Prayer News – February 2023

“So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.” – Ezekiel 37: 10

The Isle of Arran has had a few storms blowing through on a reasonably consistent basis over the past year.  This, of course, brings with it the challenges to infrastructure and supply lines, to transport and occasionally makes you wonder if you want to step out the door.  Yet, on the other hand, there is nothing quite so invigorating as the power of the natural world making its presence felt!

Our friend, Francis McFaul, has recently written an album of songs entitled ‘Song of the Island’ – it is a musical journey of prophetic songs telling the spiritual story of Sannox and the Isle of Arran.  One of the most powerful songs on the album is ‘Celtic Storm’.  It has the feel of a lament and no small amount of longing.  It asks the question, ‘Celtic storm, how I wonder where you are?’  This is no longing for some more wind and rain, but that the breath and refreshing of the Spirit of God might rise upon us here on Arran and also through the nation of Scotland and beyond in these ‘dry and barren’ times for many.

Here at Sannox we pray almost daily that God would renew his church and that the breath of his Spirit would breathe so deeply within us that we’d stand on our feet, a vast army.  Will you join us in that prayer?

Lord, as we come into 2023, we give thanks for…

• All those who have experienced Your presence at Sannox whether as resident guests or day visitors;
• The faithful folk on Arran, in Scotland, the UK and overseas who support the Sannox vision in so many ways – through prayer, volunteering, hosting and financial giving;
• The generosity of the Gift Aid scheme, and to Gordon for compiling our return to HMRC, which should bring us around £4500 for the latest period;
• Andrew and Jackie Howlett who are visiting Sannox from Cumbria on a regular basis to support us on the island;
• For our staff – Andrew, Jim, Heidi and Michelle – and our volunteers who faithfully support the work of SCC;
• For the provision of a permanent home for Jim and Angie Farrell on the Island after two years in rented accommodation.

• The flow of resident guests and day visitors to continue and increase in 2023;
• Spiritual renewal and refreshing in the churches on the Isle of Arran;
• Wisdom as we develop new programmes and events but also as we balance costs;
• Moira Shirreff and the Staff Team as they plan ahead for this year’s Open Days and the Arran Open Studios week.  Also, for our plans to be involved at the Brodick Highland Games in an outreach capacity in August;
• God to open doors to funds from Trusts and other grant-giving bodies to provide the finances required for the Manse renovation and new regular donors to lay a solid foundation in support of our staff and the general running costs. We have had a lot of extra expense over the past few months, including some significant health and safety training and works to meet with statutory compliance. We have reached 30% of the Manse building costs, which is amazing, and this allows us to apply for some of the larger grants available. The next target is to reach 50% and that will require another £60,000 to be secured.
• For a good uptake of retreatants on our next two online retreats, and for our in-person day retreats in the Spring and Summer;
• Our staff and volunteers who minister through all seasons at Sannox.

As mentioned above, we are very pleased to tell you that one of our advisors, Francis McFaul has issued an album called ‘Song of the island’. It tells the story of 200 years of Christian witness at Sannox via songs and poetry.

The CD’s can be purchased in person at Sannox at a cost of £5 each, or if posted – at a cost of £6.15. To order email admin@sannox.org.

Please note that if ordered from Sannox the proceeds go directly into helping our finances.

As we develop the ministry of SCC, we want to offer a new series of online ‘Zoom’ day retreats during the winter months at each end of the year.  Perhaps you can share news of these in your own circles.
The online retreat will include times of prayer and worship, some teaching sessions, some group conversation, and some breaks for food and private reflection. You won’t be online for the whole 5.5 hours!
Here are the Online opportunities coming up soon:

Saturday 18th February, On-Line Retreat – ‘Lessons from the Desert: a pre-Lenten Retreat’
Focussing on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, this retreat helps us to prepare our hearts for the season of Lent which invites us to make way for the resurrection celebration at Easter.  Come and learn some ancient pathways that can serve us today.

The day will open at 9.15am for a 9.30am start, through until 3pm.  There will be a mixture of online prayer and worship, teaching, group conversation and solo reflection offline, as well as a break for lunch.

To book and for more information please email admin@sannox.org.

Suggested donation for the day: £20.

Saturday 18th March – Rekindling the Celtic Fire:  Christ, Cave, Community and Co-Mission

Join with us as we explore the richness of Celtic spirituality and mission for such a time as this.

Come and explore how rekindling the fire and passion of the Celtic Saints can equip us for mission and discipleship in the 21st century as we explore Christ, Cave, Community and Co-mission.

The suggested donation of £20 for the day will enable Sannox to develop and continue in its mission and ministry.  To book your place, please email admin@sannox.org.

We will also have some in-person day retreats beginning in the Spring/Summer.  Details to come.  Keep an eye on our website for upcoming events.

The monthly Sannox Saturdays – special times of worship, prayer and teaching – continue on the first Saturday of each month up to the end of the year, normally from 2 pm in Sannox Church.

Our next Sannox Saturday is on the 4th February 2023.  This Saturday will be an opportunity for extended worship and prayer, as well as conversation with those present about how Sannox can serve them and their churches on the island.  As ever, we are so grateful to Jim for his leadership of worship

Our next Friends of Sannox prayer gathering is at 8.00pm on Monday 6th February 2023.  We look forward to praying and worshipping together with as many of you as possible.   Prayer underpins all we seek to do for the advancement of God’s Kingdom – please join us if you can.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84711053697?pwd=NElnWmM0VW0rRGZCNW12VHN5R0hEdz09

Meeting ID: 847 1105 3697
Passcode: 910941

“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 of Sannox Christian Centre