Let us pray The Lord's Prayer together at 11am today

Pope Francis has publicly invited the heads of churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all Christians, to pray the Lord’s Prayer on Wednesday 25 March 2020 at 11am

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has given his backing to a call from the Pope for Christians across the world to join in saying the Lord’s Prayer as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. CTE and CTBI have affirmed their support for this….

We are socially distanced from our churches and communities but still spiritually connected to the world church through Jesus Christ, our healer and friend. Amen

Message from Revd Dr Hugh Osgood

Dear fellow Free Church Ministers,

We are all aware of the challenges we are facing with the current coronavirus crisis.

Obviously we want to stand together and encourage one another as we follow the government guidelines. 

As global pressure increases, an African Head of State has commended Philippians 4:6-7 to his nation:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

There is much here that is timely for us all to hold on to as we stand firm in faith, maintaining both a heavenly perspective and a down to earth practicality. 

At the end of his letter Paul thanks the Philippians for caring for him, politely acknowledging that they no doubt always did care but lacked opportunity. 

Right now we have the opportunity to work with others to show care right across our communities. Let us rise to this challenge, demonstrating how the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit can carry us through.   

Standing with you in the fullness of the Lord's unwavering love and blessing,

Yours,

Hugh Osgood

Free Churches Moderator 

Light a candle of hope today...

We are invited by the Presidents of CTE to light a candle of hope…

Presidents of Churches Together in England have issued a call to prayer in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic. This is for all churches and people of prayer to join on Sunday 22nd March. They write….”This Mothering Sunday, 22nd March, we are calling all churches to a National Day of Prayer and Action. At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds. At 7pm this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.
Whether you are continuing to worship as congregations or not, we have the great privilege and freedom to be able to call upon God, wherever we are, individually and corporately, for healing in our nation. We would pray for all in leadership at this time, making decisions about the containment of the COVID-19 virus, for those working in health and social care, and especially for the most vulnerable, whether elderly or those with underlying health conditions.”

Light a candle of hope on Sunday 22nd March

A NATIONAL CALL TO PRAYER on 22nd March 7pm

Light a Candle of Hope A call to prayer re. the Coronavirus pandemic A National Day of Prayer and Action has been announced by the presidents of Churches Together in England.

In an excerpt from a joint letter issued today, they wrote: "At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds. Therefore, at 7pm (GMT) this Sunday, light a candle in the windows of your homes as a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer." Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to join with us in prayer to see an end to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

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*Safety note - please take all necessary fire precautions when using a lit candle. Ensure you remain with the lit candle at all times, and do not leave it to burn if you leave the room. Ensure there are no fabrics or materials such as curtains near the candle. If you are able to use a small electric ‘candle’ instead, that will be safe to leave unattended.

A national call to prayer has been proclaimed - join with us on 22nd March 7pm and Light a Candle of Hope

This Sunday, as Presidents of Churches Together in England we’re calling for a National Day of Prayer and Action in response to #COVID2019.

(The presidents of CTE are: Archbishop Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury; Cardinal Vincent Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster; Revd Dr Hugh Osgood, The Free Churches Moderator; Archbishop Angaelos of London, CTE President for the Orthodox Churches; Pastor Agu Irukwu, CTE Pentecostal President.)

Let’s light candles of hope and look after each other.

Please share and join us: http://cte.org.uk/calltoprayer