Reading this week's prayers is Rob Sawdy. Rob joined the wonderful Jonathan Still in the benefice of Cerne Abbas as associate priest at Easter and is really enjoying getting to know the parishioners and communities of our four villages and a new diocese. Rural ministry is a contrast to Bournemouth, where he served as chorister, parish warden, ordinand and curate in town centre and Winton, Moordown and Charminster parishes.
He continues serving part-time as a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, specialising in maternal and fetal medicine at UHD and Dorchester, which he has done since 2002. His wife Audrey is also a consultant in women's health, working at Dorchester, and they have raised their four children, now aged 20 to 25, in that locale. He retired in late 2024 as a medical officer in the Army Reserve, having served since 1996.
Read and listen to this month's prayers.
Monday 17 August: Trowbridge St Thomas and West Ashton, Bradford Deanery
Lord God,
We pray today for the community of Trowbridge St Thomas and West Ashton, including The Revd Simon Pope. We pray you guide all those who live there with your word.
We pray for all those who attend West Ashton Primary School and Bellefield Primary and Nursery School.
Amen
Tuesday 18 August: North Bradford on Avon and Villages, Bradford Deanery
Loving Lord,
We ask today for your blessing on the North Bradford on Avon and Villages, including the clergy, Katie Jackson and Tessa Mann. We pray that you continue to guide them with your word.
Thank you, God, for Bradford on Avon Christ Church and Winsley Primary Schools.
Amen
Wednesday 19 August: Bradford on Avon Holy Trinity, Westwood and Wingfield, Bradford Deanery
Lord God,
We pray for your blessing on the communities of Bradford on Avon Holy Trinity, Westwood and Wingfield, for all who worship and serve in these places, including The Revd Jenny Nelson and the team of retired bishops and clergy, lay ministers and worship leaders.
We pray for the communities, families and children with St Laurence, Fitzmaurice Primary, The Mead School and Westwood and Iford Primary.
Amen
Thursday 20 August: Calne Deanery
Our Father,
We raise to you the community of Calne, we pray for all who live, work, pray and play there. We thank you for Rural Dean, Matthew Earwicker and Lay Chair, Mary Simpkins.
Amen
Friday 21 August: Oldbury, Calne Deanery
Eternal God,
We pray for all those who live and worship in Oldbury and for the Revd Matthew Earwicker.
We thank you for all those who attend Cherhill and Heddington Primary Schools.
Amen
Saturday 22 August: Royal Wootton Bassett, Calne Deanery
God,
We raise Royal Wootton Bassett to you and pray you continue to guide them in all they do, including the Revd Jane Curtis.
We pray for all who teach and learn at Royal Wootton Bassett St Bartholomew's Primary Academy.
Amen
Sunday 23 August: Twelth Sunday after Trinity
Light Church, Calne Deanery
Creator God,
We raise to you all those who worship at Light Church in Calne Deanery. We pray they are inspired by your word and your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the Revd Tom Morgan.
We thank you for the Church of the Province of West Africa.
Amen