• Pray, especially at the time of the Patronal Festival, Sept 6th, for St Mary’s Church and Congregation, and particularly for the St Mary’s Project Committee, working on the restoration of the Church and Parish Hall, and also for the Friends of St Mary’s, S. Stoneham, to be launched on September 5th.
  
  
• Pray for children returning to school this month, and students coming to the University.
  
  
• Pray for the Big Tidy Up on September 19th, and for all those from local Churches who will be involved.
  
  
• Pray, at Harvest Time (September 20th at St Mary’s), for our stewardship of the earth’s resources, and give thanks for all the earth provides.
  
  
• Pray for all those who do not share in the earth’s bounty.
  
  
• Pray for Back to Church Sunday on September 27th, and that people will respond to the invitations.
  

Prayers of the Month

Prayer for Lay Pastors

Written by Ann Lewin, and used by our Lay Pastors collectively and individually.

Loving Lord, You have called us to share in caring
for your people in this parish:

may your compassion flow through us to all in need.

Teach us how to encourage those we care for to hold fast to you in difficult times.

Give us patience in our listening,
wisdom in our speaking, and the grace to know when to keep silent.

Enfold us in your love, and draw us all to enjoy more fully the life
you give us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.