Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Try This! Lent


Today is Ash Wednesday, and the season of Lent has begun. On Sunday during Christian Formation classes the children decorated the letters of the word "Alleluia" --that word of joy and praise that we do not say in Lent. (I've gotten myself in a bit of a pickle by not telling you about this before Lent began - please bear with me!)  At the end of our 10:30 service, the children processed up the aisle with the decorated letters and lined up to form the "A" word.  Then we put all the letters into a box and tucked them away in the Sacristy for the season of Lent. On Easter morning, we will see the word again, both in our worship and in a beautiful banner hanging in the Church, made from the letters the children decorated on Sunday. We've done this for several years, and I always enjoy it. It is a concrete way for the children to understand the more prayerful and reflective tone of Lent. They take it seriously, and carefully avoid the "A" word at all cost! Be sure that you do too! (That was my last slip, I promise!)

Lent is a time to grow closer to God through prayer. Last night at our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper we made paper prayer chains with the children. I'll admit, this was not the most thrilling craft we've done at the Pancake Supper, but I'm really excited about it.  Cathy Wolford, a wonderful member of our parish, wrote out 35 ideas for prayer this Lent. She also provided five spaces to write your own prayers.  We cut up the slips of prayer suggestions and made them into chains. For every day in Lent (except for Sunday, which is a "little Easter") your family is invited to rip off a ring and pray for the intention listed.

As I said, I didn't have high hopes for this little project, but I've come away pretty excited about it. It is a very easy way to observe Lent on your own or with children, and I think it will help set a prayerful tone for this special season. If you are the parent of teenagers who are not all that interested in Lent (as I am!), this may be particularly helpful! In my family, we will be using the links to focus our prayers before dinner.    

If you didn't get your paper prayer chain at the Supper last night, we will have the supplies available at Church tonight for our Ash Wednesday services and on Sunday.  Take a packet home and make it up to share with your family this Lent. In my next post, I'll share some wonderful ideas for bringing Lent into your home from friends around the web!

Don't forget the 5:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service for Families today!  I hope to see you there!


113 comments:

  1. Hello,

    Although I am not a member of your church, I am the leader of the Children's Program at our church. I was wondering if you could post the 35 prayers that your church member came up with so I could use them in our Lenten chain.

    Thanks so much

    Lori

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  2. Hi Lori,
    Thanks for reading! I would love to share our prayers with you and your Church. Several would have to be adapted because they are specific to our parish(such as "pray for Fr. Peter"). You can leave your email here, or email me directly at education@cometochristhcurch.org with your email address and I'll send the document along.
    Peace,
    Leslie

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  3. I always love reading your posts, Leslie! You add beauty to even the simplest activities! I'm excited to be featuring your Lent posts at http://livingmontessorinow.com/2011/03/10/montessori-based-lenten-activities/

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  4. Dear Leslie,

    I'm a follower of your blog and have recommended it t readers of my e-news Child in the Midst.

    I wonder if you could let me have a copy of the prayer ideas which accompanied your Lenten Prayer Chain. If you are willing, I'd like to put the idea on Going for Growth, a website which we are populating to support leaders of children and young people here in the UK.

    Many thanks.

    Mary

    Mary Hawes
    National Children's Adviser, Archbishops’ Council
    Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ
    Telephone: 020 7898 1504

    mary.hawes@churchofengland.org

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  5. Hi Mary,
    Thanks so much for reading and recommending the blog! I really appreciate your support. I would be happy to share the prayer chain with you and will email it to you directly! I look forward to checking out "Going for Growth!" Is it up and running now? Where can we find it?
    Peace,
    Leslie

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  6. Leslie, Could you please send a copy of your Lenten prayers to me at: arnol005@umn.edu
    Thanks,
    Myra Arnold

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  7. Hi Myra,
    I just sent along the prayer chain ideas. Thanks for stopping by the blog! I love hearing about happenings at your school!
    Peace,
    Leslie

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  8. Last year for Lent I did this same thing! I didn't have high hopes and was considering doing something different this year until I had two or three different families request that we do it again! The families LOVED it! I hope yours went as well and that your children and families grew!

    Kelsey

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    1. Hi Kelsey,
      We had a great experience also. Such a simple project but it seemed to resonate with people and I do think it points to the true meaning of lent. You've got me remembering - maybe I'll do it again this year! Thanks so much for your comment and for reading!
      Peace,
      Leslie

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  9. Leslie, could you send me a copy of your prayer chain ideas (the 35 days) to pastorgerri@sandpointumc.org.
    I'd love to use this with our congregation.

    Thanks ~gerri

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  10. Leslie, could you send me a copy of your prayer chain ideas (the 35 days) to (correction!) pastorgerri@sandpointumcsandpoint.org.
    I'd love to use this with our congregation.

    Thanks ~gerri

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  11. pastorgerri@umcsandpoint.org

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    Replies
    1. Hi Gerri,
      I'll send a copy of the prayer chain to you via email. Many blessings to you and your congregation this Lent. Thanks for reading!

      Delete
  12. Please send it my way as well! erinandtanden@gmail.com. Thank you so much!

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  13. I would love a copy of your prayer prompts. lucie01 at yahoo dot com Thank you!!

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  14. I would love a copy of the prayer ideas as well. brackbill@gmail.com

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  15. I would love a copy of the prayer ideas as well. brackbill@gmail.com

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  16. I'd love a copy too! Missy.sherburne@gmail,com

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  17. i'd love a copy too. dhallock@resurrectionparishnj.org

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  18. I would love a copy also! eop0829@gmail.com.
    Thanks!!

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    Replies
    1. I just sent the prayer chain out. I hope you enjoy it! Peace to you this Lent.

      Delete
  19. You you please send me a copy as well. This is a wonderful idea! Themelaragnofamily@gmail.com

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  20. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  21. Would you please send me the prayer chain as well/ andersonemi@yahoo.com Thanks.

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  22. Could you please send me a copy as well? taylormarieheather@gmail.com

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  23. I'd love a copy, too. This has turned into quite a thing on your blog!!

    philandbeth@gmail.com

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  24. would love a copy too... :)

    tomvice@gmail.com

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  25. May I have a copy as well?

    Thanks,

    sharon@littlechurchonthelane.com

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  26. could I have a copy?

    kayla@olih.org

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  27. Good Afternoon,
    I too, would love a copy of these 35 prayers. Could you please send to my email at dartwoman@sbcglobal.net ?
    Thank You,
    Michelle Killin-Keith
    Saint Peter's Episcopal Church
    Lakewood, Ohio

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michelle! We are neighbors! Have we met? We should!!! :) Hopefully you received the prayer chain tonight. I tried to send a bunch out!! I hope we can connect soon! Peace, Leslie

      Delete
  28. Hi. Could I also please get a copy of the 35 prayers? My email address is sblandford@stmarksnewcanaan.org. Thank you!
    Sarah Blandford

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  29. Could I get a copy of the 35 prayers? Thanks so much, suevanoss@stpaulsduluth.org

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  30. Thanks everyone for reading and for the request! I hope I have sent the prayers out to all of you. If I missed someone please let me know! Thanks!
    Leslie

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  31. I hate to bother you, but I would also love to have the list of prayers. (See what happens when you have a great idea?) Thanks, and God bless you! Barbara bjmassimo@gmail.com

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  32. I would love a copy of the prayers for the prayer chain.

    My email is ajohnson@newnanfumc.org

    Thanks!

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  33. please send me a copy of your prayer ideas. thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Frankie, Thanks for the request! I'm happy to send the prayers to you but need an email. Let me know where you would like them sent! Thanks, Leslie

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  34. I'd like a copy as well - thanks!
    tom.joy.pastors@gmail.com

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  35. I love this idea. I have a good list for our chains, but would love to see your list. Can you please also send me a copy? Thank you! My email is ceckids@cectx.org

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  36. Could I have a list too, please? lauren.coomes@owensborocatholic.org

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  37. Please send the list to me. lcarsonaim@yahoo.com

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  38. Hello! Could you please send the list to darbyak@gmail.com. Thank you!!!

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  39. Hello
    I would love a copy. bkenneyk@hotmail.com
    Blessings
    Barbara

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  40. I would love to see your ideas too. Thanks for sharing.
    leslieh@hosannalc.org

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  41. Hi
    I would love a copy of the prayer chain if you can!
    Thank you for sharing!
    marycserna@sbcglobal.net

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  42. I would love a copy also please!
    allisonken@juno.com

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  43. Ha! I was going to ask for a copy and then realized that Michelle above at St. Peter's Lakewood is our youth leader! Great minds think alike! If it is easy for you to include me could you please email me a copy. Otherwise I will be happy to get a copy from Michelle. Our three preschoolers will be so excited to get a chain link from the kindness elves each day in lent. :)

    epondelik@gmail.com

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  44. I would love a copy too if you are still sharing! Thanks so much!
    l_hoverson@hotmail.com

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  45. Hi Leslie ,
    I would love a copy of the prayer chain too. Thank you! Dohod@telus.net

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  46. I would love a copy of the prayer chain too. Thank you! jill-schweiss@hotmail.com

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  47. I would also love a copy of the prayer chain. You're too kind to share:
    sck.hicks@gmail.com

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  48. I would love a copy of the prayer chain as well, thanks!!
    krumpsarah@gmail.com

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  49. I would really appreciate if you would send me the list! Thank you so much and God Bless you and your family! Thank you!
    mmandeville17@gmail.con

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  50. Hi! Can I please get a copy of the prayers as well? I'm sorry if this question has shown up a few times from me, I'm having technical difficulties! Essentialsolutionsak@gmail

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  51. I'd love a copy of the prayer ideas, too!

    nodito at gmail dot com

    Thank you!

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  52. Hey Leslie, I would love a copy of your prayers as well. Thank you so much!

    Ashley@saintpeters.me

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  53. Janellehansen14@yahoo.com
    Please and Thank you for the prayer chain document.

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  54. Hi there! May I have a copy too? Such a great idea! Thank you.

    regina@bellemeadeumc.org

    Blessings,
    Regina Girten
    Belle Meade UMC

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  55. May I please get a copy as well. Thank you. btengesdal@gmail.com

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  56. Thank you for posting this wonderful idea. It has inspired so many and helped promote faith at home in the family. I find my Faith Formation kids are really lacking that connecter piece from home to church. May I please have a copy of the sample prayers so I can use them as a guide for my own prayer chain. I also love your idea of having a going away event for the Alleluia and then reintroducing the kids drawings at Easter. Thanks so much for sharing!
    Marie
    msmcclain@verizon.net

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  57. Could you please send me a copy as well? This is a wonderful idea! Thanks so much! orsolya.szalados@gmail.com

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  58. Please send me your prayer chain document. Thank You and God Bless!
    osu.1.girl@gmail.com

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  59. We plan to do this activity at our upcoming Lenten Messy Church with families and I too would appreciate a copy of the 35 prayers.
    Thanks,
    Courtney Crawford revcmcrawford@gmail.com

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  61. I'd love to use this with our Preschool Sunday School class. If you don't mind, could I please have a copy? Thank you so very much. Blessings! (I forgot to add my email address before!!) sjones@solon.k12.ia.us

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  62. Could I please also have a copy!
    lferrara@olsunshine.catholic.edu.au

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  63. Could I please get a copy of your Lent prayer chain? I know it's late in the season but I came across it and would love to have it for next year. THANKS! akdonohue@juno.com

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  64. Could I please have a copy emailed to me? maggiedean@live.com
    Thanks!

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  65. Hi, what a great idea! Will you please send me a copy of the Lent Prayer Chain? Thank you very much! Please send to: pheppenstall@gmail.com

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  66. I would love a copy of this! christyd526@icloud.com Thank you and blessings to you :)

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  67. Hi,

    I love this idea! Will you please send me a copy of your prayer chain document? laurashley.valentino@gmail.com

    Thanks,
    Laura

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  68. HI! May I receive a copy? It is the perfect thing to do with my children leading up until Christmas. Thank you! schesness@yahoo.com

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  69. I am also a Children's Ministries Director at my church and would love to have a copy of your prayers as well! Thanks in advance! Have a great day and God Bless!

    Amanda
    anorton@pumc.org

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  70. I would love a copy of your prayer chain! emglanders@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  71. I would love a copy of your prayer chain! emglanders@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would love a copy of the prayer chain as well. Please send to jindovina-duncan@redeemer.ab.ca

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  73. I would love a copy of the prayer chain as well. Please send to jindovina-duncan@redeemer.ab.ca

    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  74. I would love a copy of your prayer chain, if you don't mind! gradeonerules@gmail.com

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  75. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  76. I also would love to do the Lentsn prayer chain.
    My email is ljeffsummers@gmail.com
    Linda of St. Mark's

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  77. Please send a copy of your prayer chain. Thank you - trish@informart.com

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  78. Please send a copy of your prayer chain. Thank you - trish@informart.com

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  79. Hi, could you send a copy of your prayer chain ideas to me also? We're planning to do this with the Sunday school kids this year! emmaglio@yahoo.com. Thank you!

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  80. Hi, could you send a copy of your prayer chain ideas to me also? We're planning to do this with the Sunday school kids this year! emmaglio@yahoo.com. Thank you!

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  81. Good morning! I just found this wonderful idea on Pinterest. Would you please send the prayer ideas to me also? vamonk@att.net

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  82. I would love a copy of this via email! briana.belding@gmail.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  83. I would love a copy too, macqueenparker@gmail.com
    thank you!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  84. A wonderful idea! Would you please share a copy with me? Thanks!
    kristinewussow1@gmail.com

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  85. I would love a copy please!
    davina.a.hanlon@gmail.com
    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  86. I'd love the prayer ideas, too. dawnwager15@gmail.com. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  87. May I also have the prayer chain ideas?
    dorothykulke@gmail.com
    thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Wondering if you would share a copy of the prayers with me?
    Toner13@comcast.net
    Thank you - suzie

    ReplyDelete
  89. Could it be possible to get a copy of your prayers also? Thanks
    jamie.gaudet@htdiocese.org

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  90. Hi there. Just came across your wonderful idea. Tried to think of 34 prayer ideas, but fell well short. If you do still receive these messages after so many years, please mail me the list of prayers: megan.numed@mweb.co.za

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  91. I would love to do your prayer chain in my classroom. Could you please send me a copy of it?
    send it to- j.mackie@loccsd.ca

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  92. Hi Leslie,
    thank you for sharing these great ideas! COuld you please share your prayer chain ideas with me at kellyjean3_5@yahoo.com ? Thank you so much!! Blessings to you!

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  93. Hi
    Love the idea of a prayer chain and would like to share it with the families in my church. Any chance you would send me the template of prayers? My email is kelly_fifield@can.salvationarmy.org Thank you

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  94. We loved this idea last year as a family. We all looked forward to it! I'd love to share it with our church. Would you please send me your prayer chain ideas? Many thanks, Lisa McCowen, Church of the Holy Trinity lisa@holytrinitych.org

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  95. Hi Leslie - I would love to do this with my 7th and 8th grade Religion classes - could you please email me the document with the prayers? My email at school is tracy.lane@johncaradinaloconnorschool.org, or my home address is trlane97@gmail.com - a little shorter :) thank you!

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  96. Would love a copy of your prayers! Could you please send to kkuehl@gracesystem.org? Thank you!

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  97. Hi Leslie,

    What a wonderful activity for Lent. If you are still sending this out I would love a copy, my email is rlee@saintas.net.
    Thank you!

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  98. I would love a copy for this Lent! Such a hands-on activity for my youngest. BTW, you have a beautiful blog. I too am a CGS catechist (level 1) and am training this summer in level 2. Truly an incredible experience! God bless, Jennifer
    blessthishome@yahoo.com

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  99. I would love a copy of this as well pretty please. This is such a great way to help kids do something everyday! erin.woods@clumc.com

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  100. I would love a copy of this as well pretty please. This is such a great way to help kids do something everyday! erin.woods@clumc.com

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  101. This is great! I would love a copy too if that is alright. Thank you! mroberts@smsacademy.org

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  102. Hello. I love that idea. Would should please send me the prayers for the prayer chain? jackiefbarry@yahoo.co.uk
    Many thanks

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  103. Great idea. Could I get a copy as well? Thanks so much. craftydaj@gmail.com

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  104. This is a wonderful idea. If you are still sharing the prayers can I get a copy please? dnr75@telstra.com Thankyou.

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  105. Lovely idea. Could you please send a copy of your prayers to mail@Theresajohnston.com. If you don't mind, I would like to create a printable list for a prayer chain for my blog ActivitiesForKids.com. Thank you.

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