Laura Thomas – Page 41 – St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford

A Message From Vicky

Posted on 10 June 202110 June 2021 by Laura Thomas

Hello!
I hope that you are doing OK – and that you are able to enjoy some of the sun that has been shining recently. It makes things a bit easier, doesn’t it? Although sometimes it feels too hot –but I really don’t want to complain!

As I write lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease… I wonder how that makes you feel? Perhaps you feel relieved and joyful at being able to meet friends and family again. Or maybe it makes you feel a bit anxious – after being told for so long that it’s not safe to go out, it’s a big change of our mindset to feel free to go out again. And, speaking as one who is more ‘relieved’than ‘anxious’, I still find it all quite exhausting!

But neither is right or wrong, so let’s go gently on ourselves and acknowledge how we’re feeling. Let’s take it one step at a time and do asmuch as we can manage – and allow ourselves time to recover too. I’m reminded of this verse from Isaiah 41:10, which is a great verse, however we’re feeling:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

One thing I am looking forward to in the next month is being ordained Priest. I was ordained Deacon last year (in a slightly delayed ceremony!); being ordained Priest is the next step in the journey. One of the things that Priests are called to do, together with the whole church, is ‘tell the story of God’s love’ and I am really looking forward to doing that not just through words, but through who I am and what I do. I am sure I will meet many of you as I do that and as church begins to open up more, and I would be grateful for your prayers. The ordination service itself is on 3 July at 3.30pm in Bristol Cathedral. Numbers of people who can attend are still limited, but this time my family and close friends will be able to be there.

I’m looking forward to seeing you in person as things begin to open up, and if and when you are ready to join in. The Coffee Shop is already open again (from 10am till 4pm Monday to Friday), so do come for a cuppa when you can.
God bless and love to you all

Emerging Stronger – Counselling for those on very low income

Posted on 28 May 202128 May 2021 by Laura Thomas

In response to the Covid crisis and the widely felt impact it has had both on mental health and people’s financial circumstances, Network Counselling and Training is significantly increasing the number of counselling sessions available to people on very low incomes.

If you are, or someone you know is:

having difficulties with any aspect of mental health, and
on an income of less than £750 a month

Network’s Emerging Stronger project can offer 6 sessions of counselling at an expected contribution of £5 per session.

To arrange an appointment to explore whether counselling might help you please call 0117 9507271 or email info@network.org.uk

Digital Flyer

Prayer for Bristol: 30 days of prayer for peace

Posted on 20 April 202128 February 2024 by Laura Thomas

We have been invited to join churches across the city to pray for Bristol at this time in the run up to the elections and after the unrest of the recent protests. So far 50 Churches have committed and it’s running from 6 April- 6 May.
We are committed to pray on 30 April for one day.

The vision is that there would be a canopy of prayer and worship over Bristol as we all join as one church praying.

“Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare”. Jeremiah 29:7.

You can sign up through the 24/7 prayer page here to choose a timeslot for your prayers on 30 April

You can pray however, or wherever you like. Perhaps you would like to gather 5 others and have a prayer walk? Tom and Sara are planning one for 11am that day so contact Tom if you’d like to join them Or simply pray where you are.

Feel free to pray for the whole hour or if you have less time, then simply pray for half an hour. There may be people already signed up for your chosen timeslot but do still sign up for that time – the more the merrier!

If you have any words or pictures, do send them to Tom and he will forward them to the ’30 days of prayer for peace’ Whatsapp group.

We will also have two dedicated times of prayer together online:

Prayer Breakfast at 8am on Zoom

Morning Prayer on Facebook live at 9.30am.

National Day of Reflection

Posted on 16 March 202123 March 2021 by Laura Thomas

We’re supporting the National Day of Reflection on 23 March, the first anniversary of the UK lockdown, to commemorate this tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving.

Organised by Marie Curie, and supported by the Church of England, the National Day of Reflection looks to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

Take a minute’s silence at 12 noon on 23 March to show your support for the millions of people who are bereaved and take a moment to connect with someone. You could light a virtual candle here

You can download an Act of Prayer that you can do from home during the day

Reflect

Loving God,
You hold all our times in your hands, our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember all the difficulties and disappointments of the past year. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence.

Connect

Loving God,
You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.

Hope

Loving God,
As we journey towards Easter, help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.