This year’s Thy Kingdom Come will focus on praying for Christians who have drifted away from church during the pandemic, and “those who’ve just been tasting”.
The ecumenical prayer movement is the initiative of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, but many denominations are involved, from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to The Salvation Army, Catholic Church, Methodist Church and Coptic Orthodox Church.
It has grown into a global movement in the five years since it was first launched, with a presence in 90 per cent of countries around the world last year.
It will take place this year from 13 to 23 May, the period between Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday.
In past years it has taken place in Trafalgar Square, but was held online last year due to the pandemic and will be held virtually again this time round.
On Tuesday 9th March more than 1000 people tuned into the virtual resources launch for Thy Kingdom Come 2021.
Audiences, from across the globe, ranging from Slovakia to Sri Lanka, Jamaica to Jersey and Korea to Canada tuned in for the event.
A number of representatives from different denominations and traditions including the URC, Church of Scotland, Roman Catholic Church, AOG, Salvation Army and Church in Wales were also present.
Recognizing also the strain on churches to serve their congregations during the prolonged pandemic context, Thy Kingdom Come are giving away 100,000 copies of the Prayer Journal and Family Prayer Adventure Map to UK churches as long as P&P is covered.
Emma Buchan, Thy Kingdom Come Project Director, said:
“I am so excited about TKC this year as we have been so intentional in our planning and thinking to produce resources that help the Church at this time.”
Where it has been such a challenging year for everyone, we really want TKC to inspire people in their relationships with Christ.
She added that they desire to gather those who have found online Church challenging and to resource children and young people in fun, spiritually nourishing ways.
“We hope and pray Pentecost is a time of great joy after what has been such a challenging season.” She said
Churches looking to be involved this year –a number of ideas have been explored covering all eventualities , whether at home or gathered worship once the restrictions are lifted in the UK .
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