Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 31

O God,

Your heart beckons to our hearts. You continue to reach for us, even when we have turned away. May we be receptive to your ever-present Spirit, Holy One. Often we segment our lives, allowing you only a portion. Help us to understand you are the Lord of all of life. We surrender our hearts, our souls, the totality of our being to you this day. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________

Please pray for all our school children, teachers and administrators. This is an important time in their lives.

Please continue to pray for our church. May it always be a place where hearts are touched and lives changed, a place where the invited feel welcome.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 30

Good morning God,

A new day is before us and we give you thanks. The sun greets us and it is your way of saying “Good Morning” to us. Thank you for all our blessings. May our hearts sing with joy as we see the wonder of your works. May we be equal to the tasks of today and may we give glory to you in all we do. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________

Gene Carlson will have more procedures today to remove the pockets of infection> Please pray for Gene and Cindy.

Steve Cowherd, our Steve’s dad, is home in Wakita. He is still very weak. Please lift up Steve in your prayers.

We received the following email from Willo Clark:
“FYI: Loretta Richey is moving on Tuesday of this week and could use some help in loading the truck. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Willo”

Three or four men could make a big difference. If you are able to help, please call Candy at 233-1214.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 29

O Giver and Sustainer of the blessings of life,

Come to us in this moment, we pray. Make yourself known to us. May we feel the embrace of your everlasting arms and sense the power of your abundant grace. Many times we go astray, as individuals, as families, even as the church. Right our paths, O God. May the words of Jesus ring in our minds and our hearts, “Surely as you have done it to the least of these, my brothers, you have done it to me”. Open our eyes, Loving God, that we might see and then do. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________

Please pray for our shut-ins. May we be agents of God as we serve them.

Please pray for those elderly, needy and hurting in our neighborhood who we don’t know. May we find ways to reach out to them.

Show your love for God by your presence in worship today.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 28

O God,
We live in a world that makes many demands for time, money, even our souls. The temptations are great. . .security in things; bigger, fancier, flashier gadgets; climbing the social ladder; seeking power and esteem; measuring our “success” by another’s “failure”; mistaking material wealth as a sign of Your favor. Forgive us, gracious and loving God. May we follow the servant model of Jesus, gird the towel around us and care for others. May we move among the poor, may we care for the sick, may we share our abundance with the needy, and may we do so without judgment, only with love.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________

We had a number of young adults getting ”dirty for Jesus” this morning as they mowed, trimmed and cleaned the yard of an elderly WWII veteran on the east side. GOOD JOB TEAM!

Tomorrow we will have congregational meetings during each of the morning services.

I am preaching tonight at the Saturday Service and at the 8:00 am chapel and 10:15 sanctuary service. Don Johnson is preaching at the 10:15 a.m. Revive and Renew service tomorrow.

I have enjoyed the days off. It was a nice break.

See you in worship?

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 27

O God,
Your mystery confounds us. We desire simple answers and often they elude us, many times because they do not exist. Yet we know that faith begins in simple trust. Help us to know that you are with us, even when the answers change. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________

Mae Clark, Gene Carlson, Billy Ake, Rachel Poindexter and Steve Cowherd are still hospitalized.

Tomorrow is a “Get Dirty For Jesus” work project initiated by the Young Adults, but all are welcome. Be at the church at 8:45 a.m. We are doing yard work.

Isn’t this cooler weather GREAT? !

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 26

O God, you are the source of love. We give you thanks for your love for us and we understand we participate in your love as we love others. May our hearts be open to you and all those around us. This we pray in Jesus name. AMEN.
____________________________________________________

Cindy Carlson wrote yesterday in an email that they did not abort Gene’s procedure on Tuesday, there was just more infection and they had to go back in on Wednesday. Please continue to lift up Gene and Cindy in your prayers.

Carolyn and I were very impressed with the doctor yesterday. He encouraged us to keep the appointment in Dallas in two weeks, then we will get back with him. Your thoughts, prayers and continued expressions of concern and support are greatly appreciated.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 25

We bask in the warmth of your grace, O God. Come to us now as we open our hearts to you. Your son, Jesus, gave his followers the option of choosing life (Your reign) or death (Roman rule). Two thousand years later help us to choose life where there is room at the table for all those created in your image, where there is no class or racial or educational or economic distinctions. Indeed, where we understand that all are equal in your sight and, therefore, equal in ours. Thank you, O God, for your blessings. Thank you, O God, for giving us compassionate hearts. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________

Cool weather! A cause for celebration.

Chancel and Bell Choir rehearsals begin this evening. No WWNF meal or chapel this week or next.

Please pray for Gene Carlson, Cindy’s husband. A surgical procedure was aborted because of his vital signs. He is at the OU Medical center.

Please keep me in your prayers. I see an oncologist in OKC today for a second opinion.

This Saturday the Young Adult group (and anyone else) will be mowing, trimming a hedge, trimming some trees and general yard cleanup for an elderly gentleman on the east side. His wife has recently be put into a nursing home. If you want to help, meet at the church at 9:00a.m. on Saturday. We should be done by noon. We are calling this a "Get Dirty for Jesus" project.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 24

Most Amazing and Ever-present God,

The cooler weather refreshes us. The rain cleanses the air and invigorates us. Thank you for the variety found in your creation. We are so blessed, O God, and we give you thanks.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________

Peg and Denny Krick’s son will have a procedure on his lungs tomorrow.

Tom Sargeant is having surgery on September 8th for prostate cancer.

The Membership Committee meets tomorrow evening at 5:15 p.m.

The Chancel Choir and the Bell Choir resumes regular rehearsals tomorrow evening.

There will be Congregational Meeting during this Sunday's services of worship to approved a revised six month budget for the remainder of the year.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Most Merciful God,
We come to you humbly and with grateful hearts, thanking you for our many blessings. Lead us, O God, into places where we can multiply these blessings by sharing them.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________

Denise, Denny and Peg Krick’s daughter, is having surgery in Florida today. Also their son is going to have a procedure on his lungs. Please pray for the Krick family.

Max Hicks funeral is today at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans.

We ordained four new Elders yesterday: Martha O’Banion, Carolyn McLemore, Sam Justice and Valerie Driscoll. Please welcome and pray for these new spiritual leaders of our congregation.

“Welcome Home!” to Nancy and Butch Phillips. They joined our congregation during the R & R service yesterday.

The Young Adult fundraiser luncheon yesterday was a great success. Thank you for your support.

The Young Adults (and anyone who wants to help) will gather at the church this coming Saturday, August 28, to do a work project for a 94 year old man whose wife is in a nursing home. We are going to mow his yard, trim hedges, and clean up his back yard. We will meet at the church at 9:00 a.m.

After the funeral today I am taking the rest of the week as vacation. If there is an emergency I can be reached on my cell phone 402-2522.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 22

Dear God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer,

There are times when everything makes sense and there are times when life seems to be chaotic. You are the Lord of creation. Your Spirit passed over the waters and brought order. Bring a sense of order to us, O Lord, when we seem to be spinning. Encourage us as we find those moments of clarity which you provide. May we choose to follow Jesus the Christ, the one who brought light into darkness. The one who opened our eyes to see your order. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________

Steve Cowherd’s heart surgery was successful and the surgeons had to do less than they expected. Please pray for Steve and his family as he recovers.

Denise Bellville, Denny and Peg Krick’s daughter, will have surgery tomorrow in Florida. The Kricks are there with her.

Today is the Young Adult Fund Raiser Luncheon. Bring an appetite and a few extra dollars.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 21

Dear God,
You are there on our journey. You sustain us and comfort us when we turn into your embrace. Help us to welcome you into our hearts. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________

Please pray for Steve Cowherd, our Steve’s father, who is having heart surgery today at noon at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in OKC.

Max Hicks funeral is Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans.

Tomorrow is the Young Adult Fundraiser at noon. Come to enjoy good food and support a good cause.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 20

Tender God,
We trust that you are our shepherd. We depend on your strength and your grace. Move among us, O Lord. Comfort, restore and pursue us with your goodness. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
________________________________________

Members and friends who are hospitalized are: Alta Mae Berkenbile, Mae Clark, Dorothy Bracher, and Beryl Bigger at St. Mary’s; Billie Ake and Rachel Poindexter at Bass Pavilion; and, Gene Carlson at OU Medical Center in OKC. Please pray for these members and friends.

Don’t forget the Young Adult Fundraiser Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday. Proceeds will go for the Young Adult Mexico Mission Trip.

I will appreciate your prayers as Carolyn and I make decisions about the best tact to take battling this new flare up of prostate cancer. There is more information in my article in the Visitor.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 19

O God our God,
We call you great and powerful, and you are that. We call you loving and tender, and you are that. You are, O Lord, what we need you to be and yet you are so much more than our limited understanding. Come to us, Holy One, in our strength and in our weakness. Help us to be aware of your presence. May we see glimpses of your Reign all about us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________

Dorothy Bracher was to move from Bass to St. Mary’s rehab yesterday.

Gene Carlson had been released from the Bass Pavilion but fell yesterday. He has done back to the OU Medical Center in OKC.

Please keep the family of Michael Belcher, Jr. in your prayers. He was the young man who was shot and killed on Monday.

There is a special Cancer Support meeting today at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The Lance Armstrong group is presenting the program.

Sunday is Elder’s Ordination in the 10:15 sanctuary service.

Sunday the Young Adults will provide a spaghetti luncheon for the church at 11:30 a.m. This will be a fund raiser for the Mexico mission trip in October.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 18

O God,

You love us, you beckon us, you ask us who will go for You. May our response be, “Here I am, Lord, send me.

In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________

Max Hicks' funeral will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 23, at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please continue to pray for Max’s family.

Mae Clark is in St. Mary’s hospital.

Steve Cowherd, the father of our Steve Cowherd, will have major surgery at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in OKC on Saturday.

We received the following email from Denny Krick:
“Good news in the Krick family: Denise doesn't have cancer, but will probably undergo surgery late this week; Dave's pneumonia is better; Jessica (granddaughter) her Lupus was NOT reactive and she is still a normal, active, little girl. Praise God! “

The new Pastor’s Cabinet will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Room 109. It will last less than an hour.

The Cancer Support Group will have a special meeting in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. The Lance Armstrong Foundation will be making the presentation.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 17

Dear Lord, please forgive our foolish ways. Help us to understand that our violence, our wars, our bigotry, our hate causes tears to stream down your face. May we follow Jesus teachings. May we be agents for peace, justice and mercy in our homes, in our church, in our community and in our world. In Jesus Name we pray. AMEN.
_____________________________________________________

We received the following email from the Greenhaws:
“Our son, LTC Jon Greenhaw, is being deployed to Afghanistan. He will be there by the 1st of October. His wife and two daughters live in Tulsa. Bob and Joyce Greenhaw”

Please pray for Jon and all our military in harm’s way.

Marjorie Davis’s heart cath procedure was successful. No stint was required.

Dorothy Bracher is recovering well from her hip surgery.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 16

O God our God,
Are hearts are full as we approach you in prayer because you are a generous and gracious God. Forgive us when we turn away. Please forgive us when we let the busyness of life get in the way of our devotion and service to you. May Your Spirit guide us into the future you have prepared, where we experience Your Reign. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________

Please pray for Dorothy Bracher. She broke her hip and had surgery yesterday evening. It was a procedure that didn’t require a huge incision and she should experience a speedy recovery. She will be in Bass for two to four days.

Please pray for Marjorie Davis. She is having a heart cath procedure at St. Mary’s this morning at 9:00 a.m.

Helen Hart was very appreciative of the Enid contingent which traveled to Tulsa to celebrate her 100th birthday yesterday. She is still sharp as a tack.

Remember: NO WWNF MEAL OR CHAPEL THIS WEDNESDAY. The Pastor’s Cabinet will meet at 6:30 p.m. (different time) in Room 109.

Bridge Sunday was a great success. Congratulations to all the children and youth who are promoting.

Next Sunday we will ordain our new Elders during the 10:15 a.m. Sanctuary service.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 15

Breathe on me Breath of God,

Our need for you is embedded in our very being. There is a place within us, O God, that only you can fill. May we open the doors of our hearts and let you in, today and every day. In Jesus name, AMEN
___________________________________________________

Max Hicks died quite unexpectedly on Friday evening in Ponca City. He was there for Grant’s wedding at the Marland Mansion. Max didn’t show up for the wedding and his son Brian found him in his motel room. Max apparently died of a heart attack. His funeral will be a 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning, August 23rd. The location will be announced. Please pray for Max’s family.

Kathleen Neilson, Hermine Woelke’s sister, has asked for prayers for her grandson, Shawn. He suffered from heat stroke and was flown to Wichita with a body temperature of 108 degrees.

CORRECTION: Casey Easter broke his collar bone last Monday.

Sam and Sandra Justice have asked for prayers for their new granddaughter, Norah Keinath. She was born on May 29 and is having kidney problems.

A number of us will be traveling to Tulsa after church today to celebrate Helen Hart's 100th birthday. What a celebration it will be.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Dear God,
The gift of humility is difficult to receive. We live in an egocentric world which teaches us that our needs, desires, wants and dreams supersede the needs of others. May we be humble, O Lord, and seek to follow Jesus’ model of service to others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________

Casey Easter broke his arm a while back. Please pray for Casey.

Tomorrow is Bridge Sunday. Come a celebrate our children and youth who are growing and maturing.

See you in church.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 13

O God of life,
We understand you as transcendent, over all our creation. We also understand you as immanent, present to us in this very moment. In all things you are a mystery. We stand before you with reverence and in awe. May we see glimpses of your glory and feel the brush of your presence. May the rhythm of your heart resonate in our own hearts. May the breath of your Spirit fill the sails of our lives and may your love flow through us to others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________

Murel Denny’s memorial service is this morning at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.

Alicia Cowherd reports that Steve’s father will have the first of three major surgeries, this one, on August 21st at noon at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. He is from Wakita and his name is also Steve Cowherd.

Please pray for our school children and educators as the start of school is rapidly approaching.

Sunday is Bridge Sunday (Promotion Sunday). Both 10:15 a.m. services will meet in the sanctuary.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 12

O God, who has given us everything, give us one thing more. A grateful heart.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________

We received the following prayer requests:
“Please remember me in your prayers this evening as I am going in for a heart cath procedure at St. Mary's, Thurs morning at 10:00 am. Thank you for your continued prayers for my wife, Judi.
God bless, Charlie Heller”

“Please pray for Miranda and her family. She's a college student on the vent in ICU out of state. Barbara Whinery”

May we lift up Charlie, Judi and Miranda in our prayers.

Marjorie Davis will have a heart cath procedure on Monday morning.

David Krick, Denny and Peg’s son, has pneumonia. Their daughter, Denise, will probably get test results today and will likely have surgery next week.

Please pray for the Pearsall’s and Giberson’s as they begin their trek to Washington D.C. tonight.

Thank you for all of the wonderful birthday wishes I received yesterday. They are greatly appreciated.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 11

Dear God,
There are days when our prayers come easily. There are other days when prayer is difficult. Open our hearts, O Lord, that in our joy and in our sorrow we might feel your presence and be assured of your love. Sometimes in our actions and thoughts we move away from you. Help us to realize there is no place that is beyond your grace. Even as our backs are turned, you are there. Empower us, loving God, to turn into your embrace.

In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________

Tonight is WWNF. Come at 5:15 and participate in the Young Adult WWNF Meal. The proceeds will support the Mexico Mission trip in October.

Please pray for Jennifer and Phil Pearsall and their baby as they prepare to move to the Washington D.C. area for Phil’s new assignment in the Air Force. Paul and Mickie Giberson will travel with them. They leave tomorrow evening.

Please continue your prayers for the Denny family. The memorial service for Murel is Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. A number of choir members will sing.

This Sunday is Bridge (Promotion) Sunday. A decision was made yesterday to combine both the 10:15 a.m. services so everyone, children, youth and adults can participate together in the recognition of those who are “promoting”.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 10

O God who brings hope to the world,

We pray that you help us strip away the superfluous, those things that get in the way of a vital, active faith. Reclothe us in rightful minds, Loving God. We live in a world where so many are spiritually yearning yet institutionally alienated. May we be part of the solution, not part of the continuing problem. We pray for open hearts and clear vision to see and respond to those around us in Christian love. All this we ask in Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________

Our hearts and prayers go out to Paul Denny and his family. Murel died early Monday morning. Her memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 13, in the Chapel with a family meal following in the Fellowship Hall.

Continue to pray for Denise Bellville, Denny and Peg Krick’s daughter in Florida. Peg is with Denise as she awaits test results and a pending surgery.

The worship committee meets this evening at 7:00 p.m. in Room 109.

Tomorrow the Young Adults are providing the WWNF meal as a fundraiser for the Mexico mission trip. Please come and eat between 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. and make a generous contribution.

God is calling us. Are we listening?

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 9

God of Grace and God of Glory,
We bring you our praise and adoration. A new week brings new opportunities for service and witness. Help us to be equal to the tasks ahead. Help us to dream dreams, O God, dreams for our church, for our faithful lives, and for our community. May they be big dreams, life affirming and life transforming dreams. May they be dreams worthy of your Kingdom. And then, Gracious One, empower us to live into those dreams. In Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________

Laurie Bushman is having oral surgery in Stillwater today. Please pray for Laurie.

Laurie’s mother, Lynn Jerome, is also having eye surgery today.

Davida Whitsitt and Gene Carlson are hospitalized. Please pray for them.

Tonight the Cancer Support Group meets.

Tonight the Special Gifts Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room.

Tomorrow the Worship Committee meets at 7:00 p.m.

Please pray for our church as we seek to discern God’s will and then as we act.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 8

God of Wonders, we see you in the works of your hands. We are the beneficiaries of your wonderful, beautiful, bountiful creation. Forgive us when we fail to be good stewards. Forgive us, Gracious God, when become hoarders and take it all for granted. You have provided for everyone, may we find ways to make a place for everyone at the table of your bounty. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________

Today is the Lord’s day, a day of rest and worship. Please join us as we bring our praise and thanksgiving to God.

Davida Whitsitt is Bass room #208. Please pray for Davida.

Laurie Bushman will have oral surgery tomorrow in Stillwater. Please pray for Laurie.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 7

Loving God, you are our shepherd and we are your flock. Protect us, O God, and call us by name that we might be comforted and encouraged by your Presence. As you call may we find our way into your fold. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________

A church family has requested prayers for a private concern. Please lift them up in your prayers to God.

We have four worship opportunities: today at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel, tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. in the chapel, 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary and 10:15 a.m. in the chapel. Please come and worship with us and bring a friend.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 6

Great is thy faithfulness, O God. Often times we take your grace for granted. We even “cheapen” it by our callous and unloving actions toward others, yet You continue to seek us out. You continue to embrace us. You continue to desire our faithful response. Forgive us, Loving God, and guide us toward a future filled with peace, love and hope. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.
___________________________________

We received the following email for Paul and JoAnn Hopkins:
“Congratulations to John and Carolyn on their 10th anniversary with Central Christian. How fast the time flies!! We've been in Norman for nine years now ---- doesn't seem possible. Hop and I enjoy reading the 'Visitor' each week. Whether we are at 'home' in Norman or in far South Texas, our email follows us. We send our congratulations and love to all. JoAnn and Paul D. (Hop) Hopkins

Our thoughts go out to Paul and Murel Denny. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary yesterday at Enid Senior Care. Paul purchase a beautiful white dress for Murel to wear. He brought roses and their children were there. Please continue to pray for Murel. She is no longer eating.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 5

Dear God, embracing humankind, forgive our foolish ways! Reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence praise. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________

Welcome new email participants! I have added some of our Young Adults to this mailing list.

Billie Ake, a retired educator and friend of Mary Beach, is in ICU at St. Mary’s. Gene Carlson is in the Bass Pavilion. Please pray for both of these friends.

Please continue to pray for Denise Bellville ( Peg and Denny Krick’s daughter in Florida) as she awaits test results and a future surgery.

Helen Hart, a longtime member who moved to Tulsa a few years ago, is celebrating her 100th birthday with a party/reception on August 15th in Tulsa. We will take a church vehicle. If you would like to go, please call Kandy at 233-1214 and have her put your name on the list.

If you would like to send a card, her information follows:

Helen Hart
8222 S. Yale, #208
Tulsa, OK 74137

Birthday is 8/17. Celebration is 8/15.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 4

O God,
So often we think about doing the right thing, yet our final actions have adverse effects. Forgive us, we pray, and strengthen our resolve to be more Christ like. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________

Sorry about the mix up in emails yesterday. I realized I had put the wrong day on yesterday’s prayer. In my feeble attempt to correct the error, I resent Monday’s email with yesterday’s date. Did it confuse you? It certainly did me.

Tonight is WWNF with the Beth Moore Study continuing in the Multipurpose Room and the DVD study in the Central Cinema continuing to watch the presentation on Israel and its history. The meal begins at 5:15.

Please continue to pray for those who have recently lost loved ones.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 3

O God without limits,
We come to you humbly, thanking you for our blessings and singing Your praises. We are a people of boundaries and borders. We find ways to limit our interactions with certain other people and groups. Touch our hearts and our eyes, O God, so that we may see your image in all those around us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________

Sally and John Wheeler are taking 9 Young Disciples to a science museum in OKC today. Pray for safe travels and a lot of fun.

Gene Carlson has been moved from OKC to the Bass Pavilion. Vela McGugin is now at Greenbriar Skilled Nursing. Sophia Farmer is at Golden Oak Skilled Nursing. Please pray for these friends.

I received and interesting phone call this morning. Paul Johnson, a member of the First Christian Church in Amarillo, is biking from Amarillo to a town in Missouri for his nephew’s wedding in mid August. In an attempt to defray expenses, he is looking for places to stay along the way and will be in Enid this Saturday, planning to leave Sunday morning around 7:00 a.m. On Saturday he plans to bike from Woodward to Enid. I told him it is supposed to be 105 in Enid today. He knows he will be battling heat along the way. Here is the question. Would you be willing to host this brave soul for Saturday night? If so, then call the church office and we will get word to Paul. I told him that he could certainly stay on a couch in the Youth Room and use our showers, but a home stay would probably be better. If you are interested, call Kandy.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 2

With quiet confidence we come to you, Saving God, to offer our love and faithfulness. Help us. O God, to slow our pace and seek you out in solitude and prayer. Guide us, Loving Creator, that we might sense your presence within loving relationships. Bring clarity to us, Heavenly Parent, that your power and majesty might be revealed in communal worship. Fill us with compassion, Suffering God, that we might see the face of Christ in the unknown and nameless faces we encounter every day, for it is in Jesus Name that we pray. AMEN.
___________________________________________________________

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU for the surprise celebration yesterday of the McLemore’s 10th anniversary with Central Christian Church, and the Amazon Kindle….very unexpected and greatly appreciated!

Today is Novis Schultz’s funeral. Family and friends will gather at 10 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. The church is providing a family meal around 11:30 a.m.

Please pray for the family of Bill Rogers, Sherry Garrett’s father. He died on July 26 and his funeral was in Atoka last Friday.

Ken Ball, our newest member, has bladder cancer and is undergoing treatment. Please prayer for Ken.

Please continue to pray for Denise Bellville as she undergoes tests. Denise is Peg and Denny Krick’s daughter in Florida.

Church camp is now over, with the return of our Youth Mission Camp participants last Friday. It was a great camping season.

Please pray for our church as we chart our course, using Jesus Christ as our Polar Star.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 1

O God, You are our God and we are Your people,
We bring you our praise and adoration as we experience you in the places of your creation and in the moments of our history. May we be receptive to your eternal grace. Bless us, O Lord, as we seek to discern your will for us. Empower us, Loving God, when we share life and faith with others. Strengthen us, Divine Mystery, with the resolve to care for the widows, orphans and aliens in our midst. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________
Today is Kick Off Sunday. Wear your school colors and enjoy Sunday School, Worship and the Pot Luck Luncheon.

Today is also the day we serve communion to the shut-ins. Please pray for all those who will be served.

Novice Schultz’s funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans. There will be a luncheon for the family in our Fellowship Hall around 11:30 a.m.

Please pray for Denny and Peg Krick's daughter, Denise Bellville. Denny and Peg are concerned about her health.

Also please pray for Ken Ball. He has additional health issues.

May God continue to bless us as we work and serve in Jesus’ name.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore