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X-WR-CALNAME:Churches Together in St Albans
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ctstalbans.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Churches Together in St Albans
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DTSTART:20200101T000000
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20200322T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20200322T200000
DTSTAMP:20260503T094221
CREATED:20200318T105834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200319T114854Z
UID:913-1584903600-1584907200@ctstalbans.org.uk
SUMMARY:National Call to Prayer - Light a Candle of Hope
DESCRIPTION:National Call to Prayer \nThis Mothering Sunday\, 22nd March\, we are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action. At such a time as this\, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty\, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds. \nAt 7pm this Sunday\, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life\, Jesus Christ\, our source and hope in prayer. \nWhether you are continuing to worship as congregations or not\, we have the great privilege and freedom to be able to call upon God\, wherever we are\, individually and corporately\, for healing in our nation. We would pray for all in leadership at this time\, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus\, for those working in health and social care\, and especially for the most vulnerable\, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions. \nThere are already stories being told of wonderful acts of kindness across neighbourhoods. Alongside your prayers\, take the opportunity to telephone or email someone who is isolated\, buy some additional food for your local foodbank\, or offer to deliver shopping for an elderly neighbour. We may not be able to touch physically\, but we can make connections in so many other ways. \nIn the meantime\, do please attend to all the government health advice that will be issued\, and look out for resources from your specific church governing bodies. At least for those of us in the global North\, we do seem to be in unusual times\, and wisdom and flexibility about worship gatherings are a key part of our Christian discipleship during this period. \nWe note that this call to prayer and action comes on Mothering Sunday: a time of thankfulness\, remembering especially mothers who have served us\, often in very costly ways. It is also a very mixed day for many. For some the remembrance is painful\, and for others Mothering Sunday is a reminder of disappointment or loss. In many ways\, this period under the shadow of the coronavirus will be prompting similarly diverse reactions and so it seems especially appropriate that the call to prayer is made this Sunday. At this time of uncertainty join in with the National Day of Prayer and Action\, lighting a candle of hope. \n“Cast all your anxiety on him\, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7 \nPresidents of Churches Together in England \nArchbishop Justin Welby\, The Archbishop of Canterbury\nCardinal Vincent Nichols\, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster\nRevd Dr Hugh Osgood\, The Free Churches Moderator\nArchbishop Angaelos of London\, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches\nPastor Agu Irukwu\, CTE Pentecostal President \nwww.cte.ork.uk/calltoprayer
URL:https://ctstalbans.org.uk/event/light-a-candle-of-hope
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