1. 2016 WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

3. SALT OF THE EARTH During the past year the World Council of Churches has published The Church: Towards a Common Vision. It invites us all to discuss and reflect together what it means to be the Church in the world, both in terms of our journey to unity and our mission to the world. Yet, it is becoming almost fashionable to suggest that Christian unity is the agenda of yesterday whereas today’s and tomorrow’s agenda is about mission. As though the two were mutually exclusive!

4. SALT OF THE EARTH Throughout the nations of Britain and Ireland there are countless examples of how the churches together are working and praying for unity and coming together in service to their community and in mission and evangelism. Unity and mission belong together. The churches of Latvia have brought these matters forward for our reflection in this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. They draw attention to the words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel which tells us that as his disciples we are to be light to the world, and salt of the earth : the very things that as human beings we cannot live without, and therefore without the Gospel, without the promise of the good news of God’s love in Christ, the world is lost.

5. SALT OF THE EARTH This year we are given the opportunity to reflect upon our Christian vocation to be salt and light, to be one in Christ, and to work together in service to our local community and to the world. Like the churches of Latvia you will have your particular story to tell. I hope that you will share your stories with confidence and be enriched by the stories that others tell. Revd Bob Fyffe, General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland

6. Questions: 1.Name the three main branches of Christianity. 2.Name the first major division in Christianity and when it occurred. 3.Name the second major division in Christianity and when it occurred. 4.Why is working for Christian Unity important today?

7. LET US PRAY Lord Jesus, you commanded us to break bread together and to drink one cup in remembrance of you - your imperative ignored. Forgive us, Lord. Open the hearts and minds of Christians world- wide, especially those entrusted with leadership in your Church, to the joys and blessings of this fellowship. Create in all of us a passion to realise the hope to which you have called us: one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism, one God who is above and through and in all. Amen.