A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019

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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE
METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND

    PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE
    METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND

        PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
Any correspondence and
    corrections regarding this
                                             ABBREVIATIONS:
                                                                                       INTRODUCTION
    publication can be directed to:          MCI
                                                                                       Thank you for using this Prayer Journal. It     In this book you will find information on
                                             Methodist Church in Ireland
                                                                                       is offered to you to help you to pray in a      all aspects of the Methodist Church in
    ‘Prayer Focus’
                                                                                       focused and informed manner for brothers        Ireland so that we can pray specifically for
    Methodist Home Mission                   WMP
                                                                                       and sisters across the Methodist Church in      one another. Alongside this information
    Mayo House, 61 Rathdown Park,            World Mission Partnership
                                                                                       Ireland and those with whom we partner          are prayers which can be used in private
    Terenure, Dublin D6W AD86
                                                                                       beyond these shores.                            or public worship as they are. Our hope
                                             MHM
                                                                                                                                       is that these will be a resource for public
    Email: prayerfocus@irishmethodist.org    Methodist Home Mission
                                                                                       Heather was in a conversation recently          worship and, in particular, that there will
    Web: www.irishmethodist.org/prayer
                                                                                       with two people who had not met                 be a copy of Prayer Focus in every Irish
                                             WDR
                                                                                       previously. On being introduced, one            Methodist pulpit and prayer room. Most
    © 2018 The Methodist Church in Ireland   World Development & Relief
                                                                                       person responded, “Oh I know your name          of the prayers for circuits, districts and
                                                                                       from Prayer Focus.” This Journal is a way       departments have been written by them,
    All rights reserved. Please do not       MWI
                                                                                       of getting to know one another’s names          so they give insight into our deepest
    photocopy (or produce in any way) any    Methodist Women in Ireland
                                                                                       and holding one another in prayer before        longings as a people.
    part of this publication without prior
                                                                                       God.
    permission.                              PCI
                                                                                                                                       “Do not be anxious about anything, but
                                             Presbyterian Church in Ireland
                                                                                       Of course, those who commit to ‘living          in every situation, by prayer and petition,
    Editorial Team:
                                                                                       with gospel focus’ will necessarily be          with thanksgiving, present your requests
    Rhoda Nixon                              IMYC
                                                                                       committed to prayer. As we live in the          to God. And the peace of God, which
    Laura Kerr                               Irish Methodist Youth and Children’s
                                                                                       light of Jesus’ cross we will enjoy prayer as   transcends all understanding, will guard
    George Orr (Proof reading)               Department
                                                                                       grateful communication with our Saviour;        your hearts and your minds in Christ
    Heather Morris
                                                                                       we will be driven to our knees as we pray       Jesus.”
    Doug Edmondson                           TOM
                                                                                       that our desires might be conformed to          (Philippians 4: 6-7).
                                             Team on Mission
                                                                                       God’s desires; as we step out in faith we
    Additional Prayers: Rosemary Fletcher
                                                                                       will rely on prayer that, in the power of the   This Journal comes with the prayer that
    Additional Photos: William Newell        UMC
                                                                                       Spirit, we might be courageous.                 we will devote ourselves to prayer.
    Design and Layout: Dan McKinney          United Methodist Church
                                             (usually referring to Methodism in USA)
                                                                                       So, we encourage you to use this Journal        Heather, Doug and Rhoda
                                             When a capital C is used in Church, it
                                                                                       daily in your personal prayer times and in
                                             is to denote a national denomination.
                                                                                       corporate prayer.
                                             COLOUR LEGEND
                                               World Mission Partnership

                                                                                                                 THREE VITAL BOOKS
                                               Committees/Schools/
                                               Departments/Chaplaincies
                                               Districts/Circuits/ Congregations/
                                               Pioneer Mission
                                               World Development & Relief
                                                                                       Read the BOOK                   Sing the BOOK                     Pray the BOOK
                                                                                             BIBLE                         SONGS                      PRAYER FOCUS

                                                                                                                  A sign in Dundrum Methodist Church

                                                                                       Methodist Home Mission, Mayo House, 61 Rathdown Park, Terenure, Dublin D6W AD86
                                                                                       Tel: (01) 5580978; Email: mhm@irishmethodist.org; Web: www.irishmethodist.org/prayer

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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRESIDENT’S LETTER                                                                          LAY LEADER’S LETTER
                                                Living with Gospel Focus                                             ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. If your
                                                – the God we look to.                                                eyes are healthy, your whole body will
                                                                                                                     be full of light’ Matthew 6: 22 (NIV).
                                                Acts Chapter 4: vv 29-31 tells us about
                                                opposition the apostles faced as they                                The mobile device pings…a message
                                                went about spreading the gospel of Jesus                             pops up…. we’re talking to one friend
                                                Christ. A blind man was healed and the                               and texting another...These days our
                                                religious authorities had Peter and John                             attention is often divided and it’s easy to
                                                punished for healing in the name of                                  be distracted. The news is often bad and
                                                Jesus. But how did they respond to such                              it’s easy to become downhearted.
                                                opposition and persecution?
                                                                                                                     That’s why, as a body, it’s so important to
                                                They returned to their friends and shared                            draw on our relationship with God and our
                                                what they had suffered for Christ. Luke                              companionship in Christ, to be reminded
                                                says, “When they heard this, they lifted                             of things that centre us and lift our spirits.
                                                their voices together in prayer to God.”                             Prayer Focus can help here. How good
    The Rev. Billy Davison                      “Sovereign Lord”, they said, “you made          Mrs Lynda Neilands   to have in our hands a booklet that
                                                the heavens and the earth and the sea,                               encourages us to take time in God’s
                                                and everything in them.” He continues,                               presence, to be still and breathe in his
                                                in v 29, “Now Lord, consider their threats                           love – a booklet that provides us with
                                                and enable your servants to speak your                               content, guidance and a daily pattern for
                                                word with great boldness.”                                           our prayers.

                                                It would have been easy for the disciples                            A small child once said to her
                                                to focus on their circumstances and                                  grandmother: ‘Granny, if God lives in us
                                                difficulties. They could have been                                   and God is bigger than we are – should
                                                discouraged and even depressed as                                    God not be showing through?’
                                                events unfolded. However, they focused
                                                on the gospel, and the certainty of God’s                            Our prayer life - our talking and listening
                                                faithfulness strengthened them as they                               to God - is the tonic that keeps us
                                                prayed. This illustrates my theme of                                 spiritually resilient and ready to meet
                                                ‘Living with Gospel Focus’ by fixing our                             challenges with faith. So, may we take it
                                                gaze upon God’s love, power and grace                                daily, may our spiritual eyes be healthy,
                                                through scripture and prayer. He calls us                            may this Church body be filled with
                                                to focus on him and his amazing resources                            light and may our wonderful God show
                                                of power and strength for every occasion.                            through.

                                                Billy                                                                Lynda

The additional prayers, written by Mrs Rosemary Fletcher, are based on the President’s theme:
   “Living with Gospel Focus, leading to Growing Faith, Living Hope, Genuine Love.”

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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                    Ireland and overseas and for their families
                                                    as they give them essential support as
                                                                                                  Superintendents and the Connexional
                                                                                                  Team as they train and prepare. Amen.
                                                    they fulfil busy schedules. We pray for
    DAY 1                                           David Nixon, our President Designate, that
                                                                                                  STATIONING COMMITTEE
                                                    you may guide him in the coming year
                                                    of preparation for the office of President.   The Stationing Committee is
    TRUSTEES OF THE METHODIST                       We beseech you to bless all who provide       responsible for consulting and then
                                                                                                  bringing proposals to the Conference as
    CHURCH AND OFFICE OF THE                        servant leadership throughout your Church
                                                                                                  to the appropriate matching between
                                                    so that your mission becomes more and
    SECRETARY OF CONFERENCE                         more our mission. Amen.                       ministers and circuits.
    The Trustees have oversight of the                                                            President: Billy Davison
    investments and other financial                                                               Secretary: Tom McKnight
    functions of the Church.                        GENERAL COMMITTEE
    Secretary: Tom McKnight                         The General Committee acts as a                                                               TRUSTEES OFFICE
    Treasurers: David Mullan, Irene Dickson         management committee on any                   PRAYER: Loving Lord, we remember all            The Secretary of Conference, the
    Chief Financial Officer: Gillian Laney          aspects of our life together, and also        those on the Stationing Committee. We           Rev Dr Tom McKnight, and the
    Human Resources and Payroll:                    encourages and guides strategic               pray that they would sense your leading         Chief Financial Officer, Mrs. Gillian Laney
    Gillian Skillen                                 thinking around the mission to which          and guiding as they meet, discuss, discern
    Office Staff:                                   God calls us.                                 and consult. May they be prompted by
    Donna Ahrens, Carol Gilmore                     President: Billy Davison                      your Holy Spirit and may there be a real
                                                    Lay Leader: Lynda Neilands                    sense of your guiding presence among
                                                    Secretary: Tom McKnight                       them. We pray for those ministers and
    PRAYER: Gracious Lord, we give you              General Purposes Fund Ministerial             their families who will be stationed and for
    thanks for all those who support the work       Secretary: Jeremy Nicoll                      the circuits who will be receiving them. Be
    of the Church through prayer, time and          General Purposes Fund Lay Secretary:          at work among us we pray. Amen.
    finances. As the Trustees of the Methodist      John Carson
    Church make decisions regarding the use
    of property and money, we ask that all                                                        FAITH AND ORDER
    their decisions would be for your glory         PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we ask               COMMITTEE
    and for the extension of the Kingdom. We        that you continue to lead and guide the       The Faith and Order Committee
    ask that as a Church you would give us          members of the General Committee,             scrutinises and makes recommendations
    that sense of your mission and a desire to      that they will make wise and Spirit-led       regarding any doctrinal statements and
    serve others. We ask for your blessing on       decisions which will equip the Church to      documents to be issued in the name of
    the work of the staff in the Trustees’ Office   reach outwards and serve others. May          the Church and considers and makes
    and on the Secretary of Conference. In          they rise to the challenges before them       recommendations concerning any                  PRESIDENT DESIGNATE
    Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.                      with perseverance and hope. As your           revision in orders of worship.                  The Rev. David Nixon
                                                    people, give them confidence to live and      Joint Chairs:
    We continue to uphold John Stephens             speak for you. Through Christ our Lord.       Billy Davison and Fergus O’Ferrall
    and his wife Gillian and family, and pray       Amen.                                         Convener: David Turtle
    for his health and healing. Amen.
                                                    CONNEXIONAL STRUCTURE                         PRAYER: Our Heavenly Father, we
    PRESIDENT, LAY LEADER AND                       Conference agreed a move to a new             praise you that through the ages you
                                                    Connexional Structure, with three             have guided your Church. We pray that
    PRESIDENT DESIGNATE                             Districts and three full-time District        the Faith and Order Committee will
    President: Billy Davison                        Superintendents, who will begin this          experience the strong leading of the Holy
    Lay Leader: Lynda Neilands                      work in July 2019.                            Spirit as they continue to consider difficult
    President Designate: David Nixon                Southern District: Andrew Dougherty           and complex issues. As the committee do
                                                    North Western District: Stephen Skuce         their work, give them listening ears that
    PRAYER: Gracious and loving Father,             North Eastern District: Philip Agnew          they may hear your voice, and so offer
    we pray for our President, Billy, and for our                                                 guidance to our Connexion which will help       FAITH AND ORDER COMMITTEE
    Lay Leader, Lynda: may they be imbued           PRAYER: Lord, we pray that the new            us to walk in your paths. Amen.                 Symposium Day
    with your Holy Spirit as they lead your         Connexional Structure will resource
    Church to serve your mission. We pray           the work of the Church. We pray for
    for safe travel for them as they travel in      your blessing on the nominated District

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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                 PRAYER: Dear Lord, help this circuit to
                                                  constantly discover new avenues of service
                                                                                               Church Development & Youth Pastor:
                                                                                               Dave Gardner
                                                                                               Youth Volunteers:
     DAY 2
                                                  for every member or attendee. Give new
                                                  opportunities to further your Kingdom and    Carissa Smith, Amy Bergvall
                                                  inspire them with new ways in which they

     DUBLIN DISTRICT
                                                  can make known your love. Amen.              PRAYER: Lord God, thank you for the
                                                                                               ministry of David Nixon. We pray for Ivor
     The Dublin District incorporates             DUBLIN CENTRAL MISSION                       as he adjusts to the rhythm of this circuit.
     counties Dublin, Wicklow and Wexford.
     It stretches 130 kilometres from
                                                  INCLUDING ABBEY ST,                          Lord, we live in a country where many
     Skerries, a seaside town, to Gorey, a        BLANCHARDSTOWN                               people are turning away from you and           DUBLIN DISTRICT

     market town.                                 AND LUCAN                                    from the message of the gospel. Help your      Farewell to the Revs Cheryl Patterson and
                                                                                                                                              Alan Wardlow
     District Superintendent:                     A welcoming family, rich in diversity,       people in Skerries, Sutton and Clontarf
     Andrew Doughery                              one in Christ, prayerfully seeking to        Societies to be courageous in making a
     District Secretary: Ivor Owens               love and serve.                              stand for you. By your Holy Spirit enable
                                                  Superintendent Minister:                     them to share the gospel with those they
                                                  Laurence Graham (Abbey St)                   meet daily on their frontlines. Grant them
     PRAYER: Lord God, we pray for the            Minister: Tawanda Sungai                     wisdom, guidance, discernment, patience,
     Rev. Tawanda Sungai and family as they       (Blanchardstown and Lucan)                   love and compassion as they seek to shine
     settle into life in Ireland and as Tawanda   Abbey Street Pastoral Assistant:             your light in a dark world. In Jesus’ name
     ministers in Blanchardstown, Lucan and       Avril Carroll                                we pray. Amen.
     within the Zimbabwean Fellowships.           Abbey Street Centre Manager:
     Remind all the people called Methodist       Graham Caswell                               ONE MISSION
     on the Dublin District that it is easy to    Care of the Older Person CEO:                Several departments and organisations
     talk of being your people; though much       David Reynolds                               within the Methodist Church in Ireland
     harder to live that out. Equip them and      Director of Care, Mount Tabor Nursing        who are explicitly concerned with              DUBLIN CENTRAL MISSION
     enable them to respond to that challenge,    Home: Najamol Natarajan                      mission have covenanted to work                Welcoming President Higgins to Abbey Street
     and reach out to others, not simply other    Director of Sheltered Housing:               together and have agreed: ‘Recognising         at Christmas, 2017
     believers, nor merely in words, but to       Caroline Casserly-Farrar                     that God’s mission is one, we commit
     all people, and through actions that         Financial Controller: Karena O’Sullivan      our various departments to working
     speak unmistakably of their sincerity and
                                                                                               together.’
     unconditional love. Amen.
                                                  PRAYER: Father God, we pray that
                                                  Dublin Central Mission would always be       It was the ‘One Mission’ team who
     DUBLIN SOUTH CITY,                           a place where everyone is really seen. In    organised the ‘ALL IN’ Conference
     INCLUDING CENTENARY,                         Sheltered Housing complexes, Nursing         last April. It is exciting to see how this
     DUBLIN KOREAN CHURCH                         Home, vibrant church congregations,          partnership is growing as we learn
     AND RATHGAR                                  in the busy community centre at Abbey        together and share the stories of what
     Centenary is a city church in the centre     Street and on the streets of Dublin city     God is doing here and around the
     of Dublin, seeking to ‘receive God’s         centre among homeless people, may            world.
     love and share it with others’. Dublin       people see Jesus in DCM’s work. As we                                                       DUBLIN NORTH
     Korean Church seeks to be a place of         give thanks for the Rev. Ken Lindsay’s       PRAYER: Father, we rejoice that you            Clontarf, 24/7 Prayer Room
     welcome for Korean and other Asian           ministry we especially pray for the Rev.     invite us to make your mission our mission.
     expatriates and students living in           Tawanda Sungai and his family moving         May Church departments strive together
     Dublin. Rathgar continues to strengthen      from Zimbabwe and for Lucan Society as it    to make your name known across the
     its local ecumenical ties and to open its    joins the DCM Circuit. Amen.                 world. May they pray for, and seek and
     doors to the local community.                                                             embrace opportunities to share your
     Superintendent Minister:                     DUBLIN NORTH INCLUDING                       gospel in word and deed. May they
     Andrew Dougherty                             SUTTON, CLONTARF                             learn from brothers and sisters and share
     Minister in Part-time Appointment to
     the Dublin Korean Church:
                                                  AND SKERRIES                                 that learning so that we may be a truer
                                                  A diverse church family seeking to           reflection of you as a Church and as
     Yongnam Park
                                                  glorify God, grow in faith and share his     individuals. Amen.
     Retired Minister Assisting:
                                                  love with those in our communities.
     Vanessa Wyse Jackson                         Minister: Ivor Owens                                                                        ONE MISSION
                                                                                                                                              The band leading worship at the ALL IN
10                                                                                                                                            Conference in Newry
A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                   DUBLIN WEST (TALLAGHT)
                                                    A welcoming society, rich in diversity,
                                                                                                  METHODIST WOMEN
                                                                                                  IN IRELAND
                                                    Spirit led, prayerfully seeking to
     DAY 3                                          witness God’s love to one another and
                                                                                                  Mission Statement -
                                                                                                  “To know Christ and make him known.”
                                                    to their community.                           There are approximately 1,900 amazing
                                                    Superintendent Minister:                      ladies meeting around this island under
                                                    Andrew Dougherty                              the banner of MWI.
                                                                                                  All-Ireland President:
                                                    PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for        Elizabeth McWatters
                                                    your faithful love. Enable Tallaght church    General Secretary: Liz MacBean
                                                    community to be a prayerful people,           General Treasurer: Barbara Fennell
                                                                                                  World Mission Secretary: Mamie Davis       WORLD DEVELOPMENT & RELIEF
                                                    listening for your ‘still small voice’. May
                                                    your Holy Spirit move powerfully amongst      World Federation President:                Some of the 84 people who took part in the
                                                                                                  Alison Judd                                2018 Belfast Marathon in support of WDR
                                                    them. Give them a vision for your Church
                                                    and a longing to bring glory to Christ and    World Federation European Area
                                                    be a light in their community. Empower        President: Louise Wilson
                                                    them to be your ears, hands and voices as
     METHODIST WORLD                                they journey with you. Amen.                  PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we pray
     DEVELOPMENT &                                                                                for all the Methodist ladies in Ireland,
     RELIEF (WDR)                                   DUBLIN SOUTH (DUNDRUM)                        and their witness. We ask your guidance
                                                    We exist to glorify the Father, Son           on Elizabeth as President, and on the
     WDR shows Christ’s love by
                                                    and Spirit, by being loving, vibrant          general officers as they prepare for the
     becoming partners in change with
                                                    witnesses in our local communities and        restructuring into three new districts.
     local development organisations and
                                                    personal living.                              We give thanks for the success of the
     empowering people and communities
                                                    Minister: Stephen Taylor                      President’s project which enabled
     to deliver projects with a long-term and
                                                    Chaplain, Wesley College: Nigel Mackey        members of the World Federation from
     sustainable focus.
                                                    Youth Pastor: Joel Herman                     poorer Eastern European countries to       DUBLIN WEST
     Convener: David Nixon
                                                    Lay Pastoral Assistant:                       attend our area seminar in June 2018       Seder Passover Meal
     Treasurer: Jonny Best
                                                                                                  and ask your blessing on our new
     Secretary: Beth Hand                           Christine O’Connor
                                                                                                  project which follows up on the World
     World Development Officer:
                                                                                                  Development Sustainable Goals. We
     Tim Dunwoody                                   SANDYMOUNT UNITED                             thank you for the friendships made with
     Administration and Communications              PRESBYTERIAN/METHODIST                        our sisters in Myanmar and ask your
     Officer: Laura Kerr                            Living gratefully, simply, generously and     blessings on them as we continue to work
                                                    well, where God has placed us.                with them. Lord, you have called MWI
     PRAYER: Almighty God, we praise and            Superintendent Minister:                      members to serve your world; may they
     thank you for your amazing generosity          Laurence Graham                               be your ears, eyes, hands and voice, and
     towards us. Thank you for the opportunity      Minister: Katherine Meyer (Presbyterian)      may the living Christ journey with them.
     which WDR gives us to be generous                                                            Amen.
     in our love for our brothers and sisters       PRAYER: God, you love all that you
     in other parts of your world. May our          have made. Bless our joyfully boisterous
     partners be generous as they share their       and prayerfully thoughtful weekly
     knowledge, experience and time with their      gatherings, and then send us out to the
     communities and work together to find          many places where you are ever at work
     solutions to their problems. May the WDR       for the good of us all, that we may join
     committee be generous with their time          you there. May it be so! Amen.
     and wisdom as they continue to build the                                                     Celtic circling prayer
     relationships with our partners. May we,
     as WDR supporters, be generous with our                                                      Circle me Lord. Keep peace                 METHODIST WOMEN IN IRELAND
     resources and time: resources to support
     the work and time to pray for our brothers                                                   within, keep harm without. Keep            Mrs Louise Wilson and Mrs Elizabeth McWatters

     and sisters who, like us, are so precious to                                                 love within, keep hate without.
     you. Amen.                                                                                   Amen.
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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                SOUTH-EAST LEINSTER
                                                 INCLUDING DUN LAOGHAIRE,
     DAY 4                                       BRAY, WICKLOW, ARKLOW
                                                 AND GOREY                                     IRISH METHODIST YOUTH
                                                 The South-East Leinster Circuit has seen      AND CHILDREN’S
                                                 much change and transition; however,          DEPARTMENT (IMYC)
                                                 the presence and power of God have            IMYC is responsible for youth and              SOUTH EAST LEINSTER
                                                 been constant, for which we are               children’s work in the Methodist Church        Celebrating the Christmas story with children
                                                 thankful.                                     in Ireland.                                    from Gorey Methodist Church
                                                 Superintendent Minister: David Nixon          Team Leader: Gillian Gilmore
                                                 Ministers: Mark Forsyth (Bray & Wicklow);     Youth: Lisa Best, Gemma Barclay
                                                 Katherine Kehoe (Arklow & Gorey)              Children: Janette McCormick, Nicky Blair
                                                                                               Training and Development: Leanne Hill
     WORLD MISSION                               PRAYER: Unchanging God, we praise             Administrator: Liza Wiseman
                                                 you for your work throughout this circuit.    Communications: Michael Sloan
     PARTNERSHIP (WMP)                           Thank you for the ministries of Alan and      Safeguarding: Nicky Blair
     Vision: Together, sharing Christ            Cheryl. We pray for David, Mark and
     around the world
     General Secretary: Laurence Graham
                                                 Katherine as they settle into life and        PRAYER: Father God, today we place
                                                 ministry on this circuit. Please strengthen   into your hands a generation of young
     Lay Treasurer: Ian Patterson                these churches’ relationships with one        people and children connected, and not
     Ministerial Treasurer: Peter Murray         another; encourage unity in their mission     yet connected, to our church communities.      URBAN JUNCTION
     World Mission Partnership Officer:          and enlarge their vision. Give this circuit   We thank you for the passion and               Lamp Restoration Project Complete!
     Tim Dunwoody                                a boldness to serve, and a passion to         enthusiasm that young people and
     Administration and Communications           worship you. May your Kingdom come,           children bring to our communities of faith
     Officer: Laura Kerr                         and your will be done in these societies.     and pray that they would be secure in,
                                                 Amen.                                         and find rest in, your love. Father, give
     PRAYER: God, thank you for our world                                                      wisdom, boldness and creativity to those
     and each person in it. Thank you for the    URBAN JUNCTION,                               who serve young people and children
     opportunity we have within MCI to be        BLACKROCK                                     each week and to the staff of IMYC as they
     part of a World Mission Partnership which   Superintendent Minister:                      support and resource them. Amen.
     seeks to share the Good News of Jesus       Heather Morris
     across the world by partnering in mission   Urban Junction Leader: Simon Kilpatrick       TEAM ON MISSION (TOM)
     with people, churches and projects where    Missional Community Leader:                   TOM is the gap year programme of the
     resources are scarce. Bless, guide and      Belinda Briggs                                Methodist Church in Ireland for 18- to
     inspire the WMP team as they facilitate     Teaching Ministry: Michael Briggs             25-year-olds. The mission has been, and        IMYC STAFF TEAM
     this two-way mission and encourage us       Voluntary Youth Intern: Tara Redmond          always will be, to answer the call of          Nicky Blair, Liza Wiseman, Lisa Best, Gillian
     to graciously give and learn from seeing                                                  Jesus – to love God and others and to          Gilmore, Janette McCormick, Leanne Hill,
     you at work with our partners around the                                                  make disciples, through work among             Gemma Barclay and Michael Sloan
     world. Amen.                                PRAYER: Father, we pray for the Men’s
                                                 Shed started at Urban Junction. Thank         young people and children across this
                                                 you for all those who have joined, keen to    island.
                                                 work on DIY projects together and make
                                                 new friends. We pray for the leadership as    PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we praise
                                                 they work alongside the Council to secure     and thank you for the love that you have
                                                 a patch of ground to create a Community       for your people. We pray that as TOM30
                                                 Garden alongside the Shed. Thank you for      journey through this year you will guide
                                                 your faithfulness to us, Lord. Amen.          them and strengthen them in their faith in
                                                                                               you. We pray that you will work through
                                                                                               them to impact and challenge those they
                                                                                               work with to live a life for you. Unite them
                                                                                               as a team, give them safety in travel and      TEAM ON MISSION
          GLOBAL MISSION VOLUNTEERS                                                            energy for what this year holds for them,      Natalie Cavanagh, Ben McGurk,
          Carlos, Nyasha, Dorcas and Neo                                                       for your glory. Amen.                          Jodie Walker and Peter McCrea
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A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                   PRAYER: God of justice and grace, we
                                                    pray for our healthcare and prison systems
                                                                                                 PROPERTY BOARD
                                                                                                 The Property Board offers advice and
                                                                                                 guidance in the planning of property-
     DAY 5
                                                    and all who work in them. We uphold
                                                    those who search for hope and healing,       related issues. It has a responsibility
                                                    that they may find the comfort and peace     to protect the interests of circuits and
                                                    of the Saviour. We pray that all who face    the Connexion through scrutinising and
     CHURCH DEVELOPMENT                             the challenges of change may find the        assessing plans and proposals.
     BOARD                                          grace and enduring love of Jesus. Bless      Chair: Colin Duncan.
     The Board supports and coordinates the         the various chaplaincy ministries, in the    Secretary: John Beacom
     work undertaken by our Home Mission            knowledge that what is done for others is    Ministerial Treasurer: Thomas Clarke
     Department, Property Board, Pioneer            done for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.          Lay Treasurer: Keith Irvine                   CHURCH DEVELOPMENT BOARD
     Mission Committee and the Prison and                                                                                                      Executive Committee Members
     Healthcare Chaplaincy Committee. It                                                         PRAYER: Lord, may all with
     seeks to encourage every opportunity                                                        responsibility for property be diligent
     for development that can enhance                                                            stewards of the resources you have placed
     our witness and service through the                                                         into our care. We thank you for those who
     Connexion.                                                                                  serve as Property Stewards, and on District
     Chairperson: David Twyble                                                                   Property Committees and the Property
                                                                                                 Board. Across our Connexion, guide
     PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we rejoice                                                         all who are charged with the upkeep,
     in you, the rock of our salvation and the      METHODIST HOME                               maintenance and developing of buildings
                                                                                                 of all types. Help us to have in our hearts
     sure ground of our faith. We thank you         MISSION (MHM)                                that our buildings are a means to mission,
     that you have raised up the people called      The Home Mission Department exists
     Methodists in our land and for the many                                                     worship and service. Amen.
                                                    to help districts, circuits and local
     opportunities before us at this time for       congregations to glorify God in every
     the growth and development of your             aspect of their life.                        THE METHODIST CHURCH
     Church. We pray for the ongoing work           General Secretary & Ministerial              LATVIA (WMP)
     of the Church Development Board and            Treasurer: Heather Morris                    The Church was closed down for 50
     particularly for the Executive Committee       Lay Treasurer: Doug Edmondson                years by the occupying, atheistic Soviet
     that meets at least five times a year. Grant   Office Administrator: Rhoda Nixon            regime. It is a Church whose focus is
     to all involved with the work of the Board     Project Workers:                             on Christ as their strength in creating a
     clarity of vision, wisdom and discernment,     Kathryn Harte and Simon Kilpatrick           deep desire to care for the overlooked
     grace and courage as they seek to be                                                        in society.
     faithful in the service of your Kingdom.
     Amen.                                          PRAYER: Loving God, we pray for the
                                                    Methodist Church in Ireland. Would you       PRAYER: O God our Father, we pray
                                                    place in our hearts a longing for you;       for the Latvian Methodist Church. We
                                                    deepen our commitment to you that            pray for men to fill leadership roles and     PROPERTY BOARD
                                                    we might obey you joyfully; and give         for ministry among the youth. Holy Spirit,    Work being carried out on the Living Rooms
                                                                                                 touch lives at Camp Wesley. May grace,        Project, Ballymena
                                                    us courage to serve you and others. In
     PRISON AND HEALTHCARE                          the power of your Spirit we pray that we     love and practical help be given to those
     CHAPLAINCY COMMITTEE                           would be your disciples every day, in our    who come to the Hope Centre. You are a
     To support and promote Christian               homes, work and neighbourhoods, and          God who provides and so we pray for the
     chaplaincy ministries of healing, care         that your life would be seen in our lives.   finances needed to engage in outreach in
     and restoration among vulnerable               We hold our communities before you,          communities. We pray for Edgars Sneiders
     people.                                        praying for blessing for them and that       (the District Superintendent) and for Gunta
     Chairperson: John Warren                       many would come to know Jesus. We            Grina Soluguba, as she ministers in Tasi
     Secretary: Derek Johnston                      remember the work of the Home Mission        and Liepaja. God, continue to move in
     Healthcare Sunday is normally a Sunday         Department. At this time of transition       Latvia, to save souls as the congregations
     near to St Luke’s Day                          would you give its workers wisdom and        honour you. Amen.
     (18th October 2018)                            discernment that they might see your
                                                    ways and walk in them. We pray in Jesus’                                                   METHODIST CHURCH LATVIA
     Prisons Week NI is 14th - 20th October                                                                                                    Visitors from the Methodist Church Latvia with
     2018                                           name. Amen.
                                                                                                                                               the Rev. Dr Laurence Graham
     See www.prisonsweek.org
16
A PRAYER JOURNAL FOR THE METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND - PRAYER FOCUS 2018/2019
PRAYER FOCUS                                  MULTI-ETHNIC
                                                   CONGREGATIONS
                                                                                                 UNIVERSITY AND
                                                                                                 COLLEGE CHAPLAINS
     DAY 6                                                                                       Queen’s University Belfast:
                                                                                                 Barry Forde
                                                   PRAYER: Jesus, teach us your way of           Ulster University
                                                   peace. Teach us to embrace difference         (Belfast and Jordanstown): Gail Mercer
     MISSION PARTNERS (WMP)                        and cherish unity. Teach us that your         Ulster University (Coleraine):
     Mervyn and Raing McCullagh                    Kingdom includes all people. Enable us        Stephen Woods
     Mission partners serving as programme,        to grow in respect and understanding.         University College (Cork):
     partnership and strategy consultants          Help us to be communities of trust and        Andrew Robinson
     with the National Christian Council of        acceptance. Give us grace to be open to       Trinity College Dublin: Julian Hamilton        MISSION PARTNERS
     Sri Lanka (NCCSL).                            encounter and listening, And may your         University College (Dublin): Scott Evans       Mervyn and Raing McCullagh
                                                   Kingdom come on earth as in heaven.           (Church of Ireland Chaplain) pastors
     PRAYER: Gracious God, we give you             Amen.                                         Methodist students
     thanks for the opportunities that Mervyn                                                    University College (Galway):
     and Raing have to share in the work of        WDR PARTNER                                   Helen Freeburn
     NCCSL. We pray for the Council as it          EAST JERUSALEM YMCA                           University College (Limerick):
     seeks a peaceful and reconciled society       East Jerusalem YMCA is a vibrant              Vicki Lynch
     where all can live together in dignity,       member of the Palestinian social
     equality, security and with mutual respect,   movement and has a vision of                  PRAYER: Loving God, we pray for all
     believing that all people can be reconciled   community, based upon the universal           who minister on university campuses
     one with another, without fear and holding    values of human dignity, peace and            throughout the island. We ask that
     no animosity, hatred or suspicion in their    justice. East Jerusalem YMCA works            your light would shine in these places
     hearts. We pray for the present and future    amongst those with disabilities,              of learning and growth, change and             MULTI-ETHNIC CONGREGATIONS
     leadership of the Churches in Sri Lanka       offering vocational training, personal        opportunity. May those who minister in         Baby Angela Adade is dedicated in Clontarf
     that they would be true servant leaders,      development and advocating for social         the role of chaplain sense your life, your     Methodist Church by the Rev. David Nixon
     witnessing to your Kingdom. We pray           change.                                       light, your hope and your purpose in
     especially for Mervyn and Raing, that they                                                  those amongst whom they live. We pray
     would be full of God’s love for each other    PRAYER: Father, the Holy Land is far          for all involved in caring for, educating,
     and all those around them as they serve       from holy. We ask for peace in Palestine      and forming the lives of students: may
     you in Sri Lanka. Amen.                       and Israel so that there can be justice and   they know your strength and patience,
                                                   equality for all. Thank you for the beacon    wisdom and inspiration.Finally, we pray
     MINISTRY OF HEALING                           of hope and practical help that is the        for the students of this land, that they, in
     COMMITTEE                                     YMCA. We think of its rehabilitation work     all the moments of campus life, its joys
     The Committee exists to promote and           with those who suffer disability; for its     and pleasures as well as its troubles and
     facilitate the ministry of healing across     rights work with those who are oppressed      anxieties, will know and live under your
     the Connexion.                                and experience discrimination; and for        peace. Amen.
     Chair: Colin Duncan                           its livelihoods work with those who are
     Secretary: Chris Mathison                     dependent upon others. Protect and                                                           EAST JERUSALEM YMCA
                                                   inspire Nader Abu Amsha as he leads the                                                      Children playing
     PRAYER: We acknowledge before you,            team. Amen.
     heavenly Father, that Jesus is the healer
     and our healing ministry is his work. We
     ask for healing of all who are broken and
     sick, that Jesus may bind wounds and
     make whole bodies, minds and spirits. We
     pray for all who are called to, and engage
                                                   ‘The Lord is compassionate and
     with, this ministry in its various aspects.   gracious, slow to anger and
     Amen.                                         abounding in love’. Psalm 103:8

                                                   Hallelujah! We praise your
                                                   name, O Lord. Amen.                                          GAIL MERCER
                                                                                                                                                UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE CHAPLAINS
                                                                                                                                                Students having fun
18
PRAYER FOCUS                                  and demonstrating your love for them;
                                                   and for the partnership with Carlow
                                                                                                 presence may pervade all aspects of the
                                                                                                 lives of those whom they meet. Gracious
                                                   Women’s Aid. Help the members of this         God, help us all to turn again and follow
     DAY 7                                         circuit as they seek to be a safe place for   your path, the way of righteousness, to
                                                   all and to reach out to others, both near     our journey’s end. Amen.
                                                   and far, with the love of Christ. Amen.
     MIDLANDS AND                                                                                MISSION PARTNERS (WMP)
     SOUTHERN DISTRICT                             WATERFORD                                     Barry and Gillian Sloan
     The district extends from Galway              To serve the present age                      Barry is working as Director of
     to Athlone to Carlow and includes             Minister: Sahr Yambasu                        Evangelism at national level in                MIDLANDS AND SOUTHERN
     everything South and West. It is a large      Gateway Centre Manager: Tom Hosford           Germany. Gillian (full-time) and Barry         Volunteers serving others at the National
                                                                                                                                                Ploughing Championship
     geographical district with 10 Societies       Circuit Steward: Ken McCormick                (part-time) are involved in ‘Inspire‘, an
     and many faithful, committed members.         Global Mission Fellows Program UMC:           interdenominational fresh expression of
     District Superintendent: Denis Maguire        Dorcas Zhang (China)                          Church in Chemnitz, Germany.
     District Secretary: Paul Maxwell
                                                   PRAYER: We thank you, God, for the            PRAYER: Loving God, we ask your
     PRAYER: Gracious God, we pray                 ongoing ministry and mission of Waterford     blessing upon Barry and Gillian’s ministry
     for the Midlands & Southern District          Church and Gateway Centre; their youth        in Inspire, a fresh expression of Church
     and all its faithful societies. We thank      missionary from China, Dorcas Zhang,          in Chemnitz. Grant them courage and
     you for the emergence and continued           and her work; all the children and youth      wisdom to lead, grace and humility to
     growth of multi-cultural congregations        leaders; the phase two building works         serve, and, in all things, love. May your
     in Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Killarney     which have started; Tom Hosford the           Spirit of renewal continue to breathe new
     and elsewhere. We thank you for the           Centre manager; the Circuit Steward           life into the Inspire community and those
     commitment and dedication of ministers,       Ken McCormick, the Gateway Centre             it seeks to serve. Almighty God, we also       WATERFORD
     both those retired and those stationed        Board, the church committee and all the       ask you to bless and anoint Barry’s work       Mount Sion Secondary Boys’ Choir and some
     on this district: Lord, guide them by         members of our community. May all know        as Director of Evangelism for the German       members of St. Patrick’s Church
     your Spirit and grant them safe travel        your loving and merciful guidance as they     Church. In Christ’s name, and for his glory.
     as they journey over long distances.          seek to fulfil your mission, in the name of   Amen.
     We pray for the ministry of the Food          Christ. Amen.
     Pantry, Carlow, offering practical help to
     those in need. Bless the work of ‘City of     NORTH TIPPERARY, INCLUDING
     Sanctuary’ in Waterford that it may be        ROSCREA, CLOUGHJORDAN,
     a place of sanctuary for all. We pray for
     the community using Central Buildings         BORRISOKANE, AND                              ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
     in Limerick. Lord, we give thanks for the     SHINRONE                                      good news of great joy…..a
                                                   Our hope is to help others in the
     ministry of Funky Fish Café which closed in
                                                   community connect with Christ as we
                                                                                                 Saviour has been born to you:
     June. We thank God for Keith and all the
                                                   support one another with love and             he is Christ the Lord’
     volunteers who served so faithfully over                                                                                                   NORTH TIPPERARY
     12 years. Grant all your vison for ministry   grace. Through this, our discipleship is      Luke 2:10,11                                   Some of Roscrea congregation enjoying a
     across this district. Amen.                   strengthened, and it makes the world a                                                       Sunday afternoon together
                                                   better place.                                 Thank you, Lord, that the
     KILKENNY AND CARLOW                           Minister: Shannon DeLaureal
                                                   Retired Minister Assisting:
                                                                                                 gospel of Jesus Christ is good
     Two churches seeking to serve and                                                           news for all people. Thank
     share God with the wider community.           Tom Kingston
     Minister: Paul Maxwell
                                                                                                 you that the gospel is about
                                                   PRAYER: Loving Lord, we thank you             salvation, rescue, freedom and
     PRAYER: Loving Lord, you love us with         for the spirit of love and cooperation that   forgiveness. Thank you that
     a generous, extravagant and undeserved        flows throughout the churches of this         the gospel brings joy. It lifts us
     love. We thank you for the Food Pantry        circuit. Help the members, dear Father,       above the circumstances of our
                                                   to continue to work together in your
     in Carlow which seeks to model Christ by
                                                   name, so that ecumenism may prosper,
                                                                                                 lives to bring a lightness to our
     coming alongside families in need in the
                                                   and through them, the feeling of your         hearts. Help us to live today
     community, providing practical assistance
                                                                                                 in the joy and freedom of the                  MISSION PARTNERS
                                                                                                 gospel. Amen.
                                                                                                                                                The Rev. Dr Barry and Mrs Gillian Sloan
20
PRAYER FOCUS                                     GALWAY AND BALLINASLOE
                                                      UNITED METHODIST/
                                                                                                     WDR PARTNER
                                                                                                     DABANE WATER
     DAY 8                                            PRESBYTERIAN                                   WORKSHOPS, ZIMBABWE
                                                      Shining brightly for Christ!                   In uncertain circumstances, Dabane
                                                      Superintendent Minister:                       continues to help local people access
                                                      Shannon DeLaureal                              clean water and develop livelihoods.
     PORTLAOISE INCLUDING                             Minister: Helen Freeburn (Presbyterian)
     ATHY, MOUNTMELLICK AND
     BALLYHUPAHAUN                                                                                   PRAYER: Father, your rain can bring life     BIRR, ATHLONE AND TULLAMORE
                                                      PRAYER: Dear Abba Father, help                 and destruction. We pray for those living
     Seeking to connect community life,               the members to shine with your grace,                                                       Congregation in Athlone gather for fellowship
                                                                                                     in rural Zimbabwe, where rivers can be
     share the Gospel and encouraging our             mercy and love. Please continue to bless
                                                                                                                                                  on Good Friday
                                                                                                     dry for months, where cyclones can wipe
     Children and Youth.                              your Kingdom work in Galway and the            out crops and where the government
     Superintendent Minister:                         surrounding areas, through youth and           may struggle to meet people’s needs. We
     Clodagh Yambasu                                  student ministry, leadership development,      pray for Stephen, Joyce and all the team
     Minister in Part-time Appointment:               home groups and outreach activities. Help      at Dabane and for the communities with
     Yongnam Park                                     the members to grow closer to you, grow        whom they work; bless all their efforts to
                                                      closer to one another and grow deeper in       bring water and its benefits. May pumps,
     PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for             their faith and commitment. Please guide       pipes, solar panels, expertise and hard
     the good relationships within this circuit       their steps and witness, fill them with your   work enable people to have the lives you
     and the developing relationships with their      Holy Spirit, grant them your power and         surely intended for them. Amen.
     societies. We thank you for your continued       vision, and build your Kingdom there we
     blessing, unity, and grace to those on           pray, to the glory of your name. Amen.
     this widespread circuit. Grant your help
                                                                                                                                                  GALWAY AND BALLINASLOE
     and presence to all. We pray that all of         CORK SOUTH AND KERRY                                                                        Church visit to Aran Islands
     the members may become authentic                 A widespread circuit of long-standing
     disciples of Christ, learning, growing, and      societies in Cork, Youghal and Kinsale
     producing fruit for his Kingdom. May they        and more recent congregations in
     live out their faith with love and hope                                                         ‘By this everyone will know that
                                                      Killarney, Kenmare and Millstreet.
     granted by you. Amen.                            Superintendent Minister: Karen Spence
                                                                                                     you are my disciples, if you love
                                                      Minister: Andrew Robinson                      one another.’ John 13:35
     BIRR, ATHLONE                                    Retired Minister Assisting:
     AND TULLAMORE                                    Geraldine Gracie                               Forgive us, Lord, when we fail
     Three small Midlands churches, building          Ardfallen Grove Sheltered Housing              to show by our love for each
                                                      Manager (part-time): Cathy Murray
     bridges into their communities.                                                                 other that we belong to you.
     Minister: Clodagh Yambasu                                                                       Forgive us when we are over-
     Retired Minister Assisting:                      PRAYER: We thank you, Lord God,
     Irene Morrow                                     for the opportunities you have given to        critical, when relationships break           CORK SOUTH AND KERRY
                                                      minister your love and grace on the Cork       down, when we gossip unkindly.               Douglas Churches Together -
     PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, as you are            South and Kerry Circuit. We pray that your     Help us always to look for the               Palm Sunday Pilgrimage
     the Good Shepherd of Birr, Athlone and           Word will be faithfully preached in each of    best, to build bridges, to seek
     Tullamore so your people lack nothing.           the societies, and that the congregations      to understand, to be ready to
                                                      will be blessed with a spirit of unity which
     Thank you that you lead them in green
                                                      will enable them to find ways to tell your     admit our failure as well as to
     pastures and beside still waters. Your
                                                      Gospel in their communities. We pray for       forgive failure in others. May
     goodness and kindness follow, and will
     follow, them all the days of their lives. Your   the ministers and leaders, that you will       our love be sincere, enabling
     Holy Spirit guides, and will guide, them         give them discernment and wise direction       your Church to fulfil its mission
     and their churches in right paths for your       in the many administrative decisions that      in this world. Amen.
     name’s sake. Enable them to continue to          must be made. Amen.
     see this so that they are overwhelmed by
     your unfailing love. Amen.
                                                                                                                                                  DABANE WATER WORKSHOPS
                                                                                                                                                  A solar panel powers the pumping of water from
22
                                                                                                                                                  below a seemingly dry river bed
PRAYER FOCUS                                 WEST CORK INCLUDING
                                                  BANDON, BALLINEEN,
                                                                                                THE METHODIST CHURCH
                                                                                                GHANA (WMP)
     DAY 9                                        CLONAKILTY, DRIMOLEAGUE                       The Methodist Church Ghana has
                                                  AND SKIBBEREEN                                20 dioceses with a total Christian
                                                  Introducing people to Jesus and making        community of almost 800,000. The
                                                  disciples through the Church.                 Presiding Bishop of the Church is
     WDR PARTNER                                                                                the Most Rev. Titus K. Awotwi Pratt
                                                  Superintendent Minister:
     WENCHI METHODIST                             Gregory Alexander                             and the Lay President is Mr Bernard
     HOSPITAL, GHANA                              Minister: Denis Maguire                       Clement Kwesi Botwe.
     The hospital continues to serve a            Retired Deacon: Gordon Wallace                                                             WENCHI METHODIST HOSPITAL, GHANA
     population of over 100,000 in central                                                      PRAYER: Eternal God, thank you for           Dr Boateng Bosomtwi, resident urologist at
     Ghana. It is a growing institution which                                                                                                Wenchi Methodist Hospital
     witnesses to God’s love through the          PRAYER: Loving Father, we give                the Methodist presence in Ghana for
                                                  thanks for growth, both in numbers and        the past 183 years. We praise you for its
     practical care of its staff and partners.                                                  continuous impact on society and pray
                                                  in spiritual life. Continue to strengthen
                                                  the connections between church and            for more grace to be a blessing to all. We
     PRAYER: Loving God, we give thanks           community. May your Holy Spirit create in     thank you for the leadership of the Church
     for Wenchi Methodist Hospital and            the hearts of all people a hunger for God.    and its vision for evangelism and social
     its recent expansion to include a new        Guide each society as they seek to share      work in and beyond the borders of Ghana.
     dental department. We praise you             the gospel with all ages and bring healing    Continue to renew the Methodist Church
     for the skill and expertise of the staff     to broken lives. Amen.                        Ghana by the power of your Holy Spirit for
     there, particularly in the ophthalmology,                                                  effective witness and stewardship. Amen.
     optometric and urology departments.
     May each member of staff be a blessing
                                                  CHRIST CHURCH LIMERICK
     to every patient they treat. God, we pray    UNITED PRESBYTERIAN /                                                                      WEST CORK
     for all those who travel from far and wide   METHODIST AND CENTRAL                         ‘perfect love drives out fear’.              The Ex-President the Rev. Dr Laurence Graham
     to be treated at Wenchi and ask that you     BUILDINGS COMMUNITY                           1 John 4:18
                                                                                                                                             on his visit to the circuit
     keep them safe on their journeys. Lord       PROJECT, LIMERICK
     God, we pray for Bernard (Administrator)     Connecting Community Life
     as he prepares for retirement and mentors    Minister: Vicki Lynch                         Lord, as we look around us we
     the person who will succeed him; may         Mission: Sean Roys                            see so much fear. Yet your word
     this be a smooth transition. Pour out your                                                 tells us that perfect love drives
     blessing on Wenchi that it may continue
     to be a hospital where people are treated    PRAYER: God of life and opportunity,          out fear. Thank you for your
     with respect, kindness and love. Amen.       thank you for your limitless love and         perfect love. May we as your
                                                  generosity. We give thanks for all the work   people reflect that love that it
                                                  that happens in this community project;
     ADARE/BALLINGRANE                            for all the connections and growth they
                                                                                                may shine out into the darkness
     A rural circuit in west Limerick.
                                                  are now experiencing; for the outreach        of your world and bring peace.               LIMERICK
     Minister in Part-time Appointment:                                                         Amen.
                                                  in their community gallery and coffee                                                      Irish World Music Cafe
     Ruth Watt
                                                  dock; for all the wonderful meetings,
                                                  conversations and relationships. As your
     PRAYER: Father God, we thank you for         faithful church help them to pray for a
     the fellowship and witness of your people    deeper understanding of how you want
     in this area. Encourage them as they share   them to work together for your Kingdom        ‘We always thank God for…..
     Christ, that others may be helped, loved     in the City of Limerick. Enable them to       your endurance inspired by hope
     and drawn to Him. Be with them as they       meet the challenges and to share their        in our Lord Jesus Christ.’
     continue to pray together and with the       learning. Amen.                               1 Thessalonians 1:3
     local community. Help them discern what
     it is that God is calling them to be and
     do. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit                                                  Lord, may our hope in Christ
     as they continue to serve you through                                                      inspire endurance that keeps us
     worship, work and witness. Amen.                                                           moving forward with you and                  METHODIST CHURCH GHANA
                                                                                                                                             The Rev. Daniel Tannor, Bishop of the Sunyani
                                                                                                helps us and others to see light             Diocese, Methodist Church Ghana with his
                                                                                                in the midst of darkness. Amen.              wife Alice
24
PRAYER FOCUS                                   SPRINGFIELD AND
                                                    CHURCH HILL INCLUDING
                                                                                                    UPPER ERNE INCLUDING
                                                                                                    BROOKEBOROUGH,
     DAY 10                                         DERRYGONNELLY                                   LISNASKEA,
                                                    Jeremiah 29:13 ‘You will seek me and            NEWTOWNBUTLER, DRUMADY,
                                                    find me, when you search for me with            CORLESPRATTEN AND
                                                    your heart.’
     THE LAKELANDS DISTRICT                         We seek to follow where God leads,              TULLYBOY
     Sharing the gospel and Christ’s love in                                                        Wanting to grow closer to God, to one
                                                    walking in his ways, loving those we
     eight circuits covering eight counties.                                                        another in unity and closer to those
                                                    meet along the journey.
     District Superintendent: Jeremy Nicoll                                                         beyond our churches, through more
                                                    Minister: Amanda Durrell                                                                       THE LAKELANDS DISTRICT
     District Secretary: Robin Toner                                                                consistent prayer and more time given          Manorhamilton Girls’ Brigade, one of the
                                                                                                    to one another.                                largest groups on the island!
     PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for your            PRAYER: Our loving Father, we thank             Minister: Colin Milligan
     faithfulness - that we know in our lives and
                                                    you for your constant presence with us,         Part-time Lay Worker: Ian Graham
                                                    your patience and your unending love for
     see manifest in your wonderful creation
                                                    us. We thank you and praise you that you
     around us in its seasons and splendour.
                                                    are faithful to us; help us to be faithful to   PRAYER: Our gracious heavenly Father,
     Thank you, too, for the faithfulness and                                                       we have so much to thank you for; you
                                                    you. We pray for opportunities to arise
     witness of generations before us in our                                                        have strengthened us, encouraged us,
                                                    within this community to serve you, and
     towns and villages. May we continue to                                                         blessed us and allowed us to come closer
                                                    to witness for you. Open the eyes of our
     be faithful in worship and outreach. Lord,                                                     to you, so that our relationship with you
                                                    hearts, Lord, and give us ears to hear and
     equip us by your Holy Spirit for mission,                                                      has become deeper, more meaningful. We
                                                    hearts that seek after you. Renew in each
     service and witness and bless our leaders,                                                     pray for the Upper Erne Circuit, for all its
                                                    of us the passion to witness and serve you,
     lay and ordained, as they serve you and                                                        members; even though they are far apart
                                                    our God and King. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
     us, for your glory. Amen.                                                                      in distance you are the one who, in love,      SPRINGFIELD AND CHURCH HILL
                                                                                                    reaches out to the needs of each person.       Community Lunch during Love Week
     ENNISKILLEN INCLUDING                          LISBELLAW, MAGUIRESBRIDGE                       We pray that they will keep their eyes
     KNOCKNINNY,                                    AND TEMPO                                       focused on Jesus. Amen.
                                                    Seeking to glorify God through
     FLORENCECOURT,                                 worship, strengthening community
     LETTERBREEN AND                                                                                THE METHODIST CHURCH
                                                    relationships and deepening our
     BLACKLION                                      experience of God in daily life.                UPPER MYANMAR (WMP)
                                                    Minister: Mark Durrell                          MCI continues in partnership with
     Seeking to be biblical, God-honouring
                                                                                                    MCUM. This has involved two-way
     and Kingdom-expanding servants.
                                                                                                    visits, dialogue, prayer and funding of
     Superintendent Minister:                       PRAYER: Living God, we give you                 Church growth activities in Myanmar.
     Lorna Dreaning                                 thanks and praise for the three churches
     Minister: Darrin Thompson                      within this circuit. We ask that you
                                                    empower and inspire their congregations         PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank              LISBELLAW, MAGUIRESBRIDGE AND TEMPO
                                                                                                    you for the relationship we have with
     PRAYER: Gracious God, your Word                and their surrounding communities
                                                                                                    the Methodist Church Upper Myanmar.
                                                                                                                                                   Circuit Prayer and Bible Study Group
     says, ‘Blessed is the nation whose God         through the power of the Holy Spirit. Help
                                                    them as they continue to explore the gifts      Lord, we are grateful for the opportunities
     is the Lord.’ Thank you for the desire in
                                                    you have given them to use them freely          to work within Myanmar and share in
     the hearts of so many of your people on
                                                    to serve you and others. Create within          your ministry. We pray for guidance
     this circuit to honour you in their lives,
                                                    them a passion for your Word, and a thirst      as the MWI connects with the Council
     in their families, amongst their friends
                                                    for your holy presence, so that their lives,    Methodist Women’s Association (CMWA)
     and neighbours, in their church, in their
                                                    words and actions may carry the scent of        in Myanmar. Bless them, Lord, for the
     community, on their circuit and in their
                                                    Jesus Christ. Amen.                             passion and desire they have to work
     nation. Forgive them when their practice
                                                                                                    within their communities to share your
     falls short of their own desires and of
                                                                                                    love. Father, we pray for the President of
     yours. Bless them, Lord, and make them
                                                                                                    CMWA, Mrs Irene Myint, and thank you
     to be a blessing. Thank you for your
                                                                                                    for her commitment to working with the         THE METHODIST CHURCH UPPER MYANMAR
     faithfulness. Amen.
                                                                                                    MWI. God, may we be faithful in prayer for     Methodist Women in Ireland visit Upper Myanmar
                                                                                                    the ministry of our brothers and sisters in
                                                                                                    Myanmar as they take your name to those
                                                                                                    who haven’t heard it. Amen.
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PRAYER FOCUS                                 BALLINAMALLARD
                                                  AND TRILLICK
                                                                                                WDR PARTNER
                                                                                                PHAKAMISA, SOUTH AFRICA
     DAY 11                                       Seeking to grow in faith, love and unity,
                                                  and to follow Christ as he leads us into
                                                                                                Phakamisa serves local impoverished
                                                                                                communities through pre-school
                                                  mission.                                      education, as well as offering support
                                                  Minister: John Beacom                         for caregivers of orphans and those
     FIVEMILETOWN INCLUDING                       Youth Worker: Sarah Vaughan                   affected by, and infected with, HIV and
     CLABBY AND CREAGH                            (joint with Magheracross Church of Ireland)   AIDS.
     A welcoming community who desire
     to glorify God and share his love with                                                                                                    FIVEMILETOWN
     others. A worshipping community
                                                  PRAYER: Lord, we pray that you                PRAYER: Loving God, your Son lived             The Rev. Janet Rossell with her
                                                  continue to lead the congregations of         a life of compassion and we thank you          husband Michael
     whose desire is to glorify God and to
                                                  Ballinamallard and Trillick as they seek to   that Phakamisa seeks to live this out
     serve others, through the power of the
                                                  draw closer together and as they desire to    through the love and support offered to
     Holy Spirit.
                                                  learn from you. Be with the youth worker      children and caregivers. Thank you for the
     Minister: Janet Rossell
                                                  on the circuit and encourage others           education children receive from Phakamisa
                                                  to offer themselves as leaders. Bless         and for the opportunities for further
     PRAYER: Almighty God, we thank you           the fellowship groups as they continue        growth and development. We pray for the
     for the wonder of creation and for your      to bring believers together, building         caregivers; grant them good health and
     goodness to us. Most of all we praise        fellowship and trust. We ask you to guide     empower them in their roles so that they
     you for Jesus who loved us and gave          the outreach initiatives being planned        feel equipped and able to look after the
     himself for us. Help this circuit to use     outside of the church and help all to         children. Be with Thokozani Poswa, who
     every opportunity to show your love so       show the love of Christ in a practical way    leads the organization, and the staff and
     that others will be drawn to the Saviour.    throughout their communities. Amen.           trainers in their roles. God, in all they do   PETTIGO AND IRVINESTOWN
     Give them the courage to put themselves                                                    may they continue to fix their eyes on you.    Members of Pettigo congregation praying
     at your disposal so that in Fivemiletown     NORTH CONNACHT AND                            Amen.                                          on a bridge over the Termon River on the
     Circuit they will truly be a worshipping
     people. Amen.
                                                  LONGFORD INCLUDING                                                                           Fermanagh-Donegal border

                                                  SLIGO, MANORHAMILTON,
     PETTIGO AND IRVINESTOWN                      COLLOONEY, BALLINA,
     Seeking to share the Good News of            LONGFORD, DRUMSHANBO
     Jesus Christ to bring hope, encourage        AND BOYLE
     personal faith and use their gifts to        To share the love of the Lord Jesus
     build up the ministry of the Church and      Christ and his gifts in the church and
     serve the community.                         community.                                    Hebrews Ch. 11
     Minister: Steven Foster                      Superintendent Minister: Jeremy Nicoll
                                                  Minister: Christiaan Snell
                                                                                                Thank you, dear God, for the
     PRAYER: Eternal God, we praise you           (Church of Ireland)
     for the faithfulness of many present and                                                   men and women of faith who we                  NORTH CONNACHT AND LONGFORD
     departed. Help your people in North          PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your             discover in the pages of the Old               Some of the regulars who attend “Open Doors”
                                                                                                                                               in Sligo Methodist Church
     Fermanagh to grow in their desire for, and   love, grace, protection and provision         and New Testaments. Thank you
     obedience to, you. Be at work in all that    for this widespread circuit. Enable them      that they were ready to take
     goes on in this circuit. God of all, thank   to continue to trust and rely on you for      risks in order to go forward with
     you for the unique missional opportunities   direction, guidance and strength. Thank
     and great community relations in both        you for the faithful service of young and
                                                                                                you. Help us also to be ready for
     Pettigo and Irvinestown. Help your people    old. Lord, may each one of us grow in         whatever you ask of us, knowing
     to step out with joy and boldness. In this   grace. Help us to share your gospel with      that you will be our strength.
     time of transition, protect community life   love, both in word and deed to society.       Amen.
     in border areas, we pray. Amen.              Bless the lonely, the hurting, the stranger
                                                  and those who are in need today. Amen.

                                                                                                                                               PHAKAMISA
                                                                                                                                               Nomalanga Mfoza, teacher at Phakamisa’s
                                                                                                                                               ‘wandering school’
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PRAYER FOCUS                                  ministry, lay and ordained. We pray for
                                                   those training for ordained ministry, that
                                                                                                 SABBATICAL COMMITTEE
                                                                                                 Sabbaticals are a gift from the Church
                                                   they would be empowered to equip the          to its ministers. They enable ministers
     DAY 12                                        Church and serve God. We pray that God        to receive space and time for renewal
                                                   would enhance vision for the ministry         for themselves and for their ministry.
                                                   and mission of the Church that we would       Sabbatical Officer: Colin Duncan
     THE BOARD OF MINISTRY/                        find new and innovative ways to serve.
     EDGEHILL BOARD OF                             We ask for wisdom for those who lead,
                                                                                                 PRAYER: We pray for all who are
     GOVERNORS                                     teach and resource the College and the
                                                                                                 preparing for and taking sabbaticals
     The Board of Ministry and Board of            ministerial training programme. We pray
                                                                                                 during this Connexional year; that they
     Governors work together to oversee            for the opportunities that will arise for
                                                                                                 may rest in you, be renewed in spirit and     NEWLY ORDAINED MINISTERS
     and co-ordinate strategy for ministry         collaboration in mission and ministry as
                                                                                                 re-energised for ministry. Lord, guide and    The Revs Darrin Thompson, Cheryl Patterson,
     development across the Church and             the various Connexional departments
                                                                                                 direct the Sabbatical Planning Groups and     Louise Monroe, Nigel Murphy, Katherine Kehoe
     provide opportunities for theological         move onto the Edgehill site. Amen.
                                                                                                 all who cover for the ministers’ absence,     and Amanda Durrell with the President of the
     training and study, especially in                                                           that they may rejoice in the opportunity to   Methodist Church in Ireland
     preparing men and women for ordained          LOCAL PREACHERS                               serve you. Amen.
     ministry. The two main subgroups of           Local Preachers have served the
     the Board are the Ordained Ministry           Methodist Church in Ireland from its
     Committee and the Lay Ministry                inception and are an intrinsic part of the
     Committee.                                    life and witness of our Church across
     Board of Ministry Chair:                      this island. We thank God for all our
     David Campton                                 Local Preachers, in training, active and
     Board of Governors Chair:                     retired; men and women who have               ‘You have forsaken your first
     Maureen Edmondson                             responded to his call and trained for         love,’ Revelation 2:4
     Principal Pro Tem:                            service both locally and connexionally.
                                                   We are grateful too for our
     Janet Unsworth
                                                   relationship with the staff at Edgehill
                                                                                                 Help us, O God, not to ‘forsake
     Director of Ministry:
     John Alderdice                                Theological College who have helped           our first love’. Kindle our love
     Ordained Ministry Committee                   to facilitate the training of our Local       for you afresh in our hearts,
                                                   Preachers. Local Preachers continue           in response to your great love                EDGEHILL COLLEGE
     Secretaries: Philip Agnew                                                                                                                 Ministerial Students
     and Robin Waugh                               to demonstrate competence, call and           for us, that we might truly be
     Lay Ministry Committee Chair:                 character as they serve the Methodist
                                                   Church in Ireland.
                                                                                                 channels of your love in this
     Lynda Neilands (Lay Leader)
     Edgehill Lay Staff: Louise Wilson             Ministerial Secretary: Mervyn Ewing           world. Amen.
     (Training Development Officer until           Lay Secretary: Tom Wilson
     September 2018), Stephen Edgar,
     Wayne Mulholland, Kay Irvine,                 PRAYER: Loving God, we pray for all
     Mandy Weir, Sylvia McAnally                   those called to be Local Preachers in your
     Part-time Lecturer: Alan Lorimer              name, who have accepted this privilege to
     First Year Students:                          preach your exciting Good News for all.
     Tanita Lee, Susan Gallagher                   May each one be aware of your constant
                                                                                                 1 Corinthians Chapter 13
     Returning Students: Daphne Hanna,             guidance and direction as they study,
     Marina Hassard, Nigel Gill,                   prepare and present the message to your       Lord, we don’t want to be like
     Sam Campbell (Probationer Minister)           Church family, and, through their role, may   resounding gongs or clanging
                                                                                                                                               LOCAL PREACHERS
                                                   they grow in their own personal journey       cymbals. Please give us a                     Dublin District Local Preachers at their
     PRAYER: We give thanks for this               with you and gain new experiences to
                                                                                                 genuine love that is patient and              November Conference
                                                   pass on with encouragement what you are
     exciting and challenging time of transition
     and change as we explore new patterns         doing in their lives. And so, Holy Spirit,    kind; always protecting, always
     of formation and training for God’s           continue to kindle the fire of your love      trusting, always hoping, always
     mission. We pray that as disciples we         as they commit to your ongoing will. In       persevering; a love that never
     would be shaped by the Word of God            Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.                    fails, for the honour of your
     and hear the call of God in our lives to                                                    name. Amen.

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