CIRCUIT PRAYER PLAN 2005-6
EXETER METHODIST CIRCUIT 24/4
Prayer Plan 2005 – 2006
Throughout the year this Prayer Plan stands alongside the 13-week quarterly Preaching Plan. It is hoped that it will be used in our worship services and in our homes. Churches have shared their news and hopes for the future so that our prayers may be better informed. Here you will find information about each church community together with the starting dates of the weeks in which you are invited to pray for them.
The calling of the Exeter Methodist Circuit is to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.
Lord Jesus, Our local churches are where ordinary people gather with all their needs. Our local churches are where your gospel is proclaimed and your truths discussed, in words and sacraments, in midweek fellowships. Our local churches are where we come seeking refreshment and renewal, peace and a sense of your presence. So may each of us – Look around and see God’s people everywhere – opportunities, gifts and graces, riches beyond compare. Loving God, may we never limit your love, never narrow our horizons, never close our eyes, for you have so many surprises in store for those who wait upon you.
Prayer Adapted from “Look to Christ”
Weeks beginning: 28 Aug, and 27 Nov, 2005; 26 Feb, 28 May, 27 Aug 2006
ALPHINGTON: Chapel Road (SX 910917) Minister: Rev Dr Robert Ely
Membership: 19
Having completed the improvements to our facilities we are now seeking directions for a Church Growth Scheme. Please Pray for: the future growth and witness of Alphington Methodist Church; the vision and imagination within its fellowship to encourage others to become followers of Jesus Christ. Give Thanks for: all those already involved in the life and worship of the Chapel; the warmth and friendliness of the present fellowship; the dedication of those committed to serving the Church.
Weeks beginning: 4 Sept and 4 Dec 2005; 5 March and 4 June 2006
CHERITON CROSS: (SX 774930) Minister: Rev Barbara Calvert
Membership: 2
Please pray for our small but dedicated congregation who worship regularly at Cheriton Cross. People have gathered together here for 165 years, whilst being mindful of the past, we also look with interest to the future. At this time we are forming a Christians Together in Cheriton Bishop, which will confirm our already established close links with other Christians in the locality. We are looking forward to welcoming Rev Barbara Calvert and pray for a fruitful ministry among us. Our bi-monthly services are a source of strength and renewal and we would ask for your prayers for the continuance of this Christian witness in our community.
CHERITON FITZPAINE: (SS 870062) Minister: Rev Barbara Calvert
Membership: 30
In praying for our new minister Barbara and her husband Rev. Dr. David, we remember Kevin as he begins his new vocation as a teacher.
Pray for us in our involvement with young children, that we are able to build and develop our work with the Activity Club.
Pray for our relationships with Christians of other denominations in the village, especially with our friends at the Parish Church.
At our Bible Study/Fellowship group, that more may benefit from the mutual encouragement that we find there.
Weeks beginning: 11 Sept and 11 Dec 2005; 12 March and 11 June 2006
CREDITON: Union Road (SS 833003) Minister: Rev Barbara Calvert
Membership: 111
We pray for Rev. Barbara Calvert as she starts her time with us, that we can support her as she begins her role as a probationer minister, and for her husband David as he retires. Our prayers go with Kevin as he leaves to train as a teacher.
Please pray that “Our Faith Forward” document and planned preaching will deepen our faith, so that we will answer God’s call to help and serve Jesus, in our Church and Community more effectively. We pray that as we develop closer links with the Fastov Church in the Ukraine, it will prove to be a blessing to both churches.
Please pray for our weekday activities: Mums and Toddlers, Rainbow Club, Knit & Natter, Bright Hour, Legs (Ladies Evening Group), Fellowship Groups.
Please pray that those people and organisations who use our premises may see Jesus living in us and will come to know Him personally.
Weeks beginning: 18 Sept and 18 Dec 2005; 19 March and 18 June 2006
CROCKENWELL: (SX 754925) Minister: Rev Barbara Calvert
Membership: 7
As a small, traditionally minded congregation, we ask for your prayers as we try to fulfil the aims of our church life:- to worship: to praise God for all his goodness, to meet with Him, and to offer ourselves to Him; to maintain a church: a visible reminder of the reality of God within our hamlet; to support each other: to be a Christian fellowship, and so discover the Spirit of Jesus amongst us; to be encouraged to live Christian lives, as our building is not used during the week, it is as people that we are to show Christian love.
TEDBURN ST. MARY: School Ln (SX 816941) Minister: Rev Barbara Calvert
Membership: 29
During the next few months we particularly ask for your prayers for our new minister, Rev. Barbara Calvert, as she begins her ministry amongst us and within our community. We are deeply grateful for the many years’ service Aubrey and Heather Fry have given in our Sunday School, and we invite your prayers for Rob and Louise Lodge who have taken over the leadership in recent months alongside Elizabeth Fry. Although we no longer have a monthly united service with the Parish Church, our friendship and working together nevertheless continues with events and groups such as the Tent Mission, Wesley Guild, Monthly House Group and Christingle Service.
Weeks beginning: 25 Sept and 25 Dec 2005; 26 March and 25 June 2006
EXMINSTER: Main Road (SX 875945) Minister: Rev Andrew W. Sails
Membership: 17
Give thanks to God for all those who have faithfully kept the Christian Witness in this place since the early 1880’s (some 125 years). We owe a great deal to those who have gone before us. Give thanks to God for the quality of our Worship and the caring Christian Fellowship which we are all part of. Give thanks to God for the new faces that have recently joined and enriched our Fellowship thus enabling us to begin the renewal of our Church Council and to spread the burden of leadership. Give thanks to God for sufficient financial support to carry out a number of improvements to our premises which includes rewiring, upgrading the Church Kitchen and complying with the Disabled Access Regulations. Give thanks for the fellowship we have with our sisters and brothers of the Parish Church and for the degree of integration which has been achieved. We have a great deal to be thankful for – THANKS BE TO GOD.
Pray that the spiritual and prayer life of Christian Cell will deepen and other souls with the drawn in.
METHODIST CHAPLAINCY FOR HIGHER EDUATION IN EDUCATION
Methodism in Exeter has strong connections with Higher Education through the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth and various other institutions including St Loyes College. There is an active University Chaplaincy at the University of Exeter and this has excellent ecumenical links as representatives from a number of Christian denominations work together. Many students find a home at one of our Circuit churches and University of Exeter students are particularly linked to the Mint through the MethAng student society or as individuals. These include a considerable number of overseas students. Please pray for the life and work of the church in this setting and especially for students who are facing many challenges and may be far from home. Please also remember
the chaplains, including Andrew Sails and the Lazenby Chaplain, Charles Hadley as they work with the students.
Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed
The motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.
Weeks beginning: 2Oct 2005; 1 January, 2 April, 2 July, 2006
MINT: Fore Street (SX 918925) Minister: Rev Andrew W. Sails
Membership: 200
The Mint’s work continues to be blessed by a steady growth in new members and a rapidly increasing pastoral roll. Our traditional work with the University and the City Centre continues unabated and has expanded into a vibrant international community, especially through a strong Korean Fellowship supported by Rev. Samuel Ho and also a new Cantonese Fellowship. Please pray for these many aspects of a living Christian faith, for our congregation which enables this activity, and also for our building redevelopment plans as the quest for premises suitable for our 21st Century work in Exeter reaches its most critical phase.
Week beginning: 9 Oct 2005; 8 January, 9 April, 9 July 2006
ST. THOMAS: Cowick Street (SX 910917) Minister: Rev Dr Robert Ely
Membership: 184 Young Families Worker
Completion of phase two of our building scheme has taken us into the next phase, removal of pews replacing with chairs. May 15th we celebrated the 70th Birthday of our church with a party arranged by our Y.F.W. which was enjoyed by all.
Friday 29th April, WRAITH our local worship band provided a concert which left all enthralled at their talent. The money raised was shared between Christian Aid and Prostate Cancer.
Please prayer for new House groups to be started at various times of the day to accommodate all age groups.
Looking Forward, we pray for guidance by the Holy Spirit in Worship and Outreach in our community.
Think of some one and holding them in your heart, pray this prayer
May you receive a life time of Blessings because God is a Giver
May you have the faith for new adventures because God is an Encourager
May you grow strong in character because God is your Helper
May you bring joy to others because God is your Song
May you know constant fulfilment because God is your Life
Week beginning: 16 Oct 2005; 15 January, 16 April, 16 July, 2006
SIDWELL STREET: Sidwell St. (SX 926932) Minister: Rev. R David Laidler
Membership: 129
After our four year “journey of faith” worshipping in the Church Hall, we were delighted that so many friends from other churches and folk visiting from other parts of the country joined us in May for our Re-opening and Dedication Service.
Please pray for us as we go forward to continue our mission here. In particular for our planned 5-week Emmaus course “Growing in Scripture” this Autumn, for our leaders preparing for it, and that it may be a blessing to all those who attend.
For the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek new initiatives for outreach in the City.
Week beginning: 23 Oct 2005; 22 January, 23 April, 23 July 2006
SILVERTON: (SX 957031) Minister: Rev. R David Laidler
Membership: 29
We have started to discuss “Presence” – on Rural Methodism. Our ecumenical contracts are strong, with the Pentecost Prayer Walk, Holiday Club, and this year, Harvest Supper for all the Village, in the Community Hall.
The Prayer Group, House Group and Network Fellowship meet monthly. “Drop In” for coffee and a chat, and coffee mornings, the annual cream tea and street market get us involved with villagers.
The Friday Club thrives, pray for the leaders, children and their families.
Praise God for all his goodness to us, pray that we may be faithful in all we try to do here.
Week beginning: 30th Oct 2005; 29 January, 30 April, 30 July, 2006
TOPSHAM: Fore St. (SX 966881) Minister: Rev Mark J Gilborson
Membership: 56
Since the complete refurbishment of our church over a decade ago the congregations have increased, the atmosphere changed, and our fellowship has been enriched by our Lunch Club, Cream Teas and Saturday Coffee Mornings.
The loyalty of the parents of our small young church keep it viable.
Our ecumenical links make our joint services an important affirmation of a living partnership.
Week beginning: 6 Nov 2005; 5 February, 7 May, 6 August 2006
WHIDDON DOWN: (SX 690925) Minister: Rev. Mark J Gilborson
Membership: 7
As usual we enjoyed our Good Friday Service – especially the contributions from Mark and his family. Our links with Drewsteignton Parish Church, and our Bible Study sessions with Mark continue.
Unfortunately, after over 60 years as our organist, Glyn has had to retire due to severe deafness and we do regret this. However Elizabeth serves us well for two Sundays each month, and for the others we have purchased a Digital Hymnal, with which Glyn is coping well, and it is proving a great success.
Having recently welcomed two more people to our congregation, with your prayers and God’s help we look forward to our Centenary next year.
WHIPTON: Brookway (SX 950935) Minister: Rev Mark J. Gilborson
Membership: 38
Next June (2006) we celebrate our 50th Anniversary. We remember that the Church was built in the middle of a large new housing estate, where parents sent their children to Sunday School and often came to worship themselves. We ask your prayers to show us ways to serve that estate where God and His Church have become irrelevant to most people.
Week beginning: 13 Nov 2005; 12 February, 14 May, 13 August 2006
WONFORD: Burnthouse Ln (SX 943916) Minister: Rev Mark J Gilborson
Membership: 61
We are amazed and delighted by God’s provision of funds to build a bigger church for our growing congregations. Work should start soon. Please pray with us that its inevitable disruption to our lives will not adversely affect the numbers attending or the warmth of our fellowship and worship.
Our various midweek youth activities provide space for fun, friendship and support for local families and our fellowship groups continue to nourish our spiritual growth. Please pray that our prayerful and committed presence in the area in which we are placed will result in people finding not only practical support but a very real faith in Jesus.
Weeks beginning: 20 Nov 2005; 19 February, 21 May, 20 August 2006
Please pray for our Ministers and Stewards as they seek ways to further God’s Kingdom in our Circuit. Especially pray for Rev Barbara Calvert, as she takes over the Crediton Section as a Probationer Minister.
- Rev. R. David Laidler – Alan Weeks – Sidwell Street and Silverton
- Rev. Andrew Sails – Rosemary Allen – Exminster and Mint
- Rev. Dr. Robert Ely – Colin Arscott – Alphington and St. Thomas
- Rev. Mark Gilborson – Karen Lord–Topsham, Whiddon Dn, Whipton, Wonford.
- Rev. Barbara Calvert – Tina Turner – Cheriton Cross, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton, Crockenwell, Tedburn St. Mary
- Senior Steward - Fred Kellaway, our Circuit Treasurer.
- Gill Cook would value your prayers as she looks after the Manses.
This year we would ask you to pray for our Local Preachers, that as they prepare and present God’s message each week they will be inspired by God’s Holy Spirit.
There is a great need for more local preachers. Please pray that God will speak to His people and that they see the need and will respond to God’s call, in order that God’s message will continue to be proclaimed and our churches will be assured of provision for their worship week by week.
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