Pew Sheet – 26th July 2026
The Rector writes ‘As many of you already may know, last week, the Church of England’s General Synod, voted to stand in solidarity with Palestinian Christians and “hear” their experiences despite backlash from many quarters, within and without the church itself. Even this action, small as it is, was a major success. The decision, reached after the debate began a day prior, stemmed from a motion calling for engagement with documents issued by Palestinian churches titled Kairos Palestine and Kairos Palestine II. The word ‘Kairos’ is actually an ancient Greek word meaning the opportune, decisive, or critical moment, the term appears frequently in the Bible to represent “God’s appointed time” or a spiritually significant season of opportunity.
I have been involved with Sabeel-Kairos group for many years now. The group, based in the UK, is a campaigning Christian charity that works for human rights, justice and equality for Palestinians in partnership/solidarity with the Christian community in the Holy Land. Each Thursday, Sabeel organizes an online prayer meeting with people joining from all over the world to pray together for the Holy Land. Inside I have included the Sabeel prayers for this week. If you would like to subscribe to receiving these prayers, the details are there. It is a great way to keep in touch with our fellow Christians in the suffering Land of the Holy one.’
The Wave of Prayer ministry enables local and international friends of Sabeel to pray over regional concerns on a weekly basis. Sent to Sabeel’s network of supporters, the prayer is used in services around the world and during Sabeel’s Thursday Communion service; as each community in its respective time zone lifts these concerns in prayer at noon every Thursday, this ‘wave of prayer’ washes over the world.
Sabeel
Wave of Prayer –
Thursday 23rd July 2026
The region is living in fear of a resumption of regional war after US President Donald Trump declared 10 days ago that the peace deal with Iran is over. The U.S. has conducted consecutive raids on Iran, killing civilians, while Iran has targeted American military bases in surrounding countries in deadly strikes.
God of peace, we pray for all in the region, especially the children and the most vulnerable, who bear the devastating consequences of militarism and political ambition. Turn the hearts of leaders towards repentance for their sins and complicity in domination and violence. Help us to be active for justice, truth and reconciliation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Masafer Yatta, a Palestinian community in the West Bank, continues to undergo serious and violent attacks by settlers. Most recently, Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of al Tuwani in Masafer Yatta, setting homes, vehicles and a mosque on fire. Israeli occupation forces provided protection for the settlers during the assault.
God who accompanies the marginalized, we remember the communities of Masafer Yatta, especially the people of al Tuwani, whose homes, places of worship, and livelihoods have been attacked Stand beside those facing settler violence and forced displacement. Grant courage to those who remain steadfast on their land, and awaken the conscience of the world to confront the structural sins of settler colonialism and apartheid.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israeli occupation authorities released 16 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip this week after months of detention. Their release comes as Israel continues to hold thousands of Palestinians in its prisons, including hundreds of detainees from Gaza.
God of liberation, we pray for the healing of those released as they return to their families. We continue to pray for all who remain
behind bars, including Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya and the thousands of Palestinians held without justice or due process. We pray that we may escalate our actions in solidarity with political prisoners.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
A report from Wall Street Journal reveals that Israel has allocated more than $700 million in 2026 to influence global opinion and counter its worsening image abroad. The campaign extends beyond traditional conservative media.
A group called Show Faith by Works filed documents describing plans to target approximately four million megachurch members and Christian university students in the southwestern United States.
God of truth, in the face of injustice, empower communities of faith to bear truthful witness, resisting propaganda with integrity and solidarity. May the Church never become an instrument of empire, but a faithful witness to Christ, who stood with the oppressed and proclaimed good news to the poor.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Belgium’s federal government has approved a ban on importing goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The EU is Israel’s largest trading partner, buying close to 30 percent of its exports and accounting for nearly a third of its total trade in goods, worth 43 billion euros ($49bn) last year. Several EU countries, including Spain, Italy and Germany, have also acted to restrict arms exports to Israel over the war in Gaza.
God of Justice, you hear the cries of the oppressed and call your people to walk in the way of righteousness. We give thanks for all people of conscience who urge their leaders to uphold international law, defend human rights, and end their complicity in illegal settlements and the machinery of war. Strengthen and encourage all who work for justice. Embolden us to continue laboring for accountability, respect for international law, and a just peace rooted in the dignity of every person.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
We join the World Council of Churches in praying for the people and nations of Djibouti and Somalia.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer.
https://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/prayer-cycle
For those who would like to download and save or print a copy of this week’s Wave of Prayer, a PDF version can be found at the bottom of the Wave of Prayer website page by visiting: Sabeel, Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center – Sabeel
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Short Term
Solar Loan.
As you are all probably aware Carrigaline Union of Parishes (Parish Hall) has been awarded a 100% grant for the installation of a Solar System from the Government Community Climate Action Program (CCAP).
Unfortunately before we can actually proceed with applying for the figure to be released we have to pay for the installation in advance.
When the panels are installed the full funds will then be released. This is a great project saving energy and will result in much smaller parish ESB Bills and also of course we are leaving the world in a better place by not relying on fossil fuels for our supply.
The figure is €13,133. If any of you feel you can help with a portion of this short term interest free loan we would be most grateful.
We anticipate loans will be repaid fully within 6 to 12 months. Any communication will be treated in the utmost confidence.
If you feel you can help please contact
John Andrew 0872556147 or Val Andrew 0871270457.
Parish Eco Group
August
Saturday 22nd 7pm Youth
planning meeting in the Parish Hall. All adults willing to help out for the year welcome to come along.
Sunday 30th United Service 11am in St Mary’s Church, followed by Parish BBQ.
September
Saturday 19th 7:30-9pm in the parish hall– Youth Group
Tuesday 29th 2:30pm in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin, the Ordination & Consecration of the our bishop-elect Andrew Orr.
The Owenabue Garden and Flower Club,
Carrigaline will host an Evening Walk at
DJ Murphy’s Garden, Kilumney, P31 YW52
on Monday 27th July 2025 at 7pm, €10 entry
supporting Irish Cancer Research.
Refreshments and nearby Parking available.
All Welcome
Random Notes DXXXVIII
Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote “The Secret Garden”, first published in 1911. In the book, ten year old Mary Lennox is the spoiled child, born in British India to quite reckless and selfish parents. They are both killed in a cholera epidemic and Mary returns to England to live with her uncle on the Yorkshire moors. Mary discovers that her Uncle’s late wife had planted and developed a walled garden within the grounds of the house. A robin leads Mary to where the key to the garden had been buried. She discovers the garden again and with the assistance of a disabled boy, all sorts of wonders develop!
Cork has many beautiful walled gardens. Last week, Templebreedy Church Choir traveled to Cloyne for a tour of The Old Deanery gardens.
The owners, Martin and Janet Edwardes showed us around, and Janet Explained that they bought the property 26 years ago.
One day, their 12 year old daughter came running in to the house to tell them that she had found their own secret garden. After pulling back some corrugated iron, Janet and Martin did indeed re-discover a 200 year old walled garden that had become overgrown and unkempt. Even the auctioneer who sold them the property didn’t know that it existed!
They have now restored the place and it is an up-and-running functioning kitchen garden with all sorts of vegetables, soft fruit and trees. The wonderful 26 acres of parkland are open to the public by appointment. Check it out on the RHSI website.
RCE
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