Prayer News November 2022

Prayer News November 2022

“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honour one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practise hospitality.”  [Rom 12:8-14]

Practicing hospitality was a key part of Celtic Christianity, and it is a key part of what we are seeking to develop at Sannox as we build and develop a centre based on the principles of personal devotion to God,
hospitality and service to the community, and mission to the wider world.

After the restrictions of the past two years, we are looking forward to a full year of welcoming resident guests and day visitors to Sannox.  In preparation for that, there was a gathering over the last weekend in October.  Most of those present had previously been involved in ‘hosting’ at Sannox.  They explored the scriptural basis for hospitality, worshipped together, studied the recently produced Sannox Liturgy and how it should be used as part of the daily ‘rhythm of prayer’, discussed how flexibility can be introduced and reviewed the practical aspects of serving as a host.  It was a valuable time of reconnecting with faithful hosts who have served the Sannox vision for several years , welcoming new hosts and of laying a strong foundation for serving those who come to Sannox in 2023.

Practicing hospitality is one of the ways we share the ‘love of Jesus’ with those we meet.  It is one of the ways we will build the ‘community’ we believe God wishes to establish on the beautiful Isle of Arran, both at the special place of His presence we know as Sannox, and further afield as we practice hospitality wherever and whenever we are called to.

Lord we give you thanks for…

  • Your faithfulness in continuing to sustain and provide for Sannox;
  • As we draw near to the end of the year – the successful Sannox Saturday programme;
  • As we have opened up following the Covid restrictions – the good number of resident guests and day visitors, resulting in generous donations;
  • 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;
  • A positive gathering of Trustees, Advisors and staff at Sannox on the first October weekend;
  • The successful ‘Hosting’ weekend over 28/29 October, putting in place the arrangements for 2023;
  • The faithful team who have served as ‘Hosts’ for many years;
  • The many answers to prayer over the years – increasing our confidence that there are more answers to come!

Please pray for…

  • The flow of resident guests and day visitors to continue – even as the days draw in and weather is more unpredictable;
  • The remaining 2022 events – see below, and Andrew Clark as he prepares a new programme for 2023 with the  team;
  • The Sannox Saturdays – that more new visitors will be drawn to attend;
  • The staff team as they build relationships and develop fresh ways of providing services and facilities at Sannox;
  • Favour on the Manse renovation plans as we explore how we can phase the building work, starting with the roof and supporting structure;
  • That the Joseph Rank Trust will release their £50,000 grant after the roof is completed and that the VAT office will agree that this is a new building within the old shell and is therefore VAT exempt;
  • Our fundraiser Kevin as he submits bids for both capital and revenue funds for the Manse renovation and general running costs;
  • 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.

Sannox Saturdays

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 at 2 pm in Sannox Church.  The programme for the rest of this year is:

5 November Andrew Clark 

Andrew will be leading on ‘The Way of Blessing’, exploring how we can step into the purposes of God to bless people and the nations.

3 December Andy Hall  & Celtish

This will be a special Sannox Saturday.  In the morning Andy Hall will teach on the Second Advent of Jesus.   In the afternoon we will welcome back Celtish for their second concert – this time with a special Advent/Christmas theme – definitely not to be missed!  The programme for the day is:

11.00am               Coffee/Tea on arrival
11.30am               Worship/Prayer
11.50am               Andy Hall:  Second Advent teaching, followed by ministry
1.00pm                Break for Lunch (tea/coffee provided – bring a packed lunch)
2.30pm                Celtish Concert (£5 suggested donation)
4.30pm                Close

There is no registration fee, but an offering will be taken to meet costs and give a gift to Celtish.  To help those planning accommodation, refreshments etc., let us know by phone or email if you plan to come.

At the time of writing there are two rooms free at Dundarroch for 2/3/4 December.  Please contact us if you would like to book one.

November Prayer Gathering

Our next Friends of Sannox prayer gathering is at 8.00pm on Monday 7 November.  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.

The login details are – please note these are different from October:

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

Meeting ID: 847 1105 3697
Passcode: 910941

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+442039017895,,84711053697# United Kingdom
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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 of Sannox Christian Centre