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Who looks after the vicarage? Jesus the best therapist of all Prayer for America The faces behind the bricks and mortar
Counselling in a Christian context
By Christian Barr (aged nine)
Life in an Oxfordshire village in the Decade of Evangelism
the Door
An extract from David Winters new autobiography spanning 50 years of change in the Church and media
wwwoxford.angHcan.org
WE BRING GOOD NEWS
NOVEMBER 2001
No 127
A nat'ion on its <nees iiio
On 5 October, people all over the Oxford Diocese responded to the Archbishop of Canterbury's invitation for a day of prayer for peace, justice and reconciliation Oxford the Bishop Richard joined officer workers, students and shoppers for 15 minutes of prayer at St Aldate's Church. Diocesan staff gathered for prayer in the tiny Church of St Laurence next door to Church House. In Reading at 6pm the Bishop of Reading led an hour of prayer at Greyfriars Church. It isn't often that prayer hits the headlines but the invitation to pray on 5 October went straight to the heart of a nation deeply unsettled by the events of 11 September. Fox FM, an independent local radio station carried adverts calling people to pray and the Henley Standard put news of the prayer day on its front page with details of local church services. The invitation was issued by national Church leaders across who suggested that people in all walks of life should join a special day of prayer for peace, justice and reconciliation following the tragedies in America. IN
Grief and uncertainty Announcing the joint initiative the Archbishop of Canterbury said: 'We have all felt grief, anger; fear and uncertainty. A great many people, perhaps unprecedented numbers, feel unsure what the future now holds and where to seek guidance and support in charting a
path towards it. Our response as human beings to such uncertainty may take many forms. But as Christians we believe that prayer, and the simple but demanding act of laying our hopes and fears before God, is a vital part of that response. Compassion and hope The Church leaders of all the main denominations gathered at Lambeth Palace on the morning of S Octobet Their open invitation to prayer highlighted the need for 'compassion; hope for the future, and renewed commitment to serving the purposes of God's Kingdom.' They also spoke of an opportunity to pray for peace, justice and reconciliation between peoples and faiths. Dr Carey emphasised that the invitationto pray was open to people of other faiths and 'to anyone on a spiritual journey or seeking to embark on one; to people of no faith. No one is excluded. All are welcome'. There were no major set pieces on 5 October. Throughout the day the emphasis was on small local initiatives. In the Oxford Diocese churches everywhere extended their opening hours for prayer and reflection and held special services. In the
Long Crendon area three churches were open from 8am to dusk and prayers written in a book of prayer requests were offered together with prayers for peace and justice at 7pm. At the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes there were prayers for peace at 12.30pm in the same week that a book of condolences signed by people across Milton Keynes was sent to the American Embassy. Worship and candles Despite major building works Dorchester Abbey kept open later than usual while in Rotherfield Peppard and Rotherfield Greys the Rector and Curate were in church for two hours in the middle of the day for anyone dropping in over their lunch hour. In Iver church leaders, both clergy and lay led prayers at intervals though the day. St Helen's Abingdon held a Eucharist for Peace, and there was Taizé worship in Headington Quarry and candles to light in Thame, Finchampstead and Hanney. The invitation included some prayers including this 'Simple Prayer in Troubled Times': God of love, turn our hearts to your ways; and give us peace.
SWORDS INTO PLOUGHSHARES is the first of four posters in the Diocese's 'Sharing Life through Advent' project by the Newbury artist, Paul Forset. The soldier's sword is being lowered in front of a farm, a dove flies overhead and in the distance is the temple on Mont Zion. The posters, based on the prophecies of Isaiah, are for use on Advent Sundays as a focus for worship. There is also a home pack with postcard size pictures, reflection notes, a candle and ideas for all the family. For details get in touch with Jenny Hyson, Children's Adviser on 01865 208255 or Danny Sullivan, Director of Education on 01865 208236. For orders contact Valerie Hooley on 01865 108157. There are details of four Sharing Life through Advent evenings in The DOORPost and the Diocesan website
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