Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 21, 2024

Tonight’s prayer is the one prayed last night at Church Council by Youth Representative, Pauline Schneiter. It was meaningful to all of us who heard and prayed it last night. Please pray it together now …. 

Dear Lord, 

Through all the troubles our world faces, thank you for the opportunity to gather together. Offer your grace to hearts in our community that are in mourning. We offer our own hearts to your will so we might fulfill our roles as comforters and advocates. Even without the understanding of your great power, allow our faith to stand strong.   

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. (from I Corinthians 3:9) 

We pray for ….

  • Families in our congregation who are preparing for funerals this week
  • All who are grieving 
  • For one who is looking for a safe place to live; also needs a job
  • For a member who is in rehab after a stroke
  • For those who have been hospitalized; may they feel your strength as they continue to recover.
  • For a friend who has started drinking again
  • For members of extended family who are not believers inChrist
  • For a friend who is missing her son
  • For one going through a divorce.
  • For a family dealing with many health issues and employment issues as they relocate
  • For a faithful companion – a beautiful and dear pet who is having health issues; praying for strength for all God’s creatures!

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • A new college Sunday School class.

We continue to pray for ……

  • For dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • Those whose grief is deep 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Sunday Schedule
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM ($5 dinner)

At a glance…

  • There will be no NightLife on Sunday, March 10 due to Spring Break.
  • Lenten Worship Night is March 17!
  • Seniors – don’t forget to complete our online forms!
  • Summer Registration is out! Earlybird is April 21 and regular registration is May 15.

Lenten Worship

On Sunday, March 17 we will have our annual Lenten Worship Night.  We will begin with dinner downstairs as usual, then move to Parish Hall and the Nave for a night of prayer, reflection, and worship.  This is a way for us to be intentional about growing our faith and drawing closer to Christ in the heart of Lent.  We hope you’ll join us!

Senior Info

Attention all Graduating Seniors! We have lots of information for you about the season ahead.  We want to honor and celebrate you.  So, please fill out our Senior Info form, apply for Scholarships, and mark your calendar to lead worship on May 12!

Senior Info Form

College Scholarships

Bring a Buddy Recap

Last Sunday, we had SO MUCH FUN at Bring a Buddy NightLife! What a joy to have so many friends join us for the night. Here are a few things to remember:

Friends are always welcome. It doesn’t have to be an official Sunday for you to bring someone with you.

We had a great discussion about our Spiritual Gifts. This coming Sunday, we will have a follow up discussion. Come ready to learn more about your specifics gifts!

If you weren’t here Sunday night, use the link below to access our Spiritual Gifts Inventory & Assessment. Parents — feel free to do this test yourself so you and your students can share together!

Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Summer Newsletter

Summer is just around the corner! We’d love for you to join us for all our summer programming. Use the link below to check out our newsletter and register.

Operation Backyard – June 28-29

Ocoee Rafting – June 30

MAD in the City – July 7-11

Smokies Game – July 28

Summer Info

Youth Ministry Meals

Each Sunday, we serve our students breakfast and dinner. We ask families to volunteer to help make these meals happen! The sign-ups are below. If every family signs up for one breakfast and one dinner each, we will have nearly every week covered!

Sunday School Breakfasts

NightLife Dinners

Have you viewed our page on Church Street’s website? Check it out!

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, February 18, 2024

By Rev. Catherine Nance

Teach Me, O Lord

Read: Psalm 25:9

“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”

Here we are. First Sunday of Lent. For some of us it may feel like a do-over or a restart. It was just seven weeks ago that we made resolutions and promises and set goals. Things we were going to change. Things we were going to do better. Be better in 2024.

Maybe today, we tell ourselves those same things. Really going to do it this time. 

There is nothing wrong with setting goals at the start of a new year. However, using the season of Lent as a second chance calendar for self-improvement is … well, missing the mark. That is what happens when we start with ourselves. What do I need to improve? What do I want to change? Instead of starting with Self, the Psalmist begins with God. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust. Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth. The emphasis and focus is on God. Not me. I am still the recipient of grace and teaching and truth, but it is God’s grace. God’s teaching. God’s grace. God’s goodness. 

Before I make a list of things I want to do or give up during Lent, I will make time to pray. What is it that God desires for me this Lenten season? 

Prayer

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Amen. (Psalm 25:5)

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 14, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, source of agape love, in your graciousness hear our prayers. 

The ancient writer said you created us in your image, God. Even though we might question what that means about your physical appearance, we’re confident about one trait of your image: You, the God of love, infused in each of us the innate ability to love. Jesus affirmed this in his straightforward command: “Love one another.”  He never would have told us this so succinctly if we were not capable of doing so.  

So, Lord, help us learn ways to better reflect this facet of your sacred image. Sometimes it is hard to love, especially when our self-interests take over. Other times, it’s easy to just step aside, taking no initiative at all when love is needed. Forgive us, God, when we fail to live as people imitating your image of love. Accept our repentance, particularly on this Ash Wednesday. Through your merciful compassion, revive us with new hope and energy to be ever-more obedient to Jesus’ charge: “Love one another.” 

Also as Jesus taught, we plea that your kingdom comes, that your will is done, among us on this Earth as you have already done in heaven. Sometimes we casually presume that only you can make this happen. Help us acknowledge that we, too, have roles and purposes in your kingdom coming. Again, keep us mindful that Jesus told us how: “Love one another.” 

Yet circumstances of suffering and strife do exist that are out of our control. For these we pray with faith and hope that you instill peace in war-torn and conflict-laden areas; heal the physical and mental illnesses beyond scientists’ abilities to remedy; reveal passages for moving forward to people experiencing loss, separation and grief; rehabilitate lands shattered by natural disasters; restore social justice and equity for all your children; rouse mutual self-respect among all people; and lead all humankind to accept and adhere to the way of living espoused by our Savior: “Love one another.”    

Thank you for Church Street United Methodist Church, our base for our journeys through the Lenten season. Thank you for the wisdom and spiritual insights shared by members’ and pastors’ Lenten devotions. Thank you for clergy, staff, teachers and volunteers who forge paths for growth, learning, mission, fellowship and transformation. Thank you for reawakening our minds and hearts to your clear call: “Love one another.”      

Merciful God, please hear these needs and prayers of others in our church community. Surround each person with your loving embrace and comfort… 

We pray for ….

  • Our clergy and staff as they lead us through this Lenten Season.
  • For dear friends; a husband who is in ICU with infection and other concerns, and for his wife
  • One who continues to grieve for her husband while dealing with some family tensions
  • Comfort for those who grieve …. Many funerals this past week, this weekend, and next week
  • Victims of Israeli-Hamas war
  • Loved ones who are transitioning from ‘home alone’ to ‘assisted living’ 
  • Those for whom Valentine’s is a difficult day
  • The family of the deputy in Maryville and all affected by gun violence

We give thanks for ….

  • The birth of a baby boy!
  • The opportunity to provide an educational opportunity for our Holston Hispanic Ministry Team
  • Sunshine that lifts our spirits!
  • The one-hundredth birthday of a dear church member and friend!

We continue to pray for ……

  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • A member who has brain tumor; may she feel God’s comfort and healing presence
  • Children who were recently hospitalized; prayers for continued strength and healing
  • Our youth and young adults who carry so much inside

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

By Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett

Lenten Love

Read: Psalm 51: 1-17

This year we experience a calendar rarity as the U.S. Valentine’s Day and Western Christianity’s Ash Wednesday fall on the same day. (The last three times this happened were in 2018, 1945 and 1934). Though these two special observances are quite different in focus, they have a commonality. Both point toward love.

The legends and history around the origin of Valentine’s Day are manifold and the subject for another time. In short, contemporary societies across the globe associate this international holiday with romantic love.

On the other hand, Ash Wednesday emphasizes God’s love as it launches Lent, the six- and one-half weeks season of the Christian year that highlights Jesus’ life and ministry. Ash Wednesday and Lent have been observed in the Western Christian Church for centuries. This season highlighting human mortality, penance, and Jesus’ suffering culminates in the greatest expression of love the world has ever known- our Savior’s death on the cross. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, we observe Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead, the world-changing first century event that broke the power of sin and death.

In addition to reminding us of God’s amazing love for humanity, Ash Wednesday and Lent provide us with avenues to respond to Jesus’ actions on our behalf. Some people give up a favorite food during Lent, like chocolate or desserts. Others add actions to their lives such as serving at a food pantry or doing a daily good deed. The point in Lenten observances is not to earn God’s favor or to demonstrate how “holy” we are. Rather, Lenten practices are a way to express our gratitude for Jesus’ love in our lives.

The fourth verse of a great Issac Watts hymn beautifully states the why of observing Lent. “Were the whole realm of nature mine; That were an offering far too small; Love so amazing so divine; Demands my soul my life my all.” https://hymnary.org/hymn/UMH/298

February 14 is a day when we celebrate love. This year, with Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine’s Day, for Christians the emphasis expands to God’s love. How will you respond to God’s love this Lenten season?

It is a joy to serve as your bishop. Blessings!

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Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of February 7, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord, 

In the midst of sunshine and warmth we praise you for a break in the cold of winter. After so much snow and ice it feels like a break. Perhaps some of us have been able to wander outside in the warmth and feel our hearts and spirits renewed by the heat of the sunlight. Yet, we are mindful that there are still burdens that chill our hearts and weigh us down. Give light to those who dwell in the darkness and warmth to those who have found the coldness of the world especially biting. 

We pray for our neighbors that are alone. Make this church a community that loves and serves our neighbors and creates a genuine and welcoming family. Where the forces of division and loneliness seek to erode dignity and belonging, empower us to respond with compassion and embrace one another just as you have embraced us. May those who do not know your love and the friendship of others find in us friendship and care. 

As we prepare for children’s Sunday in worship, we do offer thanks for the children in our community. We are thankful for their humor, their wonder, their insights, and the ways the force us to think about what we say and do. We give thanks for those who taught us as children, and we as that you would guide us to care for the children in our community, and help them know your love for themselves. Where there are children in need help us to respond, and where we have gifts that can enrich the lives and faith of our children help us to use them. 

Just as you refresh the earth through the various seasons, refresh our hearts and souls. Receive the burdens that we carry in our hearts as persons and as a community. To hose who grieve, grant your comfort, help those who are sick, and be with those who are in any kind of trouble. We share with you and with one another these concern of our community….

We pray for ….

  • A daughter and son-in-law; prayers for peace during the last weeks of pregnancy. One of the twins will not live past delivery for very long. Heartbreaking – but joyful that the other is healthy. Prayers for both babies who are already so loved. Prayers for parents and grandparents as they travel this fragile road of love. Thankful for the eternal presence of God’s Love.
  • All who are wanting to have children and have not been able to; for all who are wanting to adopt and experiencing financial barriers; for all who are struggling with complex decisions..
  • A family who is asking God’s guidance in making the best decision about a loved one’s healthcare
  • A husband who continues to deal with cancer and the ups and downs of that journey
  • A husband and children who are grieving the death of their wife/mother. Prayers for extended family who are far away.
  • Our youth and young adults who are under so much pressure
  • Our Confirmation Class after their retreat this past weekend; may there be strengthened commitment
  • A mother who is home after rehab; prayers for strength as Physical Therapy continues.
  • A husband grieving the death of his beloved wife
  • A family who has asked for prayer as they prepare to move to India
  • Children who have been in hospital; thankful for antibiotics and for caring doctors and nurses at ETCH!

We give thanks for ….

  • The availability of health care options
  • Doctors and nurses who truly see their jobs as a calling
  • The love and support of church family
  • Good report from doctor
  • Extended family who is there when we need help

We continue to pray for ……

  • Caregivers who feel they are alone.
  • Grandparents who are dealing with health concerns
  • A husband who is home recuperating after hospitalization; prayers for physical strength
  • A member who has brain tumor; may she feel God’s comfort and healing presence

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 31, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Note from Pastor Catherine: 

I miss the Serenity Prayer. When I was involved in Recovery Ministry, I said it at least once a week, on Wednesday nights. Usually Wednesdays were (are) hectic days, and there was a peace and a release that would come over me as I joined with others as we offered this prayer together.  

May it bring you peace tonight….. 

God, grant me the serenity 

to accept the things
I cannot change;
Courage to change the
things I can; and the
wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardship as the
pathway to peace.
Taking, as He did, this
sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make
all things right if I
surrender to His Will; 

That I may be reasonably happy
in this life, and supremely
happy with Him forever in
the next.
Amen 

We pray for ….

  • A husband who is home from the hospital and that he regain strength; we pray for his wife who has COVID and has been his caregiver.
  • A mother and son; the mother begins treatment for bladder cancer (second time). Her son has colon cancer and is dependent on her for transportation. Prayers on this family and all who love them.
  • The UT students who are new this semester
  • The friends and family of a wonderful  teaching assistant who died last week after a recent cancer diagnosis. Please pray for the students (age 4 & 5) who miss her and are having a hard time understanding. 
  • A member who had a heart attack Sunday night and is now in CVICU; prayers for her husband and children, also.
  • For a member’s father who is in hospice care now at home; prayers for the family as they care for him.
  • For a member’s grandmother who is in ICU with pneumonia and other health issues
  • For a cousin who was just diagnosed with a tumor; appointment with an oncologist soon. Has other health issues including diabetes.
  • A cousin’s wife has a tumor on kidney and spots on lungs; going to a specialist for more tests. Please pray for her and her family. 
  • A daughter having surgery on Thursday
  • A member in rehab; prayers for physical strength to be improved
  • Friends who need prayers; families we hold in our hearts
  • The family and friends of military personnel who were killed this past week
  • For those who have interviews this week
  • For one whose heart is so full of grief

We give thanks for ….

  • That all of the animals on the farm were safe during the recent cold weather. Thankful for the calf that was born!
  • A new sense of hope for IVF; thankful for doctor 
  • Friends at work who show appreciation and support
  • Being cancer free!
  • For a good report from last scan showing no change!
  • Baby brother!
  • Pets who bring us joy and comfort and companionship; it breaks our heart when they die

We continue to pray for….

  • Those who are caregivers and those who are dealing with chronic health issues
  • Peace in our world
  • For those struggling to find meaningful work
  • Couples who are dealing with fertility issues
  • Clear scans

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 24, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Gracious God,

We praise you for your patience and presence in all things. As snow and ice melt, we give you thanks and praise for the ways that you have been at work in our community and in our church. We praise you for the ways your Spirit has been at work to teach us patience. Patience with those that we live with, patience with our neighbors, and patience with our expectations for how the world should work. May you continue to teach us in and through all things and draw us closer to your loving grace.

For many of us these “snow days” have been an inconvenience, a disruption to our normal routines and our expected plans. Help us to feel comfortable in naming and sharing our frustrations and disappoints before you, but make us ever mindful of the needs and suffering of others. We pray for those that will continue to experience the consequences of our frigid temperatures and snowfall for days to come. We pray for those who have homes that have been damaged, those that lost working hours, those that suffered in the cold, all others who will continue to deal with difficulties due to the weather.

We pray for those who are dealing with illness and disease. Be present with those who face surgeries or long recoveries. We know that in Christ all things shall be made whole, all people shall be made complete, and sickness will be no more. As we wait for the fullness of that future, make us, your church, agents of your love and healing. May we care for those who are lonely, support those who are sick, and may we offer care to the dying.

We pray for our leaders and for the peace of the world. We recognize, and proclaim to all the world, that all authority and power rests in Christ. Guide all those who would seek to wield authority over others that they would be humble in their own gifts, and abundant in their magnanimity towards others. As disciples of the Prince of Peace we pray for the victims of war, for all veterans, and for those that we name as enemies. Make us active instruments of your peace and grace in our own communities and throughout the world.

As the sun sets on our community once again, may your rest fall upon the hearts of your people. Relieve us of our anxieties and frustrations and be renewed through our rest in you. Whether wearied or rejoicing, blanket us with the knowledge of your love and presence. Help us to patiently wait for tomorrow, neither grasping too quickly for the good, nor dreading as so authoritative and final the bad. It is out of trust in you that we offer the concerns and the joys of our Church Street community:

We pray for ….

  • For those who are serving in the military; particularly those engaged in the Red Sea. Praying for safety and that resources can be delivered to those in need.
  • Those who are homeless or who have inadequate housing
  • For a child who is learning to maneuver with a cast and a wheelchair while his leg heals
  • For children heading back to school who have been out of the routine for a while
  • For a loved one who was just diagnosed with cancer
  • Those who have had surgery and are in rehab
  • A couple who is beginning a new journey of IVF
  • City and county officials and workers who have worked above and beyond during the record snow, ice, and below freezing temps
  • Our neighbors at Maplehurst and for all UT students starting back
  • A 7-month old nephew who is having tests run
  • A neighbor who had a heart attack and is in ICU; prayers for his wife. May they both feel God’s peace through this.
  • A member who has had a stroke; prayers for strength as they move to rehab
  • An aunt grieving the death of her niece

We continue to pray for ….

  • A member’s son who is having intestinal/abdominal issues; hoping to get diagnosis and treatment soon
  • Those who are looking for meaningful employment
  • Young adults studying abroad
  • Caregivers
  • Those with chronic illness as they deal with the day-to-day ups and downs

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • The birth of a healthy baby boy!
  • Family and friends who are there to help when needed
  • Good neighbors
  • Doctors and nurses who serve in neonatal ICU
  • Clear scans

In patience trust of your love we pray, as we pray together the prayer that Christ our Lord has taught us….

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

REZ24

Good evening friends!

We’ve made the difficult decision to cancel our travels to Resurrection this weekend. The current conditions of Knoxville roads combined with the forecast of additional precipitation and freezing temperatures from tonight on makes travel unwise and potentially unsafe. This is not a decision that has been made lightly, and we are disappointed that we cannot participate as we had planned.

One aspect that makes this particularly difficult is that our youth band was slated to perform live at the Friday evening session. I have spoken with the Resurrection Production Team, and they are going to play our audition video during the session! It’s not the same as being there, but the hard work of our Youth Band will still be celebrated. Tomorrow, REZ24 will share a link to a livestream of the event. I will pass it along once it has been sent.

Some logistics to cover:

  1. Please use the link below to let us know how you would like to address your funds paid for this retreat. (Options: transfer to future event, full refund, donation). Click here for the survey.
  2. The church building will remain closed on Friday & Saturday.
  3. Sunday will operate with a modified schedule — one 11:00 service, no Sunday school, no evening programming. Please check the Messenger for any additional updates at the weekend goes on.

When circumstances cause an unexpected change in plans, I find myself considering what the Lord might have for me there. This school year, more than any I can remember, we’ve seen students battling anxiety and stress at a high level. Maybe you’ve been there at some point this year? When something causes us to pause, it allows us the space to rest and recover in a way we didn’t realize we needed. Whether you have cabin fever or are a homebody thriving in this unexpected week, I hope that you will take a moment to pray and ask the Lord to reveal His Presence to you. As we sit with disappointment and frustration, my prayer is that there might be hope and respite, too.

I’m sad to not be spending the weekend with you — those big, family style cabin breakfasts are some of my favorite times. And as disappointed as I am, I’m also relieved to know that we won’t be navigating that curvy road to the cabin in the icy dark. Like so many things, this is both/and. I’m praying for you as we pivot away from our original plans. May this weekend be filled with unexpected blessings.

All my love,

Jenny
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of January 17, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance*

O Loving God of all Creation, we look out over the snow and think, “How beautiful!” Others think, “Oh no!” as medical procedures are put on hold. Children exclaim, “YIPPEE!” while parents and grandparents sigh, “another day.” For some it has brought a much needed respite; for others, more work. For some, there has been the joy of baking and for others there have been pangs of hunger as the usual places to get a meal are shut off. Some are having COVID flashbacks as we ‘work from home’ on ZOOM.  

Whatever our circumstance, O God, we thank you for the brightness and whiteness reflecting from the snow. Thie light reminds us we are in Epiphany! O God of Epiphany, we need YOUR light! We remember the words of Isaiah just a few weeks ago: “Arise, shine; for your light has come!” We think of those whose loneliness or circumstances cover them in darkness; loved ones we wish to help but the darkness seems impenetrable.  

May we trust in your Light. 

As a star rose high into the nighttime sky to draw the nations to the Christ-child; send your blessing, O God, on this nation, and every nation, and draw the whole world to your peace and truth. We pray for your children in Israel and in Gaza. We pray that your light shines in the minds and reasoning of those in power. 

May we trust in your Light.  

As John the Baptist guided throngs of people to the edge of the wilderness and baptized Jesus in the River Jordan, we pray that you would guide our country and our leaders to the ways of justice and righteousness. We have just celebrated Martin Luther King Day but know we have so much left to do.  

May we trust in your Light to guide us, O God. 

As Jesus called his disciples to leave their nets and boats, and follow him, we pray that your spirit would give us courage to set aside the things that hinder our discipleship. We pray for your light to clarify the things we need to leave behind – relationships, dependencies, additions, longings that do not reflect your will. Help us to leave our nets on the shore and leave those things that seemed essential before we heard the call, so that we might travel the road you have put before us.  

May we trust your Light to lead us, O God.  

Lord Jesus, Light of the World, hear our prayers, and make us reflections of your Light, that the places of darkness in our world, in our community, and in our relationships, would be pierced by your Light, and that all would be drawn to you and be overwhelmed with joy.  

We pray for ….

  • A sister who is anemic and for her doctor who is trying to find the cause.
  • Patience and guidance as one helps her brothers on family farm 
  • All people and animals who do not have shelter during this freezing winter
  • Someone who is asking for God’s will to be made clear to him. Wants to move beyond identity as “survivor” or “victim” into what God is desiring for him.
  • A friend who is a missionary in the Philippines; particularly in the Davao City area. Concerns arising from floods and earthquakes
  • For those who are serving in the military; particularly those engaged in the Red Sea. Praying for safety and that resources can be delivered to those in need.
  • Those who are homeless
  • For school children for whom ‘snow days’ are difficult because of situations at home.
  • For all in our church who are dealing with cancer
  • A dear friend who is grieving the death of her husband.

We continue to pray for ….

  • A couple trying to make good decisions about boundaries and friendships
  • A member’s son who is having intestinal/abdominal issues; hoping to get diagnosis and treatment soon
  • An individual who requests prayers for many concerns including depression and sleep disorder; prayers for peace and healing in body and family. 
  • Those who are adapting to being home after being in rehab for extended stay
  • Those who are looking for meaningful employment
  • Young adults studying abroad

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • The birth of a healthy baby boy!
  • Family and friends who are there to help when needed
  • Vestal UMC, Magnolia UMC, and Cokesbury UMC working with the Office of Housing Stability and government agencies to provide warming shelters
  • Family Promise volunteers
  • Aneighbor who stopped by to check on us

We offer this in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray …. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*A portion of this prayer is adapted from one written Rev, Rick Morley, an Episcopal priest, who lives in New Jersey.