Be-Longing: Praying for Unity amidst Injustice.

Materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023 have been prepared by the churches of Minneapolis – see the introduction below.

Resources.

For 2023, we are making the resources available both as downloads and printed versions that can be ordered. The pamphlet is available in English, bilingual Welsh/English, Irish and Scots Gaelic. The poster is available as a mulitilingual version and in English only.

Download or order resources

Dates

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. However, some areas observe it at Pentecost or some other time

Introduction

For this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we are guided by the churches of Minneapolis as we seek to explore how the work of Christian unity can contribute to the promotion of racial justice across all levels of society. Through this resource, the CTBI writers’ group has also focussed our attention on the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence, which we mark in 2023. The work of restoring hope through justice undertaken in Stephen’s memory continues to inspire and change lives for the better.

As we join with other Christians around the world for the Week of Prayer we pray that our hearts will be open to see and hear the many ways in which racism continues to destroy lives, and to discern the steps we can take as individuals and communities to heal the hurts and build a better future for everyone.

Christian Aid

Each year Christian Aid provides the Go and Do action points for each of the daily reflections – linking into the important work of Christian Aid in the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.

Social media

Show your support for Christian Unity by posting unity messages and details of your events to our Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Twitter wall – simply add the #wpcuwall hashtag to your Twitter post (note there is a delay before they appear). You can also find updates about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Twitter by following the #wpcu2023 hashtag.

New in-Crisis info-Sheet packed with information about local services and charities offering help to those in crisis in Weston-super-Mare.

Information on sources of help and support for anyone in crisis in Weston-super-Mare, including mental health, benefits, housing, debt and food.

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CTWD Exec Committee – Officers at October 2022

President: Deacon Gary Hoare
Secretary: Myrtle Trubody
Treasurer: Emily Cumberbatch
Members: Joan Beer, Andy Page

A list of member churches is at www.ctwd.org.uk

President’s Report

At the start of this report, I would like to thank all of our current and previous officers, church reps and Exec Team members for their service and dedication to Churches Together in Weston and District. You have each contributed your time and skills generously to enable CTWD to serve the local Church so effectively. Thank you.

Without passion there wouldn’t be CT. It takes passion and the Holy Spirit to listen and discern as to what is needed and to respond. Whilst Covid meant churches and CT couldn’t meet together, there was a desire to ensure when we came out of it, we were able to function again.

This year has been excellent, for us going out where people are. Three things to highlight!

First, in March, we had the opportunity and the compulsion to invite the local churches and community to gather at the Italian Gardens for an act of solidarity with the suffering of the people of Ukraine, following the Russian invasion.

Millions of people were escaping the war, some to our own town, as we will hear from Malcolm Bowen from HT Weston, tonight. Alongside Redeeming Our Communities and CLIF, we were able to host this town centre event with 400 people in attendance - this has to be the best attended event we have been part of for a while. We have held a number of follow-up vigils at churches around WSM praying for peace in Ukraine and covering other crises in the world. Thank you to all of the local churches who hosted these gatherings.

Secondly, we had our Walk of Witness through WSM ending with a service on the plinth at the Italian Gardens. Then the Sunrise Service on the seafront on Easter morning, all showing that people wanted to be there, it helps if we are blessed with good weather, to make it more inviting to attend! These events were not possible in 2020 due to covid. It was so good to be back!

Third, we look to help churches to respond unitedly to national and international issues. Most recently, just before Tom Yacomeni moved to Bath, he led prayers on the occasion of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the swearing in of the new King. Many people came to LC for this, which was also marked 200 days since the hostilities began in Ukraine. We felt it was important to remember our domestic situation as well.

We marked the departure of Reverend Tom Yacomeni to Bath. He has been a great help and friend to CT. He was also a person of great wisdom - respected by fellow leaders across Weston and beyond for his leadership, spotting gifts and assisting future ministers to find and fulfil their calling.

Churches Together supports and partners with many other activities and community focused initiatives such as ROC. We also collaborate in various strategic conversations.

Do continue to let us know about any events that you are planning! Some may be covered by our Events Insurance policy.

We look forward to the next few months to see where God is leading us as CT and all our member churches - so that together we can push forward urgently the Kingdom of God right where we are!

Thank you all for your support.

Deacon Gary Hoare – President
Churches Together in Weston-super-Mare & District

Financial Report

A summary report of the last three years accounts is printed below.

We would like to thank Sue Baldwin for her valued assistance as Treasurer of CTWD up to 2021.

Subscriptions were not collected for the years to March 2021 and March 2022. A revised suggested subscription rate of £50 per church, per year has been introduced for 2022-23.

Some event and media costs were held over to the current year due to the change in Treasurer and a delay in sorting the new account signatories.

The balance in hand this October is just over £300 once the various outstanding commitments have been cleared. This highlights the importance of catching up on member church contributions! Update your church listings and subscriptions info form HERE

Emily Cumberbatch - Treasurer

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Churches Together in Weston-super-Mare and District invites you to an evening of worship and celebration, with a Ukrainian flavour, and a short AGM!

Wednesday 19th October 2022 - 7.30pm at Locking Castle Church, Jasmine Way, WsM, BS22 9JW.

CTWD's President, Deacon Gary Hoare said, 'Our nation, and more locally, our town is coming through one of the darkest and most challenging times in our recent history.  There are economic, political and international challenges still ahead.  But despite all this, we can be proud of the local Church and community, who pull together when things are tough... looking out for and responding to the needs of the less fortunate, and reaching out to those who have been displaced from other nations.'

'More recently, we have welcomed many people from Ukraine. I have been moved deeply as I have witnessed the way that the Churches have responded in a practical way to their needs as well as in prayer, and offering spiritual support.  There are many heartbreaking stories.  But this situation has also brought the best out of our Churches and community.  I would want to honour and celebrate the people and also their motivation - their faith and hope found in Jesus Christ!'

Do join us for this evening, when Malcolm Bowen from HT Weston and colleagues share with us how they have been serving the needs of these friends from Ukraine. There are some truly inspirational stories.'

This meeting is open to all and includes a talk from Gary Hoare along with a short AGM.  Worship will be led by a team from Locking Castle Church.

DOWNLOAD AGM POSTER PDF

Prayer Vigil for Ukraine - Milton Methodist Church, Milton Hill, WsM, BS22 9RA, Sunday 23rd October - 6pm

The illegal invasion of Ukraine continues to weigh heavily on the hearts and minds of us all.  Whilst there have been some territorial gains by Ukraine, and they appear to have the upper hand, this has come at a great cost. The 'so-called annexation' of 4 regions by Russia and a threat of nuclear tactical weapons has raised the anti, with counter threats and dialogue between the super-powers.  We are all praying... but there is still a sense that we need to gather in unity, representing the Church of our town, and the community - to be still, to reflect and to pray for breakthrough and lasting peace.

United Vigil

The churches along with people from across the community have been gathering together as an act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, to light candles, to reflect and to pray for peace. Our vision is to help people find hope and strength amidst this desperate situation.

The town's Church leaders have set aside Sunday 23rd October for the next united gathering which will take place at Milton Methodist Church, Milton Hill, WsM, BS22 9RA, at 6pm. 

Rev Angela Hoare, at Milton Methodist Church said, 'We would welcome everyone from across the town for this vigil.  There will be an hour of quiet reflection, videos, prayers, and contemplation for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine - but also other wars that are taking place. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity and sympathy with those whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. We look forward to welcoming you.'

For more info, see https://ctwd.org.uk. Further prayer resources are on the CTWD Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/churchestogetherwsm/

#prayforukraine #ukrainevigil #peaceinukraine #churchestogether #clif #redeemingourcommunities #westonsupermare #worle #ccwsm #rocwsm

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Prayer Vigil for Ukraine - Locking Castle Church, Jasmine Way, WsM, BS24 7JW, Sunday 11th September, 4pm

The war in Ukraine will have lasted 200 days by Sunday 11th September. Whilst there has been some territory re-claimed by the Ukrainian army in recent days, there is no indication of a peaceful settlement in the near future.

The invasion has impacted many millions of Ukrainian people who have been displaced across Europe.

The Churches and church organisations in Weston-super-Mare have responded both with humanitarian gestures but also by mobilising prayer. All of the local churches are praying for peace at their services and would welcome anyone to join them.

United Vigil

The churches along with people from across the community have been gathering together as an act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, to light candles, to reflect and to pray for peace. Our vision is to help people find hope and strength amidst this desperate situation.

The town's Church leaders have set aside Sunday 11th September for the next united gathering which will take place at Locking Castle Church, Jasmine Way, WsM, BS24 7JW, at 4pm. This date marks the two hundredth day of the war.

Rev Tom Yacomeni, at Locking Castle Church said, 'We would welcome all local people for this hour of quiet reflection, prayer and contemplation for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine - but also other wars that are taking place. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity and sympathy with those whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. We look forward to welcoming you.'

For more info, see https://ctwd.org.uk. Further prayer resources are on the CTWD Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/churchestogetherwsm/

#prayforukraine #ukrainevigil #peaceinukraine #churchestogether #clif #redeemingourcommunities #westonsupermare #worle #ccwsm #rocwsm

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Prayer Vigil for Ukraine - Clarence Park Baptist Church, WsM, Sunday 24th July, 6pm

5 months on, the war in Ukraine is showing no signs of a peaceful settlement anytime soon. The invasion has impacted many millions of Ukrainian people who have been displaced across Europe. The burning of crops and blockades of ports have massively thwarted the nation's ability to export grain, creating a very real risk of food famine and global hunger affecting other continents.

The Churches and church organisations in Weston have responded both with humanitarian gestures but also by mobilising prayer. All of the local churches are praying for peace at their services and would welcome anyone to join them.

United Vigil

The churches along with people from across the community have been gathering together as an act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, to light candles, to reflect and to pray for peace. Our vision is to help people find hope and strength amidst this desperate situation.

The town's Church leaders have set aside Sunday 24th July for the next united gathering which will take place at Clarence Park Baptist Church, Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1ED, at 6pm.

Rev Steve Christian, at Clarence Park Baptist Church said, 'We would welcome all local people for this hour of quiet reflection, prayer and contemplation for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine - but also other wars that are taking place. This is an opportunity to stand in solidarity and sympathy with those whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. We look forward to welcoming you.'

For more info, see https://ctwd.org.uk. Further prayer resources are on the CTWD Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/churchestogetherwsm/

#prayforukraine #ukrainevigil #peaceinukraine #churchestogether #clif #redeemingourcommunities #westonsupermare #worle #ccwsm

Based in Cambodia and the UK, Chab Dai Charity works to bring Dignity, Harmony and Freedom from Modern Day Slavery.

Speakers: Helen Sworn, Founder & Executive Director and Dy Noeut, Cambodian National Director.

At the Uphill Victory Hall, Westfield Road, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4XG

On Monday 4th July at 7pm.

For more information on Chab Dai, visit www.chabdai.org

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Prayer Vigil for Ukraine - Christ Church WsM, Sunday 22nd May, 6pm

The war in Ukraine continues to impact many millions of Ukrainian people who have been displaced across Europe. The blockade of its ports has affected the nation's ability to export crops, creating a growing risk of food famine and global hunger affecting other continents.

The Churches and church organisations in Weston have responded both with humanitarian gestures but also by mobilising prayer. All of the local churches are praying for peace at their services and would welcome anyone to join them.

United Vigil

The churches along with people from across the community have been gathering together on Sunday nights as an act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, to light candles, to reflect and to pray for peace. Our vision is to help people find hope and strength amidst this desperate situation.

The town's Church leaders have set aside Sunday 22nd May for the next united gathering which will take place at Christ Church, Montpelier, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 2RH at 6pm.

Rev Tom Webber, at Christ Church said, 'We would welcome people from across the community as well as the churches of the town for an hour of quiet reflection, prayer and contemplation for all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and other wars that are taking place. This is also an opportunity to stand in solidarity and sympathy with those whose lives have been turned upside down through no fault of their own. We look forward to welcoming you.'

For more info, see https://ctwd.org.uk. Further prayer resources are on the CTWD Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/churchestogetherwsm/

#prayforukraine #ukrainevigil #peaceinukraine #churchestogether #clif #redeemingourcommunities #westonsupermare #worle #ccwsm