The Loss of Innocents

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Wednesday, December 20

By Pat Freeland, Chair of Church Council

The Loss of Innocents

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Christmas is supposed to be happy. Most of us carry a picture of how life should go. The assumptions about life held by children and parents of Nashville’s Covenant School were shattered last March. After terror hit that Nashville school, I was reminded of a column Ross Douthat published in the New York Times after the 2012 massacre of 20 children in Sandy Hook elementary school. The slaughter of children may make Ivan Karamazovs out of even the most devout, Douthat writes in an article called “The Loss of the Innocents.” In Dostoyevsky’s novel, Ivan is the Karamazov brother who raged about the terrible things people do to children – the innocents. Ivan questions why a loving God would allow such horrors.

Dostoyevsky didn’t try to answer the question of why God allows such terrible cruelty. Instead, he created characters in the Brothers Karamazov who demonstrated how actions of Christian love transcend suffering. The novelist, Douthat writes, was providing a true reflection of the New Testament, which portrays God’s goodness through a narrative rather than an argument. Jesus reveals to us his solidarity with us rather than a philosophical explanation of his care.

We want the sweet baby Jesus, stars, and angels. But the Bible tells us that suffering was present back then also. King Herod had innocent babies in Bethlehem slaughtered; an adult Jesus will face the cross. What can we offer those who are not experiencing the sentimental Hallmark version of Christmas? The hope that comes from Christ. 

Prayer  

We pray to create the Christian community that will bring compassion to those who suffer and wisdom and resolve to prevent the needless loss of precious life. Amen

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The Mystery of Incarnation

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Tuesday, December 19

By Suzanne Matheny

The Mystery of Incarnation

Read: Luke 9:46-48

An argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest. (Luke 9:46-48)

The disciples were in a power struggle, not unlike what we observe in society today or in ourselves. From earliest days, this “lust for power has entrapped and corrupted the human spirit” (Henri J.M. Nouwen*). Often God intervened omnipotently, but eventually made a covenant, giving more responsibility to humans. Ultimately, God would offer healing through baby Jesus who later taught that in welcoming himself, we welcomed the One who sent him. But why through a weak, sweet, adorable and powerless baby did God choose to come? 

Nouwen suggested the mystery of the incarnation is that God became so powerless to be dependent on humans to welcome, feed and nurture him, and to proclaim the Good News – thus, ironically through powerlessness disrupting the walls of power and desires to be always first or in control. When our quest for power and superiority causes our lives (socially, politically or religiously) to become divisive and diabolic, surely God must still weep.

Prayer  

Omnipotent God, You came in powerlessness with powerful news of healing. We, too, live in troubling and divisive times when it seems the lust for power is evident all around and in us. We and this world need your healing and hope. May we in this Advent season, welcome again this sweet, adorable baby, and may we humbly and joyfully receive and proclaim Your Good News of love and redemption. Amen. 

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*J.M. Nouwen. Power, Powerlessness, and Power. Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life.  (Nashville: The Upper Room, January/February, 1995), pg.34-44.

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Finding Joy in the Morning

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Monday, December 18

By Laine Thomas

Finding Joy in the Morning

Read: Psalm 30:5

…Weeping may stay for the night,

    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

It’s been a tough year in my family. Last July, we said goodbye to my amazing grandmother. At the end of June this year, we said our goodbyes to my Pop, one of the greatest men I have ever known. It’s been incredibly tough. Coming into this Advent season, there have been many days that it has been hard to picture what Christmas will look like without my grandparents. Many reading may feel this with your own losses throughout the past year.  

Yet, through all these moments, this season brings a promise of joy to my family. While some of my hardest moments were saying goodbye to people I love, I have also had the profound joy of welcoming two nieces into my family in this same tough year. They are these precious lights that constantly remind me that even when days are hard, joy is still present. I picture the joy candle in the Advent wreath. It’s the different candle of the four, a beautiful pink surrounded by the deep purples representing hope, peace, and love. It is a bright reminder that even when life is hard – when life brings us to the very edge – when you are surrounded by hope, love, and peace, joy will stand out and guide you through it.  

My family’s Christmas will be different this year. My Pop won’t be ringing the doorbell 10 times at 7 am to make sure my brother and I are awake. But, joyfully, and with all the wonderful memories of my grandparents, I will be ringing the doorbell at my brother’s house to make sure his girls are awake and ready for Christmas. Moments like that are what this season is all about. Mary and Joseph knew without a doubt that life was going to be hard for their sweet baby. It had already been tough just getting to his arrival. This season is the best reminder that we all must keep fighting and keep pushing through life’s challenges, because there is unending hope, unending love, unending peace, and unending joy in the life our Savior brought to us. It may be dark now, but rejoice. The light is coming.

Prayer  

Lord, guide us through these days with the joy of this season. Winter can be dark, but each dawn is a new beginning where we celebrate you and find joy, love, peace, and hope in all you give us. Let the anticipation and atmosphere bring comfort and happiness to every person celebrating your arrival in the world. Let each person know joy in whatever form it takes and let us all praise your name. Amen.

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Any Day but Today

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, December 17, Evening

By Katie Strangis, Director of Communications

Any Day but Today

Read: Luke 2:19

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Any day but today, I thought, when my water broke at 4 am. 

I knew she would arrive earlier than her due date, but I had tried to negotiate with God that it would be any day except September 11. So you can imagine my horror, surprise, and anger when my water unexpectedly broke five weeks before her due date and I had a big, beautiful baby girl during the morning rush hour, right around the time that first plane crashed into the World Trade Center 17 years earlier. 

But – as kids do – Evie has surprised me in so many ways since she was born and has made September 11 a day of hope. She knows nothing of the weight that day carries for so many, and thanks to the pure joy with which she moves through the world, she brings light and love on her birthday to everyone who knows her. September 11 has a new joyful – hopeful – feeling, and I don’t think of “where I was on September 11” in the same way anymore (my first-year college Poli Sci class in Decatur, Georgia, missing my family and scared). I think of what a difference her birth and her life are making and transforming how I view that particular day each year.

I wonder if Mary got to the stable and thought, Any day but today, or Anywhere but here. Perhaps. But – as kids do – Jesus went out and changed the world – her world – and filled it with love, joy and hope. All Mary had to do was watch with love and wonder. 

My favorite thing about Advent is this “thrill of hope” that we experience as parents of young kids, and I give thanks for the many ways our children thrill us with their hope. Kids don’t let us live in the past — they experience it all right now and cause us to hope for a better future because of their hope and wonder. Jesus’s birth should give all of us so much hope during Advent. We hope for his life, anticipate his death, and rejoice in his resurrection. And I’m grateful to feel that thrill each holiday season.

Prayer  

God of Hope, thank you for how you surprise us with your goodness and joy this Advent season. Let us look to our children for that thrill and the hope and love your birth ignited in the world. Amen.

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Expect the Unexpected this Advent

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Daily Advent Devotions from Church Street UMC

Sunday, December 17, Morning

By Rev. Rick Isbell, Retired Minister of Discipleship

Expect the Unexpected this Advent

Read: Luke 1:5-55

For nearly 30 years one of my neighbors and I hardly spoke to one another. It was not because anything had happened between us. Our lives just never crossed paths, and there was a high wooden fence between our yards.

Then the recent storm and tornado caused two big limbs in my yard to come crashing down on my neighbor’s wooden fence. That’s when the unexpected happened.  We had to start talking to one another. I arranged for all tree debris to be cleaned up in his yard. He started to rebuild the fence as we talked to one another.  I learned so much about my neighbor I never knew before. His name is Wilhelm; he was born in Holland, learned and speaks three languages and has a younger brother. From an unexpected storm, a tree falling down, and the rebuilding of a fence, we became better neighbors.

As we read and think about the scripture passage from Luke, Mary never expected to become pregnant as a virgin. Elizabeth and Zechariah never expected to have a child due to their old age. And Joseph and Mary never expected for their son to be born in a place reserved for animals and to be visited by lowly shepherds as well as aristocracy from Persia.

God’s Holy Spirit has a way of changing lives through the unexpected. God did it with Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, and God did it with Wilhelm and me. This Advent I hope you will be open to and see God acting through those events you did not expect.

Prayer  

Oh God, may I never limit the ways you can act in my life. Open my eyes and ears to the work of the Holy Spirit in ways I least expect.

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Weekly Prayer – December 6, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of December 6, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

Tonight’s prayer is adapted from one I found written by Christine Sine on the Godspace website. I like the refrain, “Come down, come in, and, come among us.” That could be a simple and inviting breath prayer to offer during these hectic days. God bless you this evening! 

-Pastor Catherine 

Into our troubles and weaknesses,
Into the barren places of our souls, Come Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole.

Into the war torn and the refugee,
Into those who live in conflict, Come Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole.

Into the homeless and the unemployed,
Into those who feel abandoned, Come Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole.

Into the sick and the disabled,
Into those with AIDS, dementia, cancer, and depression, Come, Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole.

Into the poor and the starving,
Into those who are oppressed or abused, Come Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole.

Into the lives of loved ones,
Into those from whom we are estranged, Come Lord,
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole. 

 Into our joys and celebrations, 

Into our work and our achievements, Come, Lord;
Come down, come in, come among us and make us whole. 

Thank you, O God of Advent, for having come, for coming now, and for coming again! May we open ourselves to your presence as you turn towards us. 

Thank you for all of the activities and programs and missions of this church. In all of the movement, may we sense your spirit guiding us. May those who enter for special worship services or for a hot meal tomorrow at Soup Kitchen know that they are loved by you.  

We lift up the prayers of our church family ….. 

We pray for … 

  • A couple in the church who both have covid
  • A member’s brother in the hospital who is battling infection
  • A mother who has started dialysis; prayers for daughter who is primary caregiver
  • A husband who is in hospital with blood clots in legs and lungs due to stage 4 cancer; prayers that surgery this afternoon will be beneficial; prayers for his wife
  • A neighbor’s family and the strife they are experiencing
  • For caregivers who are watching their spouse or parent or loved one struggle with dementia, Parkinsons, or other chronic illnesses
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach
  • For a beloved aunt who is nearing her final days; and for the cousin who has cared so lovingly for her
  • For a wife’s medical testing; also for grandson’s daycare situation
  • A brother who has pneumonia and elevated liver enzymes
  • A member who is in the active stages of dying; thanksgiving for her church friends who bring her comfort
  • A daughter in the death of her father; prayers of thanksgiving for peace of mind and spirit

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Those who are recovering after surgery
  • A couple getting married; blessings on their new life together!
  • One who was able to go home from hospital
  • All those angel tree gifts! Prayers for the parents.

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 29, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 29, 2023

Rev. Jan Buxton Wade

Holy and Elusive God, we enter your presence in these moments because we desire to know your truth.  We seek to comprehend the whole of you, often trying to define you with names and attributes.  Yet our spiritual impulses never quite reach their goal, for you are always the “otherness” beyond our comprehension. You, O Lord, cannot be contained.  Still, when we gather as one body in the quiet of your sacred space, we sense your loving presence.  And somehow, it is enough. Cloak us with that same loving presence this night, we pray.  We may be scattered, but ever remain one body, fixed by Christ himself.

Holy and Unwavering God, in this mire of mixed messages, we often feel overwhelmed.  At times we barely find our own voice amid the clamor of each day’s discouraging news.  Help us, we pray, in this time of war and unrelenting troubles, to pay attention.  Help us notice which words and images are forming us and our families.  Help us use our ears to hear words that uplift, never disparage.  Help us gain courage to challenge falsehood, to distinguish honesty from hypocrisy. Help us live as those who carry the handprint of Christ upon their hearts.

Holy and Astonishing God, whether we perceive it or not, truly you are hidden in the pockets of our everyday lives, ever offering your benevolence.  We praise you for that closeness that does not disappoint.  And so we bow before you in gratitude now, acknowledging the ways in which you stir our hearts:

  • For all the young ones in our church who have been baptized and blessed, who are being brought up in our church home;
  • For all musicians and their healing gift of music that saturates our souls;
  • For our brothers and sisters in our congregation and in our community who are living examples of your grace;
  • For your entering into our suffering and your comfort of all who are confused, ill, lonely, and bereaved;
  • For your love that transcends ethnicity, language, and religion

Accept also these petitions from our congregation who have asked to be remembered:

We pray for ….

  • A member’s husband who has ten more weeks of aggressive chemotherapy
  • A 20-year old who has been battling brain cancer for five years; prayers for her and her family as her body succumbs to disease.
  • A sister-in-law whose melanoma has returned; prayers for her as she meets with oncologist tomorrow
  • For caregivers who are watching their spouse or parent or loved one struggle with dementia, Parkinsons, or other chronic illnesses
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A friend who just learned of cancer diagnosis
  • A friend who is undergoing an alternative treatment for aggressive cancer
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Clear scans at least doctor’s visit
  • A member able to return to Knoxville for rehabilitation after lengthy hospital stay out of town.
  • Hostages being released and a pause in violence; may it last, O God!
  • Birth of a healthy grandbaby
  • Precious baptism last Sunday and new member joining
  • For successful surgery for removal of a mass; prayers for our friend’s body to heal!

Holy and Timeless God, gather up all the prayers of our hearts, and use them to bind us securely to you. Remembering the call of your prophets, the commitment of our ancestors, and our very own promises of loyalty to you alone, we re–dedicate ourselves to you in this hour, offering all our prayers in the name of Jesus, the Ever-Present One, 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.

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Weekly Prayer – November 22, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 22, 2023

Rev. Catherine Nance

God is great; God is good. Let us thank God for our food. Amen. 

We learned this prayer at an early age, O God. Eyes closed, head bowed, hands folded. We were not even sure who ‘God’ was, but we knew we were supposed to say this before we ate. 

We thank you for children’s prayer books and Sunday School teachers who later explained that it was you, O God, who made corn to grow and who gave the farmers strength to harvest the land. As we have grown in years and wisdom (hopefully) we understand that you are the Source of Life. We also know you care for each person who has a hand in preparing our Thanksgiving meal this weekend … farmers, migrant workers, truck drivers, warehouse employees, scientists, nutritionists, restaurant owners and workers, chefs, grocery store owners and workers and stockers …. 

Thank you, God who knows each name, for inviting each of us into your love. When we pause to say God is great, may our gratitude open our hearts even more to receive your love and your vision for your world. 

We pray fervently for peace; we pray for those leaders who are negotiating a break in the fighting for release of hostages. We pray fervently for those who have opportunity to gather in conversation and find ways to live alongside one another. We pray with tearful hearts for children, babies, that they might know safety and comfort. God is great, God is good. O Lord, we do believe that! May your spirit move in the hearts of angry and bitter leaders so that they might bring healing to their communities. 

God is great; God is good. We know so many who are praying for healing. We pray that they would know your peace first of all. We pray that they would trust that you desire wholeness for them and are working in and with others. We thank you for doctors and health care professionals who take the time to listen to us and hear about what ails us.  

God is great; God is good. Even for folks who are grieving this holiday, may they trust even in grief they know that love does not end. We hurt so much when a loved one dies; thank you for understanding that hurt and not asking us to pretend otherwise.  

God is great; God is good. We are grateful for opportunities to feed others in our community. We pray for all who are worried about food this season. Forgive us when we assume that ‘there is plenty of food,’ also means that distribution is possible. Help our agencies and ministries work together to ensure that all have enough to eat. 

God is great; God is good. Thank you for the relationships we hold dear. 

We pray for ….

  • A sister-in-law whose melanoma has returned; prayers for her as she meets with oncologist next week
  • A ninety-year old husband (childhood pastor of a member) is caring for his wife who has had Alzheimer’s for five years. She has now been diagnosed with Lewy-Body Dementia. Prayers for them both; but especially him as he struggles to care for her.
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A member being transported back home after lengthy hospital stay out of town; prayers for strength as she goes through rehab
  • A friend who just learned of cancer diagnosis
  • A friend who is undergoing an alternative treatment for aggressive cancer
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • Prayers for a break in fighting so hostages can be released
  • For a neighbor in Vestal whose daughter died suddenly
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • Those who funded, packed, and delivered Thanksgiving boxes
  • Devoted volunteers, Stephen Ministers, Parish Health Ministry Team, and Congregational Care members who stay in touch with church members
  • Family being able to come over the weekend
  • Clear scans at least doctor’s visit

Thank you for this church and for all the saints who join us in praying, Our Father, who art in heaven … 

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 15, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 11, 2023

Rev. Tim Best

Gracious Lord,

Thank you for the overwhelming abundance of your love. In your love we discover that we need not try to save ourselves. We hear the voices of the world around us speaking doubt and fear. It is so tempting to place our trust in ourselves alone. We hear words like “self-reliance” and some of us brim with pride thinking of all that we have accomplished. We can list our strengths with speed skill. Others hear those words and are overwhelmed by shame and defeat. Those who have required more help, more support, and more effort feel less than a full self, because they have had to rely on others.

Help us all discover, with a sense of great joy, the gift that is your support and care. We have been created for community, for relationship, and for belonging found in you. You have Created us, and sustained us through the trials and difficulties that we have encountered. Through Christ you have delivered us from the power of Sin and Death. Where our efforts ended in no way, you in your mercy made a way and brought us into abundant life. Where we see others struggling, alone, and suffering, use this church family and its members as witnesses to your salvation.

We pray for our community. We pray for those that are ill, suffering, or alone. Be with all those who feel helpless or desperate. Reveal in each of us, now matter how strong

we might feel, our need for you. We pray for those who grieve and mourn. We pray for those who do not have enough to eat, and for those who may have plenty to eat, but have no one with whom to share it all. We pray for those who look towards Thanksgiving with pain and anxiety in their hearts. We pray for those who will long to be with loved ones, but cannot, and for those who are worried up gathering with those they are not sure really love them. Grant each of these your peace.

We pray for our world. Our hearts break and our heads hurt as we wrestle with the ongoing violence and suffering in our world. We turn to your son, the prince of Peace and the Lord of Life, and wait for that day when he will end all war and death. Be at work in the hearts of every leader of every nation. The only peace we can trust is the peace promised through Christ’s kingdom. Deliver us from our slavery to war and violence, and initiate your reign of peace.

As you delivered your people from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness, deliver and sustain us. Grant that we would wait with faithful expectation for the day when we shall be led out of the wilderness. Until that day, nurture and protect us.

We pray for ….

  • A wife in hospital out of town; praying for recovery from emergency surgery; prayers she can return to Knoxville soon!
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • All of the victims of war; praying for peace
  • For a neighbor in Vestal whose daughter died
  • For those who are struggling as the holidays approach
  • For a brother in Alabama having a heart procedure
  • For one who is in rehab and looking for assisted living options

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • The birth of a second child!
  • A successful knee replacement surgery
  • All who are helping with Thanksgiving boxes
  • One who is undergoing cancer treatment but still able to come to church

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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.

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Weekly Prayer – November 8, 2023

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Weekly Prayers for the Church Street Family

Week of November 8, 2023

Steve Richardson

God in heaven and in our midst, we come to you with our prayers, trusting fully in your grace and mercy to receive them.   

Your handiwork placed this Earth in its position so we can thrive from the brightness and energy of our sun. As you arranged, on our half of the globe we continue to see the daylight shorten and the nighttime lengthen, and we know the coolness of fall and winter seasons will surround us for the next several months. Still, God, we delight in the changing seasons. Each one brings its beauty and majesty of your creative design. Thank you, God, for the richness of your creation. 

Yet, we are troubled, God.  Across the world – and even right here in our own neighborhoods – undeserved unrest and suffering afflict so many people. We look to you to fix things. But keep us mindful that we are instruments of your peace, and we are capable and equipped to help fix many problems, especially those that are stained by injustice, selfishness, greed, lack of compassion, oppression, neglect, abuse and other forms of human-infused iniquity.  Forgive us when we may be complicit in causing such problems. And inspire us to get to work – – to the fundamental work of loving one another, just as Jesus told us to do. 

As you certainly know, though, other forms of suffering are beyond our capacities to resolve. Be it illness, grief over loss, hurt and brokenness caused by forces of nature, personal crisis or other despairs, we pray for your presence, comfort and assurance of showing us paths forward. 

Lead us, Lord, to lift and sustain Church Street United Methodist Church through our gifts. Just as the seasons of nature journey through their cycle, so does your church. The current year is almost over, and a new one will soon begin. Members’ financial support is needed for the present, as well as the future. Awaken each of us to the soul-filling joy that comes with giving (especially when it comes to giving generously to your church, where lives are transformed).  May all members experience this joy of giving! 

Thank you, God, for your many blessings: Blessings known, blessings we tend to take for granted, blessings we don’t even realize, and blessings to come. Lead us to respond to these through sharing your grace with others and through living our lives in ways that demonstrate praise to you.  

Most merciful God, hear these needs and expressions of others in our church community. We pray you surround each person with your loving embrace and peace that extends beyond all understanding… 

We pray for ….

  • A young mother expecting birth of second child SOON! Prayers for good health and easy delivery. Has been a hard pregnancy.
  • All of the innocent victims of war. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer!
  • A wife in hospital out of town; praying for recovery from emergency surgery; prayers she can return to Knoxville soon!
  • Friends who are going through difficult times
  • A member recovering from surgery
  • A wife grieving the death of her husband; prayers for comfort
  • A member’s husband whose lung cancer has spread; prayers that the markers will reveal appropriate treatment.
  • A member who has auto-immune diseases and is dealing with stress of illness of husband; prayers for her to stay positive and healthy.
  • Continued healing and strength for a husband/father as he recovers from procedures and treatments
  • A couple praying and hoping for a baby
  • Those who are caring for aging parents and the struggles in relationships that occur
  • Comfort & peace for good friend/neighbor facing loss of husband after extended illness
  • Those who are battling fires in Anderson, Campbell, and Morgan Counties
  • For those having surgeries this week
  • For our youth group – especially the 30+ who are attending the Spiritual Life Advance this weekend. Praying for the 10+ adults who are going with them. Prayers for spiritual enrichment!

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for …

  • A good visit over the weekend with our children
  • “All the Saints” and a beautiful service last Sunday
  • Completion of radiation treatments
  • Being able to come to church after a long illness

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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