O Divine Presence,
You are a God of many names. We perceive You is so many ways. In these moments may we experience You as the God who is with us. On this last day of 2011 we reflect back on the year. Forgive us, O Lord, for those times when we turned away from You. Our sin was often not blatant or obvious, usually it was a matter of attitude and heart. Our prayer for the New Year is that we are faithful to You. We pray that we might focus on the basics of the faith: loving you, loving our neighbor, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. The past is gone. Our sin exists. Help us to repent as we follow Jesus and embrace the gift of new possibilities in 2011. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Please continue to pray for the families of Beverly Brant, Maxine Moore and Dillon Wichert.
What are your dreams and aspirations for Central Christian Church for 2011? How will you be an agent for Jesus: in your family, in our church, in our community? What plans do you have to enhance your spiritual life and the collective spiritual journey of our congregation? These are things to think about as you make your plans and resolutions for the new year.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 30
O Giver of Life and Source of Peace,
We are surrounded, covered and undergirded by the mystery of Your Presence. Forgive us, O God, when we attempt to confine You to the limits of our understanding. Forgive us, O God, when we understand life in terms of which side one is on and always assuming You are on ours. Equip and empower us, Loving Creator, to see life from the perspective of those in Your Reign, where there are no divisions and no borders; where the strong embrace the weak; where all are welcomed and loved; where everyone works for a just world. This is our prayer for today, tomorrow and always. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Madge Loomis is being moved from Bass Hospital to the St. Mary’s rehab unit.
Bob Gregory and Cal Mettee are both hospitalized in St. Mary’s.
Please continue to pray for Madge, Bob and Cal.
The funerals for Dillon Wichert and for Maxine Moore are both today at 2:00 p.m. Please pray for their families.
The church office is closed tomorrow. There will not be a Saturday service, but we are back to a regular morning schedule on Sunday, the first Sunday of the New Year.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are surrounded, covered and undergirded by the mystery of Your Presence. Forgive us, O God, when we attempt to confine You to the limits of our understanding. Forgive us, O God, when we understand life in terms of which side one is on and always assuming You are on ours. Equip and empower us, Loving Creator, to see life from the perspective of those in Your Reign, where there are no divisions and no borders; where the strong embrace the weak; where all are welcomed and loved; where everyone works for a just world. This is our prayer for today, tomorrow and always. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Madge Loomis is being moved from Bass Hospital to the St. Mary’s rehab unit.
Bob Gregory and Cal Mettee are both hospitalized in St. Mary’s.
Please continue to pray for Madge, Bob and Cal.
The funerals for Dillon Wichert and for Maxine Moore are both today at 2:00 p.m. Please pray for their families.
The church office is closed tomorrow. There will not be a Saturday service, but we are back to a regular morning schedule on Sunday, the first Sunday of the New Year.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 29
Dear God,
Words and sentiments come to us easily, but actions do not. Jesus told his followers to show the world they were his disciples by the way they loved one another. The words easily roll off our tongues like, “We are a loving people”; “We are a friendly church”; “God loves you and I love you too”; but our actions often betray our words. Forgive us, O God, when we harden our hearts toward one another. Forgive us, Dear Lord, when we hurry past a stranger at church to greet a longtime friend. Forgive us, we pray, when we judge a person by their appearance and wonder what they are doing at our church. Forgive us, Loving Father, when we focus on the speck in our neighbors eye and fail to see the log in our own. You are the God of all people and You do love all those You have created in Your image. Help us to realize if we don’t love them in Your name, You will find others who will and we will be the ones saying, “Lord, when did we see you…”. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Please pray for the Brant, Moore (Holler) and Wichert families as they grieve the loss of loved ones.
There will be a Church Visitor this week, but the office is closed on Friday for the holiday.
We are back to a regular Sunday morning schedule next Sunday, January 2.
Carolyn and I are safely back in Enid. The trip to Baylor had a few hitches, one being that I couldn’t have one of the tests which I will have here in Enid tomorrow. The visit with the oncologist was very encouraging. Not much has changed with the cancer since my last series of tests four months ago. He reiterated the prognosis is very good with the treatments we will be doing, once again using the term “years”. We were concerned by what we perceived as a long delay since our initial consultation. Needless to say, we are very pleased by what we heard. I go back to Dallas next week, now probably Wednesday, to begin the trial drug.
I am planning to take a few days of vacation for the remainder of the week. I can be reached through the office if there is an emergency.
Please pray for our friends and family at Central Christian Church as we begin a new year. May the entire congregation have hearts open to the Spirit of God in our midst.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Words and sentiments come to us easily, but actions do not. Jesus told his followers to show the world they were his disciples by the way they loved one another. The words easily roll off our tongues like, “We are a loving people”; “We are a friendly church”; “God loves you and I love you too”; but our actions often betray our words. Forgive us, O God, when we harden our hearts toward one another. Forgive us, Dear Lord, when we hurry past a stranger at church to greet a longtime friend. Forgive us, we pray, when we judge a person by their appearance and wonder what they are doing at our church. Forgive us, Loving Father, when we focus on the speck in our neighbors eye and fail to see the log in our own. You are the God of all people and You do love all those You have created in Your image. Help us to realize if we don’t love them in Your name, You will find others who will and we will be the ones saying, “Lord, when did we see you…”. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Please pray for the Brant, Moore (Holler) and Wichert families as they grieve the loss of loved ones.
There will be a Church Visitor this week, but the office is closed on Friday for the holiday.
We are back to a regular Sunday morning schedule next Sunday, January 2.
Carolyn and I are safely back in Enid. The trip to Baylor had a few hitches, one being that I couldn’t have one of the tests which I will have here in Enid tomorrow. The visit with the oncologist was very encouraging. Not much has changed with the cancer since my last series of tests four months ago. He reiterated the prognosis is very good with the treatments we will be doing, once again using the term “years”. We were concerned by what we perceived as a long delay since our initial consultation. Needless to say, we are very pleased by what we heard. I go back to Dallas next week, now probably Wednesday, to begin the trial drug.
I am planning to take a few days of vacation for the remainder of the week. I can be reached through the office if there is an emergency.
Please pray for our friends and family at Central Christian Church as we begin a new year. May the entire congregation have hearts open to the Spirit of God in our midst.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 28
God, Our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,
We humbly come before You this day with our prayers and supplications. You are our God and we are Your people. Often times, O Lord, we choose our own path based on self-centeredness and greed. Forgive us, we pray, when we stiffen our necks and make choices that move us away from You. You are goodness and light. May our path be illuminated by Your grace and our hearts filled with a love that grows as it is shared. In Jesus names we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Please pray for the family of Maxine Moore, Glennis Holler’s mother, who passed away yesterday. Her services are scheduled for Thursday.
Dillon Wichert, a 20 year old special needs young adult, died in his mother’s arms on Christmas morning. While not affiliated with Central Christian Church, they have asked if we could host the funeral and if I could preside. Certainly we will. Please pray for Dillon’s family. His funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the sanctuary.
Yesterday was interesting for the McLemore’s in Dallas. I hadn’t received full instructions so the CAT scan scheduled for 11:00 a.m. was moved to later in the day. The bone scan was completed and a lot of blood was drawn for lab work. As it turns out the DXA scan WAS NOT scheduled and couldn’t have been done the same day as a bone scan anyway. When they talked about me coming back for the DXA scan I reminded them I had to drive 300 miles to get here. They emailed the drug company and received permission for me to have the DXA scan at the Women’s Imaging Center IN ENID on Thursday. O well!
We see the oncologist this morning and I am scheduled to return on January 4th to actually begin the trial drug. Thank you for all the prayers and words of encouragement. We will return to Enid late today.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We humbly come before You this day with our prayers and supplications. You are our God and we are Your people. Often times, O Lord, we choose our own path based on self-centeredness and greed. Forgive us, we pray, when we stiffen our necks and make choices that move us away from You. You are goodness and light. May our path be illuminated by Your grace and our hearts filled with a love that grows as it is shared. In Jesus names we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Please pray for the family of Maxine Moore, Glennis Holler’s mother, who passed away yesterday. Her services are scheduled for Thursday.
Dillon Wichert, a 20 year old special needs young adult, died in his mother’s arms on Christmas morning. While not affiliated with Central Christian Church, they have asked if we could host the funeral and if I could preside. Certainly we will. Please pray for Dillon’s family. His funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday in the sanctuary.
Yesterday was interesting for the McLemore’s in Dallas. I hadn’t received full instructions so the CAT scan scheduled for 11:00 a.m. was moved to later in the day. The bone scan was completed and a lot of blood was drawn for lab work. As it turns out the DXA scan WAS NOT scheduled and couldn’t have been done the same day as a bone scan anyway. When they talked about me coming back for the DXA scan I reminded them I had to drive 300 miles to get here. They emailed the drug company and received permission for me to have the DXA scan at the Women’s Imaging Center IN ENID on Thursday. O well!
We see the oncologist this morning and I am scheduled to return on January 4th to actually begin the trial drug. Thank you for all the prayers and words of encouragement. We will return to Enid late today.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, December 27, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 27
Gracious God,
As we approach the end of 2010 we reflect on our journey. Often it is in looking back that we understand Your presence in our lives. Help us to know, Dear God, that You travel with us. Our boats are so small and the sea is so big. May we focus on our Polar Star, Jesus the Christ, and be comforted by the knowledge that His Spirit guides us during the calm and also the storm. We eagerly approach a new year, complete with its challenges and opportunities. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Lowell Kroeker is in Baptist Heart Hospital in OKC. He was flown there yesterday morning and underwent an emergency heart cath procedure. Stents were successfully placed and Lowell was resting comfortably yesterday afternoon. Please pray for Lowell.
Beverly Brant’s funeral is today at Ladusau-Evans.
Carolyn and I made it safely to Dallas. I am writing this from our motel room. Shortly I will drive to Baylor to begin the tests.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
As we approach the end of 2010 we reflect on our journey. Often it is in looking back that we understand Your presence in our lives. Help us to know, Dear God, that You travel with us. Our boats are so small and the sea is so big. May we focus on our Polar Star, Jesus the Christ, and be comforted by the knowledge that His Spirit guides us during the calm and also the storm. We eagerly approach a new year, complete with its challenges and opportunities. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Lowell Kroeker is in Baptist Heart Hospital in OKC. He was flown there yesterday morning and underwent an emergency heart cath procedure. Stents were successfully placed and Lowell was resting comfortably yesterday afternoon. Please pray for Lowell.
Beverly Brant’s funeral is today at Ladusau-Evans.
Carolyn and I made it safely to Dallas. I am writing this from our motel room. Shortly I will drive to Baylor to begin the tests.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 26
Lord of Wonders,
We have just celebrated the greatest wonder of human history, the birth of Your love into the world in the form of a baby in Bethlehem. As we now journey through the twelve days of Christmas, may our hearts and lives receive Your grace. We have opened all the presents under the tree. Now may we live lives that embody Your greatest gift, the Spirit of Christ. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday I received the following email from Mickie Giberson:
Debby Head, a co-worker at the bank, passed away last night. No details, but she has been in the hospital for a few days. She was a long time employee and very well liked. Her husband passed away a couple of years ago. I believe there is one adult son. Please pray for her family.
Thanks
Mickie Giberson
Please pray for Madge Loomis as she is recovering from hip surgery at Bass Hospital. Her daughter said she was doing better yesterday morning.
Remember the family of Beverly Brant in your prayers. Her funeral is tomorrow.
Please pray for Carolyn and me as we travel to Dallas this afternoon. I will continue a panel of tests tomorrow at Baylor, see the oncologist on Tuesday and return Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully I will return to Dallas on January 4th to begin the trial drug. I offer a special thanks to all who are praying for us, to the Genesis class for their gracious gift and to all who have given us “food cards”. We are touched by your generosity.
Today we gather around 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to share breakfast items and fellowship. Worship will then be at 10:15 a.m.
Merry Christmas,
John McLemore
We have just celebrated the greatest wonder of human history, the birth of Your love into the world in the form of a baby in Bethlehem. As we now journey through the twelve days of Christmas, may our hearts and lives receive Your grace. We have opened all the presents under the tree. Now may we live lives that embody Your greatest gift, the Spirit of Christ. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday I received the following email from Mickie Giberson:
Debby Head, a co-worker at the bank, passed away last night. No details, but she has been in the hospital for a few days. She was a long time employee and very well liked. Her husband passed away a couple of years ago. I believe there is one adult son. Please pray for her family.
Thanks
Mickie Giberson
Please pray for Madge Loomis as she is recovering from hip surgery at Bass Hospital. Her daughter said she was doing better yesterday morning.
Remember the family of Beverly Brant in your prayers. Her funeral is tomorrow.
Please pray for Carolyn and me as we travel to Dallas this afternoon. I will continue a panel of tests tomorrow at Baylor, see the oncologist on Tuesday and return Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully I will return to Dallas on January 4th to begin the trial drug. I offer a special thanks to all who are praying for us, to the Genesis class for their gracious gift and to all who have given us “food cards”. We are touched by your generosity.
Today we gather around 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall to share breakfast items and fellowship. Worship will then be at 10:15 a.m.
Merry Christmas,
John McLemore
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Prayer for Christmas Day
Christ the path and Christ the door.
Christ the bread and welcome cup.
Christ the word and cleansing bath.
Christ the robe and Christ the fire.
Christ the dawn and blazing sun.
Christ the light and Christ the star.
Christ the beginning and the end.
Christ our life and Christ our home.
—Samuel Torvend
Dear God,
Thank You for the wonder and mystery of Christmas. We pray You will bless us, everyone. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Madge Loomis had hip replacement surgery yesterday. They kept her on a respirator in ICU at Bass through the night. She is doing better this morning. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for Bill Brant and his family as they prepare for Beverly’s funeral on Monday.
Max Johnson wrote saying:
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
ON PEGASYS WILL BE SHOWN
WEDNESDAY 12/29 AT 2 P.M.
FRIDAY 12/31 AT 8 P.M.
We celebrated two wonderful Christmas Eve Services last night.
Remember, tomorrow, bring a breakfast treat between 9:00 and 9:30 to the Fellowship Hall. We will share food and fellowship and then participate in a service of worship there. Remember, there is no 8:00 a.m. Chapel service. Nor will there be Sunday School.
Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:15-20:
All of the ACTIONS of the shepherds leapt off the page at me-
...go to Bethlehem and see...
… so they hurried off...
...they spread the word…
...glorifying and praising God…
It really embodies all that we are to do in our Christian lives.
As an unsaved person, we go and see what all the fuss around Jesus is about - and our lives are utterly changed!
How can we help but hurry off to spread the Word, glorifying and praising God all the while?
What are you waiting for? SPREAD THE WORD!
Laurie Bushman
Christ the bread and welcome cup.
Christ the word and cleansing bath.
Christ the robe and Christ the fire.
Christ the dawn and blazing sun.
Christ the light and Christ the star.
Christ the beginning and the end.
Christ our life and Christ our home.
—Samuel Torvend
Dear God,
Thank You for the wonder and mystery of Christmas. We pray You will bless us, everyone. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Madge Loomis had hip replacement surgery yesterday. They kept her on a respirator in ICU at Bass through the night. She is doing better this morning. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for Bill Brant and his family as they prepare for Beverly’s funeral on Monday.
Max Johnson wrote saying:
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
ON PEGASYS WILL BE SHOWN
WEDNESDAY 12/29 AT 2 P.M.
FRIDAY 12/31 AT 8 P.M.
We celebrated two wonderful Christmas Eve Services last night.
Remember, tomorrow, bring a breakfast treat between 9:00 and 9:30 to the Fellowship Hall. We will share food and fellowship and then participate in a service of worship there. Remember, there is no 8:00 a.m. Chapel service. Nor will there be Sunday School.
Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:15-20:
All of the ACTIONS of the shepherds leapt off the page at me-
...go to Bethlehem and see...
… so they hurried off...
...they spread the word…
...glorifying and praising God…
It really embodies all that we are to do in our Christian lives.
As an unsaved person, we go and see what all the fuss around Jesus is about - and our lives are utterly changed!
How can we help but hurry off to spread the Word, glorifying and praising God all the while?
What are you waiting for? SPREAD THE WORD!
Laurie Bushman
Friday, December 24, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, December 24
O God Who Loves Us Wastefully,
We thank you for the beauty and power of this season. Your unconditional love was made known in its perfection in Jesus the Christ. As we gather with friends and family tonight and tomorrow may our celebration of Christmas bring joy, hope, love and peace to those around us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
Beverly Brant’s funeral will be on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for Bill and their children.
Madge Loomis fell and broke her hip yesterday. She will have surgery this morning at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Madge.
Many of our church members are travelling for Christmas. We pray for safe and pleasant journeys for them all.
We will have Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services tonight at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Bring your family with you.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:8-14:
From that very first announcement of his birth - Jesus wanted to show the world he was coming to be the Savior for all no matter the current state of our being. The Angel did not appear to the shepherds and say " Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for all those who have their act together. You guys run on home now and when you get yourselves all cleaned up, get all your affairs in order, and make yourselves presentable then we will tell you where you can find this Savior - Christ the Lord." No they said "... Today ... a Savior has been born TO YOU . . . and here is where you can find him now. . ."
The Multitude of Angels did not first appear to the priests and Levites and those considered righteous. They did not reserve their Glory for the tabernacles on the night of Christ's birth. God sent his Angels - out into the fields where the lowly citizens were with the message for ALL people. He was born in a stable, a place where shepherds would have been very comfortable visiting. He was not born in some fancy palace where a dirty, stinky shepherd would never have been allowed to enter. No - from that very first proclamation of Christ's birth he told each one of us - I come for you.
Lois Tilley
We thank you for the beauty and power of this season. Your unconditional love was made known in its perfection in Jesus the Christ. As we gather with friends and family tonight and tomorrow may our celebration of Christmas bring joy, hope, love and peace to those around us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
Beverly Brant’s funeral will be on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for Bill and their children.
Madge Loomis fell and broke her hip yesterday. She will have surgery this morning at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Madge.
Many of our church members are travelling for Christmas. We pray for safe and pleasant journeys for them all.
We will have Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services tonight at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Bring your family with you.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:8-14:
From that very first announcement of his birth - Jesus wanted to show the world he was coming to be the Savior for all no matter the current state of our being. The Angel did not appear to the shepherds and say " Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for all those who have their act together. You guys run on home now and when you get yourselves all cleaned up, get all your affairs in order, and make yourselves presentable then we will tell you where you can find this Savior - Christ the Lord." No they said "... Today ... a Savior has been born TO YOU . . . and here is where you can find him now. . ."
The Multitude of Angels did not first appear to the priests and Levites and those considered righteous. They did not reserve their Glory for the tabernacles on the night of Christ's birth. God sent his Angels - out into the fields where the lowly citizens were with the message for ALL people. He was born in a stable, a place where shepherds would have been very comfortable visiting. He was not born in some fancy palace where a dirty, stinky shepherd would never have been allowed to enter. No - from that very first proclamation of Christ's birth he told each one of us - I come for you.
Lois Tilley
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 23
One Who is the Living Water,
On this, the 23rd of December, we stand before You expectantly. We have been here many times before, but each Christmas brings the hope for new possibilities in our life, in our church and in our world. Help us, O God, to embrace this hope. Forgive our short sightedness, our penchant for criticism, our inflexibility. May Your Spirit, which was experienced through the Anointed One whose birth we celebrate, cleanse us and fill our hearts to overflowing this Christmas. In His name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
I received the following email form Lana Ellis:
Rev. McLemore
My Aunt Shirley Haskins has passed away. She had been ill a long time. Our youngest son had been over to visit her and we just found out this evening (Tuesday) she had passed away. Our son was the last one, as far as we can tell, to see or talk to her since Sunday. Please keep her and our family in our daily prayers and concern list. Thank you......
Blessings, Lana
Please pray for Lana and the family of Shirley Haskins.
Gayle Healy called the church yesterday to tell us that her mother, Beverly Brant, died at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma
City during an unsuccessful surgery to repair a ruptured colon. We are all shocked and grieved. Beverly funeral will be Monday, December 27th at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Don Johnson will officiate. Please pray for Bill and their children.
Kenneth Petersen called yesterday to say that Joan Petersen had been readmitted to St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Joan and Kenneth.
Davida Whitsett is still hospitalized at St. Mary’s. I misspoke yesterday. Please continue to pray for Davida.
Tomorrow evening we will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m. The choir is singing at 7:00 p.m. and the children will present the Christmas story. Butch Phillips is organizing the 11:00 p.m. service with Brian Meyer preaching and the carols being lead by guitar. Both services will be beautiful and meaningful. Plan to attend.
Remember, the church office is closed tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:1-17:
Sometimes we wonder who is in control in today's world. I am sure Joseph was wondering that too. The Roman's ruled the civilized world in those times. Joseph had no choice but to comply with the Roman order to make a long trip just to pay taxes. And Mary, his fiancée had to go with him even though she was about to give birth. Because both were descendants of David they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
By the decree of Caesar Augustus, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the very town that Micah the prophet had said, even though his parents were not from there. And the Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line. Augustus's decree went out in God's perfect timing and according to His plan to bring His Son into the world.
Prayer: Dear God, as we approach this celebration of your Son's precious birth, help us to remember you are always in charge. Help us to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to you, and a positive example to those whom we are able to witness to. Thank you God for this Christmas season and the opportunity of worship you during this wonderful time of the year, and most of all, for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beth and Scott Tefft
On this, the 23rd of December, we stand before You expectantly. We have been here many times before, but each Christmas brings the hope for new possibilities in our life, in our church and in our world. Help us, O God, to embrace this hope. Forgive our short sightedness, our penchant for criticism, our inflexibility. May Your Spirit, which was experienced through the Anointed One whose birth we celebrate, cleanse us and fill our hearts to overflowing this Christmas. In His name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
I received the following email form Lana Ellis:
Rev. McLemore
My Aunt Shirley Haskins has passed away. She had been ill a long time. Our youngest son had been over to visit her and we just found out this evening (Tuesday) she had passed away. Our son was the last one, as far as we can tell, to see or talk to her since Sunday. Please keep her and our family in our daily prayers and concern list. Thank you......
Blessings, Lana
Please pray for Lana and the family of Shirley Haskins.
Gayle Healy called the church yesterday to tell us that her mother, Beverly Brant, died at Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma
City during an unsuccessful surgery to repair a ruptured colon. We are all shocked and grieved. Beverly funeral will be Monday, December 27th at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Don Johnson will officiate. Please pray for Bill and their children.
Kenneth Petersen called yesterday to say that Joan Petersen had been readmitted to St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Joan and Kenneth.
Davida Whitsett is still hospitalized at St. Mary’s. I misspoke yesterday. Please continue to pray for Davida.
Tomorrow evening we will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Services, one at 7:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m. The choir is singing at 7:00 p.m. and the children will present the Christmas story. Butch Phillips is organizing the 11:00 p.m. service with Brian Meyer preaching and the carols being lead by guitar. Both services will be beautiful and meaningful. Plan to attend.
Remember, the church office is closed tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 2:1-17:
Sometimes we wonder who is in control in today's world. I am sure Joseph was wondering that too. The Roman's ruled the civilized world in those times. Joseph had no choice but to comply with the Roman order to make a long trip just to pay taxes. And Mary, his fiancée had to go with him even though she was about to give birth. Because both were descendants of David they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
By the decree of Caesar Augustus, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the very town that Micah the prophet had said, even though his parents were not from there. And the Old Testament is filled with prophecies that the Messiah would be born in David's royal line. Augustus's decree went out in God's perfect timing and according to His plan to bring His Son into the world.
Prayer: Dear God, as we approach this celebration of your Son's precious birth, help us to remember you are always in charge. Help us to live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to you, and a positive example to those whom we are able to witness to. Thank you God for this Christmas season and the opportunity of worship you during this wonderful time of the year, and most of all, for the greatest gift of all, your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Beth and Scott Tefft
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 22
O Divine Presence,
Every day brings new opportunities and new challenges. Help us, O God, to take advantage of the opportunities and to meet the challenges. Our prayer for this day is one of peace. The Prince of Peace came to give us a glimpse of You and usher in Your reign, a reign of peace, hope, joy and love. May we be Your agents in the world, seeking to resolve differences, helping others to experience Your love, and empowering those around us to see the face of Jesus in those they meet. Forgive our failures, we pray, and draw us unto Yourself this Christmas season. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________--
Aria Justice had a successful tonsillectomy yesterday and is recovering at home.
Davida Whitsett is recovering from a hospital stay.
Joan Petersen has been dismissed from St. Mary’s. She will have to go to OKC for a procedure at a future date.
Carolyn’s sister, Judith, has been dismissed from Deaconess Hospital in OKC.
Please pray for these friends and family members.
The R & R Committee will meet this evening to finalize plans for the 10:30 a.m. combined service of worship on Sunday, December 26th. Remember we aren’t having an 8:00 a.m. service or Sunday School this Sunday. Everyone is invited to dress casually, bring a breakfast treat to share between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and then to worship in the Fellowship Hall, being lead by the Revive and Renew team. It will be a great day!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Every day brings new opportunities and new challenges. Help us, O God, to take advantage of the opportunities and to meet the challenges. Our prayer for this day is one of peace. The Prince of Peace came to give us a glimpse of You and usher in Your reign, a reign of peace, hope, joy and love. May we be Your agents in the world, seeking to resolve differences, helping others to experience Your love, and empowering those around us to see the face of Jesus in those they meet. Forgive our failures, we pray, and draw us unto Yourself this Christmas season. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________--
Aria Justice had a successful tonsillectomy yesterday and is recovering at home.
Davida Whitsett is recovering from a hospital stay.
Joan Petersen has been dismissed from St. Mary’s. She will have to go to OKC for a procedure at a future date.
Carolyn’s sister, Judith, has been dismissed from Deaconess Hospital in OKC.
Please pray for these friends and family members.
The R & R Committee will meet this evening to finalize plans for the 10:30 a.m. combined service of worship on Sunday, December 26th. Remember we aren’t having an 8:00 a.m. service or Sunday School this Sunday. Everyone is invited to dress casually, bring a breakfast treat to share between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and then to worship in the Fellowship Hall, being lead by the Revive and Renew team. It will be a great day!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Pryaer for Today, Tuesday, December 21
O Lord of Life,
On this first day of winter we pause to give You thanks. You are the God of all seasons. . .seasons of the year and the seasons of life. Winter brings short days and cold nights, but it also brings the celebration of Christ’s birth. Help us to see the works of Your hands all around us. . .in the days and nights of Your creation, in the great experiences of faith, and in the seasons of our lives. We are so blessed. Help us, O God, to be a blessing to others as we seek to embody the spirit of Your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________
Dortha Immel was hospitalized last week, but she was in church on Sunday and awaiting the arrival of her son, Terry, who will take her to Kansas for Christmas.
Vera French has her daughter from California and her daughter from Florida both here for the holidays.
May we pray for all those traveling these next few days. May we pray for joyful family reunions for Christmas.
The church office will be closed Friday, but the Church Visitor will go out this week.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 1:39-45:
Mary and Elizabeth were sisters and women of faith. Because of their faith, they were blessed. Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus at a time when she was a virgin; and when told by the angel Gabriel that she would bare a child to be called Jesus, Son of God, she said, “I am the Lord’s Servant, let it be as the Lord wishes.”
Elizabeth was old in years and the Lord blessed her and told her that she and her husband Zechariah would have a child despite hr many years. Elizabeth was told to call him John. He would become John the Baptist. These women of faith were blessed by God almighty.
Let each of us listen for God’s call to us, to serve, to share, to help, all those in need.
Prayer:
Almighty God, use our lives for Thine own purposes.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
Bert Sims
On this first day of winter we pause to give You thanks. You are the God of all seasons. . .seasons of the year and the seasons of life. Winter brings short days and cold nights, but it also brings the celebration of Christ’s birth. Help us to see the works of Your hands all around us. . .in the days and nights of Your creation, in the great experiences of faith, and in the seasons of our lives. We are so blessed. Help us, O God, to be a blessing to others as we seek to embody the spirit of Your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________
Dortha Immel was hospitalized last week, but she was in church on Sunday and awaiting the arrival of her son, Terry, who will take her to Kansas for Christmas.
Vera French has her daughter from California and her daughter from Florida both here for the holidays.
May we pray for all those traveling these next few days. May we pray for joyful family reunions for Christmas.
The church office will be closed Friday, but the Church Visitor will go out this week.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 1:39-45:
Mary and Elizabeth were sisters and women of faith. Because of their faith, they were blessed. Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus at a time when she was a virgin; and when told by the angel Gabriel that she would bare a child to be called Jesus, Son of God, she said, “I am the Lord’s Servant, let it be as the Lord wishes.”
Elizabeth was old in years and the Lord blessed her and told her that she and her husband Zechariah would have a child despite hr many years. Elizabeth was told to call him John. He would become John the Baptist. These women of faith were blessed by God almighty.
Let each of us listen for God’s call to us, to serve, to share, to help, all those in need.
Prayer:
Almighty God, use our lives for Thine own purposes.
In Christ’s name,
Amen
Bert Sims
Monday, December 20, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, December 20
God our Comforter,
Our hearts are filled with joy and hope as we move toward the celebration of Christ’s birth, and we give You thanks. In the midst of all the distractions this time of year, Your message of love flows over us, sweeping us into Your everlasting arms. Thank you, O Lord, for the blessings of Christmas. Thank you, dear God, for loving us so much that your grace became flesh and dwelt among us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________
Yesterday was a good day at Central Christian Church. . .it was Christmas Sunday.
Don’t forget our Christmas Eve services this Friday at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 1:26-38:
Prayer: Lord, Perhaps it is time to put our lives where we say our hearts are - to practice the infinite condescension of a baby who is God, to believe that we must be a part of bringing about the kingdom which He proclaimed, to love others as He loved us; to forgive others if we hope to be forgiven, to treat the least of our brothers and sisters as we hope to be treated; to stop fretting about trivial concerns of living; and truly invite the Christ of the manger to live and breathe in us. Amen.
Mary Johnson
Our hearts are filled with joy and hope as we move toward the celebration of Christ’s birth, and we give You thanks. In the midst of all the distractions this time of year, Your message of love flows over us, sweeping us into Your everlasting arms. Thank you, O Lord, for the blessings of Christmas. Thank you, dear God, for loving us so much that your grace became flesh and dwelt among us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________
Yesterday was a good day at Central Christian Church. . .it was Christmas Sunday.
Don’t forget our Christmas Eve services this Friday at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 1:26-38:
Prayer: Lord, Perhaps it is time to put our lives where we say our hearts are - to practice the infinite condescension of a baby who is God, to believe that we must be a part of bringing about the kingdom which He proclaimed, to love others as He loved us; to forgive others if we hope to be forgiven, to treat the least of our brothers and sisters as we hope to be treated; to stop fretting about trivial concerns of living; and truly invite the Christ of the manger to live and breathe in us. Amen.
Mary Johnson
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 19
Dear Lord of All,
We celebrate life and love, knowing that You are the author and sustainer of all of that which blesses us. Pour our You Spirit this day, that we might be bold in our celebration of the birth of Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Please continue to pray for Judith Miracle, Carolyn’s sister, who is still hospitalized in OKC.
Please pray for the family of Melba Kimbrough. She was Ruby Manahan’s sister-in-law. Her funeral will be Monday in OKC.
Glennis Hollar’s mother, Maxine Moore, is in St. Mary’s Hospital.
We celebrate Joe Kudlack’s birthday. He turned 93 last Monday.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 7:10-14:
In the world we live in nowadays, people always seem to be focusing on what’s coming next. We find ourselves asking God for what we want and not exactly what we need. Just as kids make out their long Christmas lists, and the best items are chosen to give to them, God does the same for our prayer requests. It’s hard to understand that God wants us to know that he will choose what is best for us. He wants us to talk to Him and not to be afraid to ask for what we need. Don’t wait for God’s huge neon sign to give you the permission to ask and receive; He already gave that many years ago with the birth of his own son Jesus.
Rachel Meyer
We celebrate life and love, knowing that You are the author and sustainer of all of that which blesses us. Pour our You Spirit this day, that we might be bold in our celebration of the birth of Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Please continue to pray for Judith Miracle, Carolyn’s sister, who is still hospitalized in OKC.
Please pray for the family of Melba Kimbrough. She was Ruby Manahan’s sister-in-law. Her funeral will be Monday in OKC.
Glennis Hollar’s mother, Maxine Moore, is in St. Mary’s Hospital.
We celebrate Joe Kudlack’s birthday. He turned 93 last Monday.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 7:10-14:
In the world we live in nowadays, people always seem to be focusing on what’s coming next. We find ourselves asking God for what we want and not exactly what we need. Just as kids make out their long Christmas lists, and the best items are chosen to give to them, God does the same for our prayer requests. It’s hard to understand that God wants us to know that he will choose what is best for us. He wants us to talk to Him and not to be afraid to ask for what we need. Don’t wait for God’s huge neon sign to give you the permission to ask and receive; He already gave that many years ago with the birth of his own son Jesus.
Rachel Meyer
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 18
O Holy One,
Tomorrow is the Sunday before Christmas. May we gather to worship You in spirit and in truth. As the power and beauty of the Advent season now starts to fade, we begin to prepare for the awesome celebration of Jesus’ birth. Bless those, O God, who have drifted away from the church and aren’t a part of this holy celebration. Be with those, Dear Lord, who have never experienced life within the Living Body of Christ. May the love that came to us most movingly in the manger in Bethlehem live in us in such a way that others may see our faith and good works and be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Joan Ingmire’s hearth cath procedure went well. No further tests are needed.
Mae Clark was to have been dismissed from St. Mary’s yesterday. Joan Petersen is hoping to be released on Monday.
Please pray for Joan, Mae and Joan.
Christmas Day is one week from today. We will have our full complement of services today and tomorrow. They will include Moments for Mission for the Christmas Outreach Offering, brief congregational meetings, and a baby dedication during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.
The office will be close on Friday, December 24th. We will have a church Visitor next week, however.
There will be Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion services at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Friday. The 7:00 p.m. service will be “family friendly” with the children participating in a “pick up” pageant as a part of the celebration. The 11:00 p.m. service will be led by Butch Phillips and other lay leaders in the church. Invite your family and friends to join with us.
On Sunday, December 26th there will be no 8:00 a.m. chapel service and no Sunday school. Everyone is invited to bring a breakfast treat (be sure to sign up in Sunday School or in the church office) and we will meet in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m. to share food, fellowship and Christmas joy. We will have one combined service of worship in the fellowship hall at 10:15 led by the R & R group. This will be casual, fun and inspirational. Bring your out-of-town guests and join us for breakfast and a special service of worship on the day after Christmas.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11:
Did you know it doesn’t say exactly how many men went to go see Jesus? It’s typically thought there were three given that there were three gifts. These men heard that the king of kings was to be born. They were so ecstatic to hear the news, that they were willing to follow a star in the night. A star probably wasn’t exactly what they thought would guide them to the savior, but they were excited enough to follow it any way. They followed the star everywhere it went until it stopped above a small barn. A barn isn’t really where you would expect to see a king being born, but they were so sure the king was in there they entered the barn.
When they went in, they saw an ordinary child. The child wasn’t surrounded by singing angels or glowing with a halo around its head, it was just simply in its mother’s arms. Even though the child was normal, the men were still overjoyed to see him. They stood in wonder at this child, this plain little boy that would one day save our lives. Since it was common to bring a king gifts, they brought him fine accessories that were fit for a king. When they had given the child his gifts, they left with overjoyed hearts. They were some of the first people that would get to see Jesus up close.
I like this story because I love Christmas time. Like the wise men we are our closest one day a year, and that’s to celebrate the birth of our savior. We get together with people we don’t usually talk to, just so we can all share the joy. Like wise men we become happy about our savior, and end the day with happy hearts.
Katherine Jones
Tomorrow is the Sunday before Christmas. May we gather to worship You in spirit and in truth. As the power and beauty of the Advent season now starts to fade, we begin to prepare for the awesome celebration of Jesus’ birth. Bless those, O God, who have drifted away from the church and aren’t a part of this holy celebration. Be with those, Dear Lord, who have never experienced life within the Living Body of Christ. May the love that came to us most movingly in the manger in Bethlehem live in us in such a way that others may see our faith and good works and be drawn to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Joan Ingmire’s hearth cath procedure went well. No further tests are needed.
Mae Clark was to have been dismissed from St. Mary’s yesterday. Joan Petersen is hoping to be released on Monday.
Please pray for Joan, Mae and Joan.
Christmas Day is one week from today. We will have our full complement of services today and tomorrow. They will include Moments for Mission for the Christmas Outreach Offering, brief congregational meetings, and a baby dedication during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.
The office will be close on Friday, December 24th. We will have a church Visitor next week, however.
There will be Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion services at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Friday. The 7:00 p.m. service will be “family friendly” with the children participating in a “pick up” pageant as a part of the celebration. The 11:00 p.m. service will be led by Butch Phillips and other lay leaders in the church. Invite your family and friends to join with us.
On Sunday, December 26th there will be no 8:00 a.m. chapel service and no Sunday school. Everyone is invited to bring a breakfast treat (be sure to sign up in Sunday School or in the church office) and we will meet in the fellowship hall at 9:30 a.m. to share food, fellowship and Christmas joy. We will have one combined service of worship in the fellowship hall at 10:15 led by the R & R group. This will be casual, fun and inspirational. Bring your out-of-town guests and join us for breakfast and a special service of worship on the day after Christmas.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11:
Did you know it doesn’t say exactly how many men went to go see Jesus? It’s typically thought there were three given that there were three gifts. These men heard that the king of kings was to be born. They were so ecstatic to hear the news, that they were willing to follow a star in the night. A star probably wasn’t exactly what they thought would guide them to the savior, but they were excited enough to follow it any way. They followed the star everywhere it went until it stopped above a small barn. A barn isn’t really where you would expect to see a king being born, but they were so sure the king was in there they entered the barn.
When they went in, they saw an ordinary child. The child wasn’t surrounded by singing angels or glowing with a halo around its head, it was just simply in its mother’s arms. Even though the child was normal, the men were still overjoyed to see him. They stood in wonder at this child, this plain little boy that would one day save our lives. Since it was common to bring a king gifts, they brought him fine accessories that were fit for a king. When they had given the child his gifts, they left with overjoyed hearts. They were some of the first people that would get to see Jesus up close.
I like this story because I love Christmas time. Like the wise men we are our closest one day a year, and that’s to celebrate the birth of our savior. We get together with people we don’t usually talk to, just so we can all share the joy. Like wise men we become happy about our savior, and end the day with happy hearts.
Katherine Jones
Friday, December 17, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, December 17
Immanuel,
The day is fast approaching when we meet with family and friends around our Christmas trees to open our presents. For some, this is the beauty and power, even the reason for the season. Forgive us, we pray, when we succumb to the temptations of the world. May this be the time when we celebrate Jesus’ birth by sharing Your love with those around us. May this be a season of rejoicing as we honor You by following the example of Jesus, caring for the “least of these”. O God, we seek to lives worthy of the title, Christian. May the gifts we give at Christmas be appropriate and meaningful. This we pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please forgive the lateness of this epistle. It has been a busy morning.
Joan Ingmire had a heart cath procedure this morning at St. Mary’s hospital. We are awaiting the results.
Judi Heller is also at St. Mary’s for an out-patient procedure today.
Joan Petersen will likely be dismissed from St. Mary’s on Monday. Mae Clark will be dismissed today.
Dick Castle had successful eye surgery in OKC at the Dean McGee Eye Institute on Monday. He is recuperating at home. He will go back in January for the same surgery on his other eye.
Please pray for these and others of among our family and friends who are sick, hospitalized or recovering at home from recent hospital stays.
Thanks to the generosity of some members and the work of James Phillips and John Wheeler, we now have a third monitor in the Chapel which will allow worship leaders, preachers and the R & R band to see what is displayed on the screens. It is a wonderful enhancement.
I finally have received word about the dates for continuing my tests at Baylor. Carolyn and I will drive to Dallas the afternoon of Sunday, December 26th. I will have tests all day on Monday the 27th. On Tuesday the 28th I will see the oncologist and return to Enid that afternoon. I will return to Dallas on January 4th to actually begin the drug trial and then on January 18th for a follow-up. After that it will be a monthly trip with additional tests every three months. Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you posted.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 1:18-25
This story is one of the greatest stories, I think, that can be read in the Bible because it deals with trust and faith. In this generation we try not to trust to easily because so many people are dishonest. It’s hard to be sure if people are telling the truth. It’s also hard to have faith in things. Sometimes it’s even hard to have faith in yourself. To get the big picture I want to simplify the story a bit.
A man named Joseph has a fiancé named Mary. They love each other. Sadly Joseph finds out that Mary is with child. Well obviously this did not please Joseph. He is upset and decides to get a divorce. Before Joseph does this he decides to lay down for an afternoon snooze. He dreams of an angel, but this angel isn’t just a person in a costume. This angel is for real. It is an angel of the Lord. The angel speaks to Joseph.
He says that Joseph should not be afraid to wed Mary because she is carrying the son of God that shall be named Jesus because he will forgive all of our sins. When Joseph woke up from his dream he did what the angel said.
It took an extreme amount of courage for Joseph to follow through and take Mary as his wife. I mean, Joseph wasn’t sure if his dream was real or just a figment of imagination. He also faced ridicule for his decision to keep Mary. Back then that was not the righteous thing to do. Still, Joseph kept his head held high.
He knew that God had a plan for him, and Joseph would stick to that plan, even if it meant being a bit confused. I can just imagine Joseph praying to God and saying, “Look God, I’m not sure what I should be doing right now but I’m just going to give everything to you. I know you’ll take care of me.”
Sometimes it’s hard for us to see what God has in store for us. We forget to trust him and we forget to have faith. God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes he keeps us guessing but in the end he’ll lead us down the right road. It’s like a song I heard a while back I think the chorus goes:
'Cause I don't know how the story ends
But I'll be alright 'cause You wrote it
I don't know where the highway bends
But I'm doing just fine
'Cause You're in control
Even when I don't know
Where my life's gonna go
You're keeping me guessing
God is with us all the time. He knows where we’re going and he’s got a plan. Just remember this Christmas season to keep faith in God and keep trusting God. We know he’ll lead us down the right road.
Ivy Dyson
The day is fast approaching when we meet with family and friends around our Christmas trees to open our presents. For some, this is the beauty and power, even the reason for the season. Forgive us, we pray, when we succumb to the temptations of the world. May this be the time when we celebrate Jesus’ birth by sharing Your love with those around us. May this be a season of rejoicing as we honor You by following the example of Jesus, caring for the “least of these”. O God, we seek to lives worthy of the title, Christian. May the gifts we give at Christmas be appropriate and meaningful. This we pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please forgive the lateness of this epistle. It has been a busy morning.
Joan Ingmire had a heart cath procedure this morning at St. Mary’s hospital. We are awaiting the results.
Judi Heller is also at St. Mary’s for an out-patient procedure today.
Joan Petersen will likely be dismissed from St. Mary’s on Monday. Mae Clark will be dismissed today.
Dick Castle had successful eye surgery in OKC at the Dean McGee Eye Institute on Monday. He is recuperating at home. He will go back in January for the same surgery on his other eye.
Please pray for these and others of among our family and friends who are sick, hospitalized or recovering at home from recent hospital stays.
Thanks to the generosity of some members and the work of James Phillips and John Wheeler, we now have a third monitor in the Chapel which will allow worship leaders, preachers and the R & R band to see what is displayed on the screens. It is a wonderful enhancement.
I finally have received word about the dates for continuing my tests at Baylor. Carolyn and I will drive to Dallas the afternoon of Sunday, December 26th. I will have tests all day on Monday the 27th. On Tuesday the 28th I will see the oncologist and return to Enid that afternoon. I will return to Dallas on January 4th to actually begin the drug trial and then on January 18th for a follow-up. After that it will be a monthly trip with additional tests every three months. Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you posted.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 1:18-25
This story is one of the greatest stories, I think, that can be read in the Bible because it deals with trust and faith. In this generation we try not to trust to easily because so many people are dishonest. It’s hard to be sure if people are telling the truth. It’s also hard to have faith in things. Sometimes it’s even hard to have faith in yourself. To get the big picture I want to simplify the story a bit.
A man named Joseph has a fiancé named Mary. They love each other. Sadly Joseph finds out that Mary is with child. Well obviously this did not please Joseph. He is upset and decides to get a divorce. Before Joseph does this he decides to lay down for an afternoon snooze. He dreams of an angel, but this angel isn’t just a person in a costume. This angel is for real. It is an angel of the Lord. The angel speaks to Joseph.
He says that Joseph should not be afraid to wed Mary because she is carrying the son of God that shall be named Jesus because he will forgive all of our sins. When Joseph woke up from his dream he did what the angel said.
It took an extreme amount of courage for Joseph to follow through and take Mary as his wife. I mean, Joseph wasn’t sure if his dream was real or just a figment of imagination. He also faced ridicule for his decision to keep Mary. Back then that was not the righteous thing to do. Still, Joseph kept his head held high.
He knew that God had a plan for him, and Joseph would stick to that plan, even if it meant being a bit confused. I can just imagine Joseph praying to God and saying, “Look God, I’m not sure what I should be doing right now but I’m just going to give everything to you. I know you’ll take care of me.”
Sometimes it’s hard for us to see what God has in store for us. We forget to trust him and we forget to have faith. God knows what he’s doing. Sometimes he keeps us guessing but in the end he’ll lead us down the right road. It’s like a song I heard a while back I think the chorus goes:
'Cause I don't know how the story ends
But I'll be alright 'cause You wrote it
I don't know where the highway bends
But I'm doing just fine
'Cause You're in control
Even when I don't know
Where my life's gonna go
You're keeping me guessing
God is with us all the time. He knows where we’re going and he’s got a plan. Just remember this Christmas season to keep faith in God and keep trusting God. We know he’ll lead us down the right road.
Ivy Dyson
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 16
O One who is Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,
Our souls cry out to You. We strip ourselves of all pretenses as we humbly offer this prayer. We pray You will mend the brokenness of our lives with the balm of Your love. Strengthen our resolve to be faithful followers of Your son, Jesus the Christ. As we embrace the joy and wonder of the Advent season, may we be watchful and expectant, always aware that You are in our midst. May we see in others the very image of You, the God who dwells with us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for our sick, hospitalized and grieving. The holidays are always difficult times. May God’s peace dwell with them.
Carolyn’s sister is still hospitalized in Oklahoma City and undergoing further tests and treatments.
The Kids Central Board meets this evening at 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.
The Stewardship Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.
Through the amazing generosity of two families we will have a third screen in the chapel so the worship leaders at the 8:00 a.m. service and the R & R Band members can see what is projected to the congregation. It should be ready to go by this Saturday.
There will be special congregational meetings at all three Sunday morning services of worship. We will be asked to approve a replacement Elder, Junior Deacons and the 2011 Budget.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read John 1:19-34:
John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah—John the Baptist baptized with water, because it was for repentance and symbolized the washing away of sins. Jesus, baptized with the Holy Spirit. He would send the Holy Spirit upon believers, empowering them to live and to teach the message of salvation.
John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus. Today, people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world. Our job as Christians is to point them to Christ, and to show that he is the one whom they seek. The more time we spend getting to know Christ, the more we will understand and appreciate who he is.
Father,
We thank you for your love and grace for the gift of salvation, and all we have to do is accept you. May we remember Jesus’ birth is the most wonderful gift you could ever receive.
Blessings and Merry Christmas to all!
Lana Ellis
Our souls cry out to You. We strip ourselves of all pretenses as we humbly offer this prayer. We pray You will mend the brokenness of our lives with the balm of Your love. Strengthen our resolve to be faithful followers of Your son, Jesus the Christ. As we embrace the joy and wonder of the Advent season, may we be watchful and expectant, always aware that You are in our midst. May we see in others the very image of You, the God who dwells with us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for our sick, hospitalized and grieving. The holidays are always difficult times. May God’s peace dwell with them.
Carolyn’s sister is still hospitalized in Oklahoma City and undergoing further tests and treatments.
The Kids Central Board meets this evening at 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Room.
The Stewardship Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Library.
Through the amazing generosity of two families we will have a third screen in the chapel so the worship leaders at the 8:00 a.m. service and the R & R Band members can see what is projected to the congregation. It should be ready to go by this Saturday.
There will be special congregational meetings at all three Sunday morning services of worship. We will be asked to approve a replacement Elder, Junior Deacons and the 2011 Budget.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read John 1:19-34:
John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah—John the Baptist baptized with water, because it was for repentance and symbolized the washing away of sins. Jesus, baptized with the Holy Spirit. He would send the Holy Spirit upon believers, empowering them to live and to teach the message of salvation.
John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus. Today, people are looking for someone to give them security in an insecure world. Our job as Christians is to point them to Christ, and to show that he is the one whom they seek. The more time we spend getting to know Christ, the more we will understand and appreciate who he is.
Father,
We thank you for your love and grace for the gift of salvation, and all we have to do is accept you. May we remember Jesus’ birth is the most wonderful gift you could ever receive.
Blessings and Merry Christmas to all!
Lana Ellis
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 15
O Source of all that is and that shall be,
Our journey takes us through the valleys and over the mountaintops of life. It takes us through the dark nights of the soul and the bright days of hope and joy. As we ponder the nearness of Your Reign, as we glimpse the power of Your Amazing Grace, may we understand that our life experiences are always dynamic and fluid. Forgive us, O Lord, when we want to always be on the mountaintop. It is easier to celebrate Your Presence when everything is good and whole and complete. Help us to understand that You are with us, even in our dark times. We give you thanks for all of life, knowing that tomorrow will always bring a new experience of You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________________
Barb Newton received excellent news from her oncologist. The surgery was successful and she is cancer free.
Aria Justice is having tonsillectomy surgery next Tuesday.
Roydon Tilley’s father, Kim Tilley, has been very ill in St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. He is doing better now.
Carolyn’s sister, Judith Miracle, is still hospitalized in Oklahoma City. She is having a bronchoscopy this morning.
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
The new Publicity Task Group is meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. There is NO cabinet meeting tonight. The Centours are meeting this evening at Don & Tary Johnson’s to see the lights of Willow Lake and for light refreshments.
Finally everything has been approved by my insurance company so I can proceed ahead with the rest of the tests and begin the drug trial. I will hopefully be going back to Dallas early next week.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read John 1:1-5, 9-14:
The Word of God, His essence, His agent of creation, the source of His message and His Law. The Word that breathed the universe and the stars into existence, Psalms 33:6. The Word of God, the Son of God, a part of God, God Himself came to us. He who was both completely human, and yet completely divine, holy, and righteous. He who was there before time began, at the beginning of creation, and still holds all things together, Colossians 1:17.The one who is our perfect picture of God Himself and is our example for holy living, 1 Peter 2:21 and Philippians 2:5-11. The Word that gave names to the first man and woman, boomed from Mt. Sinai, and had made itself known to prophets and kings came to earth. It came to make its home among the lowly and the sinful. The Word left the presence of God and the perfection of heaven to become the child of a carpenter and a teenage girl, Matthew 1:18-24. He came to be a friend and a Savior to fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes, thieves, and the poor. He traveled on foot, slept where He stopped, and depended on the kindness of strangers. He came to save mankind, but they rejected Him and hung Him on a cross. The Word became our perfect sacrifice, Colossians 1:15-23. The Word, the creator of everything was too powerful for death though. He arose, took back His place at the right hand of God, and is waiting there for all those who believe in Him.
Let us all reflect on the sacrifice the Word made in leaving His holy home to become one of us, to live and die for us, and to conquer death for us. We give thanks for the wonder of this mystery of the fully human and fully divine Lord Jesus.
Cynthia Carlson
Our journey takes us through the valleys and over the mountaintops of life. It takes us through the dark nights of the soul and the bright days of hope and joy. As we ponder the nearness of Your Reign, as we glimpse the power of Your Amazing Grace, may we understand that our life experiences are always dynamic and fluid. Forgive us, O Lord, when we want to always be on the mountaintop. It is easier to celebrate Your Presence when everything is good and whole and complete. Help us to understand that You are with us, even in our dark times. We give you thanks for all of life, knowing that tomorrow will always bring a new experience of You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________________
Barb Newton received excellent news from her oncologist. The surgery was successful and she is cancer free.
Aria Justice is having tonsillectomy surgery next Tuesday.
Roydon Tilley’s father, Kim Tilley, has been very ill in St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. He is doing better now.
Carolyn’s sister, Judith Miracle, is still hospitalized in Oklahoma City. She is having a bronchoscopy this morning.
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
The new Publicity Task Group is meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. There is NO cabinet meeting tonight. The Centours are meeting this evening at Don & Tary Johnson’s to see the lights of Willow Lake and for light refreshments.
Finally everything has been approved by my insurance company so I can proceed ahead with the rest of the tests and begin the drug trial. I will hopefully be going back to Dallas early next week.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read John 1:1-5, 9-14:
The Word of God, His essence, His agent of creation, the source of His message and His Law. The Word that breathed the universe and the stars into existence, Psalms 33:6. The Word of God, the Son of God, a part of God, God Himself came to us. He who was both completely human, and yet completely divine, holy, and righteous. He who was there before time began, at the beginning of creation, and still holds all things together, Colossians 1:17.The one who is our perfect picture of God Himself and is our example for holy living, 1 Peter 2:21 and Philippians 2:5-11. The Word that gave names to the first man and woman, boomed from Mt. Sinai, and had made itself known to prophets and kings came to earth. It came to make its home among the lowly and the sinful. The Word left the presence of God and the perfection of heaven to become the child of a carpenter and a teenage girl, Matthew 1:18-24. He came to be a friend and a Savior to fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes, thieves, and the poor. He traveled on foot, slept where He stopped, and depended on the kindness of strangers. He came to save mankind, but they rejected Him and hung Him on a cross. The Word became our perfect sacrifice, Colossians 1:15-23. The Word, the creator of everything was too powerful for death though. He arose, took back His place at the right hand of God, and is waiting there for all those who believe in Him.
Let us all reflect on the sacrifice the Word made in leaving His holy home to become one of us, to live and die for us, and to conquer death for us. We give thanks for the wonder of this mystery of the fully human and fully divine Lord Jesus.
Cynthia Carlson
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 14
Dear God,
You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, to bring peace and hope to the world. We yearn for that peace. Sometimes its appears to be within our grasp and at other times it is a distant dream. Forgive us, O Lord, when we give up all hope for peace, in our lives, in our families, in our church and in our world. Help us to understand true peace comes only through effort and even sacrifice. This Advent season may we be Your agents for peace. May the hope for peace that came to us in Bethlehem live in our hearts. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
___________________________________________
In this frigid weather may our prayers and actions be with those whose shelter and heat is inadequate.
Remember: There will NOT be a Cabinet tomorrow evening. We will have congregational meetings this Sunday during all the morning services.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 21:28-32:
Jesus tells us through this scripture that even the most sinful enter the Kingdom of God before those who were shown the way of righteousness and chose not to believe. The sinful believed and repented and therefore were forgiven.
The Bible tells us over and over, that if we follow His word and live by it daily, we will enter His Kingdom. We all know that we will sin and fall short of the Glory of God, but isn’t it reassuring to know that if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can ask forgiveness and be forgiven?
This Christmas season, let us celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and spread the “good news” to those around us, who may not know him.
Dear God,
Thank you for sending your Son to die for us so that we may live. Thank you for our Salvation through your Son, and help us to be good witnesses to others.
Amen
Karen Foster
You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, to bring peace and hope to the world. We yearn for that peace. Sometimes its appears to be within our grasp and at other times it is a distant dream. Forgive us, O Lord, when we give up all hope for peace, in our lives, in our families, in our church and in our world. Help us to understand true peace comes only through effort and even sacrifice. This Advent season may we be Your agents for peace. May the hope for peace that came to us in Bethlehem live in our hearts. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
___________________________________________
In this frigid weather may our prayers and actions be with those whose shelter and heat is inadequate.
Remember: There will NOT be a Cabinet tomorrow evening. We will have congregational meetings this Sunday during all the morning services.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 21:28-32:
Jesus tells us through this scripture that even the most sinful enter the Kingdom of God before those who were shown the way of righteousness and chose not to believe. The sinful believed and repented and therefore were forgiven.
The Bible tells us over and over, that if we follow His word and live by it daily, we will enter His Kingdom. We all know that we will sin and fall short of the Glory of God, but isn’t it reassuring to know that if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we can ask forgiveness and be forgiven?
This Christmas season, let us celebrate the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and spread the “good news” to those around us, who may not know him.
Dear God,
Thank you for sending your Son to die for us so that we may live. Thank you for our Salvation through your Son, and help us to be good witnesses to others.
Amen
Karen Foster
Monday, December 13, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, December 13
O Love That Will Not Let Us Go,
We pause during this busy time of year to reflect and to give thanks. We are blessed beyond measure. Help us during this season of Advent to find ways to bless others. . .with a kind word, a generous act, a comforting touch or a listening ear. Help us always to remember that it is in giving that we receive. We offer this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Beverly Brandt is in ICU at Bass Hospital. She went in the hospital yesterday with chest pains and received a stint. She may get another stint, but she is doing fine and will likely be moved to a room on the floor today. Please pray for Beverly, Bill and their family.
Joan Ingmire is having a stress test today.
Barbara Newton is consulting with an oncologist today in OKC.
Please Pray for Joan and Barbara.
Catina Sundvall is returning from her grandfather’s funeral in Minneapolis. Please pray for Catina and her family.
Carolyn McLemore’s sister, Judith, is in Deaconess Hospital in OKC with a severe case of pneumonia. Please pray for Judith.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 21:23-27:
Jesus' authority has been questioned and it may seem that he is being evasive but he is allowing the elders and priests to answer their own question. In order to get their answer they have to question their own faith and in their answer be accepting Jesus as the Messiah or denying the very faith they were questioning. Jesus forces them to seek within themselves. If Jesus had an¬swered the question he would have faced a charge of blasphemy or be seen as a religious zealot according to their beliefs. They are confronting the belief, possibly to question their very own faith, and may be working to discredit Jesus, but they end up discrediting themselves by answering with ignorance. This passage reflects the importance of faith, in what we can and cannot see.
Catina Sundvall
We pause during this busy time of year to reflect and to give thanks. We are blessed beyond measure. Help us during this season of Advent to find ways to bless others. . .with a kind word, a generous act, a comforting touch or a listening ear. Help us always to remember that it is in giving that we receive. We offer this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Beverly Brandt is in ICU at Bass Hospital. She went in the hospital yesterday with chest pains and received a stint. She may get another stint, but she is doing fine and will likely be moved to a room on the floor today. Please pray for Beverly, Bill and their family.
Joan Ingmire is having a stress test today.
Barbara Newton is consulting with an oncologist today in OKC.
Please Pray for Joan and Barbara.
Catina Sundvall is returning from her grandfather’s funeral in Minneapolis. Please pray for Catina and her family.
Carolyn McLemore’s sister, Judith, is in Deaconess Hospital in OKC with a severe case of pneumonia. Please pray for Judith.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 21:23-27:
Jesus' authority has been questioned and it may seem that he is being evasive but he is allowing the elders and priests to answer their own question. In order to get their answer they have to question their own faith and in their answer be accepting Jesus as the Messiah or denying the very faith they were questioning. Jesus forces them to seek within themselves. If Jesus had an¬swered the question he would have faced a charge of blasphemy or be seen as a religious zealot according to their beliefs. They are confronting the belief, possibly to question their very own faith, and may be working to discredit Jesus, but they end up discrediting themselves by answering with ignorance. This passage reflects the importance of faith, in what we can and cannot see.
Catina Sundvall
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 12
God of Wonders,
This is the season of wonder. The lights, the decorations, the Christmas trees and wreaths, all bring a sense of eager anticipation, regardless of one’s age. May the hope that comes to us through Jesus the Christ be our focus. May the joy of Christmas fill our hearts, particularly as we choose to set aside time to worship You as the family of faith. Please be present to us in a special way this day as we bring our praise and thanksgiving to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Today is the choir cantata and the children’s program. Bring a friend to both the morning and evening experiences.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 52:7-10:
These verses take me back to some of my favorite times as a teenager, my days at the beautiful mountains of Camp Monte Vista. As a freshman I was told by the older members of my youth group at Stillwater First Christian that the experience would change my life forever… Little did I know how right they were. Upon arriving that first night, after the usual van/bus trouble, (I don’t remember which it was that year, yet another fond memory for another time), we arrived in the dark of night and my friend Beth took me by the hand a lead me to the volleyball court. While standing in the middle of the mountains in Monte Vista National Forest I looked up into the heavens and felt God saying “Yes it is I.” At that moment I felt a peace that is still present when I take the time to remember that moment. All of this is God’s wondrous creation! As a teen my joy was going to camp worshiping together with the community that I still am in contact with through the wonders of FaceBook.
How life changes, now my greatest joy is the wonderful sounds of my two amazing daughters. I see God through them every day in their squeals and songs of joy. I hear them play, dance, and sing the songs they learned from VBS or in Kids Time and know that God is present. These are the moments we are to seek our comfort in. Does God’s heart bursts with joy when we as a congregation lift our voices in praise and worship of Him as mine does as I hear my children’s voices? This is what we are called to do, take a moment and sing one of your favorite songs of praise. Make God’s heart burst with joy this Advent season.
Sonya Waldrip
This is the season of wonder. The lights, the decorations, the Christmas trees and wreaths, all bring a sense of eager anticipation, regardless of one’s age. May the hope that comes to us through Jesus the Christ be our focus. May the joy of Christmas fill our hearts, particularly as we choose to set aside time to worship You as the family of faith. Please be present to us in a special way this day as we bring our praise and thanksgiving to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Today is the choir cantata and the children’s program. Bring a friend to both the morning and evening experiences.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 52:7-10:
These verses take me back to some of my favorite times as a teenager, my days at the beautiful mountains of Camp Monte Vista. As a freshman I was told by the older members of my youth group at Stillwater First Christian that the experience would change my life forever… Little did I know how right they were. Upon arriving that first night, after the usual van/bus trouble, (I don’t remember which it was that year, yet another fond memory for another time), we arrived in the dark of night and my friend Beth took me by the hand a lead me to the volleyball court. While standing in the middle of the mountains in Monte Vista National Forest I looked up into the heavens and felt God saying “Yes it is I.” At that moment I felt a peace that is still present when I take the time to remember that moment. All of this is God’s wondrous creation! As a teen my joy was going to camp worshiping together with the community that I still am in contact with through the wonders of FaceBook.
How life changes, now my greatest joy is the wonderful sounds of my two amazing daughters. I see God through them every day in their squeals and songs of joy. I hear them play, dance, and sing the songs they learned from VBS or in Kids Time and know that God is present. These are the moments we are to seek our comfort in. Does God’s heart bursts with joy when we as a congregation lift our voices in praise and worship of Him as mine does as I hear my children’s voices? This is what we are called to do, take a moment and sing one of your favorite songs of praise. Make God’s heart burst with joy this Advent season.
Sonya Waldrip
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 11
God With Us,
We ponder the meaning of Immanuel and try to wrap our minds around the understanding that You are indeed a God who “pitches His tent” with us. Even so, we often act as though You are distant and unavailable to us. Forgive us, O Lord, when we are distant from You. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive Your light which came and comes into our world as the spirit of eternal love. We offer this prayer in Jesus name. AMEN.
__________________________________
Remember: tomorrow at the 10:15 the Chancel Choir present their Christmas Cantata. Tomorrow evening the children will present a children’s Christmas program. It will be a great day at Central.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Philippians 2:1-11:
As a mother, the most humbling thing is realizing that the Lord has entrusted me responsibility for the proper raising of my children. What an awesome responsibility! Each time I held my newborn son, I was in awe that my husband and I had been given such precious gifts. How small I felt at those moments, but through the Lord we are given strength to be what He needs us to be. That responsibility has humbled me to believing we should never place ourselves in a privileged position above others, never saying we are more blessed or favored than they are. Instead, each true Christian needs to forget his own ego, but rather loving and helping others in whatever need they have without a desire for thanks or payback. From a young age, children need to understand and acknowledge God is the source of their accomplishments, talents, and gifts. While we want our children to be proud of a job well done, we must press upon them the virtue of humility. It is only with God we are able to receive these blessings, and the consistent praise belongs to God alone. May we strive to adopt the servant’s attitude as we seek to be more humble.
Beth Kelly
We ponder the meaning of Immanuel and try to wrap our minds around the understanding that You are indeed a God who “pitches His tent” with us. Even so, we often act as though You are distant and unavailable to us. Forgive us, O Lord, when we are distant from You. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive Your light which came and comes into our world as the spirit of eternal love. We offer this prayer in Jesus name. AMEN.
__________________________________
Remember: tomorrow at the 10:15 the Chancel Choir present their Christmas Cantata. Tomorrow evening the children will present a children’s Christmas program. It will be a great day at Central.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Philippians 2:1-11:
As a mother, the most humbling thing is realizing that the Lord has entrusted me responsibility for the proper raising of my children. What an awesome responsibility! Each time I held my newborn son, I was in awe that my husband and I had been given such precious gifts. How small I felt at those moments, but through the Lord we are given strength to be what He needs us to be. That responsibility has humbled me to believing we should never place ourselves in a privileged position above others, never saying we are more blessed or favored than they are. Instead, each true Christian needs to forget his own ego, but rather loving and helping others in whatever need they have without a desire for thanks or payback. From a young age, children need to understand and acknowledge God is the source of their accomplishments, talents, and gifts. While we want our children to be proud of a job well done, we must press upon them the virtue of humility. It is only with God we are able to receive these blessings, and the consistent praise belongs to God alone. May we strive to adopt the servant’s attitude as we seek to be more humble.
Beth Kelly
Friday, December 10, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, December 10
O Author of Love,
We see glimpses, from time to time, of Your reign in our midst. These are often moments when we are overwhelmed by the beauty and power of self sacrificing service to others. Forgive us, O God, when we see Jesus only as the one who calmed the wind and the waves and forget that he also girded himself with a towel, got down on his knees, and washed the feet of his disciples. We can’t stop the storms, but we can serve others in Jesus name. During this season of Advent may we see You at work, may we see a glimpse of Your reign, as we reach out to those in need. We pray this in the name of the one born in a manger, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
The Board enjoyed a nice Christmas dinner yesterday evening. A little church business was also transacted. Jim Cox was approved to serve the remainder of Phil Adams term as Elder. The proposed budget for 2011 was approved. These two items will be voted on by the congregation at a congregational meeting during our Sunday services of worship on December 19th. Carolyn McLemore was also approved as the Adult Bell Choir Director.
Remember, this Sunday the choir will present their Christmas cantata during the 10:15 a.m. service. We will also dedicate Henry William Stuever, newborn son of Jason and Jill Stuever. It will be a great day. Rev. Gary Mitchell will also be here to bring brief greetings from the Regional Church.
Yesterday Carolyn and I left Enid at 8:30 a.m. to drive to the Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. I underwent some tests required prior to beginning the trial of this new drug for prostate cancer. Frankly, we had a good time. The tests went well. We left Baylor at 5:30 p.m., fought the Dallas traffic, stopped at an Olive Garden for supper and got home a little after midnight. It was a 607 mile roundtrip. While it was a long day, we much prefer sleeping in our own bed. I do have more tests to take. If they are scheduled early in the day, we will obviously spend the night. Likely I will go back next week or the following week for the remainder of the scans. After that it will be a once a month trip. I appreciate your prayers and continued words of concern. It is nice to finally be doing something.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
Is there a time for everything under heaven? What about homework and Facebook? Is there time to clean house, time to play with your kid. Time to do the dishes. Time to sleep in. Time to be selfish, time to be selfless.
Many times I think of Pete Seeger adding these verses to music which was made famous by the Byrds and recall the message of peace found in the song (you can find it on YouTube). That is what Christmas should be about, laying down our selfish desires and making peace with our neighbors. Forget about fighting the lines shopping and embrace the peace offered by our Creator and our Savior.
Remember the hope of holding a newborn baby, the joy of little hands, soft skin, new life, the promise of the future? These are the blessings of the Christ child. The promise of tomorrow, a future with God, a peace sustained through the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Distractions abound this time of year, but let us remember that God sent a peacemaker into the world. There is time for everything, to shop, to drop, to pray, to play. Make time for the Christ child, remember the baby, remember the man, remember our Lord.
Prayer: Lord over all things, you who know us so deeply calm our quickened hearts. Slow us down, help us to reflect on the things around us, the season, the ringing of bells, the joy in the air, and the anticipation that comes with the Christ child being brought afresh to our minds. Bless us with patience and understanding. Guide us to newer understandings of what it means to be your people. Help us to make the best of the time we have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
John Wheeler
We see glimpses, from time to time, of Your reign in our midst. These are often moments when we are overwhelmed by the beauty and power of self sacrificing service to others. Forgive us, O God, when we see Jesus only as the one who calmed the wind and the waves and forget that he also girded himself with a towel, got down on his knees, and washed the feet of his disciples. We can’t stop the storms, but we can serve others in Jesus name. During this season of Advent may we see You at work, may we see a glimpse of Your reign, as we reach out to those in need. We pray this in the name of the one born in a manger, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
The Board enjoyed a nice Christmas dinner yesterday evening. A little church business was also transacted. Jim Cox was approved to serve the remainder of Phil Adams term as Elder. The proposed budget for 2011 was approved. These two items will be voted on by the congregation at a congregational meeting during our Sunday services of worship on December 19th. Carolyn McLemore was also approved as the Adult Bell Choir Director.
Remember, this Sunday the choir will present their Christmas cantata during the 10:15 a.m. service. We will also dedicate Henry William Stuever, newborn son of Jason and Jill Stuever. It will be a great day. Rev. Gary Mitchell will also be here to bring brief greetings from the Regional Church.
Yesterday Carolyn and I left Enid at 8:30 a.m. to drive to the Sammons Cancer Center at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas. I underwent some tests required prior to beginning the trial of this new drug for prostate cancer. Frankly, we had a good time. The tests went well. We left Baylor at 5:30 p.m., fought the Dallas traffic, stopped at an Olive Garden for supper and got home a little after midnight. It was a 607 mile roundtrip. While it was a long day, we much prefer sleeping in our own bed. I do have more tests to take. If they are scheduled early in the day, we will obviously spend the night. Likely I will go back next week or the following week for the remainder of the scans. After that it will be a once a month trip. I appreciate your prayers and continued words of concern. It is nice to finally be doing something.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
Is there a time for everything under heaven? What about homework and Facebook? Is there time to clean house, time to play with your kid. Time to do the dishes. Time to sleep in. Time to be selfish, time to be selfless.
Many times I think of Pete Seeger adding these verses to music which was made famous by the Byrds and recall the message of peace found in the song (you can find it on YouTube). That is what Christmas should be about, laying down our selfish desires and making peace with our neighbors. Forget about fighting the lines shopping and embrace the peace offered by our Creator and our Savior.
Remember the hope of holding a newborn baby, the joy of little hands, soft skin, new life, the promise of the future? These are the blessings of the Christ child. The promise of tomorrow, a future with God, a peace sustained through the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Distractions abound this time of year, but let us remember that God sent a peacemaker into the world. There is time for everything, to shop, to drop, to pray, to play. Make time for the Christ child, remember the baby, remember the man, remember our Lord.
Prayer: Lord over all things, you who know us so deeply calm our quickened hearts. Slow us down, help us to reflect on the things around us, the season, the ringing of bells, the joy in the air, and the anticipation that comes with the Christ child being brought afresh to our minds. Bless us with patience and understanding. Guide us to newer understandings of what it means to be your people. Help us to make the best of the time we have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
John Wheeler
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 9
O Divine Presence,
Embrace us in Your everlasting arms, O God, that we might feel the power and tenderness of Your presence. May we hear the beat of Your heart as Jesus did and may we live our life in sync with the rhythm of the universe You created. A star led the Wise Men to the Christ Child. May the light of His eternal presence lead us to You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Richard Cook, Bob Parks’ son-in-law, has finally been released from the hospital after a lengthy stay.
Please pray for Joan Petersen, Margie Edwards, Maribel Moore and Bertie Krause’s brother, all of whom are hospitalized.
Please pray for Carolyn and me as we travel to Dallas today. I begin a series of tests at Baylor Medical Center.
Tonight the Board will gather for the annual Board Christmas Dinner. Please pray prayers of Thanksgiving for all the dedicated servants who serve on our Board.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 18:12-14:
Are you a lost sheep? In this parable, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd watching over his sheep, and the “lost sheep” here represents a member of the church who has drifted into sin. The parable tells of God’s love for you and the great rejoicing in heaven over the repentance of just one sinner! The point of this parable is finding and thus protecting “sheep” that otherwise would die from exposure to the elements or be ravaged by predators. In reality who would care about only one sheep out of the flock of a hundred? You know, in the business world, losing one out of one hundred could be considered an acceptable loss, considered just “shrinkage”, and a profit loss of just a measly 1%. But to God the loss of just one sheep is an unacceptable number to lose - God wants to find ALL of His lost sheep! Importantly, the shepherd in this parable is happier because he has rescued a “lost” sheep. GOD, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are bound by one thing, our choices. If a person “chooses” to wander away, or just happens to drift away, the Word tells us it is worse for him than if he had never known them. Therefore, the recovery of the “lost” is a rescue of the greatest magnitude.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for protecting us from harm and temptation like a shepherd, and for sending your Son to show us the way, restoring us to the community of believers when we wander away from the flock and drift into sin.
Amen
Dave Chael
Embrace us in Your everlasting arms, O God, that we might feel the power and tenderness of Your presence. May we hear the beat of Your heart as Jesus did and may we live our life in sync with the rhythm of the universe You created. A star led the Wise Men to the Christ Child. May the light of His eternal presence lead us to You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Richard Cook, Bob Parks’ son-in-law, has finally been released from the hospital after a lengthy stay.
Please pray for Joan Petersen, Margie Edwards, Maribel Moore and Bertie Krause’s brother, all of whom are hospitalized.
Please pray for Carolyn and me as we travel to Dallas today. I begin a series of tests at Baylor Medical Center.
Tonight the Board will gather for the annual Board Christmas Dinner. Please pray prayers of Thanksgiving for all the dedicated servants who serve on our Board.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 18:12-14:
Are you a lost sheep? In this parable, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd watching over his sheep, and the “lost sheep” here represents a member of the church who has drifted into sin. The parable tells of God’s love for you and the great rejoicing in heaven over the repentance of just one sinner! The point of this parable is finding and thus protecting “sheep” that otherwise would die from exposure to the elements or be ravaged by predators. In reality who would care about only one sheep out of the flock of a hundred? You know, in the business world, losing one out of one hundred could be considered an acceptable loss, considered just “shrinkage”, and a profit loss of just a measly 1%. But to God the loss of just one sheep is an unacceptable number to lose - God wants to find ALL of His lost sheep! Importantly, the shepherd in this parable is happier because he has rescued a “lost” sheep. GOD, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are bound by one thing, our choices. If a person “chooses” to wander away, or just happens to drift away, the Word tells us it is worse for him than if he had never known them. Therefore, the recovery of the “lost” is a rescue of the greatest magnitude.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for protecting us from harm and temptation like a shepherd, and for sending your Son to show us the way, restoring us to the community of believers when we wander away from the flock and drift into sin.
Amen
Dave Chael
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 8
God of Tender Mercies,
We pray You will come to us in the gentle and tender moments of life. May our defenses be lowered. May we risk being in relationship with You, Dear Lord. The power of the manger story is its weakness and vulnerability. Embrace us, O God, as we become vulnerable to You. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Sam and Sandra Justice’s granddaughter, Norah Keinath, still has kidney problems. She was born on May 29th. The situation is isn’t getting any worse, but it isn’t getting better either. They are told nothing can be done until she is 2 years old. Please continue to pray for Norah.
Please pray for Maribel Moore. She had surgery yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to repair earlier surgery on her leg. Maribel will probably be there until Friday.
The Caregivers and the Hospital Callers had their Christmas party yesterday. What a profound ministry! Please pray for these people as they call on our shut-ins and hospitalized. Also, this is a service to others that you might want to join. Call me if you are interested.
The chancel choir rehearses tonight preparing for their Sunday morning cantata. The children also rehearse at 6:30 p.m. for the Sunday evening program.
Tomorrow evening the Board will enjoy their annual Christmas Board Dinner.
Tomorrow Carolyn and I will drive to Dallas for the first in a series of tests necessary to enter a drug trial program. Please pray for us as we travel. Unfortunately we will miss the board dinner.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 9:6-7:
From these words came one of the most beautiful songs from Handel’s Messiah, a thrilling piece no singer can forget. It can also be one of the most difficult to perform ….. rapid runs sung and played in close harmony ….. sudden crescendos ….. a final, emphatic vocal ritardando after which the orchestra resumes the original tempo and repeats, once more, the original melody.
For me, my feelings about this song can mirror the Christmas season. What a singularly beautiful time of year, thrilling and unforgettable. Yet we often find it a difficult time, as well ….. rapid runs between events scheduled in close succession ….. sudden demands from those around us ….. ardently traditional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities after which we resume the regular tempo and melody, if you will, of our lives.
I hear friends say they wish the holidays were less stressful. Do they really? Do you? Isn’t it the challenges of our lives from which we learn? Don’t the sudden crescendos and emphatic ritardandos create the thrilling and unforgettable memories? And don’t we want to return to the tempo of our lives with the beautiful melody of Jesus pressed in our hearts and minds so that we can “sing” it out to the nations throughout the coming year?
Will you pray with me?
Dearest Lord,
Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help us follow the example set by the most Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace. Help us seek justice and righteousness for all, and let our hearts sing forth the song of His coming forever and ever. Amen
Janet Jones
We pray You will come to us in the gentle and tender moments of life. May our defenses be lowered. May we risk being in relationship with You, Dear Lord. The power of the manger story is its weakness and vulnerability. Embrace us, O God, as we become vulnerable to You. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Sam and Sandra Justice’s granddaughter, Norah Keinath, still has kidney problems. She was born on May 29th. The situation is isn’t getting any worse, but it isn’t getting better either. They are told nothing can be done until she is 2 years old. Please continue to pray for Norah.
Please pray for Maribel Moore. She had surgery yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to repair earlier surgery on her leg. Maribel will probably be there until Friday.
The Caregivers and the Hospital Callers had their Christmas party yesterday. What a profound ministry! Please pray for these people as they call on our shut-ins and hospitalized. Also, this is a service to others that you might want to join. Call me if you are interested.
The chancel choir rehearses tonight preparing for their Sunday morning cantata. The children also rehearse at 6:30 p.m. for the Sunday evening program.
Tomorrow evening the Board will enjoy their annual Christmas Board Dinner.
Tomorrow Carolyn and I will drive to Dallas for the first in a series of tests necessary to enter a drug trial program. Please pray for us as we travel. Unfortunately we will miss the board dinner.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 9:6-7:
From these words came one of the most beautiful songs from Handel’s Messiah, a thrilling piece no singer can forget. It can also be one of the most difficult to perform ….. rapid runs sung and played in close harmony ….. sudden crescendos ….. a final, emphatic vocal ritardando after which the orchestra resumes the original tempo and repeats, once more, the original melody.
For me, my feelings about this song can mirror the Christmas season. What a singularly beautiful time of year, thrilling and unforgettable. Yet we often find it a difficult time, as well ….. rapid runs between events scheduled in close succession ….. sudden demands from those around us ….. ardently traditional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day activities after which we resume the regular tempo and melody, if you will, of our lives.
I hear friends say they wish the holidays were less stressful. Do they really? Do you? Isn’t it the challenges of our lives from which we learn? Don’t the sudden crescendos and emphatic ritardandos create the thrilling and unforgettable memories? And don’t we want to return to the tempo of our lives with the beautiful melody of Jesus pressed in our hearts and minds so that we can “sing” it out to the nations throughout the coming year?
Will you pray with me?
Dearest Lord,
Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Help us follow the example set by the most Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace. Help us seek justice and righteousness for all, and let our hearts sing forth the song of His coming forever and ever. Amen
Janet Jones
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 7
Dear Lord,
We are surrounded by so many events and people that exude negativity. There are conflicts in families, in churches, in the workplace, and at school. There is illness in our lives and the world is in bad shape. At times we feel overwhelmed and are tempted to surrender to all the negativity that surrounds us. Empower us, Dear God, by the power of Your Holy Spirit to focus on the good and positive things of life, because they are there. Help us to break the cycles of complaint and dissatisfaction by sharing Good News stories of your love and the goodness that exist in our lives. The Christ Child was born into a time of despair and bleakness, yet He brought light and hope to the world. This Advent season may we be His agents of hope, joy, peace and love. May we dwell on the positive as we let His light shine through us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
I received the following email from Fig Newton:
John.
It's 6:30 on Tuesday morning and I am on my way to Yukon. My granddaughter Delaney has been put in the hospital with a pretty bad case of pneumonia. I will keep you informed. She is in Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon room 213. Thanks for all the prayers. Fig
Please pray for Delaney.
Tonight the Christian Caregivers will have their Christmas Party at the Heritage Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn near Cleo Springs. We celebrate the Caregivers and the wonderful ministry they perform.
Tomorrow evening the Chancel Choir and the children will rehearse for two big events this Sunday. The choir will lead us in worship with their Christmas Cantata “Winter Grace”. All morning services will be combined at 10:15 in the sanctuary. The children are preparing for their Christmas program “My Best-est Friend”. That will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
Today is December 7. May we remember and reflect on the events of 69 years ago. Please pray for all our living veterans of WWII. May God bless them and may we all actively work for peace.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 40:3-5:
What does it mean that every valley shall be lifted and every mountain be made low? That the uneven shall become level and the rough places a plain? Is it possible, even probable, that these are metaphors for the inequality and disparity of human life? Do these foreshadow the coming of Jesus, the Christ who will bring to us a time where there is no class, no upper and lower, no better-than-you? The Christ will bring to us who will follow him, in all our sin and glory, an evenness of opportunity, a parity that will preclude any being more deserving and thus any having more.? Is this not what Jesus' life offers us? Salvation for souls made ill by lives of emptiness and rushing hither and yon looking for we know not what? What scary and hugely important a thought this is. Sin. Sin alone creates those valleys of life where most of us look up at the few at the height of the mountain, those few who may have only been elevated to the heights by their own sin. Leaving behind the ruins of the lives of those stepped on and over, not wanting the Christ to enter their hearts and bring them peace and action. To bring the desire to move toward another, sharing what only Christ can give us..........tranquility of spirit and force of truth. Where else can we find what it requires to move from valleys to mountaintops and back again, all in love, not in superiority? Christ is born. Thanks be to God.
Carolyn McLemore
We are surrounded by so many events and people that exude negativity. There are conflicts in families, in churches, in the workplace, and at school. There is illness in our lives and the world is in bad shape. At times we feel overwhelmed and are tempted to surrender to all the negativity that surrounds us. Empower us, Dear God, by the power of Your Holy Spirit to focus on the good and positive things of life, because they are there. Help us to break the cycles of complaint and dissatisfaction by sharing Good News stories of your love and the goodness that exist in our lives. The Christ Child was born into a time of despair and bleakness, yet He brought light and hope to the world. This Advent season may we be His agents of hope, joy, peace and love. May we dwell on the positive as we let His light shine through us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
I received the following email from Fig Newton:
John.
It's 6:30 on Tuesday morning and I am on my way to Yukon. My granddaughter Delaney has been put in the hospital with a pretty bad case of pneumonia. I will keep you informed. She is in Canadian Valley Hospital in Yukon room 213. Thanks for all the prayers. Fig
Please pray for Delaney.
Tonight the Christian Caregivers will have their Christmas Party at the Heritage Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn near Cleo Springs. We celebrate the Caregivers and the wonderful ministry they perform.
Tomorrow evening the Chancel Choir and the children will rehearse for two big events this Sunday. The choir will lead us in worship with their Christmas Cantata “Winter Grace”. All morning services will be combined at 10:15 in the sanctuary. The children are preparing for their Christmas program “My Best-est Friend”. That will occur at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
Today is December 7. May we remember and reflect on the events of 69 years ago. Please pray for all our living veterans of WWII. May God bless them and may we all actively work for peace.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 40:3-5:
What does it mean that every valley shall be lifted and every mountain be made low? That the uneven shall become level and the rough places a plain? Is it possible, even probable, that these are metaphors for the inequality and disparity of human life? Do these foreshadow the coming of Jesus, the Christ who will bring to us a time where there is no class, no upper and lower, no better-than-you? The Christ will bring to us who will follow him, in all our sin and glory, an evenness of opportunity, a parity that will preclude any being more deserving and thus any having more.? Is this not what Jesus' life offers us? Salvation for souls made ill by lives of emptiness and rushing hither and yon looking for we know not what? What scary and hugely important a thought this is. Sin. Sin alone creates those valleys of life where most of us look up at the few at the height of the mountain, those few who may have only been elevated to the heights by their own sin. Leaving behind the ruins of the lives of those stepped on and over, not wanting the Christ to enter their hearts and bring them peace and action. To bring the desire to move toward another, sharing what only Christ can give us..........tranquility of spirit and force of truth. Where else can we find what it requires to move from valleys to mountaintops and back again, all in love, not in superiority? Christ is born. Thanks be to God.
Carolyn McLemore
Monday, December 6, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, December 6
O One Who Brings Hope,
Our hearts cry out to You. Fill us with Your Spirit, we pray. During this Advent season we strive to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Help us, O God, to strip away all that is superfluous, all that is distracting, all that separates us from the true meaning of Christmas. May the gifts we share also include gifts of food and warmth for the poor. When we reflect on the smelly, crowded manger may we also remember those who lack appropriate shelter and comfort. Christ came for all peoples. May we participate in His love as we love others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
Gene Carlson fell and was taken to the ER. Please pray for Gene.
There is an introduction to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the church in Room 109 and the Central Cinema Room.
Guild meets this evening at 6:00 p.m.
May the true Spirit of the approaching Christmas season fill our hearts.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 6:17-26:
Verses 18 & 19 tells us that some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tired to take him into the house of Jesus to laid him before Lord. When they got to Jesus’ house they could not enter through the door because of the crowd that had gathered. They decided to go up on the roof and lower him on his mat through the tiles in the roof into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
In this story the crowd got in the way of the paralytic seeing Jesus much the same way as it did with Zacchaeus who had to climb a sycamore tree to see the Lord. It is ironic that it was the Pharisees and teachers of the law who help to make up the crowd. As you think about the time and culture we live in today the same thing happens to us. How many times this last week has the crowd gotten in your way to seeing the Lord? Especially at this hectic time of year we can lose track of the real meaning of Christmas by letting the crowd (the culture we live in) make demands on our time and money, which interfere with letting us have a personal and close relationship with Jesus.
In the Bible story of Jesus Heals a Paralytic the men carrying the paralytic did not let the crowd discourage them from getting close to the Lord. They set the example for us today. It is important not only at this special season but all throughout the year that we make time each day for a personal relationship with Jesus reading the scriptures and participating in prayer with the Lord. If we are to have a faithful life with Christ we need to make daily study and prayer an important part of our routine.
Our Heavenly Father,
At the special time of year we want to thank you for the precious gift of your son. Help us as we approach this season to discipline ourselves to have a closer relationship to you through our prayer life and study of the scriptures each day. Help us to not let the crowd get in our way.
Amen.
David and Sue Dell
Our hearts cry out to You. Fill us with Your Spirit, we pray. During this Advent season we strive to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Help us, O God, to strip away all that is superfluous, all that is distracting, all that separates us from the true meaning of Christmas. May the gifts we share also include gifts of food and warmth for the poor. When we reflect on the smelly, crowded manger may we also remember those who lack appropriate shelter and comfort. Christ came for all peoples. May we participate in His love as we love others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
Gene Carlson fell and was taken to the ER. Please pray for Gene.
There is an introduction to Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the church in Room 109 and the Central Cinema Room.
Guild meets this evening at 6:00 p.m.
May the true Spirit of the approaching Christmas season fill our hearts.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Luke 6:17-26:
Verses 18 & 19 tells us that some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tired to take him into the house of Jesus to laid him before Lord. When they got to Jesus’ house they could not enter through the door because of the crowd that had gathered. They decided to go up on the roof and lower him on his mat through the tiles in the roof into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
In this story the crowd got in the way of the paralytic seeing Jesus much the same way as it did with Zacchaeus who had to climb a sycamore tree to see the Lord. It is ironic that it was the Pharisees and teachers of the law who help to make up the crowd. As you think about the time and culture we live in today the same thing happens to us. How many times this last week has the crowd gotten in your way to seeing the Lord? Especially at this hectic time of year we can lose track of the real meaning of Christmas by letting the crowd (the culture we live in) make demands on our time and money, which interfere with letting us have a personal and close relationship with Jesus.
In the Bible story of Jesus Heals a Paralytic the men carrying the paralytic did not let the crowd discourage them from getting close to the Lord. They set the example for us today. It is important not only at this special season but all throughout the year that we make time each day for a personal relationship with Jesus reading the scriptures and participating in prayer with the Lord. If we are to have a faithful life with Christ we need to make daily study and prayer an important part of our routine.
Our Heavenly Father,
At the special time of year we want to thank you for the precious gift of your son. Help us as we approach this season to discipline ourselves to have a closer relationship to you through our prayer life and study of the scriptures each day. Help us to not let the crowd get in our way.
Amen.
David and Sue Dell
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 5
God of Promise,
We offer You our thanks and praise. Bless us, we pray, on our journey through Advent. May Your will be done in us and through our church. We claim to be the living Body of Christ. May the Spirit of the Christ abound at Central Christian Church. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Gene Brintnall called yesterday. He is back from the Mayo Clinic. His surgery went well. There was no cancer. He has to go back in three months for a follow-up. Please pray prayers of Thanksgiving for Gene.
Mae Clark, Joan Petersen and Margie Edwards are all hospitalized at St. Mary’s. Please continue to pray for them.
Please join your church family for worship today.
The General Church has produced a brief Advent video. The link is http://www.disciples.org/Video/TheLightsofAdvent/tabid/807/Default.aspx . I encourage you to watch it. Larry Brown, one of the participants and the current Moderator of the General Church is a layman from Chickasha.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 11:1-10
It's a "dog eat dog" world, we say: It's survival of the fittest, and it's not pretty. All true in its way. But is it all that's true? Isaiah gives us a vision that Jesus Christ lived into. While the wicked will perish, his judgment will favor the poor and the meek. Everything will be turned upside down.
The Reign of God stands in contrast to the values of the culture. Instead of a “dog eat dog” mentality, Christ ushers in a different scenario. The wolf will live with the lamb. The cow and the bear will graze together. The leopard will lie down with the kid. All are metaphors for a new age. EVERYTHING is different, unexpected, out of the ordinary.
When we celebrate the birth of Christ we are warmed by the beautiful story. It is a comforting and comfortable picture. As we embrace the Christ, however, we realize that the “normal” view of the world is no longer valid. We are moved out of our comfort zone into a world of new possibilities.
Dear God, open our eyes and our hearts this Advent season, that we might embrace the demands of the Christian faith which are always new and life transforming. May we be your agents in the world, agents with a different perspective. In Jesus name, AMEN
Rev. John McLemore
We offer You our thanks and praise. Bless us, we pray, on our journey through Advent. May Your will be done in us and through our church. We claim to be the living Body of Christ. May the Spirit of the Christ abound at Central Christian Church. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Gene Brintnall called yesterday. He is back from the Mayo Clinic. His surgery went well. There was no cancer. He has to go back in three months for a follow-up. Please pray prayers of Thanksgiving for Gene.
Mae Clark, Joan Petersen and Margie Edwards are all hospitalized at St. Mary’s. Please continue to pray for them.
Please join your church family for worship today.
The General Church has produced a brief Advent video. The link is http://www.disciples.org/Video/TheLightsofAdvent/tabid/807/Default.aspx . I encourage you to watch it. Larry Brown, one of the participants and the current Moderator of the General Church is a layman from Chickasha.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Isaiah 11:1-10
It's a "dog eat dog" world, we say: It's survival of the fittest, and it's not pretty. All true in its way. But is it all that's true? Isaiah gives us a vision that Jesus Christ lived into. While the wicked will perish, his judgment will favor the poor and the meek. Everything will be turned upside down.
The Reign of God stands in contrast to the values of the culture. Instead of a “dog eat dog” mentality, Christ ushers in a different scenario. The wolf will live with the lamb. The cow and the bear will graze together. The leopard will lie down with the kid. All are metaphors for a new age. EVERYTHING is different, unexpected, out of the ordinary.
When we celebrate the birth of Christ we are warmed by the beautiful story. It is a comforting and comfortable picture. As we embrace the Christ, however, we realize that the “normal” view of the world is no longer valid. We are moved out of our comfort zone into a world of new possibilities.
Dear God, open our eyes and our hearts this Advent season, that we might embrace the demands of the Christian faith which are always new and life transforming. May we be your agents in the world, agents with a different perspective. In Jesus name, AMEN
Rev. John McLemore
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 4
Merciful and Gracious God,
As we travel through the season of Advent we pray that You will cleanse our hearts of all feelings of malice, anger and meanness. While these are a part of the human condition, they harden our hearts. While these feelings are often a response to events in our lives, they make it more difficult to be open to Your presence. Send the light of Your Son’s presence to melt away the coldness of our lives. Send the light of Your Son’s presence to warm our hearts. May His spirit dwell within us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Eunice Barnes fell and fractured her arm. She is currently in a sling. Please pray for Eunice.
Dale Vance was to have been dismissed from Bass Hospital yesterday evening. Please pray for Dale and his family as they care for him.
Barbara Whinery is recovering from her surgery at home. The preliminary reports were good. Please continue to pray for Barbara.
Tomorrow is the second Sunday of Advent. Please join us as we celebrate this season that takes us to Christmas.
The Christian Church in Oklahoma sends out a bi-monthly newsletter. The December issue is in a .pdf format. I have attached it to this email.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 3:1-6
The kingdom of heaven is near. Somehow, someway, the mention of these words, as first proclaimed by John the Baptist, should bring a sense of hope and expectancy. And yet, here we are, some 2,000 years later in the twenty-first century, still waiting, still expecting, still hoping, that the kingdom of heaven is near. Our faith tells us to continue to trust and embrace the power of the spirit within us, but at times, our mortal, sinful nature also suggests otherwise. In this time of advent, may we repent and humbly turn back to the truth, and to the one who is truth, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Brian Meyer
As we travel through the season of Advent we pray that You will cleanse our hearts of all feelings of malice, anger and meanness. While these are a part of the human condition, they harden our hearts. While these feelings are often a response to events in our lives, they make it more difficult to be open to Your presence. Send the light of Your Son’s presence to melt away the coldness of our lives. Send the light of Your Son’s presence to warm our hearts. May His spirit dwell within us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Eunice Barnes fell and fractured her arm. She is currently in a sling. Please pray for Eunice.
Dale Vance was to have been dismissed from Bass Hospital yesterday evening. Please pray for Dale and his family as they care for him.
Barbara Whinery is recovering from her surgery at home. The preliminary reports were good. Please continue to pray for Barbara.
Tomorrow is the second Sunday of Advent. Please join us as we celebrate this season that takes us to Christmas.
The Christian Church in Oklahoma sends out a bi-monthly newsletter. The December issue is in a .pdf format. I have attached it to this email.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 3:1-6
The kingdom of heaven is near. Somehow, someway, the mention of these words, as first proclaimed by John the Baptist, should bring a sense of hope and expectancy. And yet, here we are, some 2,000 years later in the twenty-first century, still waiting, still expecting, still hoping, that the kingdom of heaven is near. Our faith tells us to continue to trust and embrace the power of the spirit within us, but at times, our mortal, sinful nature also suggests otherwise. In this time of advent, may we repent and humbly turn back to the truth, and to the one who is truth, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Brian Meyer
Friday, December 3, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, December 3
O Loving and Gracious God,
Your history with humankind is one of continually reaching out, continually seeking to commune with Your creation. During this Advent season we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus who became the Christ. He embodied Your ultimate act of reconciliation with humanity. Help us to understand, O God, that You are with us, we have but to turn into Your embrace. Help us to understand, O God, that your love abounds and we experience Your love as we love others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Barbara Whinery’s surgery went very well. The surgeon was very positive in his assessment. Barbara and Bret will likely come back to Enid today. Please continue to pray for the Whinerys.
Shera Shirley is recovering after her heart bypass surgery. I saw her yesterday. She was alert, sitting up and very communicative. Please continue to pray for Shera.
Maribel Moore saw her surgeon in OKC yesterday. She will go back to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to have surgery next Tuesday to repair the wound on her leg from her last surgery. Likely she will be there on IV antibiotics until Sunday the 12th. She certainly appreciates the church’s concern and prayers.
Gene Britnall was to have surgery yesterday at the Mayo Clinic. We haven’t received word on who Gene is doing.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 9:27-31
When I read this scripture, I think to myself, Am I blind? Do I see what the Lord is trying to show me? Sometimes the answer is Yes, I am blind. I need to really see what God is trying to tell me. You can’t wait for God to come and just outright tell you what He expects, you must search for it. You must pray, and ask Jesus for the understanding of what life is throwing at you. If life is giving you sadness and grief, you must ask God if it is leading you up to something big and inspiring! There is the famous quote, “It will be okay in the end.” One of my band directors added some inspiring words to that quote, “It will be okay in the end, if it is not okay, then it is not the end.” Now, Are you blind? Do you see what the Lord is trying to show you? Will it be okay for you in the end?
Prayer:
Dear Father God, please help us all see what our lives have in store for us. We ask you to heal us if we are blind, and open our eyes if we cannot see. God, give us good health and a prosperous life.
In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
Nikki Powell
Your history with humankind is one of continually reaching out, continually seeking to commune with Your creation. During this Advent season we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus who became the Christ. He embodied Your ultimate act of reconciliation with humanity. Help us to understand, O God, that You are with us, we have but to turn into Your embrace. Help us to understand, O God, that your love abounds and we experience Your love as we love others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Barbara Whinery’s surgery went very well. The surgeon was very positive in his assessment. Barbara and Bret will likely come back to Enid today. Please continue to pray for the Whinerys.
Shera Shirley is recovering after her heart bypass surgery. I saw her yesterday. She was alert, sitting up and very communicative. Please continue to pray for Shera.
Maribel Moore saw her surgeon in OKC yesterday. She will go back to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital to have surgery next Tuesday to repair the wound on her leg from her last surgery. Likely she will be there on IV antibiotics until Sunday the 12th. She certainly appreciates the church’s concern and prayers.
Gene Britnall was to have surgery yesterday at the Mayo Clinic. We haven’t received word on who Gene is doing.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Advent Devotion for Today. Please read Matthew 9:27-31
When I read this scripture, I think to myself, Am I blind? Do I see what the Lord is trying to show me? Sometimes the answer is Yes, I am blind. I need to really see what God is trying to tell me. You can’t wait for God to come and just outright tell you what He expects, you must search for it. You must pray, and ask Jesus for the understanding of what life is throwing at you. If life is giving you sadness and grief, you must ask God if it is leading you up to something big and inspiring! There is the famous quote, “It will be okay in the end.” One of my band directors added some inspiring words to that quote, “It will be okay in the end, if it is not okay, then it is not the end.” Now, Are you blind? Do you see what the Lord is trying to show you? Will it be okay for you in the end?
Prayer:
Dear Father God, please help us all see what our lives have in store for us. We ask you to heal us if we are blind, and open our eyes if we cannot see. God, give us good health and a prosperous life.
In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
Nikki Powell
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 2
O Holy Presence,
We wait expectantly for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We have been here many times before, but the wonder of this season still captures us. Lights are on homes, lighted crosses are on buildings, decorations are everywhere, carols and Advent songs are being played and sung. The world is abuzz with excitement and joy. Bless us, we pray. May we share the beauty and hope of the season. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Please pray for Judy Holden, Sophia Farmer’s very good friend. Her son, Greg Holden, died on Monday in Wyoming.
Shira Shirley had heart bypass surgery in OKC yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Please pray for Shira.
Barbara Whinery is having surgery this afternoon at Mercy Hospital in OKC. Please lift up Barbara, Bret and their family in your prayers.
Maribel Moore has a doctor’s appointment at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital today. She will likely be admitted to that hospital or to St. Mary’s here in Enid for IV antibiotics. Please pray for Maribel.
I forgot to send the last few Advent devotions. They are below.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday Devotion: Read Matthew 4:18-22
How amazing would it be to have Jesus walk up to you and say “Follow me.”? To be Peter or Andrew, James or John and have the Savior look you in the eye and ask you to follow him.
It’s the season of being busy. It’s the season of overspending, running yourself ragged and trying to be everywhere at once. It’s the season of an over commercialized ‘Holiday’ because we can no longer call it Christmas. It’s the season for parties and food, of programs and dinners. Or is this the season to see God anew, to look Jesus in the eye and tell Him you will follow Him. Is it the season to take one thing off your plate to make room for not only that baby who was born in a manger but the man, the son of God, who died for your sins?
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John by name beside the Sea of Galilee, just as he’s calling your name this Christmas season. Set one thing aside this season to take a moment and answer His call.
Precious Jesus, Loving God, be with us as we experience this Christmas season anew. Help us to see you in all we so this Christmas and enable us to focus more on you and your call. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday Devotion: Read Matthew 15:29-37
The holiday season is usually synonymous with joy and happiness, celebration and jubilation, but there are many who do not feel those things. This season can bring stress, heartache, disappointment and sorrow. Christ has compassion for us just as He does this crowd!! He wants us to be well fed before our journeys. He wants our holiday season to be joyful, but there are two very important elements that must happen before those gifts can be given: faith and action. In verse 34 the disciples are confused at how they could feed so many with so little, but when Jesus blessed they food, they passed it without question. They exercised faith! As they passed the meal they were partaking in the miracle. They took action! God could have easily made it rain bread and fish from the sky, but instead Christ gave the loaves and fish to the disciples and they were the instruments for which the miracle was carried out.
There is a principle here. When the Lord begins to move to meet a need, He often does it by moving His people.
We are his disciples and as we celebrate and give thanks for our blessings, may we be aware of those around us that need us to break bread with them. They need a leg up, a meal, a gift, and a friend, something to nourish their soul for the journey ahead. May we all have the compassion of Christ and may we all be well fed.
Amanda Phillips
Thursday Devotion: Read Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Jesus’ parables are word pictures that compare some aspect of common, everyday life with some truth about the kingdom of God. Hearing a parable of Jesus should always lead us to action. After listening to a parable, we should ask: “What must I do now?”
Jesus pointed out that a house whose foundation is firm can withstand storms. And he compares the foundation of a house to the foundation of our lives. Only a life whose foundation is firm can withstand the storms of life. The foundation of a Christian’s life is built on listening to the Word of God and doing what it says.
There is no point in asking a doctor about our health issues unless we do what we hear the doctor tell us to do. Likewise we should do what we hear Jesus telling us to do. Yet there are so many who listen to the teachings of Jesus but do not put them into action.
This holiday season, after you listen to the stories of the birth of Jesus, ask God: “Now that I have heard your Holy Word, what do you want me to do? May your response to the Word of God bring a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year to you, your family and others.
Rev. Don Johnson
We wait expectantly for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. We have been here many times before, but the wonder of this season still captures us. Lights are on homes, lighted crosses are on buildings, decorations are everywhere, carols and Advent songs are being played and sung. The world is abuzz with excitement and joy. Bless us, we pray. May we share the beauty and hope of the season. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Please pray for Judy Holden, Sophia Farmer’s very good friend. Her son, Greg Holden, died on Monday in Wyoming.
Shira Shirley had heart bypass surgery in OKC yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Please pray for Shira.
Barbara Whinery is having surgery this afternoon at Mercy Hospital in OKC. Please lift up Barbara, Bret and their family in your prayers.
Maribel Moore has a doctor’s appointment at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital today. She will likely be admitted to that hospital or to St. Mary’s here in Enid for IV antibiotics. Please pray for Maribel.
I forgot to send the last few Advent devotions. They are below.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday Devotion: Read Matthew 4:18-22
How amazing would it be to have Jesus walk up to you and say “Follow me.”? To be Peter or Andrew, James or John and have the Savior look you in the eye and ask you to follow him.
It’s the season of being busy. It’s the season of overspending, running yourself ragged and trying to be everywhere at once. It’s the season of an over commercialized ‘Holiday’ because we can no longer call it Christmas. It’s the season for parties and food, of programs and dinners. Or is this the season to see God anew, to look Jesus in the eye and tell Him you will follow Him. Is it the season to take one thing off your plate to make room for not only that baby who was born in a manger but the man, the son of God, who died for your sins?
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John by name beside the Sea of Galilee, just as he’s calling your name this Christmas season. Set one thing aside this season to take a moment and answer His call.
Precious Jesus, Loving God, be with us as we experience this Christmas season anew. Help us to see you in all we so this Christmas and enable us to focus more on you and your call. It’s in your name we pray. Amen.
Wednesday Devotion: Read Matthew 15:29-37
The holiday season is usually synonymous with joy and happiness, celebration and jubilation, but there are many who do not feel those things. This season can bring stress, heartache, disappointment and sorrow. Christ has compassion for us just as He does this crowd!! He wants us to be well fed before our journeys. He wants our holiday season to be joyful, but there are two very important elements that must happen before those gifts can be given: faith and action. In verse 34 the disciples are confused at how they could feed so many with so little, but when Jesus blessed they food, they passed it without question. They exercised faith! As they passed the meal they were partaking in the miracle. They took action! God could have easily made it rain bread and fish from the sky, but instead Christ gave the loaves and fish to the disciples and they were the instruments for which the miracle was carried out.
There is a principle here. When the Lord begins to move to meet a need, He often does it by moving His people.
We are his disciples and as we celebrate and give thanks for our blessings, may we be aware of those around us that need us to break bread with them. They need a leg up, a meal, a gift, and a friend, something to nourish their soul for the journey ahead. May we all have the compassion of Christ and may we all be well fed.
Amanda Phillips
Thursday Devotion: Read Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Jesus’ parables are word pictures that compare some aspect of common, everyday life with some truth about the kingdom of God. Hearing a parable of Jesus should always lead us to action. After listening to a parable, we should ask: “What must I do now?”
Jesus pointed out that a house whose foundation is firm can withstand storms. And he compares the foundation of a house to the foundation of our lives. Only a life whose foundation is firm can withstand the storms of life. The foundation of a Christian’s life is built on listening to the Word of God and doing what it says.
There is no point in asking a doctor about our health issues unless we do what we hear the doctor tell us to do. Likewise we should do what we hear Jesus telling us to do. Yet there are so many who listen to the teachings of Jesus but do not put them into action.
This holiday season, after you listen to the stories of the birth of Jesus, ask God: “Now that I have heard your Holy Word, what do you want me to do? May your response to the Word of God bring a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year to you, your family and others.
Rev. Don Johnson
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 1
O God of Wonder,
Here we are in the month of December. It is cold outside and the days continue to be shorter. For many, O Lord, this is a wonderful and amazing time. For others it is a time of despair and grief. Empower us, Dear God, to reflect Your warmth and light to those around us. May our hearts be open and may we seek to share your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
I received the following email from “Fig” Newton:
John,
We finally got an appointment at the OU Medical center for Barb. It is at 1:15 on the 13th of December. She will have an evaluation and a decision will be made on that day of any further treatments.
Fig
Please keep Barb and Fig in your prayers.
Gene Brintnall is at the Mayo Clinic for test today and surgery tomorrow. Please pray for Gene and his son, Doug, who is with him.
Today our Disciples Women have their regular meetings and luncheon.
Tonight our children from 3 years old to 5th grade will meet in the Fellowship Hall for a Christmas Program rehearsal.
May your continuing journey through Advent be uplifting and hopeful.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Here we are in the month of December. It is cold outside and the days continue to be shorter. For many, O Lord, this is a wonderful and amazing time. For others it is a time of despair and grief. Empower us, Dear God, to reflect Your warmth and light to those around us. May our hearts be open and may we seek to share your love. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
I received the following email from “Fig” Newton:
John,
We finally got an appointment at the OU Medical center for Barb. It is at 1:15 on the 13th of December. She will have an evaluation and a decision will be made on that day of any further treatments.
Fig
Please keep Barb and Fig in your prayers.
Gene Brintnall is at the Mayo Clinic for test today and surgery tomorrow. Please pray for Gene and his son, Doug, who is with him.
Today our Disciples Women have their regular meetings and luncheon.
Tonight our children from 3 years old to 5th grade will meet in the Fellowship Hall for a Christmas Program rehearsal.
May your continuing journey through Advent be uplifting and hopeful.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, November 30
Merciful and Gracious God,
We stand in awe and amazement during this Advent season because of the mystery and beauty of your Presence with us. As we make our spiritual journey toward Bethlehem may our hearts be open to You. May we prepare for a celebration of Christ’s birth that is meaningful, appropriate, and rooted in faith. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
I was present this morning at the birth of Henry William Stuever, son of Jason and Jill Henneke Stuever. Henry was born at 8:27 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to parents Jill and Jason, brother Logan and maternal grandparents Terry and Beth Henneke.
We received word yesterday that Shira Shirley had a heart cath procedure in Enid, but was taken to OKC for heart surgery. It is to occur today or tomorrow.
Barbara Whinery’s surgery is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in OKC.
The Stewardship Committee meets this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We stand in awe and amazement during this Advent season because of the mystery and beauty of your Presence with us. As we make our spiritual journey toward Bethlehem may our hearts be open to You. May we prepare for a celebration of Christ’s birth that is meaningful, appropriate, and rooted in faith. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
I was present this morning at the birth of Henry William Stuever, son of Jason and Jill Henneke Stuever. Henry was born at 8:27 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs 3 oz and was 20 inches long. Congratulations to parents Jill and Jason, brother Logan and maternal grandparents Terry and Beth Henneke.
We received word yesterday that Shira Shirley had a heart cath procedure in Enid, but was taken to OKC for heart surgery. It is to occur today or tomorrow.
Barbara Whinery’s surgery is scheduled for Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in OKC.
The Stewardship Committee meets this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, November 29, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, November 29
O God,
You meet us where we are. You have “pitched your tent” with us. Forgive us, we pray, when we assume you are only “out there” and the distance between us is so great that we can treat others poorly and still claim the title of “Christian”. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to experience you in the depth and breadth of human relationships. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to show the world we are Jesus’ disciples by the way we love and forgive one another. You are God. Empower us by Your Spirit to overcome our self-centeredness and embrace You as You embrace us. My our journey through Advent open our eyes and our hearts to your never ending love that is experienced as we love others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Denny Krick is having a stress today and Barbara Whinery is seeing a surgeon in OKC. Gene Britnall leaves Wednesday for the Mayo clinic and surgery there. Jill Stuever will have a “C” section tomorrow morning and bring a new life into the world. Dale Vance is back in Bass Hospital. Please pray for all these members.
The Personnel Committee meets tonight. The Stewardship Committee meets tomorrow evening.
Our Board Christmas Dinner is next Thursday, December 9th. If you are a Board Member, please RSVP to Kandy by this Friday. You can call her at 233-1214 or email her at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Yesterday’s Hanging of the Greens and Tasting Party were great successes. Thanks to all who decorated last week and all who participated yesterday.
The Advent Devotional Booklet is available at the Welcome Center. I will include the daily devotionals in these emails. Today there are two: one for Sunday and one for today.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY
Isaiah 2:1-15
In days to come
the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the LORD!
Let us pray:
Lord, just as Isaiah foresaw all of the nations turning their weapons into tools of good works, let this remind us this Advent season to funnel all of our energies and talents toward glorifying your Son in all that we do! Whether it be visiting the elderly, feeding the poor, or helping find shelter for the homeless, God wants all of us this Advent season to put down anything that keeps us from furthering His Kingdom here on Earth and use all of our energies toward caring for all of His children! Lord, forgive us for our short comings and give us the courage to do your will here on earth, today and everyday! In His holy name we pray. Amen
Randy Johnson
DEVOTION FOR TODAY
Matthew 8:5-11
“When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,”
Giving and receiving gifts at Christmas reminds us of the gift of salvation. The bounty of the season imitates to a small degree the bounty of a heavenly kingdom. Knowing Jesus is there to link us to God joins us all in an eternal circle.
Pierce Jones
You meet us where we are. You have “pitched your tent” with us. Forgive us, we pray, when we assume you are only “out there” and the distance between us is so great that we can treat others poorly and still claim the title of “Christian”. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to experience you in the depth and breadth of human relationships. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to show the world we are Jesus’ disciples by the way we love and forgive one another. You are God. Empower us by Your Spirit to overcome our self-centeredness and embrace You as You embrace us. My our journey through Advent open our eyes and our hearts to your never ending love that is experienced as we love others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Denny Krick is having a stress today and Barbara Whinery is seeing a surgeon in OKC. Gene Britnall leaves Wednesday for the Mayo clinic and surgery there. Jill Stuever will have a “C” section tomorrow morning and bring a new life into the world. Dale Vance is back in Bass Hospital. Please pray for all these members.
The Personnel Committee meets tonight. The Stewardship Committee meets tomorrow evening.
Our Board Christmas Dinner is next Thursday, December 9th. If you are a Board Member, please RSVP to Kandy by this Friday. You can call her at 233-1214 or email her at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Yesterday’s Hanging of the Greens and Tasting Party were great successes. Thanks to all who decorated last week and all who participated yesterday.
The Advent Devotional Booklet is available at the Welcome Center. I will include the daily devotionals in these emails. Today there are two: one for Sunday and one for today.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
DEVOTION FOR SUNDAY
Isaiah 2:1-15
In days to come
the mountain of the LORD’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.’
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the LORD!
Let us pray:
Lord, just as Isaiah foresaw all of the nations turning their weapons into tools of good works, let this remind us this Advent season to funnel all of our energies and talents toward glorifying your Son in all that we do! Whether it be visiting the elderly, feeding the poor, or helping find shelter for the homeless, God wants all of us this Advent season to put down anything that keeps us from furthering His Kingdom here on Earth and use all of our energies toward caring for all of His children! Lord, forgive us for our short comings and give us the courage to do your will here on earth, today and everyday! In His holy name we pray. Amen
Randy Johnson
DEVOTION FOR TODAY
Matthew 8:5-11
“When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, appealing to him and saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible distress.’ And he said to him, ‘I will come and cure him.’ The centurion answered, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, “Go”, and he goes, and to another, “Come”, and he comes, and to my slave, “Do this”, and the slave does it.’ When Jesus heard him, he was amazed and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and will eat with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,”
Giving and receiving gifts at Christmas reminds us of the gift of salvation. The bounty of the season imitates to a small degree the bounty of a heavenly kingdom. Knowing Jesus is there to link us to God joins us all in an eternal circle.
Pierce Jones
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, November 28
O Love That will Not Let Us Go,
On this first Sunday of Advent we reflect on Hope, the Hope that came into the world through the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, and the Hope that comes into the world today through Your Holy Spirit. O God, may we be a people of hope. Forgive us when we become so enthralled with the trinkets and passions of the world that we fail to trust in you. When there is emptiness and despair around us may we be hopeful and agents for love and goodness. Bless us we pray, as we begin our journey through Advent. May we prepares our hearts, once again, to celebrate the birth of Hope in the world. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Please pray for Gene Brintnall. He goes to the Mayo Clinic for surgery this week.
Please pray for Barbara Whinery and her family. Barbara has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will likely have surgery this Thursday.
Don’t forget our 6:00 p.m. Service of Remembrance and Hope in the Parlor for those who are grieving. Also plan to attend the Hanging of the Greens at 7:00 p.m. and the Tasting Party afterward.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
On this first Sunday of Advent we reflect on Hope, the Hope that came into the world through the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, and the Hope that comes into the world today through Your Holy Spirit. O God, may we be a people of hope. Forgive us when we become so enthralled with the trinkets and passions of the world that we fail to trust in you. When there is emptiness and despair around us may we be hopeful and agents for love and goodness. Bless us we pray, as we begin our journey through Advent. May we prepares our hearts, once again, to celebrate the birth of Hope in the world. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Please pray for Gene Brintnall. He goes to the Mayo Clinic for surgery this week.
Please pray for Barbara Whinery and her family. Barbara has been diagnosed with breast cancer and will likely have surgery this Thursday.
Don’t forget our 6:00 p.m. Service of Remembrance and Hope in the Parlor for those who are grieving. Also plan to attend the Hanging of the Greens at 7:00 p.m. and the Tasting Party afterward.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, November 27
O Divine Presence,
You dwell in our midst. You are not a God who is just “out there”, but rather you are a God who is with us, for all time and in all places. May we be open to your blessings. May we act as those redeemed by Your grace. May we set aside our differences and show the world we are followers of Jesus by the way we love one another. We pray you will comfort those who are hurting and that your will bring peace to our hearts. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Dale Vance was released from Bass Hospital yesterday and is recuperating at home. Please pray for Dale and his family as they care for him.
Ken Slack is doing better. He should be released in a few days.
Jamie Kay Moore, Maribel Moore’s daughter, is having gall bladder surgery this morning at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Margie Edwards and Richard Cook are still hospitalized.
Please pray for all these members and friends.
Bring a friend to church tomorrow. Advent is a wonderful and glorious time of the church year.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You dwell in our midst. You are not a God who is just “out there”, but rather you are a God who is with us, for all time and in all places. May we be open to your blessings. May we act as those redeemed by Your grace. May we set aside our differences and show the world we are followers of Jesus by the way we love one another. We pray you will comfort those who are hurting and that your will bring peace to our hearts. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Dale Vance was released from Bass Hospital yesterday and is recuperating at home. Please pray for Dale and his family as they care for him.
Ken Slack is doing better. He should be released in a few days.
Jamie Kay Moore, Maribel Moore’s daughter, is having gall bladder surgery this morning at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Margie Edwards and Richard Cook are still hospitalized.
Please pray for all these members and friends.
Bring a friend to church tomorrow. Advent is a wonderful and glorious time of the church year.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, November 26, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, November 26
Ever-present God,
We humbly come to you in prayer. On the day our culture calls “Black Friday” there is great pressure to be drawn into the mad consumer rush toward Christmas. Give us strength and clarity, O Lord. May our journey these next four weeks include patience and restraint. May our prime focus be one of physical and spiritual preparation, once again remembering and reflecting on what it means to say “God is with us”. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
This is the first weekend of Advent. We will light Advent candles during our services of worship. Sunday a number of our members will gather in the parlor at 6:00 p.m. for a Service of Remembrance and Hope. At 7:00 p.m. we will enjoy our annual Hanging of the Greens and then participate in the Tasting Party in the Fellowship Hall where each Sunday School class shares their favorite holiday treats.
This is a great weekend for people to “Come Home to Central for the Holidays”. Invite and bring your family and friends. Call a church member you haven’t seen in a while. While this is a hectic time of year, it is also a time of great wonder and hope. May we share the hope.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We humbly come to you in prayer. On the day our culture calls “Black Friday” there is great pressure to be drawn into the mad consumer rush toward Christmas. Give us strength and clarity, O Lord. May our journey these next four weeks include patience and restraint. May our prime focus be one of physical and spiritual preparation, once again remembering and reflecting on what it means to say “God is with us”. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
This is the first weekend of Advent. We will light Advent candles during our services of worship. Sunday a number of our members will gather in the parlor at 6:00 p.m. for a Service of Remembrance and Hope. At 7:00 p.m. we will enjoy our annual Hanging of the Greens and then participate in the Tasting Party in the Fellowship Hall where each Sunday School class shares their favorite holiday treats.
This is a great weekend for people to “Come Home to Central for the Holidays”. Invite and bring your family and friends. Call a church member you haven’t seen in a while. While this is a hectic time of year, it is also a time of great wonder and hope. May we share the hope.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Prayer for Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving!
Please pray for Jamie Kay Moore, Maribel Moore’s daughter. She is visiting from San Antonio, became ill and is now in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Please pray for Dale Vance. Yesterday Dale was hospitalized at St. Mary’s.
On this Thanksgiving Day we have much for which to be thankful. We also have many concerns in our families, our church and our world. I thought it very appropriate for us to take to heart the wonderful prayer of St. Francis. I suggest you pray it aloud……
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
I hope you have a blessed holiday. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Please pray for Jamie Kay Moore, Maribel Moore’s daughter. She is visiting from San Antonio, became ill and is now in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Please pray for Dale Vance. Yesterday Dale was hospitalized at St. Mary’s.
On this Thanksgiving Day we have much for which to be thankful. We also have many concerns in our families, our church and our world. I thought it very appropriate for us to take to heart the wonderful prayer of St. Francis. I suggest you pray it aloud……
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
I hope you have a blessed holiday. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, November 24
O God,
What will tomorrow bring? For some, it will be a festive time with family and friends. For some, it will mean hurriedly scurrying from relative’s home to relative’s home so no one will get their feelings hurt. For some, family gatherings are a time when there is always tension, discomfort, even confrontation. For some it will be a lonely time when there is no one with whom to share a meal. For some it will be a sad time because there is an empty chair at the table. Spend your Spirit, we pray, to be upon us all. Regardless of life’s circumstances, may we each give thanks in our own way and may we consider the situations of those around us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Ken Slack remains at Bass hospital with blood clots. Richard Cook is at Bass recovering from his most recent surgery. Joan Petersen is still at St. Mary’s along with Margie Edwards. Tegan Cowherd is now eating and has been dismissed from Bass.
Please pray for all of these members and friends.
We have a number of members, family members and friends who are travelling. May they be safe.
I am enjoying a few days off and away from the church, getting ready for a family Thanksgiving. I did hear from Baylor yesterday and Monday we will set appointments for the drug trial. Hopefully Carolyn and I will be going to Dallas in the next week to ten days.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John McLemore
What will tomorrow bring? For some, it will be a festive time with family and friends. For some, it will mean hurriedly scurrying from relative’s home to relative’s home so no one will get their feelings hurt. For some, family gatherings are a time when there is always tension, discomfort, even confrontation. For some it will be a lonely time when there is no one with whom to share a meal. For some it will be a sad time because there is an empty chair at the table. Spend your Spirit, we pray, to be upon us all. Regardless of life’s circumstances, may we each give thanks in our own way and may we consider the situations of those around us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Ken Slack remains at Bass hospital with blood clots. Richard Cook is at Bass recovering from his most recent surgery. Joan Petersen is still at St. Mary’s along with Margie Edwards. Tegan Cowherd is now eating and has been dismissed from Bass.
Please pray for all of these members and friends.
We have a number of members, family members and friends who are travelling. May they be safe.
I am enjoying a few days off and away from the church, getting ready for a family Thanksgiving. I did hear from Baylor yesterday and Monday we will set appointments for the drug trial. Hopefully Carolyn and I will be going to Dallas in the next week to ten days.
Happy Thanksgiving,
John McLemore
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, November 23
O God,
Our hearts yearn for you. There is a place in us only you can fill. Dear Lord, deep within us we know Your love flows over us like a warm, gentle rain, but, because we bury our yearning and mask our need of you, we wear our slickers and get out our umbrellas. We are afraid of Your love, because once accepted, we are changed, everything is different. Forgive us, we pray. May we be courageous. May we be bold. Help us to strip away those ways we shield ourselves from you. May we dance in your transforming grace and be soaked in the power of your Spirit with us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
Tammy Hromas wrote saying the Uncle Bill died yesterday. Please pray for the Hromas family.
I received word this morning that Cliff Elliott’s grandson died after a battle with brain cancer. Please pray for Cliff and his family.
Ken Slack is in Bass Hospital after suffering chest pains.
Joan Petersen is back at St. Mary’s Hospital. She is very weak.
May you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Our prayers are with everyone who is traveling.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Our hearts yearn for you. There is a place in us only you can fill. Dear Lord, deep within us we know Your love flows over us like a warm, gentle rain, but, because we bury our yearning and mask our need of you, we wear our slickers and get out our umbrellas. We are afraid of Your love, because once accepted, we are changed, everything is different. Forgive us, we pray. May we be courageous. May we be bold. Help us to strip away those ways we shield ourselves from you. May we dance in your transforming grace and be soaked in the power of your Spirit with us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
Tammy Hromas wrote saying the Uncle Bill died yesterday. Please pray for the Hromas family.
I received word this morning that Cliff Elliott’s grandson died after a battle with brain cancer. Please pray for Cliff and his family.
Ken Slack is in Bass Hospital after suffering chest pains.
Joan Petersen is back at St. Mary’s Hospital. She is very weak.
May you have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Our prayers are with everyone who is traveling.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, November 22, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, November 22
O God of Grace and Glory,
We pause to celebrate your love and the gifts we have received. This Thanksgiving week we remember the saints who have gone before us, on whose shoulders we stand. We are blessed by their devotion, their faithfulness and their sacrifice. May we consider our legacy and may we work diligently to provide a future that is one filled with peace, hope and love, in our families, in our church and in our world. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
I received the following email from Tammy Hromas:
“John, Please ask everyone to pray for my husband, Ted's, family. Ted and Tim Hromas' and Andrea Congdon's uncle Bill had a massive stroke. He has minimal brain activity and is on a ventilator. Thanks, Tammy Hromas”
Please pray for Bill and the entire Hromas family.
Yesterday was a wonderful day at Central. We experienced wonderful worship, good fellowship and good food. In addition a number of our shut-ins were served a Thanksgiving meal by volunteers who made deliveries after our luncheon.
Tonight a number of our members will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a light pot-luck meal before decorating the Education wing, putting up the outside wreaths, and bringing the large Christmas trees into the sanctuary. Please come to help and enjoy the fellowship. A lot of help will be needed.
The holidays are always difficult for those who have lost loved ones, this year or even in years past. We will have a Service of Hope and Remembrance next Sunday, November 28th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor prior to the Hanging of the Greens service and the Tasting Party. Know that you are welcome. If you plan on attending, please call Kandy Trojan at 233-1214 to R.S.V.P. or email her at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Remember there is NO CHURCH VISITOR newsletter this week and the church office will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The Pony Express run is almost over and it has been successful. There are still a few families who pledged last year who have not pledged this year. If you still have an Estimate of Giving card, please turn it into the church office or call Jan Markes at 233-1214 and express your intentions. The Stewardship Committee will meet next Tuesday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. to review the program and begin working on the 2011 budget.
I am taking a few vacation days and will not be in the office this week, but I will be in the pulpit next Sunday. If there is an emergency I can be reached at 580-402-2522.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We pause to celebrate your love and the gifts we have received. This Thanksgiving week we remember the saints who have gone before us, on whose shoulders we stand. We are blessed by their devotion, their faithfulness and their sacrifice. May we consider our legacy and may we work diligently to provide a future that is one filled with peace, hope and love, in our families, in our church and in our world. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
I received the following email from Tammy Hromas:
“John, Please ask everyone to pray for my husband, Ted's, family. Ted and Tim Hromas' and Andrea Congdon's uncle Bill had a massive stroke. He has minimal brain activity and is on a ventilator. Thanks, Tammy Hromas”
Please pray for Bill and the entire Hromas family.
Yesterday was a wonderful day at Central. We experienced wonderful worship, good fellowship and good food. In addition a number of our shut-ins were served a Thanksgiving meal by volunteers who made deliveries after our luncheon.
Tonight a number of our members will gather at 6:00 p.m. for a light pot-luck meal before decorating the Education wing, putting up the outside wreaths, and bringing the large Christmas trees into the sanctuary. Please come to help and enjoy the fellowship. A lot of help will be needed.
The holidays are always difficult for those who have lost loved ones, this year or even in years past. We will have a Service of Hope and Remembrance next Sunday, November 28th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor prior to the Hanging of the Greens service and the Tasting Party. Know that you are welcome. If you plan on attending, please call Kandy Trojan at 233-1214 to R.S.V.P. or email her at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Remember there is NO CHURCH VISITOR newsletter this week and the church office will be closed Thursday and Friday.
The Pony Express run is almost over and it has been successful. There are still a few families who pledged last year who have not pledged this year. If you still have an Estimate of Giving card, please turn it into the church office or call Jan Markes at 233-1214 and express your intentions. The Stewardship Committee will meet next Tuesday, November 30, at 6:30 p.m. to review the program and begin working on the 2011 budget.
I am taking a few vacation days and will not be in the office this week, but I will be in the pulpit next Sunday. If there is an emergency I can be reached at 580-402-2522.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, November 21
O Majestic Creator,
We approach you thankfully, hopefully, expectantly. This is a great Sunday, O Lord, because we concentrate on what it means to be thankful. Forgive us, we pray, for all those times when we neglected to offer our thanks to you for our many blessings. We are grateful, may our words and our lives express that gratitude. I Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Please pray for our hospitalized: Margie Edwards, Richard Cook and Tegan Cowherd.
We received word that Dortha Immel, who is staying with her daughter in Kansas, is now able to use a walker. She was here for Faydean Masemore’s memorial service last week, but was confined to a wheel chair. Please pray for Dortha’s continued improvement.
The Krick’s have asked for specific prayers for their grandson, Corey, who is in Afghanistan.
Please also pray for Denny Krick. He is having some continuing health issues.
BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH TODAY. WE WILL GIVE THANKS.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We approach you thankfully, hopefully, expectantly. This is a great Sunday, O Lord, because we concentrate on what it means to be thankful. Forgive us, we pray, for all those times when we neglected to offer our thanks to you for our many blessings. We are grateful, may our words and our lives express that gratitude. I Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Please pray for our hospitalized: Margie Edwards, Richard Cook and Tegan Cowherd.
We received word that Dortha Immel, who is staying with her daughter in Kansas, is now able to use a walker. She was here for Faydean Masemore’s memorial service last week, but was confined to a wheel chair. Please pray for Dortha’s continued improvement.
The Krick’s have asked for specific prayers for their grandson, Corey, who is in Afghanistan.
Please also pray for Denny Krick. He is having some continuing health issues.
BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH TODAY. WE WILL GIVE THANKS.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, November 20
O Divine Presence,
The wind is colder, the leaves are falling, all the signs of approaching winter are about us. Thank you for the warmth of shelter and hearth. Thank you for the cozy embrace of family and friends, particularly when we gather for Thanksgiving. As we give you thanks for full tables, shelter and loved ones, may we open our eyes to the needs of those around us, particularly those who have inadequate or no shelter, those who do not sit at bountiful tables, those who are estranged from those they loved. Forgive us, O Lord, when we are indifferent to the plight of others. Help us to understand that we are diminished when members of our human family suffer. In the name of the One we see in the “least of these”, Jesus the Christ, we pray. AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday I received the following email from Dick and Beriece Castle:
“John--- Would you please keep Randy and Debbie (Castle) Miles in your prayers. Randy's dad passed away this afternoon in Albuquerque, NM. He was a retired Disciples minister. Thank you Dick and Beriece Castle”
Please pray for the Miles family. Monroe has been in our church, most recently for Carlton Garrison’s funeral. They were longtime friends. Monroe’s son, Randy (Dick and Beriece’s son-in-law), is the Senior Minister at Central Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana.
Please pray for baby Tejan Cowherd. He is still at Bass Hospital Room 1258. Tejan was born Tuesday, but he is not yet eating properly and has lost about 10% of his birth weight. Also please pray for mother Alicia, father Steve, brother Coby, and grandmother Lori.
Tomorrow is our big THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION. Please join us for worship and the Thanksgiving luncheon following. If you are shut-in or know of a shut-in who would like a meal delivered and have yet to contact the church office, then please call me at 402-2522.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The wind is colder, the leaves are falling, all the signs of approaching winter are about us. Thank you for the warmth of shelter and hearth. Thank you for the cozy embrace of family and friends, particularly when we gather for Thanksgiving. As we give you thanks for full tables, shelter and loved ones, may we open our eyes to the needs of those around us, particularly those who have inadequate or no shelter, those who do not sit at bountiful tables, those who are estranged from those they loved. Forgive us, O Lord, when we are indifferent to the plight of others. Help us to understand that we are diminished when members of our human family suffer. In the name of the One we see in the “least of these”, Jesus the Christ, we pray. AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Yesterday I received the following email from Dick and Beriece Castle:
“John--- Would you please keep Randy and Debbie (Castle) Miles in your prayers. Randy's dad passed away this afternoon in Albuquerque, NM. He was a retired Disciples minister. Thank you Dick and Beriece Castle”
Please pray for the Miles family. Monroe has been in our church, most recently for Carlton Garrison’s funeral. They were longtime friends. Monroe’s son, Randy (Dick and Beriece’s son-in-law), is the Senior Minister at Central Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana.
Please pray for baby Tejan Cowherd. He is still at Bass Hospital Room 1258. Tejan was born Tuesday, but he is not yet eating properly and has lost about 10% of his birth weight. Also please pray for mother Alicia, father Steve, brother Coby, and grandmother Lori.
Tomorrow is our big THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION. Please join us for worship and the Thanksgiving luncheon following. If you are shut-in or know of a shut-in who would like a meal delivered and have yet to contact the church office, then please call me at 402-2522.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, November 19, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, November 19
O Lord,
We are grateful for another beautiful day. We rejoice and are glad in it. Joy wells up within us as our thoughts turn toward Thanksgiving Sunday and the national Thanksgiving holiday next Thursday. May we approach this time with true thanksgiving in our hearts. Forgive, O God, our leisure time busyness. Help us to set aside time for calm reflection and quiet meditation, even as the holiday preparations are taking place. There is so much for which to be thankful. May we pause along the way and truly give you thanks. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please pray for Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer’s mother) and Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law). They are still hospitalized and Richard is recovering from additional surgery. Also please pray for Valeta Montgomery who is now in St. Mary’s hospital.
Please keep Carolyn McLemore in your prayers as she deal with a post oral surgery infection.
A large Church Visitor was mailed and emailed yesterday. There will NOT be a Church Visitor next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.
Tonight we will have a Family Movie Night in the Central Cinema Room. Toy Story III will be shown. Come and enjoy the movie, the fellowship and the popcorn. The movie starts at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday is our traditional Thanksgiving Sunday celebration with worship experiences and the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. This is a great time to bring family and friends to church. We will also be receiving our Thanksgiving Outreach Offering to support Disciples Higher Education.
After the luncheon we are asking for volunteers to bring all the Christmas decorations up from the basement. Young and strong legs are needed.
On Monday, November 22, volunteers are asked to come to the church to share in a causal meal at 6:00 p.m. and then decorate the Education Building, hang the external wreaths and bring the large Christmas trees into the sanctuary. All are welcome. Tall men are especially welcome and encouraged to attend. Normally we do this on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but family obligations and Bedlam football caused us to move the decorating to Monday evening.
One last note, a letter is going out today about the Service of Hope and Remembrance. I want everyone to be aware of this annual event. The letter reads as follows:
I am writing to invite you to a special gathering of members and friends of Central Christian Church who are grieving. Sunday, November 28th we will meet in the Parlor at 6:00 p.m. to share light refreshments, have fellowship and participate in a brief service of remembrance and hope.
We are each at a different place in our journey through bereavement, but holidays bring special challenges. Please join us. During the service you will be invited to light a candle in memory of your loved one and prayers will be offered.
After our time in the Parlor you are also invited to our Hanging of the Greens Service in the Sanctuary and the annual Tasting Party in the Fellowship Hall.
I ask you to R.S.V.P. in order that we might prepare for an appropriate number. Please call the church office at 233-1214 to express your intentions or email Kandy Trojan at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Holidays can bring special challenges to those who are grieving, even if the death of a loved one has been some time ago. Know that you are invited.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are grateful for another beautiful day. We rejoice and are glad in it. Joy wells up within us as our thoughts turn toward Thanksgiving Sunday and the national Thanksgiving holiday next Thursday. May we approach this time with true thanksgiving in our hearts. Forgive, O God, our leisure time busyness. Help us to set aside time for calm reflection and quiet meditation, even as the holiday preparations are taking place. There is so much for which to be thankful. May we pause along the way and truly give you thanks. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please pray for Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer’s mother) and Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law). They are still hospitalized and Richard is recovering from additional surgery. Also please pray for Valeta Montgomery who is now in St. Mary’s hospital.
Please keep Carolyn McLemore in your prayers as she deal with a post oral surgery infection.
A large Church Visitor was mailed and emailed yesterday. There will NOT be a Church Visitor next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday. The office will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.
Tonight we will have a Family Movie Night in the Central Cinema Room. Toy Story III will be shown. Come and enjoy the movie, the fellowship and the popcorn. The movie starts at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday is our traditional Thanksgiving Sunday celebration with worship experiences and the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon. This is a great time to bring family and friends to church. We will also be receiving our Thanksgiving Outreach Offering to support Disciples Higher Education.
After the luncheon we are asking for volunteers to bring all the Christmas decorations up from the basement. Young and strong legs are needed.
On Monday, November 22, volunteers are asked to come to the church to share in a causal meal at 6:00 p.m. and then decorate the Education Building, hang the external wreaths and bring the large Christmas trees into the sanctuary. All are welcome. Tall men are especially welcome and encouraged to attend. Normally we do this on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but family obligations and Bedlam football caused us to move the decorating to Monday evening.
One last note, a letter is going out today about the Service of Hope and Remembrance. I want everyone to be aware of this annual event. The letter reads as follows:
I am writing to invite you to a special gathering of members and friends of Central Christian Church who are grieving. Sunday, November 28th we will meet in the Parlor at 6:00 p.m. to share light refreshments, have fellowship and participate in a brief service of remembrance and hope.
We are each at a different place in our journey through bereavement, but holidays bring special challenges. Please join us. During the service you will be invited to light a candle in memory of your loved one and prayers will be offered.
After our time in the Parlor you are also invited to our Hanging of the Greens Service in the Sanctuary and the annual Tasting Party in the Fellowship Hall.
I ask you to R.S.V.P. in order that we might prepare for an appropriate number. Please call the church office at 233-1214 to express your intentions or email Kandy Trojan at kandyt@centralenid.org.
Holidays can bring special challenges to those who are grieving, even if the death of a loved one has been some time ago. Know that you are invited.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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