jacinth, agate, amethyst Approaching God with our particular prayers, for particular people and particular circumstances, on our hearts is the work of intercession. Our prayers don’t need to be complicated, they don’t require long explanations. turquoise, sapphire, moonstone Drawing near to God with the needs and concerns of others on our hearts is the calling of all disciples of Christ. It is the work of all believers. All of us are called to pray for others. carnelian, chrysolite, emerald There is a description in Exodus of the robes for the high priest. This includes a breastplate on which are affixed twelve precious stones, set in gold filigree. “They shall be like signets, each engraved with its name, for the twelve tribes.” (Exodus 28. 21). Every time the high priest went in to the holy of holies, he entered with the names of the twelve tribes upon his heart.
Revd Canon Andrew Featherstone Acting Dean of Wells May we ourselves come to God as living stones, precious in God’s sight (see 1 Peter 2). And may God give us grace to offer heart-felt, heart-held, heart-carried prayers day by day. beryl, onyx, jasper The who and what that are already close to our hearts are already in our prayers in the nearness of God. With regard to others and to other issues we might need reminders, like the named precious stones on the high priest’s breastplate. This prayer calendar is another such excellent reminder: it provides further precious stones to carry on our hearts before God day by day. But that’s not to say intercession is easy. Intercession is about holding the particular in our hearts in the presence of God. Nothing more, nothing less.
Precious stones of intercession... July 2016 Focussing on: Midsomer Norton and Exmoor deaneries
Prayer calendar Being church
Fellowship
Exmoor deanery’s 28 churches cover Each year at Glastonbury Festival I countryside from the deep moor to the lead a team in ‘The Church’. We have Bristol Channel. Recently we a temporary marquee rather than a celebrated a Rogation Service at historic building. We decorate the walls Cutcombe Cattle market up on with artwork and hangings created on Exmoor. The Church offers prayers for site, rather than stained glass. The the harvest and the fruits of the earth. space doubles as a night shelter for We ask God to bless us and all our anyone who needs it. Last year we labours on the land. gave out over 20,000 cups of water and engaged with thousands of people. The Church is open round the clock from the Wednesday to the Monday. Over a simple cup of water, or gathered around a fire, people ask about God, about church, about faith, about spirituality. We assembled in the stands where farmers gather to bid for stock. The benches were full and Archdeacon John Reed came to be with us on one of his farewell visits. It’s an important occasion in the deanery, a chance for people to be together, to be thankful and enjoy each other’s company. When we praise God for his gifts in creation, we also praise him for our human need to have friends, to take care of each other and to meet as Christian communities. People on Exmoor live busy and often hard lives, outdoors in all weather, running small businesses, living in isolated villages. We enjoy ancient and beautiful buildings but in an area where many are mature in years, we are looking anxiously to the future of all our churches and their often small congregations.
How do we find those simple opportunities to reach out, to serve and to share faith? We must protect our heritage but, more importantly, we need to work out how we can be the Church in this generation. C.S. Lewis once wrote “When we say, ‘I’m in charge of these ruins,’ it must mean we are guardians of a vision, not curators for the department of ancient monuments.” My prayer for our deanery and diocese is that we find ways to reach beyond our stone walls, to love and serve communities in ways that draw people into a closer relationship with God. Revd Chris North Rural Dean of Midsomer Norton and Rector of Chilcompton with Downside and Stratton on the Fosse
Mary Dolman Lay Chair of the Midsomer Norton deanery We always pray together before finishing our shift to thank God for answering our prayers, for His presence and protection and we continue to pray for opportunities to share the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation of many souls in Midsomer Norton. behaviour. We have witnessed our prayers diffusing potential fights and arguments and prayed with those in distress who have been willing. Over two years on, we have made friends with the door staff at all the pubs and they call us when someone is in need of help. We work alongside the Street Marshals who also understand our role and we have many meaningful conversations with those on the streets. Being one of God’s disciples is such a humbling experience and we thank and praise him for protection and safe keeping during our patrol.
Revd Caroline Ralph Assistant Rural Dean of Exmoor and Rector of Dunster, Carhampton and Withycombe with Rodhuish, Timberscombe and Wootton Courtenay
After only six months on patrol, there had been a 65% decline in anti-social The youngsters found it difficult to understand how different denominations worked together on this. Using our conversational skills, humour and knowing we are protected by God’s love, we were soon welcomed as a caring and helping group of people, making sure people were safe getting home after having a good night out. We are privileged to have Street Pastors in Midsomer Norton as it is a small town with few pubs and only one night club. The request to have Street Pastors for the night-time economy came from the local council as there were drug, alcohol and anti-social behaviour problems at night. After extensive training, 26 Street Pastors and 15 Prayer Pastors were recruited in October 2013. It took a while for the door staff at the public houses to understand why we had volunteered to be out walking in all weathers until 3am!
Street-humble Exmoor youth project Exmoor Youth Project has been going The highlights of the year are the for the last 12 years, working with annual children's and youth camps in children and young people across Dulverton, supported by Jess and a Exmoor in and out of school and number of trained Christian across the churches. In 2012 the volunteers. This deanery event attracts project re-launched with the around forty under-17s. With fun, appointment of Jess James. Jess has fellowship, food, faith and above all a consolidated and developed work in safe and loving environment, the Minehead Middle School (helped by a camps have gone from strength to number of local volunteers) and strength. Dulverton Middle School. This includes EYP is a also a key participant in the weekly lunch clubs with around thirty annual ecumenical children's holiday children, leading assemblies there and club in Alcombe which attracts about also, now, in a number of other first fifty children. Crafts, bible stories, schools. drama and games leave the team In partnership with church members exhausted but deeply fulfilled. and eight schools, Jess has twice Jess says, “I love the job and the hosted the Christmas and Easter opportunities to share the love of God Experiences which tell the Christian with the great variety of young people story using stations and activities. and volunteers I get to work with. And About 700 children have engaged with I’m excited for the future of the project this and loved it! as we come to appoint a new parttime colleague. Please pray for us as we begin this new chapter.” EYP also supports St Andrew’s weekly children’s club in Minehead and hosts a number of other Christian youth gatherings including the new ecumenical ‘Impetus’ event.
Revd Kenneth Cross Rector of Old Cleeve Benefice
1 July
Lord, strengthen Midsomer Norton’s rural dean Revd Chris North and the deanery synod members; we pray for the mission and pastoral committee and its vision. Lead us as a nation toward your light of truth.
2 July
Heavenly Father, pour your loving Spirit on Richard and Chloe being married today in the Peasedown St John group. So too for all preparing for marriage across the diocese this summer. We offer special thanks for those who have responded to your call and are being ordained priest today.
3 July
Lord, bless the village celebration today for HM the Queen’s birthday at St Mary’s Timsbury. Thank you for her shining faith; let the village be drawn closer to you. We celebrate all you have given, Almighty Father, and this Disability Sunday give praise for the abilities of the disabled and ask for fresh eyes of faith to perceive your good plan for all. Thank you for those being ordained deacon today: for Adam Burnham, David Fox-Branch, Katharine Hawksley, Alexandra Holmes, Jane Mitchell, Joel Mennie, Deborah Perreau, Clarissa Shaw Notice, Jo Slade, Liza Wortlehock and Dan Young.
St Thomas the Apostle Trinity 6
4 July
Servant God, thank you for Midsomer Norton’s CMS mission partners Audrey and Colin Gibson. Bless them richly, working with the marginalised in Lebanon and helping Lebanese Christians join that country’s immense generosity to Syrian refugees.
16 July
We pray for the life and ministry of Paulton with Farrington Gurney and High Littleton churches. God of networks and complexity, affirm our interdependence and our total trust in you. As the national Follow 2016 event celebrates 150 years of Reader ministry today, we thank you for all those recently called to be Readers as they reflect on their training and commitment to God’s calling for licensing in October. We pray too for those contemplating Reader training next year and for Revd David Weir, Revd Canon David Harrex and Revd Graham Witts as Archdeaconry Wardens of Readers.
17 July Trinity 8
Please bless Camerton and Dunkerton churches and make known your holy name throughout the nation.
18 July
We ask your love continue in the congregation of Midsomer Norton Church, God, and that your abundance flows throughout the deanery and diocese.
19 July
In their vacancies, we ask you, God of kind surprises, to bless the wardens and those taking on extra responsibilities at Radstock with Writhlington and Kilmersdon with Babington churches, and in Westfield Church. Open wider our own hearts to service.
20 July
We pray for Liam Adam and Jamie Sims as they lead the daily breakfast club for 25 primary school children at Peasedown St John. Thank you, God, for the ministry you have blessed here. Let the children come to you in all our communities in whatever way they know.
5 July
As leaders in Peasedown prepare for the coming season of Movement Worship Nights and all the young people who come along, we reflect on our own worship of your goodness, God. The
6 July
Lord of all, guide and inspire the Diocesan Synod tonight. Give our leaders passion and give us strength to follow them. Help us all play a role in shaping our future.
21 July
We pray for the success of the new Luncheon Club in Timsbury for those who need opportunities to meet others in the village. Open our eyes to loneliness and fill us with courage to love the stranger.
7 July
We pray for the staff, children and families of Trinity School in Radstock as the new governors meet tonight to plan the way forward after challenging times. Shepherd us, Saviour, to walk together in paths of peace and comfort.
22 July
St Mary Magdalene
8 July
Jesus Christ, revealing divine mystery, let outreach from St Vigor’s and St John’s show ever more of God’s love for their communities. We offer our hopes to you, Lord, for General Synod today. Let your unconditional welcome be the tone and content of discussion.
23 July
We thank you, Creator, for the musical talents you give to people. Today we pray for organist Rory Moules giving a recital in St Peter’s Church, Camerton. May all who attend be transported in
9 July
We pray for the Scarecrow Trail in Timsbury which brings the village community together around St Mary’s Church. You who are strong to save, thank your for the Street Pastors and Marshals who bless Midsomer Norton, especially at today’s MFEST music festival.
24 July
Please bless musicians taking part in the Minehead and Exmoor Music Festival, especially the Festival service of worship today.
10 July Trinity 7
We ask for God’s blessing as residents and tourists gather to be entertained by the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Brass Band on the bandstand in Wells. You who calmed the storm, we are so grateful this Sea Sunday to the Minehead lifeboat crew and their work to keep others safe.
Trinity 9
25 July St James the Apostle
Amaze us, God of wonders. Bless Luxborough as they pioneer new ways of sharing the Gospel and being Church in a rural place.
Please pray for Jess and the newly appointed second youth worker in Exmoor Youth Project. Lord of action, join their energy with yours.
26 July
As we journey with you through our own lives, loving Father, we pray today for Revd Bill Lemmey on his pilgrimage to Holy Island and for those maintaining the life and ministry of Porlock during his sabbatical.
Let there be foresight and ambition in the church in Dulverton, Lord, as it shapes its mission and ministry for the future to support the community it serves. Bless the important decisions they are taking regarding housing issues there.
27 July
As a diocese we pray for Chilcompton with Downside Church and Stratton on the Fosse. Lord, let us hear your word afresh and as
12 July
Lord, nothing is impossible for you. Strengthen our faith and renew our sight to see potential. Bless, the second birthday celebration at St Nicholas Church Centre in Radstock of SWALLOW, supporting those with learning disabilities.
28 July
13 July
We pray for the life and ministry of Coleford with Holcombe churches – bless and delight those who worship and visit, Lord. Holy Spirit, anoint the newly commissioned School Pastors at West Somerset College, and give students and staff the opportunities to be supported by them.
Thank you, gracious God, for Revd Simon Robinson's first year of ministry at Minehead, for all who minister with him and for the sense of wellbeing and new life that has been brought to the community there.
29 July
Today we offer healing prayers to all those in Paulton Hospital. Give those who suffer pain renewed hope for recovery and courage to endure their afflictions; let them know your compassion, Risen Lord.
We give thanks to you, Lord, for the ministry of Readers in Exmoor deanery and our retired clergy who extend and enhance provision of worship across the multi-parish cures of deanery. Thanks for those across the diocese sacrificing for your wonderful Kingdom.
30 July
Pour out joyful blessings on Jonathan Silver and Madeleine Pitt being married today in the Peasedown St John group and on all couples being married today. Thanks for the gifts of sexuality and companionship.
31 July
We give thanks to you, Lord, for the disciples and volunteers supporting the West Somerset Food Cupboard and especially manager Chrissie Payne. We know those who live in food poverty are held close to your heart and we ask and work that no one need go hungry in west Somerset.
11 July
14 July
15 July
Heavenly Father we pray for children at St Mary’s CE Primary School in Timsbury and in all primary schools who are leaving to go to secondary school. Keep them enfolded in your love so they can embrace a new beginning with confidence knowing you will follow where they go. Let your wisdom be a guide to the future for our plans, Lord, and for Old Cleeve Benefice as they redraw boundaries for more effective ministry and mission. Give us, who are all your followers and preachers, wisdom to build upon opportunities.
Trinity 10
Send your prayer requests to:
[email protected] Anglican Cycle of Prayer: www.anglicancommunion.org/resources/cycle-of-prayer.aspx
