Dear Friends
Praying for our Archbishop
Perhaps we don’t pray for the Archbishop of Canterbury as much as we should! If that’s you, as perhaps it’s me, this would be a good week to pray for her. Following Bishop Sarah Mullally’s formal election to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury in November, the confirmation of her election next Wednesday will mark the official date on which the new Archbishop takes up office. Her Installation as Archbishop of Canterbury will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation.
A very enjoyable evening
Stuart Mackenzie, son of Janet and Hugh and former member of this church, is running the London Marathon in April. You may recall a recent invitation to any in our church family to form a quiz team – a fund-raising event to help Stuart reach his £2000 sponsorship target. Eight of us came together on Saturday evening as a team for a well-organised and much-enjoyed evening which raised £625. I’m also pleased to report that the team from St Nicolas did a decent job!
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
It’s not too late to join the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Meetings take place tomorrow (Friday) 12.00-12.30pm at Bookham Baptist Church and 9.00am on Saturday at Eastwick Road Church. Prayer on Saturday will be followed by coffee and croissants. All are welcome.
Lucy will be joining us this Sunday
Lucy Hicks, who leads the Bookham Youth Project which is funded by three churches including St Nicolas, will be at our 10 o’clock service this Sunday. Lucy will be updating us on the work that she and others are doing with young people in our community. Did you know, for instance, that last Friday in our Pastoral Centre 40 young people were present for the BYouth Drop In? We look forward to welcoming Lucy.
Please do pray for our Parochial Church Council (PCC)
The PCC meets again next Monday evening. As always, the agenda is varied but with two big topics of safeguarding and finance. Those on the PCC have a huge responsibility in trying to make wise decisions which affect much of what we do as a church. Please therefore pray for the PCC members, that the Lord will grant them good listening and much wisdom.
Praying for the Persecuted Church
This year’s World Watch List covers the period from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024. Published annually by Open Doors, it is compiled using extensive local research, expert analysis and independent verification by the International Institute for Religious Freedom. Countries are ranked based on pressure and persecution across six areas of life, including violence, family, church, community, private and national life. Open Doors says the list offers a global snapshot of the severe risks facing millions of Christians worldwide, including imprisonment, displacement, violence and death because of their faith. According to the list, the ten most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian are currently:
1. North Korea
2. Somalia
3. Yemen
4. Sudan
5. Eritrea
6. Syria
7. Nigeria
8. Pakistan
9. Libya
10. Iran
With gratitude to our National Health Service
Over the past couple of months, a good many of you have kindly asked whether I have a date for my gallbladder operation. Until last Friday the answer was ‘no’. However, I am pleased to say that I received a cancellation for Tuesday and am now recuperating at home. This has been a real answer to prayer. Thank you, Lord.
Keeping up to date
Please take time to read our weekly notice sheet which is available both online (click here) and in church. Excerpts from last Sunday’s 10 o'clock service are also available; click here to access.
And finally…
Dear Lord,
We lift before you our brothers and sisters in Christ across the world who face persecution because they follow you.
Give them strength, courage and peace in the midst of fear and suffering.
May they know your presence, your protection and your hope, and may justice, freedom and compassion prevail.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Grace and peace,
Alan
Alan Jenkins
Rector
