Opening Prayer

Blessed are you, creator God,
to you be praise and glory for ever.
As your Spirit moved over the face of the waters
bringing light and life to your creation,
pour out your Spirit on us at this time
that we may walk as children of light
and by your grace reveal your presence.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Blessed be God for ever.

Telephone

Almighty God, who through your heavenly messengers of Angels and Archangels tell news and glad tidings to Zechariah and Mary about the birth of John and Jesus, and declared to humble shepherds the birth of your Son, we thank you for our earthly means of communication that allows us to share news with friends and family. Amen

Luke 2.8-14

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!

Pylons (representing the harnessing of resources)

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Taken from Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon
St. Francis of Assisi

Parish Council Noticeboard

Almighty God, Lord of all people and nations, we pray for rulers and statesmen, for those called to serve in positions of leadership at International, National and Local Government.
Give them vision to discern the issues of our tie, the courage to uphold what is right, and integrity in their words and motives: and may their service to their people promote welfare and peace to all, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Before going home…

Almighty God,
your ascended Son has sent us into the world
to preach the good news of your kingdom:
inspire us with your Spirit
and fill our hearts with the fire of your love,
that all who hear your Word
may be drawn to you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.                                                The Prayer for Thy Kingdom Come