Memorial Service - a Good News story from St Andrew's

St Andrew’s Church held a memorial service on 9 February, to commemorate an attack by Muslim extremists on the Christian village of Shanti Nagar in the Punjab, Pakistan. The church has close links with the village, where the Dutt family, who are members at St Andrew’s, grew up. It is 17 years since the attack took place, but things have not improved in Pakistan, and violence against minority faiths (not just Christians) continues to happen frequently. You may recall the recent bomb attack on the cathedral in Peshawar.

There were several Bradford Muslims in the congregation, including the Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Khadim Hussain, who lit a candle during the service. Three former Lord Mayors also attended, two of whom are Muslims. Incidentally there were also Hindus and a Jew in the congregation. We are proud to say that inter-faith relations in Bradford are an example to the world.

The purpose of the service was to pray for people around the world who suffer persecution because of their faith, and two candles were lit: one for Shanti Nagar, by Alan Stubbs, Treasurer of the Shanti Nagar St Andrew’s Trust and one for people of all faiths, by the Lord Mayor. Prayers were offered in Urdu by Joel Masih and in English by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Rev Jerry Lepine.

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Prayer Column: June 2013

Yes, but how much, and how many? Does it make any difference how many pray, or is just one enough? And is one prayer enough, or should we pester God till we get what we want? Prayer can start with one, and if you’re on your own that’s all you can do (e.g., Acts 9:11), but groups can often pray better together. The Lord’s prayer begins ‘ Our Father; He spoke of gatherings of at least two or three; and the early church prayed together (Mt 6:9; 18:20; Acts 1:14; 4:24; 12:12). Groups encourage, strengthen, help cover all the bases, find agreement. And there’s something helpful about meeting regularly too. Prayer isn’t just about getting what we want: Not my will, but yours..., Jesus prayed – having asked three of his disciple to watch with him (Mt 26:39). And we’re promised answers to prayers ‘in Jesus’ name’, with faith that what we ask is actually God’s will (Mt 21:22; Jn 14:13). As for how long we should pray, Jesus encourages pe...

Prayer for Bradford

Do you feel isolated at your work? Are you unsupported in your Christian faith in the world? After worship, we share a coffee and a chat. But that is Sunday. We never seem to talk about Monday to Friday. Work may be stressing me out and there is no one to share this with. Work may be brilliant and there is no one to share that with. How do we find being a Christian within a secular work environment? Do we feel isolated, or pressured, or encouraged? Prayer for Bradford wants to help and support you, where you are. They want to help Christians who work in any area to feel supported. Especially, those who work within: - Business, Education, Finance, Health and Care, Media and Arts, Politics, and Public Services. The aim is to gather the names of Christians who work in Bradford and, later in the year, invite you to meet in work-related groups. e.g. Education etc... This is to allow you to share with others how you are and what encouragements ...

Biblefresh Festival 11 June 2011 - bookings now open

Bradford North and South Circuits invite you to their city-wide Biblefresh Festival Saturday 11 June 2011 Full details and booking form

Bradford North Circuit

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