A message from the Methodist people of Plymouth

On behalf of the Methodist people of Plymouth we offer our heartfelt thanks for the hundreds of messages of support and prayers offered for our city at this most difficult of times.

The Methodist Church has had a presence in the community of Keyham for generations as part of the Plymouth Mission Circuit, and even though our regular work in our premises there is currently paused, the legacy of faithful and prayerful community-facing ministry is acutely felt in times of crisis. We stand alongside our community in its grief and mourning, and through the ministry of our two circuits, seek to offer signs of hope and healing to those among whom we minister. We offer the following prayer which may be helpful in leading worship in the coming days.

Loving Father, we hold before you the community of Keyham and the city of Plymouth. We pray for all those who are suffering injury and trauma as a result of the events of this week. We ask for your strength for those who ran towards danger, for those in the response services that stepped forward and risked their own lives. We pray too for those who are dealing with the aftermath.

We think especially of those who, in their loss and grief, are trying to deal with the emotional results and come to terms with loss and their impacted lives.

May all those who suffer know that the God of all power holds their hand in gentle love.

Amen.

Rev Gareth J Higgs (Superintendent, Plymouth Methodist Mission)
Rev Andy Chislett-McDonald (Superintendent, Plymouth & Devonport Circuit)
Rev Graham Thompson (Chair, Plymouth & Exeter District)