Dear All Saints and St Marys The week that spans the 18th to the 25th January has been marked as The Christian Week of Prayer for Unity for over a century. It is a week that churches of all denominations are asked to pray not just for unity, but for peace, justice and the oppressed. But how do we really begin to understand what those words might actually mean or what that might look like? How do we pray for unity, peace and justice? What if any of those worthy things for prayer are in conflict with each other? That is something that the Church of England Bishops have been grappling with particularly this week. When thinking and praying around this I was suddenly reminded of a 1989 film that I find both beautiful and thought provoking and always makes me cry. “The Dead Poets Society” follows a year in an American School. A young English teacher Mr Keating (played by Robin Williams) tries to inspire his students to look beyond just their own experience and see the world from a different angle. My favourite scene sees him encourage them all to stand on a table in the classroom just so they can look at the world from a different viewpoint. No spoilers here just in case you haven’t seen it but the phrase “O Captain my Captain” used in the film encapsulates some of what it means to be inspired to see the world differently.
Jesus calls us to look at the world differently and part of our call as Christians is to be brave enough, generous enough to do that. I think that is the way in which my muddled prayers this week for justice, unity, peace and the oppressed have been formed. This week begins our adventure into learning about the Book of Jonah. All Saints Cafe Church on Sunday at 10.30 will be given over to looking at this fascinating and inspiring book of the Old Testament and an introduction to the book and its themes that will then be unpacked in café church over 2023. Its a really easy service to bring a friend or family member to church, and is set in an informal way with coffee and food. We have communion at 8am at All Saints and also Sung Holy Communion at St Marys at 10am. SERVICES THIS SUNDAY – 22nd JANUARY 2023
8:00am | Said Holy Communion | All Saints |
10:00am | Sung Holy Communion | St Mary's |
10:30am | Cafe Church – Book of Jonah | All Saints |
THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday 25th Jan | 9am | Celtic Morning Prayer (contact for location) |
Thursday 26th Jan | 10am | Holy Communion at St Mary’s Church |
Sunday 29th Jan | 8am | Holly Communion BCP at All Saints |
| 10am | Benefice Sung Holy Communion at St Marys |
Please find belo the roots material and the weekly sheets. We look forward to seeing you all over the weekend. One of the Prayers for Christian Unity that I have found helpful this week and I hope it also blesses you
Heavenly Father You have called us in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ To continue his work of reconciliation And reveal you to the world, Forgive us the sins which tear us apart Give us the courage t overcome our fears And to seek the unity which is your gift and your will Through Jesus Christ your Son our LordWho is alive and reigns with you In the unity of the Holy Spirit One God now and forever. Amen
Revd Lizzie Kesteven Vicar of All Saints Church and St Marys Church, Fishponds Interim Co Area Dean of Bristol City Deanery Advisor for Spirituality for Bristol Diocese 0117 9650856 07973917720
Comments