It's probably true to say that the vast majority of people in our Parish think of the Church as a place for weddings, funerals, baptisms and Sunday services. Members of the congregation know that there are services at various times on weekdays too.
What may not be so well known is that there are several prayer groups in the Parish, which meet to pray about differing concerns. Here's some information about each of them. If you would like to know more, please contact the person mentioned. If you'd like to go to one of the meetings, you will be made very welcome.
Elizabeth Fullarton
For the last twelve years, a small group has been meeting to pray together. We started in September 1996, because we felt God was asking us to pray for the concerns of our parish members, to support our staff team with prayer, and to remember the needs of the people who live and work in our town. We all believe this is an important ministry, and have discovered that our own faith has been strengthened, as we have come to understand the way in which our Lord shows his compassion and healing touch on people's lives.
David Inns
Formed about nine years ago, we meet frequently either in the Church or in members' homes. We pray mainly for people in need known to us, both within the Church and outside, as well as for those who serve us in our local community. We have an awareness of the main areas of concern throughout the world, and accordingly we bring these to God. We pray also for our staff team, and the many members of our congregation who are active, in all sorts of ways, in our church life together. We incorporate into our prayers a list of needs provided by Churches Together in Fareham. We always conclude with the Lord's Prayer and the Grace.
Judy Jacobs
This is a short service of meditation lasting ten minutes. It is attended by parishioners and others who see the boards placed outside, advertising this time of peace and reflection. Each week, the meditation is prepared and led by a member of the Parish, or one of the staff team.
Jenny Hellyer
A small group meets each week to pray for charities and organisations which work for justice and peace, at home and abroad, and which feature in the displays on the Mission and Unity Noticeboards. We also pray about crises and conflicts which happen throughout the world. We make this a time to pray for Vlasta Liskova, our Parish CMS Mission Partner, and her work in Luton.
Joyce Riley
Ours is a more formal service of hymns, prayers and fellowship. We focus on the work of the Mothers' Union and families worldwide, praying about all the issues which affect family life. We thus fulfil the third of our Five Objects - "to maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service".