Romans 8:38-39
‘For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’

Gracious God of heaven and earth, as we enter a further period of lockdown we pray for ourselves and our communities today. We remember especially those whose isolation is compounded by the restrictions, those who are vulnerable and must return to shielding in their homes. We remember too our children who will return to home educating, and staff who will be working hard to resource this provision. Lord, in these times of separation from loved ones, friends, work colleagues and neighbours, we remember the promise You have given us that there is nothing in all of creation, not even Covid 19, that can separate us from Your love. You offer us a love that never fails. And so, in our time of vulnerability, please help us to trust in Your promise, to be assured of Your presence and please help us to continue to reach out and care for one another. This day, may the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious to us. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon us and give us His peace. Amen.

We were joined by old friends and new!

There were four activities to complete on the theme of ‘God Knows Me!’

The Bible teaches us that God knows every one of us before we were even born! How amazing is that! God knows us by name, he knows everything about us, has a plan for us and loves us no matter what….

• A photograph frame
  

  “Nothing in all creation can separate us from                        God’s love for us…”                (Romans 8:39)

• An ‘I am special’ tree
  

  “You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say.”            (Psalm 139:1-4)

• A spoon puppet
  

  “ I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you….I will give you hope and a good future.”                   (Jeremiah 29:11)

• A prayer cube to help us when we pray
  

  “I pray to you, God, because you will help me. Listen and answer my prayer!”                      (Psalm 17:6)

Following the activities there was a Celebration service and then we all shared in a meal together.

A really big thank you to all the families who came along and also to the leaders and volunteer helpers. We all had a fabulous time!

The Langham Hall chatroom will be open again next Sunday morning.

Lord God we pray for all the people who believe they are alone in isolation

Lord we know that they are not alone as you are with them offering strength, courage and comfort

Close their minds, hearts, ears and eyes Lord to fear, anxiety and solitude

Open their minds Lord to unlock your love and allow them to cast all their anxieties on to you

Open their eyes Lord and allow them to see your presence

Open their ears Lord and allow them to listen to your message of hope

Open their hearts Lord, uplift them and strengthen their faith so that they shall not be afraid

Lord God give them this courage and comfort in your name

Amen

George Lloyd

Heavenly Father,

I pray for Your blessings on all the parents, carers and children who are home learning at this time. May they appreciate the opportunity to spend time together. Enable them to draw nearer to You and nearer to each other as they enjoy discovering more about Your world. On the days when the difficulties seem too great to overcome help them to bring them to You to seek Your help. May this be a happy time with love and laughter every day. I ask this in the Jesus’ name Amen

Christine Fisher

Loving Father, we thank you for your presence during these troubled times. We ask that you guide us and help us to reflect on the part we can play in accepting that the life and society we thought we enjoyed is now subject to fundamental change.  May we take this opportunity to focus on new directions.  May we adapt and prepare ourselves and our communities for whatever lies ahead.  Thank you for those who use their skills to care for others.  May we, too, in whatever way we can, spread your love and care to those around us.  Grant wisdom to our decision makers and may they be guided by your ways of compassion, truth and justice. Amen

Barrie Beaumont

Heavenly Father, thank You for all those caring for, protecting, and serving our communities, our families, and us. Thank You for all those people daily risking their own health and safety for others.

Gracious God, we pray for their protection. Please give then the courage and strength to deal with the demands made upon them.

Please provide everything they need, both for the people they are serving and for their loved ones. Help us to support them and their families as they care selflessly for others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.