Category: Other

O God of truth and justice,
we remember today the consequences of hatred in lives brutally extinguished
in hearts torn apart, in memories scarred with pain.
As we remember and honour the victims of hatred,
lead us to sorrow over the sins of humanity.
Draw close, we pray,
to mothers and sisters, wives and grandmothers
and all relatives and loved ones left behind, and heal the pain in their souls.
And teach us, O Lord,
to learn how to live for a world
where differences are respected and valued, and where fear and mistrust
can never overwhelm us
nor vengeance be stirred in our hearts.
Give peace we pray, to the people of Srebrenica; that their lives may be restored
through your grace.
Amen

Saturday 10th July, 12 noon until 2pm, on North Lane Recreation Ground,
West Hoathly, organised by St. Margaret’s with permission from the Parish
Council. Free entry with a retiring bucket collection.
Bring along your picnic, chairs & rugs to come together to be entertained by
our local singing artist and entertainer, Niki Mak. This will be a lovely
opportunity to come together as a community and raise funds for the Church.
There will be opportunities to spend your money on Church run stalls,
including Plant and Cake stalls, tombola, face painting and Children’s stalls &
games.
Offers of help or sponsorship of the event would be much appreciated, please
contact Derek Shurvell on derekshurvell@gmail.com or 01342 810780.

The Village Sketchbook is open to everyone within our villages. Drawing is a
fantastic way to connect with your local surroundings, keeping a visual diary
whether you are an amateur or professional artist.
For a £5 donation you get an A6 sketchbook, plus on-line access to two 10
minute tutorials from Caz Greenwood with some basic sketching tips, and
ideas on keeping a sketchbook. You and then invited to share your sketchbook
at the ‘Celebrate!’ Exhibition at St Margaret’s on the 25-26th September.
If you would like to take part, please email villagesketchbook@gmail.com or
sign up in the sheet in the porch of St Margaret’s.

The 10.30am service from St Margaret’s will be uploaded to YouTube as quickly as possible. Our online
services can be accessed here: https:// www.facebook.com/nicol.kinrade.31 or
on our YouTube channel 
Mthr Nicol will post her sermons at: https://nicolkinrade.wordpress.com

O God who calls us to live in your presence
and make our home in you,
help us to feel when you are near
and give us courage in the next steps you ask us to take. Amen.

Will your duck win? Join us to find out…

Keep us, O Lord, from all Pettiness:
let us be large in thought, word and deed.
Let us be done with all fault-finding
and leave off all self-seeking.
May we put away all pretence and
meet each other face to face,
without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgement
and always generous.
Let us take the time for all things and
make us grow calm, serene and gentle.
Teach us to put into action our better impulses, straight forward and unafraid.
And, O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind. Amen.

Give me, Lord,
a stout heart to bear my own burdens,
a tender heart to bear the burdens of others,
and a believing heart to lay all my burdens on you,
for you care for us. Amen.

A prayer of Lesslie Newbigin

My God, do not abandon me
though I have done nothing good in your sight:
but, because you are compassionate,
grant me the power to make a start. Amen

A prayer of St Arsenios (d 449)

Some of you may have had this already, but probably not all of you. Prayer is a difficult topic for many of us and this might help!

“Prayer is like watching for the Kingfisher.
All you can do is be there when he is likely to appear and Wait.
Often nothing much happens,
There is space, silence and expectancy.
No visible sign, only the knowledge that he’s been there,
And may come again.
Seeing or not seeing cease to matter,
You have been prepared.
But sometimes, when you’ve almost
Stopped expecting it,
A flash of brightness gives encouragement.”

Ann Lewin, Candles and Kingfishers