<b><i>“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like</i></b><b><i>eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31</i></b><b><i><br></i></b>As we enter this New Year, we pray that the world will come to its senses, and realise thatwar and aggression is futile, and that Jesus’ call to love each other is the only way. We prayfor all divided families, for single parents, for neglected children and elderly, that this comingyear, they will feel the embrace of genuine love.<br>As the United States have the inauguration of Donald Trump as president we pray for thosewho will be adversely affected by the coming year, especially those on the margins ofsociety. We pray that the powerful leaders of the world will remember that they are there toserve the people not to exploit them.<br>We pray, at this time of difficult weather conditions that those without a roof over their headswill be welcomed inside, to be greeted with hot food and warm bed. We pray for all thecharities that are seeking to help these people, giving hope in the darkness, blessing to theoutcasts.<br>We pray for the young people, some of whom are gearing themselves up for exams in thesummer. We ask for God’s blessing, that they will know themselves loved and valuedregardless of their academic achievements.<br><b><i>“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to</i></b><b><i>you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26</i></b>
Mark WritesThe end of the year is an opportunity to say thank you to all who have served our united benefice so well over the last year, but particularly over the Christmas period. The sites have been busy with Christmas Services; the Carol Services at both churches, along with the Wreathing were all memorable, with the buildings looking festively welcoming, and with fantastic musical contributions to our worship. So thankyou to all who opened up early, locked up late, decorated, blundered around in Ince Woods, made wreaths, played, sang, welcomed, shifted furniture, tidied up, baked, cooked and looked after the ubiquitous church tea pot; and as I write there's still more to come with midnight communions and Christingle. It was brilliant to hear this Sunday that Julie has now successfully completed her curacy - and even better to hear that the Bishop has agreed that she should stay on Associate Priest, look out for news of her licensing in the new year.
