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

     

     

  • Feast of the Epiphany 2020

    Feast of the Epiphany 2020


    05/01/2020

  • Traditional date for the Epiphany

    Traditional date for the Epiphany


    06/01/2020

  • The Baptism of the Lord - 2020

    The Baptism of the Lord - 2020


    12/01/2020

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

    Special Day of Prayer for Peace - 2020

    Special Day of Prayer for Peace - 2020


    19/01/2020

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

    International Day of Education

    International Day of Education


    24/01/2020

    Do you ever really reflect on education and what it means?  Today is a day set aside by the United Nations to focus on that.  So have a great day!

    Here's a short video(1:30) that you might enjoy watching!

    What do you think we can learn from it?

    This one is really special too (2:07).  As you watch it, try to walk in the shoes of those who are shown.

     

    A PRAYER FOR TODAY

    Loving God,

    all children are born with a curiosity to learn about their world.

    Help us to nurture that curiosity so that it never wains.

    Where education is denied, inspire and empower leaders and decision makers to make it available.

    Where opportunities for education are ignored, touch the hearts of those who ignore it

    that they might be inspired afresh to see its relevance.

    Help educators to see education as a mission, a vocation, an opportunity to transform lives

    And help us never to lose our sense of purpose

    to make this world a place of peace and justice where love reigns supreme.

     

    We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  AMEN 

     

     

  • Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

    Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity


    18/01/2020 25/01/2020

    It is a source of pain for many Christians that there are divisions among them.  There are so many different Christian churches and it's good to focus on what we share rather than what we disagree on.

    All Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God sent to encourage us to live life in all its fullness and to teach us to treat others as we'd like to be treated.  His life of healing, sharing and sacrifice is a wonderful example for us and his death and resurrection demonstrates that goodness and light will ultimately defeat evil and darkness!

    While we may not be able directly to heal the divisions among churches, we can take the opportunity to maybe heal some of the relationships in our lives.   Maybe a phone call or a message sent this week could be the first step to reconciliation.

     

    A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK

    Loving God,

    as we feel the pain of past mistakes and conflicts,

    help us not to give in to resentment or guilt.

    Give us humility and strength to take the first steps

    in healing wounds with our fellow human beings

    irrespective of their denomination or religious views.

    Send your Holy Spirit to remind us that we are all part of the same body,

    the same community of humanity,

    fellow citizens of a world that is groaning

    and needs us to work together!

    We pray this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

    Questions

    • What are the important things we need to carry with us as we journey together towards unity?
    • What things might we need to let go of as we journey together towards unity?
    • What challenges does that bring?
    • What are our shared hopes for our community?
    • What might our common prayers for our community be?

     

    Chinese New Year

    Chinese New Year


    25/01/2020 01/01/1970

    2020 is the Year of the Rat!

    Here's a video (3:25) retelling the tale of the race which underpins the Chinese New Year! 

    The Rat is the first of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Rat tricked the Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived at the finish line, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox, becoming first.

    In Chinese culture, rats were seen as a sign of wealth and surplus. Because of their reproduction rate, married couples also prayed to them for children.

    Rats are clever, quick thinkers; successful, but content with living a quiet and peaceful life.

    The most recent Rat Years are: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948!   Check out with your family who fits into this category!

     

    A PRAYER FOR TODAY   (Here it is in a 1 minute video)

    Loving God,

    We thank you that, in all cultures,

    the New Year means a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. 

    We pray especially for our Chinese brothers and sisters as they celebrate Chinese New Year. 

    We pray for peace and love across the world and all cultures.

    Help bring prosperity, hope and joy throughout this New Year for all who celebrate it.

     

    We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.  AMEN.

  • Holocaust Memorial Day

    Holocaust Memorial Day


    27/01/2020

    27th January 1945 was the day Allied Forces liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp.   Each year we mark this date in memory of those who died in The Holocaust and in the genocides which have happened since.

    Below are a set of resources which support this:

    Irena Sendler - a remarkable story (3:30) - including a prayer

    What is Holocaust Memorial Day (1:27) - a video charting HMD and genocides since The Holocaust.

    An animated video of Anne Frank (3:03) - the author of a famous diary.

    A multi-faith prayer (1:30) - written collaboratively by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Chief Rabbi and the Chief Iman,

    Jacob's story (2:43) - a survivor's recollections

    Nazi Boots (5:41) - a survivor's story

    A one-minute prayer for HMD (1:00)