Prayer News March 2022

“……let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”   [Heb 12:1b]

“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”   [James 1:4]

There are many well-known Scripture references to perseverance and persevering.  It is one of the character traits we are to develop as followers of Christ, who persevered in His challenging calling right to the very end, and was rewarded with His crown, being seated at the right hand of the Father.

In our humanity we can become weary and discouraged as pray into and for the same things day after day, week after week, month after month, sometimes for years – seeing little or no change in the circumstances or situations.

Yet we can trust that Father God knows the plans for us and that these plans are good, no matter what is happening to us and around us.  We know that God hears every prayer and that they are stored up in heaven until the appointed time.  We do not know when that time is, but we must persevere, because if we don’t, we could give up just one prayer away from the answer being released from the throne of heaven!

And so it is for Sannox and everything and everyone associated with this wonderful vision.  May we be encouraged and strengthened in our spirits as we continue to pray, and let us not grow weary in bringing our prayers, requests and supplications before the throne of grace and mercy.

Sannox is a God-ordained special place with a special purpose, and God WILL fulfil His plans and purposes in, through and for Sannox in His own way and in His own timing!  We choose to declare today:  ‘He IS a faithful God!’

Thank you all for your perseverance in praying for the Sannox vision.

The Directors of Sannox Christian Centre

• the well-attended meeting on 12 February celebrating 200 years of the Church building and 10 years of Sannox;
• the successful AGM and launch of the historical exhibition;
• the submission of the 2020-21 Annual Accounts to OSCR, and their acceptance without comment, with a special thanks once again for Jim McKay, for his faithful stewarding of our financial records;
• the ongoing development of the events programme, especially in the area of worship;
• the Dundarroch bookings for this year received to date;
• contacts made with local SU reps. and Lamlash Primary re. potential involvement in future events;
• the opportunity to submit an article about Sannox to the Church of Scotland Life & Work magazine;
• a gift of £1,000 from a Friend and £170 from another Scottish ministry towards the Manse renovation costs.

• guests to take up the remaining dates available at Dundarroch;
• publicity and awareness of the events programme to spread further afield and a well-attended Sannox Saturday on 5 March;
• the planning of the ‘focus week’ in August (replacing the planned week in June – see below);
• the links with descendants of Arran families overseas, the Clan McMillan, Clan Haldane and the Caledonian Society in Canada, that these would be strengthened and be a source of valuable, ongoing support – both financially and in other ways;
• favour on the revised Manse plans as these are considered by planning officials – that there will be no significant delays in granting approval;
• the other churches on Arran, many of which are going through significant challenges and changes at this time – for the strengthening of positive links between Sannox and local churches;
• 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 the general running costs;
• the Directors as they continue discussions with individuals and couples who are sensing a ‘call’ to serve the Sannox vision, whether by moving to Arran or supporting with specific skills etc.  and also as they seek God’s wisdom in strengthening the Board with individuals bringing specific skills or experience

The monthly Sannox Saturdays continue on 5 March, 2 April and 7 May.

a)  Celtic Saints (3 days)          Friday 24th  – Sunday 26th June   

Come and learn more about the Celtic Saints and their relevance to our lives today.  Discover more about who they were, where they came from and how they laid the foundations of the Christian faith throughout Britain.  Roy’s own life has drawn inspiration from the Irish, Scottish and Northumbrian saints of old.

b)  Celtic Treasures      Monday 27th – Thursday 30th June.

Join us on retreat and explore the treasures which have come down to us through the lives of the Celtic saints, whose faith was shaped on the anvil of an era of major cultural change.  Learn about men and women whose faith had a profound influence on shaping Europe.  Discover the wisdom of their spirituality that can inspire and illumine our lives and the world today.

Roy is one of the founders of the Northumbria Community.  He is a close friend and adviser to Sannox Christian centre, a writer, lecturer, mentor and spiritual director.  He will be joined by Kate Pozzo, a spiritual director, counsellor and associate of Roy’s Northumbrian Collective, who will facilitate some of the programme including the art workshop and beach glass Celtic cross activity.

Details of both Retreats, including costs, are being finalised and will be available soon.  If you are interested in either or both events please put the dates in your diary now.

We hope to run several events for all ages in the week before the Arran Open Studios long weekend.  This replaces the similar week we had initially planned in June, as we now feel there would be more opportunity to engage with local folk and visitors during the school holidays.  Open Studios takes place from 12th to 15th August, and we have offered a ‘reception’ for all artists taking part all over Arran on Thursday evening 11th August.  The Focus Week will run from Friday 5th or Saturday 6th to Thursday 11th August.

Our next Friends of Sannox prayer gathering is at 8.00pm on Monday 7 March.  We look forward to praying with as many of you as possible on Monday.  Login details are;

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85654506894?pwd=TGI5SE9jRmF4MWhoMDJZNDlSUUdwQT09

Meeting ID: 856 5450 6894
Passcode: 948860

“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.