Tower and Town, December 2023 (view the full edition)A Letter From Stephen Skinner, Methodist MinisterI am writing on behalf of Marlborough Churches Together to express our concern for all the people, who are suffering from the terrible acts of violence and warfare in the Holy Land and living in fear. We see and hear what is happening and feel so helpless. Yet we can help by making a donation to a charity, such as Christian Aid, to help provide life-giving food, shelter and medical supplies to those in desperate need. We hope that it will become easier than it has been for such aid to reach those whose lives depend upon it. Secondly, we can pray for peace and justice. The message coming out from Israel and Palestine is "Pray for us. Please pray for us. Pray, pray, pray for peace and justice". So, I invite you to pray using your own words, these from the Methodist Church or others found on the denominational church websites. A prayer from the Methodist Conference God of peace and compassion, we pray for all impacted by the escalation in conflict in Israel-Palestine. For all who are mourning. For all who are fearful, today, and for what may lie ahead. For all traumatised and re-traumatised by what they have experienced. Enable us to stand in solidarity with people of peace. May your Spirit bring peace and healing to your troubled world Amen I also warmly invite you to the Weekly Update and Prayer Meeting organized by the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem. Join Christians from around the world to pray together for Justice and Peace in the Holy Land. Every Wednesday from 6pm (UK time) for 40 minutes. Each week there will be updates and theological reflections from local voices and Methodist Liaison Office staff members followed by the opportunity to pray together. To join please email office@mlojerusalem.org and you will be sent joining instructions. Stephen Skinner |