West Berkshire and North Hampshire churches show support for Ukraine

Churches throughout West Berkshire and North Hampshire are showing their support for the people of Ukraine this week.

St Nicolas Church in Newbury, along with churches around the world, participated in a global day of prayer for peace yesterday (Wednesday).

Anglican churches in Tadley also participated so that they could show their solidarity with citizens of the war-torn country.

Reverend Richard Harlow of St Mary’s Church, Tadley, said: “We are trying to keep the issue in people’s minds and will the good to happen to the Ukrainian people.”

St Mary's has been lit up in the Ukrainian colours of yellow and blue and collections have been made at some of their recent events.

The Tadley churches are currently in discussions with a local charity about how they might be able to help by gathering together supplies to send to the country.

St Nicolas is making sure the church is open every day during this difficult time, and it is are planning to ring the church bell tomorrow (Friday) evening in support of the candlelit vigil outside Newbury town hall.

St Mary’s in Beenham has shown its support by putting up the Archbishop of Canterbury and Archbishop of York’s prayer for Ukraine in the church and on its website.

It reads: “God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.

“We pray for the peace and laying down of weapons. We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.

“We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion.

“Above all, we pray for your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them. We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.”