Rev'd. Jane Thompson
All Saint's Braishfield 5th Sunday of Easter
28th April at 9.30am
Holy Communion led by Jane Thompson
Recent events in Israel and Gaza have left the world in shock and we are often at a loss in knowing how to respond in the face of such horror.
Lord, we pray for active and effective peace-making at an international political level. May the measured voices of diplomacy constrain violence on every side.
Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy...
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
To donate: Christian Aid. caid.org.uk/middleeast
Tearfund: https://www.tearfund.org
All Saints' Church, Braishfield
All Saints' Church, Braishfield is one of five churches in the United Benefice of Braishfield. It is situated in the Test Valley, close to the town of Romsey.
We are in the Romsey Deanery and part of the Winchester Diocese.
Rector Rev. Tom Benson. ( He is also Priest in charge of St.Peter and St. Paul's Church, Kings Somborne). Our Associate Priest is Revd. Jane Thompson. Our Ordinand Anthony Cross (Priest in Training) . Mr Alan Manners holds the Bishop's Commission for Mission (BCM) and assists with leading worship.
We meet for worship each Sunday and share in services for special days held in other churches in the benefice. Messy Church for families is held on the last Friday of every School Holiday. We have go into Braishfield School with "Open the Book”, sharing a Bible story during Collective Worship a few times each term.
To arrange Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals please contact Benefice Administrator. braishfieldbenefice@gmail.com
Safe Guarding
"The United Benefice of Braishfield is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Winchester’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services."
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow,
that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace,
for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
What to pray for…
There are five areas we can focus our prayers on: for people affected by the violence; for those in leadership positions; for God’s power and love to be revealed through the church; for the wider global impact; and for peace.
Pray for people affected by the violence
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That people still in Ukraine will be protected from the violence; that there will be provision of essential supplies, such as food and clean water. Pray for vulnerable people who cannot flee, for example those with disabilities or the elderly.
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That refugees will find safe places to stay. Pray that host communities will welcome refugees with compassion, and that there will be support for all in need.
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For healing for people who are wounded or have experienced trauma; and comfort for those who are grieving.
Pray for those in positions of leadership
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That leaders on both sides will be filled with compassion, wisdom, calm and a desire for peace.
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That world leaders will balance responding to the injustice of the invasion with seeking ways to build bridges, de-escalate tensions, and restore global security.
Pray for the church
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That the church in the Ukraine, Russia and across the wider region will be a voice for peace; and that they will have the resources they need to help people who are vulnerable.
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That the church and other organisations around the world will have the courage and conviction to speak out against aggression and injustice.
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That God’s power will be revealed through the church in this situation – bringing a message of love and hope in the midst of the darkness.
Pray for the global impact
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The crisis in Ukraine is already leading to a significant rise in the price of food and fuel. It is likely that this will get worse. Economically poorer countries are disproportionately affected by shocks such as this. Pray that food and fuel prices will stabilise, and that provision will be made for countries in a vulnerable position.
Pray for peace
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That there will be an immediate end to the violence – that peace will come sooner than anyone could have expected or hoped for.
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That diplomatic solutions will be found that will lead to lasting peace in the region.
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That people who have fled will be able to return home, and that what has been destroyed will be rebuilt.
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For strength for individuals and organisations in Ukraine, Russia and the region who are working for peace at local, national and regional levels.
‘The Bible can help guide us in prayer – especially in tough situations when it can be difficult to find the right words’