Newcastle Cursillo Apostolic Action Diary 2008

     

     

    Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

    where there is hatred, let me sow love:

    where there is injury, pardon:

    where there is doubt, faith:

    where there is despair, hope:

    where there is darkness, light:

    and where there is sadness,  joy:

     

    Grant that I may not so much seek

    to be consoled as to console:

    to be understood, as to understand,

    to be loved as to love:

    for it is in giving that we receive,

    it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

    and it is in dying that we are born

              Prayer of St Francis

     

     

    The ‘action’ sections in the diary are to encourage and inspire you to plan your

    Christian action. Don’t forget to check with your Priest before undertaking any

    parish based activities.

     

     

    Make a friend

    Be a friend

    Bring that friend to Jesus

     

     

     

     

    1st – 5th January               Naming and Circumcision

    Study

    Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed, so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.”

                                                    Luke 2.34-35a

    Action

    Plan new study programs for the year

    Plan your years calendar marking all important dates and events

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Eliza Hassal’, CMS Missionary in the Middle East d1917 (2nd) pray for the Christians of the middle East and all who live their Christian lives in difficult circumstances

    Renewed listening for the call of God in our lives

     

    6th – 12th January              Epiphany

    Study

    Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and we have come to pay him homage.”

                                                    Matthew 2.1b-2

    Action

    Send  letters of encouragement for the new year to members of your parish ministry teams

    Check if neighbours need assistance during holiday times

    Pray for

    Wisdom in the church’s decision making

    Wisdom in the Cursillo Movement’s decision making

                                ^TOP

    13th  - 19th  January           Baptism of Our Lord –  First Sunday after  Epiphany  

    Study

    Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”

                                                    Luke 3.21-22

    Action

    Check if the parishes Baptism program needs any support

    Contact any God children

    Pray for

    Secretariat Orientation Day on 19th

    Remembering the ‘Confession of Peter’, (18th) pray for all who are

            burdened down by sin

    For all Christian counselors in their work

     

    20th - 26th January                   Second Sunday after Epiphany

    Study

    The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

                                            John 1.29

    Action

    Attend an Australia day event

    Plan to attend a multicultural event

    Can you assist with Sunday School preparations?

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Agnes’, child martyr of Rome d.304 (21st)  pray for all children who have died for their faith

    Renewed sense of community in Australia

    Racial harmony in our communities

     

    27th January – 2nd  February     Third Sunday after Epiphany

    Study

    Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

                                            Matthew 4.23

    Action

    Check if the children's programs in your parish need any support

    Send a card/message to any children you know for a good year at school

    ‘World Wetlands Environment Day’, (2nd) go with a group to visit nearby

            Wetlands and hold a prayer time

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Thomas Aquinas’ theologian d.1274 (28th)  pray for all

            Theological institutions and their teachers.

    Pray for the theological students in our Diocese

    All institutions of learning

                          ^TOP

    3rd - 9th February                      Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

    Study

    Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

                                            Matthew 5.9

    Action

    Begin Lent by attending an Ash Wednesday service

    Organize to attend Lenten Bible studies

    Is there some way you can be involved in action for peace?

    Pray for

    Commissioning of W38, M38 Cursillo

    Remembering ‘Anskar’,  d.865 (4th)  missionary Bishop to Sweden and patron saint of Denmark pray for the Christians of Scandinavia

    Pray for all those who work for world peace

     

    10th - 16th February              First Sunday in Lent

    Study

    But he answered, “It is written,

    ‘One does not live by bread alone,

    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

                                            Matthew 4.4

    Action

    Seek someone to attend Bible Study with you

    Is there a way to support the church’s missionary agencies?

    It’s ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ week’. Be awake to acts of kindness you can perform

    Pray for

    Bible translators throughout the world

    Remembering ‘Cyril d.1869 and Methodius’, d.1885 missionaries to the Slavs

            Pray for all who keep the faith under difficult circumstances.

     

    17th – 23rd February              Second Sunday in Lent

    Study

    Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

                                            John 3.5-6

    Action

    Men are you able to attend Beer Bibles and Football?

    It’s ‘Organ Donor Awareness’ week. Are you on the register?

    Contact someone who has recently had a child Baptised

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘William Grant Broughton’, first Bishop of Australia d.1853 (20th) pray for our Bishops, and our Diocese

    Being open to the working of the Spirit

                          ^TOP

    24th February – 1st  March       Third Sunday in Lent

    Study

    For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.                                  John 4.37-38

    Action

    Seek out elderly neighbors that might need assistance

    Research the religious Communities in Australia

    Invite someone to the Mothering Sunday Service next week

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘David’, d.601 (1st) Bishop of Minevia and Patron Saint of Wales pray for the ministry of the church in Wales

    All those who live the Monastic life

    The mission of your parish

     

    2nd – 8th March          Fourth Sunday in Lent

    Study

    The Lord is my shepherd:

            therefore can I lack nothing.

    Psalm 23.1

    Action

    How can you support the Samaritans Foundation?

    Contribute to the food stocks of your parish pantry for the needy

    Consider the necessity of some of your own spending

     

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘John of God’, d.1550 (8th)and his work among the poor pray for all who work among the poor

    The Samaritans foundation

    The Two Bishop’s Trust

     

    9th - 15th March         Fifth Sunday in Lent

    Study

    Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”

                                            John 11.25-26a

    Action

    Contact someone who has had a recent bereavement

    Is there some way you can support the bereavement ministry of your church?

    Can you help make Palm crosses ready for next week?

    Invite someone to attend the Palm Sunday service

    Pray for

    Beer Bibles and Football Weekend

    Those who have died recently

                          ^TOP

    16th – 22nd March        Passion / Palm Sunday

    Study

    Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.

                                            Philippians 2.5

    Action

    Distribute some palm crosses to some friends, especially children and explain their significance

    Attend church daily this week

    Attend the ‘Oils Eucharist’ in your area

    Pray for

    Our minds to be attuned to the ‘mind of Christ’

    Observance of a Holy Easter

    Christians in the Holy Land

     

    23rd – 29th March                 Easter Day

    Study

    See yourselves therefore as dead to sin:

            And alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

                                            Hymn to the Risen Christ

    Action

    Invite a friend to the Easter services

    See if the family or neighbors need help with their children during the school holidays

    Do elderly neighbors need support with shopping, doctors visits etc?

    Pray for

    The peace of Jerusalem

    Safety during the holidays

    That parents  may have a responsible attitude in carrying out their parental duties

     

    30th March  – 5th April          Second Sunday of Easter

    Study

    Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again,

    “ Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me , so I send you.”

                                            John 20.20b-21

    Action

    Attend Lady Day at the Cathedral (1st)

    Prepare a meal and take it to a new mother

    1st April is ‘National Smile Day’—Join in

    Pray for

    Remembering the ‘Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary’, (1st) pray for all pregnant women

    For all of those women unable to have children

                          ^TOP

    6th - 12th April                            Third Sunday of Easter

    Study

    Therefore prepare your minds for action, discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.

                                            1 Peter 1.13

    Action

    Plant a tree

    Give a tree to someone to plant

    It’s ‘Seniors Week’ –prepare an activity for seniors in  your community

    Offer to transport  an elderly person to an appointment

    Pray for

    Servant Community Day (12th)

    Those studying for the Bishop’s Certificate and the Bishop’s Diploma

    Remembering ‘Georgiana Molloy,’ d.1843 (8th) pioneer church leader and

            botanist from WA pray for all who care for our environment

     

    13th – 19th  April               Fourth Sunday of Easter

    Study

    I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go our and find pasture.

                                            John 10.9

    Action

    Consider any candidates for the Women’s or Men’s Cursillo’s

    Make a surprise morning tea for the Sunday School

    Contribute to the ‘baby bundles’ for the needy at the hospitals

    Pray for

    Those who have lost their way in their Christian journey

    Peace in the hearts of those who seek revenge

     

    20th - 26th April        Fifth Sunday of Easter

    Study

    “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.”

                                            John 14.1

    Action

    Attend and Anzac Day service

    Write a message of support for the Bishop

    26th April is ‘World Healing’ Day. Can you support the healing ministry of your parish?

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Anselm’, d.1109 Archbishop of Canterbury (21st) pray for Archbishop Rowan and peace in the Anglican communion

    The work of our defense forces

    Our bishops and clergy

    All of those suffering as a result of wars

                          ^TOP

    27th April – 3rd May       Sixth Sunday of Easter

    Study

    “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever.

                                            John 14.15-16

    Action

    This week is a week of prayer for Christian unity—write some prayers you can share in your Group Reunion

    Research the work of the Christian church in another country and share it with a friend

    ‘Fair Trade Fortnight’ begins 3rd May—Does your church sell Fair Trade

            products? Look for Fair Trade products in your supermarket

    Pray for

    Christian unity

    Unity in your parish and our Diocese

    The work of Diocesan Council

    A fair distribution of the world’s resources

     

    4th - 10th May           Seventh Sunday of Easter

    Study

    Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words you gave to  me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I come from you; and they have believed that you sent me.

                                            John 17.7-8

    Action

    Support the Samaritans winter appeal

    Help prepare the church for Pentecost next Sunday

    5th May begins ‘National Mothering’ week—find a way to support a local mother

    Contact any parents/grandparents/ children/grandchildren you haven’t seen for a while

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Julian of Norwich’, holy woman and mystic d.1417 (8th) pray for those whose writings inspire us on our Christian journey

    Those who are terminally ill

                          ^TOP

    11th – 17th  May         Pentecost

    Study

    As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive.

                                            John 7.38b-39a

    Action

    Prepare Palanca for W38

    Wear red to church and explain to a friend why you are wearing red

    It’s ‘National Volunteer’ week—organize an event to thank volunteers

    Pray for

    Commissioning of W39 and M39 teams

    Living waters of the spirit to flow through our church and our Cursillo

            movement

    Remembering ‘Matthias’ , apostle and martyr (14th) pray for all new members of Cursillo executive

     

    18th – 24th   May                Trinity Sunday

    Study

    The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.    2 Corinthians 13.13

    Action

    Contact three people this week that need encouragement

    Invite someone to attend the Eucharist with you

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Thanksgiving For Holy Communion’ (22nd) pray for a

            renewed understanding of the sacraments

    Pray for all ordained clergy in their sacramental role

     

    25th – 31st  May          Second Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

                                            Romans 8.14

    Action

    Attend Mananita or Clausura for W38

    Prepare Palanca for M38

    Invite a group of people from different denominations to a BBQ

    Pray for

    W38 Cursillo Weekend

    ‘Week of Prayer for Reconciliation’ begins May 27th, pray for increased

            understanding and unity in the Christian churches

    Our relations with our neighbouring churches

                          ^TOP

    1st – 7th June          Third Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    “Not everyone who says to me , ‘Lord Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

                                            Matthew 7.21

    Action

    Research ways to support the ministries of the church in Africa

    Support the work of the Samaritans with the Sudanese community

    Invite members of the Sudanese community to visit your parish

    Pray for

    Remembering the ‘Martyrs of Uganda’, d.1886 (3rd) pray for work of the church in Africa

    The African refugees who have settled in Australia

    The Sudanese congregation in our Diocese

     

    8th - 14th June          Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    “‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”

                                            Matthew 9.13b

    Action

    Attend Mananita or Clausura for M38

    Write a letter of encouragement to someone you feel has wronged you

    12th is ‘World Day Against Child Labour’—Can you be involved in action against child labour?

    Pray for

    Men’s 38 Cursillo Weekend

    Remembering ‘Columba of Iona’, d.597 (9th) give thanks for the heritage of the Celtic church and pray for the church in Scotland and Ireland

    For the continued work of the community at Iona

    Children who are forced to work and those who seek to rescue them

     

    157h – 21st June         Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

                                            Matthew 9.37-38

    Action

    Help organize a social outreach night in your parish

    Plant some bulbs to bloom in the spring with a child and talk about growth and God’s creation with them

    21st June is ‘World Music’ day. Organise for a group to sing at Nursing Home etc.

    Pray for

    Ourselves to hear the call of God in our lives

    The mission of our Local church

                          ^TOP

    22nd –28th June          Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Those who find their life will lose it , and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

                                            Matthew 10.39

    Action

    Talk to a new parent about Baptism and the meaning of Baptism

    Support the Baptism support program of your parish

    27th June is ‘Red Nose Day’, offer support to the mother of a new baby

    Pray for

    Remembering the ‘Birth of John the Baptist’ (24th) pray for all new babies and their parents

    The newly Baptised

    Those who are suffering the loss of a child

     

    29th June - 5th July        Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple – truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.

                                            Matthew 10.42

    Action

    Check if you have any neighbours in need

    Take a hot meal to a ‘shut in’ person

    Contribute to the parishes Pantry for the needy

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘The Coming of The Light’, the first missionaries to the Torres Strait—1871 (1st) Pray for the work of the Church in the Torres Strait.

    Pray for all missionaries who face danger in their missionary work

    The social outreach work of your parish and the Samaritans

    The relief work of the United Nations

     

    6th - 12th July                         Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    “Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

                                    Matthew 11.28

    Action

    Attend a ‘NAIDOC’ week activity

    Research a way to support Aboriginal ministries in the diocese

    Invite an aboriginal group to talk at a church function

    Pray for

    The Reconciliation process

    Give thanks for what we have learned from the aboriginal people about caring for the environment

                          ^TOP

    13th – 19th July                Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields.

                                            Matthew 13.23a

    Action

    Take a family fishing or to the aquarium and talk about the diversity of God’s marine creation and our need to conserve it

    Have a fish BBQ for friends and explain about the first disciples being

            Fishermen

    It’s ‘World Youth Day’ (15th). Organise an event for the youth in your area

    Pray for

    Welcome Day for W38 and M38 (19th)

    Remembering ‘Sea Sunday’, (13th) pray for all who gain their livelihood from the sea

    Conservation of our marine environment

    The young people in tour community

     

    20th - 26th July                        Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

                                    Matthew 13.43a

    Action

    visit a person who lives on their own or invite them to a meal

    Is there some way you can help the parish secretary?

    Establish or support your city/country parish link

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Mary Magdalene’, (22nd) pray for all women who work in a support role to influential people

    The faithful men and women who have been an example to us in our

            Christian journey

     

    27th July – 2nd August       Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

                                            Matthew 13.44

    Action

    In your Group Reunion or Bible Study group try writing some spiritual reflections

    Plan to attend a retreat and ask someone to go with you

    It’s ‘National Tree’ Day (27th) , help a child plant a tree

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Ignatius of Loyola’, d.1556 (31st) pray for all who encourage our spiritual development

    All who devote their life to living an enclosed life of prayer

    The care of our environment

                          ^TOP

    3rd - 9th August                 Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    I call upon you O God, for you will surely answer:

            incline your ear to me, and hear my words.

                                    Psalm 17.6

    Action

    Is there some way to support MU in your parish or the Diocese?

    Visit a family in need taking a meal or cake for them

    Pray for

    Women Celebration our Faith Weekend

    Remembering ‘Mary Sumner’, founder of MU d.1921 (9th) pray for the work of MU throughout the world

    Families who are struggling under difficult circumstances

     

    10th - 16th August                       Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is  Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.

                                            Romans 10.12

    Action

    Visit a Jewish Museum or research the holocaust to gain a greater understanding of the Jewish perspective

    Visit or write to someone who lost a loved one during a war

    Its ‘National Science’ week. Research some of the ethical issues facing the church in the light of scientific research

    Pray for

    Remembering the ‘20th Century Martyrs’, especially Maxamilian Kolbe d.1941 pray for Jewish and Christian relationships

    All those who suffer in wars

    Scientists in their work

     

    17th – 23rd August                               Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; and if the root is holy, then the branches are also holy.

                                            Romans 11.16

    Action

    Prepare palanca for W39

    Is there some way to support the SRE Teachers in the schools?

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Bernard of Clairvaux’, abbot and teacher d.1153 (20th)  pray for all teachers of the Christian faith

    That God’s love may inspire us to do things that we never thought ourselves capable of doing

                          ^TOP

    24th – 30th August                       Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect.

                                            Romans 12.2

    Action

    Read some of the writings of Augustine

    Share some new learning about the Christian faith with a friend

    Encourage someone who has taken on a new role in the church

    Pray for

    Continuing the Journey Weekend

    Remembering ‘Augustine of Hippo’, Bishop and teacher (28th) pray for all Bishop’s in their teaching roles

    That  we may be able to discern the will of God in our lives

     

    31st  August  - 6th September        Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.

                                            Matthew 16.25

    Action

    Prepare palanca for M39

    Attend Mananita or Clausura for W39

    Pray for

    Women’s 39 Cursillo Weekend

    Remembering the ‘Martyrs of New Guinea’, d.1942 pray for the People of PNG, that they may have peace  and security

    The work of the church especially in AIDS awareness and amongst AIDS victims

     

    7th - 13th September            Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For when two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

                                    Matthew 18.20

    Action

    Gather together a prayer group to pray for a specific ministry in your

            parish

    Ask a friend in need if they would like you to pray for them

    It’s ‘National Threatened Species’ day on the 7th. How can you help conserve threatened species in your area?

    It’s ‘National Child Protection’ week. Are there additional ways your parish can be involved in supporting families in need?

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Mother Esther CHN’, d.1931 founder of he Community of The Holy Name (Melbourne) (11th) pray for all Religious Communities in Australia

    All those who are called to special ministries in our church

                          ^TOP

    14th – 20th  September           Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.

    Matthew 18.35

    Action

    Attend Mananita or Clausura for M39

    Write a message of encouragement to an isolated parish

    Pray for

    Men’s 39 Cursillo Weekend

    Remembering ‘John Oliver Feetham’, bishop and bush brother d.1947 (15th) pray for the isolated parishes in our country

    For the clergy who minister in these communities

     

    21st – 27th September            Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

                                    Philippians 1.27a

    Action

    Check where the Samaritans needs the most support

    Find out who are the most needy in your community and find a way of supporting them

    Smile at everyone you meet

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Vincent de Paul’, priest and worker with the poor d.1660 (27th) pray for the poor in our communities

    For all those who work with the poor

     

    28th September - 4th October     Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.

                                    Philippians 2.3

    Action

    Research another aspect of your living that you change to become more environmentally friendly

    Tell someone the story of St Francis and give them a copy of St Francis’ Prayer

    Visit a hospital patient

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Francis of Assisi’, friar and preacher d.1226 (4th) pray for the conservation of our world

    For a growing love of the things of God’s creation

                          ^TOP

    5th - 11th October                            Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

                                            Philippians 3.10-11

    Action

    Visit someone who has recently been in hospital

    Give a gift of a Bible to someone you want to encourage in the faith

    10th is ‘World Mental Health’, day. Write a message of encouragement to someone you know is depressed

    Pray for

    Welcome Day for W39 and M39

    Remembering ‘William Tyndale’ biblical scholar (6th) pray for all Bible translators

    A greater understanding of the Bible

    All who suffer mental illness and all who care for them

     

    12th – 18th  October                          Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Let your gentleness be known to everyone.

                                    Philippians 4.5a

    Action

    Is there some way to assist the SRE or Sunday School teachers?

    Make a surprise morning tea for the Sunday school

    Pray for

    Remembering ‘Teresa of Avila’ teacher d.1592 (15th) pray for all Christian teachers

    For our church schools

    For our SRE teachers

     

    19th - 25th October                         Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.

                                    1 Thessalonians 1.4-5a

    Action

    Organise a family gathering

    Send a card of encouragement to a member of the church family

    The 24th is ‘United Nations Day’ research the work of the United Nations in countries close to us

    Pray For

    Remembering ‘James of Jerusalem’, brother of our Lord and Martyr d.c.62 (23rd)  pray for our own families

    For families in distress

    Servant Community Day

    The work of the United Nations

                          ^TOP

    26th October – 1st  November     Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

                                            Matthew 22.37b

    Action

    Attend Diocesan Ultreya

    Help a child to make a card expressing their love for their mother/father/grandparents and talk to them about God’s love

    The 27th is ‘Pink Ribbon’ day. Is there some way you can support a cancer sufferer?

    Pray For

    Remembering ‘Martin Luther’, reformer d.1546 (31st) pray for all who seek to make changes for the better

    The vision of our diocese

    All cancer sufferers and those who care fro them

     

    2nd - 8th November                  Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.

                                    Matthew 23.12

    Action

    invite someone who has lost a loved one to attend the ‘All Soul's Day’ service

    Write to someone who has lost a loved one in the last year

    Pray For

    Departed members of your family

    Those who are grieving

    Remember 3rd is the day for Anglicans and Roman Catholics to pray for one another

     

    9th - 15th November              Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

                                    Matthew 25.13

    Action

    investigate ways to support the Samaritans Christmas  appeal

    Prepare some hand made gifts for the Samaritans

    Prepare a list of people ‘not to forget’ at Christmas time

    Pray For

    Remembering ‘Leo of Rome’, Bishop and teacher d.461 (10th) pray for all  who preach the gospel

    A greater desire to learn more about the gospel

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    16th – 22nd November            Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost

    Study

    For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

                                    1 Thessalonians 5.2

    Action

    In you Group Reunion group prepare a plan of action for supporting the needy in your community this Christmas

    Check with the local council to find the areas of greatest need

    Assist with the children’s end of year activities

    Pray For

    Continuing the Journey weekend

    Remembering ‘Hugh’, Bishop of Lincoln d.1200  (17th) pray for all who are working to revive the church

     

    23rd – 29th  November            Christ The King

    Study

    For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.

                                            Matthew 25.35-36

    Action

    Visit someone who lives on their own

    Is there some way to be involved in the Kairos movement?

    Send a message of support to our prison chaplains

    Pray For

    Remembering ‘James Noble’, pioneer Aboriginal Deacon d.1941 (25th) pray for Aboriginal clergy and ministry with Aboriginal people

    Aboriginal ministry in our diocese

    The prison ministries of our church

     

    30th November  - 6th December          First Sunday of Advent

    Study

    Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

                                    Mark 13.26-27

    Action

    Begin an Advent Bible study

    Give a Christmas crib to a family

    Attend the Ordination

    Pray For

    Remembering ‘Frances Perry’, founder of the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne d.1892 (2nd) pray for all who work in our hospitals

    For wise administration of our hospitals

    All hospital patients

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    7th - 13th December                              Second Sunday of Advent

    Study

    The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

                                            Mark 1.1

    Action

    Help with the church’s preparations for Christmas

    Give a gift of a book telling the Christmas story to a family

    Send cards to new people in your congregation

    Help deliver Samaritans packages

    Pray For

    Remembering the ‘Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary’ ,(8th) pray for all pregnant women

    Researchers who work to improve fertility

     

    14th – 20th  December                            Third Sunday of Advent

    Study

    The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

                                    John 1.9

    Action

    Invite a neighbour or family member to a church carol service

    Attend local public carol service

    Offer transport to the Christmas services

    Visit a ‘shut in ‘person

    Pray For

    Families who are suffering financial stress

    People whose loved ones are far away

    All those who are falsely imprisoned

     

    21st   – 27th December          Fourth Sunday of Advent

    Study

    Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

                                    Luke 1.38a

    Action

    Support your local group offering friendship to the lonely at Christmas

    Be joyful

    Pray For

    An open spirit that says with Mary “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

    Peace in our world

    Christ is counting on you!

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