During the COVID-19 we have used this page to publish helpful thoughts from our members, and prayers for those that are ill in our own community and the wider world
Every Monday at 7pm you can join Rev Barry Allen leading live prayers on his facebook live page
https://www.facebook.com/mwbarrya
Every Wednesday 7pm you can join Deacon Ramona Samuel leading live prayers on her Facebook live page
https://www.facebook.com/ramona.samuel.984
Every Friday 7pm - you can join Rev Mark Pengelly leading live prayers on his Facebook live page
https://www.facebook.com/revmarkp1
A prayerful meditation for everyone staying in isolation from Broomfield Hospital Chaplaincy team.
Lockdown
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and
reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way All over the world people are waking up to a new
reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing!
We have offered the following prayers for friends and neighbours for whom life is particularly stressful through illness or isolation.
2020
Sunday March 22nd: We continue to pray for:
For all who are finding it difficult to remain in isolation. We pray that family, neighbours and friends will reach out to safely provide for their needs.
Dennis in hospital after a fall at home. We pray that he will find peace and a safe place to live
Tamara and Sacha whose baby Apollo was born 16 weeks prematurely and fights for his survival at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
As Apollo undergoes yet another procedure to save his eyesight, we pray for Tamara who is struggling to cope so that our prayers might uplift her at this time of great stress
We pray for all NHS workers who are at the forefront of our hospitals and GP practices.Especially we think of Janice, Lindah and for Preshee working from our own community. We surround them with love and our prayers.
For those of our congregation and community in Broomfield who suffer from health conditions requiring them to stay at home for 12 weeks.
Saturday April 4th
A Prayer for a Pandemic (from the Corrymeela community)
God of the fire and God of the wind,
God of the silent sound,
when you speak to us,
you do so in ways we may not expect
but cannot ignore.
Allow us in this time of frantic noise
and eerie stillness
to listen again to the wind
and the earth,
to the gentle whisper of you
calling our name.
And may we hear in your voice
words of love and hope,
Sunday April 5th - Holy week
A Journey though Holy Week
This resource has been prepared by the Liverpool District and adapted for our use by Sheridan Pengelly. We hope it will guide you through Holy Week as we approach the celebration of Easter. Please click here to open the resource leaflet .
Monday April 5th
Please pray for Janice as she copes with Covid-19 and the death of her mum.
Tuesday April 7th
Pray for Baby Apollo in his continued fight for survival. He now weighs 1.8kg but underwent another operation which did not go as well as hoped for. He now has sepsis for which he is receiving treatment. Tamara and Sacha we hold you in our prayers.
Pray for teachers at school during the Easter break putting themselves at increased risk looking after children of key workers which enables greater number of health & care workers, delivery drivers, supermarket staff and providers of other essential services to look after us.
Wednesday April 8th
GOD SITS WITH ME
Me: Okay, God, here's the thing. I'm scared. I'm trying not to be, but I am.
God: I know. Want to talk about it?
Me: Do we need to? I mean, you already know.
God: Let's talk about it anyway... We've done this before.
Me: I know, I just feel like I should be bigger or stronger of something by now.
God: *waiting patiently, unhurried, undistracted, never annoyed.
Me: Okay. So, I'm afraid I'll do everything I can to protect my family and it won't be enough. I'm afraid of someone I love dying. I'm afraid the world won't go back to what it was before. I'm afraid my life is always going to feel a little bit unsettled.
God: Anything else?
Me: EVERYTHING ELSE.
God: Remember how your son woke up the other night and came running down the hall to your bedroom?
Me: Yes.
God: You were still awake, so when you hear him running, you started calling out to him before he even got to you... remember? Do you remember what you called out to him?
Me: I said, "You're okay! You're okay! You're okay! I'm here."
God: Why did you call to him? Why didn't you just wait for him to get to your room?
Me: Because I wanted him to know that I was awake, and I heard him, and he didn't have to be afraid until he reached the end of the dark hallway.
God: Exactly. I hear you, my child. I hear your thoughts racing like feet down the dark hallway. There's another side to all of this. I'm there already. I've seen the end of it. And I want you to know right here as you walk through it all, you're okay. I haven't gone to sleep, and I won't.
Me: *crying. Can we sit together awhile? Can we just sit here a minute before I go back to facing it all?
God: There's nothing I'd love more.
Written by Becky Thompson��
Good Friday April 10th
Loving Saviour, You willingly died to save us. On this day of remembrance we thank you for this amazing gift,
Please pray for Siew Leng ( a former member of our church) recently returned from Malaysia after her mum died of Coronavirus there.
Easter Sunday April 12th
Chelmsford Methodists Easter morning worship
What is the 'normality to which we crave return? Follow the debate on the church What's App pages.
Monday April 13th
In case you missed it you can sing along to Hymns of Easter season click here
Wednesday April 15th
Don't miss Wednesday prayers with Ramona this evening
Thursday April 16th
There are many people in need of prayer at this time:
Baby Apollo as he struggles with his eyes which need to grow to avoid further operations. Sacha and Tamara need our prayers:
Come and watch over this beautiful child,
Wrap him in your strength and protection.
Come and minister healing and bring restoration,
Renew this precious one that is loved so dearly.
Come and soothe his trials, comfort and keep him,
Hold his parent's hearts safely and fill them with peace.
Come and dwell with this family as you, reside with us dear Lord.
For you are our sanctuary and our living hope.
God of all hope we call on you today.
We pray for those who are living in fear:
Fear of illness, fear for loved ones, fear of other’s reactions to them.
May your Spirit give us a sense of calmness and peace.
Today we especially pray for those who are living with sickness – give them your strength.
Today please especially pray for ……................................................
In the name of Jesus. Amen
- baby Apollo still struggling in hospital with vision. Laser treatment planned for May 7th. He is being fed Amino Acids from next week. Tamara and Sacha still keeping vigil and hope alive
- Mike struggling with breathing
- We remember all those who still have to work to keep our services running
Friday April 24th
Said goodbye to two of our members Len & Hilda. Please click Len's name for a recent photo.
Saturday April 25th
The May edition of Topic magazines published on this site today. From now onwards TOPIC edition is only being published in paper format for people without Internet access.
Monday May 4th
As statistics show that deaths in care homes continue to rise, we think of Dennis and Audrey who are in care. Audrey approaches her 93rd birthday this week. We remember the dedication of all care home staff looking after our loved ones in difficult circumstances.
We pray for Jo suffering from cancer and facing lengthy treatment.
Thursday May 7th
Today we are thinking of baby Apollo and his parents as the surgeons operate on his eyes. Also our dear friend Len who served our church for so many years, whose service of committal takes place at 2.00pm.
Sunday May 10th
Thank the Lord that baby Apollo has come home from hospital after successful treatment on his eyes.
Tuesday May 19th
We remember Janice as she attends the funeral of her mum today.
Wednesday May 20th
Remembering Mark's mum who is very ill
Thursday May 28th
Praying for the family of Andrew, a nurse at Broomfield Hospital, who contracted Covid 19 and died this week
Sunday May 31st
Congratulations to Phil and Lucy who were blessed with a bay boy today
Tuesday June 2nd
We continue to pray for Caroline's Uncle facing an operation in hospital next week
Wednesday June 2nd
remembering Mike's mum who had died today
Friday June 5th
Ellie and Louis going through a tough time facing return of her cancer and possible redundancy
For Jo coping with depression; encircle her with love.
Tuesday June 9th
For all those with anxieties about preparations for returning to work.
Wednesday June 10th
Welcome to Austin Selvan Devendra into our world. Our prayers are with Lucy and Phil
Monday June 15th
Praying for Caroline's uncle recovering from surgery.and for Janice's friend
Wednesday June 17th
Churches that are able to open for Private prayer that all may be safe especially those who are vulnerable.
Thursday June 18th
For the possibility of 'garden praise'
Friday June 19th
For Gary having a brain scan today and Mark's mum having chemo and radiotherapy
For Messy Church and home craft bag initiative..
Thanks for answering prayer - 26 bags distributed!
Sunday June 21st
For Dad's everywhere;present and past' - especially those who cannot see thier children today
Monday June 22nd
Happy anniversary June and David!
Remembering Mike and family at Mum's funeral
Tuesday June 23rd
As we look forward to an announcement today about Churches reopening, remembering that safety for all as well as providing a worshipful service where all can attend are of paramount importance.
Wednesday June 24th
Ellie's long road of cancer treatment begins today
Tuesday June 25th
The Methodist Conference meets virtually today Please pray for Deacon Ramona Samuel and Sheridan Pengelley our Circuit representatives.
Monday June 29th
Government guidance issued today on re-opening churches from July 4th. Please pray fro those who must consider personal safety and spiritual needs
Wednesday June 30th
Bringing Church to elderly members back gardens in Broomfield today
Friday July 3rd
We celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the NHS and thank them for their commitment during the present crisis. Where would we have been without them all?
Saturday July 4th
We pray for Chelsea undergoing tests
Tuesday July 7th
A prayerful consultation has been sent to our church congregation about the restrictions and possible return to worship. Please respond by July 15th.
Saturday July 18th
A wedding at our church today! Evan and Leslie we wish you well for your future life together
Praying for Barbara's sister in hospital after falls at home
Monday July 20th
For Caroline returning to work today. For Jo's good news about her cancer.
Wednesday July 22nd
For The Overcomers group taking services to those shielding.
Monday July 27th
Praying for Caroline's uncle back in hospital with an infection
Wednesday July 29th
Praying for those folk still shielding. Great that the Overcomers group are taking worship to their homes coming together for the first time since lockdown.
For our dear friend S...... returning home for the first time.
Saturday August 1st
For those venturing out today for the first time after shielding.
Tuesday August 4th
Lynne reminded us through a story that for some people our life styles are the only Bible they will ever read! A sobering responsibility!
Wednesday August 12th
News and photo of baby Apollo from mum Tamara and dad Sacha, Apollo looks full of beans! An answer to prayer surely ( see April 7th above).
Friday August 14th
Welcome to baby Henley into the world at 8lb 15oz
Monday August 17th
Praying for Ellie as she has her stem cells harvested prior to more cancer treatment in September.
Later news the procedure went well bless her!
Tuesday August 18th
Praying for Amy alone in hospital expecting her baby
Friday August 21st
Celebrating one of our member's 38th wedding anniversary. Best wishes and love to Lynne and Keith
Saturday August 22nd
Our prayers are with Janice who returned to hospital last night and with Tim who worries about her.
Monday August 23rd
Janice is responding well to rest and treatment
Tuesday August 25th
For the vulnerable sleeping on the streets in Chelmsford. Janice returns home tomorrow.
Tuesday September 1st
Planning for return to church worship on Sunday. We aim to involve as many 'absent friends'as we can. Online services will continue.
Praying for teachers and students returning to school and universities this week. Lord calm their anxieties and fears.
Sunday September 6th
19 people safely worshiped together this morning. Coffee and socially distanced chat in the car park afterward was lovely.
After our return to worship entries on this page are to be discontinued.
England returned to restrictions on movement and activity on November 5th and the Church was again closed to public worship for the time being
Sunday November 8th
Monday November 9th
We pray for George and his family as they wrestle with uncertainty over the future.
We pray for NHS hospitals and staff coping with huge rises in admissions larger than at the beginning of the pandemic - often with reducing numbers of staff self-isolation or ill themselves.
Tuesday November 10th
Surely God's hand in the number of requests for Messy Church Christmas bags! Had to close the web page as requests outstripped resources massively - a good problem to have and members of the church are pulling together to fulfill over 100 requests!
Wednesday November 11th
Audrey one of our eldest members age 90, passed on peacefully to one of God's many mansions yesterday.
Saturday 14th November
Good News - Jo ( see May 4th) is in full remission
Sunday November 16th
The hymn 'In the darkness of the night' many peole loved from this morning's online service:
Tuesday November 17th
George starts his cancer treatment today in London
Thursday November 19th
Keep strong Janice for yourself and everyone who loves you.
Saturday November 21st
Prayers for Denzel in hospital after a car accident
Our prayers lay the track down which God's power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but cannot reach us without rails
Watchman Nee
Friday November 27th
Janice has been taken into hospital and we pray for the doctors and nurses who will give her excellent care there
Wednesday December 1st
Janice continues to be very poorly and we continue pray for her.
Friday December 4th
Prayers for George going through a difficult time undergoing Chemotherapy and his family who are so worried for him.
Monday December 7th
Audrey's funeral takes place at the Chelmsford Crematorium
Wednesday December 9th
Prayers for little Saffron taken to hospital today with an infection but returned home this evening and on the mend.
Tuesday December 15th
Prayers of thanks for Jo's dad home today after hospital treatment
Wednesday December 16th
Praying for Pat J. in hospital after testing positive for Covid 19
Thursday December 17th
Praying for all those whose relationships are under great strain at the moment and for those who suffer as a result
Friday December 18th
Prayers for Lynne frustrated at cancelled hospital treatments due to the pandemic
Sunday December 20th
Stones painted with stars of hope left around the village have been found and brought . The 'Bethlehem star' of hope has also appeared in the night sky as Christmas Day approaches.
Monday December 21st
Flooding the church car park tonight with light and hope
Praying for Tim tested positive today for Covid 19. Also for Janice now back home but still v. poorly.
Thursday December 24th - Christmas Eve
Praying for peace and hope at this special time when we are reminded of the light and hope Jesus brought into our world
Praying also for Eric who has tested positive and his son-in-law Tony also tested positive.
Pat J now out of hospital and temporarily in a care home recuperating
Christmas Day
Happy Christmas everyone!!
Saffy back at hospital after a fall and we wish her well..Prayers for Shahala also with Covid 19.
Sunday December 27th
Janice again in hospital and struggling; and our prayers go with her. Tim also admitted to hospital but sent home again.
Monday December 28th
Prayers for Darren admitted to hospital with Covid 19 and pneumonia . For all those suffering at this time of escalating concerns.
Praying for Eric now in Hospital too and for Janice as she moves into intensive care
Wednesday December 30th
Praying for all NHS staff who labour on under increasing pressure and exhaustion
Thursday December 31st
Prayers for the Broomfield Hospital chaplaincy team at this time of great stress and exhaustion
2021
Friday January 1st
Thankful that Tim is back home to recover. Praying continuously for Janice who remains v. poorly in intensive care.may God hold you all in his arms. Our church family continue to encircle you with love.
Praying for peace, hope and strength for 2021 during these darkest of times.
Monday January 4th
There are times when we see only one set of footprints in the sand. That is when God is carrying us - we are not alone.
Thankful that Richard tested negative and that Amy can come out of isolation
praying for Eric also now on a ventilator
Friday January 8th
Praying for Janice as she fights on; we surround her and her family with love and prayer.
Prying also for Amy as she is taken into hospital
Saturday January 9th
Janice has lost her struggle and we prayer for her as she passes on to life with our Lord. Praying also for Tim struggling with his grief. We are all devastated at the loss our our dear friend.
Wednesday January 13th
Thankful that the results of George's scan are good but he still suffers from side effects of Chemotherapy as treatment continues.
Lynne also in hospital today
Thursday January 14th
Eric lost his struggle this morning and passed on to be with his Lord. Our prayers for his family
Monday January 18th
Remembering Kath in our prayers today after a fall at home
Tuesday January 19th
Our prayers for Lilias in hospital with Covid 19
Wednesday January 20th
Caroline's Dad in hospital. Praying for all affected by the virus as we reach the peak of infections. We pray that Government will take th right decisions to protect us.
Thankful for news that Ellie is cancer free
Tuesday January 26th
Praying for Kath as she transfers to a care home from hospital
Friday January 29th
Praying for Louise in Australia bitten by a venomous spider
Sunday January 31st
Praying for George back in Broomfield Hospital with blood clots but returned home later with nursing support.
Continuing with prayers for Lilias still in hospital and for Tracy and Jordan after they tested positive with Coronavirus.
Monday February 1st
Praying for all those testing positive for Coronavirus at this heightened time of infection. Especially for Lilias, Tracey and Jordan. We pray they may have the strength to endure and the courage to protect others.
Tuesday February 2nd
Praying for clarity of understanding as the nation goes through testing times.
For all those who have lost their lives and for inspirational people like Captain Sr Tom Moore who died today
Wednesday February 3rd
Praying for all on the front line of the infection battle; especially for those like Oliver at Broomfield Hospital who today has made the ultimate sacrifice.
Friday February 5th
For all who suffer from anxiety or depression heightened through this pandemic who may be locked in loneliness. May strength be provided by the One who looks over us all.
Sunday February 7th
Grateful that Louise is on the mend.
Monday February 8th
Happy Birthday to anyone who is 21 today - CM
Wednesday February 10th
Parying for George as he undergoes the last treatments for cancer
And for Amy and the concerns surrounding the imminent birth of her baby
For Eric's Family as they lay dad to rest.today
Thursday February 11th
For Tim as they mourn at today's funeral.Live on forever in our hearts Janice.
Sunday February 14th
Prayers today for racial justice Sunday
Tuesday February 16th
Prayers for Jo whose cancer has returned. (see July 20th)
Wednesday February 17th
Praying for Amy and her consultant during these anxious birthing decisions
Monday February 22nd
Praying for George who has completed his treatment but is anxious about rerun of cancer
For Caroline's uncle Fred whose cancer is not in full remission
Thursday February 25th
Prayers for Lilias as she leaves hospital but is still very poorly
Friday February 26th
As we complete 11 months of restricted movement our prayer today is that the loving arms of God will be wrapped around us and that we will know that he will never leave our side.
For all medical practitioners unable to see patients that they will act wil sensitivity and wisdom
Wednesday March 3rd
Anxious times for Amy and Rich awaiting the birth of their baby
Thursday March 4th
Llias passed away last night and we pray that the peace she longed for will be with her for ever now.
As one life ends another begins with the safe arrival of baby Imogen daughter to Amy and Rich.
Thursday March 11th
Prayers answered for Kath who moves today to Madelayne Court
George as he goes for his PET scan
Sunday March 14th
For all Mothers today
Friday March 19th
Good news that George's treatment has been successful
Sunday March 21st
Barbara brought the following prayer to our church online community:
Place your hand in the hand of the Lord,
Walk with your hand in the hand of the Lord and you will never be afraid.
No matter how steep or rough your path, you will always make it through.
In your weakness you will find His strength,and you’ll find your fears all gone.
Just place your hand in the hand of the Lord and keep on keeping on.
Amen
Monday March 22nd
Praying for Lisa and Jack ( age just 21) who has leukaemia and whose treatment has been paused because of infection.
Monday March 29th
Praying for Lucy who has severe flu symptoms
Wednesday March 23rd
Praying for Margaret who has lost her doggy best friend Lexy to a stroke and is now on her own at home.
Sunday April 4th
Happy Easter! Christ is risen today. Alleullia!
Thursday April 6th
For Maria (Les' cousin) in intensive care following Chemotherapy
Friday April 9th
Lilias' funeral today. Goodbye to a faithful servant and friend of the church. Mazy she rest in peace at last. after a long struggle.
Saturday April 11th
Rachel finally weds after many Covid cancellations
Friday April 16th
Maria finally out of intensive care - an answer to our prayers.
Thursday April 22nd
World Earth Day - praying for healing in the World and as our church considers its response to Climate Change.
Friday April 23rd
Praying for those suffering from inadequate or appropriate medical care struggling to carry on with life's responsibilities.
Sunday April 25th
Our church re-opens for covid secure worship today.
Following the announcement by the Government that churches can re-open in a Covid secure way, The Church is now open for Sunday Worship at 11am where corporate prayers can be offered once again. Because of this we have discontinued adding prayers to this page but we retain the prayers offered as a record of the times we all shared.
