The communications team, on behalf of the Bishop and Diocese of Salisbury, wish you a Happy and Blessed 2009!
2008 proved to be an eventful year and 2009 promises to provide its own blend of challenges and opportunities.
Certainly, the economic situation will dominate many people's lives and the prayers of our churches are with those most affected by the credit crunch - particularly those who have lost their jobs and those in danger of losing their homes.
January 1st is traditionally the Feast Day of the Naming of Jesus and this is a prayer that will be said in many of our churches today:
Almighty God,
whose blessèd Son was named
in obedience to the law for our sake
and given the Name that is above every name:
give us grace faithfully to bear his Name,
to worship him in the freedom of the Spirit,
and to proclaim him as the Saviour of the world;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Read also Luke 2. 15-21
Happy New Year!!