In order to once again bring some encouragement to those who are unable or less likely to access the internet, we have produced and printed a short Advent Reflections Leaflet and sent copies out to nearly 200 people on our mailing list.
Please do enjoy using or sharing this electronic version of the Leaflet by downloading and printing, or viewing page by page on your screen:
Whilst on one of my ‘journeys’ poking around the world wide web, I stumbled across this excellent organisation ‘The Prayer Trust ‘.
Started in 2000 under the leadership of Father Pat Sayles, the Trust produces a whole host of prayer booklets, bookmarks, cards and even some CDs.
On browsing through the items on the website I found a long list of varied items all at extremely affordable prices, so I put in an order.
With bookmarks at 5p, booklets at 10p or above and notecards at 6 for £1.00, I was thinking the printing may be cheaper quality and the paper rather flimsy, but I was absolutely delighted when I opened my package to find high quality gloss booklets with excellent vibrant colours.
The picture above shows most of my haul (some items have already found their way to friends and family), for which I paid the princely sum of less than £7.00 (and that was including an optional extra donation).
The website says: ‘Having spent years in Peru as a Columban Father, Fr Pat is aware of the uplifting power of prayer across the world,’ and the aim of the Trust is to ‘encourage the use of prayer by everyone, everywhere’. They express their passion like this:
‘Our hope is that those who use these little books will want to share them with others – with friends and relatives, with neighbours and colleagues, with those who might be ill or suffering, or those who feel far away from the Lord’s love.’
I thought I would share some pictures of items I bought so that you can see them in more detail, and whet your appetite.
Bookmarks
There are many different bookmarks with beautiful pictures and prayers on the back.
Booklets
There are many more booklets, some longer than others, all with lovely images with the prayers.
Cards
These are Notecards, but there are also Greetings Cards including Christmas cards at 10p each.
Folding Bookmarks
These are an ingenious idea, with seven sides of prayers or quotes in one folding bookmark.
This Advent Folding Bookmark entitled ‘Come Lord Jesus’ explains the ‘O Antiphons’.
On the order list on the website there are several Advent and Christmas items available now to order.
So why not head over to their website and take a look!
Please note that not everything has a photo on the website, so use the order form to see all the available items listed. You will need to make your choices and then print off the order to send with a cheque. It may take a few days for them to process the order as some volunteers are unable to go to the building at the moment, but you will not be disappointed when they arrive!
Whether you have seen it already or not, this moving song collaboration is bound to lift your spirits – an amazing coming together of over 65 churches and movements across the U.K. which has had over 3 million views on Youtube.
This is the message they attached: ‘At this unique and challenging time in the United Kingdom over 65 churches and movements, representing hundreds of others, have come together online to sing a blessing over our land. Standing together as one, our desire is that this song will fill you with hope and encourage you. But the church is not simply singing a blessing, each day we’re looking to practically be a blessing…’
And if that wasn’t enough, get the tissues ready before you watch this kids version –
a wonderful rendition by children and young people from the UK, USA, NZ, AUS, SA and many other nations
Lyrics:Verse:
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
As we receive, we agree, amen
Chorus: Amen, amen, amen
Bridge:
May His favour be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you
He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping
And rejoicing
He is for you
He is for you
Original Song “The Blessing” by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship. Written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Steven Furtick Audio produced by Trevor Michael Video edited by Level Creative
If you would like to discuss how Growing Old Grace-fully might help support older people in your parish then please visit our contact page here and get in touch.
