PRAY FOR GOD'S WORLD, for the people of Ukraine, the Middle East, and other war zones worldwide; for all refugees trying to reach safety; for Christians in Syria; for those in desperate conditions caused by climate change or the cost-of-living crisis; and for those caring for the sick and the elderly, including Liz, John, Ruth, Valerie, Elizabeth, Ken, David, and Ann.
PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER BEFORE GOD - who knows the needs of each - those for whom our prayers have been asked; Thea, Frankie, Simon, Rachel, Teff, Peter, Ann, Michael, Jimmy, Nikki, Bob, Nicky, Sue, Pru, Robert, Noah and his parents, Daisy, Denis, Shaun, Davy, Terry, and those in mourning.
WE GIVE THANKS with Jeremiah and Debbie for the birth of their daughter Niamh.
REMEMBER the recently departed - Clive R, David B, Ted G, Bridget M, Elizabeth A-D; and those whose anniversary of death occurs at this time; Ronald Dowle, Derek Williams, Peggy James, Doug Cox, Pat Lines.
1. A Prayer for our Church and Parish:
Let us pray for those of our parish who are poor, or anxious, or unwell. Let us pray for God’s blessing on our Youth Club, our nearby uniformed groups, those who live and work in Prospect Place and the other new building developments, and on the King William Nursery and Burnt Oak School. Let us remember, too, the Sunlight Centre, the Medway Food Bank, the Gillingham Street Angels, and others who work amongst the many disadvantaged people in this area.
Heavenly Father, you have called us to be the bearers of Good News, following the example of St Luke the Evangelist, our Patron.
Send your light and truth to lead us; open our minds to worship you in spirit and in truth; open our eyes to the opportunities you give us in the people we meet each day, or who come through the doors of our church.
Open our ears to hear your call; open our hearts to your love, that we may serve you and bring others to your light.
God of hope, in this moment, and in the days ahead as we look to the future, however dark and uncertain it may seem, fill us with all joy and peace, as we trust in you, that we may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
2. A short prayer for use in Advent:
Almighty God, as your kingdom dawns, turn us from the darkness of sin to the light of holiness, that we may be ready to meet you in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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The Church is OPEN as detailed below.
We ask you to continue to use hand-sanitizers on entering/leaving the Church. Face-coverings or masks are recommended, but not mandatory. Please respect the wishes of those who want to continue to maintain social distancing!
SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER - ADVENT 4 O King of the Nations
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Parish, that, like Mary, we will magnify the Lord.
5pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
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CONFESSIONS can be heard in church after Mass on Sunday 22nd/Monday 23rd/Tuesday 24th, or at any time by appointment.
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WEEKDAY SERVICES & Mass intentions
Monday 23rd December - 10am Mass O Emmanuel
For the work of Crisis at Christmas.
Tuesday 24th December - Advent feria & CHRISTMAS EVE
10am Mass
For penitents and confessors.
5pm CRIB SERVICE
11pm MIDNIGHT MASS & Blessing of the Crib
For this Church and Parish, that we will rejoice that Christ is our Saviour and God.
Wednesday 25th December - CHRISTMAS DAY
1030am Mass with Carols & Visit to the Crib
5pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
Thanksgiving for the birth of Jesus.
Thursday 26th December - 10am Mass ST STEPHEN
That we will help someone know comfort and joy over this Christmas season.
Friday 27th December - 10am Mass ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST
For the clergy and people of St John's Church, Higham.
Saturday 28th December - 10am Mass HOLY INNOCENTS
For children who suffer abuse.
NEXT SUNDAY - 29th December - THE HOLY FAMILY
930am Morning Prayer
1030am PARISH MASS
Today's Mass intention is for this Church and Congregation, that we will serve all in our parish.
There is a Bring-and-Share buffet lunch after Mass - all welcome!
5pm Evening Prayer & Benediction
We ask you to continue to use hand-sanitizers on entering/leaving the Church. Face-coverings or masks are recommended, but not mandatory. Please respect the wishes of those who want to continue to maintain social distancing!