Coming Up... 

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. What started in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Church of England has grown into an international and ecumenical call to prayer.

During the 11 days of Thy Kingdom Come, it is hoped that everyone who takes part will:

• Deepen their own relationship with Jesus Christ
• Pray for up to 5 friends or family to come to faith in Jesus
• Pray for the empowerment of the Spirit that we would be effective in our witness

After the very first Ascension Day the disciples gathered with Mary, constantly devoting themselves to prayer while they waited for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Like them, our reliance on the gift of the Holy Spirit is total – on our own we can do nothing. Through the centuries Christians have gathered at that time to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, we invite you to take part – along with churches from over 80 different denominations & traditions in nearly 90% of countries (172) around the world.

“In praying 'Thy Kingdom Come' we all commit to playing our part in the renewal of the nations and the transformation of communities." Archbishop Justin Welby

Natasha has some resources for individuals and families to help us focus our prayer time during this period:

Firstly a Prayer Journal, which is designed for those considering or exploring faith as much as those already part of the church. This is available as a hard copy, with space for written reflection or there's a PDF version. It's simply presented and accessibly worded and could be an ideal introduction if you would like to give someone a copy or send a link.

Secondly, to help keep in mind the people you are praying for, a leather string, long enough to tie up to five knots and wear it as a wristband or bracelet. As you feel the knots, pray for the people you hope to come closer to Christ.

Thirdly, there is a fold-out activity sheet for families with links to more resources, which we will be passing on to all our KiC members, with spares to pass on to family and friends.

Lastly, we'll be posting a daily prompt on Instagram and Facebook, which you can like, share or comment on as part of our collective witness. This will be from a Novena: nine days of prayer, plus the days of Ascension and Pentecost, making 11 days in total. 

If you would like a hard copy Prayer Journal, please email office@stokepogeschurch.org or they will be available at church services.

If you would like more background info and global context, you can find everything at thykingdomcome.global 

Wildfires 2021

Wildfires Online is a FREE two-day festival, taking place 30 – 31 May 2021, with online content for all ages to seek God and fan into flame the next great awakening.
Several families and two of our Lifegroups joined in the virtual event last year and really enjoyed it.

Free tickets are available to book at www.wildfiresfestival.com

Thomas Gray Art Exhibition

Monday, 21 to Saturday, 26 June - there will be an art exhibition focused on Thomas Gray and St Giles’ church, inside the church. Works of art from community groups and schools, together with either original or reproduced art from Colleges attended by Thomas Gray will be on display.

This event is being organised by Stoke Poges Church in partnership with The Stoke Poges Society and is part of a series of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the death of Thomas Gray.  More details to follow.