Fresh Hope - January

We would like you to consider several possible activities and ideas that could allow your area to experience Hope right at the beginning of the Year.

• Firstly you could start the year in Prayer together, which may be something you do every year or else you may not used to that at all.

• Every year Millions of people set themselves New Year Resolutions, why not consider creative ways of assisting our communities in making these resolutions a reality.

• Many people start the year with pressures and challenges, living with poverty or in inadequate housing. Why not use Poverty & Homelessness Action Week to learn more about the real needs that exist in your community.

Should we begin 2008 in prayer?

Instead of celebrating the beginning of 2008 with a party, you might wish to follow the example of the Wesley Brothers in Fetter Lane in 1738. The Fetter Lane Society was important as a precursor to Methodism. A short time before the great Methodist revival of the 18th Century in England, Moravians were avidly ministering throughout London. They began with the purpose of meeting once a week for prayer and fellowship. John Wesley records in his journal for 1 January 1739:

"Mr. Hall, Hinching, Ingham, Whitefield, Hutching, and my brother Charles were present at our love feast in Fetter Lane with about 60 of our brethren. About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amazement at the presence of His majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We praise Thee, O God, we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.'"

Some modern commentators have also recomended beginning the year in Prayer.