Nottingham & Derby Methodist District

All are welcome to our District Celebration Worship event on Thursday 30th November at 7pm, to be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Mansfield (NG19 8BD). The celebration will feature open worship with a band, and the sharing of testimonies, all led by District Chair the Rev’d Andy Fyall.

Day 31: Stationing

Chair of the District: Rev’d Andy Fyall, Lay Stationing Rep: Paul Taylor The danger with any process, and stationing is an example, is that the process itself becomes more important than the outcome. In your prayers today focus on God’s calling to its church, its people and its ministers. ‘Let all who can hear, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Rev 2:29

Give thanks for: God’s calling; Jesus’ example; Spirit’s leading. Please pray for: All those involved in the stationing process: for ministers considering current and future appointments for circuits reflecting on their lay and ordained ministry needs, Andy and Paul providing guidance and support, the Stationing Committee seeking the Spirit’s guidance for loving appointments created and filled, Those who are exploring new ways of ministry in response to their calling, their gifts and their opportunities. May God’s will be done.

A prayer for today: Loving God, give us the strength and courage to face the next stage of our journey, as individuals and as communities. Make us open us to the joys, possibilities and challenges of journeying with you. Make us willing to be vulnerable as we open ourselves to your will. Fill us with your Spirt as we respond to the opportunities you put before us. Amen.

On the final day of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for all involved in the stationing process.

Day 30: City Centre Pioneer Ministry Deacon Julie Morton

Give thanks for: The openness of venues in the city centre to welcome ministry and outreach; ‘Breathe’ weekly gathering to reflect on Christian faith meeting in a city centre pub; A continuing focus on sharing faith in the context of the city centre.

Please pray for: A continuing focus on sharing faith in the context of the city centre, our developing relationship with Tiger Community Enterprises on Listergate as we explore the possibility of holding an Open House drop in there, the Digging Deeper Bible Studies we are starting soon in Revolution and that we might grow together in faith, all who are coming into the city for the activities in the Old Market Square and that there will be lots of fun and laughter.

A prayer for today: God, Who makes all things new And who offers us freedom in Christ, Grant a deep sense of your working within, A knowledge of your hand at work in the person you have made me. Teach me to be still with you and to recognise the moulding and shaping, The continuing work of your Spirit in me. Free me from the burdens which mar the real me. Remove the oppressive thought, The dangerous doubt, the wounding worry. God of life and freedom, Affirm your presence in me and lead me in the way everlasting. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.

On Day 30 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for City Centre Pioneer Ministry, and especially Deacon Julie Morton.

Day 29: District Administration & Digital Outreach

Chair’s P.A.: Tim Annan, District Administrator: TBA, District Social Media Officer: Tess Clothier, District Facilities Manager & Safeguarding Administrator: Rosie Farrow, IT support: Kevin Dunn.

Give thanks for: The ministry of administration in all its forms. The breadth of skills and experiences which people bring to their roles. The wealth of possibilities that arise as churches, circuits and the district look to develop their online presence. The work being undertaken in the District to encourage Circuits and churches to be representatives for God in the places where they are to be found and the willingness of those with particular gifts and skills in administration to help to seek out the call of God in the Nottingham and Derbyshire areas. Please pray for: Existing relationships and new relationships, as they continue to develop and strengthen. People – that they will feel valued in their roles and are enabled to flourish and grow. For the talented people who use their God-given abilities to provide the important work of keeping the District running smoothly, and for those in the wider District and Circuit Teams who support them.

A prayer for today: God, our encourager, supporter and friend, Help us, through the ways that we communicate with others, to show your love in action. To be mindful that we do not all listen, hear, process information and respond in the same way. Help us to be creative yet sensitive in the ways that we reach out to others, recognising and celebrating the diversity of those we encounter, whether that be in person or online. Amen.

Today we are praying for our District Team.

Day 28: All We Can District Champion John Hindson

Give thanks for: All We Can, a Christian charity and international development and relief organisation, working to see every person’s potential fulfilled. Partnership alongside our global neighbours most impacted by disasters, poverty and injustice to enable flourishing and resilient communities. All We Can who has served some of the most marginalised communities on earth for the last eight decades – since a group of Methodists answered the call of refugees in Europe, in the 1930s. Please pray for: Those who encourage support for the work of All We Can Prayerful engagement with encouraging person’s potential to be fulfilled. The dedicated team who work for All We Can and share news and testimony of God at work in the neediest places.

A prayer for today: Humble Lord, You call us to serve, just as you served. Grant an openness of heart that leads to love for others, An openness of mind which sees beyond the obvious, An openness of spirit which leads to harmony, An openness of will which enables acts of compassion. In these, and many other ways, May we fulfil your command to love the loveless And serve the needy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today we are praying for the Methodist Church’s relief charity, All We Can.

Day 27: Probationers in the District

Give thanks for: The support offered to our early years ministers. The congregations that have welcomed them into their Circuits. The members of the Regional Probationers Committee that encourage the development of those coming into full-time ministry for the first time. Please pray for: Revd Rachel Moss (ESSD Circuit), Revd Jason McMahon-Riley (Nottingham North-East Circuit)

A prayer for today: Loving God, It is sometimes hard to believe that the world around us can ever change for the better, that we will always remain on the roadside, that others will continue to pass on by and ignore our need. Help us to see beneath the surface of our own and other’s needs, to recognise where we can bring your light, your love, your grace. Help us to see beyond appearances, recognising that you are a God of transformation. Give to us this day, assurance that there is no one and no situation, unable to be transformed by love. May your blessing God, Giver of life, Bearer of pain, Maker of love, be with us and all whom we love today and forever. Amen

I’m Day 27 of our prayer diary we are praying for our District’s Probationers.

Day 26: Newark & Southwell Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Dave Bonny; Rev’d Peter Hibbert. Circuit Stewards: Stephen Dando (Senior), Jill Meakin, Andrew Trowbridge (Finance), Jan Wright.

Give thanks for: All Saints Anglican/Methodist Primary School Elston and Lowes Wong Anglican/Methodist Junior School and the place they have within the circuit family. The vision and direction provided by the Circuit Strategy Team. The close ecumenical links between the Anglicans and Methodists in Sutton-on-Trent. Please pray for: Courage and wisdom as churches have conversations about working more closely together. The releasing of resources for bold and imaginative mission opportunities. Local Lay-Pastors starting in January. Churches as they reach out to the community especially The Wesley Centre, Balderton. Sense of togetherness with a lay and ordained ministry team, and an understanding from the wider circuit as a new way of ministering is grasped. Southwell as they continue to build an intergenerational church community.

A prayer for today: Journeying God, unite us in our love for you and in our worship, mission and service. Free us from being captives to the past and help us to live in the power of your transforming Spirit, that our faith may be deepened, we may offer your love to all and our communities may be changed, God who makes all things new. Amen.

On Day 26 we are praying for the Newark and Southwell Circuit.

Day 25: Local Preachers & Worship Leaders: Secretary: Sue Draper

Give thanks for: The rich and wide variety of worship styles across our District; that God will always meet with us in whatever way is good for each one of us and wherever we are. Please pray for: All those lay people who lead worship faithfully around our District, week by week on Sundays and often midweek too - our local preachers, worship leaders, church stewards and all involved in local arrangement services - that they may be richly blessed as they partner God in blessing others.

A prayer for today: Honour the Lord, you heavenly beings; honour the Lord for his glory and strength. Honour the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness. Psalm 29:1-2 Lord God, we honour and worship you today for who you are: holy, almighty, gracious and loving beyond measure. We marvel at the work of your hands on and in earth and sea and sky. Give us a glimpse of your glory today to encourage, refresh and inspire us to draw closer to you in adoration. Amen.

On Day 25 of our Prayer Diary we are praying for local preachers and worship leaders in our District.

Day 24: Methodist Women in Britain District representative: Sue Nickson

Give thanks for: MWiB’s desire and ability to support mission locally in practical and positive ways. Women of the Methodist Church prayerfully encouraging and enabling worship, witness and ministry where they are. Please pray for: The desire to love one another to know Christ and to make him known, as Methodist women and as part of the wider Church in the world; The ability to encourage, resource and train women members of the Methodist Church, equipping them to participate more fully in the wider church and in society; Positive connection between women in Britain and women overseas, working in partnership with others to raise awareness of and act upon issues of social justice around the world.

A prayer for today: Let us prefer your presence, O God, to all other company. Let us praise your name above all other names and let us love your will beyond all other desiring; for the sake of Jesus Christ, Amen. St Therese of Lisieux

On Day 24 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for Methodist Women in Britain and our District representative Sue Nickson.

District Prayer Diary Day 23: Sherwood Forest Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Stuart Ellis; Rev’d Debbie Keegan; Rev’d David Keegan. Lay employee: Danni Coles

Give thanks for: The Sanctuary, Christian Spirituality and Wellbeing Centre beginning on 1st September 2023. The regular Circuit Podcasts Services engaging with folk beyond the walls of church buildings. The vibrant life of mission and ministry across the circuit. Please pray for: The Circuit Leadership team prayerfully discerning God’s will for the circuit’s outreach and worship; Continued openness to the Holy Spirit in guiding us all to do God’s will. Rev’d Stuart Ellis also serving the District as Deputy Chair.

A prayer for today: Lord God, you inspired your servant John Wesley with burning zeal for the saving of souls, and endowed him with eloquent speech: kindle in us, we pray, such fervour that those whose faith has cooled may be warmed, and those who have not known Christ may turn to him and be saved; In the name of Christ our Saviour, Amen

Today we are praying for the Sherwood Forest Circuit.

Day 22: Safeguarding District Safeguarding Officer: Rev’d Susan McIvor

Give thanks for: The District Safeguarding Group, their wisdom, their commitment and their desire to enable and maintain the church as a safe space for all; The appointment of an Independent Chair of the District Safeguarding Group, David Jones. The commitment and service of Safeguarding Officers across the District. Please pray for: Susan as she offers support and guidance in her ministry as DSO; The opportunities for safeguarding training and those who deliver and receive it; The District Safeguarding Conference on 2nd March 2024.

A prayer for today: Holy God, the source of all purity and truth, Grant that I, seeking humbly to follow Christ, May find the path towards holiness. Take my heart, And help me to live for you. Take my mind And help me to think for you; Take my will, And help me to do as Christ would do. Take my pride and my selfishness, And replace it with love for you. You alone are holy, Lord, Yet your holiness may be glimpsed In a life turned to you. So turn me. Amen.

On Day 22 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for Safeguarding in the District.

Day 21: Children & Young People: Marc Williamson; Abby Watterson

Give thanks for: The Ministry and witness of Young People within the district; Those who give their gifts, time and energy to encourage those who are young to grow in faith; 3Generate, the annual national Methodist gathering for our children and young people. Please pray for: The Holy Spirit to inspire and guide our young people every day; A willingness for churches and fellowships to dare to be different in engaging with children and young people; All leaders of children’s and young people’s group across the district, thanking God for their commitment in serving.

A prayer for today: I promise to love you with all my heart. Wherever my path that I walk will take me, I will love you. Please let me love my neighbour as I love myself. Thank you for all the things you give us so we can help and love others. Amen (Elsie March, Year 3, Nutgrove Methodist Primary School)

On Day 21 of our Prayer Diary we are praying for Children’s and Young People’s work in the District.

District Prayer Diary Day 20: District Senior Leadership

Leadership Team: Chair of the District: Rev’d Andy Fyall; Deputy Chairs of the District: Rev’d Helen Penfold, Rev’d Stuart Ellis; Synod Secretary: Rev’d Nicola Briggs. Give thanks for: The District with all its diversity yet the same Gospel message for all; Those who serve the District in selfless and committed ways as officers and members of groups and committees all working towards the proclamation of the Gospel; Caring and wise colleagueship in serving together.

Please pray for: Andy in this first year as Chair of the District, for wisdom, grace and openness to the opportunities to share the Gospel and support the District; The District Team as they work together to serve and enable mission and ministry across the District; The District team are: The Senior Leaders (listed above); Tim Annan, PA to the Chair; Rosie Farrow, District Facilities Manager; Rev’d Chris Briggs, District Mission Enabler; Rev’d Susan McIvor, District Safeguarding Officer; Tess Clothier, District Social Media Champion; TBA, Assistant District Mission Enabler ; TBA, District Administrator.

A prayer for today: God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You call us to serve in leadership with unity and grace, grant us the grace and wisdom so to do. Amen

Today we are praying for the District Leadership Team.

Day 18: District Vocations: Officer: Rev’d Colin Emerson

Give thanks for: The opportunity to consider calling through the new Connexional Discernment of Vocation scheme; All who answer God’s call and those who enable them to serve. Please pray for: Discernment Officers, including Rev’d Nicola Briggs from our District; People to be open to the call of God and respond to it.

A prayer for today: God who calls, Who is in all and for all. I believe in your love, Seen in Christ and reflected in creation. I believe in your power, Proved in resurrection, Endowed at Pentecost. I believe in your grace Experienced in my growing faith And offered to all. I believe in God Who believes in me And every other person – Whether or not they believe In the glory of faith. Amen.

On Day 18 we are praying for Vocations in our District.

District Prayer Diary Day 17: University Chaplains: Deacon Sian Street, Rev’d David Owen, Jo Peek.

Give thanks for: opportunities to offer a safe space for students of all faiths and none to be listened to and cared for team colleagues who bring diverse and stimulating perspectives on faith and life moments when God is clearly involved in enabling transformation and life in all its fullness practical demonstrations of God’s love, such as working with the University of Nottingham to provide a free breakfast club to help those struggling with the cost of living. at Nottingham Trent University the opportunity to explore new ways to engage with the student community as we respond to their evolving dynamics, diversity and needs. The different groups at the University of Derby that regularly meet gathering together both staff and students, especially the fair trade charity lunch and philosophy discussion group ‘Get Real’, and the ‘Interfaith Buddies’, a gathering of Christians, Muslims a Buddhist, and a Humanist.

Please pray for: Students, Staff, Open doors, hearts and minds, All members of chaplaincy teams, Co-ordinating chaplains – as they seek to build bridges between the sacred and secular worlds within complex university communities and structures, nurturing relationships based in respect and understanding. Ways of reaching out to and supporting the faith journeys of those on the margins, especially the LGBTQ+ community at Derby.

A prayer for today: Compassionate God, you offer through Christ grace, wholeness and peace. We pray that all those seeking compassion, comfort and solace may find it. We pray that you shore up those who are struggling with their mental health; reassure them that your love endures all things. May your grace sustain chaplains, helping them to love, nurture and support all those they meet. Help us to see glimpses of your wonder and glory in our day to day lives, and to see your transformational wonder moving in our communities. Amen.

On Day 17 of our District Prayer Diary we are asked to pray for Chaplaincy Ministry in the District. This month, with the recent return of students to schools, colleges, and universities, we are especially praying for our University Chaplains.

District Prayer Diary Day 16: East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Rachel Wood, Rev’d Rachel Moss, Rev’d Mike Redshaw, Rev’d Helen Harrell, Rev’d Manoa Ratabalavu.

Give thanks for: The diverse ministry among us expressed through the Fijian Fellowship; Please pray for: Rachel Wood in her first year as superintendent; Rachel Moss, as she journeys towards ordination; The development of Online church’s mission and ministry.

A prayer for tonight: God of night and day, As I go to my rest May I know the comfort of your presence. In the darkness, Remind me that you are Light And the darkness has never overcome it. As I slumber, Enfold me in your arms of love. Be with me in the darkest moments, When I lie awake Fretting and anxious. Calm my mind, Still my restless soul. Cover me with your love And grant me rest in you. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

In our District Prayer Diary today we are praying for the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Circuit.

District Prayer Diary Day 15: Grantham & Vale of Belvoir Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Tim Morris; Rev’d Neil Maynard; Rev’d Peter Stevenson. Lay Employees: Eleri Bristow; Sarah Cody; Hilary Taylor.

Give thanks for: For the bold steps in faith and outreach into our local communities. Please pray for: Rev’d Peter Stevenson (URC minister) as he enters his final year of ministry with us, and for Christchurch. Wisdom in discerning ministry provision for the future.

A prayer for today: Humble Lord, You call us to serve, just as you served. Grant an openness of heart that leads to love for others, An openness of mind which sees beyond the obvious, An openness of spirit which leads to harmony, An openness of will which enables acts of compassion. In these, and many other ways, May we fulfil your command to love the loveless And serve the needy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

On Day 15 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the Grantham and Vale of Belvoir Circuit.

District Prayer Diary Day 14: Mid Derbyshire Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Ann Anderson; Deacon Michaela Doherty; Rev’d Janet Rossall; Rev’d Helen Penfold; Rev’d Tim Simms. Lay Employees: Judith Milner; Roanna Pilsbury; Gill Stamp.

Give thanks for: the work of the Dwelling Place the appointment of Tim as presbyter to the circuit; vision in sharing the Gospel in innovative ways. Please pray for: Rev’d Judith Rossall as she seeks God’s will for her next appointment; New opportunities to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ wherever we have a presence. Rev’d Helen Penfold also serving the District as Deputy Chair.

A prayer for today: Reveal yourself to me, O God. In silence, May I sense your heartbeat of love; In the Living Word, May I find your truth; In the beauty around me, May I see your image; In the warmth of friendship, May I find your heart; In the essence of being, May I find that which stirs the soul. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Day 14 of our District Prayer Diary sees us praying for the Mid Derbyshire Circuit.

District Prayer Diary Day 13: Borders Mission Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Robert Hurley; Rev’d Peter Taylor; Rev’d Samantha Taylor; Rev’d Simon Rose.

Give thanks for: The churches of the Circuit and those faithful brothers and sisters who strive to live out their lives faithfully in enabling the ministry of God to be shared in all the areas in which they witness. Please pray for: The Circuit moving towards seeking direction in its future mission and ministry.

A prayer for today: Loving God, You are the one constant in our lives, as your presence is always with us through all the ups and downs that we encounter on our journey of faith with you. But we know that things cannot always remain static and sometimes we need to seek new ways of working to enable your Kingdom to be made available to all people. We know that change is never an easy thing for any of us to embrace – but change must happen in order for us to move forward. So, Heavenly Father, we pray for your guidance, your strength and your encouragement as we move ahead with any plans you enable us to discern from the paths we travel with you. Give us understanding of, and tolerance with, each other as we encounter new directions to follow. But moreover, give us a discerning heart, not only to hear Your voice in the midst of change, but also to listen to what you have to say to us. We give ourselves to You in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen

On Day 13 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the Borders Mission Circuit.

District Prayer Diary Day 12: National Forest East Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Phil Snelson, Rev’d Louise Morrissey, Rev’d Sally Ratcliffe. Lay Staff: Clare Claringbull, Teresa Godwin.

Give thanks for: The ways in which God is working through the ministry of the fellowships across the circuit; Deep roots of faith being nourished by those who lead worship. Please pray for: The circuit as we seek a probationer presbyter to serve from September 2024; Rev’d Sally Ratcliffe as she seeks God’s will for her next appointment; Our co-superintendents as they lead the circuit forward alongside our leadership team.

A prayer for today: God who is Spirit and life, Your kindly gusts have blown over me this day. As my movement dies down in the stillness of this night, May I feel your care nearer to me than my own breath, For I am known more to you than I know myself, Loved more than even the dearest love that I have received. Protect all who need your silent care this night. Spirit of God, assure us of your presence As we lie down tonight in your peace, And rise in your company in the morning. Amen.

On Day 12 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the National Forest East Circuit.

District prayer diary Day 11: Ashbourne Circuit

Ministry Team: Revd Nicola Briggs, Carole Thorpe (Circuit Administrator), Revd Mark Broadhurst (Supernumerary Minister), Revd Rosalind Franklin (Supernumerary Minister), Revd David Leese (Supernumerary Minister). CLT: John Barker, Revd Nicola Briggs, Peter Dawson, Jacqui Marsh, Ken McKeown, Gareth Rutledge, Carole Thorpe.

Give thanks for: The wonderful gift of Levelling Up Money as part of the Ashbourne Reborn project for Ashbourne Methodist Church. Progress on Oversight and Trusteeship conversations across the Circuit. The outreach opportunities with schools, care homes and the wider community across the Circuit. Please pray for: All the God-focused opportunities that a new building will bring for Ashbourne’s mission and outreach. Ecumenical opportunities to develop further for our mission and outreach in our smaller churches. New opportunities to share the good news.

A prayer for today: Loving God, we praise you for the beauty of your creation that we see all around us in the Ashbourne Circuit. We thank you for the vast array of opportunities you have given to our circuit and the churches, and we pray that we might respond accordingly. We ask you for fresh vision for the leaders of the churches and our circuit, that we would follow your call on our lives both individually and collectively. Enable us to open ourselves to your Holy Spirit that we might hear your voice and respond with action. May we all be moved by the self-giving love of Jesus as we seek to follow you day by day. Amen.

On day 11 of our District Prayer Diary we have been praying for the Ashbourne Circuit.

Day 10: District Resources: Manager: Rosie Farrow

Give thanks for: All of the numerous people across the District who support the work of the resources team, including those involved in property, finance, grants and lay employment and for their willingness to give of their gifts, graces and time. Please pray for: Members of the District Resources Team, whose knowledge and commitment is an invaluable support to those in our churches and circuits. Individual members and groups of people who are often volunteers and are essential to the work that is happening both within and outside of our church buildings. Those who are exploring different ways of ‘being church’, where the resources needed are more reliant on technological skills and developing an online presence.

A prayer for today: Living Lord, we thank you for the abundance of resources which you have given to us across the District; the many people and spaces, both physical and online, which enable us to journey alongside those in our communities, sharing our faith through what we have, what we say, what we do and who we are. Help us to be good stewards of the resources that you’ve entrusted into our hands, relying on your wisdom to guide us both now and in the future. Enable us, in the many changes and challenges that we face, to discern how best to work in partnership with others and with you to fulfil our mission through the resources that we have. Amen.

On Day 10 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for our District Resources Team and their manager, Rosie Farrow.

District prayer diary day 9: Learning network; District Aligned Officer: Nigel Pimlott

Give thanks for: Positive working together and a great regional team; Many opportunities to serve and help people make a difference in their local communities and churches; Being enabled to facilitate learning and development to many people in many ways across many areas and topics; Growing collaboration and work across the connexion, region and districts; Team members helping take a lead across the Learning Network in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, leadership and coaching, biblical literacy, conflict resolution, safeguarding and pioneering work.

Please pray for: Discernment in how we make best use of our time and resources; Wisdom in how we seek to communicate, engage and operate on a day-to-day basis; Making best use of our gifts and graces in equipping, encouraging and facilitating that we are called to; Opportunities to support ‘what is’ and nudge ‘what might be’ as we seek the Kingdom of God; Ongoing commitment to growing best practices in training, learning and development; Ways to co-create with colleagues, and those in churches, circuits, and new places for new people; Words in season to advocate and agitate for dreaming, transformation and reconciliation.

A prayer for today: Creator God, we give thanks for opportunities to learn and develop; Help us all – and our Learning Network Team - in seeking your Kingdom and growing in relationship with you; May we grow, dance and play like innocent children; Widen and deepen in You like seasoned sages; Shape us as we study the wisdom of those sent before us; Inspire us to be curious about learning things not yet known; Equip and encourage Nigel as he works with us in the district; Grant us the joy of discovering; the hope of thriving; and the possibility of flourishing as we seek to learn, develop and follow you. Amen.

On Day 9 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the Learning Network, and our District Aligned Officer, Nigel Pimlott.

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Poverty in the UK is an avoidable problem that can be fixed, so we’re calling for a future where poverty can’t keep anyone down.

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Rivergreen Methodist Hub, NG11 8AU, 11am-1pm

Day 8: District Mission Enabler Rev’d Chris Briggs

Give thanks for: A District that seeks to be missional as it Loves God. Loves Others and Makes Disciples. The willingness of individuals, churches and circuits to heed the Great Commission and to look creatively at missional opportunities. For the Young Evangelists and Pioneers Scheme which during its time has consistently encouraged young Christians to find ways of sharing their faith with others. Churches that will rise to the challenge of making May each year “Christianity Month”, a time to share the good things that God’s Church has brought to the Nation and an opportunity for mission.

Please pray for: An increasing awareness of God’s Mission that we may join in within our own contexts and situations. Confidence in the Good News of Jesus and our ability to share in in word and action. An increase in depth of faith for existing disciples and a harvest of new disciples. Faithfulness within churches and circuits to put mission central to their work and Blessings as we see lives transformed by relationship with Jesus.

A prayer for today: Dear God, As we think of your Son Jesus coming among us we give thanks for his birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. We thank you that in Jesus we see both your accepting love and your transforming power that is available to all people. May we play our part in making known all that Jesus can do in and through the lives of those around us and within our own lives. We pray in and through his name. Amen.

On Day 8 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the District Mission Enabler, the Rev’d Chris Briggs.

District prayer diary day 7: district executive committee.

Members: Rev’d Andy Fyall (Chair); Carole Thorpe (Secretary) ; Rev’d Nicola Briggs (Synod Secretary); David Moore (District Finance Officer); Ian Pickering (District Ecumenical Officer); Rev’d Dr Moira Biggins (Methodist Council Rep); Rosie Farrow (Resources Team Leader); TBA (Superintendents’ Rep); Abby Watterson (Children & Young People’s Rep); Marc Williamson (Synod Rep); Danni Coles (Lay Rep); TBA (Property Secretary).

We give thanks for: The gifts and graces represented on the District Executive; The desire to seek God’s will for mission and ministry across the District and the grace to promote it; The commitment of those who serve. Please pray for: Andy as he leads the District in seeking vital and positive ways of serving the District; Wisdom to know and grace to do what God requires; All who serve the District as officers and reps.

A prayer for today: Eternal God, Thank you for your presence; For being there, even when we have not perceived you. Thank you that you have always been there, In joy and in sorrow, In pleasure and in pain. Thank you for this promise of your presence, And make me more mindful That having been there in the past, You are with us in the present. Living God, Who is the same yesterday, today and forever, Thank you for the assurance that you will be with us in the future as in the past. Show me how to trust you more. In Jesus’ name, Amen

On Day 7 of our District Prayer Diary we are praying for the District Executive Committee.

District Prayer Diary Day 6: Derby Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Stuart Bell, Rev’d Chris Briggs, Rev’d Calvin Cheung, Rev’d Colin Emerson, Rev’d David Owen, Rev’d Jacky Quarmby, Rev’d Lewis Greaves, Rev’d Paul Desborough. Circuit Lay Employees: Jackie Berry, Joanna Howie, Vicky Longbone, Judith Neal, Mairi Radcliffe, Fiona Riley-Schnoor.

Give thanks for: A vibrant and diverse team serving the circuit and communities in which we have a presence; Ecumenical work in the circuit; The circuit’s willingness to be risk taking in resourcing missional opportunities. Please pray for: The process of seeking a new superintendent minister for September 2024; Growth in faith and number; Rev’d Dr Moira Biggins in her ministry as Chaplain to East Midlands Airport; Rev’d Jason Kennedy, newly appointed minister for The Haven Church.

A prayer for today: Trinity in unity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Grant us the grace to pray without ceasing for the unity of Your Church. May we reflect in Your Church The unity in diversity that is Yours. Amen.

It's Day 6 of our District Prayer Diary, and today we're praying for the Derby Circuit.

District prayer diary day 5: new places for new people

NPNP Core Group Nigel Pimlott (Learning Network); Rev’d Chris Briggs (District Mission Enabler); Rev’d Andy Fyall, Chair of the District Genesis Group – a gathering of pioneers from across the District

Please pray for NPNP Projects across the District including: - The Well, ESSD Circuit - An arts based outreach project - Pioneer Work, Nottingham City Centre – Breathe, a weekly gathering for reflection and faith based conversation in a city pub, is among their vibrant pieces of work - The Dwelling Place, Mid Derbyshire Circuit: A place of open welcome and faith based sharing - Student support ministry, Nottingham Trent Valley Circuit, Based at Radford Methodist Church

Please pray for NPNP Projects across the District including: - Pulp Friction Café, Bestwood Park Church, Nottingham North East Circuit: An inclusive place where all are welcome and faith is gently shared - The Eden Project, Grangewood MC, Nottingham Trent Valley Circuit: A garden based place for sharing faith and food! - Christian Spirituality and Wellbeing Centre, Mansfield Woodhouse, Sherwood Forest Circuit: An innovative place for engaging with people beyond the church who are asking questions about life, faith and spirituality.

On day 5 of our District Prayer Diary we pray for our New Places for New People in the District.

District prayer diary day 4: Nottingham (Trent Valley) Circuit

Ministry Team: Rev’d Tony Malcolm, Rev’d Andrew Checkley, Deacon Sian Street, Rev’d Arnold Dixon, Rev’d Lewis Greaves, Revd Susan McIvor.

Give thanks for: The Circuit Team, Lay and Ordained working together to discern God’s will for mission and ministry All who serve faithfully in significant and small ways Please pray for: Rev’ds Tony and Andrew as they bring new vision and gifts to the circuit. Wisdom to know and grace to do God’s will Those who find life’s circumstances difficult and those who support them, giving thanks especially for the chaplains stationed in our circuit.

A prayer for today: Where wars rage and violence penetrates Where poverty binds and famine escalates Where liberty is taken and opinions are silenced Where faith is stifled and religion oppressed L: Liberating God R: Set your people free Where pain and disease and disability hinder Where sorrow and grief imprison lives Where we know someone is hurting or in need L: Liberating God R: Set your people free God of freedom, Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your praying people that we may carry with us the key of faith to unlock fear and the key of hope to empower the fallen. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

On Day 4 of our District Prayer Diary we pray for the Nottingham (Trent Valley) Circuit.

District Prayer Diary Day 3: District NPNP Pioneer Work

Oversight: Rev’d Andy Fyall, Rev’d Chris Briggs. Please pray for: Discernment of God’s will as the District seeks to offer the hope of the gospel through this work which will begin in Clifton.

A prayer for today: God of Hidden Treasures, beyond our imagining. In Silence, may we sense your heartbeat of love, In the Living Word may we find your truth, In the beauty around us may we discern your image, In the warmth of friendship may we find your heart, In the essence of being may we find that which stirs the soul, In Jesus Name, Amen

On Day 3 of our District Prayer Diary we pray for New People New Places pioneer work in Clifton and across the District.