Post by JEM on Sept 25, 2013 23:25:45 GMT
BUGB Eastern Area Association, Essex Baptist Churches Prayer Diary
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2013
October 6th
/////////////
Romford, Queens Hospital
Chaplain: Revd Alison Horncastle
Thank God for the start of a new permanent position as chaplain in July, having spent the past year on the ‘In House Bank’, not knowing if the ‘Chaplaincy’ position would be released. Thank God for my husband David and my Church who continue to support me.
Please pray for the coming months as the Autumn and Winter period put added pressure on the hospital and staff who struggle to reach targets and provide care. As chaplains we are not only there for patients and their relatives, but staff as well.
I would ask for prayer not only for myself but the rest of the team, as we show the love and compassion of Christ into what is sometimes the worst times of people’s lives, and that we have the right words to bring them some comfort.
Saffron Walden Baptist Church
Minister: Revd John M Goddard
We thank God for increasing our congregation during the time we were without a minister.
We appreciate prayer support for the Alpha Course resumed this autumn, for the forthcoming Baptismal service, for the twice monthly Luncheon Club, for our need of new staff for Sunday Club, for the faithful leaders of our Boys Brigade Company, and our Scouts , Guides and Brownies , and for the Friday Youth Fellowship. For our member Gavin Walter who has just been appointed Student Minister at Ashdon Baptist Church training with Spurgeon's, for our members Liz and Sergie Vilela training with BMS at Birmingham to go to Mozambique next year and for our 6 members who have become Street Pastors, and 6 Prayer Pastors in the newly launched Saffron Walden Street Pastors team.
Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church
Minister: Revd David Mayne
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
October 13th
///////////////
Shoeburyness, Friars Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Vivienne Alexander
We would like to give thanks that during the last four months we have had four baptisms and seen many blessings, including 2 young men giving their lives to the Lord when the youth group and adults attended Soul Survivor Camp this August. We are a small fellowship but the young people are an inspiration and encouragement to us, please pray for wisdom to mentor them well.
We would ask for prayer for our minister Vivienne as she starts her 5th year with us and as we try to impact our local community with God’s love and care.
As the new Autumn session starts and all the groups resume, we ask that you pray with us that the youngsters will return to Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, Youth Group and KidzKlub, and that the work will grow.
Shotgate Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Errol Jacobs
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Regional Ministry Team
Our local association, the Eastern Baptist Association is going through some major changes. Sheila Martin is leaving us shortly followed next year by Paul Hills. Our prayers go with Sheila and David as they begin to enjoy their retirement together, along with our thanks for their tireless work within the organisation.
October 20th
///////////////
South Woodham Evangelical( South Woodham Ferrers):
Minister: Revd Lindsay Caplen
God is clearly at work in the lives of a number of people within the church
as well as those on the fringes of church life. This is exciting, but will
undoubtedly present challenges. Please give thanks to the Lord for what he
is doing and ask Him to bless us with wisdom and discernment so that we work
according to His timing and do not step outside His will. Please also pray
for wisdom as we seek to adapt and consolidate our leadership structure
around what we sense God is doing.
Regional Ministry Team
We need also to pray for Paul Hills and Richard Lewis as they start to make plans for the future of the EBA. Pray that they have been given listening ears and a discerning heart to Gods plans for this Association. We pray for the Rev Simon Goddard who begins as Regional Minister in January 2014.
Southend-on-Sea, Avenue Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Andrew Picton
We give thanks to God for the arrival of our new Senior Pastor, and for the Induction service which was held on 7th September. We are also grateful to the Lord for sustaining us during the pastoral vacancy, for visiting preachers during that time, and the guidance of our Moderator. We give thanks for new members welcomed in during the vacancy. We would ask for prayer for Andrew, Rachel and family, as they adjust to the move here, and for spiritual growth among us as a fellowship. We would also ask for prayer for our youth and children’s work in the church, in its various forms, for more volunteers to help in this busy area. Our Community Minister has had significant openings in the area of chaplaincy to the university, and we would ask for prayer for these contacts to continue to bear fruit.
October 27th
//////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Belle Vue Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Andrew Goodliff
By the date on which we are due to appear on the EBA prayer diary, we should be on the verge of opening the Southchurch Foodbank, which, with the help and support of other local churches of all denominations, will be run from our church premises. We would value your prayers for this major, long-term, commitment to our local community and for opportunities to feed hungry souls as well as hungry bodies.
November 3rd
////////////////
Southend-on-sea, Church from Scratch
Minister: Ivan King
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Southend-on-sea, 57 West
Minister: Dan Pratt
Thank God for our first year of church planting among young adults in central Southend.
Please pray for:
Dan Pratt as he explores creative ways of doing church and reaching young adults
Peter Dominey and Louise Frood as they develop mentoring programs for young adults
the newly formed team of volunteers seeking to open our drop-in creative space to clubbers on Friday and Saturday nights
work among students in partnership with the University chaplaincy
that many young adults would find fullness of life in Jesus
November 10th
/////////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Clarence Road Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Daniel Gates
We give thanks to God for his continued provision for the church. It has been a challenging year, with some elderly members having passed away, yet we enjoy a warm, loving and practical fellowship. We are thankful for newcomers and look forward to the relationships that will be built. Our youth group is growing, and we value our partnerships with local churches. God is still at work among us and we are hopeful.
Please pray that we continue to discern God's plans for us. Pray that our partnerships with other churches continue to strengthen. Pray for our youth group and leaders.
November 10th
Southend-on-Sea, Earls Hall Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Steve Smith
Please pray for:the church fellowship at this time as we say good-bye to our much loved Minister, Rev. Steve Smith at the end of November. Steve has accepted the call to the Baptist Church in Lewes and we wish him every blessing in this new endeavour
the church leadership and fellowship as we enter the Pastoral Vacancy and appoint a Moderator to help with the process of seeking God’s will for the future ministry
Simon Thompsett our Minister in Training who has now completed his three-year course as he seeks God’s guidance for his future ministry
our new Youth Worker Liz Stone who started with us at the beginning of September and will be working closely with our existing Children’s worker Katie Stanton
Sadly our minister’s wife Chris Smith died since preparing this prayer request, please pray for Steve and his family at this time of bereavement.
November 17th
/////////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Ferndale Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Dr Stephen Dray
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Stock, Christ Church
Minister: Revd Ian Smith
We give thanks to God for Rev Simon Roberton and his wife Julia being with us now over the last year as an associate minister, this has been a great blessing to all. We have also been blessed to see three baptisms last December and one more just recently.
We also give thanks for the continued opportunities to reach out to our community through our various groups and activities. Please pray for more help in our children's and youth work, giving thanks to those who already serve so faithfully.
November 24th
/////////////////
Thaxted Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Wayne Evans
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church
Check out www.thaxtedbaptistchurch.com or follow on www.facebook.com/thaxtedbaptists.
Theydon Bois Baptist Church
Minister: Vacant
We are now in a period of Pastoral Vacancy. We thank God for the ministry of Sue Barclay which came to a planned end at Easter. Please pray for us as we seek God's guidance and will in the calling of a new minister. Pray for strength and patience for the leadership and the church as a whole both in continuing God's work in our community and in the settlement process.
We also thank God our new initiative of family fun afternoons. Our harvest themed day brought 21 children and their families into the church. We plan a further event pre-Christmas and then more in the New Year.
December 1st
////////////////
Thorpe-le-Soken Baptist Church
Minister: Revd David Murray
We thank God for all His provision.
Please pray:
that as individuals and a fellowship we will grow closer to the Lord and be available to Him.
that we will make the most of the present opportunities to meet the needs in the community.
that we will be open to all the Lord is calling us to do.
that the sale of an unnecessary church property will go ahead smoothly.
December 8th
////////////////
Upminster, Cranham Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Claire Luhman
We continue to thank God for his faithfulness to us as a church family. We are now beginning to see new young families worshipping regularly with us as well as a continued strengthening with our children’s’ and youth work. We also give thanks for an increase of excitement and expectation of what God has planned for CBC.
As we look towards the future ministry in Cranham and to a new vision for the work here, please pray that we would be open to God’s leading and to new opportunities of sharing with those who do not yet know him. Pray also that we would have the courage to take risks.
December 15th
/////////////////
Upminister, Springfield Gardens
Minister: Revd Mark Dvison
We are grateful to God for his blessing and guidance over the past year. There is a very happy atmosphere in the church and we are regularly seeing new people. A number of people who have stepped up to take on new roles and responsibilities, especially in the youth work. Three weddings, six baptisms and a child dedication in ten months have also really encouraged us all! However, there remains much still to be done, especially relating to our aging buildings. Please pray that we will be open to the Spirit’s leading in every aspect of our life together
.
Walton-on-the-Naze Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Brian Jennings
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
December 22nd
//////////////////
Walton-on-the-Naze, Homelands Free Church
Minister: Revd. Graham Dallisson
We continue to rejoice in new folk coming into fellowship and membership with us. Changes to our weekly coffee morning are reaching some new folk but staffing is an issue. Pray that volunteers will be forthcoming. We have a proposal for eldership in September and need wisdom to make a right decision. The church is in good heart, pray we continue in unity.
December 22nd
/////////////////
West Mersea Free Church
Minister: Revd Dr Rob Hughes
Please pray for us as we begin the process of, in God’s power, implementing our churches ‘2020 vision’.
Please pray for our upcoming ‘Journeys’ course starting in October.
Please pray for wisdom as we continue to consider the future of our rear hall.
December 29th
////////////////
Westcliff Baptist Church
Minister: Revd John Western
Thank God for:
Our talented and supportive young people.
For many effective long standing projects such as Caterpillar Club – a parent and toddler group; and for good relationships with other local fellowships.
Please pray for:
Our discipleship group which meets each Wednesday over lunch to discuss questions of faith.
For the whole church as we consider how we should be working in the community, especially among the residents of three blocks of flats that surround the church building; and
For local churches considering setting up a CAP debt advice centre.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2013
October 6th
/////////////
Romford, Queens Hospital
Chaplain: Revd Alison Horncastle
Thank God for the start of a new permanent position as chaplain in July, having spent the past year on the ‘In House Bank’, not knowing if the ‘Chaplaincy’ position would be released. Thank God for my husband David and my Church who continue to support me.
Please pray for the coming months as the Autumn and Winter period put added pressure on the hospital and staff who struggle to reach targets and provide care. As chaplains we are not only there for patients and their relatives, but staff as well.
I would ask for prayer not only for myself but the rest of the team, as we show the love and compassion of Christ into what is sometimes the worst times of people’s lives, and that we have the right words to bring them some comfort.
Saffron Walden Baptist Church
Minister: Revd John M Goddard
We thank God for increasing our congregation during the time we were without a minister.
We appreciate prayer support for the Alpha Course resumed this autumn, for the forthcoming Baptismal service, for the twice monthly Luncheon Club, for our need of new staff for Sunday Club, for the faithful leaders of our Boys Brigade Company, and our Scouts , Guides and Brownies , and for the Friday Youth Fellowship. For our member Gavin Walter who has just been appointed Student Minister at Ashdon Baptist Church training with Spurgeon's, for our members Liz and Sergie Vilela training with BMS at Birmingham to go to Mozambique next year and for our 6 members who have become Street Pastors, and 6 Prayer Pastors in the newly launched Saffron Walden Street Pastors team.
Shoeburyness & Thorpe Bay Baptist Church
Minister: Revd David Mayne
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
October 13th
///////////////
Shoeburyness, Friars Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Vivienne Alexander
We would like to give thanks that during the last four months we have had four baptisms and seen many blessings, including 2 young men giving their lives to the Lord when the youth group and adults attended Soul Survivor Camp this August. We are a small fellowship but the young people are an inspiration and encouragement to us, please pray for wisdom to mentor them well.
We would ask for prayer for our minister Vivienne as she starts her 5th year with us and as we try to impact our local community with God’s love and care.
As the new Autumn session starts and all the groups resume, we ask that you pray with us that the youngsters will return to Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, Youth Group and KidzKlub, and that the work will grow.
Shotgate Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Errol Jacobs
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Regional Ministry Team
Our local association, the Eastern Baptist Association is going through some major changes. Sheila Martin is leaving us shortly followed next year by Paul Hills. Our prayers go with Sheila and David as they begin to enjoy their retirement together, along with our thanks for their tireless work within the organisation.
October 20th
///////////////
South Woodham Evangelical( South Woodham Ferrers):
Minister: Revd Lindsay Caplen
God is clearly at work in the lives of a number of people within the church
as well as those on the fringes of church life. This is exciting, but will
undoubtedly present challenges. Please give thanks to the Lord for what he
is doing and ask Him to bless us with wisdom and discernment so that we work
according to His timing and do not step outside His will. Please also pray
for wisdom as we seek to adapt and consolidate our leadership structure
around what we sense God is doing.
Regional Ministry Team
We need also to pray for Paul Hills and Richard Lewis as they start to make plans for the future of the EBA. Pray that they have been given listening ears and a discerning heart to Gods plans for this Association. We pray for the Rev Simon Goddard who begins as Regional Minister in January 2014.
Southend-on-Sea, Avenue Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Andrew Picton
We give thanks to God for the arrival of our new Senior Pastor, and for the Induction service which was held on 7th September. We are also grateful to the Lord for sustaining us during the pastoral vacancy, for visiting preachers during that time, and the guidance of our Moderator. We give thanks for new members welcomed in during the vacancy. We would ask for prayer for Andrew, Rachel and family, as they adjust to the move here, and for spiritual growth among us as a fellowship. We would also ask for prayer for our youth and children’s work in the church, in its various forms, for more volunteers to help in this busy area. Our Community Minister has had significant openings in the area of chaplaincy to the university, and we would ask for prayer for these contacts to continue to bear fruit.
October 27th
//////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Belle Vue Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Andrew Goodliff
By the date on which we are due to appear on the EBA prayer diary, we should be on the verge of opening the Southchurch Foodbank, which, with the help and support of other local churches of all denominations, will be run from our church premises. We would value your prayers for this major, long-term, commitment to our local community and for opportunities to feed hungry souls as well as hungry bodies.
November 3rd
////////////////
Southend-on-sea, Church from Scratch
Minister: Ivan King
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Southend-on-sea, 57 West
Minister: Dan Pratt
Thank God for our first year of church planting among young adults in central Southend.
Please pray for:
Dan Pratt as he explores creative ways of doing church and reaching young adults
Peter Dominey and Louise Frood as they develop mentoring programs for young adults
the newly formed team of volunteers seeking to open our drop-in creative space to clubbers on Friday and Saturday nights
work among students in partnership with the University chaplaincy
that many young adults would find fullness of life in Jesus
November 10th
/////////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Clarence Road Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Daniel Gates
We give thanks to God for his continued provision for the church. It has been a challenging year, with some elderly members having passed away, yet we enjoy a warm, loving and practical fellowship. We are thankful for newcomers and look forward to the relationships that will be built. Our youth group is growing, and we value our partnerships with local churches. God is still at work among us and we are hopeful.
Please pray that we continue to discern God's plans for us. Pray that our partnerships with other churches continue to strengthen. Pray for our youth group and leaders.
November 10th
Southend-on-Sea, Earls Hall Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Steve Smith
Please pray for:the church fellowship at this time as we say good-bye to our much loved Minister, Rev. Steve Smith at the end of November. Steve has accepted the call to the Baptist Church in Lewes and we wish him every blessing in this new endeavour
the church leadership and fellowship as we enter the Pastoral Vacancy and appoint a Moderator to help with the process of seeking God’s will for the future ministry
Simon Thompsett our Minister in Training who has now completed his three-year course as he seeks God’s guidance for his future ministry
our new Youth Worker Liz Stone who started with us at the beginning of September and will be working closely with our existing Children’s worker Katie Stanton
Sadly our minister’s wife Chris Smith died since preparing this prayer request, please pray for Steve and his family at this time of bereavement.
November 17th
/////////////////
Southend-on-Sea, Ferndale Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Dr Stephen Dray
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
Stock, Christ Church
Minister: Revd Ian Smith
We give thanks to God for Rev Simon Roberton and his wife Julia being with us now over the last year as an associate minister, this has been a great blessing to all. We have also been blessed to see three baptisms last December and one more just recently.
We also give thanks for the continued opportunities to reach out to our community through our various groups and activities. Please pray for more help in our children's and youth work, giving thanks to those who already serve so faithfully.
November 24th
/////////////////
Thaxted Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Wayne Evans
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church
Check out www.thaxtedbaptistchurch.com or follow on www.facebook.com/thaxtedbaptists.
Theydon Bois Baptist Church
Minister: Vacant
We are now in a period of Pastoral Vacancy. We thank God for the ministry of Sue Barclay which came to a planned end at Easter. Please pray for us as we seek God's guidance and will in the calling of a new minister. Pray for strength and patience for the leadership and the church as a whole both in continuing God's work in our community and in the settlement process.
We also thank God our new initiative of family fun afternoons. Our harvest themed day brought 21 children and their families into the church. We plan a further event pre-Christmas and then more in the New Year.
December 1st
////////////////
Thorpe-le-Soken Baptist Church
Minister: Revd David Murray
We thank God for all His provision.
Please pray:
that as individuals and a fellowship we will grow closer to the Lord and be available to Him.
that we will make the most of the present opportunities to meet the needs in the community.
that we will be open to all the Lord is calling us to do.
that the sale of an unnecessary church property will go ahead smoothly.
December 8th
////////////////
Upminster, Cranham Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Claire Luhman
We continue to thank God for his faithfulness to us as a church family. We are now beginning to see new young families worshipping regularly with us as well as a continued strengthening with our children’s’ and youth work. We also give thanks for an increase of excitement and expectation of what God has planned for CBC.
As we look towards the future ministry in Cranham and to a new vision for the work here, please pray that we would be open to God’s leading and to new opportunities of sharing with those who do not yet know him. Pray also that we would have the courage to take risks.
December 15th
/////////////////
Upminister, Springfield Gardens
Minister: Revd Mark Dvison
We are grateful to God for his blessing and guidance over the past year. There is a very happy atmosphere in the church and we are regularly seeing new people. A number of people who have stepped up to take on new roles and responsibilities, especially in the youth work. Three weddings, six baptisms and a child dedication in ten months have also really encouraged us all! However, there remains much still to be done, especially relating to our aging buildings. Please pray that we will be open to the Spirit’s leading in every aspect of our life together
.
Walton-on-the-Naze Baptist Church
Minister: Revd Brian Jennings
Although there has been no Prayer Requests, please could you use this date to remember the work of this Church.
December 22nd
//////////////////
Walton-on-the-Naze, Homelands Free Church
Minister: Revd. Graham Dallisson
We continue to rejoice in new folk coming into fellowship and membership with us. Changes to our weekly coffee morning are reaching some new folk but staffing is an issue. Pray that volunteers will be forthcoming. We have a proposal for eldership in September and need wisdom to make a right decision. The church is in good heart, pray we continue in unity.
December 22nd
/////////////////
West Mersea Free Church
Minister: Revd Dr Rob Hughes
Please pray for us as we begin the process of, in God’s power, implementing our churches ‘2020 vision’.
Please pray for our upcoming ‘Journeys’ course starting in October.
Please pray for wisdom as we continue to consider the future of our rear hall.
December 29th
////////////////
Westcliff Baptist Church
Minister: Revd John Western
Thank God for:
Our talented and supportive young people.
For many effective long standing projects such as Caterpillar Club – a parent and toddler group; and for good relationships with other local fellowships.
Please pray for:
Our discipleship group which meets each Wednesday over lunch to discuss questions of faith.
For the whole church as we consider how we should be working in the community, especially among the residents of three blocks of flats that surround the church building; and
For local churches considering setting up a CAP debt advice centre.