August Prayer News
‘Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them…Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands.’
– Isaiah 42: 10 & 12
The tiny island of Iona, off the coast of Mull, is the location of the monastic site established by St Columba and his monks. Although it seems remote by modern standards, requiring two ferries from the Scottish mainland to arrive, at the height of its zenith Iona was the proverbial ‘service station’ on the highway of the sea that runs up and down the West Coast. Their zeal knew no end! And yet, at Iona, the rhythm of prayer, worship, teaching and the tough conditions launched boats carrying multiple teams of missionary brothers the length and breadth of the British Isles and down into Europe, through France and into Italy.
At Sannox, our hopes are not too different! Might there be such a passion for prayer, worship, teaching and Christian discipleship that will once again advance the mission of God into all the world? That’s what we pray. We join you on the journey.
August Prayer Gathering
Please note, there will not be an online prayer gathering in August as the regular hosts are, for various reasons including holidays, not available.
Please use the prayer points below during your own prayer times so that we keep covering Sannox in prayer.
Our next Friends of Sannox prayer gathering will be at 8.00pm on Monday 2nd September.
Please pray for:
– Helpers from the island during the Arran Open Studios weekend (16th – 19th August) to help with workshops and manning the exhibition, for many visitors, and for Moira who is undertaking a significant amount of the planning for the event.
– More sign-ups for the retreat programme for the rest of 2024 and early 2025 as detailed below.
– Continuing favour on fundraising for ongoing running costs.
– Ongoing plans for the Beehive Chapel. Our architect and structural engineer are working on the detailed plans to submit to North Ayrshire Council for Building Warrant. These will also be our tender drawings for the builder.
– Ongoing support and development of the on-site team given the continuing growth at Sannox CC and the transition as Andrew’s role at Sannox changes.
– An individual who could be on the Sannox Board as a Trustee and Treasurer, working with Heidi, our Administrator who looks after our bookkeeping.
– God to call people to serve as Trustees on the Board from Arran and beyond, to ensure continuity in the future, bring new skills and strengthen our representation on Arran.
– Wisdom on how to fund and develop the Manse in the future, initially to provide a sound concrete floor and the roof to stabilise the building and protect it from the weather.
Art / craft workshops and Arran Open Studios
Following an enjoyable and creative morning working with some children from the island during art/craft workshops on Saturday 8th June, we have items produced by the children to display at Sannox during the Arran Open Studios weekend. Many thanks to Andrew, Lynda, Gordon, and Annie for their help. Please pray for wisdom as to how these works of art should be displayed and how best to supplement what we have, to make an attractive and interesting exhibition focusing on the voyages and faithful witness of St Brendan and his friends.
Social Media and Advertising
If you’re active on social media, be sure to link with us on Facebook and link up with our YouTube channel via the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SannoxChristianCentre
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sannoxchristiancentre
If you can share any posts, events and videos with your friends and contacts, that would be a great help in widening the circle of folk aware of what we are doing and the retreats and events that they can attend and be part of!
Sannox Saturday
Our next Sannox Saturday takes place on Saturday 3rd August. As usual, we will start at 2pm with coffee, then a time of worship, prayer and a message following. We look forward to seeing all who are able to gather with us! Our speaker this month is Andrew Clark.
Sannox Christian Centre AGM – 26th September
Our 2023 AGM will be held online at 7pm on Thursday 26th September. Further details, including the login details, will be given in next month’s prayer news, but if you wish to attend, please add the date to your diary now.
Upcoming Events and Retreats
Sannox Stitches Knitting Retreat – 9th – 12th September
Join us for a relaxing few days of knitting, conversation and personal refreshment at our 4th Sannox Stitches retreat! Open to all knitters, crocheters, spinners…in fact, whatever fibre craft you do! We include space to walk, visit the local craft shop, and encourage you to see a little of the island whilst you’re with us.
Our retreat is built around a gentle rhythm of morning, midday and evening prayer which is optional to attend – all are warmly welcome. This retreat coincides with the Scottish Yarn Show in Perth, mainland Scotland, on Saturday 7th – 8th September, and there’s opportunity to make your way there to enjoy that event too before coming over to the island. More details on our website.
Day Retreat: ‘My Rock and My Refuge: Praying the Psalms’ – Saturday 26th October, 10.30am – 3pm
Join us for a day as we explore the spirituality of the Psalms and how we can use them to boost our experience of prayer and worship, personally and corporately.
This day will give an introduction to the Psalms and their theology, explore the different kinds of psalms, as well as explore both the praying and singing of psalms in the life of the Christian.
If you live off the island, why not come over and make it a restful weekend retreat. Rooms available.
*Suggested donation for the day’s programme: £30 (includes teaching, all materials, handouts, tea/coffee etc). Bring your own lunch.
Sign up by Friday 18th October by emailing admin@sannox.org
Day Retreat: ‘Advent with the Apostles’ – Saturday 23rd November, 10.30am – 3pm
Come and explore the themes of longing and hope through the teaching of the apostles as we prepare to enter Advent 2024. Time for teaching, reflection, bible study and worship.
If you live off the island, why not come over and make it a restful weekend retreat. Rooms are available.
*Suggested donation for the day’s programme: £30 (includes teaching, all materials, handouts, tea/coffee etc). Bring your own lunch.
Sign up by Friday 15th November by emailing admin@sannox.org
Day Retreat: ‘Scotland’s Revivals: History and Hope’ – Saturday 18th January 2025, 10.30am – 3pm
Come and explore the stories of some of Scotland’s well known, and lesser known, revivals to fuel our prayer for a move of God in our day.
If you live off the island, why not come over and make it a restful weekend retreat. Rooms available.
*Suggested donation for the day’s programme: £30 (includes teaching, all materials, handouts, tea/coffee etc). Bring your own lunch.
Sign up by Friday 10th January by emailing admin@sannox.org
The Sannox Prayer
“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.
The Trustees and staff of Sannox Christian Centre