Dear Lightwave Community friends,

As we approach September when schools, colleges and universities are re-opening, as many look forward to returning to or starting their studies, we pray for new terms, new accommodation and locations, new patterns and rhythms of life and new beginnings.  

We also think about Harvest as farmers and growers across the country cut and collect the fruit and vegetables grown over the summer months.

There are a number of things to give thanks for during August;

• The Red Lodge Lightwave Cafe at the Sports Pavillion, who have been offering children in the area free ice creams to cool down after the fabulous weather we have been experiencing over the summer months.

• Our UK farmers.  A survey revealed that 75% of people had a positive view of UK farming. Public backing of British farmers has grown to a record high as a result of farmers' efforts to keep the nation fed throughout the coronavirus pandemic, says the National Farmers Union.   

• The Rural Services Network, along with the Rural Housing Alliance, the National Housing Federation and Acre, have written to Secretary of State for Housing to highlight the needs of rural communities and the valuable role they will play in the country's future. The letter says: 'Funding more affordable homes will offer somewhere secure for low income households and essential workers. Rural housing associations stand ready to lend their skills, knowledge and investment to help build these homes'.  We give thanks for rural housing associations.

• The Lightwave Summer online worship resources called "The Lookout" on Daniel chapters 1 - 6 and the Lectionary based summer sermon series, both available from www.light-wave.org/onlineworshipresources.

• The Lightwave team; Sally Gaze, Andrew Gosden, Nina Seaman, Becky Luetchford, Kathy Wilson, Graham Miles, Andrew Jarrold and Peter Plummer and Diane Grano and the Red Lodge team, for their continued work for the Lightwave Community.

The top 5 things to pray for are;

• The next Lightwave Strategic Programme Board meeting held on 1st of September.

• The next Bishop's Mission Order meeting held on 7th of September.

• The Mission Shaped Ministry Flexi Facilitators training, running on the 17th and 24th of September on Zoom.

• The Small group leader training led by Laurence Singlehurst from Cell UK and Archdeacon Sally Gaze, on Zoom, on Saturday 19th of September.  Booking and further details for this are via the Diocese Training Events webpage; Eventbrite.

• The Lightwave small group leader training led by Archdeacon Sally Gaze on Zoom.  There are two evening sessions on Wednesday 30th of September and Wednesday 7th of October.  As before, bookings and further information is available through the Diocese's Training Events webpage; Eventbrite.

If you have any prayer requests please email Nina.Seaman@cofesuffolk.org and the Lightwave Project team will be happy to pray for you.

Thanks for your prayer support.

Peace and blessings,
Sally Gaze (Archdeacon for Rural Mission) - 07746 933129
Nina Seaman (Lightwave Prayer Coordinator) - 07394 559889