Goodshepherdfourmarks.org.uk
Vicar
Revd. Howard Wright. The Vicarage, Four Marks, GU34 5AA
(01420-563344)
Howardwright
@gmail.com
Youth &
Children's
Worker
Lorna Randall
Lornarandall812
@hotmail.com
Administrator
Matt Senior
(01420-560622)
Cogsoffice
@googlemail.com
Churchwardens
Alan Thain (01420-85185)
Lynn Vine (01420-560672)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Treasurer
Richard Gillard
Gillardbm
(Assistant Treasurer: Tim Wettone) @outlook.com
Deanery
Synod
Lisa Bonter, Janet Foster, Kennett Westmacott, Lesley
Edwards
PCC
Roger Buckley, Kate Collins, Jan Evans, Michelle Evans,
Val Lucas, Bob Moore, Natalie Senior, Chris McGrath
(PCC Secretary)
Licensed Lay
Ministers
David Bush, Lesley Edwards, Janet Foster, Robert Hughes,
Christopher King-Smith, Jonathan Rooke, Alan Thain
Keyholder
Val Lucas, The Flints, Lymington Bottom,
Four Marks. (01420561139)
[email protected]
Magazine
Editor
Robert Parker. 20 Blackberry Lane, parker305
Four Marks, GU34 5BP (563433)
@btinternet.com
Contributions no later than the 15th of
the month please
Ministries at The Good Shepherd
Rev. Howard Wright leads the Discipleship & Mission ministries
Lorna Randall leads the Youth and Children’s ministry
Keith Anderson leads the Worship ministry
Lisa Bonter leads the Pastoral ministry
Chris McGrath leads the overall Prayer ministry
2
The Vicar’s Letter
Apparently Jesus was asked 113
questions and 52 times responded
with a question himself. In total Jesus asks 135 questions in the Bible
– challenging his hearers (including
us) to think.
Examples are: “If you love those
who love you, what reward will you get?” “Why do you call me
good?” “What do you want me to do for you?” And perhaps the most
important, “Who do you say I am?”
Jesus was the one person who didn’t need to ask questions; he
was in contact with his Father, who knows all things, but he chose to.
He chose to draw us out and help us. He doesn’t preach or tell us
what to think, he waits for our invitation.
Often when we think about sharing our faith and evangelism we
think it’s about telling, declaring the Gospel in a bold way, even if we
are not be sure what this Gospel is. When Jesus declares the Gospel,
he does so with questions and stories, meeting people where they are
and sharing good news with them relevant to their questions.
Some are called to be evangelists and we are all called to be witnesses, but none of us are called to dictate to others. Rather, we are
called to go, like Jesus, to get alongside others, ask questions, hear
answers and share good news. We will not have all the answers but
we do know a God who does. This is good news, the good news, that
God cares, that he has responded in Jesus, and that there is hope for
individuals and the world today and forever in God.
With Alpha just beginning we have a space to invite people to,
where their questions can be heard and responded to with grace.
Please be praying for those you can bring and that opportunities to
invite friends and neighbours are taken as we seek to grow not only
deeper in God but larger in mission.
Yours
3
This month the Who Cares? Mission is launched to the
churches
Listen and look out for more information over the coming weeks and
months. This mission through-out North Hampshire gives us the opportunity to discover the specific needs for individuals within our community and respond with good news and The Good News.
A Prayer for the Ephesians Local Christians
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in
heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious
riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your
inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may
have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how
wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know
this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the
measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask
or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
[Ephesians chapter 3, verses 13-21
Ed.]
Our Vision
Growing Deeper in God
Through Jesus Christ by prayer, praise, worship, Bible study
and fellowship with one another
Growing Larger in Mission
In the power of the Holy Spirit through evangelism, social action, support of missionary activity and the use of our God given gifts and abilities.
4
Each Month in the Church
(You are welcome to attend any of our meetings)
Our Sunday Services are at 8 am (a quiet contemplative style),
at 9.30 & 11.15 am, and at 7 pm (a celebration service).
Most, but not all, are Communion Services.
Children also come to:
Messy Church: 4-6 pm on the 2nd
Saturday in the month (except it in
August). Kid’s Church: Sundays at
9.30 & 11.15
COGS Clubs during the year.
Crèche: Sundays at 9.30 am
Youth (Year 7 up) also com e to:
Seeke:eR and the Worship:eR Youth
Band on Sundays.
Deep:eR on Mondays (7 pm).
Re:grouP on Wednesdays (7 pm).
“Soul Survivor” and “New Wine”.
High Tea and
Praise
Quarterly at 3 pm
on Sundays.
And monthly on
Wednesdays we
have:
Coffee and
Communion
(11 am)
Tea and Chat
for ladies (2 pm)
Tea and Bowls
for gentlemen
(2 pm)
Other Meetings
Prayer Meetings: 7 am Tuesday & some evenings.
Communion Services are monthly at the Care Homes.
Further information from M att in the Church Office or the
diary on www.goodshepherdfourmarks.org.uk
5
Pop in for Prayer
10-11 am Monday 10th October
All welcome for 10 minutes or more
Brian and Rosalie, 17 Fairfield Green
Tea and Chat
Coffee and
Communion
& Tea and Bowls
11 am 5 Oct, 2 Nov
2 pm Wed 26th Oct
More information: Lisa
Bonter (01420-560664)
More information: Lisa
Bonter (01420-560664) or
the office (560622)
or the office (560622)
Toddlers’ Lunches
12.30—2.30 pm 6th & 20th October, 3rd November
More information: Caroline Andrews c/o the Church Office
Prayer Chain
If you have any requests for prayer through the prayer
chain, please contact Lisa Bonter on 01420-560664 or
Romola Harper on 01420-563227
Pastoral Care
If you would like a visit by a member of the Pastoral
Visiting Team, or you know of someone who would,
please contact Howard Wright (01420-563344) or Beryl
Hill (01420-563472)
6
Cell Groups
at the Church of the Good Shepherd
Cell Groups meet during the week. Please contact the leaders
or the Church Office if you are interested in looking at one or
two, or in joining one. We encourage everyone in the community to join a Cell Group.
Monday Evening
David & Rachel Duffin, and Janet Foster
Julie Boulton (fortnightly)
Lorna Randall: Youth (Monday evening youth and alternate Wednesday evening youth leaders)
Tuesday Morning
Debbie Norgate and Gilly Cobb
Tuesday Evening
Matt and Natalie Senior
Wednesday Afternoon
Tim and Janet Griffith
Wednesday Evening
Lynn Vine and Mark Hughes
Tricia Saltmarsh
Pippa Dawson and Di Loosemore
Trevor and Jackie Burch (fortnightly)
Thursday Morning
Julie Skinner and Caroline Andrews
Thursday Evening
Brian and Ann Hubbard
Neil Vine
Robert and Jane Parker
Not in a Cell? Feel free to contact any of the above
for a trial period, or just join.
7
Pop in for Prayer
10-11 am Monday 10 October
th
All welcome for 10 minutes or more
Brian and Rosalie, 17 Fairfield Green
Here’s some more about this notice, which appears every month:
Brian and Rosalie write: “We started opening our
home for ‘Pop in for Prayer’ in July 2007 in response to the mission our Church would be running in 2008. We prayed every week for the success of the mission. When the mission ended, we
decided to keep opening our home for prayer.
The idea is for people to come to pray for whatever is on their
hearts − be it personal, for the Church, village, country or the world.
We are open once a month on the second Monday from 10—11 am.
The numbers coming vary from two to nine but we always pray.
If you have anything that you would like to pray for with other people, please join us. You are very welcome. Everything shared is completely confidential.”
[Thank you, Rosalie and Brian. It’s very much appreciated.
The Prayer Day on September 12th
Four prayer stations and the
Chapel were open all day.
Thank you Chris and Co.
8
Ed]
COGS Summer Club
Great fun as always. Led by Howard, Lorna joined us on September
1st − straight into the deep end!
Team time
“Joy” Collage
Registration team
Games on Recreation Ground
Outdoor Craft team in preparation of,
and by, the finished Ethiopian Official’s
chariot
Mission of the Month: AMEN
Stand by for more information about the filling of shoeboxes for
needy families in Romania.
I [Paul] kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven
and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he
may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
Ephesians Chapter 3, verse 14
9
September’s Messy Church
Following the success of the “COGS Club Meets Messy Church” on
Sept. 4th, we made a few innovations for the Messy Church on Sept.
11th.
Vicky & Lorna
Rachel
Team time with Howard
Catering team:
Ros, Julia, Gilly,
Pip & Ann
Jane trying
Rod’s maze
August’s Second Sunday Walk
On Sunday August 14th, 20
people and two dogs met at
Oak Green Parade for the
second Sunday walk. Leaving the village centre we
headed north to the station.
This was the last day of the
Day Out With Thomas week
held on the Watercress Line.
We continued north walking along Stoney Lane, admiring the
horses in the fields, and then into Five Ash Road, passed Five Ash
Pond and into Soldridge Road. Bearing left into Grosvenor Road
and again into Gravel Lane which is a rather steep climb up to the
A31.
10
We crossed the A31, turned left and then right into Barn Lane.
At Brislands Lane we turned right and admired the view before
heading into Old Down Wood. The trees gave us a welcome break
from the heat of the sun on what was a rather hot afternoon.
We headed out into Gradwell Lane and across
the footpath to Belford House. The original (Four
Marks tin shack) church, supplied by Ropley missionaries, can still be seen in the wooded area opposite Belford House. Next it was back towards the
village centre via Lymington Bottom, Blackberry
Lane, Badger Close/Pine Close footpath. Those
who completed the whole route joined us for refreshments and a chance to sit and talk together.
The last one this year is in October.
Led and submitted by Neil Vine.
The Star-Spangled Banner
Is the national anthem of the United States of America. The lyrics
come from “Defence of Fort Mc Henry”, a poem written on September
14, 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott
Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British
ships of the Royal Navy in Baltimore Harbour during the Battle of Fort
McHenry in the War of 1812. Key was inspired by the large American
flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, flying triumphantly above the fort
during the American victory.
The remarkable fourth verse:
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation.
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that m ade and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
11
Lorna’s Commissioning
Top: Howard intro; Lorna
talk; Lorna gifts; Paul & Simon Isle of Wight Youth for
Christ praying; Lorna’s parents Ruth & Gordon; YFC
(amongst others) from IOW
The charge made by a Churchwarden: Lorna, you have been
called by God and this congregation to serve the local communities by
working with young people and children. Will you work as a servant
of God in His world? Will you be faithful to God’s Word as revealed in
the Bible? Will you be faithful in prayer and in proclaiming the marvellous Good News of Jesus Christ?
Lorna: W ith the help of God, I w ill.
---------
Prayers at Lorna’s Commissioning (by Matt Senior)
Father God, as we celebrate Lorna’s appointment and as we commission her for her work today, we take a moment to thank You for the
way this church has invested in youth and children’s work over the
years. We thank You for the people who have served in this role in
the past and for congregation members, past and present, who have
committed in prayer, finance and action to enable the church to grow
this ministry.
We give You thanks and praise that we have children at Kids
Church, a healthy Messy Church, busy holiday clubs and a committed
youth group. We thank You that You have blessed us with this work
to do and we pray that You would help us make the most of the opportunities we have. Would You save us from complacency or pride
12
and help us to continue to develop what we have. Not so that we can
boast of our numbers or our successes, but for the sole purpose of building Your kingdom. We also thank You for the many places outside of the
church where we have managed to establish relationships and trust. We
thank You for the schools with which we are involved, especially our local
primary school.
Thank You for the regular opportunities that Lorna will have to speak
to children and young people who may never enter a church. Inspire her
words, actions and character so that, by her visits, these young people
would come to understand You better. And Lord, in faith, we dare to ask
that we would see young people growing in their knowledge of You and
joining Your family. May we see baptisms and confirmations and other
outward signs of inward change.
We thank You for all who are involved in serving in the youth work: at
Kids’ Church, at COGS Club, as school governors, as caterers and more.
Without these volunteers, we know that Lorna’s job would become impossible. As the team adjusts to changes, we ask for grace and patience,
and we ask for a renewed sense of willingness and servant-heartedness.
May the team be united in vision and purpose that they may be able to
stand behind and next to Lorna as she takes the ministry forward. Father, for all the work she will do in her time here at COGS we know that
Lorna will need You at her side. May she be daily aware of Your presence
and Your love. Thank You for the obvious gifts and talents that You have
given her. We ask that You would further equip her during her time here
and that in Your hands, and by Your blessing, she would become even
more effective. We pray for the harder times ahead, whatever may occur, that Lorna will stand firm on the foundation that You provide. And
we pray for the successes and joyful times – may these strengthen Lorna’s faith and encourage her in her efforts.
Lastly Lord, we pray for the entire church here. As we celebrate her
appointment, help us to remember that we have not merely gained a
new youth and children’s worker. Help us to remember that one of Your
precious daughters has joined our church family here. May we make her
feel welcomed, may she feel loved and supported, and may she feel a
real sense of belonging. And may the same be true of all the young people that You have entrusted to us here. All these things we ask in Your
holy name, knowing that You hear us and that
You answer. Amen
Matt Senior is our Administrator and also
works locally, lives in Alton and is usually part of
the mid-morning congregation.
13
O Happy Day, That Fixed My Choice
by Philip Doddridge, (1702-1751)
1. O happy day, that fixed my choice
on thee, my Saviour and my God!
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
and tell its raptures all abroad.
Refrain:
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
He taught me how to watch and pray,
and live rejoicing every day.
Happy day, happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away!
2. O happy bond, that seals my vows
to him who merits all my love!
Let cheerful anthems fill his house,
while to that sacred shrine I move.
3. It's done: the great transaction's done!
I am the Lord's and he is mine;
he drew me and I followed on,
charmed to confess the voice divine.
4. Now rest, my long-divided heart,
fixed on this blissful centre, rest.
Here have I found a nobler part;
here heavenly pleasures fill my breast.
5. High heaven, that heard the solemn vow,
that vow renewed shall daily hear,
till in life's latest hour I bow
and bless in death a bond so dear.
Philip Doddridge was a non-Conformist minister. As part of his academic and pastoral work, Doddridge developed close relationships
with numerous early religious revivalists and independent thinkers,
including Isaac Watts. Under Watts’ influence, Doddridge became a
prolific author and hymn writer. His best known work of prose
was The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, written in 1745
14
and dedicated to Isaac Watts. This work was widely reprinted, and it
is said that the leading English abolitionist William Wilberforce began
his journey to his conversion through reading it.
------More recently, Ben Cantelon and Tim Hughes (© Thankyou Music)
popular song “Happy Day” picks up echoes of this theme:
The greatest day in history
Death is beaten, You have rescued me
Sing it out, Jesus is alive
The empty cross, the empty grave
Life eternal, You have won the day
Shout it out, Jesus is alive
He's alive
Chorus
Oh, happy day, happy day
You washed my sin away
Oh, happy day, happy day
I'll never be the same
Forever I am changed
When I stand in that place
Free at last, meeting face to face
I am yours, Jesus, You are mine
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate, Jesus is alive
He's alive
Oh, what a glorious day
What a glorious way
That You have saved me
Oh, what a glorious day
What a glorious name
15
Daniel Nash (1775-1831)
Prayer Warrior for Charles Finney
by J Paul Reno
Daniel Nash (1775-1831) served as Charles Finney’s
personnel intercessor. He was key to the revival
that followed Finney’s ministry. We can all look at
the life of Daniel Nash and see an example of how
important prayer is to see the kingdom of God revealed. From Daniel Nash’s Prevailing Prince of
Prayer: When God would direct where a meeting was to be held,
Father Nash would slip quietly into town and seek to get two or
three people to enter into a covenant of prayer with him. Sometimes
he had with him a man of similar prayer ministry, Abel Clary. Together they would begin to pray fervently for God to move in the
community.
One record of such is told by Leonard Ravenhill: “I met an old lady
who told me a story about Finney that has challenged me over the
years. He went to Bolton to minister, but before he began, two men
knocked on the door of her humble cottage, wanting lodging. The
poor woman looked amazed, for she had no extra accommodations.
Finally, the two men, none other than Fathers Nash and Clary, rented a dark and damp cellar for the period of the Finney meetings (at
least two weeks), and there in that cell, those prayer partners battled the forces of darkness.”
Another states: “Charles Finney so realized the need of God’s
working in all his service that he was wont to send godly Father
Nash on in advance to pray down the power of God into the meetings which he was about to hold.” Not only did Nash prepare the
communities for preaching, but he also continued in prayer during
the meetings. “Often Nash would not attend meetings, and while
Finney was preaching Nash was praying for the Spirit’s outpouring
upon him. Finney stated, ‘I did the preaching altogether and brother
Nash gave himself up almost continually to prayer.’ Often while the
evangelist preached to the multitudes, Nash in some adjoining house
would be upon his face in an agony of prayer, and God answered in
the marvels of His grace. With all due credit to Mr. Finney for what
was done, it was the praying men who held the ropes. The tears
they shed, the groans they uttered are written in the book of the
chronicles of the things of God.”
16
Announcement: Next Dean
of Winchester Cathedral
Bishop Tim Dakin writes: Downing
Street has announced that the Queen
has approved the appointment of the
Very Revd Catherine Ogle as the next
Dean of Winchester. Her appointment
follows the retirement of the Very Revd
James Atwell earlier this year.
Catherine is to take up her position next February. She currently
serves as the Dean of Birmingham, a position that she has held since
2010. She has led the Cathedral with great wisdom, engaging with
various challenges and repeatedly showing what a capable and effective leader she is.
She will be bringing to Winchester her years of experience promoting the mission of the Church and reaching out to different communities and faiths. At Birmingham she has pioneered engagement
with parishes around the Diocese and forged connections with a
range of institutions and charities across the city. Her work has also
included innovative collaborations with local artists to promote engagement with communities across the city and she has also overseen Birmingham Cathedral embracing the use of social media.
Catherine’s focus and passion for mission therefore makes her an
ideal fit at a time when we are beginning to make Winchester a more
mission-shaped Diocese. Catherine will enrich Cathedral life with her
many gifts and I look forward to working closely with her.
Her appointment as Dean of Winchester is an excellent one for
the Cathedral, for the city and for the Diocese more broadly.
[Source: Jayne Tarry, Synod & Parish Support Adviser, Diocese of
Winchester]
David Bush sourced quotation:
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven
on earth.” ― William W. Purkey
17
The Real Advent Calendar
www.realadvent.co.uk
The Real Advent Calendar is the only charity
advent calendar with a free Christmas story
book.
It will help everyone enjoy and share the
Christmas story.
Each calendar comes with a free 28-page
Christmas story activity booklet designed to be used each day in Advent. Behind each of the 24 windows there is a Fairtrade Belgian
chocolate (different character for each day) made from a new and
improved blend.
As well as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, the calendar
makes a charity donation from every sale to Traidcraft Exchange and
The Funzi & Bodo Trust.
The picture on the cover is a beautiful illustration of a traditional
Nativity scene, featuring all of the main characters from the Christmas
story. It reminds us that the birth of Jesus is at the heart of Christmas. The accompanying book has a page for every day of advent
which illustrates the story as well as providing a range of challenges
and activities throughout Advent.
We would love you to help someone celebrate the real meaning of
Christmas this year by giving them a Real Advent Calendar.
Product information
 Recommended retail price £3.99
 Made, designed and produced in the UK
 A minimum of 10 pence from every sale is donated to The
Funzi & Bodo Trust, which works with villagers in Kenya to provide
healthcare and to improve educational facilities.
 Made from 85g of high-quality Fairtrade milk chocolate.
 Plastic tray can be recycled.
 Card can be recycled.
 Palm Oil Free.
[Source: www.realadvent.co.uk]
18
DEATH OF THOMAS BARNARDO
on this day, September 19th, 1905
Born in Ireland, the future dynamo of philanthropy almost died at birth. Until he was ten, he remained quite sickly. Regardless, he was a quick
learner and easily bored.
Although he had been baptized and confirmed,
Barnardo’s inner heart was untouched by his
need of grace until the age of sixteen. Immediately, he began to seek
out the poor to share the gospel with them.
Fired up to do good, he taught in a “ragged school,” a spreading
movement of schools to educate the poor. He also preached in parks,
laboured in the slums, visited soldiers’ barracks, tended to the sick,
spoke with policemen, assisted the YMCA, and taught in a ragged
school. His arrival in some hangouts was not always welcome and he
was roughed up more than once. Drunken teenagers stole his Bibles
and busted two of his ribs. Such opposition did not deter him. When
he refused to prosecute the ringleaders, he won their respect which
resulted in the opening many doors.
One evening he met a young fellow named Jim Jarvis who had no
home and pleaded for a place by the school’s fire. Jim showed Barnardo boys sleeping atop roofs with nowhere else to go. This encounter helped decide Barnardo’s course of creating homes for orphans
and the handicapped. With a flair for innovation, he came up with the
idea of taking before-and-after photographs of every child who entered his homes, which he printed and sold in packs to raise money.
Barnardo’s death came on 19 September 1905. He complained that
his head felt heavy. Resting it on his wife a moment, he drew his last
breath. About eight thousand children were living in the homes he
founded. Others had obtained work through his job agency, and a
large number had been shipped to Canada and Australia, a practice
now known to have traumatized many of them. Even so, Barnardo’s
encounter with Christ had transformed his life and the life of thousands.
[Source: www.christianhistoryinstitute.org]
19
Booking Now for Spring
Harvest
Spring Harvest is a teaching and
worship event for everyone. It’s a
unique break for all
the family; holiday,
festival,
conference,
and an encounter with
God.
For
further
information, contact Vicky
(victoria.efstathiou
@googlemail.com)
who works locally and
is usually part of the
mid-morning & Messy
Church congregations.
DIOCESE of
WINCHESTER
Excerpt from “Live the Mission”
In Four Marks, some 30 older people joined in a three-day “holiday”
in August where they took part in craft activities such as weaving,
making bird feeders and model Spitfires, playing games and were
entertained with music and a film about Four Marks in the past. Lunch
was provided by the village Lunch Club and funding generously came
from the Women’s Institute and local Councillor Ingrid Thomas.
Romola Harper, who attended the Four Marks holiday – where she
beat everyone hands down at Wii bowling – said: “It is good to be
here. All these people who would otherwise be stuck at home alone
are together communicating with each other.”
Concert
Tickets from Veronica
Austin who lives in Four
Marks and is normally
part of the mid-morning
congregation.
20
21
Reading the Bible in One Year
Following Howard’s lead?
Read a Psalm and a chapter from both the Old Testament and the
New Testament every day
Bible In One Year
Start your day with the Bible in One Year, a free Bible reading
app with commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel. As a free
app or by email subscription. www.bibleinoneyear.org
Good Shepherd worship ministry leader, Keith Anderson says, “It’s
a great way of getting into God’s word every day.”
Front page scripture: Colossians chapter 1, verse 20
Bible Crossword Answers from page 21
Across
1. Last, 4. Left, 6. Five, 7. Pearl, 9. Wealth, 11. Mustard, 15. 99,
17. Treasure, 20. Heaven, 21. Two, 23. Son, 24. Weeds
Down
2. Sheep, 3. Devil, 5. Ten, 8. Angels, 10. Burnt, 12. Denarius, 13.
Vineyard, 14. Banquet, 16. Servant, 17. Teeth, 18. Sons, 19. Sow-
er, 22. Yes
A sample from UCB’s The Word
for Today Bible Notes
Ministering to Others
“God … comforts us … so that we
can comfort [others].”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Years ago a lady visited an orphanage and asked the matron, “Is
there a child here nobody has offered to adopt?” The matron replied,
“There is. She’s ten years old, not much to look at and has a hunchback.” The lady said, “That’s the child I want!”
Thirty-five years later the director of the Orphanage Inspection
Department in Iowa submitted the following report on a state-run facility: “This home is outstanding. It’s clean, the food’s good, the children are well-cared-for, and the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve
ever experienced. The matron, Mercy Goodfaith, has a soul that oozes
love; she has such beautiful eyes I forgot how homely her face was −
or that she was a hunchback.”
Because a Good Samaritan had the courage to love and nurture a
little girl others overlooked, Mercy Goodfaith went on to share that
same love with hundreds of other orphans. St Paul says, “God … comforts us … so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we … receive.” And Billy Graham adds: “Those who have suffered
the most are best able to comfort others … to empathize with [their]
afflictions because of what they’ve experienced … Our sufferings may
be hard to bear, but our goal should be to learn all we can from what
we’re called to endure so we can fulfil a ministry of comfort as Jesus
did.”
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to
help those who are being tempted (Hebrews chapter 2, verse 18).
The sufferer becomes the comforter in the service of the Lord.
Bible in a year example: Song of Solom on ch 6 -8, 2 Cor 10
Copies of The
Word for Today
are available from
www.ucb.co.uk
23
A Prayer for The World
Gracious God, we pray for peace, justice and reconciliation
throughout the world. We pray for the honouring of human rights
and for the relief of the oppressed. We give thanks for all that is
gracious in the lives of men, women and children.
Amen
[Source: the Anglican Church]
A Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Come, O Lord, and save Your suffering people. In their distress
and anguish, rescue them. Bring them aid and deliverance by
Your power. Turn Your eyes upon them, enfold them in Your
arms, keep them close to Your heart, and sustain them by Your
presence. In Christ’s Name we pray.
Amen.
[Source: Barnabus Fund]
Praying for Others and Yourself
 Pray for renewed hope for those feeling discouraged.
 Pray that you’ll be able to keep focused on what God has called
you to do.
 Ask God to help you to accept people in the same way that He
does.
[Source: UCB]
 Pray for the clients and volunteers of the Alton Foodbank and
CAP (Christians Against Poverty).
Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us
each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive
everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Amen.
Luke chapter 11, verses 2-4
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