The nation and the world have been deeply moved by yesterday's atrocity in Southport. We hold every child, every family and friend, all the emergency responders and the Southport community in our thoughts and prayers.It can be difficult to know what to pray in these times of deep sorrow. Perhaps the following words might be of some help. Heavenly Father, be our light in the deepest darkness of this tragedy. We bring to you all those who have been affected. We ask you to be with the parents of six-year old Bebe, seven year old Elsie Dot and nine year old Alice; ease their suffering, hold them close in their grief and disbelief. We pray for recovery for the other children who were injured, asking for wisdom and skill for their surgeons and medical staff as they treat these precious children.We lift to you the adults who were hurt defending these little ones. Lord, grant to the suffering relief; heal their wounds and restore them to strength and wellness by your mighty power, mercy and grace. We thank you for the work of the first responders; help them to recover from the shock of all that they saw and had to deal with. May they find peace in the midst of their turmoil, solace when their thoughts overwhelm them.And we hold before you all who have been affected by these catastrophic events, whether directly or indirectly, whether closely involved or distant. Reassure all parents and children of their safety. Finally, Lord, we ask that you bring your peace and calm into the centre of the rising anger; build peace in the face of calls for retribution, calm into every furious heart. May Monday's horror build community and harmony, not destroy it. Lord, hear our heartfelt prayers and let our cries rise up to you. Amen.
The Tone Roses women's choir have a long-standing relationship with our Church. Two of its members are also part of our own Church family; and the choir have developed a wonderful and generous tradition of entertaining older folk at the annual Evergreens Christmas dinner. It was a real delight to host the choir at our church for a summer concert of varied music, covering sacred songs, pop songs and tunes from the musicals. The Roses were in excellent voice; the soloists - including our own Karen Ryan, who sang a stunning version of 'Unchained Melody', were wonderful; and we even had a bit of audience participation! The Choir made a generous donation to church funds for the use of the building, but it was their performance which truly blessed us. Long may our relationship with these marvellous singers and their leaders - musical director Fiona and pianist Stephen - continue!
"When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove." The end of November and early December this year have given cause for great rejoicing as three of our wonderful young Christians chose to be baptised and enter into the family of God. It began with Taya Stevenson, a brilliant 17 year old, who has shown her willingness to help in the Church and serve both God and his people for some time. She prayerfully and carefully considered taking this step, and we were delighted, in the company of many of her friends and family, to celebrate her baptism. We know Taya will go from strength to strength with the Lord: she is already the youngest PCC member we have ever elected! On 10th December, Nalisha and Eliana McCreadie Kariuki also came forward to go through the spiritual cleansing of baptism and receive the Holy Spirit. These two lovely girls have been stars of our Children's Group for a several years. During their preparation for baptism, they revealed deep understanding of what baptism is about, speaking of the need for God to redeem his people, recognising that Jesus came to earth to fulfil that need, and knowing the love and grace of God in his salvific sacrifice. Impressive for girls who are just 11 and 8!
