Sunday 17th May

Opening prayer

Faithful God,

As we come to you now as individuals in our separate homes that you have provided for us,

we are conscious of another week having past while the world waits for an end to Covid-19.

We thank you for your love for us: love that strengthens us in all our days.

Whenever we call to you, you are already there, wrapping us in your eternal love.

We will not lose heart in any of our troubles or needs,

for we know that you are always with us and will make good your plan for us.

In grace you have given us everything that we have and therefore we will praise you with

our hearts and tell the news of your faithfulness until the whole earth resounds with praise.

In Christs' name we pray,

Amen

Kids Corner

Activity Link:

https://bibleactivitieszone.com/

Giving

Thank you for all your support of Wrington Chapel and its work in the past.

We realise that many people are hard-pressed at the moment, and church may be the last thing on your mind. However, we are looking to the future when we can reopen and support each other in our usual way. Unfortunately, being closed does not mean our expenses are substantially less. If you already have a standing order set up, then thank you. But if you haven't, please consider getting in touch with Steve Osman and setting one up. If that is impossible, please continue to save up your collection money, and we will collect it all together when we reopen. Please note that the rules do not allow us to claim any Gift Aid on collections that are not taken up in church. So do NOT drop collection money off at Steve's house. Simply take out a standing order, or save it up for that great and glorious reopening day.

'Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances'

1 Thessalonians 5 : 17

This past week 10th -16th May was Christian Aid week. There is a link for donations on the Daily Retreat page or you can visit Christian Aids web site. Please pray for the work that they do around the world, needed even more at the moment.

We continue to pray for all on our list and all who are on our hearts and minds at this time.

We ask for your protection over any who are returning to work. Help them when they are feeling anxious about this. Uplift those who can't work and may have worries about their future and we pray for all those who never stopped work and are busier than ever helping the rest of us to live as normally as possible. We give thanks for our teachers, health workers, postmen, shopkeepers, delivery drivers, refuse collectors, farmers and those behind the scenes whose work is still important. For those who are retired and no longer have the concerns of the workplace help us to remember that we are also doing good by staying home and keeping safe.

Pray for families who may be struggling right now with their relationships. Lockdown means many people are spending time together, often in cramped conditions and with the pressures of home schooling, money worries, health concerns.

Pray for all who are still separated from family members through distance or continued need for shielding. Help us to give our families into your hands when we can't be there for them

Our prayer focus this week is Bible Society.

Do have a look at their web site for inspiring stories of how the bible helps us in times like these.

Pray that God will show you ways you can support them.

God of heaven and earth, in these times of isolation,

apart from loved ones distant from friends away from neighbours

thank you that there is nothing in all of creation, not even Coronavirus,

that is able to separate us from your love.

And may your love that never fails continue to be shared

through the kindness of strangers looking out for each other,

for neighbours near and far all recognising our shared vulnerability,

each of us grateful for every breath, and willing everyone to know the gift

of a full and healthy life.

Keep us all in your care.

Amen.

Colossians 3 : 14 - 25

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to carry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Title: 'God's Advice'

We get lots of advice. But is scripture only helpful for spiritual problems, or day-to-day upsets? Today we explore how useful scripture actually is in helping us through each day.