Be Strong and of Good Courage was the message God gave to Joshua after the death of Moses.
In this time of cost-of-living crisis, with debt becoming the norm for some and many struggling to keep above water financially, we need strength and peace inside to help us deal with our problems. That and the wars and threats of wars that are in our daily news, can make us feel insecure.
Churches Together members want to shed light on the hope that Jesus’ love gives and to try and help people who may be feeling mental and emotional strain, with prayer and practical support.
These messages are to encourage you and to assure you of God’s love and of ours

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SHARING CHRIST 98   Added 15.01.26

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

    Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

Week of prayer for Christian Unity18th to 25th January

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church 

Sunday Mass at 9am

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday)
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

Churches Together Prayer Tuesday 20th at 9am in St Michael’s

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham                    

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.
Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

United in resolve

Christian unity is an important theme and focus in our annual calendar but perhaps this year, in what feels like a very fractured world, perhaps is more important than ever. The church has, from the very beginning, expressed itself differently in different places so that its worship spoke deeply to the people where the Gospel of Christ found a heart and a home.

Those differences continue to develop even into our own day, often the result of disagreement, but at the heart of the faith we all hold together is a Trinity of undivided love manifested powerfully in Jesus, the God who entered into time to speak to us of eternity.

The nature of God that he revealed remains our touchstone of salvation. Jesus came to a dark world to show us that there is a different way to be. His life revealed that we can choose to step outside of cycles of violence, thirst for power and control, a love of money which makes us disregard human worth and the dignity with which God imbued it.

Watching world events can be frightening, seeing the mistakes of former generations repeating themselves once more for all the wrong reasons. How helpless and insignificant we can feel against what feels like a growing tide.

What Jesus offers to us is choice - to live life differently, joyfully, with a deep love and care for the marginalised and rejected, those the world disregards or demonises. To stand firm in this faith will require courage, and the support we offer to each other in the values we share and proclaim will be ever more important. So, though we might differ in how we worship, we are united in our resolve to live the kingdom as our reality.

 

Prayer

Loving God,

Calling humanity to unity of vision and purpose,

Rouse your church in every place

To be a rallying point for truth,

A sacrificial community of service

And a constant example of love.

Amen             

Rev Chris Davey

 

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am
Christmas Eve – Mass at 7pm, Christmas Day – Mass at 9am

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk
Sunday 21st December – Carol Service at 10.45am
Christmas Day – Short Family Celebration Service at 10am 

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday) NB: 
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am
Saturday 20th December – Lessons and Carols at 5.30pm
Christmas Eve – Children’s Crib Service at 3.30pm, Midnight Communion at 11pm
Christmas Day –Family Service at 10am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion
Christmas Eve – Carol service with mulled wine and mince pies at 6.30pm
Christmas Day – Holy Communion at 10am

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Sunday 21st December – Christmas Carols, crafts and cake – Café Style at 11am
Christmas Eve – Carol Service 6pm, Christmas Day – Service at 10am
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Christmas – a time for lasting joy and unity

As we embrace the joyous season of Christmas, we are reminded of the angels' proclamation in Luke 2:10-11: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." This message of hope and joy lies at the heart of our celebrations and communal aspirations. May we make our Christmas a special one, transcending cultural, religious and  social boundaries. We are all God's friends. Let us promote justice, equality and diversity and inclusion. God loves us all.

As a minister from Zimbabwe, now serving in the UK, I hold a vision for fostering unity, compassion, and joy within our community. The cherished traditions of Framlingham—like the annual gatherings at Market Hill where carol singing and shared festive cheer brought people together—embody the spirit of togetherness and love we cherish. This is the best time  to celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let  us start it now even in our homes  with our families and friends. 

Inspired by the hymn, "O Come, All Ye Faithful," which calls us to "come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord," I aim to:

1. Revive Community Spirit: By organizing inclusive events, we can reignite the warmth and camaraderie of Framlingham’s traditions, drawing from Isaiah 61:1's call to bring good news and comfort to all.

2. Encourage Acts of Kindness: Let us inspire acts of love and charity, reaching out to our neighbours and those in need, much like the welcoming spirit reminiscent of Framlingham's history.

3. Amplify the Message of Hope: By providing spaces to share stories of faith and Christ’s love, we reinforce the hope and salvation central to this season.

Guided by John Wesley's wisdom to "do all the good you can," let’s ensure this Christmas becomes a time of lasting joy and unity, with Christ's light brightening every heart and home in Framlingham.

May the peace and joy of this season fill us all as we come together, spreading love and hope.

Blessings to you all,

Rev Saul Tadzaushe Framlingham United Free Church minister

 

Prayer

As we remember you coming as a baby, 

Born in a stable,

Help us to be as humble as the shepherds in their joy at your birth. 

As we remember the wise men,

Bringing you gifts,

Help us to give you our hearts and minds,

To trust you to do the best for us and for others,

And to follow you in our lives,

Of love, hope and care for our fellow human beings.

Amen​​​​​​​​​​

 

———————

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday) NB: 
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Advent - the hope of Bethlehem

Advent invites us to step once again onto the road that leads to Bethlehem—a journey marked by hope, trust, and the quiet courage of those who first walked it. Mary and Joseph travelled with no certainty of comfort, no promise of ease, yet they carried with them the greatest promise of all: that God was drawing near. Their journey reminds us that hope is not simply a feeling but a way of travelling—a way of trusting that God is at work even when the path is unfamiliar.

As churches together in Framlingham, we share in this journey. Each congregation, with its own traditions and gifts, walks the same road toward the manger, carrying the same longing for Christ’s light to break into our world. Advent calls us to make this journey not as isolated communities, but as companions in faith—encouraging one another, praying for one another, and bearing witness together to God’s presence in our town.

The hope of Bethlehem is not a fragile or distant hope. It is a hope strong enough for today’s anxieties, deep enough for our community’s needs, and wide enough to hold all who long for peace, justice, and renewal. As we travel this Advent road, may we do so with open hearts, attentive to the signs of God’s kingdom already growing quietly among us.

 

 

Prayer

God of our Advent journey,

As we travel the road to Bethlehem, fill us with the hope that sustained Mary and Joseph.

When the path feels uncertain, steady our steps;

when we grow weary, strengthen our spirits;

and when we are tempted to lose heart, remind us that you walk beside us.

Bless all the churches of Framlingham as we journey together.

Deepen our unity, kindle our compassion, and guide us in sharing your love with our neighbours.

May the hope of Bethlehem shine through our words and actions,

bringing comfort where there is loneliness, light where there is darkness,

and peace where there is unrest.

Prepare us to welcome Christ again—

in our worship, in our community, and in the quiet places of our own hearts.

Come, Lord Jesus; our hope is in you. 

Amen​​​​​​​​​​

Ben Plant

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday) NB: 
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Extraordinary meeting

Earlier this month, an extraordinary meeting took place in Rome between King Charles (supported by the Archbishop of York and others of the Anglican Communion), the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Pope Leo.

The meeting was in two parts – a celebration of Midday Prayer in Michaelangelo’s famous frescoed chapel in which the Lay Clerks of St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and Children of the Chapel Royal of St James’ Palace, together with the Sistine Chapel Choir chanted and sang the hymn and psalms of midday prayer.

The second part took place in the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls where tradition has it that St Paul is buried. The basilica has strong historical ties uniting the Papal Basilica with the kingdom of England. It was here in 1966 that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey met with Pope Paul VI, which led to the official dialogue between the two communions (ARCIC) for the first time since the Reformation. On that occasion, the Pontiff memorably placed his episcopal ring on the Archbishop’s finger.

Several themes came together in these services and meetings: in this Jubilee of Hope, a real hope that ‘they may be one’ (John 17:21), that all our churches may one day be reunited; then, at this time in which the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ document Laudate Si is marked, so King Charles’ and our churches’ common Care for Creation is celebrated; finally, King Charles was accorded the title of ‘Royal Confrater’ of the basilica, invoking our ‘common ecumenical journey’. King Charles sat on a throne created for the occasion, bearing his royal coat of arms and the Latin inscription ‘Ut Unum Sint’ – ‘That They May Be One’.

What of our new pope, Pope Leo? He hasn’t said a lot. He smiles. He’s American (a first). A missionary in Peru for many years. Leader of his worldwide religious order, the Augustinians. A tennis player and takes his day off at Castel Gandofo (which I visited earlier this month). But what sort of a leader will he be? Perhaps his recently released document ‘Dilexi te’ – ‘I have loved you’ will give us some clues. The document focuses on the church’s love for the poor and God’s special concern for those living in poverty. Our efforts should be to accompany the poor and vulnerable to serve the common good. Food for thought and prayer….

 

Loving God, we confess our faith in you and pray for greater unity within your Church. Ut Unum Sint – That They May Be One.

Forgive us for the divisions that separate us from one another.

Help us, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to grow in love and understanding, celebrating our differences while standing united in our shared faith in Jesus Christ.

May we be a beacon of your love, especially for the poor and needy, and a powerful witness to the world, so that all may believe in you. 

Amen.​​​​​​​​​​

Fr. Chris Dobson

 

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SHARING CHRIST 94 added 1.10.25

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church

Sunday Mass at 9am

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st

,

which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist (All-age on First Sunday) NB:

Harvest Festival Sunday 5th October at 10.30am with open invitation to all churches.

Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am 1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.

Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

The Quiet Revival

The Bible Society recently carried out research called ‘The Quiet Revival’.

The data presented in The Quiet Revival is part of a wider piece of work which began

in 2017 and was designed to map how adults in England and Wales relate to the Bible,

including their attitudes, behaviours, touch points, openness and barriers. We also asked

questions about religious identity, religious behaviours (including church attendance) and

attitudes to the church.

Main Findings:

An increase in the number of adults in England and Wales who go to church at least once

a month. In 2018 this was 9%, now it’s 12%. Also in 2018 just 4% of 18 – 34-year-olds said

they went to church; in 2024 this had increased to 14%, with the effect particularly notable

among young men (although it is also present in young women, just to a lesser extent).

How was it done?

The survey was conducted by YouGov.

Both the surveys used very large samples (larger than is typically used) which increases the

reliability, as well as weighting to ensure a representative sample. Additionally, the aim wasto keep the questionnaire as similar as possible each year, and surveyed at the same time of

year to keep conditions as similar as possible.

The findings state that there is a greater openness from young people in engaging with

‘spiritual practice and warmth towards spirituality and the church’, and some critics have

interpreted ‘spirituality’ to not be limited to the Christian faith and its practices. Can you

clarify?

It’s certainly fair to argue that ‘spirituality’ does not necessarily mean the Christian faith and

its practices. We note this in the report and it’s crucial that as a church, we understand that

when we use a term not everyone uses it in the same way. Our survey, like a number of other

data sources, points to spiritual curiosity and openness among young adults. But even non-

churchgoing young adults in the survey show considerable warmth to Christianity: they are

the age group most likely to agree it’s a positive thing for Christians to talk about their faith

with non-Christians, that they are interested in learning more about the Bible, and that they

would go to church if invited. In short, they seem open to Christianity, even if they are also

open to other things as well. The key thing for the church is to be aware of the other spiritual

practices they are likely to be exploring, and that if they come to church their exploration of

Christianity will be shaped by this context and experience.

It is important to note, however, that the young churchgoers we also report on in the survey

show every indication of being active Christians: they attend church regularly, read the Bible

regularly, have high Bible confidence and a desire to know it more, so I think there are

multiple changes going on in the spiritual landscape of Britain.

However, it does require we in the churches to act, and to learn quickly, sharing with others

what does and doesn’t work. The church can take two things away from The Quiet Revival:

•prepare to respond to spiritual openness and

•make space for Bible discipleship.

There is tremendous hunger for the Bible in the church, but also some very real challenges,

with a significant minority of Christians finding the Bible hard to engage with. If the church as

a whole can grow in confidence to read, discuss, and share the Bible, the impact could be far

beyond what we imagine.

Adapted from a report on the Bible Society’s research

For the full report see: A deep dive into The Quiet Revival research - Evangelical Alliance

Dear Lord Jesus,

May we search for you with all our hearts.

Teach us to hunger for your words in the bible,

And to expect more of a revelation of who You are, Lord God,

And then to act on that revelation.

In Jesus name,

Amen Julia Rose

 

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday)
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

 

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Growth

I recently came across this poem I wrote, many years ago, for a school assembly, long before I came to teach in Framlingham.

Thank you, Lord, for growing things.

All around the world, things are growing,

Quietly, without any fuss,

Roots and stems and leaves

Add millimetres to their size,

And great big trees 

Go on reaching to the skies.

 

Thank you, Lord, for growing things.

All around the world people are growing,

Purposefully, through daily eating,

Babies and children and grown-ups

Turn food into muscle and bone.

What a miracle that flesh doesn’t behave like stone.

Thank you, Lord, for growing things.

All around the world minds are growing,

Cheerfully meeting new ideas -

How big is it? How long since?

Who played who? What was the score?

It’s just as much a miracle to me

That my mind has room for more and more!

 

I thought that growth and growing would show up frequently and prominently in my bible concordance as a scriptural concept. Well, in English or Greek it is surprisingly infrequently mentioned. Perhaps a clue is found in the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

“See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin, yet, I tell you, that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry.”

This is not saying take growth and growing for granted. What Jesus is implying is you can trust God, because the process is built into the way His creation functions. I included the bit about faith because it was a frequent rebuke to the disciples, sometimes I think almost jokingly, sometimes quite firmly.

God has certainly done His part. As we see a baby and anticipate its inevitable growth, as we see young persons in school shooting up physically and embracing new ideas, we see His hand at work. But we have responsibilities in the whole matter. Be we parents or teachers, we have roles to play, working hand in hand with the wonderful provision God has made, to enhance growing in all its forms.

As I write these words, we are daily being challenged by seeing bodies that are not growing and thriving because of the conflicts happening in today’s world. Shame on us.

One last reflection. In the epistle of Peter, the writer says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” One might have expected this to be an exhortation from St Paul, but again it is something implied. It is like a background in just about all of his writing.

 

Prayer 

 

Thank you, Lord, for growing things. Thank you, Lord, for growth.

Help us to grow in grace and knowledge of You.

Amen.

 

Terry Gilder

 

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Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday)
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

 

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Let us keep moving forward

Albert Einstein once said, ’Life is Like Riding a Bicycle: A Metaphor for the Church’s mission in Framlingham. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. I enjoy riding a bicycle almost every morning and my wife always reminds me to be careful of the obstacles such as cars on the road, potholes and unpredictable weather in the Uk. I always look ahead to avoid dangers and plan the route. I am not comfortable with the A12 road, it is always busy with traffic. Tariro, my wife would shout at the top of her voice in Shona, our home language, ’musayenda ku’ or ‘main road’, meaning that I should avoid a main road when riding a bicycle. In Zimbabwe cyclists do not use main roads, it is very dangerous to do so.

The other day I lost control of the bicycle, it had a punctureand could not balance. Brothers and sisters in Christ, just like Saul, riding a bicycle in Framlingham requiring continuous pedalling to maintain balance, so does living in community demand ongoing effort and engagement.

The church’s mission involves not just preaching but also active participation in the lives of its members and the ecumenical community. We thank God for all the work we are doing together. There is always a room for increase and improvement. I would even propose a multi-cultural day in our area as a way of reaching out to all the communities in our area with the love of Christ in action rather than words. Multi-cultural community may not just mean different nationalities but would also mean different cultures within our nation.

I hope you agree with me that balancing a bicycle is very crucial, without it one risks falling. In the church’s mission, maintaining balance would mean addressing both spiritual and pastoral needs. The Church needs to be practical in her pastoral work. Our churches together need to nurture faith,while also responding to the social, emotional and physical needs of our communities. Programmes such as food banks, counselling services and outreach initiatives, as I have already mentioned multicultural day, would bring balance to the mission of the church in the Framlingham community. Just as pedalling forward keeps a bicycle upright, so too does ongoing involvement ensure there remains a vital, supportive presence in the lives of those she serves. 

May you please read Acts2:42-47 and pray for the mission of the Church that we remain balanced, moving forward with the message of transformation in our communities and beyond. We should not retire, give up or surrender. We were called to be Jesus’ disciples. Amen.

Rev Saul Tadzaushe

 

Prayer 

 

Lord Jesus, we pray for the mission of the church.

May we remain balanced in our care of both pastoral and spiritual needs, 

And help us, as Jesus disciples, not to stand still, 

But to keep moving forward with God’s message of transformation

For the lives of our neighbours and friends.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

 

We mourn the loss of Rev Mike Vipond of St Clare’s RC church, pillar of the Framlingham community, always giving of himself in the service of God and of his townspeople.

Julia Rose

 

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Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

   Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church  

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st, which is informal, café style.For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist  (All-age on First Sunday)
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am     1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham   ​​

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home. 
Zoom information may be found on the church website.http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

 

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

 

Beauty from Brokenness

A Pentecost Reflection

In recent weeks, I’ve faced parts of my own brokenness—through hard conversations, scattered pieces, and moments of doubt about picking them up. Yet even in this, God has done something unexpected. He’s weaving those pieces into something beautiful, turning scars into part of the story—and in that, I’ve found joy.

After preaching on the power of asking questions, a conversation stayed with me: why do we avoid asking if someone is truly okay? Why do we shy away from naming pain? That talk helped me realise—questions can lead to healing. The conversation actually lasted the rest of the Sunday afternoon and went on late into the night. 

Pentecost reminds us of that healing. It reminds us that God meets us in our brokenness. Peter, after denying Jesus, was chosen to speak boldly that day. Ruth, broken in grief, was seen and redeemed. Job, in suffering, cried out—and God answered with His presence.

In Acts 2:17, God promises:

“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people...’”

This promise isn’t just about miracles—it’s about God pouring His Spirit into the broken and scattered parts of our lives. No part is too lost to be renewed.

Maybe you feel broken too. Maybe life hasn’t gone as planned. But I believe the parts we hide—the pain, loss, doubt—can become the soil where beauty grows.

Pentecost shows us God doesn’t wait for us to be whole. He steps into the mess and whispers, ‘I’m still here. I’m not finished yet.’

If you’ve wondered if there’s more to life, or hoped your pain might matter, maybe this is your invitation—not to pretend you’re okay, but just to stay open.

What if your brokenness isn’t the end? What if it’s where beauty begins?

 

Prayer 

 

God,

If You are near—

Would You meet me in the places I feel most broken?

Where there’s been pain, bring peace.

Where there’s been silence, speak gently.

Where I’ve lost hope, breathe something new.

Make something beautiful, even here.

Amen.

Ben Plant

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

SHARING CHRIST 90 added 18.06.25

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st

,

which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist (All-age on First Sunday)

Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am 1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.

Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

Living the Faith

The Easter season gives us in the calendar the reading from the Acts of the Apostles and

remind us just how revolutionary the early church was. They were on fire with the Holy Spirit

and their life together was focussed on worship and service. Their generosity in service was

much commented upon, because they reached out into the community, sharing their

resources beyond the boundaries of the church community. The cruelties and poverty of

Roman occupation remained of course, as yet the world had not been changed by the truth

of the resurrection.

The early church action was inspired by their vision of Jesus whom they had known and

followed. In the early days of the church, they seemed to distil Jesus' teaching and wisdom

into action in a way that is inspirational and also challenging to read and which we all in our

churches seek to reflect in our lives.

Our world needs the wisdom of love and compassion more than ever it seems to me. I am

writing this as it is just being reported that India has just launched attacks on Pakistan, as

Israel expands operations in Gaza and once more withholds aid, as the famine in Sudan is

struggling to even make the headlines at all.We must and do hold all these places in our prayer with a commitment to be communities

that live love and compassion deeply and authentically. We must always seek to give a voice

to the voiceless and hold the powerful to account in the ways open to us. In the election of a

new Pope and the selection of a new Archbishop of Canterbury we pray for appointments to

give voice to the teachings and values of Jesus on the national and international stage. They

and all our church leaders will need to be able to point to us and our lives of faith as examples

of possibility and opportunity. Communities which go the extra mile in living the faith that we

profess in more than words to transform the world by living the values of God in the power

of the Spirit of Pentecost!

Prayer

Holy Spirit, sent by the Father,

ignite in us your holy fire;

strengthen your children with the gift of faith,

revive your Church with the breath of love,

and renew the face of the earth,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Rev Chris Davey

 

SHARING CHRIST 89 supplied and added 21.04.25

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

Good Friday Churches Together Walk of Witness 10am to 11am

starts outside St Clare’s, goes around the town and ends at Castle Pond

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Sunday 13th April, 8.45am Blessing of Palms & Mass

Good Friday 3pm -Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

Easter Sunday 9am Mass

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st

,

which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

Easter Sunday 10.30 for 10.45 -God’s Love for Us

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist (All-age on First Sunday)

Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

Monday – Wednesday of Holy Week 7pm -Night prayer and reflection.

Maundy Thursday 7pm Eucharist of the Last Supper with foot washing.

Good Friday 10am -Children’s ‘Walk with Jesus’ workshop

The Liturgy of Good Friday 2pm. Easter Sunday Holy Communion 8am & Family Eucharist 9.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am 1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

Good Friday 10am Service of the Passion

Easter Sunday 11.15am -Sung Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.

Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Thursday 17th April 7pm -Maundy Meal and Communion

Easter Sunday 11am -Easter Communion Service

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s a-coming!

I am not sure how you are feeling at the moment, but hope and good-will are in very short

supply. And yet, that is the very message of Easter. Jesus is the Hope of the World, and we

look forward to Easter and all the hope generated by Jesus conquering death.In an Easter message a few years ago, I used the strap-line: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s a-

coming!”

I can’t begin to imagine how desolate Jesus felt in the garden of Gethsemane on the night of

his crucifixion, but what is certain is that there was no joy or hope around that evening. I can’t

begin to imagine the pain and suffering Jesus experienced on the cross, as he cried out: “My

God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Furthermore, what is certain is that, as darkness fell over the earth on Good Friday, all hope,

love and faith was gone from the lives of Jesus’ family and friends. We have all had moments

in our lives when we have felt dejected and alone; when we have been sick or rejected by

others. Our world is in a similar place, but it is at such a time that I turn to the Jeremiah

passage.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm

you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

What is certain is that, it might feel like ‘Crucifixion Friday’, but Sunday’s a-coming!

Christians have the assurance that God has plans for us. God has promised us a hope and a

future. God has conquered death and eternal life with Him is our reward. And that message

we champion in the run-up to Easter.

But we also have the positivity of the Jeremiah passage in simple, practical terms. Even if

economic upheaval looms and global peace is in threat, I can still plant gardens; I can still

make a home; I can still find new friends; our offspring can still have babies. And we can make

peace in our own local communities. (ref: Jeremiah 29:4-7)

So much of our lives is in our control. What is also certain is that, even when it’s Friday,

remember, Sunday’s a-coming!

Rev Brynn Bayman

Prayer

Dear God, thank you so much for bringing Jesus into the earth

to be born and to die for my sins.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for that act of sacrifice.

I now know that, through you, I have the hope of your glory in my life.

Thank you for your kindness and tender mercies.

You are faithful and love me with unconditional love.

Amen.

Prayer from www.capuk.org

 

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SHARING CHRIST 88 added 22nd March 25

Citizens of the Kingdom of God

Citizens-

I grew up in a multicultural community. Sometimes I identified myself with the Shona people

in Zimbabwe because I grew up among the Shona community. I sometimes identified myself

with the African Jews, the Lemba people in Zimbabwe. I belong to the African Jews with an

oral tradition which states that, originally, we came from Israel. What an identity crisis!!!!

Many people are like me suffering from identity crisis.

When I left home to the city as a teenager, my identity changed again. Now l am pursuing for

British citizenship. What a puzzle to most people who have the same experience as mine.

John 3:16 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever

believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' I am proud to be a Christian whose

identity and citizenship is of the kingdom of God.

Easter reminds us of our citizenship as believers that we are a new creation the past has gone

away. Wherever I am, does not change my identity anymore. The cognitive dissonance of my

cultural life has been superseded by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ we

are all one family, under one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one citizenship.When we are in Christ we transcend boundaries for Jesus Christ. He came that all may be

saved. He is God of the Christians and non-Christians. In each one of us there is the spirit of

God.

We only come to the realisation of our identity through the illumination of the Holy Spirit

who is at his missional work together with the father and Jesus Christ.

The church is invited to participate in what God is already doing, restoring creation and

humanity to himself as it was from the beginning when God created everything. When God

created everything, he saw that it was good and we are part of God's original plan and

purpose of his creation.

Lent is a time for self-reflection, prayer and fasting as we focus on the abundance of God's

grace through the temptation, trials, suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ for our

salvation and redemption. He is our DNA our identity.

Let us look at each other as human beings who were created in the image of God. Let us show

the love of God to the poor and vulnerable people in our communities; in doing so we will be

demonstrating the love of God to the whole world. Let us not just pray for peace in the world

but also participate in reconciling the world with Christ whose peace surpasses all

understanding. James 2:17 'Faith without works is dead' Whatever you are doing, no matter

how small, it may be makes a difference.

It is only when we look at each other as siblings in the image of God that the following: hate,

division, wars and racial discrimination against each other will find no place in our God given

world.

May the church of God be visible in its pastoral work and unity as we March on to the final

work of Christ on the Cross and resurrection. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

you spoke,

and you brought love, peace, healing, wholeness.

Come now,

and speak again,

bringing your word of life

into our parched lives and our weary world.

Come now,

and reach out again,

bringing your touch of love to our aching hearts

and to all who cry out for help.

Where there is despair, sorrow, hurt or guilt,

may your voice renew.

Where there is loneliness, turmoil, pain and sickness,may your hand restore.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you came once,

you shall come again,

but we ask you: come now,

and bring your kingdom closer here on earth.

We ask it in your name.

Amen.

Rev Saul Tadzaus

 

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SHARING CHRIST 87 added 21.02.25

Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers

Local Sharing Prayer and Faith

St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church

Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon

Framlingham Community Baptist Church

In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st

,

which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk

St Michael’s, Framlingham

Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist (All-age on First Sunday)

Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am

All Saints, Saxtead

11.15am 1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion

United Free Church, Framlingham

Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.

Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/

Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/

Listen to our enemy?!

After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at

Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. But Necho sent

messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is

not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to

hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle.

He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the

plain of Megiddo. 2 Chronicles 35:20-22

The bible can be pretty radical at times. When it comes to matters of truth, it is no respecter

of persons. Here is righteous King Josiah, worshipper of the true God, about to meet an early

end. God will not protect him from dying quite needlessly in battle. Why? Because he refused

to listen to what God had to say to him through the mouth of the unrighteous pagan, Pharoah.

Isn’t there a message here for us here?

We think we are on the side of the angels. Why would we bother listening to anything from

those we have little time for? It takes a lot of swallowing to admit that someone weprofoundly disagree with might have something to teach us; it’s even harder coming from

someone who has hurt us. But being able to do so is a mark of maturity. Polarisation is a

product of refusing to consider it. We like to demonise our opponents, but it really does us

all no good.

Polarisation is an increasing problem in the world. Look at the state of politics in the US. For

many Republicans, anything coming from the mouth of a Democrat must be dismissed. It is

the same going the other way. Republicans (particularly not a Trump supporter) can’t possibly

ever say anything true - no not ever! Well, it stands to reason, doesn’t it? How can our sworn

opponents come out with anything we need to listen to. If it is them who are saying that

human-induced climate change is real, so it must be a hoax. Or, if it is them who think that

the legal implications of believing there are any number of genders will only bring trouble,

this is bigotry, plain and simple.

The late pastor, Rev John Peck, of our Baptist church had a saying. “We must listen to the

heretics. Because heresy thrives on neglected truth”. And our enemy might have something

to teach us. He might be very wrong about many things. But he might also be capable of

telling us a truth which we do not want to hear. Might we not be better to listen? The world

would be better for it if we did.

Prayer

God give us grace to seek out the truth and listen to it,

from whatever direction it comes

- even if it be from someone we do not like at all.

Amen

 

SHARING CHRIST 86 added 18.01.25
Welcome to Framlingham Churches Together Thoughts and Prayers
Local Sharing Prayer and Faith
St Clare’s Roman Catholic Church
Sunday Mass at 9am, Thursday at 12 noon
Framlingham Community Baptist Church
In the FAYAP Centre and on Zoom each Sunday at 10.45am –Communion all Sundays except 1st
,
which is informal, café style. For a Zoom link email info@framlinghambaptist.co.uk
St Michael’s, Framlingham
Sundays -8am said Holy Communion and 9.30am Parish Eucharist (All-age on First Sunday)
Wednesdays – Said Communion at 10.30am
All Saints, Saxtead
11.15am 1st and 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer, 2nd, 4th and 5th Holy Communion
United Free Church, Framlingham
Sunday worship at 11.00am with a Zoom link to those at home.
Zoom information may be found on the church website. http://framlinghamufc.onesuffolk.net/
Week of prayer for Christian Unity Sat 18th January to Sat 25th; a time to visit another
Framlingham church!
Prayers from all of us https://www.stmichaelsframlingham.org.uk/prayers-framlingham-churches/
Christian Unity
To write something about Christian unity as an Anglican now feels extremely uncomfortable,
as the Church of England and the Anglican worldwide communion are deeply divided, with
impaired communion very obvious in various places and between different Anglican
traditions. It has had me thinking a great deal recently about what is it that unites us as
Anglican’s (does anything!). You want to say Jesus as the obvious answer and while that is
true, how we understand Jesus is more complex as it is across denominations. So, while Jesus
is not the wrong answer, I’m not sure it’s as simple as that. If we struggle within
denominations, how do we work across them?
I want to say that what should unite us across traditions and denominations is how we
understand God as the focus of love, which finds it expression through the service we give to
the communities we serve. It’s hard to think of anything we might disagree about in loving
service. As we approach the week of prayer for Christian unity and visit each other’s churches,
we will be acutely aware of differences in how our faith is expressed in each church. Each of
our churches reflect our denomination in how our church families come together, there is a
joy in that difference because we all come to God within the denominations and traditions in
which were formed.
However we can celebrate our unity in service, the ways we reach out in love both as
individual churches and as Churches Together in our town. Foodbanks and what we do in our
care homes are an example of joint service, things which need no theological consensus
except the recognition that Jesus called us to service. For me in a divided Anglican communion
it feels like a good place to start!
Prayer
Lord God,
Revealed in Jesus as source of love,
Who called us to service
in the washing of feet and feeding of the hungry,
Unify us in loving service,
From which fellowship and bonds of love
May be constantly renewed and made stronger.
Amen
Rev Chris Davey