Joining together in Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Published by Keith Morris at January 15, 2018

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We are approaching the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18 -25. The readings, hymns and reflections to be used have been chosen and produced by Christians in the Caribbean as Mary Hunt from Lowestoft reports.

The beautiful Islands each have unique histories, distinct flora and fauna and languages. These diverse Islands and communities in the Caribbean are united in the love of Jesus Christ.

The theme for the week is “That All May Be Free". The Caribbean Christians offer Exodus 15, a song of triumph over oppression as the motif for this week. The hymn “The Right Hand of God” reflecting the song of Miriam and Moses in praise of the liberating action of God has become the anthem of the Ecumenical movement in the region.

Here in Lowestoft and District there is the opportunity to pray, worship and experience hospitality in seven different churches. On January 18 a Taiz service will be held in St Peter’s and St John’s, Kirkley.

On Friday January 19 at 7.30pm the Salvation Army South, Carlton Road are holding a God and Praise service.

On Sunday January 21 at 3pm at the URC Church, London Road North is the United Service with many churches and St Mary’s R C Primary School Choir taking part. It is full of Caribbean Colour, all welcome.

Monday at St Margaret’s Church Hall, Hollingsworth Road at 12 noon there is Soup and Prayer service to enjoy.

Tuesday there is the 12.30pm lunchtime service at the URC Church, London Road North. Please stay to lunch afterwards.

Wednesday at 9.30am is a Communion Service at St Mark’s, Bridge Road, Oulton Broad . Also on Wednesday if you are in Town at 10.15am the Salvation Army Citadel, Battery Green Road has Reflection and Prayer.

Thursday at 12.15pm at Our Lady Star of the Sea, Gordon Road there is a Prayer Chain followed by refreshments. The Week finishes at it started at St Peter’s and St John’s Church, Kirkley with a Healing and Prayer Service at 7.30pm.

We pray for the unity of all Christian people as we share in Christ’s ministry. Over the years more understanding and co-operation has resulted in local initiatives emerging , working together on projects eg the Foodbank, Town Pastors, Fish (Food in School Holidays), Soup Kitchen , Open the Book and Chaplains as well as joint services marking the main Christian feasts.

So as we pray this year we continue to participate in God’s Ministry of Reconciliation. The whole Church is called to be both a sign and an active agent of the reconciliation.

Matthew 18 verse 20 -Jesus said "For when two or three are gathered in my name, then I am with them “.

Mary Hunt, Parishioner of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Nicholas Churches.