Let us give thanks for the successful elections in Iraq last week and keep the country in prayer. For lasting peace in this ancient land; For wisdom and compassion for all in authority and the formation of a new and stable government; For comfort for families separated or bereaved; For safety and security for minority communities; For refreshment for the weary and healing for the sick; For continuing faithfulness of those Christian churches that have suffered so much; For those in the military, both local Iraqis and those from America, Britain and other countries – for their families; And that Your kingdom may come in this land where Abraham, the father of our faith, was born.

We continue to pray for those amongst us in our congregation who are ill or recovering from illness. In particular we remember Patti Foong (Hitchcock), baptized and married here in Union Church and now living in England, who is battling cancer; our hearts and prayers go out to Patti whom we know as a joyful, vivacious young woman who served the Lord faithfully during her time in this church.