from http://www.prayer-alert.net/

‘All things in common’

In a sermon to mark the start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Tuesday, the Rev Bob Fyffe said the movement for unity had ‘transformed things for the better’.

PICT0593‘It is this movement that has helped to overcome some deep-rooted enmities that have scared communities, transforming churches to be more open to each other.’

The task before believers, he said, was to be recognised as Christians by how well they had loved others. ‘To be divided as Christians is to offer poor witness to the world,’ he said.

The call to Christian unity must be more than a dream. It is the living out of these high ideals that helps others see that faith can be a source of hope.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is held each year by the church worldwide from January 18 to 25. This year’s theme is ‘All things in common’.

Pray for unity between denominations and that differences can be overcome for the sake of the Gospel.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1Corinthians 1:10

For original article see http://www.christiantoday.co.uk/article/divided.church.is.poor.witness.to.the.world.says.ecumenical.leader/27375.htm

Photos: The Berlin Wall, symbol of division that was finally brought down through the prayers of East German believers and others around the world

>>> 2011 is full of opportunities to come in the ‘opposite spirit’ of all that keeps us apart and to concentrate on the One we have in common – and declare of the good news of Jesus to a lost generation. Click on the link to read more about the various trans-denominational projects emerging in Thurrock this year and beyond.