Weekly Prayer – November 20, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 20, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

We give you thanks, O God! 

Many are “practicing gratitude” this month as preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Gracious God who has given life to us, we are sorry that we must remember to give thanks and ‘practice’ saying thank you! 

O God who gave us the ability to experience so many things, may it be our habit to say and “thanks be to God,” first before we utter any other words. May our spiritual discipline be to say “thank you,” so regularly that we do not have to be reminded to practice it. 

So, we begin this evening, with “Thank you!” 

Thank you for the beautiful sunrise this morning! 

Thank you for a job to drive to or volunteer activities to do or tasks at home that give us meaning! 

Thank you for the freedom we have to worship you! 

Thank you for family members – all of them! The ones who are near and dear, the ones who cause us a little grief, the ones who have hurt us, and the ones who show love beyond all measure! Thank you for putting us into a community of family and knowing we have roots. Thank you for the ability to look objectively at our past and learn how we want to be now and in the future. 

Thank you for friends and special relationships! We thank you for those people who are special in our lives; those who accept us as we are and encourage us no matter what. Thank you for strangers we have encountered today who brought a smile to our spirit. Thank you for surprises along the way … a scampering chipmunk, a toddler who waved at us while in line at the store, and the bonus French fry in the bottom of the fast-food bag.  

Thank you for the gift of prayer! We thank you for the gift of sharing our deepest hurts, our fears, and our regrets to you. Thank you that in sharing with you, our spirits are nurtured and healed.  

Thank you for hearing the prayers we offer on behalf of others ….  

We share these concerns and thanksgivings from our church family….. 

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • Colleagues who are collaborative
  • A wonderful SLA retreat for our youth. Prayers of thanksgiving for Pastor Tim and interns for planning such a great weekend!
  • A promotion at work

We pray for….

  • Our young adults and college students who are under so many pressures
  • Young people struggling with anxiety and depression
  • One who is grieving after the death of her pet; prayers for comfort as she misses her companion
  • A church member who has had a stroke; prayers for family as they make decisions
  • A member who is preparing for radiation treatments and meeting with oncologist
  • One who has been in hospital with heart issues; prayers as doctors discern best medications and next steps
  • A member whose husband is in hospice care
  • Those whose parents are in hospice care
  • A member as he adjusts to a new living arrangement
  • A member waiting on results from PET scan
  • Friends and family members who are going through a difficult time
  • A member who will have open heart surgery early in December; prayers for peace as she waits
  • A wife, mom, grandmother who has been hospitalized for over a month; prayers she can be released soon and begin cancer treatment
  • The homeless in our community; especially those who were housed at Magnolia UMC and Vestal UMC
  • Families who will be receiving Thanksgiving baskets this Sunday!

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 – November 13, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 13, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

Praise and thanks to you, God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise and thanks to you for being the source of all our gifts. Praise and thanks to you for your Holy Spirit and for Jesus, whose power uplifts. Alleluia! 

With the coolness of mid-November, we’re now getting used to the shorter days and longer nights. We anticipate (some eagerly, some apprehensively) the arrival of Thanksgiving and Advent and Christmas. These days have quickly have moved to the forefront of our minds. Help us know your presence through the season’s traditions, hopes and opportunities of meaningful connections with one another.  

Through this collective prayer of our church community, Gracious Lord, we ask for your strength and comforting presence for those who grieve, those who hurt physically or emotionally due to illness or injury, who despair, who have relationships being torn apart, who face financial adversity, who don’t have adequate food or needed medical care, who are vulnerable, who suffer from injustice, who are oppressed. We especially pray for your sacred breakthrough love for all those who have chosen to separate themselves from you, God, our creator and sustainer. 

We continue prayers for our nation, state, county, city and neighborhoods. Even though the results of our elections were posted over a week ago, social edginess still lingers. Free us from succumbing to notions that a person’s identity is tied to some sort of political ideology. Instead, help us strive for identities that center on our relationship with you and loving one another. Gracious Lord, through your spirit of love and universal goodness, bind us together in holy wholeness. Make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.    

Your church, including Church Street United Methodist particularly, has such a vital role to fulfill in care and support for people in need. Thank you for Church Street’s leadership that is already doing this in so many ways. Renew our energy and passion to keep carrying out these meaningful ministries, and to inspire fresh ideas and efforts. 

And now, God of Peace, hear these needs and prayers of others in our congregation. Embrace all represented here with your loving presence and comfort… 

We pray for….

  • Safe travels for those on international trip
  • A sister who has seizure disorder; prayers for continued improvement
  • A member who is having testing at Thompson Cancer Center
  • One who is hurting emotionally
  • A member who has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer
  • Healing of a member who has a GI bleed
  • One who has moved to assisted living
  • A member recovering from a stroke
  • Friends and family members who are going through a difficult time

We continue to pray for….

  • A family who experienced the suicide of a 15-year old; prayers especially for his younger sister.
  • A member who is facing open heart surgery; prayers for strength, peace, and healing
  • A member who is in rehab; prayers for strength as she prepares for cancer treatment

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • A successful knee surgery
  • A member who has returned home after a lengthy hospital stay; continued prayers for healing
  • A promotion at work

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.

Have a Prayer Request?

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Weekly Prayer – November 6, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 6, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best & Rev. Catherine Nance

God of mercy and peace, 

We went to bed last night with the relief that regardless of outcome, “this election will be over.” Some awoke to joyful news; others are shaken and despairing. There are those who feel that there are no ‘winners.’ We have been exhausted these last weeks by political rhetoric and accusations and ads with scary music in the background. We wanted this to be over, so we can move on. 

But we feel stuck, O God; unable to ‘move on’ because there has been a lot of hurtful conversations. So, our prayer is that we will move on in your grace and love and wisdom. As we come together in the aftermath of division, we pray for unity, not based on agreement, but on your love and understanding. Teach us to see one another through your eyes—eyes full of compassion, patience, and hope. Help us to remember that we are brothers and sisters, and that even in our differences, we are united in you. We place our fears and our hopes in your hands. We surrender our anxieties, our desires, and our doubts to your infinite wisdom and love. 

We pray for President Biden and Vice-President Harris as they finish their term. We continue to pray for peace in our world. May their leadership be a reminder to world leaders that our values reflect respect for all people. 

We pray for President-Elect Trump and Senator Vance as they prepare to lead. Give them good health and bestow your wisdom on them. May they be guided by what you desire – to love mercy, show kindness, and to walk humbly with you. May their leadership be a time of healing. 

Lord, fill this church with your presence. Let Church Street UMC be a place where love is tangible and where your light shines brightly, calling others to experience the hope that only you can give. Strengthen our resolve to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a world too often marked by conflict and division. 

We lift our prayers to you, knowing that you are present with us in every circumstance, every season, and every struggle. We ask that you breathe your comfort into those who are hurting, providing not only physical healing but also emotional and spiritual renewal. For those who suffer in silence, who carry burdens no one can see, wrap them in your grace and let them know they are never alone. 

We pray for….

  • A young mother whose pregnancy ended at 36 weeks; prayers for peace and healing
  • A sister who is suffering with a seizure disorder; prayer for her neurologist
  • A family who experienced the suicide of a 15-year old; prayers especially for his younger sister.
  • Those who grieve after the death of a good friend; especially her daughter and granddaughters
  • A member who is facing open heart surgery; prayers for strength, peace, and healing
  • Those who are feeling afraid

We continue to pray for….

  • A member who had surgery (thoracotomy) early this morning; will be in hospital for several days.
  • A member who is recovering from surgery to remove brain tumor; prayers for her as next steps are determined.
  • A dear friend who has glioblastoma and is choosing to fight this cancer; prayers for strength and encouragement
  • Members who are in rehab; praying for strength and healing so they can return home.
  • One whose sister is now in hospice care; prayers for peace for her and her family.
  • A member whose mother is in hospice care.
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 
  • Healing of anxiety.
  • Adult children who are facing hearings; for parents who are navigating legal issues.
  • Our country; prayers that we will be kind to one another

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for…

  • Trusting Jesus is a healing savior
  • Many blessings; small surprises throughout the day.
  • Family
  • Friends who understand
  • Family members who arrived safely home after international travel

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 30, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 30, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

We come to the end of the month, O God who is timeless, and find ourselves hesitant as we prepare to turn the page over to November on Friday. 

We wanted to rush through the days to get past news coverage of Helene, but allow us time to linger and see the beauty of our mountains and the colors of the leaves. We thank you for this part of the country and our willingness to help one another muck out, clean up, and rebuild. We love our creeks and rivers and trees. Forgive us for filling the air with such pollution and heat. We know that we as a nation can and must do better. 

We wanted to rush through these last days of October to get to the election finally. It seems campaigns have lasted for years! But now, O God, we are fearful of the day after the election. Where will all the negative energy and the hateful speech go? May each of us practice extra kindness, more humility, responsible citizenship in these last days before the election so that we can carry on in positive ways afterwards. You are our guide, O Lord. We live in your kingdom. May our actions and words reflect that.  

Many of us will rush this Wednesday night or tomorrow morning to purchase candy for trick-or-treaters! What joy to welcome strangers and give away treats! We tell monsters and princesses alike that they are welcome on our porch! And yet, we are quick to demonize adults we see each day who speak with a different dialect or look a little different. We question their legitimacy and do not say, “Welcome!” Whether they are wearing a doctor’s coat or crop picking garb, we wonder about ‘how they got here’ and ‘where they are from.’ Forgive our suspicions and prejudice. May we hear Jesus’ words to the welcome the stranger … even those who are not precious in our sight. 

At the end of this month, O God, we mark our calendars to remind us to ‘change the clocks.’ Is it back an hour or up an hour? We curse those who came up with such an idea and we curse the clock on the microwave. Does it set itself like the clock on the phone? What about the car? Dear God, make us mindful that you are the one who makes our time meaningful. Forgive us when we curse it, dread it, wish for more, or try to control it. May the time you have given us be time that we know you are our God. 

We spend time at the end of this day, O God, remembering loved ones who are hurting, people we love who are facing long illnesses and treatments, friends who are looking into an uncertain future. We thank you for the gift of prayer; thankful we can tell you anything, share our innermost angst and hopes. Thank you for listening to us. May we tune our ears to hear you, O God. May we hear your voice, may we hear your breath, as we pause in silence. And just take time … time to listen. 

We pray….

  • For a member who had surgery (thoracotomy) early this morning; will be in hospital for several days.
  • For a member who is recovering from surgery to remove brain tumor; prayers for her as next steps are determined.
  • For a dear friend who has glioblastoma and is choosing to fight this cancer; prayers for strength and encouragement
  • For members who are in rehab; praying for strength and healing so they can return home.
  • For one whose sister is now in hospice care; prayers for peace for her and her family.
  • For peace of mind and good health for a follow-up mammogram; may God’s healing touch bring assurance.
  • For a friend who is suffering from depression and feels that he is all alone; prayers for those who are trying to be there for him.
  • For children who are struggling with anxiety. Elementary and preschool children who are already feeling pressures of school and what is expected. Prayers for parents as they discern how best to support.
  • For a sister who has health issues and a sister who is caregiver.
  • For adult children who are facing hearings; for parents who are navigating legal issues.
  • For our country; prayers that we will be kind to one another

We continue to pray for….

  • A brother-in-law and sister-in-law whose 35-year old daughter died in her sleep leaving two children. Pray that they may find comfort. They do not attend church and need the spiritual support that offers.
  • A son who is dealing with depression and struggles with those in authority. May his counselor provide help. A mother prayers for salvation for her son and that he can return home soon.
  • Those cleaning out from Helene; for all who are working to restore and rebuild.
  • Those without homes.
  • A member whose mother is in hospice care.
  • All of the men and women in the military.
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia.
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 
  • Healing of anxiety.
  • All those running for office; keep them safe; our country – that we would learn to live together.

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 23, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 23, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

Almighty God, king of the universe, 

Comfort us with the assurance that you rule over all things. Your rule is like the tender care of a gardener, protecting, nurturing, and sustaining all in your care. When we are frightened by all those things that threaten our flourishing and tear at our joy, give us the assurance of your mercy and protection. Cultivate in each of us merciful hearts, quick to seek forgiveness and slow to act with anger and hate. As we come to the end of this day, help us to lay aside all the stresses and strivings we have encountered today. Receive into your care all our anxieties and failings. Where we have failed to honor your direction and leading today and throughout the week, forgive us and strengthen us to be faithful tomorrow.  

As disciples of Jesus we pray for our leaders, and the leaders of all the nations. We pray for those in any position of power. May you guide them in their decisions and direct them towards your peace. Help us to place our hope for the future and the fullness of our trust in you and in your promised kingdom. As our nation prepares for an election, help your church to be a living witness to your presence and love in the world. May we work with one another to serve your kingdom.  

Gracious God, we continue to lift the needs of our neighbors who suffer from the effects of Hurricane Helene to your merciful care. Sustain and encourage all those who are working to clean up and restore services throughout East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. As the news cycle moves on, help us to be mindful, through our prayers, but also our presence, of the ongoing needs of our neighbors. As in Jesus we Christ we come to know that you, O God, are with us, help us to be with those in need.  

Unburden our hearts of all that has weighed upon us today. See the concerns and sufferings that we have experienced ourselves and those of our loved ones and friends. Make your presence known to the lonely, care for those who are sick, and sustain those who suffer. Comfort those who grieve and assure us all of the hope of the resurrection and your full and final victory over the forces of sin and death. May the example of those who have come before us in the faith embolden and encourage our hearts. As you heard their prayers across the generations and in all places, see the needs of our Church Street family that we share with you now:  

We pray…. 

  • For a premature baby; prayers of thanksgiving for good health and strength
  • For one who has been diagnosed with brain tumor
  • For members who are in rehab working on physical strength and independence
  • For family members who are making decisions on behalf of aging parents
  • For salvation for family members; for them to know themselves as beloved children of God
  • For children who are being adopted and for parents seeking adoption
  • For a friend who has a newly diagnosed mass on kidney and nodule on adrenal gland; she has a 14-year old grandson she is raising who has Autism.
  • For a brother-in-law and sister-in-law whose 35-year old daughter died in her sleep leaving two children. Pray that they may find comfort. They do not attend church and need the spiritual support that offers
  • Prayers for a son who is dealing with depression and struggles with those in authority. May his counselor provide help
  • For peace of mind and good health for a follow-up mammogram; may God’s healing touch bring assurance
  • For a friend who is suffering from depression and feels that he is all alone; prayers for those who are trying to be there for him

We continue to pray for….

  • For those cleaning out from Helene and Milton; for all who are working to restore and rebuild
  • For those without homes
  • A member whose mother is in hospice care
  • All of the men and women in the military….
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 
  • Healing of anxiety
  • All those running for office; keep them safe; our country – that we would learn to live together

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for….

  • Family reunions
  • The opportunity to travel with spouse
  • New job opportunities
  • Our ministers

It is in obedience to your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that we pour our hearts before you and join in that prayer he taught us, praying,  

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.

Have a Prayer Request?

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The Soup Kitchen Turns 40!

By: Dan Kelley

In a sermon in the summer of 1984, Dr Tombs Kay suggested that what was needed at Church Street was a Soup Kitchen. Around the same time four other downtown churches started Soup Kitchens. Each of them took a weekday to serve lunch. Our day was Thursday.

On September 27, 1984, Church Street opened its doors to the less fortunate to answer this righteous request to “feed my sheep”. We only served five people, but it was a start. Over the years other churches dropped out for various reasons, but we continued.

We have been interrupted by renovations to the kitchen and the Parish Hall, and by Covid. We adjusted and found new ways to continue this mission.

What I love about Soup Kitchen is the loving can-do spirit of our volunteers and the examples of Grace that God shows to us as we try to fix a hot meal for our guests. Soup Kitchen is not a budgeted item, so we have to depend on the generosity of our congregation. They have never let us down! The money needed has always been found by the Grace of God.

It takes about 20 volunteers each week to cook and serve the meal, but it takes many more to prepare. It takes people to inventory and order food and supplies from Sysco. It takes people to order and pickup meat from United Grocery Outlet. It takes people to order and pickup produce from Farm Fresh. It takes people to come in on Wednesday and make tea and prep the drink table. It takes people to prep the serving line. It takes a lady that cannot come to Soup Kitchen but makes beautiful cakes at home. It takes people to coordinate volunteers. It takes a village of people behind the scenes to be ready for Thursday. And if one person has a schedule conflict or doctor’s appointment someone always steps up to fill the spot.

We have had times where equipment fails, ice and snow hits, people get sick, or more guests than we expected show up. We are afraid we will not have enough people or enough food when a “fishes and loaves” miracle happens. Extra people show up and bring their family or someone stops by with extra food leftover from a church dinner. We have come to expect Grace to happen.

The early motto of the Salvation Army was “Soup, Soap, and Salvation”.  The Soup Kitchen provides the soup, the Sharing Shop provides the soap, and though the loving kindness of our Church Street volunteers God provides the salvation.

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Weekly Prayer – October 16, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 16, 2024

Written by Rev. Catherine Nance

Dear Friends, since Early Voting began today and many of us take advantage of that, I am offering this guided prayer from a UM clergy in Ohio, Rev. Todd Richards, of Scioto Ridge UMC in Hilliard, Ohio. 

He offers this guided meditation for “before you vote on November 5,” but let’s pray this together now. United Methodists have a strong tradition of being active participants in our democracy and in our voting.  

Blessings to you, 

Pastor Catherine 

 Let us join other United Methodists … 

From now until you cast your ballot, we want to invite you to spend some time each day to pray. 

Begin by taking a moment to quiet your heart, mind, and body before the Lord. Take a few deep deep breaths in and out. When you are ready, read The Beatitudes from Matthew 5, pausing after each verse ….   

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
  • Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 
  • Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 
  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 
  • Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 
  • Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 
  • Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
  • Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

When you finish, take a moment to be still and present with the Lord. Sit with the Beatitudes. See God planting each blessing in your heart. Invite God to open your eyes and ears to see and hear how God might help you enter into each of the blessings today. 

Next, pray the St. Francis Prayer for Peace. Read the prayer slowly taking time to pause between each line. This is a prayer of action. We are asking God to do something in us so that we can be instruments of God’s peace in the world. As you pray each line, think of how you might be that instrument, both as you cast your ballot, and as you live throughout the day. 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: 

where there is hatred, let me sow love; 

where there is injury, pardon; 

where there is doubt, faith; 

where there is despair, hope; 

where there is darkness, light; 

where there is sadness, joy. 

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek 

to be consoled as to console, 

to be understood as to understand, 

to be loved as to love. 

For it is in giving that we receive, 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

As you close, invite God’s peace to come upon families, neighbors, and the country as a whole. Pray for Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Tim Walz by name, asking God to keep them safe and for God’s grace to be present with them all. Pray for the other races and issues, national and local, asking God’s love to be palpably present. Finally, ask how we as a congregation might be citizens of God’s Kingdom in this world in the days, weeks, and months to follow. 

Before we read over the concerns offered by our church family, let us join together in praying the prayer that 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.

We pray for…. 

  • A newborn who arrived ten weeks early and is in NICU; prayers for him and his new parents
  • A member who has been hospitalized and will be going to rehab
  • A young church member who has been hospitalized and is now back at home; prayers for continued strength as he heads back to school and routine
  • One who had major back surgery and is still recuperating and healing

We continue to pray for….

  • A daughter who is pregnant; ultrasound shows developmental abnormalities
  • Those cleaning out from Helene and Milton; for all who are working to restore utilities
  • Those without homes
  • A member whose mother is in hospice care
  • All of the men and women in the military….
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments. 

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for….

  • A granddaughter was born this morning! Prayers of thanksgiving that mama and baby are doing well!
  • A meaningful time with small group this week
  • Cooler temps

Have a Prayer Request?

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Weekly Prayer – October 9, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 9, 2024

Written by Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, thank you for these moments to pray and to seek your guidance and your help, especially with circumstances beyond our control. Instill your Holy Spirit’s divine presence in our minds, thoughts and actions. 

Thank you also for the grace-filled church community of Church Street United Methodist. Each of us comes to this church for different reasons. Whatever each person seeks and how the rest of us respond, we pray that every encounter and every interpersonal relationship is a reflection of your love and an extension of your holy kingdom. 

A few days ago, we were reminded of the horrible human-triggered tragedies inflicted one year ago in the Holy Land, plus the suffering and conflict that have since followed. We continue to lament that this land’s sacred grounds aren’t spaces of peace, rather fear and anxiety and warfare.  

And now our neighbors who live in states south of us are bracing against another destructive, life-shattering hurricane. They haven’t even had time to recover from the one just a couple of weeks ago.  

Our hearts ache. Our minds try to make sense of all this. Our souls yearn for a better existence. Yet solutions seem fleeting. What can we do, Lord? As individuals, we feel helpless. However, within in our own personal spheres of daily living, maybe the least we can do is to aspire to live out Saint Francis’ prayer: 

“Make me an instrument of your peace…Where there is hatred, let me bring love…Where there is despair, let me bring hope…Where there is darkness, let me bring your light…Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.”   

Those are things we can do. 

God of wisdom, ours is a noisy society, bombarded by messages and information. Most of these we don’t even seek or care to know. Yet we constantly find ourselves subjected to others who attempt to persuade and influence us to do things, to buy things, to shape our opinions, to define our aspired status, to “not miss out,” to hurry, to serve our own self-interests by yielding to the interests of the message senders. Amid this 21st century Babel, Lord, tune us to hear and find solace in your still, quiet voice. We know yours to be a voice of comfort, calm, inspiration and hope. You are our souls’ source of true wisdom, and may that wisdom generate senses of self-assurance and your peace. 

Free us from selfishness. Free us from apathy. Inspire us to serve one another. Strengthen us for grateful and joyful obedience to your way of love.  

With hopeful anticipation of your evolving creation, we ask, “What’s next, God?” Whether we lead or follow, equip and strengthen us to be ready to respond when we recognize your call. 

And now, God of Peace, hear these needs and prayers of others in our congregation. Embrace all represented here with your loving presence and comfort… 

We pray….

  • For daughter who is pregnant; ultrasound shows developmental abnormalities
  • For those cleaning out from Helene; for all who are working to restore utilities
  • For those without homes
  • For those who are in Hurricane Milton’s path
  • For so many family members and friends of our church family who reside in the Tampa area and along the coast and inland.
  • For a member having a medical procedure this morning under general anesthesia
  • For members who are in hospital; for strength
  • All of the requests for family members and friends in Asheville area and east TN; may they feel the comfort of our prayers.
  • For one who is praying for bitterness in her heart to be taken away
  • For a member who is in rehab hospital

We continue to pray for….

  • A member whose mother is in hospice care
    For so many who are having respiratory issues, covid, pneumonia, etc.
    For a husband and children grieving the sudden death of their wife/mother
    All of the men and women in the military….
    Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …
    Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for….

  • For the birth of a new grandchild! For Children who live back in Knoxville!
  • For all the stories of compassion and connection we are hearing about after Helene; in midst of disaster, people share God’s love!

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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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Hurricane Helene Flood Relief – How You Can Help!

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As flood waters continue to impact East Tennessee, the Carolinas, Florida, and Georgia, our neighbors need our help as they assess damage, navigate power and water outages, and rebuild. If you’re looking for ways to support the flood relief efforts, here are a couple of ways to give your resources and time!

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

Church Street United Methodist Church, and all our neighbors, have been invited to help organize and inventory supplies, accept donations, and hand out water at Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN. A sign-up sheet has been put together to help plan. On some days as many as 50 people are needed, and on some days there are carpool options available. Read the volunteer details on the sign-up form to confirm. Follow the link below to sign up.

Greeneville, TN Volunteer Sign Up – Google Sheets

DONATE ITEMS
United Methodist churches across our area are teaming with Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville, TN to provide needed flood relief items that they will distribute.

Requested items are:

  • Cleaning Supplies: Sponges, spray disinfectant, dish soap, laundry detergent, Clorox wipes, trash bags
  • Hygiene Items: dry shampoo, deodorant, adult briefs (small & medium)
  • Paper Goods: paper plates, Kleenex, Ziplock bags, plastic cups, paper towels, toilet paper
  • Food Items: canned food items, baby formula, dry pet food (cat and dog)
  • First Aid Items: alcohol, peroxide, band-aids
  • Flood Clean up: Flat nose shovels, work gloves, mud boots, vinegar, borax
  • Batteries: all sizes

These items can be collected at Church Street UMC, or at Concord UMC. Please be aware that there are other organizations collecting. If there is a drop off closer to you, that is fine. If you have any questions, contact the Concord UMC church office at 865-524-3048.

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Weekly Prayer – October 2, 2024

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of October 2, 2024

Written by Rev. Tim Best

This prayer was offered in worship on Sunday, September 29. 

We open our hearts in praise and prayer to you, God of heaven and earth.

You hear our prayers and tend to our needs. Hear us as we pray for our community and our neighbors. Over the last several days we have seen communities we know covered in the national news. Loved ones have been left without power. Roads and bridges have washed away while homes and businesses have flooded. We ask that you would guide us to support and care for our neighbors as they seek to rebuild and recover.

Hear us as we pray for those whose suffering has deepened over the last few days. We pray for those who were hospitalized and needing care, only to find themselves in danger in a hospital. We pray for those who have been lonely or afraid because they have been stuck by themselves, unable to call or travel. Make us mindful of all the ways that suffering is magnified in the midst of tragedy.

Watch over those who serve and lead. We pray for all who are working to restore power, those who are helping to keep others safe, and those already preparing to help people recover. We pray for all of our leaders. Help those who lead in all things and at all times. Guide them not just in emergencies, but in the before and the after.

See the needs of our world, gracious God. We are aware of the violence and warfare that continues in so many places. Make us be a people committed to your peace. Transform the hearts of those bent on violence, and remove from our hearts the bent towards anger and hatred. Even as we are so acutely aware of the suffering within our own community, help us to see the needs of all people, and give us courage to speak and act.

Almighty and everlasting God, hear us as we lift these concerns to you. See also our inner thoughts and feelings. See all those things that weigh upon our hearts, and see also our joys.

We pray….

  • All government officials and presidential candidates; may they stay focused on their responsibilities
  • “Third-world” countries, who are struggling with poverty and health; praying for the US to not lose our vision to care for them even when other world issues take precedence.
  • A member in hospital; prayers that antibiotics will do the work needed for his body to heal!

We continue to pray for….

  • For infants and children at ETCH …
  • For one who is experiencing depression
  • For a member who is now in hospice care
  • For a sister in Virginia who is recovering from ankle surgery but fighting infection. Thankful she seems to be responding well to the second round of antibiotics.
  • For a daughter who is very sick with Covid and pneumonia
  • For so many who are having respiratory issues, covid, pneumonia, etc.
  • For a husband and children grieving the sudden death of their wife/mother
  • Neighbors who are having legal trouble with housing
  • Couples who are wanting to start a family ..
  • All of the men and women in the military….
  • Those who are caring for family members who have dementia …
  • Members who have cancer and are going through the ups and downs of treatments.

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for….

  • For all the stories of compassion coming from the Helene! In midst of disaster, people share God’s love!

We join all our voices together in prayer as we offer together that prayer that our Lord, Jesus Christ, has taught us, 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.

Have a Prayer Request?

Submit your prayer request confidentially by clicking here.

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