PRAYING TOGETHER

13 August 2017 to 12 December 2017

Christians in a troubled and confused UK are being looked to for suggestions and even answers to profound questions about the cohesion of society and the means of supplying the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable.

We can start by both being reaffirmed in our calling to be servant disciples and transformed by a new confidence in the resources that God provides.

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasises, this is a costly grace. We are reminded by him, appropriately in the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther, that the free and unconditional forgiveness of our sins has with it the obligation of discipleship in the world.

Let us pray in the words of Mother Mary Clare for grace to ‘set up the loom on which coming generations may weave new cloth according to the pattern God provides’.

The Rt Revd David Urquhart Bishop of Birmingham

Welcome toPraying TogetherWelcome to the Praying Together booklet.

Our thanks to all those who have had an input into the thinking that has gone into the design and layout.

Here’s how it works...

Sunday entries (left-hand page) highlight certain aspects of church life or a national or global campaign. These are followed by daily prayers from all over the diocese.

You’ll notice some days have a name next to them.

These are the names of people down the centuries who are champions of the faith and who we remember on these

days. If you have some extra time, why not

do some research into who they are and what they did?

The Anglican Communion encompasses a rich array of countries (165!) and cultures. This Anglican

Diary enables us to feel connected in prayer to Archbishops, Bishops and our fellow Christians

all over the globe.

Praying Together is a booklet to be used daily. Do continue to feed back to the team who produce it how you want it to look and what you want it to contain. Specific prayer suggestions can be submitted by following this link: www.cofe.io/PT

FRI 18

Mandy Saunders, Children’s and Families Missioner, St Hilda, Warley Woods writes: Please pray for our new venture to take ministry into the community using a Pop Up and Play marquee every Friday during the school holidays. Pray that volunteers will be found with the physical energy to help set up and that relationships can be built with local families.

SAT 19

Revd John Self, St John the Evangelist, Sparkhill asks: Please pray for the Church Wardens, PCC and congregation and for the Charity, Narthex Sparkhill, which is based at St John’s, as an interregnum starts. Please pray for all other parishes in vacancy across the diocese.

Anglican CommunionSunday 13 Aug: Lagos (Nigeria) – The Rt Revd Michael FapeMonday 14 Aug: Renk (Upper Nile, Sudan) – The Rt Revd Joseph Garang AtemTuesday 15 Aug: Rhode Island (I, The Episcopal Church) – The Rt Revd Nicholas KniselyWednesday 16 Aug: Rift Valley (Tanzania) – The Rt Revd John Daudi LupaaThursday 17 Aug: Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) – The Rt Revd Filadelfo Oliviera NetoFriday 18 Aug: Rio Grande (VII, The Episcopal Church) – The Rt Revd Michael VonoSaturday 19 Aug: Perth - (Western Australia, Australia) The Most Revd Roger Herft; Assistant Bishop of Perth - (Australia) The Rt Revd Kate Wilmot; Perth - Eastern and Rural Region - (Western Australia, Australia) The Rt Revd Tom Wilmot; Perth - Goldfields-Country Region - (Western Australia, Australia) The Rt Revd Jeremy James; Riverina - (New South Wales, Australia) The Rt Revd Rob Gillion

13-19 Aug WED 16

Friends of Sparkhill Park is a small local organisation supported by St John’s Sparkhill CFM. They have been creating a community garden in the park. Alongside the crops, please pray that residents and families will grow in a desire to bless this neighbourhood, connecting in friendship and good relationships across a range of backgrounds.

THU 17

Revd Fiona Harrison-Smith, Weoley Castle writes: God of the poor, we pray for the children of our estate and across the city who will not have enough good food to eat during the school holidays and for their parents struggling with low paid uncertain work. We pray that people will work together to improve the lives of these families.

MON 14

Revd Peter Sellick, CIGB writes: As people look to move home over the summer, give thanks for our own homes and remember all who are in over-crowded accommodation or homeless. Pray for those moving to new places that they will quickly feel at home. Pray for housebuilders, planners and estate agents.

The Blessed Virgin Mary TUE 15

Please pray for the Youth Conference in Malawi from today until Saturday for those aged 14-35. A wide range of issues will be covered including spiritual growth, life skills, financial management, healthy living and the environment. Bishop Alinafe asks that we pray for visionary, stable and responsible youths.

Sunday 13 AugustThe story of Nicholas BromeThe Revd Patrick Gerard writes: Today there is a special service at St Michael, Baddesley Clinton for visitors to the nearby National Trust house. The service tells the story of Nicholas Brome, who was Lord of the Manor in the 16th century.

Nicholas Brome once “found the Parish Priest chocking his wife under the chin, where at he was so enraged that he presently killed him”. Nicholas eventually secured pardons from the Pope and from the King, but he spent the rest of his life in repentance. He performed many acts of penitence, including building the tower at St Michael’s.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Nicholas Brome and his story of sin and forgiveness. Help us to be more trusting in your forgiveness and more honest about our sin. Grant that the good we do to others may far exceed the hurt. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Ninth Sunday after Trinity

FRI 25

Please pray for those who are looking for work, having left school or university. Pray for recruitment agencies, HR managers and all who are involved in understanding someone’s skills so as to find work roles for them. Pray for job networks and clubs within our churches.

SAT 26

Revd Paul Tullett, St Peter & St Paul, Water Orton writes: Currently we have children’s groups on a Sunday for those aged 4 - 11 years old. In September, some of our children will move up to secondary school and at present we have no provision in place for them as they enter this new stage. We pray for those who will come forward and take on a new group for them.

Anglican CommunionSunday 20 Aug: Rochester (USA) - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Prince Singh Rochester - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd James Langstaff Rochester - (Canterbury, England) Vacant

Monday 21 Aug: Rockhampton - (Queensland, Australia) The Rt Revd David Robinson

Tuesday 22 Aug: Rokon - (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Francis Loyo Mori

Wednesday 23 Aug: Rorya - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd John Adiema

Ruaha - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Joseph Mgomi

Thursday 24 Aug: Rumbek - (Bahr El Ghazal, Sudan) The Rt Revd Alapayo Manyang Kuctiel

Friday 25 Aug: Rumonge - (Burundi) The Rt Revd Pedaculi Birakengana

Saturday 26 Aug: Rupert’s Land - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd Donald David Phillips

20-26 Aug WED 23

Revd Susan Larkin, St Thomas, Garretts Green writes: A new initiative for us is Holiday Kitchen which addresses food poverty and isolation for families during the summer holidays by providing breakfast, lunch and a range of themed family activities. It is being organized by our Mothers Union branch and the children’s team in partnership. Please pray for the families and volunteers.

Bartholomew the Apostle THU 24

Revd Anne Hinks, Hampton in Arden with Bickenhill asks: Please pray for all those coming to our weddings, christenings, funerals and outreach services, that they may be touched by the love of Christ and feel truly welcome in church. Please pray for our newly commissioned pastoral team and for our new vicar who will start, we hope, in October.

MON 21

We pray for Sports Chaplains who provide support for staff and relationships with community and faith as we celebrate summer sports and play, and give thanks for God’s gifts of recreation. Pray for sports participants, their professional and personal highs and lows, and for all who work to organise venues and events.

TUE 22

Revd Nigel Traynor, St Mary the Virgin, Pype Hayes asks: Please pray that the planned redecoration of our church hall and kitchen - a combined worship and community space - will be successfully completed during the summer break. With the loss of other local facilities, our hall is a rare community space still available in our parish.

Sunday 20 AugustInterfaith blessings

Revd David Gould, Parish of the Resurrection, Smethwick writes:

At Smethwick Rolfe Street railway station there is now this amazing mural painted by students from Sandwell College, developed from an idea by Peter Chapman who works for London Midland. This mural joins a remarkable wave of blessing that has seen the development of the Women First interfaith group, the Faithful Friends: On Tour project and the hugely important deepening of friendship between church leaders and leaders of different faiths in Smethwick and across Sandwell.

Please pray that we would continue to trust God and ride this wave of blessing!

Tenth Sunday after Trinity

FRI 1

Revd Patrick Gerard, Bishop’s Adviser for the Environment writes: On this globally recognised day of prayer for the care of creation we pray for an increasing global understanding of the need to care for our common home. We pray that all nationalities and cultures will find distinctive ways of moving to a low carbon future. We pray that bio-diversity (nature!) can thrive.

SAT 2

We pray for the Revd Chris Mitton who will be licensed tomorrow by Bishop David at St Luke, Gas Street. We pray for Chris’ work as the Church Planting Associate Minister. We pray for all who work to see people alive in Jesus, living life to the full, bringing hope and light to Birmingham.

Anglican CommunionSunday 27 Aug: Ruvuma - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Maternus Kapinga

Monday 28 Aug: Ruwenzori - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Reuben Kisembo; South Rwenzori - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Jackson Nzerebende

Tuesday 29 Aug: Sabah - (South East Asia) The Rt Revd Melter Jiki Tais; Assistant Bishop of Sabah - (South East Asia) The Rt Revd John Yeo

Wednesday 30 Aug: Sabongidda-Ora - (Bendel, Nigeria) Vacant

Thursday 31 Aug: Saldanha Bay - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Raphael Hess

Friday 1 Sept: Salisbury - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam; Salisbury - Ramsbury - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Edward Condry; Salisbury - Sherborne - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Karen Gorham

Saturday 2 Sept: Sambalpur - (North India) The Rt Revd Pinuel Dip

27 Aug-2 Sept John Bunyan, Spiritual Writer,1688 WED 30

Pray for teachers across the diocese as they prepare for a new academic year facing the same level of expectation, but fewer resources. Pray that they will still have time to love the young people in their care and to look out for those losing their way.

Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 651 THU 31

Revd Rich Burley, St Mary, Wythall asks: Please pray for the St Mary’s Staff Team who have an away day today. Please pray for relationships and trust to deepen, and for them to hear God’s voice about his plans for this church.

Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher of the Faith, 430 MON 28

Fr Adam Romanis, St Matthew, Perry Beeches writes: As part of our ‘Year of Marketing’ strategy, we are this week delivering ‘Autumn Programme’ cards around the parish. Please pray for all who will receive them; that they might find the prayer on the card a stimulus to faith and reflection and perhaps be encouraged to come to the services and events.

The Beheading of John the Baptist TUE 29

Ruth Young, Children and Families Missioner, St John, Walmley writes: Please pray as we continue to build links with our community – especially in this week as the holiday club takes place. Pray for the leaders and the junior leaders that they will be able to share the good news of Jesus with those attending.

Sunday 27 AugustPoverty Truth CommissionSarah Turner, Community Regeneration Department/Thrive Together Birmingham team asks:

Please pray for Birmingham Poverty Truth Commission, an initiative that seeks to address poverty and inequality in Birmingham. It is based on the idea that to really address these issues in Birmingham the people who have experience of living at the sharp end need to be heard and be involved in influencing and making decisions.

Thrive Together Birmingham is facilitating this project and have brought together a group of people with direct experience of living in poverty and inequality in Birmingham so they may share their stories in their own words. They then will meet with a group of business, civic and faith leaders, people with influence in the city, to build relationships and work on issues together.

Please pray for the launch event this autumn and for the group as they work together to make real and lasting changes for people enduring poverty in Birmingham.

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary FRI 8

Revd Jonathan Nicholas, St Chad, Sutton Coldfield writes: As St Chad’s celebrates its 90th year, please pray that the different activities they are having, particularly Celebrating St Chad’s in September, will help them connect with the local community. Please give thanks for those who have been part of the church community over the years.

SAT 9

The Revd Paul Nash, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Chaplaincy asks: Please pray for the BCH Annual Memorial Picnic held at the National Memorial Arboretum today. This is an event for families of all faiths and none who have lost a child, and involves a multidisciplinary team. It provides a safe space for parnets to express emotions and remember their children.

Anglican CommunionSunday 3 Sept: San Diego - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd James Mathes; San Joaquin - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Chester Talton; San Joaquin - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd David Rice

Monday 4 Sept: Santiago - (Philippines) The Rt Revd Alexander A Wandag

Tuesday 5 Sept: Sao Paulo - (Brazil) The Rt Revd Flavio Augusto Borges Irala

Wednesday 6 Sept: Sapele - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Blessing Erifeta

Thursday 7 Sept: Saskatchewan - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd Michael William Hawkins; Saskatchewan - Indigenous Ministry - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd Adam Halkett; Saskatoon - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd David Irving

Friday 8 Sept: Sebei - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Paul Kiptoo Masaba

Saturday 9 Sept: Sekondi - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Revd Alexander Asmah

3-9 Sept WED 6

Please pray for Christopher Mansell as he takes up post as the Chief Executive of the newly formed Birmingham Diocesan Academy Trust. Pray for good relationships to be developed between him and the schools as they join the Trust. Pray that God’s love will be felt ever more strongly in all the schools.

THU 7

The Jesse Tree Stay and Play group at St John’s Church Centre, Perry Barr, begins its 8th year today. Please pray for their continued success and that the seeds of faith may be planted and nurtured in all the children and families as they enjoy activities, craft, snacks and songs together.

MON 4

The Revd Simon Marshall, Solihull Parish writes: Work with children, families and young people is an exciting part of our church life. Please pray for further growth in the work of our Children and Families and Youth teams, especially as the new school year begins.

TUE 5

The Revd Dr Mike Branscombe, St Martin in-the-Bull-Ring asks: Please pray for a sense of unity and vision as we work together to discern where God is calling us. May God give us wisdom as we look to appoint a new rector to build on the dedicated work of Stewart Jones who left us on Sunday.

Sunday 3 SeptemberPractical service in Quinton

The Revd Janet Knox, St Boniface, Quinton and Christ Church, Quinton writes:

Today, Christ Church, St Boniface, other local churches and Quinton YFC are joining together to express our worship in the local area in practical service. Some will be going out into Woodgate Valley County Park to work guided by the Ranger service, some will be visiting sheltered housing schemes and some will be praying on the streets. Others will stay to worship together asking God’s blessing on all our community.

This has come out of the ecumenical initiative Pray Quinton where members of local congregations meet together regularly to pray for our area.

Please pray that we will know God’s blessing through worshipping together in different ways, and that people will see more of Jesus as we share together in community.

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity

Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, Martyr, 258 FRI 15

Please pray for the Revd Canon Faith Claringbull, as she steps down after nearly 13 years as Diocesan Director of Ordinands. Farewells will be made at Evensong tonight at the Cathedral. Pray for Faith and her husband Keith as they explore new possibilities for ministry in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ninian, Bishop of Galloway, Apostle of the Picts, c.432 SAT 16

Revd Nic Blackwell, St Chad, Erdington writes: We pray for a fruitful and encouraging time for all who attend the ‘Leading your Church into Growth’ residential conference this weekend as many parishes from across the diocese gather to think, pray and plan together.

Anglican CommunionSunday 10 Sept: Seychelles - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Revd James Richard Wong Yin Song

Monday 11 Sept: Sheffield - (York, England) The Very Revd Pete Wilcox; Sheffield - Doncaster - (York, England) The Rt Revd Peter Burrows

Tuesday 12 Sept: Shinyanga - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Charles Kija Ngusa

Wednesday 13 Sept: Shyira - (Rwanda) The Rt Revd Laurent Mbanda; Coadjutor Bishop of Shyira - (Rwanda) The Rt Revd Samuel Mugisha Mugiraneza; Shyogwe - (Rwanda) The Rt Revd Jered Kalimba

Thursday 14 Sept: Sialkot - (Pakistan) The Rt Revd Alwin John Samuel

Friday 15 Sept: Singapore - (South East Asia) The Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah

Saturday 16 Sept: Sittwe - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd James Min Dein

10-16 Sept John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, Teacher of the Faith, 407 WED 13

Revd Dr Joshva Raja, parish of Curdworth, Wishaw and Middleton asks: Please pray for the monthly Messy Church run amongst three parishes. Pray for the volunteers and supporters. Also, please pray for the church’s support to those in a bereavement friendship group. They meet every second Wednesday and share similar stories that support each other over coffee and cakes.

Holy Cross Day THU 14

Please join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Malawi as they thank God for a good harvest and good rains. They say: ‘In 2017 most of the people have enough food to eat and we pray it will continue’. We pray for those who are still hungry and without regular meals.

MON 11

Revd Canon Faith Claringbull, Diocesan Director of Ordinands writes: Please pray for the Vocations Team as they meet today. Ask God to give Advisers wisdom as they accompany new enquirers and imagination as they plan events to attract a wide range of people to consider ordination. Pray that God will pour the riches of his grace on the new Director of Ordinands.

TUE 12

Revd Becky Stephens was installed in June as Rector of the Parish of The Whitacres, Lea Marston and Shustoke. Prayers are asked for Becky and the parish as they begin this journey together that they are empowered to offer God’s love generously to everyone in the community and to all whom they meet.

Sunday 10 SeptemberFuture plans for MoseleyThe Revd Duncan Strathie, St Mary, Moseley asks:

Please pray for the people of St Mary who are celebrating their patronal festival today; seeking God’s leading together for their future. The ‘Vision 13’ group is engaged in prayerfully exploring, with the worshipping congregations and wider community, how they can best use their resources to share God’s love in Moseley.

Plans for the future include reordering as well as the possibility of building new additional facilities to serve ministry and mission in this parish.

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity

FRI 22

The Revd Canon Dr Matthew Rhodes, St Peter, Maney writes: Give thanks for the work of Sutton Pastors, an ecumenical group of Christians who are out in Sutton Coldfield on Friday nights looking after people enjoying the night time economy. They provide hot drinks, flip flops and pastoral care.

SAT 23

Peter Sellick, CIGB Workplace Chaplains: As we give thanks for harvest and food, please pray for all who work in the catering industry: from small cafes to food processing. Pray particularly for migrant staff from other countries who may be prepared to do low paid work and unsocial hours, and may face an uncertain future.

Anglican CommunionSunday 17 Sept: Sodor & Man - (York, England) The Rt Revd Peter Eagles

Monday 18 Sept: Sokoto - (Kaduna, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Augustin Omole

Tuesday 19 Sept: Soroti - (Uganda) The Rt Revd George Erwau

Wednesday 20 Sept: South Ankole - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Nathan Ahimbisibwe; West Ankole - (Uganda) The Rt Revd Johnson Twinomujuni

Thursday 21 Sept: South Dakota - (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd John Tarrant

Friday 22 Sept: South Kerala - (South India) The Rt Revd Dharmaraj Rasalam

Saturday 23 Sept: South West Tanganyika - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Matthew Mhagama; Western Tanganyika - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Sadock Makaya

17-23 Sept John Coleridge Patteson, First Bishop of Melanesia, and his Companions, Martyrs,1871 WED 20

The area deans are meeting together today. Please pray that their meeting will be fruitful as they contribute and share in the business of the meeting using the wisdom gained from working across the diversity of this diocese. We pray that they feel supported and valued in their role.

Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist THU 21

Please pray for Bishop David and other members of the Banking Standards Board which is meeting today. This independent body was created to promote high standards of behaviour and competence across the UK banking industry. We pray for wisdom and honest understanding of the issues that need to be addressed.

MON 18

Revd Sheri Gidney, St Andrew, Cofton Hackett and St Michael and All Angels, Barnt Green writes: The Life Group meeting each Monday has eight young adults aged 18-25. Beginning with dinner together, conversation is built around issues of life and faith. September is a time of change. Please pray for a continued deepening of faith in their next steps.

TUE 19

Dr Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations, is running a conference today with the South Asian Forum of the Evangelical Alliance called Beyond the Doorstep. It will help churches think through how they share their faith with South Asian families. Please pray for a renewed enthusiasm and confidence for this ministry amongst church leaders and whole congregations.

Sunday 17 SeptemberSt Germain’s Centenary

Revd Hugh Scriven, St Germain, Edgbaston writes:

During September St Germain’s will be holding several events to mark the centenary of the consecration of the church on 29 September 1917. Last weekend we held a heritage weekend and a Centenary Praise service. On 24 September there will be a special service of celebration with Bishop David and past and present members.

Please pray that these occasions will help to celebrate the past; to be reminded of exciting stories of God’s faithfulness and renewing grace in the Lord Jesus; to deepen links with our diverse local community and to seek God’s vision and empowering for the future as we continue to serve our neighbours and proclaim Christ in the Birmingham of 2017 and beyond.

Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

Michael and All Angels FRI 29

As the legal year ends for courts and judges, pray for all who work in administering justice, in advocating for citizens and prosecuting crime. Pray for administration staff who facilitate the processes, and volunteers and court chaplains who care for witnesses, victims and all who feel vulnerable in the system.

SAT 30

We pray for the Very Revd Matt Thompson, who is to be Instituted as the new Dean of Birmingham Cathedral today. We pray for his work particularly as he creates, encourages and sustains partnerships across the city and the diocese.

Anglican CommunionSunday 24 Sept: Southeast Florida - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Leopold Frade; Coadjutor Bishop - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Peter David Eaton

Monday 25 Sept: Southeastern Mexico - (Mexico) The Rt Revd Benito Juarez-Martinez; Western Mexico - (Mexico) The Rt Revd Lino Rodriguez-Amaro

Tuesday 26 Sept: Southern Brazil - (Brazil) The Rt Revd Humberto Maiztegue

Wednesday 27 Sept: Southern Highlands - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd John Mwela

Thursday 28 Sept: Southern Malawi - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Alinafe Kalemba

Friday 29 Sept: Southern Nyanza - (Kenya) The Rt Revd James Ochiel; Victoria Nyanza - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Boniface Kwangu

Saturday 30 Sept: Southern Ohio - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Thomas Breidenthal

24-30 Sept Vincent de Paul, Founder of the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists),1660 WED 27

Please pray for the Growing Younger network gathering today. The employed youth and families’ workers from across the diocese will be meeting at 1 Colmore Row to learn, pray and support each other. We pray for their work in a diversity of settings.

THU 28

Fr Barrie Scott, St John the Evangelist, Perry Barr asks: Please pray for Perry Locks Care Home and Willowbrook Care Home as we join them for our monthly services today and next Tuesday to celebrate Harvest Festival. We pray for all who live in care homes and particularly for those who have complex needs.

Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, Spiritual Writer,1626 MON 25

Rachel Fasham, CFM, writes that Christ Church, Selly Park is starting a mentoring course today. Running over five sessions, the course aims to equip individuals to walk alongside and guide another believer. Pray for the course leaders and the participants as they seek to gain knowledge that will help other Christians in their walk with God.

TUE 26

Revd Ade Evans writes: Please pray for a team for St John’s Walmley as they prepare to start a Sunday afternoon congregation in Minworth. Ask God to give the team wisdom as they plan and prepare services, please pray for the welcome people will receive and that good relationships will be built.

Sunday 24 SeptemberSt Michael’s 50th anniversaryRevd Gary Birchall, St Michael, Boldmere writes:

Today St Michael’s is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the re-dedication of the church following a devastating fire. Bishop David will join us on this day as we also mark our patronal festival and he will be confirming and baptising people on this day. Everyone is being given the opportunity to reaffirm their baptismal promises following special preparation earlier in September.

Over the weekend there will also be a flower festival on the theme of angels in scripture and a music evening. Please pray that these events will be a springboard for renewed and refreshed discipleship for this community of people who follow the way of Jesus. Please pray for the ongoing creative work of God’s Holy Spirit amongst us.

Please pray for a growing confidence in natural sharing of the story of Jesus with the people we meet and know.

Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity

William Tyndale, Translator of the Scriptures, Reformation Martyr,1536 FRI 6

St Chad, Rubery has a Messy Church that meets on the first Friday of every month. This month it will have been running for a year. They have seen huge growth in the volunteers who make it happen and the families who attend regularly. Pray thanks for this group and ask that it will continue to go from strength to strength.

SAT 7

Revd Julie Humphries, St Patrick, Salter Street writes: Gracious Father, we pray for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit upon our work at St Patrick’s; that you will give us the gifts that we need to enable us to grasp the opportunities that you send us for outreach into our community, particularly within the new housing developments in Dickens Heath and Cheswick Green.

Anglican CommunionSunday 1 Oct: Southern Philippines - (Philippines) The Rt Revd Danilo Labacanacruz BustamanteMonday 2 Oct: Southern Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Herman HollerithTuesday 3 Oct: Southwark - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun; Southwark - Croydon - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Johnathan Clark; Southwark - Kingston - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Richard Cheetham; Southwark - Woolwich - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Karowei DorguWednesday 4 Oct: Southwell & Nottingham - (York, England) The Rt Revd Paul Gavin Williams; Southwell & Nottingham - Sherwood - (York, England) The Rt Revd Anthony PorterThursday 5 Oct: Southwest Florida - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Dabney SmithFriday 6 Oct: Southwestern Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Mark Allen BourlakasSaturday 7 Oct: Spokane - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Gretchen Rehberg; Springfield - (V, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Daniel Martins

1-7 Oct Francis of Assisi, Friar, Deacon, Founder of the Friars Minor,1226 WED 4

As we celebrate Good Money Week, we give thanks for the many churches choosing to buy from social enterprises, local community businesses, or who use investments to make a difference, as we follow Justin Welby’s entreaty to ‘Dethrone Mammon’ in our relationship to money. Pray for the Ethical Money Churches project.

THU 5

Dr Andrew Smith, Director of Interfaith Relations writes: Today, there is a day for clergy and leaders from Presence & Engagement parishes (those in multi-faith areas) looking at work with migrants and asylum seekers. Pray for churches involved in this sensitive ministry with some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

MON 2

Please pray for the ‘Joined up Youth Work’ meeting at 1 Colmore Row today. This is bringing together staff who have responsibility for youth ministry. Pray for all young people to have an encounter with God today.

TUE 3

As we pray for the environment at the start of the month, we give thanks to God for the shift away from fossil fuels. 21 April this year was the first working day that none of Britain’s electricity came from coal. We pray for a move in investment away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy.

Sunday 1 OctoberTreasuring old and new

Revd Jo Johnson, St Barnabas, Kingshurst writes:

Today, at 10am we are holding a traditional old-style harvest festival. This year we are celebrating 60 years of being a worshipping and serving community in Kingshurst. We are grateful for all that is flourishing and for modern ways of being church but we also want to enjoy our history and traditions from the past as well.

Tonight, at 6pm we are holding a youth service for some of the uniformed organisations in our parish. Many of them continue to flourish now just as they did in the earlier days of the church community. We are learning to treasure what is new and what is old. Last Sunday we started a ten-week course called Spirit Filled Church, which will run through to the beginning of February 2018. We value your prayers as we learn to be God’s people in Kingshurst in our generation.

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity

TRANSFORMINGCHURCHSHAPING THE FUTURE

T H E C H U R C H O F E N G L A N DB I R M I N G H A M

The aim of ‘Shaping the Future’ is to extend and

underpin the good work that has already begun in

so many contexts, with an emphasis on encouraging

every member of every church to hear a fresh call to

service. In baptism we share that call and everyone

has a part to play. There are four key areas of work:

We are keen to promote a mixed economy of

Church (lots of churches that look different but

are valued equally) which supports and encourages

the reaching of new people, in new places in new

ways whilst equipping current individuals and

church communities to grow in confidence and

understanding of the mission to which God calls us.

We are delighted to have appointed, in June this

year, respected theologian Canon Dr Paula Gooder

as Director of Mission Learning and Development.

Paula is forming a team of people to work alongside

other colleagues in shaping the future of the Church

of England - Birmingham. We are also pleased

to have been able to fund ministers to plant new

churches in the next 12 months. Shaping the Future

has got off to a great start! Why not Watch a film

about it by visiting: www.cofe.io/stf and then add

Shaping the Future to your regular prayers.

Work began in the spring of 2016 to discern and

shape priorities for the next five years, mindful of

both local needs and the mission challenges facing

the Church nationally. At the start of 2017, we

heard that we had been given another significant

grant by the Church Commissioners towards a

new phase of Transforming Church, which enables

us to move ahead more quickly than we might

otherwise have done.

In this next phase of Transforming Church, we

want to build on the amazing work done since

2009 and we now have resources to do so.

The new things that God is doing through his

Church can take root at a deeper level and the

gifts of more people, both ordained and lay, can

be released.

new christian communitiesReaching new people, in new places, in new ways

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIESPASSING IT ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION

DISCIPLESHIP AND LEADERSHIPEVERYONE HAS A PART TO PLAY

Mission and evangelismin diverse culturesthe world in one diocese

Edward the Confessor, King of England,1066 FRI 13

Mrs Linda Maxfield, Churchwarden, St Swithin, Barston writes: Please pray for Refresh - a youth club that takes place weekly in the village hall and is run by the church. Pray for the leaders to keep their enthusiasm and for opportunities to share our faith with our loyal group of young people week by week.

SAT 14

As church school governors gather at Coleshill Primary School for their annual conference, please pray that the governors will be informed and inspired to carry out their voluntary responsibilities with joy. Remember all school governors and pray that they may do their best for the young people and staff.

Anglican CommunionSunday 8 Oct: St Albans - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Alan Smith; St Albans - Bedford - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson; St Albans - Hertford - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Michael Beasley

Monday 8 Oct: St Asaph - (Wales) The Rt Revd Gregory Cameron

Tuesday 10 Oct: St Davids - (Wales) The Rt Revd Joanna Penberthy

Wednesday 11 Oct: St Edmundsbury & Ipswich - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Martin Seeley; St Edmundsbury & Ipswich - Dunwich - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Michael Harrison

Thursday 12 Oct: St Helena - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Richard Fenwick; St Mark the Evangelist - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Martin Breytenbach

Friday 13 Oct: Sunyani - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Revd Festus Yeboah-Asuamah; Tamale - (Ghana, West Africa) The Rt Revd Jacob Ayeebo

Saturday 14 Oct: Swansea & Brecon - (Wales) The Rt Revd John Davies

8-14 Oct WED 11

Revd Kate Stowe asks: Please pray for the small team of staff at Bishop’s Croft as they seek to maintain the Croft as a place of hospitality, mission and learning. Pray also for Bishop David’s work at a national level, including his public affairs mission in Parliament, his work on mining justice and his membership of the Banking Standards Board.

Wilfrid of Ripon, Bishop, Missionary, 709 THU 12

Divine Beauty is a project to conserve, clean and repair the beautiful Burne-Jones windows of Birmingham Cathedral. There will be lots of community engagement, including school visits, interfaith workshops, and hands-on learning experiences. Please pray for the Project Manager, Jane McArdle, for supportive funders, and for the dedicated work of conservators particularly at the launch today.

MON 9

The Revd Val Hicks writes: The OPCCS team ask you to pray for all those who will be beginning their training in Pastoral Care and Community Skills, and those commencing their optional modules this October. Please pray for all the tutors as the new year begins.

Paulinus, Bishop of York, Missionary, 644 TUE 10

We pray for refugees in Birmingham. Many of them lack shelter, work, food and clothing as well as human interaction and a sense of belonging. Help us put ‘Love your Neighbour’ into practice, working with people of all faiths and of goodwill to build courageously compassionate communities.

Sunday 8 OctoberFaithful Friends: On Tour

The Revd David Gould, Parish of the Resurrection, Smethwick writes:

After a visit to Coventry Cathedral I was inspired by a vision of Sandwell as a ‘community of reconciliation’ where people of all faiths and none can live together peacefully. Supported by Near Neighbours, a group of eight men from different faiths began to meet monthly to eat and talk together, and have now become friends.

Conversations turned to the ‘holy’ places that have been significant to them on their own faith journeys, so they will visit these special places together, from Birmingham to Jerusalem - all documented in a film. The film will explore the relationships that are formed, unpacking the questions raised as the friends tour these special places.

We would value your prayers as we complete our trips during October and that many would follow our journey.

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity

FRI 20

Claire Reid, St Peter, Balsall Common writes: Please pray for The Rock @ St Peter’s youth club with the new year fives who are joining this autumn. Pray for good relationships between the young people and helpers and for opportunities to share Jesus with them.

SAT 21

We pray for all to be confirmed today at St Laurence, Northfield by Bishop Iraj Mottahedeh. We pray that in this new stage in their Christian journey they will feel the power of the Holy Spirit anew.

Anglican CommunionSunday 15 Oct: Swaziland - (Southern Africa) The Rt Revd Ellinah Ntfombi Wamukoya

Monday 16 Oct: Sydney - (New South Wales, Australia) The Most Revd Glenn Davies; Sydney - Liverpool - (NSW, Australia) The Rt Revd Peter Tasker; Sydney - North - (NSW, Australia) The Rt Revd Chris Edwards; Sydney - South - (NSW, Australia) The Rt Revd Robert Forsyth; Sydney - West - (NSW, Australia) The Rt Revd Ivan Lee; Sydney - Wollongong - (NSW, Australia) The Rt Revd Al Stewart

Tuesday 17 Oct: Tabora - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Elias Chakupewa

Wednesday 18 Oct: Taita-Taveta - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Samson Mwaluda; Coadjutor Bishop of Taita-Taveta - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Liverson Mng’onda

Thursday 19 Oct: Taiwan - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd David Lai

Friday 20 Oct: Tanga - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd Maimbo Mndolwa; Tarime - (Tanzania) The Rt Revd R Mwita Akiri

Saturday 21 Oct: Tasmania - (Ex-P, Australia) Vacant; Assistant Bishop of Tasmania - (Ex-P, Australia) The Rt Revd Christopher Jones; Assistant Bishop of Tasmania - (Ex-P, Australia) The Rt Revd Ross Nicholson

15-21 Oct Luke the Evangelist WED 18

Revd Amanda Howett, St Luke, Great Colmore Street asks: Please pray for our Alpha course, that people will explore life from the perspective of the Christian faith and come to know Jesus more. We feel God calls St Luke’s to be a place of healing, please pray that we will see an outpouring of His blessing and grace.

Henry Martyn, Translator of the Scriptures, Missionary in India and Persia,1812 THU 19

Revd Ben Green, St Editha, Amington writes: Please pray for wisdom and guidance for the PCC as we respond to a church survey to help improve the health of our church. Also, please pray for a course aimed at building healthy relationships and marriages within the church family and wedding couples.

MON 16

Gary Daniel, CFM, St Peter & St Paul Water Orton writes: ‘Quest: Lighthouse’ is a children’s discipleship group for those aged 7-11 that runs fortnightly. Please pray that the children who attend may continue to deepen their relationship with Jesus as they grow in knowledge and understanding. Pray too that friendships amongst the children may be deepened so that they might support one another in ‘doing faith’ every day.

Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c.107 TUE 17

We pray for all involved in safeguarding across the diocese as we work together to ensure safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is a culture of informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

Sunday 15 OctoberFreedom Sunday

The Revd Peter Sellick, CIGB Workplace Chaplaincy writes:

Freedom Sunday is an international day of prayer, worship and action against human trafficking and all forms of slavery. Modern slavery is the fastest growing crime in the West Midlands, with people being trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and even organ and baby harvesting. Over 300 people were found to have been trafficked in the West Midlands in the past year.

Adavu.org.uk is a church charity that supports people who have been trafficked. Please pray for their support staff, their clients and the partner agencies they work with. Pray for vigilance in communities and businesses to be alert to potential trafficking situations and to respond accordingly.

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity

FRI 27

Please pray for the Minority Ethnic Vocations Conference 2017 this weekend. It is for men and women from minority ethnic backgrounds wishing to explore the possibility of Ordained Ministry in the Church of England and is organised jointly by CMEAC and Ministry Division, both of the Archbishops Council.

Simon and Jude, Apostles SAT 28

Revd Deb Buckley writes: At Smethwick Old Church tomorrow, we are holding a special service of remembrance for those who have lost a baby, whether before or after birth and whether recently or a long time ago. Please pray for us as we prepare for this service and for those who attend on the day.

Anglican CommunionSunday 22 Oct: Temotu - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd Leonard Dawea

Monday 23 Oct: Terekeka - (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Paul Modi

Tuesday 24 Oct: Texas - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Andrew Doyle; Suffragan Bishop of Texas - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Jeff Fisher; Suffragan Bishop of Texas - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Dena Harrison; West Texas - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd David Reed; West Texas - (VII, The Episcopal Church) The Revd Jennifer Brooke-Davidson

Wednesday 25 Oct: The Arctic - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd David Parsons; Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of the Arctic - (Rupert’s Land, Canada) The Rt Revd Darren McCartney

Thursday 26 Oct: The Episcopal Church in South Carolina - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Gladstone Adams

Friday 27 Oct: The Murray - (South Australia, Australia) The Rt Revd John Frank Ford

Saturday 28 Oct: Thika - (Kenya) The Rt Revd Julius Njuguna Wanyoike

22-28 Oct WED 25

We pray for Pastoral Teams operating in many parishes, whose members walk alongside people exploring faith, preparing for a baptism, coping with illness or personal trouble, or facing bereavement. We pray for them as channels of God’s love and compassion. We ask God’s blessing on the team at St Francis Bournville, to be recommissioned this coming Sunday.

Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, Scholar, 899 THU 26

Please pray for those who help to lift older people out of isolation through the Ageing Better in Birmingham Programme, and for those who are isolated; that they may know they are valued members of their community. Ageing Better in Birmingham operates city wide, with four priority areas (Tyburn, Sparkbrook, older carers and the older LGBT community).

MON 23

Bishop Maurice Sinclair writes: Give thanks to God for the success of Bishop David’s visit to Bolivia in March. Please pray for the further development of our partnership with the Anglican Church there. We pray that we may find God’s way in supporting one another in training local church leaders in mission and ministry.

TUE 24

The Revd Jim Cox, St Mary, Selly Oak writes: We continue to give thanks for all those who struggle to articulate their faith but find a place of welcome in thier local church in times of celebration and sorrow. Please pray for our bereavement coffee mornings and give thanks for the dedication and gentleness of the volunteers.

Sunday 22 OctoberJulian Prayer GroupMrs Anne Gadd, St Matthew, Perry Beeches writes:

Today, we are holding our Sunday mass to celebrate the 13th anniversary of our Julian Prayer Group. We invite everyone to join us as we meet on the first Monday of each month for silent prayer and readings from Revelations of Divine Love (Julian of Norwich). In this busy world it offers us time to spend with God in the quiet stillness and to listen to his voice.

Please give thanks for the joy we receive when listening to our Lord. Lord help us to keep quiet time to spend with you, and come away rested. Amen.

‘All will be well, and you yourself shall see that every manner of thing will be well’ (Julian of Norwich).

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity

Richard Hooker, Priest, Anglican Apologist, Teacher of the Faith,1600 FRI 3

We pray for churches in the diocese that are seeking Eco Church accreditation with A Rocha UK. We pray that more churches will explore the Eco Church online survey to see if they could become Eco Churches. We pray for the development of a diocesan environmental policy and progress towards the Eco Diocese goals.

SAT 4

Mrs Anne Pycock, MU Faith & Policy committee writes: Nikki Sweatman, Canterbury Diocese Provincial President of Mothers’ Union is visiting the diocese at this time. Please pray for a successful visit and that she will inspire and encourage us all in our mission to support loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.

Anglican CommunionSunday 29 Oct: Thoothukudi - Nazareth - (South India) Vacant; Tirunelveli - (South India) The Rt Revd Jayaraj Christdoss

Monday 30 Oct: Toamasina - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Revd Jean Paul Solo

Tuesday 31 Oct: Tohoku - (Japan) The Rt Revd John Hiromichi Kato

Wed 1 Nov: Tokyo - (Japan) The Rt Revd Andrew Yoshimichi Ohata

Thursday 2 Nov: Toliara - (Indian Ocean) The Rt Revd Todd McGregor

Friday 3 Nov: Rutana - (Burundi) Vacant; Torit - (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Bernard Oringa Balmoi; Torit - Kapoeta Area - (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Isaac Deu Chon; Torit - Magwi Area - (Loryko, Sudan) The Rt Revd Martin Abuni;

Saturday 4 Nov: Toronto - (Ontario, Canada) The Most Revd Colin Robert Johnson; Suffragan bishop elect of Toronto - Trent Durham - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Revd Vacant; Toronto - Credit Valley - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Revd Maurice Philip Poole; Toronto - York - Scarborough - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Revd Patrick Tin-Sik Yu; Toronto - York - Simcoe - (Ontario, Canada) The Rt Revd Peter Fenty

29 Oct-4 Nov All Saints’ Day WED 1

Revd Mark Bennett, St David, Shenley Green writes: Our confirmation service today will see both adults and young people re-affirming their faith. Please pray for them and especially those who will share something of their Christian journey. Please pray for Bishop Anne who will preside.

Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day) THU 2

As clergy and licensed ministers meet today for one of their periodic Bishop’s Study Mornings, we pray for the continuing work of theological education and ministerial development. We pray that those who preach and teach in our churches may themselves be stimulated and equipped by their ongoing reflection and learning.

MON 30

Please pray for the Children & Families’ Work Volunteers at St James, Hill that they will be able to add to the team and that those who are new to the team will feel welcomed and empowered to be strong leaders in children’s ministry.

TUE 31

Revd Canon Janet Chapman, St Laurence, Northfield writes: We are blessed with a large Scout Group whose programme enriches the lives of young people and develops a range of leadership skills. We pray for ongoing links with them, including Saturday sleep-overs in the church hall that end with a parade at the family service.

Sunday 29 OctoberVaccine against malariaCanon Claire Laland, Malawi Task Group writes:

Our prayers are asked for the success of a new vaccine against malaria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) will introduce a pilot scheme in Malawi, Ghana and Kenya during 2018. The vaccine has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives. However, four doses are required for the vaccine to be effective. Please pray that parents will understand and be able to return to the clinic so that their children can complete the course.

A doctor involved in the scheme says: “Malaria places a terrible burden on many of the world’s poorest countries, claiming thousands of lives and holding back economies. These pilots are crucial to determining the impact this vaccine could have on reducing this toll.”

We pray also for the continued use of mosquito nets against this disease.

Last Sunday after Trinity

Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, Teacher of the Faith, 461 FRI 10

Revd Ruth Atkinson, St Michael and All Angels, Bartley Green writes: Please pray for year 6 students from the primary schools as they gather for their joint Remembrance Service beginning in St Peter’s RC and then moving onto St Michael and All Angels. Each school brings a wreath made by the children. Pray for the teachers as the children learn the significance of remembrance.

Martin, Bishop of Tours, c.397 SAT 11

Please pray for the national ‘Youth Ministry Training Conference’ which Youthscape are bringing to Birmingham. We pray that the conference, meeting at Gas Street, will inspire and equip hundreds of youth volunteers as they reach young people across the country.

Anglican CommunionSunday 5 Nov: Toungoo - (Myanmar) The Rt Revd Saw Wilme

Monday 6 Nov: Trichy-Tanjore - (South India) The Rt Revd Gnanamuthu Paul Vasanthakumar

Tuesday 7 Nov: Trinidad & Tobago - (West Indies) The Rt Revd Claude Berkley

Wednesday 8 Nov: Peterborough - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Donald Spargo Allister; Peterborough - Brixworth - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd John Holbrook; Truro - (Canterbury, England) The Rt Revd Timothy Thornton; Truro - St Germans - (Canterbury, England) The Revd Christopher David Goldsmith

Thursday 9 Nov: Tuam, Killala & Achonry - (Armagh, Ireland) The Rt Revd Patrick William Rooke

Friday 10 Nov: Twik East - (Upper Nile, Sudan) The Rt Revd Ezekiel Diing

Saturday 11 Nov: Udi - (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Chjioke Augustine Aneke

5-11 Nov The Saints and Martyrs of England WED 8

Revd Canon Andrew Lythall, Birmingham Cathedral asks: Please pray for the many exciting new initiatives happening at the Cathedral, particularly for children and young people; that together we may continue to flourish at the heart of the city.

THU 9

Revd Lucille Arlidge, St Matthew with St Chad, Warley prays: Father, we thank you for all the good things you are doing in this parish and church community. Bless our mission and discipleship so they bear rich and abundant fruits for our Lord Jesus. Fill us with the Spirit so we minister in truth, unity and concord.

MON 6

Revd Andrew Wells, Christ Church, Quinton writes: Please pray for our continuing work befriending and bringing God’s love to the residents and staff of our local nursing and residential homes. Please pray for our groups for the elderly, some of whom are on the cusp of dementia and who meet at the Coffee Shop, our community meeting place in Brandhall.

Willibrord of York, Bishop, Apostle of Frisia, 739 TUE 7

Today we pray for our Diocesan staff team on their away day. We pray that time out of the office will provide opportunities for encouragement, renewal and strengthening of relationships. We pray for all those officers who bear great responsibility for the wellbeing of the diocese; praying particularly for Andrew Halstead, Diocesan Secretary and Melanie Crooks, Director of Finance.

Sunday 5 NovemberAll Saints, Shard EndToday Bishop Anne leads our celebrations as we mark the 62nd anniversary of the consecration of All Saints, on All Saints Day, 1955. A year earlier, the ceremonial trowel and gavel were used by the first Bishop of Aston, Rt Revd Michael Parker, to lay the foundation stone.

Shard End has been through some challenging times, though the recent regeneration of the area is moving us all in a more positive direction. Both church and hall have undergone considerable improvement and provide a focus for Christian worship and community activities.

Pray for us as we continue to offer the Holy Sacraments, prayer and hope to our contemporary community.

Fourth Sunday before Advent

Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln,1200 FRI 17

Please pray for the Readers’ conference focused on Apologetics, a field of theology that aims to present historical, reasoned and evidential bases for Christianity, which is taking place tomorrow. Pray that Readers would be inspired and equipped to answer difficult questions of faith in the parishes they serve.

Elizabeth of Hungary, Princess of Thuringia, Philanthropist,1231 SAT 18

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Bishop Michael Whinney, whose memorial service is held today. We offer our gratitude for his time as Bishop of Aston, and later on as Archbishop’s Commissary when we had no diocesan bishop in post. We give thanks for his widespread engagement in mission and his gift of pastoral care and spiritual mentoring to many clergy.

Anglican CommunionSunday 12 Nov: Ughelli - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Cyril Odutemu

Monday 13 Nov: Ukhahlamba - (S. Africa) The Rt Revd Mazwi Tisani

Tuesday 14 Nov: Ukwa - (Aba, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Samuel Kelechi Eze; Umuahia - (Aba, Nigeria) The Most Revd Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu

Wednesday 15 Nov: Umzimvubu - (S. Africa) The Rt Revd Mlibo Ngewu

Thursday 16 Nov: Upper Shire - (Central Africa) The Rt Revd Brighton Vitta Malasa

Friday 17 Nov: Uruguay - (South America) The Rt Revd Michael Pollesel; Suffragan Bishop of Uruguay - (South America) The Rt Revd Gilberto Obdulio Porcal Martínez; Paraguay - (South America) The Rt Revd Peter John Henry Bartlett; Paraguay - (South America) The Rt Revd Andrés Rodríguez Erben;

Saturday 18 Nov: Upper South Carolina - (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Andrew Waldo; Utah - (VIII, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Scott Hayashi

12-18 Nov WED 15

Today there is a meeting of the Finance, Investment and Property (FIPS) subcommittee of the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Finance. In financially challenging times, we give thanks for their diligence and pray for wisdom as long-term strategy is considered and recommendations made to ensure the future growth of mission across the diocese.

Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Philanthropist, Reformer of the Church,1093 THU 16

As the Education Team prepares a morning event to celebrate and inspire the work of primary school pupil leaders of collective worship, please pray that children will listen to the stories of others in their schools and recognise the value of the gifts they bring themselves to this role.

Charles Simeon, Priest, Evangelical Divine,1836 MON 13

Revd Peter Sellick, CIGB writes: Give thanks in Interfaith Week for the multicultural businesses of Birmingham and Solihull and for trust and friendships that are built up between faiths and communities through work relationships. Pray for sustainable growth of small businesses and for the employment opportunities that the multicultural businesses provide.

TUE 14

Fr Roger Sheppard, St Benedict, Bordesley writes: Please pray for the small and ageing congregation of St Benedict’s as they continue to show the light of their faith to the mostly non-Christian people around them and as they seek to retain, encourage, and expand the small number of children that have recently begun to attend.

Sunday 12 NovemberBreakfast Together

Revd Nigel Traynor, St Mary the Virgin, Pype Hayes writes:

Breakfast Together services at St Mary’s were trialed in 2015 and implemented once a month from 2016 onwards. When we began this type of service we invited fringe contacts, friends and neighbours, sharing with them our own stories of ‘following’ around the breakfast tables and incorporating a simple discipleship course. This has now become a firm fixture of the worship life and friendships within church and the local community. It has been lovely to see people’s interest in it grow. We praise God for new faces and especially for growth in our Youth Cell who love to attend this service.

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

FRI 24

Remember retailers across the diocese working on ‘Black Friday’ and in the preparations for Christmas: staff on the high street may have tough sales targets in competition with online businesses. Give thanks for those who still make time for relationships and careful service even on busy days. Pray that customers will respect those working in shops.

SAT 25

The fourth ‘Pray24Brum’ is taking place at St Martin in-the-Bull-Ring in January. Please pray for the ecumenical steering group as it plans and begins the co-ordination necessary for this dynamic prayer witness in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2018.

Anglican CommunionSunday 19 Nov: Uyo - (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Prince Asukwo Antai

Monday 20 Nov: Vanuatu - (Melanesia) The Rt Revd James Ligo

Tuesday 21 Nov: Vellore - (South India) The Rt Revd A Rajavelu

Wednesday 22 Nov: Venezuela - (XI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Orlando Guerrero

Thursday 23 Nov: Vermont - (I, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Thomas Ely

Friday 24 Nov: Virgin Islands - (II, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Ambrose Gumbs

Saturday 25 Nov: Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Shannon Johnston; Suffragan Bishop of Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Susan Ellyn Goff; West Virginia - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Willam Michie Klusmeyer

19-25 Nov WED 22

Revd Denise Jones, St Bernard, Hamstead writes: We give thanks to God for the growth of this church and for those exploring and undergoing Reader and Pastoral Care ministry. We pray that we may be blessed with the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We pray for our Fresh Hope pastoral support group and for our Sunday school teaching team.

Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c.100 THU 23

Revd Linda Granner and all at St Mary, Hobs Moat look back on a very successful 50th anniversary celebration in June. They ask for prayers as they plan for the next 50 years of reaching out to the community around them, with the love of God and the Good News of the Gospel.

Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870 MON 20

Give thanks for the volunteer workplace chaplains who go into missionary environments to remind people of God’s love through friendship, listening and prayer. As new volunteers are commissioned this week, pray for them, their sending churches and their colleagues in cross-cultural mission.

TUE 21

Fr Philip Calvert, Bishop of Ebbsfleet’s representative in Birmingham writes: Almighty Father, you chose Jonathan, Bishop of Ebbsfleet, to be a shepherd in the tradition of the Apostles. Give him a spirit of courage, discernment, humility and love, to aid us in building your church as a sign of salvation for the world. Make us ever faithful and true. Through Christ our Lord.

Sunday 19 NovemberSupport and Advice Centre

Revd John Self writes:

In May, Bishop Anne officially opened Narthex Sparkhill’s new Support and Advice Centre in Rovex Business Park, Tyseley. The Centre houses Sparkhill Foodbank, a clothes bank, money advice, supporting victims and the Sparkbrook Ageing Better Hub.

As well as being a distribution point this new centre also provides food to four satellite foodbanks including those at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Highgate Fire Station.

Please pray for the staff and volunteers who daily support people in need. Pray for funding for a commercial kitchen to provide hot meals to clients and their supporters.

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

FRI 1

We pray for the environment at the start of the month, praying for people already affected by global warming, especially in the developing world. We pray for people coping with greater extremes of weather, particularly floods and droughts. We pray for those whose livelihood depends on the crops that they can grow and harvest.

SAT 2

The Mothers Union has recently started a new initiative to support the chaplaincy work at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Teams have been set up to help maintain a regular presence in the hospital chapel. Please pray for all involved, for sensitivity to know when to listen or when to talk, when to approach or when to just be there.

Anglican CommunionSunday 26 Nov: Wad Medani - (Northern, Sudan) The Rt Revd Saman Farajalla Mahdi

Monday 27 Nov: Waiapu - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Revd Andrew Hedge; Bishop of Waikato & Taranaki - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Most Revd Philip Richardson; Bishop of Waikato - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Revd Helen-Ann Hartley

Tuesday 28 Nov: Wangaratta - (Victoria, Australia) The Rt Revd John Parkes

Wednesday 29 Nov: Warri - (Bendel, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Christian Esezi Ideh

Thursday 30 Nov: Washington - (III, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Mariann Edgar Budde

Friday 1 Dec: Wau - (Bahr El Ghazal, Sudan) The Rt Revd Moses Deng Bol

Saturday 2 Dec: Wellington - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Revd Justin Duckworth; Assistant Bishop of Wellington - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia) The Rt Revd Eleanor Sanderson

26 Nov-2 Dec Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the Missionary Work of the Church WED 29

Ruth Young, St John, Walmley writes: Pray for all the schools coming to visit Christmas Through the Keyhole over the next three days. Pray for the team who will be sharing the Christmas story in a creative way with local pupils and teachers and that the joy of Christmas will be heard.

Andrew the ApostleTHU 30

Revd Duncan Strathie, St Anne, Moseley writes: Please pray for the church as we develop our new flexible worship space to best serve the local community and facilitate our worship. Exciting opportunities exist through Messy Church, pop-up services, concerts and exhibitions. We are always looking for new ways to engage with the local community.

MON 27

For over 40 years Northfield Churches Together has run ‘Community Christmas.’ This year it is the turn of St Laurence’s Church to provide Christmas Day lunch and entertainment for around 75 people who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone. Please pray for all the planning team especially that we may be able to cover costs and that we have sufficient volunteers on the day.

TUE 28

Revd Richard Tebbs, St Leonard, Frankley writes: Dear Lord, build up this congregation at St Leonard that we may be filled with joy and praise as we serve you in this place. If we are distant from those we serve may we bridge the gap through our friendship, prayer and love and make our welcome here Christ’s own.

Sunday 26 NovemberNew adventures in ShirleyThe Revd Peter Law-Jones, St James, Shirley writes:

Shirley Parish has begun a new adventure in faith. Our new parish logo is inspired by Rublev’s icon of the Welcome of Abraham. Three people are entering a church building to experience the commitment to witness, service and discipleship of the worshipping communities of Christ the King, St James the Great, Shirley, and St John’s Tidbury Green. Three people are leaving the church building to fulfil their calling to welcome young people and their families and all who yearn to discover the joy of God’s presence in their lives.

Please pray for us as we seek to appoint an ordained colleague to join the ministry team of clergy and readers, and to work with the faithful people of Shirley parish as they learn to know Christ and make Him known.

Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

Websites

www.pray-as-you-go.org

• Daily prayer for your mp3 player from the British Jesuits.

• Play or download from the website or subscribe to free podcasts.

 www.rejesus.co.uk 

• A site designed for people wanting to know more about the Christian faith in the 21st Century. 

www.embody.co.uk

• Large resources for prayer and life coaching.

 www.experientialworship.com

• Large collection of prayer resources for heart, mind, body and soul.

www.birminghamcathedral.com

• Keep up-to-date with all that is happening at the Mother Church of the diocese.

www.chaplaincyplus.org.uk

• Serving the professional business community in Birmingham by being part of daily business life.

www.birminghamprayerwall.com

• An online resource, connecting a community of prayer across Birmingham.

www.loveyourneighbour.org

• A campaign to encourage people to get to know their neighbours, invest in communities and to reach out with acts of kindness.

Do you have a story?

Do you have a story you would like included in this prayer diary? Please submit your prayer at www.cofe.io/PT or email CaraB@cofebirmingham.com

LARGE PRINT VERSIONIf you would like a large print version of this booklet, please contact the communications department on 0121 426 0439.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

*The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Jesus said to the disciples “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

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