We enjoyed praying together in each others’ churches with a fantastic variety of prayer events/services during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – each one was different but welcoming and inclusive to anyone attending – have a look below to find out more:
Prayers at St James’ Woodside on Monday
We used liturgy taken from the C of E ‘prayers during the day’ plus some from the WOPCU national resources prepared by the Armenian church.
Followed by lovely soup and cake in the Parish Centre.
Prayer Stations at The Grove Methodist on Tuesday
After enjoying soup and fellowship together, we reflected and prayed individually moving around 7 different Prayer Stations with thoughtfully prepared displays focussing on different types or aspects of prayer.
Communion at St Margaret’s on Wednesday
We participated in traditional C of E midweek Communion and chatted over coffee and cake afterwards.
Come Holy Spirit Prayer Service at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening
A reflective service with Taize style music provided opportunity for lovely worship and prayer. (Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get any photos of this one).
Praise and Prayer Service at Lister Hill Baptist on Thursday
Led into worship with great music songs and free expression of praise.
Northumbrian Prayer at Cragg Hill Baptist on Friday
Using simple Celtic style prayer liturgy from the Northumbrian Community, followed by open prayers for our town and the world.
We thank all involved in leading the prayer services and providing refreshments for welcoming us into their churches, affirming even more strongly the unity we have across our different traditions, and the enrichment we gain by sharing with each other in this way.