Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 31

Dear Lord of Heaven and Earth,
We come to you on the last day of July, realizing that another month has passed in our journey of life and faith. We have experienced birth and death, joy and sorrow, success and failure. . .and the road continues before us. Thank you for your divine companionship. Thank you for the care and support of family and friends. Thank you for the opportunity to love and comfort others. We rejoice in your goodness, O God. Support us during the seasons of our life. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Novice Schultz died Thursday night. Her funeral will be at 1o:00 a.m. on Monday at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

A car load of members of Central are traveling to Newcastle this morning for the funeral of Connie Cravens.

Tomorrow is the Fall Kick-Off. Bring your covered dish. Wear your school colors and join us for Sunday School, Worship, Fun and Fellowship.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 30

O God, our God, how majestic is your name in all the earth. The heavens and earth are full of your glory. We thank you for all the gifts of life and faith. Our journey, O Lord, takes us to the mountain tops and through the valleys. We rejoice when we reach the summits, when our vision is clear and unrestricted. We lament as we travel through the dim times, when the road is unclear and often treacherous. Help us to trust in you, O God, in all the circumstances of life. The journey is never easy, but you are there. When the road is clear, our faith sustains us and pours over into the lives of others. When the path is uncertain and our faith falters, may the faith of our community uphold us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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Many people attended Bobby Hill’s service yesterday. It was an affirmation of his life and faith.

Tomorrow a few of us will be attending Connie Cravens’ funeral in Newcastle.

Sunday is Fall Kick Off Sunday. Be sure to wear your school colors, t-shirts, etc. And be sure to participate in the covered dish luncheon.

Our youth mission camp participants are returning to Enid this morning. We rejoice is the great success of this summer’s camping program. Hearts were touched and lives were changed.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 29

O Divine Mystery, we bask in the glow of your Presence. We are overwhelmed by your unending grace. Your love knows no boundaries and we give you thanks. May your Spirit give us clarity of thought and direction. We are reminded that the Gospel of John tells us you loved the world so much that you sent your only Son. May the examples of Jesus guide our actions toward one another and toward your world. In His name we pray, AMEN.
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Bobby Hill’s funeral is today at 11 a.m. in the Chapel. Please pray for Connie Conrady and all of Bobby’s family.

Vela McGugin is still hospitalized and so is Davida Whitsitt’s daughter, Sue Williams.

Catherine Cullumber’s heart cath was clear. Dan Hunter is home after back surgery and reports that he feels better than he has in a long time. We rejoice for both Catherine and Dan.

Connie (Mrs. Ed) Cravens’ funeral is Saturday in Newcastle. Please let me know if you want to go with the group from Central.

Sunday is the Fall Kickoff. Wear your “school colors” and bring a covered dish for the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. The church is providing the meat and drinks. If your last name is A-H bring a Vegetable; I-P bring a Salad, and Q-Z a Dessert. This is the first “pot luck” meal we have had in some time. It should be a lot of fun.

Our Mission Camp group will return tomorrow from Stillwater. We have received good reports about the event.

This week’s Church Visitor has been emailed and is on the website at www.centralenid.org. If you get it by the USPS you should receive it tomorrow or Saturday.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 28

O Bountiful Creator,
We adore you and love you. Your blessings flow over us and we are thankful. A wonderful day lies before us. May we use the talents and graces you have given us to serve others, to right wrongs, to share compassion and to live as followers of Jesus. Encourage us, O Lord, as we encourage others. Bring peace to us as we seek to bring peace to the world. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Bud Loomis’ funeral is this morning at 11 am in the sanctuary.

Bobby Hill, Connie Conrady’s brother, died. His funeral will be tomorrow at 11 am in the Chapel.

Please pray for all those who are grieving.

Catherine Cullumber is having a heart cath procedure this morning at St. Mary’s. She checks in at 11 am. Please lift Catherine up in your prayers.

Dan Hunter had successful surgery in OKC yesterday and should be returning home today.

Tonight is WWNF. The family fun is ICE CREAM. The two adult classes will meet.

Tonight is also our first Board meeting of the new program year. All deacons, elders, committee chairs and board officers are encouraged to attend. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

We are getting good reports on the Mission Camp currently going on is Stillwater. Central has a good representation there.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 27

O Creator God, we come humbly to you thanking you for our many blessings. May we see the opportunities you place before us this day to bring peace, hope and love to the world. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Dan Hunter is having back surgery today in OKC. Please pray for Dan.

Catherine Cullumber will have a heart cath procedure tomorrow at St. Mary’s. Please pray for Catherine.

Bud Loomis’ funeral is tomorrow at 11 am in the sanctuary.

Congratulations to Dave Chael. He is now officially a Lt. Colonel.

Our first board meeting of the new program year is tomorrow at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 26

O God, you are a great mystery to us. We understand you as transcendent, over all of creation, but we also understand you as immanent, present with us on our journey. Parts of Hebrew scriptures depict you as a God of vengeance and violence while much of the New Testament shows you as a God of love and forgiveness. We pray, O God, that you will meet us where we are. Give us glimpses of yourself as we are able to understand and help us to embrace the mystery that is you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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We had a good attendance in worship yesterday as we celebrated VBS. THANK YOU again to all the people who tirelessly made this year’s VBS a great success.

Dan Hunter is having back surgery tomorrow at the South OKC Heart Hospital. Please pray for Dan.

Please pray for the youth Mission Camp in Stillwater this week. They left the church at 6:30 a.m. this morning and will return Friday morning. Sally and John Wheeler are among the sponsors. We have seven campers.

Connie Cravens’ (Mrs. Ed Cravens) funeral will be 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, July 31, at Disciples Christian Church in Newcastle. Many Centralites have expressed an interest in attending her services, therefore we will take a vehicle from the church. Thus far I know of the following who wish to go: Willo Clark, Laura Deathridge, Don Angle, Nancy Phillips, and me. If you want to attend Connie’s funeral, please send an email to me expressing that desire at johnm@centralenid.org. We will leave at 7:30 a.m. The cost for gasoline will be $5 - $10 per person, depending on the number of people and the vehicle.

Bud Loomis’ funeral is 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the sanctuary. Please continue to pray for Madge and their family.

Congratulations to Kayloni Moulton, Dick and Berice Castle's granddaughter. She won two gold medals in swimming at the Special Olympics National Games in Nebraska: 25 Yds. Backstroke - 1st GOLD 25 Yds. Freestyle - 1st GOLD.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 25

O Lord, our Lord, you are our God and we praise your name. Thank you for our many blessings: life, love, family, friends, and faith. Thank you for your presence with us and for your guiding Spirit. You have created us in your image and you have empowered us to be your faithful witnesses in the world. May our actions reveal your abundant grace for all. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Please continue to pray for Bud Loomis’s family as they make this journey through the valley of the shadow of death.

Also please pray for Connie Conrady’s brother, Bobby Hill, as he enters his last days.

Today we will have a wonderful celebration of VBS.

Pray for Jakki Andrews and her fiancé. John Wheeler is performing their wedding in Tulsa this afternoon.

Mission Camp starts tomorrow and we will have a van full of youth participating.

Don’t forget the deacons’ meeting today at 11:30 a.m.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 23

Good morning God,
This is the day you have made and we rejoice and are glad in it. Thank you for this day!
We pray, Dear God, for those who are grieving today, particularly the family of Bud Loomis. Please surround them with your comfort and peace. We also pray for those of our friends, family and church who are sick, recovering from surgery or awaiting surgery. May they be surrounded by your healing presence. And, O Lord, we pray for our church. May the vitality that comes from you course through its veins. May our neighborhood see in us the power of your love and may we see in our neighbors the very image of You. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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VBS is over and it was a GREAT SUCCESS! We had a wonderful picnic at NOC last night. Tomorrow we will celebrate VBS during the combined 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary. The 8:00 a.m. chapel service will meet as usual. I misspoke yesterday. The children will be gathering to rehearse for the 10:15 a.m. service and will not be able to be in the chapel service.

The funeral for Bud Loomis will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday in the sanctuary.

Good reports from the second Chi Rho camp. Melanie Novak was one of the directors. Michael Johnson and Devon Gorre were campers. It ended at noon yesterday.

Mickie Giberson sent the following email:
“A high school classmate, Kathy Holsinger Reese is in need of prayer. I believe it is related to her cancer diagnosis.
She still lives in my hometown of Lawton, Oklahoma.”

Remember there is a deacons meeting immediately after the 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary tomorrow.

Also there is a Board meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 23

Creator and Ever-present God,
We come humbly before you, keenly aware of our shortcomings and sinfulness. We confess our self centeredness, our false piety, our desire to control. Free us, O Lord, by your grace. Help us to understand you are constant and your love has no boundaries. There is more grace in you than sin in us. We open our hearts to you, Gracious God. Use us as your faithful witnesses in the world. May our actions speak volumes to those who are broken, hurting, confused or alienated.
In Jesus name, AMEN
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Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Bud Loomis. Bud died in his home last night around 7:00 p.m. with Madge at his side. Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home is making the arrangements. May God provide comfort to Madge and their family. Bud will be sorely missed by us all.

VBS closing night is tonight at Northern Oklahoma College near the observatory. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a picnic. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. It will be loads of fun!!!!!!!!!

VBS Sunday is this Sunday. The Revive and Renew group will join the sanctuary worship group for a combined service in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. The children will provide the “sermon” with music and sharing. You won’t want to miss it. The 8:00 a.m. chapel service will meet as scheduled. The children will sing at the conclusion of that service.

Sunday there is a Deacon’s meeting at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. All deacons are encouraged to attend.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 22

O Lord, our Lord, we come to you this morning to express our love for you. You have opened yourself to us through your son, Jesus Christ. You invite us to love you and we are responding. May we continue to experience your love as we love others, particularly those with whom Jesus dealt: the poor, the disadvantaged, the marginalized, and the “unclean”. It isn’t easy for us, yet we understand that love, even faith, is of little value if it is “easy”. Thank you, O God, for our bountiful blessings. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Tonight is the last night of VBS at the church. Tomorrow evening we have our closing picnic and party at NOC. To date we have assembled food packets which will provide over 15,000 meals. WOW! Tonight the children will have the opportunity to rotate through the assembly process. I can’t wait.

Our church did an outstanding job providing hospitality, food and comfort to Thelma Gungoll’s family. Thanks to all who helped.

Catherine Cullumber is preparing for a heart cath procedure next week. Dan Hunter is preparing for back surgery next week. Please pray for Catherine and Dan.

Please continue to pray for Brian Phillips and the family of Paige Hicks, the young woman killed on the Bick and Build trip.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 21

O God who is above all, through all and in all,
We come to you with our prayers of praise and thanksgiving. We thank you for our church and its’ varied ministries. May we always seek to prayerfully discern your will for us. Guide us, O God, into the work you are already doing in the world. Enable us to serve. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Barb Newton is having cataract surgery today. Please pray for Barb.

Thelma Gungoll’s funeral is this morning at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary with a luncheon for the family at 12:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Connie Cravens died late Monday evening. Many in our church know Connie through her work with PUAFA and PULF. Her husband, Ed Cravens, grew up at Central and her daughter, Janetta, is a Disciples minister. Please pray for Connie’s family.

Butch Phillips called this morning. As you know Brian Phillips is on his second Bike and Build summer tour. A female rider on another Bike and Build route was struck by a truck and killed yesterday in South Dakota. Please pray for her family and all 250 Bike and Build riders.

VBS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is going well. There is something for all ages. Last night we reached our goal of 10,000 meals plus we ran out of rice. More product will be delivered today. Come to VBS, study with your group and help us assemble more food packets.

The Board Meeting which was scheduled for tonight has been moved to next Wednesday because of VBS.

There is a Deacon’s meeting after church on Sunday in the Sanctuary.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 20

O God, what a beautiful day! This is the day You have and we rejoice and are glad in it. May we use the opportunities that are before us to love you, love our neighbor and make disciples. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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VBS is going spectacularly well! Check out the pictures on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Enid-OK/Central-Christian-Church-in-Enid-OK/106977052105?ref=nf You can also go to our main website page www.centralenid.org and then click on the Facebook link.

Our Kids Against Hunger project is progressing exponentially. Day One – Sunday 12 cases. Day Two – Monday 24 cases. So far we have packaged 7,776 meals for the hungry and starving. If you can’t help, or even if you can, and you want to make a financial contribution for the food products, then send a check to the church and note “Kids Against Hunger”.

The Seekers/Young Adult Sunday School Class is beginning a new and exciting young adult curriculum this Sunday, July 25, at 9:00 am in Room 208. If you are or know of a college age through 40ish person>>>>>INVITE THEM! The class should be challenging and fun.

Thelma Gungoll’s funeral is tomorrow at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary. Please pray for her family.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 19

Dear Comforting Presence,
We lift up our prayers to you, thanking you for life, love, family, friends, faith and the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. We see the works of your hands around us and feel the embrace of your everlasting arms. May your Spirit guide us on our journey and may we be empowered to invite others to join us on The Way. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Bible School had a GREAT opening night. We had to set up extra tables for supper. There were kids everywhere and the adults had a good class (something new). We also packaged over 2500 meals for Kids Against Hunger, being well on our way to our 10,000 meal goal for the week. Come tonight at 5:15 pm and join us for all the activities.

Carol Ingram reported that her daughter-in-law, Mirah Ingram, is doing better. Please keep her in your prayers.

Barb Newton is having cataract surgery this week. Please pray for Barb.

We have two campers this week, Michael Johnson and Devon Gorre. Pray that they have a great church camp experience.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 18

O God, Our God, we come to you with thankful hearts and willing spirits. You are the potter and we are the clay. Mold us, O Lord, and use us. Help us to realize you are at work in the world and in the church. May we use our gifts and graces to do your will. You walk with us on our journey, Gracious God. We give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.
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Mirah Ingram, Carol and John Ingram’s daughter-in-law and Tammy Hromas’ sister-in-law, is hospitalized in Colorado. She has a severe infection and the doctors are saying “her body has given up fighting”. Please pray for Mirah, her husband Dustin, and all her family. May our prayers be for healing and wholeness.

Connie Cravens is in an inpatient hospice in the OKC area. She is in the last days of a valiant fight with cancer. Connie has been very involved with the Phillips University Legacy Foundation from the beginning. Her husband, Ed Cravens, grew up at Central. Please pray for Connie and all her family.

VBS STARTS THIS EVENING AT 5:15 pm WITH A MEAL. There are classes and activities for all ages.

See you in church,

John P. McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 17

O God, our God, be present to us this day. You have called us as your own. You continue to pursue us as your grace flow over us. Today, we turn into your embrace and choose to follow Jesus. May we participate in your love as we love others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Thelma Gungoll died yesterday morning. Her funeral will be in our sanctuary on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Please pray for her family.

The young man who was murdered at the convenience store this week was the son of a cousin on Maribel Moore and Mary Ruth Cooper. Please continue to pray for this family.

Anita Townley and Imogene Price have been released from St. Mary’s Hospital.

VBS STARTS TOMORROW EVENING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 16

“Do not say to yourself, ‘My power and the might of my own hand have gained me this wealth.’” Deuteronomy 8:17

Dear God, prevent me from taking my personal achievements too seriously—or my failures. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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I received the following email from Mickie Giberson:
“One of my close friends Donna Hardin (she was a member of Central many years ago. Donna Fischer), her husband, Lonnie Hardin was killed in a small plane crash near Owasso on Sunday evening. Donna lives in Tulsa now.”

Please pray for Donna, her family and friends.

Please pray for Catherine Cullumber as she prepares for a heart cath procedure next week.

Thelma Gungoll is in the last days of her life. Please pray for her daughters and their families.

VBS BEGINS SUNDAY EVENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There will be classes for all ages, including adults. We will also rotate through a service project of assembling food packets for Kids Against Hunger. It is a great project and should be a lot of fun. You can check them out at their website http://www.kidsagainsthunger.org/.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 15

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19

Dear God, help our church discern our strengths and how to use them to make and multiply disciples of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Central’s prayers go out for the family of Larry McClure, a friend to many in our church and a respected citizen of Enid.

Court Loomis, Bud and Madge’s son, will have surgery next week for a new malignancy. Please pray for Court and for Bud and Madge as they deal with Court’s situation and Bud’s declining health.

Devon McAnally was a comforting presence for the family and friends of Max McSparrin as she presided at his funeral. Dortha Immel’s daughter Becky was here with Dortha.

Please pray for Roy Smith and his family as they gather tomorrow for the graveside of Roy’s deceased sister.

Vela McGugin is a patient at St. Mary’s. Peggy Roundtree is now at St. Mary’s rehab. Anita Townley and Imogene Price are expecting to be dismissed soon.

Please pray for June Frei. She broke her arm.

Barb Newton and Fig came by the office yesterday. She is OK. Her fall was caused by apparent vertigo. She will have cataract surgery next week. Please continue to pray for Barb.

And pray for Wanda Gungoll, Irene Green’s sister. She will have a biopsy Tuesday.

I have a blog where I am sharing thoughts on Congregational Transformation. If you are interested go to http://johnmclemore.blogspot.com/

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 14

“…but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Dear God, help me overcome doubts and accept that I can rely on your grace. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Max McSparrin’s funeral is today at 10 am at Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home. Max was Dortha Immel’s brother. Please pray for this family.

The church was contacted asking that we pray for Larry McClure, a long time Enid resident. He had severe complications after surgery yesterday.

Roy Smith’s sister died Monday night. The funeral will be either Thursday or Friday in western Oklahoma. Please pray for Roy and the family of his sister.

Tonight is WWNF. Both Adult classes will meet.

Next week is evening VBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 13

“Your bars are iron and bronze;
and as your days, so is your strength.” Deuteronomy 33:25

Dear God, prevent me from focusing on my shortcomings and weaknesses and instead look toward my strengths. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Please offer prayers for the family of Max McSparrin, Dortha Immel’s brother. He died Sunday evening. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Henninger-Hinson Chapel.

Please pray for Peggy Slack…health issues.

Kennit Ball had surgery yesterday at Bass Hospital. He is to be released today.

Please pray for Catherine Cullumber as she deals with health issues and tests.

Continue prayers of healing for Sophia Farmer. She is showing marked improvement.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 12

“but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Dear God, give me the strength to continue when I feel like giving up. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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We celebrate good attendance in our worship services yesterday, not where we want to be, but better than where we have been.

There was a very good Elders meeting last night and a well attended ice cream event for inactive members at Don and Tary’s home.

Please pray for Ken Ball, our new member. He is having surgery this morning at Bass hospital.

Also pray for Molly Bloom. She is having surgery on her leg today in
OKC.

Barb Newton fell early yesterday morning. She went to the hospital and was checked out and then released. Please pray for Barb and Fig.

VBS begins Sunday evening. There are classes for children, youth and adults. Be sure to register.

The Guild has their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. I am presenting a program on Church Camp.

Also tonight, the Christian Education Committee, the Property Committee and the Cancer Support Group all meet at 6:30 pm.

Tomorrow evening the CWF is having a “CWF Social” at the church at 6:00 pm.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 11

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Dear God, please remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus name. AMEN
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Peggy Rountree fell and broke her hip. She had surgery yesterday evening at Bass. Please pray for Peggy and Earl.

Elders, Please remember your meeting today at 5:30 pm.

Please pray for our services this morning. May God’s spirit abound, touching hearts and changing lives.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 10

“And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:21

Dear God, help strengthen my focus. Show me where to spend my time and direct my energy. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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Lynn Bartel is still in St. Mary’s Hospital after an emergency appendectomy a week ago. Now he has an infection and will be there another 2 to 5 days.

Sophia Farmer was talking yesterday. They put a valve in her respirator which allows her to speak.

Imogene Price is doing much better and will probably go home today.

Anita Townley is working hard in rehab.

Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.

Elders’ meeting tomorrow at 5:30 pm.

Let’s become a “viral” church where people are invited who then invite people who then invite people. We have a wonderful story to live and tell. It is a story of God’s love, and there are multitudes who need to see that story “fleshed out” in community. We each are commissioned by Christ when he said, “Go make disciples….”

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 9

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 1 Corinthians 12:7

Dear God, help me find meaningful ways to use my spiritual gifts in connection with the gifts of others in my church. In Jesus name, AMEN
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I received this email from Suzanne Klemme:

“John, I meant to tell you today that Bob Klemme fell outside at our house Monday evening. Mike and Brett took him to the ER Tuesday morning where it was determined that he had broken 5 ribs. Needless to say he is in a lot of pain. He was at our house for a couple of days but is now home. I know he would appreciate the prayers but does not need visitors at this time. It will probably be a slow recovery.” Thanks! Suzanne

Please pray for Bob.

Let us continue to pray for Harry Hammonds and Cindy Worthington and their families as they come out of the numbness following Janessa’s death.

Please pray for Kacy Wallace as she recovers from outpatient surgery.

Molly Bloom will have surgery on her leg on Monday in OKC.

The men had a good time at the First Christian Church in Cherokee last night, even though we were late getting there. Don Angle’s nephew did a program on Kids Against Hunger, a great program. We will have him come to Enid and make a presentation for us.

The Elders will meet Sunday evening at 5:30 pm in the Parlor.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 8

Almighty God, Father of all mercies and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Please pray for Janessa Hammonds’ family and friends. Her funeral is this morning at 10:00 am.

Please pray for Beryl Bigger. Her son Phillip’s wife died after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kacy Wallace is having outpatient surgery this morning. Please lift Kacy up in your prayers.

Also pray for Beryl because she moved yesterday to Room 208 in the Commons.

The men leave the church tonight at 5:30 pm to travel to the NW Area Men’s meeting in Cherokee.

There is an Elder’s meeting this Sunday at 5:30 pm in the Parlor.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 7

"Come to me all you who are burdened
and I will give you rest"
Here I am, Lord.
I come to seek your presence.
I long for your healing power.
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Please pray for Steve Henson, Marietta’s son. He has been diagnosed with cancer of the throat.

Please pray for Max Johnson. His cousin who lived 80 years with Cerebral Palsy died on July 4. Mary said he was quit an inspirational person.

Virgina Wheeler’s memorial service is today at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Janessa Hammond’s funeral is tomorrow at 10 am in the sanctuary.

Please pray for those who are grieving.

We may have as many as 20 men going to Cherokee tomorrow evening. Wow! The van leaves at 5:30 pm.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Check out the church website at www.centralenid.org

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 6

Dear God, as I call on you today I realize that I often come asking for favors.
Today I'd like just to be in your presence.
Let my heart respond to Your Love.
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Young Disciples meet today from 10 am until 3 pm. I look forward to being with Sally and the children.

NW Area Disciples men will meet in Cherokee on Thursday. The van will leave our church at 5:30 pm. The following men have said they will go: 1. Max Johnson, 2. Don Angle, 3. Worth Bracher, 4. Jim Cox, 5. David Eck, 6. Bob Greenhaw, 7. Paul Wagner, 8. Bob Simpson, 9. Roy Smith, 10. Burl Bartlett, 11. John McLemore. If your name isn’t on the list and you want to go, then call the church office at 233-1214 this morning so we can call in reservations.

Virginia Wheeler’s Memorial Service is tomorrow at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Our Bell Choir is playing and there will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

There is a new Video Study beginning tomorrow night during WWNF. The group that viewed and discussed “From Jesus to Christ” will now view and discuss another PBS series on religion. We will begin with “David and Israel”. This is one of those events where you can come as often as you choose. It begins at 6:30 pm in the Central Cinema room. The Beth Moore study continues in the Multi Purpose Room.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Check out the church's website www.centralenid.org

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 5

Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress,
the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins.
In time of darkness give us blessed hope,
in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage;
and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy,
and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness,
and the sun is too bright, and life too mirthful,
then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us,
and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light;
that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy,
we may pass on through this our mortal life
with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust,
hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy
to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years.
Hear us of Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord – Amen.
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Have a good Holiday. The church office is closed today.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 4

Lord, help me to be fully alive to your holy presence.
Enfold me in your love.
Let my heart become one with yours.
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Come to church on Independence Day! Jim Goodrich and Bert Sims will be sharing in the Revive and Renew Service at 10:15 am.

There will be congregational meetings in all three morning services to elect our new board members.

Remember Virginia Wheelers memorial service will be Wednesday, July 7th, at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary.

Janessa Hammonds funeral will be Thursday, July 8th, at 10:00 am in the sanctuary.

Please keep our sick and our grieving in your daily prayers.

We have a number of members and friends travelling this weekend. Please pray for safe journeys.

The church office will be closed tomorrow, July 5th.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 3

I remind myself that I am in your presence O Lord.
I will take refuge in your loving heart.
You are my strength in times of weakness.
You are my comforter in times of sorrow.
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Our hearts are heavy because Janessa Hammonds, Harry Hammons and Cindy Worthington’s daughter and Connie Koegel’s granddaughter, was killed in a car crash yesterday morning in Colorado. Her funeral will be either Thursday or Friday in our sanctuary. Please pray for Janessa’s family.

Sophia Farmer is showing improvement. Please continue to pray for her.

Our hospitalized include: Anita Townley, Imogene Price, Lynn Bartel in Enid and Gene Carlson in OKC at the OU Medical Center.

We continue to pray for Dortha Immel’s brother, Max, and Larry Melott’s mother, Lucille.

Today is Bud Loomis’ 90th birthday.

Our campers are home safe and sound. From all accounts they had a wonderful experience.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 2

My soul longs for your presence, Lord.
When I turn my thoughts to you,
I find peace and contentment.
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Sunday is July 4th. Wear red, white and blue to church. Remember, while Sunday is the 4th, the “day off” is Monday the 5th.

Our campers return today. Please pray for safe travel.

Congregational meetings on Sunday to elect our new board members and officers.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 1

The more we call on God
the more we can feel God's presence.
Day by day we are drawn closer
to the loving heart of God.

O God, come to us in our strength and in our weakness. Draw us close to your loving heart. Empower us to be your faithful witnesses in all we do. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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I have received two prayer requests via email. Please see below:

“Dear John, I have been informed that the Senior Care Center is now moving Murel into the Skilled Nursing section since she can no longer stand up or walk or even feed herself. She has lost almost all of her natural senses. I have prayed to God everyday to accept her with Grace as she is and has always been a wonderful wife. Rev. Dr. Paul”

“Hello Rev McLemore, We are very sorry we have not been able to attend church. Larry's mother fell and broke her hip and has been in the hospital for 3 weeks. We have had to provide 24 hr. care 7 days a week for Larry's dad. He is legally blind and cannot be left by himself. Please include them in your prayers. Thank You, Larry and Patty Melott”

Please pray for Murel and Paul Denny, for Larry Melott’s parents and for Larry and Patty as they care for them.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore