Message from the Bishop of Sheffield

Warm greetings in Christ as you prepare to mark Lent across the Diocese.

The November Diocesan Synod agreed this vision statement for the future direction of the Diocese:

The Diocese of Sheffield is called to grow a sustainable network of Christ-like, lively and diverse Christian communities in every place, which are effective in making disciples and in seeking to transform our society and God's world.

The vision statement sets our direction of travel. More detailed plans are being developed.

The Synod also heard a call to hold a period of prayer for the Diocese in 2010, which was very warmly received.

We have now agreed to set aside ten days for prayer between the feasts of Ascension and Pentecost and to ask all parishes and deaneries to mark this in a way that is appropriate locally. Some resources and ideas will be provided, but many more I am sure, will be created in parishes.

I hope that your prayers through this period will be grounded in thanksgiving and centred on the life of God. We also need to keep three tthings in focus:

*** Prayers for renewing the vision and hope across the Diocese as we commit ourselves afresh to a common vision.
*** Prayers for the spiritual gifts, people, and material resources we need for the mission of God in this place.
*** Prayers for our communities which stand in need of regeneration and God's grace.

As you plan special events for this ten days of prayer, please be aware of the need to invite other churches and the wider community to come and pray with us for God's world. Please keep me in touch with what you are planning at tendaysofprayer@bishopofsheffield.org.uk

We face significant challenges as we seek to grow Christ-like communities where we are and our journey must be rooted and grounded in prayer. Please join me as we commit ourselves to this task of prayer for all that lies ahead.

In the season of Lent and for this ten days of prayer, "devote youselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving."(Colossians 4.2)

Your servant in Christ

+ Steven

Bishop of Sheffield