Macclesfield MP David Rutley joined the latest Arise Cheshire East prayer meeting to hear and join in prayers about some of the main challenges and aspirations for Poynton, Cheshire East and the UK in the year ahead.
Alongside David, delegates included David Briggs, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, Poynton Mayor Cllr Gabor Bartos, Cllr David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and Paul Entwistle from the Good News Church.
Issues discussed at the meeting included: helping tackle pockets of social deprivation in our communities; the role faith groups can play in community action; and local priorities for the year ahead.
Organiser Carolyn McQuaker, who serves with Robert Mountford as co-leader of Arise, said, “Arise Cheshire East exists to pray and gather people for prayer for the area and to encourage practical community support. This is the fourth Arise New Year Prayer Gathering. We were delighted this year that Laurence Sharman from the World Prayer Centre in Birmingham has come to lead worship for us.”
Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, said, “It was a pleasure to attend this event. At the start of a new year, it helped focus my mind and those of other public servants, on the key issues facing our communities in 2014. The meeting also highlighted the important contribution churches and faith groups make in our towns and villages. Congratulations to all at Arise Cheshire East on organising such a successful event.”
Arise holds meetings throughout the year across Cheshire East, and is always pleased to join with local Christians and churches. The next main planned event is a “Prayer Drive” around the borders of Cheshire East, stopping at key places and churches along the way on 25th March. Those who are interested in finding out more should visit www.arisecheshireeast.org.uk.