The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to the 25th January – the octave of St. Peter and St. Paul. A pamphlet providing further information can be downloaded below.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Pamphlet 2022
Introduction
The story of the Magi visiting the Holy Family in Bethlehem is one very familiar to us. The Magi have sometimes been seen as a symbol of the world’s diversity – different religions and cultures – that comes to pay homage to the Christ-child. The story might therefore represent the unity of all created that God desires.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2022 has been prepared by the churches of the Middle East, the history of which was, and still is, characterised by conflict and strife, tainted with blood and darkened by injustice and oppression. The Christians of the Middle East offer these resources conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences, and yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness.
Serving the Gospel today requires a commitment to the human being, especially the poorest, the weakest and those marginalised. It requires from the churches transparency and accountability in dealing with the world, and with each other. This means churches need to cooperate to provide relief to the afflicted, to welcome the displaced, to relieve the burdened, and to build a just and honest society. This is a call for churches to work together so that young people can build a good future according to God’s heart, a future in which all human beings can experience life, peace, justice, and love.
Christian Aid
Each year Christian Aid provides the Go and Do action points for each of the daily reflections – linking into the important work of Christian Aid in the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
Ecumenical Events Taking Place in Our Parish
Tuesday 18th January 2022 Zoom Service
A joint service on zoom at 1930 on Tuesday January 18th which launches the Week of Prayer. Led by the Rev. Dr. Steve Bate and based on material coming from the churches in the Middle East, it highlights the significance of the visit of the Magi. We will have an equal number of contributions from the Holy Cross congregation and the St Andrew congregation. The Zoom link for the service can be provided to Parishioners by Hope Gilbert, Mark Stephens or the Parish Office upon request. The liturgy can be downloaded on the link below.
Wednesday 19th January – Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer on Wednesday January 19th led by Mark Stephens, a Lay leader of Worship at Much Hadham, who will combine a traditional Morning Prayer with readings and a reflection from Day 1 of the Daily Study guide provided by the Joint Churches of England Wales. The Daily Study Guide can also be downloaded on the link below.
Tuesday 25th January 2022 – A Zoom Prayer Meeting
A Zoom Prayer Meeting on Tuesday January 25th organised and led by the Diocese of St Alban’s to close the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Last year over 100 Christians attended, the Baptists led it and it was a most moving occasion. It lasted one hour. The Zoom link for the service can be provided to Parishioners by Hope Gilbert, Mark Stephens or the Parish Office upon request.