SPRING 2019
PRAYER DIARY
WE SPEAK AS THOSE APPROVED BY GOD TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE GOSPEL. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4
SUPPORTING THE MINISTRIES OF CPAS THROUGH THE POWER OF PRAYER.
MAY THE FAVOUR OF THE LORD OUR GOD REST ON US; ESTABLISH THE WORK OF OUR HANDS FOR US.
We value your prayers and support greatly. This diary is designed to guide your prayers across the breadth of our work, offering a weekly theme, prayer points and a Bible verse to aid daily or weekly prayer.
PSALM 90:17
CPAS Sovereign Court One (Unit 3), Sir William Lyons Road, University of Warwick Science Park, COVENTRY CV4 7EZ A company limited by guarantee Registered in England no 2673220 Registered charity no 1007820 Registered office at address above
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Editor: Hazel Lancefield Design: Catherine Jackson All Bible quotations taken from the New International Version. Copyright CPAS 2019. All rights reserved. Permission is granted for the reproduction of text from this publication for CPAS promotional use only. For all other uses, please contact us. This publication is printed on paper from farmed forests: for each tree felled, another is planted. The paper is chlorinefree and environmentally friendly.
Daily prayer points from CPAS are also available through the PrayerMate app on iOS and Android devices. Visit http://praynow4.org/cpas or search in your app store.
GOD’S FAVOUR AND PURPOSES
In Daniel 1:9 we read: ‘God had caused the official to show favour and compassion to Daniel’. As the story continues, we see that this favour was to enable Daniel to be established in the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar, where he would be a witness for God and a prophetic voice to the nations (both in his own time and, through Scripture, in our time too).
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I am writing these words with a sense that CPAS is currently experiencing God’s favour. You may have heard by now (and if not, please rejoice with us) that on 1 March our patronage work was expanded by 170 parishes as the Peache and Church Patronage Trust (CPT) trustees asked us to take on their portfolios. This means we now have a patronage interest in nearly 700 parishes, thereby becoming the largest patron in the Church of England. We should not treat God’s favour lightly, nor think it to be granted for our benefit. God’s sovereign purposes are to see lost men, women and children found, and his love and glory thereby demonstrated. And so I am asking God how he might
wish us to use this ‘favour’ of an expanded patronage responsibility, and would value your prayers for the same. For Daniel, the favour was to lead him down a ‘rocky road’ (if lions’ dens and fiery furnaces can be described in that way). Given the challenges that Christian leaders will have to face in our increasingly secular culture, there is every possibility that CPAS and our patronages churches will have to, like Daniel, stand against the Babylonian tides. As you use this diary, please pray that leaders of local churches and Ventures and Falcons will know both God’s favour and also his guiding, preserving and encouraging presence. Thank you for your prayers, without which CPAS would not be able to do what we believe God has called us to.
John Dunnett General Director
www.cpas.org.uk info@cpas.org.uk
0300 123 0780
21-27 APRIL
LOCAL CHURCHES Evangelism THE MESSIAH WILL SUFFER AND RISE FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY, AND REPENTANCE FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS WILL BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME. LUKE 24:46-47
For your prayers:
‘Our regular million worshippers are the key resource in growing the Church.’ Archbishops’ Task Group on Evangelism
s we remember Christ’s death and resurrection during this Easter period, we are praying for more worshippers to confidently share their faith so that those around them can come to know Christ.
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A recent report by the Archbishops’ Task Group on Evangelism outlined a vision for enabling more regular worshippers to ‘pray, articulate and live out their faith seven days a week’. Canon Dave Male (the Church of England’s Director of Evangelism and Discipleship and co-author of the report) has written an article for CPAS’ next Lead On email on how leaders can enable others to share and show their faith. Please join us in praying for worshippers in all of our churches to boldly live out their faith ‘seven days a week’, and for leaders to enable and encourage this in every way possible. 04
Sun 21: Easter: This Easter Sunday, praise God who has ‘given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ’ (1 Peter 1:3). Mon 22: Evangelism: Churches running courses to introduce people to the Christian faith. Pray that every Christian in these churches will pray about who they might invite. Tue 23: Evangelism: Churches where evangelism is seen as a job for the leaders or those with the title ‘evangelist’. Pray God would inspire everyone to share their faith. Wed 24: Evangelism: Confidence for Christians who are unsure about evangelism. Pray they will find natural and appropriate ways to share their faith in Jesus with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Thu 25: Evangelism: For the 6,429 Lead On subscribers who will receive Canon Male’s article on ‘Mobilising the million – leading others to share and show the faith’. Fri 26: Evangelism: For CPAS’ DiscipleKit review website to aid churches in evangelism. Praise God for the 100+ enquirers’ resources, and pray they will be well used. Sat 27: Evangelism: Praise God for the leadership of the Archbishops on evangelism and pray that it leads to significant and pivotal church growth.
PRAISE BE TO THE GOD AND FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST! IN HIS GREAT MERCY HE HAS GIVEN US NEW BIRTH INTO A LIVING HOPE THROUGH THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD. 1 PETER 1:3
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28 APRIL – 4 MAY
LEADERSHIP Clergy Mentoring in Dioceses
PAS has now been helping dioceses set up clergy mentoring schemes for six years. This involves a three stage process:
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I KEEP MY EYES ALWAYS ON THE LORD. WITH HIM AT MY RIGHT HAND, I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN.
Identifying what mentoring is and how clergy mentors can be selected. Training the mentors both before they embark on a mentoring relationship, and a follow-up day a few months in. Deploying mentors, adhering to guidance and policies so this can be done carefully and to maximum effect. This Thursday, James Lawrence is in London leading the follow-up day for the seventh cohort of clergy mentors in the diocese. They will be reflecting on their experiences so far, and considering how they might help their mentees develop further as leaders and disciples. Through our Mentoring Matters resource, CPAS also helps churches set up mentoring schemes. See the back page for more details.
PSALM 16:8
For your prayers: Sun 28: Clergy mentoring: For more dioceses to set up clergy mentoring schemes so that leaders can be more effective in living out all that God is calling them to. Mon 29: Theological colleges: Ian Parkinson (CPAS Leadership Specialist) is teaching ministers in training at St Hild College in Yorkshire today and Wycliffe Hall in Oxford tomorrow. Tue 30: Wales: The Governing Body of the Church in Wales meets in Cardiff tomorrow and Thursday. Please pray for wisdom in promoting mission in the Province. Wed 1: Patronage: The CPAS patronage team as they prepare for tomorrow’s Moving On event for clergy seeking a change of role. Thu 2: Clergy mentoring: The 16 clergy mentors in London diocese taking part in the follow-up day. Pray that this would be a useful and rewarding time together. Fri 3: Clergy mentoring: The 200+ clergy mentors who have been trained by CPAS over the last six years. Pray they will continue using their skills to mentor other leaders. Sat 4: Clergy mentoring: Those being mentored. Ask that they will find their mentoring relationships to be a source of strength in their faith and day-to-day ministry.
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VENTURES AND FALCONS
5-11 MAY
Sharing the Gospel
ur prayer is that all our Venture and Falcon holidays will be places where the gospel is faithfully taught and the Christian life is modelled, inviting young people to explore life with Jesus for themselves.
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We’re thrilled that several new Venture and Falcon holidays are taking place in the course of 2019, including an additional Falcon holiday at Swanbourne which will enable a further 24 young people to take part. Last summer, the 11-14s at Swanbourne made new friends, sang songs, decorated t-shirts, played hockey, made jewellery, swam, laughed, went on trips to a safari park and the cinema and enjoyed the Buckinghamshire countryside. Most importantly of all, they learnt about their Saviour Jesus and his unconditional love for each and every one of them.
WE SPEAK AS THOSE APPROVED BY GOD TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE GOSPEL. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4
For your prayers: Sun 5: Sharing the gospel: There are still some spaces left on several holidays. Pray for more bookings, and for more young people to feel comfortable inviting friends. Mon 6: Sharing the gospel: Ingenuity and creativity for the overall leaders as they plan the spiritual programmes for their holidays. Tue 7: Sharing the gospel: For the ministry of School Ventures to continue to grow. It is hoped that several new School Ventures will be launched over the next academic year. Wed 8: Mentoring Matters: Churches using the Mentoring Matters resource. Pray that focusing on discipleship in this way will lead to deeper faith and wider outreach. Thu 9: Sharing the gospel: Praise God for the new Ventures and Falcons, and for every child and teenager who has booked their place so far. Fri 10: Sharing the gospel: The Ventures and Falcons leadership teams holding preparation days over the next few weeks. Pray God would guide the decisions about who does what. Sat 11: Learning communities: Pam Macnaughton (Leadership Specialist) as she facilitates the Calling Young Disciples learning community today for Worcester diocese.
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12-18 MAY
PATRONAGE CHURCHES The Cornerstone Team (Leicester)
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ast year, the Cornerstone Team was designated as a ‘Resource Church’ for Leicester diocese, and plans for new Fresh Expressions and a church plant are already being put into practice. The benefice is situated to the east of Leicester across three churches: St Luke’s Thurnby, St Catharine’s Houghton-on-the-Hill, and St Mary and All Saints in Stoughton. Though these churches vary in size, they all have the same mission: to see people ‘Turn to Jesus, Grow in Jesus, Love like Jesus’. Their theme this year is around ‘courage not fearfulness’ in all the Lord is calling them to. Rob Miles, Team Rector, says: ‘This has been an extremely busy time – so prayers are appreciated for energy and boldness going forwards. Please pray for God’s provision and our ability to trust in him; that we would continue to learn to be generous with what he has given us; and specifically for those taking up new posts and responsibilities.’
For your prayers: Sun 12: Cornerstone Team: Today James Lawrence preaches at St Luke’s Thurnby as well as speaking to some of the leaders. Pray that this will be an encouragement for all. Mon 13: Cornerstone Team: In April a new Fresh Expression for families in Houghton called ‘Explore’ was launched with plans for similar in Thurnby. Pray that this will be effective outreach. Tue 14: Cornerstone Team: As the team consider the plans for the church plant, ask God to raise up the right person and team of people to lead it. Wed 15: Ireland: The Church of Ireland’s General Synod meets from Thursday to Saturday. Pray for wise and fruitful discussions. Thu 16: Cornerstone Team: Plans to open a community café in Thurnby to reach out to those who have no contact with church. Fri 17: Cornerstone Team: Interviews are being held today for the vacant post of Team Vicar, with responsibility for St Catharine’s, Houghton-onthe-Hill. Sat 18: Ventures and Falcons: The Leicester School Venture began yesterday. Pray that this weekend will be an opportunity for the school children (and staff) to hear about Jesus.
IN HIM AND THROUGH FAITH IN HIM WE MAY APPROACH GOD WITH FREEDOM AND CONFIDENCE. EPHESIANS 3:12
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DISCIPLESHIP Children and Young People
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ext week, two ‘The Buzz’ Venture holidays for 8-11s will take place. The children will look at ‘superheroes’ from Judges and learn about Jesus, the ultimate hero. As well as our Venture and Falcon holidays, CPAS is also resourcing ministry among children and young people through: Growing Leaders – Youth Edition: An eightsession course to grow 14-18s in Christ-like character, equipping them to lead in their schools, communities and churches. Talk Calling: A series of creative cards to start conversations with teenagers about vocation, either in a youth group setting, on a residential or one-to-one. Calling Young Disciples: A series of learning communities for church teams in Worcester diocese, helping them to revitalise and grow their work with children, young people and families. Please join us in praying that our work in this vital area will be used by God for his glory.
19-25 MAY BUT WHEN THE KINDNESS AND LOVE OF GOD OUR SAVIOUR APPEARED, HE SAVED US, NOT BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUS THINGS WE HAD DONE, BUT BECAUSE OF HIS MERCY. TITUS 3:4-5
For your prayers: Sun 19: CPAS staff: Leadership Specialist Ian Parkinson, who is preaching at Holy Trinity Boston today and teaching ordinands at St Hild college (Yorkshire) tomorrow. Mon 20: Children and young people: For those God is calling to leadership. Ask that he will use Growing Leaders – Youth Edition and Talk Calling to help thousands of teenagers across the UK and Republic of Ireland find their next step. Tue 21: Children and young people: The lay and ordained leaders currently taking part in Calling Young Disciples learning communities in Worcester diocese. Wed 22: Children and young people: 65% of Church of England churches have less than five people under the age of 16 on a Sunday.* Pray that God would inspire churches to find new ways to reach children and young people. Thu 23: Scotland: The Rev Colin Sinclair, minister of Palmerston Place Church and Moderater of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, which is taking place this week. Fri 24: Children and young people: For more Church of England schools to get involved with School Ventures, so that many more children can take part. Sat 25: Children and young people: ‘The Buzz’ overall leaders. Pray for Robin Barfield, David Casson, Aled Seago, Anna Leadbetter, Mark Tomlinson, Peter Boorne, Helen Neville and Steve Boyall. * 2016 single church Statistics for Mission Returns on 10,552 churches, The Church of England
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26 MAY – 1 JUNE
PATRONAGE CHURCHES The Seven Sowers Benefice (Bath and Wells)
TRUST IN THE LORD FOR EVER, FOR THE LORD, THE LORD HIMSELF, IS THE ROCK ETERNAL. ISAIAH 26:4
he Seven Sowers benefice comprises seven rural churches in Somerset committed to ‘Sowing the Seed of the Gospel of Jesus’.
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There are three primary schools and around 300 children and young people living in the benefice. The congregations seek to raise the profile and mission of the church through a thriving parent and toddler group, strong relationships with the schools and the introduction of Messy Church. Regular collective worship, prayer visits and Community Teas also offer a vital bridge between the churches and the community. The benefice is currently in vacancy, with interviews for the new rector taking place this Wednesday. Please join us in praying that the right person will be appointed and also for God’s blessing on these faithful congregations as they continue to find new ways to actively share the good news of Jesus Christ in their communities. 10
For your prayers: Sun 26: Seven Sowers: For God to speak through all the services, including the twice yearly benefice-wide all-age worship events which draw in a number of families who otherwise have very little contact with the church. Mon 27: Seven Sowers: The planning and startup of a yearly Alpha course. Pray that it would encourage many people in the parish to explore the basics of the Christian faith. Tue 28: Diocesan training: CPAS’ work with Bristol diocese. Charles Burgess (Leadership Specialist) is leading an in-depth leadership course for clergy, as well as other ad hoc training and a Growing Leaders course for lay leaders. Wed 29: Seven Sowers: Interviews for the new rector take place today. John Coyne (Patronage Leadership Specialist) is on the panel. Pray for discernment and wise decisions. Thu 30: Seven Sowers: For the parent and toddler group, Community Teas, Messy Church and the weekly Open the Book presentations in two local schools. Pray God would use these for his glory. Fri 31: Seven Sowers: God’s blessing on each of the Seven Sowers churches: Beercrocombe, Curry Mallet, Hatch Beauchamp, Orchard Portman, Staple Fitzpaine, Stoke St Mary and West Hatch. Sat 1: Wales: Thank God for the evangelism fund set up by the Representative Body of the Church in Wales. Pray dioceses’ bids are clear and successful, and for fruit from this investment.
LEADERSHIP
2-8 JUNE
Leaders in All Contexts
SO CHRIST HIMSELF GAVE THE APOSTLES, THE PROPHETS, THE EVANGELISTS, THE PASTORS AND TEACHERS, TO EQUIP HIS PEOPLE FOR WORKS OF SERVICE. EPHESIANS 4:11-12
PAS’ first Leading Well event took place in Newbury earlier this year, filling up so fast that two other Leading Well events have since been organised in Sunbury and Kettering. This new event builds on the material in our Growing Leaders suite, recognising that Christians lead in a variety of contexts – workplaces, schools, community groups, charities, homes and churches.
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This week, please join us in praying for leaders in churches across the UK and Republic of Ireland. This includes those holding authorised positions, volunteer leaders in churches (e.g. small group leaders) and those leading beyond the church walls in their workplaces and communities.
For your prayers: Sun 2: Leaders: The lay people exercising leadership in your own church. Praise God for their willingness to serve in this way. Mon 3: Leaders: Integrity and wisdom for Christian leaders in the workplace. Pray that their witness will lead others to ask about their faith in Christ. Tue 4: Leaders: Charles Burgess (Leadership Specialist), who is delivering session nine of the Bristol diocese Growing Leaders course this evening. Wed 5: Leaders: Christians working in the charitable sector. Pray God would use them to build his kingdom ‘on earth, as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). Thu 6: Scotland: The General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church (SEC), which meets from today until Thursday in Edinburgh. Fri 7: Leaders: Thank God for the success of Leading Well. Pray future events are also well attended and ultimately help churches develop Christian leaders in every walk of life. Sat 8: Theological colleges: Today, Ian Parkinson is leading training for ordinands at Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership in North Shields. 11
9-15 JUNE
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION Ministers in Training
I HAVE MADE YOU A LIGHT FOR THE GENTILES, THAT YOU MAY BRING SALVATION TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. ACTS 13:47
t is estimated that each academic year Ian Parkinson, CPAS Leadership Specialist, teaches 340 students at Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) across the British Isles. With summer now here, 25-35% of these students will be completing their studies and taking their next steps into curacy.
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One such TEI is Wycliffe Hall in Oxford, where Ian will be teaching the third year ordinands their final sessions on Wednesday. Ian says: ‘Pray for those leaving colleges, including at Wycliffe, that they will be envisioned and resourced for the years of ministry that lie ahead.’ Ian is also training curates at St Padarn’s conference on Monday and Tuesday, focusing on starting well in a new role and dealing with leadership conflict. In the next 12 months these curates will be taking on leadership of a Mission Area (similar to a multi-parish benefice) in the Church of Wales. 06 12
For your prayers: Sun 9: Theological education: The ordinands who are completing their studies this month, including the 20 from Wycliffe Hall leaving on Wednesday. Pray that God will be leading them as they begin curacies. Mon 10: Theological education: The St Padarn’s conference starts today. Pray that the curates attending will grow through Ian’s teaching and it will guide their future ministry across Wales. Tue 11: CPAS staff: Ministry Assistants Rosie Wallace and Hannah Leary, who are now nearing the end of their year with CPAS. Wed 12: Leadership: Ian Parkinson is at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford speaking to leavers. James Lawrence, Charles Burgess and John Coyne are also leading training today for church leaders in Stirling, Bristol and Nottingham respectively. Thu 13: Ireland: Today the Irish College of Preachers meet for their annual conference in Dublin. Pray for all those attending to learn a lot from the workshops provided. Fri 14: Theological education: Ian teaches leadership development at 11 TEIs across 14 venues. Praise God for this opportunity and pray this investment will strengthen the Church. Sat 15: Theological education: As this academic year draws to a close, pray for those who will begin their ordination training this autumn.
EQUIPPING MINISTERS-INTRAINING
CPAS is currently working with the theological education institutions below to deliver missional leadership training to the next generation of church leaders. This includes accredited leadership modules at undergraduate and postgraduate (MA) level, series and sessions tackling specific areas of leadership concern and a ‘School of Leadership’ covering many aspects of practical church leadership.
‘Ian’s sessions really made me think about how I exercise leadership and gave me tools to think about how to improve.’ Student, St Padarn’s Institute
CUMBRIA CHRISTIAN LEARNING
ST MELLITUS NW (THE AIDAN CENTRE) THE CHURCH OF IRELAND THEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
LINDISFARNE REGIONAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP
ST HILD COLLEGE (MIRFIELD) CHURCH ARMY
ST HILD COLLEGE (BARNABAS) ST PADARN’S INSTITUTE
WYCLIFFE HALL
RIPON COLLEGE SARUM
TRINITY COLLEGE ST MELLITUS (LONDON) ST MELLITUS (SOUTH WEST)
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16-22 JUNE
LEADERSHIP Scripture on Leadership WHEN YOU RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH YOU HEARD FROM US, YOU ACCEPTED IT NOT AS A HUMAN WORD, BUT AS IT ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH IS INDEED AT WORK IN YOU. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:13
For your prayers: Sun 16: Patronage churches: Ian Parkinson is preaching at Wellington All Saints today in Telford. Pray his words encourage and inspire the congregation.
cripture on Leadership is a new series of leadership training events which was launched in the spring. Designed to help Christian leaders dig deep into Scripture, these day events are an opportunity to inform, shape and inspire biblical leadership.
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The series begins with a day spent exploring the biblical principles of exilic leadership. This Wednesday, the next instalment of the series takes place in Sale. Led by CPAS General Director, John Dunnett, the day will be a study of biblical leadership, examining the leaders in Scripture and identifying where leadership can often fall short of biblical standards. CPAS has plans to expand this series to other locations, to help hundreds of leaders study leadership through a distinctively biblical lens, in order that churches may grow. 14
Mon 17: Scripture on Leadership: For all Christian leaders to be deeply rooted in Scripture in their leadership. Tue 18: PCCs: A PCC Tonight training event is taking place in Coventry today. Pray for an insightful evening which helps PCCs move forward. Wed 19: Scripture on Leadership: Today’s training on biblical leadership at St Mary’s, Sale, led by CPAS General Director John Dunnett. Thu 20: Leadership: Today is the final day of The Buck Stops Here conference for new incumbents. Pray everyone will leave the event having gained confidence for the new post they are undertaking. Fri 21: Scripture on Leadership: As we consider the best way to expand these new training events, pray for discernment, and good relationships with potential training event venues. Sat 22: Scripture on Leadership: For leaders whose own spiritual life is struggling. Pray they will reconnect with the God through the Bible and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
LEADERSHIP
23-29 JUNE
Arrow Residential 4
his week (23-28 June), the fourth residential of the Arrow Leadership Programme takes place at Hothorpe Hall, Market Harborough. Although the programme doesn’t conclude until November, this is the final residential so inevitably there will be mixed feelings amongst the 24 participants.
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The residential will have a focus on ‘Going the Distance’, with Rupert Charkham leading the morning Bible studies in 2 Timothy. A variety of speakers will cover topics ranging from Liz Griffiths’ sessions on handling conflict to James Lawrence’s input on ordering a community around evangelism. Each participant will also have a one-toone health and wellbeing review with Sarah Evans, a health and fitness professional.
FOR THE SPIRIT GOD GAVE US DOES NOT MAKE US TIMID, BUT GIVES US POWER, LOVE AND SELFDISCIPLINE. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7
For your prayers: Sun 23: Arrow residential: The final residential can be a significant one. Pray that everyone would arrive safely today and that participants would be fully present and open to all God wants to do in them. Mon 24: Arrow residential: The programme team, led by Richard Kellett. Pray that all would go smoothly with the venue and that the team would work well together. Tue 25: Arrow residential: All the speakers, that God would speak powerfully through them into the situations of each participant. Wed 26: Arrow residential: Spouses, families and friends of the participants back at home. For their protection and provision. Thu 27: Arrow residential: As the residential comes to an end, give thanks for the mentors and intercessors who are supporting the participants through the programme. Fri 28: Ventures and Falcons: The second Nottingham School Venture takes place from today until Sunday, giving children in school years 4 and 5 the chance to learn more about the Christian faith. Sat 29: Wales: The many holiday camps and beach missions being planned around Wales this summer. Ask God to use these endeavours for his glory.
The Arrow participants, who are all Christian leaders aged 25-40
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30 JUNE – 6 JULY
VENTURES AND FALCONS Getting Ready for Summer!
With just two weeks to go until the first holiday of the summer season, thousands of volunteer leaders are hard at work planning, preparing and praying. Overall leaders: SUN 30 Each holiday has a small team of overall leaders who lead the volunteer team. At this time of year, they are busy finalising the last bits of admin, filling the last few spaces and making final arrangements with sites. Please pray for good relationships with site staff and for calm in the face of any unexpected issues.
Bible talks: Leaders deliver the Bible teaching each day. For some, this will be the first time they’ve done this, which can be quite daunting, and so having a good culture of support and feedback is important.
Offsite activities: There are minibuses to book, deposits to pay, health and safety forms to complete, risk assessments to do and group bookings to finalise at theme parks, cinemas, bowling alleys, zoos, waterparks and all manner of other exciting places. TUE 2
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Pray for creativity, enthusiasm and God’s provision in everything.
Pray for good attention to detail and that the end result will be a huge amount of fun for thousands of youngsters!
Cooks and Caterers: Those heading up kitchen teams are now planning menus, budgeting, allocating tasks and ordering food.
Dorm leaders: Venture and Falcon dorms are typically made up of 6-10 children with 2-3 leaders. Around this time, the dorm leaders will be finding out who is in their dorm and planning games to help everyone get to know each other better.
Pray for delicious and nutritious ideas and great deals when ordering food.
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Pray that God will help those preparing talks to get the tone right so the young people can understand his word, and that the content will flow well from day-to-day.
Crafts, music and drama: Now is the time to choose music, learn new action songs, prepare sketches and source all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes and props. Those organising crafts are also busy gathering supplies. THU 4
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Pray for great ideas for games and also Bible studies, which many dorm groups do together following each Bible talk.
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Office team: This time of year is all about finalising bookings and fees, ensuring DBS checks are all in order and providing the overall leaders with all the information and paperwork they need. SAT 6
Pray for efficiency, smooth processes and wisdom at this very busy time of year.
VOCATIONS
7-13 JULY
Fostering Vocations
t’s now been almost a year since the launch of Exploring Authorised Ministry?, a CPAS resource covering everything from how God guides to different roles in the Church of England, training options and in the ins and outs of the selection process. Praise God that many people are finding this resource useful.
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‘We’re also thankful that the Church of England’s “Great Vocations Conversation” campaign has generated a lot of interest in fostering vocations. Thanks to this and other initiatives, there is now a strong desire in many, many dioceses to foster vocations among younger people in particular. ‘In terms of our own young vocations work, we’re delighted to have had positive feedback about Talk Calling (a series of creative cards to open up conversations about vocation with teenagers). We also had a fantastic time together at our first ever It’s Your Call weekend for 18-30s, and are hoping to run more in the future. Lots to be thankful for!’ Emma Sykes, Leadership Specialist (Young Vocations)
WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL DO THE WORKS I HAVE BEEN DOING, AND THEY WILL DO EVEN GREATER THINGS THAN THESE, BECAUSE I AM GOING TO THE FATHER. JOHN 14:12
Sam Sieber, who used Talk Calling with her youth group
For your prayers: Sun 7: Leadership: St Peter’s Woodmansterne in Surrey, which has a visiting preacher from CPAS today. Praise God for the church’s faithful support for our ministry. Mon 8: Vocations: The Church of England’s ‘Great Vocations Conversation’ campaign. Pray for all those considering ordination training as a result of the interest it has generated. Tue 9: Leadership: James Lawrence (CPAS Leadership Principal) is in Warwick today leading training for clergy in Coventry diocese on developing resilience. Wed 10: Vocations: Thank God for the popularity of Talk Calling. Pray it will enable many more discussions to take place which lead to young people doing great things for God. Thu 11: Vocations: For leaders on this summer’s Ventures and Falcons to have lots of conversations with young people about what God might be calling them to. Fri 12: Vocations: Wise use of time and resources for Emma and other CPAS staff as decisions are made about what activities to focus on to help foster vocations. Sat 13: Vocations: All those who have bought Exploring Authorised Ministry?. Pray it will answer their questions and help build excitement about the future. 17
14-20 JULY
PATRONAGE Patronage Team
BECAUSE OF THE LORD’S GREAT LOVE WE ARE NOT CONSUMED, FOR HIS COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING; GREAT IS YOUR FAITHFULNESS. LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23
arlier this year, around 170 parishes joined the CPAS patronage family from CPT (Church Patronage Trust) and Peache Trust. This means that CPAS is now the largest patron in the Church of England, with some responsibility for appointing incumbents to 687 benefices. It also means the Patronage team are in the midst of a busy few months of transition, with meetings, letters going out to all the new parishes and incumbents being welcomed into the patronage of CPAS.
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John Fisher, CPAS’ Patronage Secretary of seven years, recently left the team to begin his new position as Diocesan Director of Ordinands in Exeter diocese. As this diary goes to print, the process of appointing a successor is underway, with the intention that the new Patronage Secretary will take up the post as soon as they are able to.
For your prayers: Sun 14: Patronage team: Ask God to bless the Peache Trust and CPT parishes which are now part of the CPAS patronage family. Mon 15: Patronage team: Kathy Burch (PA to the Patronage Secretary) and John Coyne (Patronage Leadership Specialist) as they take on more work in this time of transition. Tue 16: Patronage team: A number of the CPT and Peache Trust churches will be in vacancy as they transfer their patronage. Pray that a good working relationship is quickly formed during the appointment process. Wed 17: Patronage team: The new Patronage Secretary, who will be responsible for leading the team as well as guiding vacant churches through the appointment process. Thu 18: Patronage team: Patronage Leadership Specialist John Coyne’s work resourcing patronage incumbents, including the Looking Up, Looking Forward training days. Fri 19: Scotland: For Scotland’s churches to engage effectively in evangelism and witness so that many can come to know Christ. Pray also for God’s hand to be over politics in Scotland and the work of the Scottish Parliament. Sat 20: Ventures and Falcons: With 21 holidays starting over the next week, it’s all go for the leaders and the office team! Pray everything goes smoothly so that the young people can have a fantastic time making friends, having fun and hearing about Jesus.
Holy Trinity Cambridge, a new CPAS patronage church
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GIVING TO CPAS Our ministry helping local churches share the gospel with the communities around them is only possible because of the generous gifts of churches and individuals like you. Thank you for your support.
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‘Growing Leaders was very helpful; full of biblical insights into how we can be effective leaders and faithful to God.’ Ben Randall
Church giving
Whether your local church serves a village, town or city, by supporting our ministry as a church you are contributing towards mission-enabling work across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Please visit our website or call us to find out more.
Legacies
Leaving a legacy to CPAS is a fantastic way to help us continue enabling churches to help every person hear and discover the good news of Jesus Christ. Find out more online or contact us using the details below.
www.cpas.org.uk /donate
CPAS, Sovereign Court One (Unit 3), Sir William Lyons Road, University of Warwick Science Park, COVENTRY CV4 7EZ 0300 123 0780 supporter.relations@cpas.org.uk
MENTORING MATTERS Identify, equip and resource mentors
MENTORING MATTERS IS AN EASY-TO-USE RESOURCE WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START A CHURCH-BASED MENTORING NETWORK. To find out more, visit www.cpas.org.uk/mentoring
Many in our churches are looking for help as they grapple with how to be a disciple and leader in such a fast-moving, rapidly-changing world. Those young in the faith seeking to lay good foundations; those who’ve been Christians a while, wanting to deepen their ongoing service of Christ; and people of every generation looking to grow as leaders. A mentoring relationship provides an intentional way of engaging with God’s agenda.