Carol Singing 20th Dec

Pray for those going carol singing tonight for safety. We have had to restrict our visits those in the town pray as we bring the Christmas message in song and reading that those who are housebound will be blessed.

Prayer Updates 9th December 2010

Sunday School Give thanks for the start of the serving tea on the stage before church and pray that this will lead to opportunities to build relationships with parents who do not attend church regularly. Pray for folk to help with this.

Library (On Stage) Pray for the library as it is open on Sundays that many will make use of it and be encouraged to read Christian literature and grow in their faith.

Rev Curry and all he has to do at this very busy time of year. Pray for strength and wisdom and that God will continue to use him as he visits around homes and opens God’s word each Sunday.

12^th All age Carol Service in Morning and Evening Service Pray for Eric Clarke of Christian Blind Mission, that he will have safe travel as he visits us this Sunday evening. Pray for a good attendance and that his message will enthuse our missionary response. Give thanks to God for the relief CBM bring to those in our world of human suffering.

Parent and Toddlers Party. Pray for safety for the children on Wed 15^th and for opportunity to share the Christmas story. Pray too that as Christmas invites are given out that parents will read them and be spoken to through them.

Christmas Parties Pray for safety for the Sunday School, J Team, Youth Club parties on Saturday 18^th Dec. Pray for safety in all the activities and for good time of fun and friendship building

Traditional Carol Service on Sun18th Pray for the Choir, instrumentalists and all who take part in our Carol Service on Sunday. Pray that as we celebrate our Saviors’ birth we might bring glory to His name. Pray for a good number to come along and for those we can invite.

Carol Singing Pray for all who will join in the Carol Singing on Mon 20^th. Pray for safety in travel and that they will be a blessing and encouragement to those they visit.

Giving. As members receive letters re: giving, pray that each one of us will prayerfully consider how we give to the Lord’s work and be obedient to Him in this. Pray that as a congregation we will be able to meet all our expenses and United appeal targets.

Rev Smith Give thanks that Mrs Smith is through her surgery and pray that she will make a good recovery. Pray for Rev Ivor as he takes this month off to spend time with her and the family.

Other Prayer Points

Financial difficulties Pray for the protection of the family unit as financial crisis continues. Pray for families affected by stress and / or the concern of unemployment, that these families may know God’s nearness and Spiritual calmness at this time of stress. Continue to pray for resolution of the PMS.

Elderly Pray for elderly at this time of the year that they will have someone to pop in and care for them. Keep them safe as they negotiate icy pavements. Pray for medical staff as they have to deal with extra patients due to falls and broken bones.

Women Pray for those homes where there is domestic violence. Statistics tell us that  1:4 women suffer from domestic violence.  Christmas time often puts pressure on families to provide for their children etc and this quite often leads to conflict.  Pray for women to have courage to seek help and be able to receive it.
School Carol Services Pray for the schools as they put on their Christmas performances of the Nativity that many parents and friends will be touched by the Christmas Story. Many of these parents do not attend church but will attend a Christmas concert in school.

Open Doors Give thanks to God for the extraordinary response to the campaign for the “Right to Believe” petition organised by Open Doors and that this Bill will be rejected at the December meeting of the UN. Pray that this petition will have a significant impact on governments for the cause of the persecuted Christian and religious liberty. Give thanks too for the work of Douglas Mark of Open Doors (Ireland) and his recovery from two cancerous illnesses. Pray that he and his wife Alison will be blessed to enjoy a long retirement.

RIR Pray for God’s protection on those serving in current conflicts, remembering R I R in Afghanistan. Pray for and their families especially as it is uncertain at present whether the battalion will get home for 2 weeks leave at Christmas due to the weather conditions.

Prayer Updates 25th November 2010

Pray for the Congregational Committee as they meet on Tuesday night.

Pray for Bible Study Groups as they meet WB 28^th. Pray that as they study the Discipleship Explored that each one would be enabled to take up the challenge to becomes true Disciples of Christ.

Pray for Rev Curry that God would continue to give him strength, wisdom and leadership as he leads our congregation.  Pray too that as he opens "God’s Word" that hearts and minds will be receptive to it and allow God to work in their lives.

Pray for the elders and committee members as they visit around the congregation to invite people to the Christmas Services.

Pray for the library ministry in church. Pray that there would be an increasing desire for many to read Christian books and grow in our understanding and knowledge of God. Pray too that it might lead to opportunities to build relationships within our congregation.

Pray for Parent and Toddlers as over the next 3 weeks we will be sharing the Christmas story through craft, singing and stories.

Continue to pray for the Nightlight ministry. Wesley and Keith are out on Fri 26^th. Pray especially for a young girl who recently texted Yvonne one of the workers to say she had come to faith. Pray that she will keep in contact with Yvonne and be discipled in her faith.

Pray for all the organisations in our church, which leaders and helpers may know God’s support and congregational support, as they give freely of their time to lead and that God may use them to advance His church and Kingdom

Pray for the elderly and those living alone especially in this winter season. Pray for strength, warmth and comfort and also for those who visit the elderly members of our congregation and community.

Pray for parents of teenagers that they will have the wisdom to choose which battles to fight, that they will be able to communicate with their children and support and encourage them to make good decisions as they face many pressures in this stage in their lives.

Give thanks for organisations such as the Christian Institute who challenge laws that may restrict the right of Free Speech and Religious Liberty for Christians. Pray for those people who Callum Webster requested prayer for at evening service last week:

· Lillian Ladele, a registrar who was dismissed because she would not register same-sex marriages. Her case goes before European Court of Human Rights in New Year.

· Ben and Sharon Vogelenzang who have lost their hotel owners even though they were cleared in court when charge with “religious aggravation” when they made had a discussion with a client about Islam.

· The Christian Forster carer who was struck off because she was accused of trying to convert a child to Christianity and also for the child who is not allowed to attend church for 6 months.

Pray for the “Right to Believe” petition organised by Open Doors and that this Bill will be rejected at the December meeting of the UN.

Pray for Eileen Black as she continues to settle in to 1^st Cookstown that God would use her for His glory. Pray too as she tries to balance studies and Church work.

Pray for those in positions of Leadership within our Province. Pray for them as they make important decisions especially in this time of economic crisis. Pray for Recovery in this decline in economy. Pray for a willingness to change attitudes in society which have fueled this collapse. Pray for families affected by stress and / or the concern of unemployment, that these families may know God’s nearness and Spiritual calmness at this time of stress

Continue to pray for R I R in Afghanistan. Give thanks for the recent collection and pray that such expression of caring may allow those serving and their families know of our Christian prayerful support for them. Pray for Rev Stephen Van Os as he ministers to the troops at this time.

Malawi PCI Continue to pray for the three orphans that Una Brownlee is involved in supporting (eldest is 13). Pray also for Diane Cussick as she sets up education in the pre-school setting at Mzuzu. Pray for travel as she travels around from place to place. Pray too for Helen Quinn as she works in women empowerment programmes. Pray that the PW Birthday Fund for these Malawi projects will be well supported this year.

Prayer Updates 28th Oct 2010

Pray for the onoing work in Creche, Sunday School and Junior Church. Give thanks for the children who come so faithfully. Pray for the children who are connected to church and do not attend (50%) that the parents might have a concern for them to be taught about God.

Pray for the possibility of reaching out to parents on a Sunday morning when they leave/collect children from Sunday School through offering tea/coffee. Pray for people to be available to do this.

Give thanks for the young folk who come faithfully to Youth club. Pray for more people to have a love for them and be willing to help.

Pray for the elders as they visit round the communicants this week. Pray for all as we come to the Lord’s Table that we might come with genuine thankfulness for what Christ has done for us and a renewing of our commitment to Him.

Pray for Jackie, Diane and Keith as they join the Baptist folk on Friday night to do the Nightlight work. Pray for God’s protection this Halloween weekend and for opportunities to share the Gospel.

Pray for Parent and Toddlers. It is continuing to have new folk coming each week which is making building of relationships more difficult. Pray for another 1 or 2 people with a heart for this work that would be willing to commit to coming on a regular basis to get to know the mums. Pray for Lorna as she carries out a questionnaire about perceptions of Jesus with some of the mums that it might lead to opportunities to speak of Him.

Pray for Rev Curry, Rev Smith and Mr Keith Hibbert as they continue to serve God in our church. Pray for the as they prepare and preach God’s word week by week. Pray for the opening of hearts and minds as “God’s Word” is preached week by week. Pray for those who have an undecided or doubtful heart that they might respond to God’s offer of Salvation.

Pray for the elderly in our congregation especially for those who are facing uncertainty and having spiritual concerns. Pray that they might turn to Christ for Salvation and be able to face the future confident in Christ now and for eternity

Pray for all married couples especially those who are starting out in married life that they will be faithful to their vows. Pray especially for Johnny and Emma Finn (Stewart) who were married recently.

Give thanks for those who are willing to help support the orphans at Ballykajoni Orphan Care Centre. Pray for more people to gent involved with this.. Pray too for the practical task of getting direct debits etc organized for this. Pray for ways in which we can develop a relationship with those involved in the Nursery.

Pray for us as a congregation that we would be a beacon of God’s love and grace in Magherafelt and live out the words of Paul “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe”. Philippians 2:14-16

Additional Prayer Points

Continue to pray for those who are bereaved especially those who are coping with loss of a son or daughter and are finding it difficult. Pray they might turn to God and find that He is the God of all comfort.

Pray for those who are ill at this time especially those who are undergoing tests for cancer and are awaiting treatment. Pray that they might know God’s “perfect love which casts out fear” and that they and their families would now Gods “perfect peace”.

Pray for the Ripple Effect (presbytery Youth Outreach) being held in Maghera on 6/11/10. Pray for a good attendance of young folk and that some might be challenged to a deeper commitment to Christ through this evening.

PCI Families overseas – Dads in NI! Pray for Barry McCroskery (Timor, Indonesia) and Neil Kennedy (Malawi) who will both be engaged in deputation for the next few weeks in Northern Ireland. Pray too for Barry’s wife Elsye and daughters who remain in Timor and Sara Kennedy , Ben and Grace who remain in Malawi. Pray that both families will keep safe and well.

Prayer Updates 14th Oct 2010

Give thanks for those involved in the general clean of the church, supplied flowers / produce and decorated the church and participated during the worship services to make the “Harvest Thanksgiving” an uplifting time of Blessing. Thank God for the good attendance and fellowship during supper on Sunday pm. Give thanks to Almighty God for His bountiful Blessings throughout the past year and His never-ending love for us His children. Pray for those who came to church for the first time that they might be encouraged to come back.

Pray for the elderly people and those who are unable to come to church that they will be encouraged through receiving the Harvest gifts and listening to the CD.

Pray for Parent and Toddlers on Wednesday 20^th as they do Harvest Craft that many mums will accept the offer of the Harvest CD and be blessed through it. Pray too for Lorna as she tells the story of Creation.

Pray for Eileen Black as she prepares for her two year placement in First Cookstown starting in the New Year.  

Pray that a satisfactory solution will be made known shortly for the savers in PMS and that those who urgently need access to their funds will soon be able to have such access.  Pray for the government as they prepare the spending review and those who will be affected by it.

Pray for all the Young people who will take part on Sunday (17^th) evening service. Pray for a good attendance of parents and members of the congregation. Pray that as the young people share of their summer involvement others might be encouragement to use part to of their summer to serve |God and learn more about Him through camps, outreach teams etc.

Pray for ACE Pizza Wii night on Friday Night. Pray that it will be a good time of fun and friendship building within our congregation.

Pray for the PW Visitors Night on Tuesday Night that it might be well attended. Pray for Amy Roberts as she sings and shares her testimony that he story might be a challenge and an encouragement for others.

Give thanks for those who are attending Christianity Explored each week. Pray that as they study the claims of Jesus their faith in Him will be strengthened and that this time might be a turning point for their in their walk with God and lead to a deeper devotion to Him. 

Pray for Kirk Session working groups as they have been meeting to consider the implementation of our mission plan. Pray for the Kirk Session as they meet at the end of Oct (26^th).

We pray for those who are ill or receiving treatment and those who have lost loved ones and finding difficulty accepting their loss. Pray that God’s uplifting Spirit may draw them close to Himself at this their time of loss.

Additional Prayer Points

Pray that the petition organised by Open Doors (on the church tables) will be successful and that this Bill will be rejected and the “Right to Believe” in freedom and without fear would be upheld. Copies of magazines for circulation and this petition is available in the church for signatures.

Grays Court, Belfast. In particular for the Filming project for Recovering Alcoholics. Praise God that Phase 1 of the filming is complete and is very informative and powerful in presentation. Residents speak about their addictions and answer questions put to them individually or in group sessions. Two members act out their own stories. There is a strong desire to help others who are gripped in addictions which they know so well. Pray for the effectiveness of this work in helping those struggling with addiction. (NB. Representatives of this project will be coming to PW in Nov). Pray for all who are struggling with the grip of addiction to alcohol , drugs, etc., that they will turn to God and find strength ion Him to overcome.

Pray for the families of those killed in the London terrorist bombings that during the inquest now started, they may know God’s Spiritual closeness as they re-live the dreadful experiences and hear harrowing accounts of July 2005.

Prayer Updates 30th Sept 2010

Remember all those involved in outreach within our church especially those who will be involved this Friday night with Nightlight. Pray for safety and wisdom when dealing with those under the influence of alcohol.

Pray for the elders and committee members as they visit houses with invitations for the harvest. Pray for all preparations for the harvest remembering especially:

· Harvest Clean on Saturday am

· Melanie and those involved in choir and instruments

· Provision of gifts for decoration and the decorating of church

· Distribution of gifts and CDs to elderly.

Pray for the Harvest Services and for those who will come along. Pray for Rev Curry and Keith Hibbert as they preach that they will know freedom and guiding by the Holy Spirit. Pray for Joanne Smyth as she shares about the Tearfund Harvest Project on Harvest Sunday pm. On this Harvest weekend pray that we will all give thanks for God's continued provision to us and not forget those throughout the world who are less fortunate than we are.

Pray for the Rev Curry as he continues to lead the congregation. Give him strength and wisdom in each situation he faces. 

Give thanks that 2 more new children have come along to Sunday School. Pray that they will settle easily and it will be the start of the family coming to church.

Give thanks for the attendance at the Small Group Bible Studies and pray for increased attendance and guidance by the Holy Spirit as the Discipleship Explored Course continues.

Pray for Laura Crossett as she settles into her new role in Church House and help her to cope with the workload. (Order of Service 26/09/10)

Give thanks for an encouraging start for Parent and Toddlers. Pray for one mum who has expressed interest in coming to church that she will come along and feel at home in our fellowship.

Pray for those who are sick especially those in hospital and those receiving treatment

Pray that as a congregation we will prayerfully consider the Mission Plan as it is given out and be enthused to want to reach other with the gospel of Christ. Pray for opportunities to build up friendships with parents who are waiting outside Sunday School and wisdom in knowing how we can minister to them .eg. tea/coffee/library/chat etc.

Give thanks for an encouraging evening at elder’s fellowship. As CD’s of Seamus O’Connors talk are given out pray that would be used in a mighty way.

OTHER MISSION AGENCIES

Open Doors Pray that the Bill to Legalise Religious Discrimination (mostly Muslim populations), coming before the United Nations Assembly to be voted on in December 2010. will not get approval. Pray that the petition organised by Open Doors will be successful and that this Bill will be rejected and the “Right to Believe” in freedom and without fear would be upheld. Copies of magazines for circulation and this petition will be available in the church for signatures.

Christian Blind Mission Pray for the continuing work of Eric Clarke and his team at CBM. Pray for the family of Dr Karen Woo and Tom Little (optometrist) who working in north eastern Afghanistan were shot and killed 6^th August 2010. Pray that their families would know God’s comfort at this time of their loss. Pray for safety for these and all health agencies who unselfishly work in such dangerous places to bring relief in God’s name to the suffering. Pray for the children of Haiti who 6 months after the earthquake are the most vulnerable of that society. Pray that God would use the aid agencies to protect and care for the needy.

Faith Mission Pray for Ian Booth and others as they lead the Gospel Mission in Aghagaskin Orange Hall. Pray for a good number of local folk to attend and that many would respond to the Gospel message.

Mission Possible Pray for the current project which is to support an orphanage in Colombia which cares for between 50 and 60 children who have been severely traumatized by the effects of terrorism and persecution. This project has an annual cost of £110, 000 and will enable the children to receive love, care and education.  They are also taught about God, through daily devotions. Pray for the needed financial support and also for those who work in both charity shops in Portglenone and Strabane.

Prayer Updates - 16th Sept 2010

Congregation

Give thanks for Eileen Black’s ministry with us and pray for God’s blessing on her studies and future placements.

Pray for Keith Hibbert as he has started as student assistant this month. Pray that he and family (Diane – wife, and Abigail,Georgia and Lydia ) will settle well and feel at home with us. Pray for Keith as he preaches on Sunday 19th and visits month around the congregation this month.

Pray for the Friday night Night-light team in the town run by the Baptist church and for some of our own folk who will be helping them. Pray for safety and protection and opportunities to share the Gospel

Give thanks for an encouraging start to J Team and for some new children. Pray for the need for another adult to come and help with supervision of activities.

Pray for Melanie at this busy time of working with choir, praise bands etc. Pray for strength to keep it all going and give thanks for the enthusiasm of all those involved.

Pray for PW on Tues 21st and for all the members who are taking part. Pray for a good number and a sense of fellowship.

Pray for Elders Fellowship meeting on Tues 21st. Special speaker Seamus O’Connor .

Give thanks for an encouraging start for Sunday school with two new families starting. Pray that all the children will settle easily.

Give thank for a good number of first years at MAD and for an encouraging start.

Pray that God’s Blessing may be with Rev Dr Norman Hamilton as he deals with media pressure during the visit of the Pope and that he will have wisdom in all he says during each interview.

Give thanks for Rev Dr Stafford Carson and his team as they continue to keep the PMS plight in front of the Prime Minister and the Treasury and pray that a satisfactory solution may be found.

Give thanks for last season’s church leaders and pray for the Leaders of all our church organisations going into a new season, that they may know God’s blessing and will experience fulfillment as they give their time and talents for God’s Kingdom.

Overseas
Glen and Julianne Cousley (MAF)have returned to Tanzania for their last year after four week break over the summer at home.
Pray for:
• Glenn as he prepares to train others in Dangerous Goods Awareness
• Julianne as she returns to Nursery
• Joshua and Benjamin settling into school and Esther at home
• Their future beyond Tanzania.

Every Home Crusade Praise God that EHC continue to receive many requests for Gospel tracts, Gospels of John and children’s bible lessons nd for financial support to produce nd distribute the literature. Recently 100,000 Gospels of John were sent out to Derek and Jane French (PCI) working with students in Spain and also other materials for the LIFE project they are involved in. Give thanks that about 20 non Christian students are studying with other Christians in their universities. Pray for their Salvation

Derek and Jane French Pray for them in their continued work with students and also as they have recently started the process for the adoption of another child.

Pray for the people in Pakistan as they return to what was their home to find nothing left but mud and rocks. Pray that God may comfort them in their hour of need and that relief aid will sustain them until they can rebuild their homes.

Pray that through the work of Open Doors, the Christian faith may be accepted as Aid is distributed and that Christian persecution will end.
Pray for the members of the RIR and TA (around 720 soldiers) who are among those to begin leaving Northern Ireland this week for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Pray for their protection and for the families they leave behind.

If anyone would like to receive this fortnightly update by email please let me know. lornajcurry@hotmail.com

J-Team on 11th Sept

Pray for the start of our Jr Youth programme tomorrow night. Following on from the summer club and invitations given out in local schools pray that God will draw along the primary school children He wants there.
Pray that they will discover the plan God has for thier lives.
Pray for the leaders as they seek to build relationships with the children and parents over the coming weeks.

Moderator's Appeal for Pakistan

Pray for the people in Pakistan and those who are seeking to bring practical help.
The situation caused by phenomenal monsoon rainfall has become increasingly worse as the resulting flood waters have worked their way down the country. Lives and livelihoods have been swept away. Families and communities have lost everything. They have been left marooned in the midst of the swirling waters, without the necessities of life and prey to disease.
Presbyterian Churches are seeking to provide practical help through an apeal launched by the moderator more detals at http://www.pcimissionoverseas.org/news/item/143/pakistan-moderator-launches-appeal-in-aid-of-flood-victims/

Weekly Focus - Youth Leaders and Young People

Youth Leaders
– Pray for all the youth leaders we
have commissioned today.
Pray that they will grow in their love for God and for the young people they work with week by week.
Young People
– In a world which increasingly ignores God and his way.
Pray that all our young people will find friends and role models in family, school and church who will encourage them to come, follow and serve Christ.

Parent and Todddlers - Wed 8th

Pray that all mums and carers will find a warm welcome, practical support and christian friendship as they come along week by week.
Pray that those who are searching spiritually
will find spiritual help from the leaders, helpers and other parents.

Funeral Service - Tue @ 10:30am

Funeral of Bob Church will be tomorrow morning.
Pray for his wife and the Church Family Circle that they will know comfort and strength from God as they look to Him.

Friendly Hour - Tue 7th Sept

Pray for Keith as he takes the short service and that all who come along will enjoy fellowship together.
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MAD@First - youth fellowship

Give thanks for all who came along to our fist night. (26)
Pray for Keith Hibbert as he takes the lead this year and for the young adults who are involved in helping each week.
Pray for next Sunday - Bible Study on James- "Get Real with God"

Worship Service - Communion

As we prepare for communion next Sunday.
Give thanks for a good attendance at our pre communion service last night and the message from Rev Smith
Pray that as we gather next Sunday to remember what Christ has done for us we would grow in our love for God and be strengthened in our faith.
Pray that as we re-dedicate ourselves to Christ that God will open up doors for service in His Kingdom