The Season of Advent

Today on the first day of Advent, as we begin to prepare for Christmas, let us remember that there are no restrictions on God’s love for each and everyone of us this Christmas. Amen

Lord, who guides us along a safe path, we remember those who work in all weathers gritting pavements and roads so that we can get about safely. Keep them safe and help us not to take their work for granted. Amen.

We thank you Lord for the time and commitment of many in our congregation who knit, sew and make crafts using their time and talents to further your work. Amen

We thank you for the Philos Community Hub, particularly for the Friendship Café held on Wednesday afternoons, where there is a safe space to enjoy tea, coffee, chat and activities. Amen.

We pray for The Song Shop as they perform their pantomime. We give thanks for the many people who make this possible and trust that all who attend the show (young and old alike) will enjoy it. Amen

Father God, we ask that you bless those who come to the Friday Craft and Cafe. We pray that all will feel welcomed as they share a time of friendship and warmth. We pray in Jesus precious name. Amen

Today, this our Church Christmas Fayre and Gift Day. We give thanks for the greatest gift of all - Jesus.
Amen

Today we give thanks for Montrose Town Band and look forward to hearing them play at The Carol Concert tonight in conjunction with The Song Shop. We ask your blessing on this concert and that you bless all who will attend.
Amen

We pray today for all those who help with our families activities. We thank you for their hard work, determination and enthusiasm. We especially remember all the children and parents of the My Play Toddlers group. Amen

Lord, we thank you that Rev Derek Peat has accepted the call to be Minister A at Montrose Trinity and we look forward to his induction in the New Year. Bless Derek and his family and all the preparations for his move to Montrose. Amen

Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to lead worship and praise of you in our local community. We pray that the residents of Fordmill Care Home at our monthly service this morning will have a sense of you being near. Amen

We pray for all the young people of the 10:10 Youth Club and their families. In particular, we pray for those who have recently started at secondary school, that they may settle in well and make good, supportive relationships. Amen

Lord help us to keep things in proportion as we get ready for Christmas. No need for a shopping frenzy. God gave us one, only one present - His son. What a gift! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given - Isaiah 9: 6-7 Amen

Father our area has suffered greatly from storms and coastal erosion in recent times. We pray for those working hard to protect our beach front, the golf courses and the businesses in these areas. Guide them to make wise decisions so that generations of families will enjoy the natural beauty of your creation. Amen

Lord, thank you for our Locum Ministers, Ian Gray & Brian Oxburgh and our Interim Moderator, Gavin Drummond. Give them the strength and wisdom to know how to spend their time to best advantage among the various areas of ministry and help us to be open to be stretched in our own share of Christ’s work. Amen

Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to sing your praise at the Carol Singing around the Care Homes in Montrose this afternoon. We pray that the residents will be blessed. Amen

We pray for homeless people, young and old. We ask your blessing on them. Many are homeless due to events beyond their control and we ask that they find warm, safe places to rest. Amen

Father God, we thank you for the gift of music and the power it has to uplift our spirits, help us express our emotions and connect with others.
We remember today the Ferryden Community Choir and ask that you bless all their endeavours. Amen

Lord, we give thanks for the Montrose Guild; for the members who meet in faith and fellowship and for the work they do to support your kingdom, worldwide and in the local community
Amen

Lord, Our God, we ask your blessing on the many School Services taking place. We especially ask that the children and young people of our town will hear something new in the Christmas Story that makes them want to hear more. Amen

Today our prayers are for our community alarm team. Give them the words and the wisdom to bring comfort and reassurance when they respond to calls. Amen

Heavenly Father, we give grateful thanks to all those who donated to our Christmas Hampers and those who assembled and wrapped them. These are delivered to families who are struggling most with the cost-of-living crisis. Bless the families and those who work with them. Amen

We reflect that our preparations are made: The tree is trimmed, Windows have been decorated, Lights twinkle in the darkness, Help us to remember
that these are all in preparation of your birth. Amen

Father God, we give thanks to those in our community who have worked tirelessly (and continue to do so) to ensure that we, as a community enjoy the bright colourful lights in the High Street - a sign that Christmas is coming, a sign that You are coming. Amen

"For unto you a child is born." Happy Christmas to you and yours from Montrose Trinity Church @ Hillside, @ Steeple, @ Ferryden.