December 2021- Prayer News

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..…..For to us a child in born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end………The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”  [Is 9: 2a, 6-7]

The word ADVENT literally means ‘coming.” It is from the root word also meaning “adventure.”  Just around the corner, something is about to happen.  Soon…… but not yet……. we will experience a new thing.  What will happen?  When will it come?  That’s part of the adventure!

These sentiments are normally associated with the period of preparation before Christmas Day, but they also resonate with all who have been involved with the Sannox vision since it was birthed.  We also wait expectantly – with anticipation and hope – for the fulfilment of the vision, for the completion of every building, for the full release of everything Father God has already planned for Sannox to be and do – both in and for Arran, Scotland, and the nations!

So as we journey once again through this Advent season towards the celebration of Christ’s birth and all that has meant for humanity since, let us also look forward with excitement to what God wants to do in, with and for Sannox through Project 200, as we journey through 2022 celebrating God’s goodness and faithfulness for over 200 years of Sannox Church and 10 years of Sannox Christian Centre.

Thank you for all your prayers and support – financial and practical!  Have a joyous, blessed Christmas!

The Directors of Sannox Christian Centre

• Your faithfulness to Sannox both during 2021 and throughout the past 10 years as the Centre has developed;
• the faithful band of Trustees, Advisors, Friends, supporters and volunteers contributing in so many different ways to what has been achieved so far;
• the provision of the finances needed at every stage of development;
• the residential guests and day visitors who have been impacted in so many different ways by Your presence at Sannox, and the encouraging stories and testimonies they have shared;
• the staff team and Hosts – essential to the smooth running of the Centre and ‘being Jesus’ to all who visit;
• the ‘favour’ that rests on Sannox, the positive links with many aspects of life on Arran, and the growing networking and links with the Christian family further afield.

• Project 200 – that 2022 will indeed be a year of celebration as we see God’s hand leading, guiding and providing for us through the year;
• the Directors as they continue to plan for Project 200 – especially for good contacts with local schools, churches and other organisations on Arran, for general awareness to increase, and for the programme as it develops;
• the links with descendants of Arran families overseas, that these would be strengthened and be a source of valuable, ongoing support – both financially and in other ways;
• a good attendance at the celebration event on 4 December, and the online Celtic advent retreat on 11 December led by Roy Searle;
• Stuart Carr as he finalises the amended planning applications required and favour on the revised Manse plans as these are considered by planning officials – that there will be no significant delays in granting approval;
• all the finances required for the Manse renovation and additional regular donors to lay a solid foundation in support of the general running costs;
• Rev Margaret Lane, former Director, and other key volunteers who currently face health challenges – that they would experience the Father’s loving arms around them and His healing power flowing through them.

Saturday 4th December, 2.00pm to 4.30pm, will include times of ‘mixing and mingling’ with refreshments, initial details about Project 200 and a short ‘thanksgiving’ service to mark the 200 years of the Church and 10 years of the Centre.  All welcome for part or all of the time.

To help us plan, especially for refreshments, please email Heidi at admin@sannox.org if you and friends plan to attend.

During the darkest period of the year, Advent invites us to reflect, prepare and anticipate the Christmas story and discover or be reminded of its power to inspire and influence our lives and the world for good.  The retreat day will provide an opportunity to pause and be drawn into the Christmas story and to explore its life transforming themes and its application to our lives, the church and the wider world.

The retreat will run from 9.00am – 3.00pm with breaks for tea / coffee and lunch, together with the opportunity to meet and share with other retreatants online.  The day will be led by Roy Searle and Kate Pozzo of the Northumbrian Collective.  The cost is £20 and booking is by Eventbrite at:  https://sannoxcelticadvent.eventbrite.co.uk

Our next Friends of Sannox prayer gathering is at 8.00pm on Monday 6 December.  This, our final gathering for 2021, will include elements of the previous Saturday’s time of celebration.  We encourage as many of you as possible to join us on Monday.  Login details are;

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88692463557?pwd=QXVPYmFrM2JiZnBhOWwvVWFRYWhyQT09

Meeting ID: 886 9246 3557
Passcode: 871783

“Today I choose to stand in this place you have called me to,
And I declare that You are a Mighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Your Kingdom shall endure and will never be shaken.
Open the windows of Heaven and pour out Your promised blessings in this generation.
Revive us, restore us and heal our land.
Thank you for going before us to open the way and remove all obstacles.
Increase our Faith, stir up Hope and keep us grounded and walking in Love.
Thank you that You are creating a dwelling place for God and man here – in Sannox, on Arran, for the nations.
Amen”

We bless you in the name of Jesus, to receive all that the Father has for you, and we thank you for your continuing support of His work at SCC.  Be blessed and protected in all you do for the Kingdom, in the mighty and beautiful name of Jesus.