Weekly Prayer – October 11, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 11, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

Lament. It is the word on our hearts, O God. Lament. Usually spoken when there are no words – or, at least, no words that make sense. 

Israel. Gaza. Hamas. Palestine. We are horrified by the images and videos. We are frightened for loved ones who are there and for all of the innocent citizens we can only imagine. We cringe at the number of people killed and the number held hostage … regardless of nationality, we cringe at the number. 

We turn to our scripture and read from Lamentations … 

How lonely sits the city
    that once was full of people!
How like a widow she has become,
    she that was great among the nations!
She that was a princess among the provinces
    has become subject to forced labor. 

She weeps bitterly in the night,
    with tears on her cheeks; (Lam 1:1-2)
 

We read from the Psalms …. 

Lord, you are the God who saves me;
    day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
    turn your ear to my cry. 

3 I am overwhelmed with troubles
    and my life draws near to death. (Psalm 88:1-3) 

We are frightened and horrified. Scared and disgusted. We pray for action, we pray for justice, we pray for mercy, and then realize we are so far removed (at least most of us are) and feel helpless in our prayers. 

We again turn to scriptures, 

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. (Romans 8:26) 

Do you lament, as well, O God? Are your groanings for the lives of innocents; are your groanings for the misguided ways of greed and hatred? Do you groan at violence? Forgive us when we move too quickly from lament to revenge; from admitting our helplessness to seeking security in fleeting strength. Let nothing bring us security other than knowing you are with us. 

We lament.  

We pray for President Biden, for Prime Minister Netanyahu, and for all leaders who are working together to bring a resolution. We lament. We hope. We pray for military personnel and for the work that they must do. We pray for their safety. Lord, have mercy. We do not want war; yet, we pray about war. Lord, have mercy. 

And then, O God, our own heartaches and our own situations interrupt our prayers. Sometimes we feel guilty for praying for ourselves or for a neighbor ‘when there are atrocities in the world.’ We pray with the Psalmist, “who are we, that you are even mindful of us?” 

But yet, you hear all of our prayers. Prayers of thanksgiving for a joyful Fall Break! Prayers for a neighbor’s family in the midst of illness and grief. Prayers for a spouse grieving for their partner. Prayers of thanksgiving for a good check-up and prayers of thanksgiving for good medical care. Prayers of hope for a grandchild who is trying out for a play. Prayers of hope for a sister looking for a job. 

Thank you, O God, for hearing our prayers, and for groaning with us. Knowing that you hear our muddled cries and our articulate praises at the same time brings us an assurance. We take a deep breath. We lament, we weep, we hold those we love, we hurt for our neighbors and hope for our friends. Thank you for this gift of prayer.  

We pray for …

  • A member undergoing cancer treatments and the toll it takes physically
  • A friend moving into independent living 
  • A mother going from hospital to skilled care
  • A friend who has had complications after heart surgery
  • Law enforcement officers
  • A member whose husband died unexpectedly; for the whole family – children and grandchildren
  • Peace. 
  • World leaders to come together with reason and peace
  • Neighbors and friends from First Baptist Church, Knoxville, who arrived in Israel the day before the attacks. Prayers as they make plans to get home safely.
  • Those who are grieving loss of loved ones
  • A sister to find a job
  • One who has been laid off from work

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Healing after surgery
  • Help with plans for transition from hospital to rehab 
  • Being with family during Fall Break!

You told us when we pray, pray like this: 

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.

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Weekly Prayer – October 4, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 4, 2023

Steve Richardson*

*Italicized excerpts are from “God of Grace and God of Glory,” hymn #577, written by Harry Emerson Fosdick

God of grace and God of glory … free our hearts to work and praise. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the living of these days.

Holy God, thank you for these moments to focus our minds on your unconditional love, blessings and guidance; and on awareness of needs of others.

We come to you humbly. You remain steadfast in welcoming and embracing us in our relationship with you. But we, in turn, haven’t reciprocated very well.  We find it too easy to let distractions of our culture and society divert our attention from your calls to love and serve one another. Instead, we find ourselves drawn to other callings often rooted in self-interest. And then there are those times we simply shrug our shoulders and turn away in apathy. Forgive us, Lord. God of grace…shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom…lest we miss thy kingdom’s goal.

We mourn with victims of violence in our very community (as well as across the world). The ripples of anguish from such losses and the subsequent fears stretch far and wide. Cure thy children’s warring madness…Grant us wisdom – – wisdom of ways and acts of love which originate with you and that deliver us from evil.

We’re grateful to be a part of Church Street United Methodist Church. It’s easy in conversation to claim it as “our” church, but we truly know it is your church, God. (Thank you for sharing it with us!)  As we think about the near- and longer-term future for Church Street, open our minds and hearts to be even more supportive of this community of grace with our gifts, our service and our prayers. Crown your ancient church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.

We pray with gratitude for our clergy and church staff, whose daily commitments to service foster a safe, welcoming and sacred space for worship, mission, learning and spiritual growth.

We pray with thankfulness, too, for all those who volunteer in your church’s missions and ministries. Their work extends your support and grace among people in our community and membership.

As they navigate unknown and uncertain seas of their daily living, buoy all caregivers and care receivers with your renewing resilience. And among people outside the throes of caregiving, inspire all to discover ways to support those who do this challenging work.

This upcoming week will be school systems’ “fall break” for many children, youth and their families in our area.  We pray that these opportunities of families’ added time together with loved ones and friends will be meaningful, uplifting and spiritually enriching. We pray, too, for their safety and their physical and mental wellbeing.

God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power. Each and every day, God, help us sense and share your unconditional love. Through your granting of wisdom and courage, move us to respond with grace to others, just as you always do for us.  And with faith in your omnipotence, we ask that you receive and respond to these important prayer requests from congregation members and neighbors:

We offer prayers for ….

  • A 92-year old grandfather who fell and broke a rib; prayers for comfort and healing
  • All of those in hospitals
  • A mother who had surgery earlier in the week; prayers for healing 
  • A couple getting married this weekend
  • A man dealing with grief after the death of his mother for whom he was the sole caregiver
  • Families still waiting on repairs to be made to home and property after storm several weeks ago
  • A wife in  hospice care
  • A husband waiting to go home from hospital
  • A member transitioning from rehab to long-term skilled nursing care
  • A friend having open heart surgery
  • A son grieving after father’s death
  • A wife who had surgery two weeks ago; prayers for continued healing.
  • A member whose family has asked for prayers as doctors make adjustments and offer hope
  • Those who are seeking recovery from addiction
  • A member who is having major abdominal surgery soon; prayers for healing
  • A young mother diagnosed with breast cancer; prayers for her and her family as they await further diagnostics and surgery
  • A husband dealing with blood clots and new medications
  • The family of the Knox County Sheriff’s deputy who was killed; for all involved

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …..

  • All the animals who came to be blessed last Sunday!
  • Our clergy – active and retired – during this Pastor Appreciation Month and ALWAYS!!
  • For my Sunday School Class who has expressed so much love.
  • A member’s successful open heart surgery! Prayers of continued strength and healing! Prayers of thanksgiving for a supportive and loving family and community.

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.

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Weekly Prayer – September 27, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of September 27, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance*

A portion of today’s prayer was written by Bishop Ken Carter, UMC.

As we prepare for Blessing of the Animals Sunday …..

O God, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen: You place us in your creation, and you command us to care for it. As we look forward to Sunday and the blessing of the animals, we are mindful that they are your creatures – not ours – that we are to care for them.

In your great mercy you call us to care for all of creation,
to uphold one another, and to pray for your world.
Hear our prayers for the healing of the earth.

Your works declare glory and splendor, and you call us to praise and reverence.

Where we have degraded or destroyed earth’s bounty, forgive us.

Where we have taken beauty and majesty for granted, have mercy upon us.

Where we have become estranged from the creatures with whom we share this planet, have mercy upon us.

Renew us in the waters of baptism, refresh us with the winds of your spirit, and sustain us with the bread of life.

You have created us to be in community and so we offer prayers for those in our families, our neighborhoods, and circles of friends. For those who are struggling may they know your peace; for those who are sick, may they know your healing. As we pray for those near and dear to us, we know it is you desire for our circles to grow wider, to embrace others. As we reach for those we know so well, may our arms embrace those we would call stranger. Your Spirit transforms us into neighbors and friends.

With confidence that you hear our prayers, we offer ourselves for your good purposes,
watching and waiting for the healing of your creation as we work toward your coming reign.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior who taught us to pray saying, 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.

We offer prayers for …..

  • Those who are learning to live with new medications and adjustments to lifestyle and health
  • A father and husband awaiting heart surgery; thanksgivings for skilled surgeon and good plan forward!
  • A neighbor in the hospital; thankful for all of the good medical care
  • One who is choosing to live well in the midst of cancer
  • A mother in the hospital
  • A member who is making decisions about long-term care
  • Those who are grieving loss of spouse and who are feeling lost
  • Continued healing for a husband who is home from hospital
  • A brother who had pacemaker
  • A family grieving the loss of beloved aunt
  • Families making decisions about hospice and palliative care and next steps
  • A couple who desperately wants to have a baby and, so far, has been unable to conceive
  • A daughter at Children’s Hospital who has sepsis
  • For a child who is struggling at school; prayers for parents as they discern how to intervene (or not)
  • Peace and an end to violence in Ukraine.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for ….

  • Medical screenings that provide good reports and for those that provide clear answers for next steps
  • That radiation treatments for a father are manageable; close to daughter’s home. PET scan clear! Thankful for the feeling of relief!
  • Those who are preparing for wedding ceremonies but also for the lifelong commitment
  • For the volunteers at Ladies Lunch & Learn and the wonderful fellowship
  • For Pastor Walter’s sermon last Sunday. Thankful for his ABILITY!

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.

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Weekly Prayer – September 20, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of September 20, 2023

Pat Bellingrath

God, we come to you tonight with hearts full of love and gratitude for all the ways you are at work in our lives. This time of year when the leaves are beginning to change and the air becomes crisp and cool, we look for hope and renewal in ourselves. The hot days of summer are over, and we are looking ahead to the joys of Advent. May we be reminded that you are the God of all seasons and allow us to see with fresh eyes, the change and peace that can be found in the beginning of a season.

We find ourselves, oh Lord, in the midst of challenging times in our church and in our world. When we read the newspaper or watch the news, may we embrace our connection to every human being in the world, each of whom bears the image of you, God. We are called, through prayer and action, to participate in the work of healing and caring for each other and all creation.

For those of us who are struggling or feeling disconnected from you, may we know that we are not alone. God, we are searching for something to heal us, something to strengthen us, something to give us peace, something to give us a better life. We search for ways to look better, to live better, ways to sustain our planet, ways to end gun violence. We search for ways to eradicate racism, cures for our diseases, ways to end homelessness, ways to end child hunger. We search (and yearn) for a reality to end our loneliness, to soothe the hurts we feel and for the pain of others to be healed. So, it seems we are all searching for you, God.

May we find you, oh Lord, in this changing of the seasons, in praying for others, in simple moments in our daily lives, in our relationships with one another, in our journeys of forgiveness, in our longing for justice and equity, and in moments of despair and in moments of joy. May we find you in places where we are uncertain or afraid. May we find you in the faces of our neighbors. For how can we deepen our connection with you unless we deepen our connections with one another?

As the leaves change into beautiful and vibrant hues, may we, too, be transformed. May we walk together in love, in hope and in faith. Oh God, who extends to us a kin-dom of justice and peace, healing and wholeness, of unity and equity, may we be the ones to live these here on earth each and every day. Amen.

We pray for …

  • The birth of a grandbaby; and for all the big brothers in the family!
  • A church member who is very ill
  • A woman struggling with schizophrenia
  • A neighbor who is about to be evicted
  • A member’s father who has prostate cancer and for the mother who is feeling overwhelmed about caregiving because of her own health issues. Prayers for the whole family.
  • A wife who is recovering from knee replacement surgery
  • A member who has experienced the death of close friends and family within a span of a few weeks
  • Members traveling out of town for a family funeral
  • All those who struggle with addiction
  • The young woman with schizophrenia who has asked for our prayers
  • A mother whose 53-year-old son died suddenly

We give thanks for …

  • Our SASH committee and all the good work they have done and continue to do (Safety, Accessibility, Security, and Health)
  • A clear PET scan
  • A specialist who is overseeing a difficult medical case

We continue to pray for…

  • Those who are discouraged
  • Members dealing with chronic illness and those who love them.

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.

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Weekly Prayer – September 13, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of September 13, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

We pause O Loving God, to acknowledge that you are our Creator and that you are God of the Universe. 

You know what a leap it is for us, to look up from our routine to acknowledge that there is a WORLD out there beyond our world. Forgive us for being consumed by our routines and our concerns. We focus on ourselves and what is troubling us. We often even forget to pray, wanting to be in control and take care of things ourselves! 

So, here we are, O Lord! We put our hands down, our tasks aside, and our hearts are now open. You know how it takes effort on our part physically to prepare ourselves. Deep breaths, turning the volume off on devices, closing our eyes, emptying our minds of worries. 

There, Lord; now we are ready now to pray!  

And there you are:  you who are always present and who are always ready to listen.  

You already know what is on our hearts, but thank you for giving us space and time to say them aloud. 

We pray for family members and friends who are going through difficult times … 

We pray for work situations that need resolution … 

We pray for those close to us who are facing health crises … 

We pray, we pray, we pray … 

And, there O Lord, we feel that you have embraced us into your world of caring and knowing. We cannot imagine all the others who are praying right now, but yet, you have included us in their voices. We feel a strength from this gift of intercessory prayer. Not just praying FOR one another, but praying with one another. People we do not even know are joining their hearts and voices with ours just now. 

We began with confession of how small our world is, and now you have opened your world to us. You have heard each prayer and embraced each of us. In that expanse of your love, we feel unity with one another and have experienced the magnitude of your grace! 

As we return to the routine of evening — children’s schedules – homework – supper – meetings – practices – settling down and settling in – checking on parents – as we return to our routines, may we feel the assurance that we have stopped to give thanks for your abiding presence. 

We include these requests in our own prayers, knowing that you hear all …. 

We pray for …

  • A friend who had mastectomy last week
  • A daughter who had hysterectomy; prayers for continued healing
  • Those who are waiting to meet with doctors about test results
  • A daughter who is concerned about her mother; prayers that the mom will make good decisions and care about/for herself
  • An aunt grieving her nephew whose funeral was last weekend
  • A man who is addicted to pornography and violence
  • For a six-year old who is preparing for radiation therapy after a mass was removed from her brain
  • A sister-in-law who is now in hospice care and for the woman’s daughter who is the caregiver.
  • A couple going through a divorce; prayers for safety and good health
  • A niece who is concerned about her aunt who is going through divorce; prayers for strength and discernment as she makes decisions ahead; may she know she is deserving of love
  • Public servants and law enforcement;  and those who prey on the vulnerable
  • Parents worried about son’s health; prayers for traveling mercies as they go to check on him
  • A father discerning best path forward for health
  • A healthy pregnancy
  • A friend who is starting physical therapy this week; prayers for relief from back pain
  • Libya and the flooding
  • People in Myanmar
  • Those in the path of storms and those who are recovering; Lord, have mercy!

We give thanks for …

  • Volunteers at church who help with making people feel welcome
  • Clear report from PET scan
  • An understanding spouse
  • For successful eye surgery! Praise God!
  • The birth of a great-grandaughter
  • My nephew coming to visit!

We continue to pray for…

  • Those in military
  • Husbands and wives who are grieving
  • A friend receiving chemotherapy
  • All those in rehab after surgeries
  • Members of our church family who are in cancer treatment
  • Anyone battling addiction! Lord, we pray for release!

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.

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Weekly Prayer – September 6, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of September 6, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

This prayer was adapted from a prayer written by Christine Longhurst whose worship blog is called re:WORSHIP. Christine teaches at Canadian Mennonite University.

O God, just as You rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, setting them free to worship and serve You,

so You have also rescued us, setting us free from slavery to sin and selfishness, and inviting us into relationship with You and one another. We praise You for the love and mercy You have shown toward us.

We pray that the words we speak in worship and the rituals we observe are acted out in our daily living. May we trust you whether we find ourselves in familiar surroundings or heading on an uncertain journey. May we always be certain of your faithfulness towards us.

We pray for those who do not have what they need in order to survive; those without enough food and water, medical care, shelter, or security. Open our hearts to see the needs in our world, and to respond with Your love.

We pray for those who are living with serious illness or injury,

who face each day with uncertainty or pain,

who find themselves wondering what the future holds.

Open our hearts to see the needs of those around us,

and to respond with Your love.

We also pray for Your church, the Body of Christ on earth.

We pray that we would be a living example of Your love in our world, treating one another with compassion and respect, settling differences with love and integrity, bound together by our common allegiance to You.

Open our hearts and lives to your ongoing presence among us,

so that we would grow in faithfulness and love.

May our living always bring honor to Jesus Christ our Savior – it is in his name we pray and offer the prayer he taught us…

We pray for …

  • A mother who is very ill
  • Daughter recovering surgery
  • A woman waiting on results of CT scan
  • A husband having biopsy
  • A father who started a new job this week; prayers he will be on a good path.
  • A member waiting on apartment in assisted living

We continue to pray for ….

  • One who is receiving radiation and chemotherapy for brain cancer
  • One taking chemotherapy for breast cancer
  • A mother looking for work in a new city
  • Those who grieve but also celebrate the love they shared
  • A family member who is in recovery program; prayers for healing from addiction

We offer thanksgiving for …

  • One who received a job!
  • The chance to get away for a while after so many treatments.
  • Newborns who are continuing to do well.

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.

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September Update

Sunday Schedule: 
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM (begins 8.27)

At a glance…

  • Regular NightLife this Sunday!
  • We need more parking help this season. Especially for the 9/30 game – 7:30 kick-off and LOTS of open volunteer slots.
  • SLA final registration is due October 3!

NightLife

NightLife is back in action! We are starting our new study “The Superpowers of Jesus” this week. We will study the miracles of Jesus during his years of public ministry.

Join us from 5:00-7:00 in the Youth Area for a $5 dinner, fellowship, study, and worship.

If you are new to NightLife, we hope you’ll consider taking the NightLife Challenge and commit to being with us 4 weeks in a row to see if it’s a good fit for you. (We think it will be!)

SLA Registration

Fall is nearly here which means one of our favorite weekends of the year is just around the corner! SLA (Spiritual Life Advance) is our annual fall retreat. We spend a weekend away at camp to renew and reset – taking time to worship and study with intention and hope.

SLA Registration is officially open! Check out the info below to learn more and head to the link to sign-up!

When: November 10-12

Where: Camp Bays Mountain

Cost: $115 (early bird), $135 (final)

Earlybird Registration: September 17

Final Registration: October 3

SLA Registration

Football Parking Fundraiser

For each of Tennessee’s home football games, we have the incredible opportunity to park cars on our campus and raise money for our Youth Department and Youth Choir. Each weekend, we tithe (give 10%) of our earnings to a Parking Lot Maintenance Fund, and the remaining is divided evening between the two groups.

It requires a significant amount of volunteer support to make this fundraiser work, and we ask all families to volunteer for at least two shifts during the season. Please use the link below to sign up and learn more.

We need lots more hands to make this season happen. Please check out the sign-up and find two shifts to serve.

Football Volunteer Sign-Ups

Kick-Off Follow Up

On August 20, we celebrated a new year of Youth Ministry altogether in Parish Hall. We shared a meal, worshipped together, and heard about what we have in store for this year.

Below, you’ll find the links to our forms/surveys. Please take some time to fill those out (it won’t take long!) to help us plan for the year ahead.

As always, if you have any questions, reach out to Jenny at @jcross@churchstreetumc.org.

Annual Release Form

Student Survey

Parent Survey

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!

Youth Breakfasts

Youth Dinners

 

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

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Weekly Prayer – August 30, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of August 30, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

I see the moon and the moon sees me. 

God bless the moon and God bless me. 

Tonight is the Super Blue Moon, O God! You have set the cosmos in place and have given human beings the ability to observe, to be in awe, and to put names on the patterns and rhythms of the sky. 

We thank you for astronomers who document movement of the planets and write down calculations; we thank you for engineers and physicists who build telescopes and for astronauts who explore space. So much knowledge is almost too great for us, O God! We think of the psalmist who wrote, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are humans that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” 

No wonder that we resort back to childlike prayers whose words are so simple!  

I see the moon and the moon sees me. 

God bless the moon and God bless me. 

We are in awe of the night sky. O God, who stretched the spangled heavens, we are grateful for twinkling stars and spinning planets; we hold our breath as cloud formations change and as moon and stars hide and then peek out again. What a gift it is to look up into the sky and know that people all around the Earth are also looking upward in admiration of your beauty.  

Help us keep that sacred connection, Lord, when we awake in the morning and no longer look up but look straight ahead. Even though the sun is shining, may it still be our prayer that you are blessing us all – all who share the moon. We all share in your grace and love. 

We are mindful of those who are dear to us who need our prayers. We say things such as, “they have so much on them right now.” We augment our prayer to include your Earth; our planet is under so much stress right now! Fires and hurricanes. Pollution and scorching heat. May we remember that the earth is part of your beloved creation as much as we are. You care for us all. 

I see the moon and the moon sees me; God bless the moon and God bless me. 

We join in prayer for those in our church family who have requested prayer ….. 

We pray for …

  • One who asks for healing from depression and from heart trouble
  • Complete healing from a broken nose; pray daily for my health
  • A family praying for the grace of salvation
  • Soup kitchen guest who is looking for a job caregiving
  • A mother who is very ill
  • Daughter having cervical cancer surgery
  • A woman waiting on a lung biopsy
  • A husband having biopsy
  • Members who are having surgery this week; prayers for full recovery
  • A 92-year old cousin in hospice care now has covid
  • A couple who is separated; may each one find the peace they need
  • Those who were elected for city government
  • All the UT students we see from our church. Dear God let them know we are praying for them!
  • A young mother having cancer surgery and who is not able to work.
  • An aunt as she grieves the unexpected death of her nephew

We continue to pray for ….

  • One who is receiving radiation and chemotherapy for brain cancer
  • One taking chemotherapy for breast cancer
  • Children who are having a difficult time adjusting to school year
  • A mother looking for work in a new city
  • Those who grieve but also celebrate the love they shared
  • Parents from Covenant School in Nashville who shared their trauma this week with others

We offer thanksgiving for …

  • One who received a job!
  • Good report from EKG and check up
  • The love of family and the way they are always there
  • All the visitors who were at church Sunday!

We offer the prayer Jesus 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.

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Weekly Prayer – August 23, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of August 9, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

We turn to you, O God of Wednesday, with our mid-week concerns. We know you are the Lord of all days! There are no mini gods over each day! But there is a particular bent to our posture of prayer at mid-week. We have forgotten the inspiration of Sunday, routine that we thought was so grounding has consumed us, and we feel we might not make it to the respite of the weekend.  

So, Lord of mid-week, thank you for meeting us here. Re-orient us to the hymn* we sang last Sunday, “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run …. To Jesus endless prayer be made, and endless praises crown his head …” 

We have let other powers and concerns reign over us; we have forgotten the power of prayer and praise. Endless … the hymnwriter sings. O God of Wednesday, forgive us for setting you aside last Sunday afternoon. We greet you here, tired and wasting time feeling guilty for not praying earlier. Refresh us with your forgiveness, revive us with your welcoming spirit, and assure us you hear our prayers – the sporadic ones if not the endless ones.  

May our prayers be energized knowing that they are a form of praise as well. We pray to the one who we believe has power and love enough to change us, to heal others, and to transform the world. We do offer praise. O God, help us to live into that praise. Help us to praise you with our actions as well as our lips. 

Re-orient us towards the psalm we offered last Sunday …. O God, be gracious to us and bless us and make your face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations. May we live in a way that reflects your light shining on us. It is tempting to absorb it all and not share outwardly. Help us work with that balance, O God, so our footsteps and handiwork reflect your love in us.  

There is much tragedy in our community and world. Many are grieving the loss of a young man who offered so much hope and encouragement to others. The numbers of deceased are rising in Maui and we hear of migrant deaths at sea. May our responses to tragedy always be grounded in your love for the whole world. As we pay attention to our own hurt, may we also look around to see how we may offer empathy. Lord, we give thanks that you are with us and shine a light out of the darkness. 

There is also much joy! Forgive us when we fail to praise you for the joy! Let every creature rise and bring honors peculiar to our King! We thank you for the opportunity to offer prayers of intercession, but may they be made in a thankful response to your life and love. We hurt so badly when someone we love hurts. May the hurt turn us even nearer to you and bring us a sense of peace. Not numbness. Not apathy. But a deep peace that brings a stillness – even when we ask why, even we cry ourselves to sleep, even when there seem to be no answers. We are grateful for that inner stillness that recalibrates our spirits to you. 

Thank you for hearing our prayer on this Wednesday, O God of all days. Thank you for understanding our rhythms and our ups and downs of attentiveness. As we look towards Thursday, we know that you go with us, and whatever tomorrow brings, we will have you by our side. 

We pray for … 

  • The family of the young man killed on Kingston Pike while walking on the sidewalk
  • The UT community as they grieve for alongside the Kredich family
  • A husband who is now separated from wife; prayers for wife in a verbally abusive relationship; husband needs much help in terms of basic needs; pray that he lets Jesus into his heart and life
  • The family of the man who was driving the car that hit that young man. Drug addiction is so painful for all who are connected to the person.
  • All those who are grieving in our church family – a niece remembering a beloved family member, a sister grieving the loss of brother, a wife dealing with devastation of tragic accident, a nephew traveling to gather with family.
  • All those in our church family who are recovering from surgeries – one in rehab after hip surgery, one who has had heart valve replaced, those who are dealing with melanoma and basal cell carcinomas
  • Students returning to UT, Pellissippi, LMU, and Roane State – and the kindergarteners in their first full week!
  • A sister and brother-in-law. Pray for sister as she is caregiver for husband who has Lewy Body Dementia Dementia and is paralyzed from mid chest down from an accident he had when he was twenty one. He is very depressed and they both are having a difficult time with his disease.
  • A cousin that was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has been put in a facility. Pray for her brother that has colon cancer and being treated.
  • For a friend whose husband has throat cancer and starts treatment soon.
  • For a friend’s sister that had a stroke a few years ago and fell recently and broke her hip and has afib.
  • For the people in Hawaii.
  • Pray that God will keep my family and me safe as we deal with some cattle issues and in dealing with my brothers who have health issues.
  • For intercession for the protection, deliverance, sanctification, and destruction of destructive forces operating against myself and my family.
  • For a daughter who is having biopsy of growth on thyroid
  • For members of the Beacon of Hope food co-op
  • For daughter going through health issues
  • For family grieving loss of mother and grandmother
  • For my struggles breathing
  • For safety in school this year

We give thanks for ….

  • The life of a 98-year old Servant of Christ who died in Kentucky this week; wonderful childhood memories from home church!
  • Being able to be home after an illness in another country
  • Being home after hospitalization for pneumonia
  • Friends who help in difficult times
  • That my daughter is cancer-free!
  • The ten years of ministry at Beacon of Hope; prayers for church as they continue to reach out

We offer the prayer Jesus 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.

*Note – Last Sunday’s opening hymn was Jesus Shall Reign UMH 157 written by Isaac Watts and inspired by Psalm 72. The Psalm last Sunday was Psalm 67; the sung refrain was Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! 

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August Update

Sunday Schedule: 
Worship – 8:30AM & 11:00AM
Sunday school – 9:45-10:45AM
NightLife – 5:00-7:00PM (begins 8.27)

At a glance…

  • No NightLife this week.
  • We need LOTS more help for the first home game on September 9.
  • Don’t forget to complete our surveys & Annual Release Form!
  • Parents – we’d love your help with our meals on Sundays!

NightLife

NightLife this past week was good for the soul. Spending time around the table, worshiping together, and having small group discussions was a joy.  We meet from 5:00-7:00 in the Youth Area and have a $5 dinner each week.

If you are new to NightLife, we hope you’ll consider taking the NightLife Challenge and commit to being with us 4 weeks in a row to see if it’s a good fit for you. (We think it will be!).

Please note: there will not be NightLife on Sunday, September 3 due to Labor Day Weekend. We’ll be back on September, 10!

Kick-Off Follow Up

This past Sunday night, we celebrated a new year of Youth Ministry altogether in Parish Hall. We shared a meal, worshipped together, and heard about what we have in store for this year.

Below, you’ll find the links to our forms/surveys. Please take some time to fill those out (it won’t take long!) to help us plan for the year ahead.

As always, if you have any questions, reach out to Jenny at @jcross@churchstreetumc.org.

Annual Release Form

Student Survey

Parent Survey

Football Parking Fundraiser

For each of Tennessee’s home football games, we have the incredible opportunity to park cars on our campus and raise money for our Youth Department and Youth Choir. Each weekend, we tithe (give 10%) of our earnings to a Parking Lot Maintenance Fund, and the remaining is divided evening between the two groups.

It requires a significant amount of volunteer support to make this fundraiser work, and we ask all families to volunteer for at least two shifts during the season. Please use the link below to sign up and learn more.

We need lots more hands for the first game on September 9!! Please consider volunteering. Shifts will be 8:45-1:15 and 12:45-5:15!

Football Volunteer Sign-Ups

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!

Youth Breakfasts

Youth Dinners

 

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

Jenny Cross, Youth Director
jcross@churchstreetumc.org

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