Psalm 95:6 & 7. Come, let us bow down in worship, before the Lord our maker; For He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.

Regular prayer opportunities have continued throughout the year: Wednesday monthly prayer evenings; Saturday monthly fellowship mornings; Fifteen minute slots before morning and evening services; Quarterly prayer events including a Quiet Day in November.

Opportunities have been available at the close of the morning services for personal prayer support either at the rear of the church or in the Prayer Room. Thank you to all those on the prayer rota who have made themselves available to pray along side individuals.

The Prayer steering group has met regularly to discuss various issues regarding prayer which included planning quarterly prayer events, and subjects for the Wednesday prayer opportunities, as well as training for prayer partners and discussion on current issues.

The prayer chains for those in immediate need have continued as have many meeting regularly for prayer triplets. The Prayer room continues to be set apart for prayer times and is available for individuals or groups to spend time in meditation or prayer as the need arises. The rota of people who have taken part in our intercessory prayers, on Sunday mornings, has been a joy and encouragement to many of us.  Thank you to Yvonne Norbron for organising this.

In our church meeting discussions on “Strengths and Weaknesses” it was pointed out by several groups that attendance at prayer meetings was poor. I thought that having acknowledged this the attendance would improve. The present vacancy may also be expected to influence our numbers as a new minister is of interest to us all. Unfortunately this has not been the case. I feel that folk are relying on others to support the congregation in corporate prayer. I hope as we make our covenants this year that we will be true to our promises to God and support the corporate prayer of our church where possible.

Thanks to all who have led groups and participated in prayer opportunities during the year.

Priscilla Hills (Prayer Deacon)