Carol Singing – Monday 4th December at 5pm
The Churches in Hackney will be singing carols and sharing the Christmas message at The Narroway, Mare Street, Hackney at 5pm on Monday 4th December for up to an hour. You are very welcome to join in with this.
Christmas Fair for The Listening Place
The Listening Place have got a Christmas Fair on Saturday 25th November between 11am and 2pm at Stoke Newington High Street Methodist Church. Please come along and support this. Donations of nearly new/good quality items, unwanted gifts, plants and raffle prizes etc are requested. Please contact Abena or Yvette for more information
Election for a new Mayor in Hackney
On Thursday 9th November, residents in the London Borough of Hackney will be electing a new mayor. If you are a resident in this borough, make sure you use your vote and let your voice be heard. You will need to take photo ID with you to enable you to have a vote.
A Prayer of Remembrance
God of all, whose commitment to the world knows no end, in this season of remembrance we turn to you our refuge and hope. We acknowledge that you are the source of all justice and peace.
Graciously draw near to us at this time to stir our thinking, deepen our reflections and shape our living.
We remember before you all who have given their lives in the service of others in war. In gratitude we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. May their example of self-giving love be an inspiration to us all.
We hold in your presence those who continue to suffer because of war. Comfort and sustain all who bear the scars and tears of conflict. May we find the wisdom and grace to support one another in times of need.
We commend to your care His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Uphold and guide the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force as they strive to be a force for good in our world. May they be professional and effective in carrying out the tasks required of them.
We seek your peace for all people. Bless and strengthen those from every area of society who are endeavouring to bring an end to injustice, hostilities and conflict. In our peace-making, together may we find courage, resilience and hope.
These prayers are offered in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer by the Revd David Barrett, Deputy Chaplain General for the British Army
Windrush 75 Service on Wednesday 1st November
There is a service to remember Windrush 75 years at Hampden Chapel, Lauriston Road on Wednesday 1st November at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Jumble Sale in aid of The Listening Place
On Saturday 28th October between 11am and 2pm at High Street Methodist Church, Stoke Newington.
The volunteers of The Listening Place are having a jumble sale on Saturday. Please donate good used clothes and bedding, bric a brac, unwanted presents etc – either at the church on Tuesday 24th October between 11am and 1pm or contact Yvette or Abena for more information.
And then come along on Saturday – there will be drinks and cake as well!
Prayers for Israel-Palestine
These prayers have come from the Methodist Church website. There is more information at: Israel-Palestine (methodist.org.uk)
A prayer from the President and Vice-President of Conference
God of peace and compassion,
We pray for all impacted by the escalation in conflict in Israel-Palestine
For all who are mourning
For all who are fearful, today, and for what may lie ahead
For all traumatised and re-traumatised by what they have experienced.
Enable us to stand in solidarity with people of peace
May your Spirit bring peace and healing to your troubled world
Amen.
A prayer from the Methodist Peace Fellowship
Oh Jerusalem, how we long for all peoples to be gathered up under the wings of peace and yet your heart is shattered and your sides pierced by swords of grief.
Beloved city, may mercy and justice walk in your streets and markets, show us how to look into each others eyes with love and equity so that all humanity might die to violence and live to trust our neighbours once again.
Methodist Women in Britain District Day – Saturday 14th October 2023
The District Day for MWiB will take place on Saturday 14th October 10am – 3.30pm at Hinde Street Methodist Church (on the corner of Hinde Street and Thayer Street) W1U 2QJ. Drinks will be served from 10am and worship will start at 10.45am. The afternoon session starts at 2pm and will be the commissioning of the new District MWiB President, Lilla Hercules. The speaker will be Deacon Myrtle Poxon, former Vice President of Conference.
Everyone welcome.
Please bring your lunch. Drinks will be served.
Black History Quiz – Saturday 7th October at 7pm at Stoke Newington High Street
The volunteers from The Listening Place have a Quiz on Saturday 7th October at 7pm.
Minimum donation: £10 to include light refreshments or fish and chips (please let Abena or Yvette know which you would like).
Get your team together or come and join a team on the night.
For catering purposes, please contact 07875 011003 or 07941 342584
October is Black History Month
A Collect for Black History Month – The Church of England
Compassionate God,
who sent Jesus Christ
to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities,
create in us new hearts and enlarged visions,
to see the image of God in every person
irrespective of background, race and ethnicity.
May we be generous in our love of others
as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Prayer written for Black History Month
Spirit of the Living God,
we remember the struggles of our people, black people,
people of African descent,
your people and thank you for your grace,
your love, and your mercy.
We thank you for leaders that you continue to place in high places and ordinary places.
Inspire each of us to work more faithfully for justice and dignity of life everywhere.
Lord God, we remember the hurts of exclusion and prejudice,
but we know that you can raise our vision above all barriers and give us wisdom and courage to make this a better world.
As you give us yourself in the Bread of Hope and the Cup of Mercy – show us how to give ourselves to those who are without hope and to those who cry for mercy.
Lord God, rule over our spirit in this hour that we will live with the freedom of those who trust in you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(adapted from www.prayerist.com/prayer/blackhistorymonth)