There is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK resulting in unprecedented pressures on people already in poverty, and this winter despite the support given by Government, thousands of people in Ipswich will be forced to make tough decisions about when and what they eat, what they can do in life, and when they can afford to heat their home.
If we asked the young people of Ipswich to talk about their vision for the town, what would they say?
How might they describe their hopes for opportunities and their concerns over challenges? Given the chance, what would they say to the organisations that have the power to help?
Hosted in a partnership between Ukrainian community members, Ipswich in Prayer, Ipswich Borough Council, St Mary-le-Tower and Together for Ipswich, the event brought together approximately 300-400 people for the purpose of 'prayer, solidarity and unity'. Many of them wore blue and yellow clothing, and were draped in blue and yellow flags.
Opening with his much-loved song 'Prayer for Peace' (written as a direct response to the Ukrainian crisis), Andy Rayner and his choir set the scene on what was to be a poignant but extraordinarily atmospheric evening. As the sun set and darkness descended on the Cornhill, the crowd became increasingly aware of the yellow and blue hue that floodlit the grandeur of the Town Hall.
Hosted by Revd Tom Mumford (vicar, St Mary-le-Tower Church, Ipswich), and with introductory contributions from Councillor John Cook (Mayor of Ipswich), and His Hon Judge Martyn Levett (Honorary Recorder of Ipswich), Alan Cutting (Together for Ipswich Ukraine Response lead) then thanked the various agencies, sponsors and employers who have contributed to the welcome of our Ukrainian community. He went on to appeal for the ongoing support of our guests, outlining the challenges they are facing to secure employment and independent housing options, before reading Psalm 27.
With Liz Beaton by her side, Ukrainian Natalie Lawrence then prayed passionately for her country and its people - "Please Lord, bring Peace to Ukraine, Freedom, and a Bright New Future! Bring Justice, Righteousness, Healing, and Reconciliation. - Господи, принеси Мир Україні, Свободу та Світле Нове Майбутнє! Принеси Справедливість, Праведність, Зцілення та Примирення."
Natalie invited the crowd to say the Lord's Prayer together, each in his or her own language, before a beautiful, almost haunting rendition of Mykola Lysenko's "Bozhe velykyj, jedynyj" ("Oh Lord, Almighty and Only", and also called Prayer for Ukraine on poetry by Oleksandr Konysky), rang out across the silent Cornhill, while the crowd, some of them quietly weeping, reflected during a minute's silence, and candles were lit and torch lights shone from one hundred peoples' phones.
The evening ended with the bells of St Mary-le-Tower calling back to us across the town, and hundred's of people who had braved the bitterly cold evening stayed longer still, to meet, pray, hug and weep with one another.
https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/23346349.ipswich-gathers-show-support-ukraine-one-year/
Join the Together for Ipswich Facebook group where there is lots more information and chat about how Ipswich is coming together.
Please review the site and make sure your programmes are listed.
Liz Beaton
Father we thank you.
That you have brought us, Your Church in Ipswich, together at this time, uniting us in prayer and calling us to serve You as Your Body here.
Thank you that in the Bible we see the power of the Holy Spirit, the peace of Jesus, and the Blessing of the Father, released when your disciples are together. (John 20:19; Acts 2:1; Psalm 133)
Thank you that, gathering your disciples together, you gave them power and authority to go in your name and proclaim the kingdom, to bring healing and restoration, with your promise of protection. (Luke 9:1; Luke 10:19)
Thank you that we are being built together as members of One Body; that you are growing us in love for each other and for this place where you have called us to pray and work. (Eph 2:22; Eph 3:6; Eph 4:16;)
Send us out in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Make us truly one in heart and mind.
Teach us to pray;
That together we might serve you in humility and obedience, each playing our part, to see Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, lives transformed, and Ipswich alive in the plans and purposes you have for her. (Jeremiah 29:7,11; Phil 2:1-8; Matthew 6:10)
Link here to the outcomes of the two online conferences of 2021.
"Across Ipswich there are many individuals, small groups and churches praying. Our aim is to serve the praying community in Ipswich, recognising our common purpose, as together we pray, ‘Your kingdom come, your will be done’."
"Working together to inspire Ipswich through Church of England communities."