The Guild WORSHIP JANUARY 2004 Annual Meeting Group Elspeth Dale, national vice convener, opened the meeting, saying: "It seems a long time since Christmas, but in fact it’s barely a month and if we think back it is still within memory.The reading I have chosen catches this memory and moves on." Reading 'Christmas Trees and Strawberry Summers' by Ann Weems from Kneeling in Bethlehem published by The Westminster Press. Prayer Lord Jesus, you’ve called us to be your disciples and we recognise that with that comes challenges and opportunities, daring and caring. Open our eyes to see where needs lie and where we take action to alleviate them. Open our ears to hear cries of help and show us ways of responding. Open our hearts to want to become involved and move us to offer sympathy and love. Help us to be prepared to step out of the security of our comfort zones to meet the world on its terms, not ours. Help us to dare. As we settle into the routines of life with another year getting well under way, guard us from apathy and thinking that there are some things that we will never conquer, some things that we can never change. Help us not to underestimate our abilities when you are behind us, and give us renewed enthusiasm. Lord we thank you for bringing us together as a group which is privileged to serve your Guild. May our members be inspired with a vision of how they can truly serve you, and show us how best to support them. As we look ahead to our Annual Meeting may we plan wisely and carefully. We ask you to be with us in our deliberations and guide our thoughts. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Marketing and publicity committee Ada Walker, convener, opened the meeting with a reflection by Eddie Askew. Called 'So much to do', and based on John, chapter 15, it starts with a quotation from French Christian writer, Michel Quoist: "we are doing only one-tenth of what we can see we should be doing; we are doing only one-hundredth of what we could do if only.... we are doing only one-thousandth of what we would like to do....." The reflection considers that we all have difficulties coming to terms with our own limitations; we overstretch ourselves and have trouble saying 'no'. By referring to John, chapter 15, "I am the vine; you are the branches", Eddie Askew seeks to show us that it is the quality of what we do, not how much. Prayer Lord as we contemplate the impact of these words we realise that there have been times that we have all been guilty of thinking that we are the vine and all of its branches as well. We need to take time to acknowledge that YOU are in control and as individuals we are a branch. - just one single branch of the vine Lord when we get caught up in the whirlpool of our own frantic busy-ness we do not take time to consider your great faithfulness, the dependability of your grace and the constancy of your love for us. These are the qualities which have and will keep inspiring us, sustaining and guiding us, these have kept and will keep our Church a living, changing being which calls fresh generations to faith, and open new avenues of service. We come together as a committee to share our ideas, our insights and observations united in our faith. Give us a vision of the way you can use us, the way you can deepen our fellowship. Give us a dream of what our church can become and the part that the Guild can play in that dream and help us work towards the fulfilment of that dream. Take everything we are, everything we have been and help us to recognise everything you would have us be. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Closing prayer We thank you, Lord for the friendship and the fellowship we experience through being a part of the wider church and through our membership of the Guild in particular. Bless our homes and our families. Be with each one of us as we go our separate ways and keep us safe as we travel on our homeward journeys. Let us go now in peace assured of your unchanging love for us. Amen. Projects and topics committee Elspeth Macleod, convener, included the following in her opening worship: Reflection In his ministry Jesus often 'dared to care with compassion' for those whom society had excluded but who would have loved to be 'included in' - such as those with leprosy, and others. Readings A poem, 'Reaching out' by Christine Rigden; a quotation, 'Compassion' by Henri Nouwen - both taken from Joyce Huggett's book 'Listening to others'. WORSHIP FEBRUARY 2004 Finance and general purposes Ray Spalding, convener, opened the meeting with worship based on Candlemas. Reflection 'Presentation at Candlemas' by Monica Ludlow from An Anthology for the Church Year. Reading Ecclesiastes 5: 2 to 6 Prayer Dear Father Give us in all things a true sense of responsibility. Help us, at all times, to remember our responsibility to ourselves that we never act in such a way as to lose our self respect or let ourselves down by doing anything we would regret afterwards. Help us to remember our responsibility to our friends and others and never to disappoint them nor fail them. Help us not to forget our duties to others and to care about what happens to others. Help us to remember that we shall answer to you for the way we have used the gifts you gave us and that we shall have to account for all our acts on earth. In your mercy, Lord, send us help to enlighten our minds; guide our footsteps; help us in times of difficulty and danger; be our defence in hours of temptation. Dear Father, we are at Candlemas in the church year - the last feast of Christmas. May we remind ourselves that Christ came to give us light and life. Let us pray for the Guild at this time of planning for the future.Today we are to consider our financial state and shortly we elect our new leaders at national and presbyterial levels, and plan our annual meeting and theme days. We would also pray for guidance and help in order that we may support our six projects in their first year. God of all wisdom, help us to think before we speak; that we may say no more than we have to; give us clear sight that we may know what to do; courage to embark on it; skill to find the way through life's problems. What is before us we know not - but we know that all things are ordained by you. Grant us in all things to see your hand, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. WORSHIP MARCH 2004 Marketing and Publicity Ada Walker, convener, constituted the meeting with the following reflection, interspersed with Bible readings: Long ago, a ragged traveller arrived in a small village and asked for something to eat. “We have nothing for you,” said the villagers, eyeing him suspiciously. They shut the door in his face. “Well then,” said the traveller, “could you spare me a pot? The stones here are just perfect for stone soup.” “Stone soup!” the villagers exclaimed. “Who ever heard of stone soup?” A crowd gathered as the traveller built a fire under a large pot of water and carefully added a handful of stones. After a while he tasted a steaming spoonful and sighed.“Not bad,” he said, “but it’s a pity I don’t have a carrot.” A bunch of carrots was quickly produced. “Mmm, much better,” said the traveller, "but an onion would really bring out the flavour of the stones.” A bag of onions was eagerly passed forward. Everyone wanted to have a hand in this mysterious soup and soon the pot was brimming with celery, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, barley and meat. A delicious fragrance rose from the bubbling soup. The traveller tried one last time and pronounced it ready. There was enough for everyone in the village and everyone was amazed that such delicious soup could be made from stones. This ancient Japanese story has always intrigued me, for it is almost a parable of the life of Jesus in that he was the facilitator; he took ordinary people and showed them how to be extraordinary. You just have to think of his disciples: here were the ordinary men going about their daily life and he asks them to come with him (Matthew 4:18 to 22):two brothers who were fishermen, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee; Matthew, the tax collector - and so it goes on. But do you notice that when he says, “Follow me” he does not give them the full extent of the task that lay ahead of them for like most ordinary folk they would most probably have said “No that is not for me.” Throughout the short span of time these men spent with Jesus they listened, all the time looking and learning with Jesus encouraging, chiding, teaching – revealing to them a little bit at a time what he really wanted them to do and preparing them for a time when he asks them to: (Matthew 28:19) “Go, then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples.” There are many lessons in this little fable, one being that any task, no matter how large, comes within the capabilities of anyone of us for we do not do it alone. I feel that this is particularly apt today when we will be asking members of this committee to take office. Prayer Let us pray: Lord, you gave your disciples such a hard time as they tried to come to terms with who you were and how you lived. Dear Lord, the challenge for each one of us is to look honestly at what we are without you and, as you did with the disciples, for you to show us what we can become. We meet as a committee to plan for the future: it seems such a big job and so it is, except that we are not alone for we have you in our lives and perhaps together we can make it work. We thank you for all those whose work amongst us we recognise, for all who have given of their time and their practical gifts and for all those who have inspired and guided us. We thank you for those who will take up office, for we recognise that in using their time, their talents and their energy it is in Christ’s service they do so. We thank you for the good things in our lives: the love within a family; the thoughtfulness of friends; the quietness which allows us think; the stimulation of a challenge; the chance to learn so that we make informed decisions. For all these blessings and the many more which we have left unspoken, we offer our grateful thanks. Particularly in the period coming up to Easter, we remember gratefully and humbly that Jesus bore the cross for us, so help us accept the challenge of doing what is right, speaking what is true, helping those in need, and forgiving those who hurt us. Eternal Father, with your help we will meet the demands of each new challenge. Amen Annual Meeting Group Elspeth Dale, national vice convener, opened the meeting with: Readings Mark 1:14 to 20 and from Pray Now 2003: Day 28 Reflection We’ve all felt the thrill of doing something for God that we were convinced was worthwhile; something that we thought would make a difference to people; a situation where we felt that God was using us to do his work. And that’s a great feeling, it’s exhilarating but it’s quite rare. We have to admit that most of the time we stumble along, trying to do our best, but not convinced that we’re being effective. It’s probably true to say that the disciples, after the first excitement of going off to follow Jesus, would often wonder what it was all about. As we look ahead to our annual meeting we want to recreate that excitement of inspiration for our people. Prayer Lord God, Our Heavenly Father, You have called us to serve you and we have responded. Sometimes it makes us feel satisfied; we feel that we have helped out in a needy situation; we feel that you have worked through us to fulfil your purposes. Sometimes it makes us feel inadequate; so much to do and how can WE make a difference? A drop in the ocean! Sometimes it makes us feel so excited – if God is for us, who can be against us? We can solve the problem, we can make a difference! Lord, we pray for all who have answered your call that they might be driven by this passion and see a clear way ahead. May their enthusiasm gather momentum and your kingdom be glorified. Lord, we feel our sense of calling in our hearts. Help us to live and move as if we were being drawn from the heart, following Jesus in everything we do. The disciples saw Jesus moving from the ordinary activities of life to the extraordinary awareness of God’s presence in his life. Open our hearts to find God taking us beyond our expectations. Help us and guide us as we prepare for the major event that is our annual meeting. Work through us to provide a moving experience for all who attend and bless us as we share ideas and make decisions in your name and to your glory, Amen. Finance and General Purposes Ray Spalding, convener, opened the meeting with a reflection on creation: It's springtime in this part of the world. God's creation is being visibly renewed. Lambs in the field; daffodils in the garden; buds bursting on the shrubs; birds building nests in the treetops and hedges. Reading Psalm 104: verses 24 and 28 to 31 Then paragraphs from: FM Dostoyevsky's 'Love all God's creation' and Anthony de Mello's 'Maturity' Prayer We praise you Lord, for the creation of the world and all the loving creatures in the earth, sky and sea. Give us eyes to see our repsonsibilities, not just to the human community of all living creatures. In this world so full of victims and unkindness, let us act in a gentle way to each other and to all your creatures. Lord, help us to wonder; to stand in awe; to stand and stare; and so to praise you for the richness of the world you have laid before us. We thank you that, though you are the Creator, Judge and King, you are also the Father; so that, although we are wandering children, there is always a road back to our Father's love. You have tried to teach us through the events of history and the experience of life, yet often we have not learned your lesson. Grant calmness and control of thought to those who are facing uncertainty and anxiety; let their hearts stand fast. Lord, today we pray for the Guild in all its work. Guide this committee in the tasks ahead this morning. Be all things to all people; knowing each one and their needs, and at their homes. In Jesus Christ, Amen. Projects and Topics Elspeth MacLeod, convener, opened the meeting with worship which included the following preamble: As we look forward to our next theme, Dare to Care with Compassion, many of those who need our compassion will be afraid. Perhaps we too will be afraid that we will not be able to cope with the issues involved. Perhaps too, in our own personal lives, there are times when we are afraid. Reading 'Do not be afraid' from Delia Smith's book, A Feast for Lent With God's help, we can show those who are in need in compassion, that they are loved by God, they are precious in his eyes and God knows them by name. Similarly, with ourselves, we too can be assured that we are loved, precious in his eyes and known by name. WORSHIP APRIL 2004 St Ann's Guild, Corstorphine, Edinburgh: To commemorate their Guild's centenary, a former president wrote the following poem, which refers to Out of Silence, the title of Mamie Magnusson's book about the Guild: Out of the Silence imposed by the men the women came slowly, so diffident, then as they banded together, their confidence grew. From knitting and baking they learned they could do tremendous good works at home and abroad, their visions expanded by well-given talks. A hospital built, another supported, they ran hunger lunches which were widely reported. Out of the silence imposed by the men the women came now, their eyes wide opened to glaring iniquities and social injustice. In print and on platform they fought against prejudice The projects we’ve funded – they’re truly amazing- Show our world-wide concerns - we’re not navel-gazing The silence is ended because of the Guild, give thanks then for Charteris who helped us to build the great institution and though numbers are shrinking the women go on with their doing and thinking. Unheard of in ages of women’s suppression we arrive at today and our right of expression, serving our Master that ‘all may be one’ Give thanks all you women: The silence is done. WORSHIP MAY 2004 Council Conveners' Conference Elspeth Dale, national convener, led opening worship by announcing the singing of 'Look forward in faith' (Mission Praise 73). Reflection As we move from 'Daring to Care with Courage', to 'Daring to Care with Compassion', we move the emphasis from the 'daring' to the 'caring.' You need courage to be daring. You need compassion to be caring. Jesus, of course, was full of compassion; he healed the sick; he fed the hungry; he got involved with the outcasts of society. He loved, to the extent that he gave his life for us. If we are to be compassionate, we need to follow Jesus' example; be Christ-like; realise that the Son of God will lead us to the Father. Readings John 14: 1 to 11 'I'm looking' from Are you listening? Honest Prayers about Life by Nick Fawcett. Prayer Dear Lord, our heavenly Father, in you we see purpose in life. In you we find strength for living. In you we gain power to serve. In you we feel confident of being upheld. We thank you for the assurance of your presence around us and within us, giving us the faith we need to act in your name, and to seek the work you want us to do. Lord help us to look in the right places and not to evade the obvious. Help us to hear the cries for help and not to listen for whispers. Help us to tackle blatant need and not to leave it to someone else. If we are to show the kind of compassion that you showed, give us the vision to identify the problems and the love that knows no bounds. Lord we pray for all the weak and oppressed, all the hungry and homeless, all the lonely and bereaved, all the sick and infirm, all the poor and neglected and we pray for those whose needs are known only to you. Help them, Lord, and empower your people to alleviate their suffering. We thank you Lord, for the avenues open to us through the Guild with its opportunities for worship, prayer and action. We thank you for the opportunities we have as office bearers to serve you and our members. As we gather here today make us open to listen to others, to share our experiences and to learn from one another. May we benefit from this time spent together that we might grow in confidence and in enthusiasm for furthering the work of the Guild. We ask these things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve. Amen. Annual Meeting Group Elspeth Dale, national vice convener, constituted the meeting with a reflection on the theme of the annual meeting, 'Connect 2004'.  "The Guild is connected to a number of different groups whose aims we have sympathy with or whose function within other churches is similar to our own and we invite their representatives to attend our annual meeting. The night before last, the shoe was on the other foot when I represented the Guild at the Mothers’ Union 'Mary Sumner Lecture' in London. The lecture on 'The International Year of the Family' was given by Mrs Jane Williams, described as theologian, lecturer and author; wife of a clergyman and member of the Mothers' Union. The only hint to who she really was, was a reference to her getting a lift home to Lambeth Palace! She spoke of the traditional place of the family being at the heart of the church and the nation. God made Abraham the father of many nations. God gave the law to Moses and instructed that it be passed, through families, down the generations.(Deuteronomy 4:7 to 14.) The family has always been important – an important part of the whole of society, so the church should assume responsibility for family welfare because it needs to be part of a bigger structure. Many people nowadays are in a non-functioning family so the Church needs to be seen as the family of God. Many families nowadays are self-contained and inward looking so traditional qualities need to be re-learned and should be taught by the church. Abroad, families are torn apart by war and AIDS. In this country, they are torn apart by lack of faithfulness and commitment. Christian communities should be helping to rebuild values. If we value families we need to build a society in which they can flourish. I was made very welcome by Trish Heywood, world wide president of the Mothers' Union and Charmian Paterson, Scotland provincial president. I learned a lot about their organisation and met many interesting people." Prayer Heavenly Father, we pray that, as you encouraged your people to live in family units, we might create a society which encourages family values. Help us to find ways of promoting trust and interdependence, particularly amongst young people. We remember that there are those who have never known the love and security of family life. May they find a Church family which will welcome them into a caring atmosphere and teach them about enduring relationships. Lord, we praise you for the insight of people like Mary Sumner and Archibald Charteris who saw a need in their time to bring women together for worship, prayer and action. We thank you for their organisations which have developed over the years and for the opportunities we now have of learning from one another. May we go from strength to strength, inspired from the past and equiped for the future. Lord, we pray for this year’s annual meeting. May the speakers and participants be moved by you in their preparations that they might provide an inspiring occasion for us all. Be with us now and help us to make the necessary plans to ensure the smooth running of this major event. Allow us to be led by you in Jesus’ name and to his glory, Amen. WORSHIP JUNE 2004 National Executive Meeting at Carberry Tower, Musselburgh Elspeth Dale, national convener, led worship in the chapel: Welcome As we delight in the beauty of this place, in the stillness of this place, in the holiness of this place, let us worship God. Hymn Be still: Common Ground 12. Reflection Caring with compassion means caring the way Jesus cared. He showed us what it was like to have compassion for men and women, rich and poor, strong and weak, young and old. Reading Matthew 18: 1 to 3. Dialogue 'A Simple Question' from Jesus and Peter: Off the record conversations by John Bell. Hymn Father, we love you: Songs of God's People 27, interspersed with 'The Testimony and Prayer of Three Anonymous Children' from He was in the world by John Bell. Prayer Father in heaven, when the thought of you wakes in our hearts, let it not wake like a frightened bird that flies about in dismay, but like a child waking from its sleep with a heavenly smile. Lord, give us the innocence and the openness of children: the clear acceptance, unclouded by bitter experiences; the simple trust untainted by betrayal; the sure faith, unmoved by life’s ups and downs. Give us the unquestioning generosity and the unabashed curiosity which would make our relationships so much more meaningful. You taught us to care for children: to listen to them and not to quell their enthusiasm; to make time for them and not to chase them away; to feel for them and not to dismiss their emotions. We thank you for these guidelines and pray that they might be followed by all who work with children; in schools, in hospitals, in churches and Sunday schools, in youth organisations, in sports clubs, in families. May they have patience for those in their charge. Where they are disillusioned by lack of discipline, lack of modesty or lack of respect may they find forbearance, and the joy and satisfaction that can come from achieving things together. Just as you want us to value young people, we appreciate that you call us to care for all who are often side-lined by society. Help us to put ourselves in their shoes and to stand alongside them in their indignity, their pain, their hunger, their oppression. Help us to find avenues through which we can support them and alleviate their plight, in the knowledge that you are working through us and you can find a way. Lord, we thank you for all your goodness to us; for your love and compassion which fill us to overflowing in spite of our unworthiness. We ask you to hear our prayer and to bless us all, for Jesus’ sake, Amen. Hymn 'Will you come and follow me': Songs of God's People 118 Prayer As we prepare to move into our business meeting, we thank you for calling us to serve you as the National Executive Committee of the Church of Scotland Guild. We remember the faithfulness of all who have tread this path before us and accept that this is our time and our opportunity to further the work of the Guild. May we bring together our skills and inspiration, our enthusiasm and commitment, that the Guild might prosper according to your will and to your glory. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve, Amen. Finance and General Purposes Committee Ray Spalding, convener, led opening worship by welcoming new members to their first meeting. Reading John 10: 1 to 10 Reflection This is the week following Whitson or Pentecost when God taught the hearts of his faithful people by sending the light of the Holy Spirit to them. Let us rejoice in his holy comfort. Two weeks ago, I was a commissioner at the General Assembly. Here the Church of Scotland took many brave new decisions, some of which will go to the core of the management of the Church and the deployment of the clergy. Of course, it was an historic time as we had a woman elder, Dr Alison Elliot, installed as the new Moderator; a wonderful choice; a light but firm hand who should make an extremely able Moderator. She, too, had been looking for inspiration from Pentecost. It is almost St Columba's saint's day and he wrote this short, apt prayer: Dearest Lord, Be there a bright flame before me; Be there a guiding star above me; Be there a smooth path beneath me; Be there a kindly shepherd behind me; Today and evermore. Prayer A prayer for Pentecost from William Barclay's A Barclay Prayer Book, followed by: Dear God, Let us also pray for all national and local Guild officebearers as we start work and plan for the new Guild session commencing in the autumn. Let us also pray for all our Guild projects; for those whom we aim to help and for those busily engaged in raising the funds required. We pray, dear Father, for all members of the Guild, especially nowadays, for the members who are elderly or ill; others who are feeling increasingly isolated due to lack of transport, or are fearful to leave their homes to attend meetings. Today we put before you our new committee and pray for guidance and wisdom. Help us to serve you and your church. Grant us this for your love's sake, Amen. WORSHIP AUGUST 2004 Annual Meeting - Connect 2004 Opening worship Elspeth Dale, national convener, opened the meeting with the following worship: "Come let us praise the Lord. Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise. If a national convener is allowed an indulgence, then the choice of our first hymn is mine! The Guild Centenary Hymn was written by Betty Ewart of my own presbyterial council, Irvine and Kilmarnock. Let us join together in singing – Worship we our Lord and father. Dare to Care with Compassion is our new theme. If we are to show compassion to all God’s people, we need to be open-hearted and open-minded, recognising that each one deserves respect. We have to ensure that people are not victimised or discriminated against because of their religion, age, colour, sex, race, social status, or for any other reason. But although everyone has an inherent worth, that does not mean that we are all the same. On the contrary, no two people are ever identical. We each have something distinctive about ourselves, something to contribute to others and to receive from them in return. It is in respecting and learning from the real differences between us and our fellow human beings, that we truly recognise both the worth in ourselves and in them." Reading James: chapter 2 Meditation Me, prejudiced? You must be joking! I’m as open as the next person, more if anything. The sort who takes people as I find them, each to their own, live and let live. All right, so maybe I do make the occasional slip up, the inadvertent sexist comment; and perhaps I do sometimes jump to conclusions, swayed too much by appearances; but I don’t really mean it the last thing I’d ever do is judge by the label. Yet we have to be sensible, matter of fact about these things it’s one thing to accept, another to get involved; important to respect people, something else to rub shoulders with them. After all, we’re different aren’t we? Different backgrounds, different values, different customs, different everything. I can’t really be expected to mix with all and sundry, irrespective of creed and colour, not seriously. I’m not prejudiced – I’m really not but they’ve got their lives and I’ve got mine, and quite frankly I’d rather keep it that way. Prayer Dear Lord our heavenly father, we thank you for being here with us in this place and for all your goodness to us. We thank you for the rich tapestry of your creation – the lush green valleys that enrich us, the rugged mountain peaks that inspire us, the still blue waters that soothe us, the raging seas that torment us, the friends who comfort us, the strangers who challenge us. You speak to us from many different angles, connecting with us in many different ways. We praise you for the diversity of life and all that it means to us. Lord, you have made us in your image and taught us to love as you loved, to care as you cared, to have compassion as you had compassion. You fill our lives with opportunities to demonstrate that we are your people. You invite us to become involved, as you became involved in answering the needs of the poor, the infirm, the outcast and the forgotten. We praise you for the challenge of life and the thrill of trying to meet it. Gracious Lord, we ask for your help for the thousands of refugees who have had to flee from violence and persecution, and who now find themselves lacking shelter, food and clean water. We ask for your help for those whose lives have been torn apart by natural disasters or acts of terrorism, leaving them homeless, injured or bereaved. We ask for your help for those who are sick in mind and in body, those who are bullied or ignored. As they call to you in their despair, may they find that their prayers are answered. Give them comfort and assurance, that they can look forward to the future with hope in their hearts. Lord, you know us through and through and you love us just the same. Give us your awareness of others and by your holy spirit make us sensitive to them. Let us hurt where they hurt, that they might know they are not alone. Let us enter into their joys, and laugh with them at those things which set them free. Work through our imaginations enabling us to offer quietly, needful help and encouragement, or a word in season. Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless us as we meet together. Fill us with your presence and unite us as members of your family. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve. Amen. Closing worship National vice convener, Norah Summers closed the meeting with the following: The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. How good and how lovely it is to live together in unity. These words form the opening responses used in the daily lunchtime prayers in our church. We serve snack lunches, and each day we invite the people in the hall to join us in our quiet room for prayers. There are opening and closing responses. We pray each day for some of our organisations (on Wednesdays it’s the Guild) and for some particular group of people (on Tuesdays it’s those in homes and hospitals). We pray for two elders’ districts, naming the elder and each member, so that, over a period of time, everyone in our congregation is prayed for, by name. We pray for people whose names are brought to our attention by means of a sheet which always lies on the vestibule table, for anyone to add names or concerns: Peter, facing hospital tests; David and Rosemary, getting married on Saturday; peace in the Middle East; the MacPherson family; people affected by the floods…. It is only for 10 minutes, but in a busy day it is a little time apart, to remember others, to connect – with our congregation, with our community, with our world, and with our God. The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. The other day I came into the hall on my way to prayers and found Mary and Margaret laughing – what a small world it is! They were saying. Both have Shetland connections, I knew this, but apparently they had just discovered, through a chance meeting on a ferry that (and I will say this only once) Mary’s daughter’s brother-in-law's uncle is Margaret’s husband’s brother-in-law! It is said that we are all at most six steps away from any other person on the planet. Many of us here today will have found unexpected connections. Have you discovered that the person sitting next to you was at school with your brother’s wife? Or that your daughter in Australia lives two doors from your new acquaintance’s sister? The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. The title Connect for the launch of our theme Dare to Care with Compassion was a stroke of genius, and I wish I had thought of it! I am very interested in words, and have hugely enjoyed being on Programmes and Resources! If I am asked to speak on a theme, I often have recourse to the dictionary for a definition. But sometimes I find something even better, and I want to read a (slightly edited) piece from the latest Christian Aid News: "If she came to our school, she could sit by me, because there’s a space." The girl was only six or seven, but she had been carried away by the story of a child in Ethiopia. A teacher for 35 years, David Daw has spent the past 6 years of his retirement being taken by surprise by the way children can care so passionately about people thousands of miles away. As a Christian Aid teacher, he regularly visits local schools and takes assemblies and classes. In the course of his teaching career, he says he has seen children become ever more materialistic. "I have a genuine feeling," he says, "that we need to do more about people and relationships, and not just tackle basic skills. It’s about our responsibility towards others." He has a collection of toys from all over the developing world. He shows the children; a plane made from a flattened piece of a mosquito-repellent can; a grasshopper made from one single palm leaf; a monkey carved from a coconut. The children take them eagerly and are reluctant to give them back. "They are old enough to make comparisons with their own toys," he says. "It’s an insight into a different way of life." He talks about the ways local organisations, funded by Christian Aid, help to make a difference, and displays posters and photos showing how people’s lives have improved. "We in the UK have a responsibility to teach children about life in the developing world. We have so much to do to educate children in aspects of life other than in the materialistic world in which we live." This little story is really a commercial, Christian Aid advertising for volunteer teachers. But for me it defines both compassion and connection in words of one syllable – If she came to our school, she could sit by me. Prayer Loving, compassionate God, The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. We are going back now to our own small corners of this world; to villages, to remote scattered communities, to thronging cities where loneliness abounds. We have heard today of people whose lives and experiences may seem far removed from our own. Yet arrogance and prejudice and stigma and disease are all around us, in unexpected places, and give us, if we can but made the connection, the opportunity to show your love and compassion to our neighbours everywhere. The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. We are your people, the flock of your pasture. You are the Good Shepherd. You know your sheep and call us each by name. The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. You know us, you love us, and call us to love one another, without prejudice, without judgement, with compassion. The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. We thank you for this day, for all we have learned, for all the people we have met, for all the connections we have made. We thank you for the Guild – for the vision of its founder and of all who have led and encouraged its members in worship, prayer and action over so many years. We thank you for the networks of care and compassion we have been able to build up through the Guild, to show your love to all your people. The world belongs to God, the earth and all its people. Loving, compassionate God, hear our prayer, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve. Amen Annual Meeting Group Elspeth Dale, national convener, constituted the meeting with worship. She gave everyone present a golf tee to consider: Reflection I've been on holiday and this year that meant lots of golf – something I haven’t had a great deal of time for of late! The golf tee is very small but it plays an extremely important part in the game. It’s the launching pad – from here the ball is propelled down the fairway and the score begins, for better or worse. If you were watching the Open you would see some miraculous shots and some amazing results, but it all began with this little tee. The Annual Meeting is the Guild’s launching pad for the new session. We drive off with an inspirational meeting and our speakers will 'connect' with our new theme, Dare to Care with Compassion and our new discussion topic, Include me In. One section of society where we must be particularly careful to make them feel included is those with disabilities. It’s important that people who deal with people with disabilities are aware of their needs and their feelings. I came across this piece called: “Beatitudes……… for friends of handicapped people: Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us to know that if we persevere we can be understood. Blessed are you who walk with us in public places and ignore the stares of strangers, for in your companionship we find havens of relaxation. Blessed are you who never bid us to 'hurry up', and more blessed you who do not snatch our tasks from us, for often we need time rather than help. Blessed are you who stand beside us when we enter new and untried adventures, for our failures will be outweighed by the times when we surprise ourselves and you. Blessed are you who ask for our help, for our greatest need is to be needed. Blessed are you who help us with the graciousness of Christ who did not bruise the reed nor quench the flax, for often we need the help we cannot ask for. Blessed are you when, by all these things, you assure us that the thing that makes us individuals is not in our peculiar muscles, nor in our wounded nervous system, but in the God-given self that no infirmity can confine. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and know that you give us reassurance that could never be spoken in words, for you deal with us as God dealt with all his children." Prayer Heavenly Father, as You taught us how to treat people with compassion, may we be considerate and thoughtful. Help us to put ourselves in the shoes of others and be conscious of how they would like us to behave towards them. Help us to care. We continue to remember the thousands of Sudanese who have been forced to flee from their homes and live without shelter, sanitation, clean drinking water or a staple diet. We pray that they are receiving relief from disaster emergency funds in the form of food, shelter and healthcare, and that peace and reconciliation can be brought to their communities. May those of us who have plenty and live comfortably give generously to help them. Lord, we thank you for opportunities for relaxation during the summer months. We thank you for long days and sunshine to recharge our batteries for the activities that lie ahead. We pray for the success of our annual meeting and the welfare of all who are involved. May they make their preparations prayerfully and carefully and seek to glorify your name. Lord we thank you for your guiding hand during the months of planning that have brought us to this stage, and now we ask you to bless us as we come together for this final meeting. Be with us in our thinking and in our fellowship with one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen. WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 2004 National Committees' Conference Opening worship - National Executive Elspeth Dale, national convener, opened the meeting of national executive with the following worship: Welcome Our meetings today are overshadowed by the death of Christine Hudson, our recently appointed convener of the Projects and Topics Committee. Christine became ill only a few weeks ago and it’s hard to believe that she has gone so quickly. We have lost a good friend and a dedicated Guild member. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Mike and her family. Reading He was in the World: page 90, 'The Stranger' Prayer Loving God, make us willing to be borrowed; from our homes; from our families; from our lives. We can think of no greater honour than to be able to serve you, so we willingly give ourselves up that you might use us as you would. Help us to be open to your spirit; listening; watching; waiting for your call. We thank you for those who have served you in the past. We thank you, Lord, for the life of Christine Hudson who was a dear friend and colleague, and a valued member of our national leadership team. You have chosen to take her to you, and that we have to accept, so we thank you for her pleasant disposition, her caring personality and the love she had for her family and friends. We thank you for her commitment to the church and the Guild. Lord, we ask you to be with Mike and her family as they come to terms with their loss. May they feel supported by your strength and filled with your love. Heavenly Father, we thank you for all whose lives have been an example for us to follow and whose stories have inspired us. Give us their devotion and their vision that we might be worthy of their memory. In the words of St Ignatius Loyola: Teach us good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do thy will. In asking for these things for ourselves we remember those in the world whose needs are greatest;children and adults who have suffered horribly at the hands of terrorists in Russia; refugees who have had to flee from their homes and now live with little food or shelter; people living in poverty and squalor; people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol; those suffering violence and indignity; and those whose troubles are known best by you. We ask you, Father, to alleviate their suffering and to give them hope for the future. Bless us now Lord as we constitute ourselves as the National Executive committee of the Guild. Use our varying gifts and talents, allowing us to work together for the common good of the organisation that lies dear to our hearts. Give us inspiration, and help us to see the way forward that would be pleasing to you: 'Whose we are and Whom we serve'. Amen. Opening worship - evening session Elspeth Dale opened the evening session of the joint committees' conference with the following worship: Welcome Earlier today we’ve had meetings of the Convener’s Group and National Executive when we’ve been paying tribute to Christine Hudson who died so suddenly last week. But those of you who have served with Christine on the Projects and Topics committee would know her best of all, and it was good to see a number of you at her funeral in Duns on Saturday. We will remember Christine as a warm, caring person, interested and willing to be involved; a dedicated member of the Guild and part of a close family. We’ll not forget her excited anticipation here at Carberry in June when her son and his family were flying in from Saudi Arabia. Our thoughts are very much with her husband Mike and her family at this sad time. Hymn Christ be our Light: Common Ground 21 Sketch A drama entitled The Perfect Church was performed by the committee conveners The Perfect Church: there is probably no such thing, but it doesn’t stop people looking for it. And, of course, they all have different ideas of what it should be like. This is nothing new. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he tells of differences of opinion between two women – Euodia and Syntyche. Readings Philippians: chapter 4, verses 1 to 3 and chapter 2, verses 1 to 4. Writing to the Christians at Philippi, Paul asks for their assistance in resolving the differences between Euodia and Syntyche – two women who had been instrumental in the building of the church there around 61AD. The diligent leadership of these women was recognised by Paul himself as well as other believers, so their dispute threatened to affect the harmony and well-being of the entire congregation. Paul’s solution was to beg the women to try to agree, and in looking to the advice he gave in chapter 2 he would want them to have kindness and compassion for one another; to have the same thoughts, share the same love, and be one in soul and mind. He had urged the Philippians to be humble towards one another, always considering others before themselves. Almost 2000 years later, Paul’s advice still holds good. If the church is to prosper, its members need to try to see things from one another’s point of view, and that’s showing compassion. We’ve seen that it’s hard to achieve a perfect church, but people full of compassion will live in harmony. Prayer Lord God, we thank you for the church – that body of believers to which we belong. We thank you for the praise and the prayer and the fellowship and the service. We thank you for the members in all their diversity; the outspoken and the silent; the active and the passive; the young and the old; the men and the women. Help us to be patient with one another, to listen to one another, to serve one another. Help us to have compassion for one another. Father in heaven, by sending your son to share an earthly life with us, you taught us the art of living. Make us able to follow his example and to take the advice of the apostles that we might demonstrate that we are your people. We would be true for there are those who trust us; we would be pure for there are those who care; we would be brave for there is much to suffer; we would be strong for there is much to dare; we would be friend of all, the foe, the friendless; we would be giving and forget the gift; we would be humble for we know our weakness; we would look up and love and laugh and live. Lord, it’s good to be gathered together as national committee members of the Guild. Set us apart from the normal routines of life to enjoy fellowship with one another and to learn together, as we seek to take the Guild forward. But tonight, Lord, our hearts are heavy because some of our number are missing. We have lost our dear friend Christine Hudson and another, Elspeth Dick is very ill. We pray for comfort and strength for their families and we ask you to be with Elspeth that she might feel upheld by our prayers. We remember all who are unable to be with us for whatever reason, and pray that you will watch over them. Be with our families at home and keep them safe. Bless them, and bless us here in this place. Help us to grow together in fellowship with one another. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. Evening devotions Lesley McCorkindale, convener, Matters Relating to Younger People, closed the meeting with evening devotions: Leader: Let the day end, the night fall, the world move into silence, and let God’s people say Amen. All: AMEN. Leader: Let minds unwind, hearts be still, bodies relax, and let God’s people say Amen. All: AMEN. Leader: But before the day is done, let God’s holy name be praised, and let God’s people say Amen. All: AMEN. Reading Psalm 139:verses 1 to 18 I chose that reading because I really like the idea of God encircling us. I don’t know if any of you know much about Celtic Christianity, but one of my favourite things about it is the circle prayer. In the circle prayer, you can start by imagining a circle around yourself and ask God to bring certain things in to the circle and keep other things out. For example – Circle me Lord, keep light within, keep darkness out. You can then make the circle bigger, by drawing your imaginary circle around your friends or family or neighbours or whoever and say “circle us, Lord”. Further afield still, circle the town where you live, your country, the whole world… The beauty is that you are drawing people into your circle – including them in your life, and caring about them alongside yourself. Leading on from that, one of my favourite songs is based on St Patrick’s breastplate – a song that very much talks of Christ encircling us. When I sing it, I very deliberately focus my mind on Christ being beside, before, behind, above and so on. I find that a very comforting thing. I hope you’ll focus on the words as well, as we sing together from Songs of God’s People number 19 – Christ be beside me. Prayer (There is opportunity for prayers of concern to be made in the silence of our hearts. The leader will say the words as written, and everyone can pray their own prayers in the silences) We bring to God someone whom we have met or remembered today and for whom we want to pray (silence) We bring to God someone who is hurting tonight and needs our prayer (silence) We bring to God a troubled situation in our world tonight (silence) We bring to God silently, someone whom we find hard to forgive or trust (silence) We bring ourselves to God that we might grow in generosity of spirit, clarity of mind, and warmth of affection. (silence) Lord we thank you for hearing all of our prayers. Grant us a peaceful night’s sleep so that we may awake refreshed and renewed in the morning, ready for all that you have in store for us. Amen. Early morning devotions Ann Bowie, convener, Programmes and Resources, led early morning prayers: This morning I would like to share with you a hymn which was a favourite of my Granny's - Count your blessings - its a good oldie, with meaningful words: When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost Count your blessing name them one by one And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Often as we live our daily lives, we fail to notice the daily blessings which God pours on us. He blesses us in so many ways each day, that sometimes it does us good simply to stop and count them, naming them one by one. He sends us sunshine and rain, flowers and trees, friendly smiles and warm hugs. All good things come from Him who has made all things, and he has given us strnegth and health, talents and abilities. He has surrounded us with love. He has given us five senses with which we can enjoy all that is around us. He has made sure that we will never be forsaken. There are so many things that we can name, and which we so often take for granted. Count your many blessings and as the song reminds us, it will surprise you what the Lord has done. If we form the habit of counting our blessings daily, recognising the way God cares for us and provides for our needs, then when we face trials and tribulations, we will still see the many reasons we have to be grateful. When we are tempted to doubt the love of God, when our faith falters, when doubts rise in our hearts, as we shift the focus to his many blessings, the difficult times will seem less threatening, less insurmountable. We will have hope for each new day because we are sure of His blessings. Prayer Lord, we have many blessings to be thankful for this morning as we come before you in prayer. We thank you for the privilege of being involved in the work of your church. Use us as seems best to You, for in Your strength, all things are possible. Fill us with a new spirit of enthusiasm and determination. We seek Your blessing on the decisions that we make today. Lord, we thank you for your guiding hand in all that has gone before and know that you will be with us as we come together in fellowship, ever mindful of 'Whose we are and Whom we serve'. Amen. WORSHIP OCTOBER 2004 Projects and Topics Elspeth Dale, national convener, opened the meeting with the following reflection on HIV/AIDS: At our last meeting we spoke about concentrating next year’s discussion topic on HIV/AIDS. It seems difficult to believe but the effects of HIV/AIDS have now been with us for more than 20 years. Times are very different today from the 1980s and it is right that we renew our commitment and reflect on our Christian response. The worldwide pandemic is impacting on the lives of millions. Individuals, families and communities are affected by the impact of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The physiological response to the virus not only makes the human body vulnerable to opportunistic disease, but also the associated condition, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which exacts an overwhelming and terrifying toll in pain, suffering and death. 'Stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to HIV/AIDS prevention and care.' Tearfund 2003 'Within churches, HIV/AIDS needs to be talked about honestly and openly by all members of the church. Church leaders must include HIV/AIDS in their theology in a way that will increase people’s awareness and decrease stigma and discrimination against those affected by HIV/AIDS and enable people to give care and comfort to those affected.' World Church Report 2003 'All persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS should be accepted in their own communities and receive support and care, including access to treatment. The churches are committed to use all their resources to support these efforts. World Council of Churches General Assembly. Churches worldwide also need to tackle this subject with children and Alison Twaddle drew our attention to this when she spoke at the annual meeting. • Children and young people who are denied education are particularly vulnerable. • Many false myths about how HIV/AIDS is transmitted are perpetuated by children being told and telling each other untruths or nearly untruths. • Some children are sexually active before they are teenagers. • We must speak out on behalf of vulnerable children. Commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS is required more than ever in our present time. Prayer Gracious God, we come before you in prayer for all sick and dying people, especially those with AIDS. We pray for all who are alone, especially people who are rejected and abandoned by others because of their sickness. We pray for those who live in fear; for those who are afraid of infection by AIDS; for those who dread the onset of disease; for those who are sick and those who are dying. We pray for all who minister to those with AIDS, for research workers, nurses, doctors, pastors and counsellors: give your blessing to their calling. Remember all your people, we pray; make us strong in compassion and courageous in love; forgive our prejudice and heal our fear that all of us may serve each other faithfully and with a true sense of commitment. God of tender mercy, watch over your people. May we find your love within our hearts, and bring to one another hope. Now Lord we ask for your blessing upon us as we turn our minds to the business of the day. Give us a vision of what is best for the Guild and fill us with your holy spirit that we might do what is pleasing to you – whose we are and whom we serve. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Programmes and Resources Ann Bowie, convener, opened the meeting with the following worship: Reading 1 Corinthians: chapter 9, verses 24 to 27 from Eugene Peterson's The Message The Busy Life, Network magazine: September 2004 Going for Gold, Wider World magazine: September 2004 Prayer Thank you God for giving us the best offer of all, Your Son, Jesus Christ. In gratitude, we want to give our best to you. Help us to live our whole lives with an awareness of your presence so that every moment, every word, every action is a worthy offering to you. We pray today for those on our committee who are unable to be with us. Surround them with your love and care. Be with us now as we gather to prepare the new theme guide. We seek your blessing on the decisions we make. Lord, we thank you for your guiding hand, we thank you for the privilege of being involved in the work of your church. Use us as seems best to you, for in your strength, all things are possible. Amen. Marketing and Publicity Xandra Shearer, convener, opened the meeting with worship which included a reflection on the use of one's gifts and mention of the recent sad death of a committee member. Reading John: chapter 12, verses 23 to 25 Opening Prayer Dear God, none of us can escape death. Help us to know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, that we may no longer fear death. May we think of death as the gateway to eternal life. Amen. Closing Prayer May the blessing of God be with all his people in every land and of every tongue. May he comfort all who seek him and who suffer and mourn. May God give us and all his people, peace now, and always. Amen. Finance and General Purposes Ray Spalding, convener, used the following in worship: Readings Psalm 91, verses 1 to 6 Reflection which included a reading from the preface of First Russia, Then Tibet by Robert Byron, which was written by Norman Douglas Prayer Dear Father God, as we gather together at the start of a new session, we thank you for the Guild. Grant that during the year ahead we can continue to further your work. We ask you your blessings on this committee and on all members of the Guild, especially those no longer able to attend. Help us to concentrate on the tasks ahead and grant us wisdom in the decisions to be made. Help us in this place to hear your word and obey it. Father, in this troubled and frenzied world, we pray for those of all ages who live in fear through intolerance, debts, lack of confidence or ill-health. Bless them all. Father, you know the mysteries of the universe and the unconscious thoughts of everyone alive. Nothing is hidden from your gaze. Help us to trust you enough to obey you and to persist in our efforts; grant us that we may prepare ourselves inwardly, day after day, to place our trust in the mystery of faith. Grant is in all our duties, your help. Grant us in all our troubles, your guidance. Grant us in all out dangers, your protection. Grant us in all our sorrows, your peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. WORSHIP NOVEMBER 2004 Programmes and Resources Ann Bowie, convener, opened the meeting with the following reflection on time: In our busy world, the phrase, 'I don' thave time to..' has become a universal complaint. Like a growing plant, any relationship can thrive only if it receives care. While a plant often needs a complicated colution to grow, most human relationships profit from a simple tonic that is called 'tincture of time'. A chatty phone call to an unhappy friend, or a half hour visit to someone who lives alone can mean a lot, but costs very little. Reading Take Time; Christian Aid Prayer Lord God, we look to you for help for all those in trouble today. For those who are lonely or unloved, Lord, hold them and heal them. Help us, we pray, to be less mindful of our own concerns and more ready to stretch out a helping hand to the needy in our midst. Forgive our past blindness to the problems of others and our hesitancy to involve ourselves in the misison of the church. Show us how best to use the talents you have given us to further your purposes in our time and place, Lord, help us to play our part with courage and determination to build a more caring society in which none shall feel friendless. Lord, teach us to pray with love and understanding, to enter into the real needs that are around us. Help us to listen and respond to your will. May we accept the tasks and challenges which present themselves to us. Lord, we have many blessings to be thankful for. Guide us in our thinking as we come together in fellowship ever mindful of whose we are and whom we serve. Amen. National Executive Elspeth Dale, national convener, opened the meeting with the following 'Reflections of God': Through our senses, God’s love is made known to us all. Speaker: Look through my eyes – and see how each person is special and important to me. Listen through my ears – and hear how people are crying because they are lost, in need of me. Speak through my voice – and tell of how I gave my Son to save you and the whole of humanity, so that all can be with me forever. Touch through my hands – and heal broken spirits as I am healing yours. Comfort my people. Love through my heart – and forgive with the forgiveness I have shown you, complete and unending. Breathe in the essence of my Holy Spirit – and become pure. Be a reflection of me. Be the mirror of my love. The candle is lit. Leader: Lord Jesus, may your spirit rest upon us. Help us to sense the fragrance of your presence as we gather here. Lord, stand among us. Speaker: Look through my eyes. Leader: Lord, we celebrate your unfailing love and goodness. Thank you for looking past our shortcomings and seeing our potential. Lord, help us to see ourselves through your eyes. Reading Psalm 33: 13 to 15 Leader: Gracious God, help us to see the stranger, the outcast, the unlovable and the lost through your eyes of compassion. Open our eyes Lord. Show us your perspective. Speaker: Listen through my ears. Reading 1 Kings 19 : 9 to 14a Leader: Lord, in the stillness we listen for you (read verse from 'Be Still..') Speaker: Speak through my voice. Leader: (Places open bible beside the candle.) Thank you God for sending us your Word. May your wisdom be reflected in our thoughts and in our speech. Let us say together the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven… Speaker: Touch through my hands. Reading Luke 13 : 10 to 13 Leader: Merciful God, touch us with your healing love. Forgive us with your tender heart. Make us thankful for your everlasting kindness. Lord, let your Spirit cleanse, renew and empower us. Speaker: Love through my heart. Leader: Be united and one in Spirit with God. Reading: John 15: 1 to 5a Leader: (Puts grapes on the table.) Loving God, we are your creation and members of your family. Thank you for your faithful care and provision. As branches of your vine, prune us so that we may flourish and produce good fruit. Bind our hearts with yours that we may remain in your love. Lord we want to be one with you. (Hands round grapes.) Jesus says, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Prayer Loving saviour, thank you for making us aware of your unending love for us. Help us to show that love through the way we live and the way we serve one another. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the Guild and help us to use the talents you have given us to the best of our abilities. Bless us now. Bless our thoughts , our words, and our deeds that they may all be to your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. WORSHIP DECEMBER 2004 Finance and general purposes Ray Spalding, convener, opened the meeting with the following: Reading Isaiah 11: verses 1 to 9 Advent poem Preparations - Anonymous (16th century) Prayer Dear Father, what a joy for us to praise You in this season. It is in Your coming alone that we are enriched. Come with healing of the past. Come with hope for the future. Come with power for our thoughts and love for our hearts. Come and help us to give ourselves to You. Help us to find our true selves and abandon all false ideas of You. Help us to put our problems behind us. Your will, not ours, be done. Dear Father, in this present world, it is very hard not to be anxious or, on the other hand, not to be complacent. We worry about war, politics, harvests, health and money, to mention only a few. Please show us how perfect love casts out fear. Let the healing grace of Your love, Father, transform us to help us to play out part, however small, in changing this tormented world to a place of peace, joy and love. Dear Father, today as we gather as a committee of the Guild, we hope that the worlds of our mouths and the ideas of our minds meet with Your approval. Many policy decisions are required, and through Your guidance, may these be acceptable. Help us to remember there is no achievement without work. Dear Father, we also pray this morning for On the wings of a dove campaign, with others worldwide. Let us hope that our discipline of daily prayer has been strengthened and widened. Today's prayer is 'Lord, help us to be a comfort to others, to listen and not always speak, to understand more and judge less. May the church, in Jesus' name, offer that healing and comfort. May all find strength in Your divine friendship.' So grant that all Your servants, faithfully serving You and their fellows, may prepare for Your coming. Send down into out hearts, the peace of heaven and grant to us also the peace of this life. This we ask for Your love's sake. Amen.