St Mark's URC, Amble

11/09/2026

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Prayer of Remembrance

Almighty God,

Today we pause in remembrance of September 11, 2001, and of all those whose lives were taken in New York and in the other places touched by that terrible day.

We remember the thousands who never returned home to their families—the mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, colleagues, and strangers whose lives were ended far too soon.

We remember those who ran toward danger while others were fleeing from it: the firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, medical personnel, and countless ordinary people who showed extraordinary courage and compassion.

We remember those who survived, yet carried wounds that cannot always be seen. We remember the families who endured an absence that can never truly be filled, and all who continue to carry the sorrow of that day.

Grant peace to those who died.
Grant comfort to those who mourn.
Grant strength to those who still bear the scars.
And grant wisdom to all of us, that we may never forget the value and dignity of every human life.

May we remember not only the tragedy, but also the courage, kindness, sacrifice, and unity that emerged in its aftermath.

As the years pass, may memory never become indifference. May remembrance call us to live with greater compassion, to stand against hatred, and to cherish the precious and fragile gift of life.

We remember them today.
We honor their lives.
We hold their families in our hearts.
And we pray that they may rest in eternal peace.

Amen.

08/09/2026

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Prayer for Purpose



O Creator and Loving Master

May I rise each morning with purpose.

May I sow the fields of my world

With the seeds of love.

May I sing the song of the reconciliation.

May I pluck the harp strings of compassion.

May I Follow the Shepherd who leads me to justice.

May I walk in righteousness and kindness.

May I blanket my world with peace.



Amen

Prayer by Beth Maxwell Boyle
Photo by Danielle L Matthews

06/09/2026

Thank you to Gainsborough Methodist Church for this reflection.

Do you forget to pray for yourself?

We often pray for our family.
We pray for our friends.
We pray for those who are hurting.

But sometimes we forget to pray for the one person carrying all those prayers ourselves.

Praying for yourself is not selfish.
It is a moment to pause, breathe, and invite God into your own struggles, fears, and hopes.

Ask God for strength when you feel weak.
Ask for wisdom when you feel uncertain.
Ask for peace when your heart feels overwhelmed.

When your spirit is renewed, you are able to love, serve, and support others even better.

So today, take a moment.
Pause. Reflect. Pray for yourself.

You matter. Your heart matters. And your prayers matter too.

🙏

31/08/2026

We will not be holding our regular services at Drywater Arts Centre on Sunday 6th and Sunday 13th September.
Our next service there is the 20th September.
🙏

19/08/2026

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So one day Jesus is out doing Jesus stuff, healing guys and winding up church people, and an expert in the law comes up to him and he says “which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

What is the most important part of the law?

Remember this law is everything to them so the real question is what’s the most important thing?
It’s a good question.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…
and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

Bishop Michael curry said:
“You can have all the religion you want, you can preach all day, you can speak in all the unknown tongues you want but if you do not have love at the centre of your being, if it’s not guiding you and giving you a sense of direction then none of it matters”

And love, when it’s sincere, is practical.
When you love someone you want to care for them. When you love someone you want to make their lives better.
When you love someone you get involved.

True faith, true love, is practical. It compels us to serve our communities. It compels us to social justice, to feed the hungry, to care for the sick, to stand for and support those in need, to use what privilege and means we have to help anyone we can.
St James said “Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.”

Desmond Tutu wrote:
“I don’t preach a social Gospel I preach the Gospel, period.
When people were hungry Jesus didn’t say ‘now is that political or social?’
He said I feed you. Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.”

Church, and christians, should absolutely be doing community work.
And not because we’re after something, not with an agenda.
But because that’s what love looks like.

15/08/2026

A tragic loss. Holding Jason's family and friends in our prayers.

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The United Reformed Church is deeply saddened by the death of Professor Jason Arday, who was found unresponsive at an address in London yesterday.
The Revd Neil Thorogood, Moderator of the URC General Assembly, says: “Congregations across the URC will be holding the family and friends of Jason Arday in our hearts and prayers ... His all too brief life was an inspiration in so many ways, even as recent events begged so many questions and leave so much to face now."
https://urc.org.uk/urc-calls-for-reflection-following-death-of-jason-arday/

12/08/2026

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21/07/2026

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The Moderator of the URC’s General Assembly has joined leaders from the Baptist and Methodist Churches in writing to Andy Burnham as he takes office as Prime Minister. The letter assures Burnham of the prayers of churches across Britain and offers partnership in working for justice and peace. The leaders call for a government ‘of integrity that pursues justice and peace and seeks to serve the common good,’ and commit to praying for God's blessing on the nation's leaders.
We invite you to pray for Andy Burnham and the new government at this time of transition.
Read the full letter at jpit.uk/Burnham-letter

Photo by House of Commons https://members.parliament.uk/member/1427/portrait, CC BY 3.0.