Worcester Diocese Podcast

A sermon podcast for the 3rd Sunday of Advent from Julia Curtis, Priest in charge of Teme Valley South, Curate in charge of Clifton on Teme, Lower Sapey and The Shelsleys

Collect

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just that, at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Prayers Please pray for_ • peace and reconciliation in all areas of conflict • Revd. Tom and his family - Robyn, Anah and Jacob • Malvern and Upton Deanery • the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham; of Borg (Norway); and Tanzania • those who are unwell, inc. George, Mel, Tim, Jemma, Sharni, Darren, Ian and Albert • those who have died, inc. Tina, and Baby Alfie Ashmore-Moir • their family and friends • those living in Orchard Close, Clent, and Birch Dale, Hagley. Readings for Sunday 16 December * Zephaniah 3.14-20 * Psalm 25.1-9 * Philippians 4.4-7 * Luke 3.7-18 *

Diocesan Prayers

Mon 16 Severnside Parishes Pray for us as we seek to reach our communities through our thriving weekly toddler groups, Stepping Stones, and Create, our new worshipping community, which encourages worship through art. Ministry team: Kat Mepham; Rachel Colthurst; Owain Bell; Don Sloggett; Julieann Watson; Kay Mason; Libbirty Webber. Tue 17 Little Malvern Priory Pray for our worshipping community; for Little Malvern Court at a time of change, and for those who work in the local countryside. Please pray for those who visit our ancient church as walkers, cyclists or pilgrims, that they may find God’s presence and peace. Clergy: Stephen Sealy Wed 18 The Protestant Church of Central Germany Please pray for all those who are now preparing nativity plays with children and young people with much love and creativity. May the joy of Christmas be felt in all services on Christmas Eve! Thur 19 Malvern Chase team At St Andrew’s Church, pray for our Youth and Children’s ministry, particularly for ew Youth Ministry Leader, Nathan Shipton as we work alongside other churches supporting outreach and discipleship to youth in our town. For retired clergy: Helen Wilkinson, Mark Slater, David Ritchie, Nick Clarke. Clergy: Dave Bruce, Emily Spencer; Readers: Heather Williamson, Derham Cooke, Judith Keene Fri 20 Malvern Chase team At All Saints’ Church, pray for our outreach to the community as we explore how we can use our new kitchen to reach new people in our community, alongside our current toddlers and Messy Church. For retired clergy: Geoff Vevers, Paul Hunt. Clergy: Dave Bruce, Emily Spencer; Reader: Peter Buchanan Sat 21 Vacancy in See Heavenly Father, we thank you for those you call to faithfully lead and shepherd your church. As we seek a new Bishop of Worcester, help us to be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, give us heavenly wisdom, and bless our diocese that we might enter a new season of growth and fruitfulness as Kingdom People. Amen Hagley & Clent The Bishop of Worcester is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Thomas Owen as Rector of the Benefice of Hagley and Clent. Bishop Martin licensed Tom on Thursday 5th December, at 7:00pm, at St, John’s Church, Hagley. Please remember Tom, his wife Robyn, and their children Anah and Jacob, as they arrive in their current parish, change schools and make new friends and contacts.