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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
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
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, November 18
O God,
There are days when we feel like praying and there are days when we don’t. Help us to understand that the power of prayer is not dependant on how we feel, just as the efficacy of worship is not dependant on whether we “get something out of it” or not. Forgive us, O Lord, for believing everything is about us. Forgive us, we pray, when we allow our foibles to limit our worship and praise of You. May we always understand that it is in giving, even when we don’t want to give or feel like giving, that we receive. We come to you now with prayers of supplication and thanksgiving because You are our God and we honor You with our prayers and give You our praise. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
Please pray for Richard Cook, Bob Park’s son-in-law. He had major surgery a couple of weeks ago. Now there are complications and he will have additional surgery today.
Please pray for our church. Let all of us look beyond our individual needs to embrace the greater good. We are the Body of Christ and the world is watching us, our children are watching us, visitors are watching us. May we embody the spirit of God’s love for all.
The NW Area Men’s meeting is tonight at Central. There will be plenty of food. Please try to attend….spouses are welcome.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
There are days when we feel like praying and there are days when we don’t. Help us to understand that the power of prayer is not dependant on how we feel, just as the efficacy of worship is not dependant on whether we “get something out of it” or not. Forgive us, O Lord, for believing everything is about us. Forgive us, we pray, when we allow our foibles to limit our worship and praise of You. May we always understand that it is in giving, even when we don’t want to give or feel like giving, that we receive. We come to you now with prayers of supplication and thanksgiving because You are our God and we honor You with our prayers and give You our praise. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
Please pray for Richard Cook, Bob Park’s son-in-law. He had major surgery a couple of weeks ago. Now there are complications and he will have additional surgery today.
Please pray for our church. Let all of us look beyond our individual needs to embrace the greater good. We are the Body of Christ and the world is watching us, our children are watching us, visitors are watching us. May we embody the spirit of God’s love for all.
The NW Area Men’s meeting is tonight at Central. There will be plenty of food. Please try to attend….spouses are welcome.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, November 17
O Lord of Life and Source of Love,
Often we are touched by the sense of awe and amazement that is present in our young children. They embrace the wonder of a flower or a cricket or a cloud. Increased years and life experience seems to dampen that amazing outlook on life. As adults we walk by the flowers, step on crickets and look to the sky to see if storms are coming. Jesus said that we are to become as children. While faith and life are not simple, may this be a day when we again look at life with a sense of awe and amazement. May we appreciate the works of Your hands all about us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS to Alicia and Steve Cowherd on the birth of Tegan Cowherd who was born yesterday afternoon. He weighed 9 lbs. 1.4 ounces and we 21 ½ inches long. Lori Schuelein is also one of the proud grandmothers.
The Board meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All elders, deacons and board officers are encouraged to attend.
Because the Board is meeting, the adult bell choir is having a brief rehearsal at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Often we are touched by the sense of awe and amazement that is present in our young children. They embrace the wonder of a flower or a cricket or a cloud. Increased years and life experience seems to dampen that amazing outlook on life. As adults we walk by the flowers, step on crickets and look to the sky to see if storms are coming. Jesus said that we are to become as children. While faith and life are not simple, may this be a day when we again look at life with a sense of awe and amazement. May we appreciate the works of Your hands all about us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS to Alicia and Steve Cowherd on the birth of Tegan Cowherd who was born yesterday afternoon. He weighed 9 lbs. 1.4 ounces and we 21 ½ inches long. Lori Schuelein is also one of the proud grandmothers.
The Board meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All elders, deacons and board officers are encouraged to attend.
Because the Board is meeting, the adult bell choir is having a brief rehearsal at 7:00 p.m. in the choir room.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, November 16
O Lord, we call out to You from the depths of our being. We praise Your name and honor You with our love. Forgive us, we pray, when we turn our backs to You. Forgive us, we pray, when we attempt to squeeze You into our schedules, making only a small space for You. You are the God of all of life. Your Spirit permeates our very existence. Help us to be more than just Sunday only followers. May we look to the life and ministry of your son, Jesus Christ, for evidence of Your all-encompassing love and for examples of how we are to live. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________________
Please pray for the family of Faydean Masemore. Her memorial service is today at noon in our chapel.
Laurie Bushman asked that we pray for her grandfather. He was diagnosed yesterday with pulmonary fibrosis. He still lives alone, but that may soon change. His name is Bud Jerome and he lives in Shawnee.
Gene Brintnall called yesterday. He is going to the Mayo Clinic for surgery on his larynx in December. They will run tests on December 1 and the surgery is December 2. It is out-patient, but the local doctors wanted him to see the specialist there.
The Worship Committee meets tonight at 7:00 p.m.
There is a Board Meeting tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.mn. in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday is our BIG Thanksgiving Sunday with the luncheon following. Please bring a friend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
_________________________________________________
Please pray for the family of Faydean Masemore. Her memorial service is today at noon in our chapel.
Laurie Bushman asked that we pray for her grandfather. He was diagnosed yesterday with pulmonary fibrosis. He still lives alone, but that may soon change. His name is Bud Jerome and he lives in Shawnee.
Gene Brintnall called yesterday. He is going to the Mayo Clinic for surgery on his larynx in December. They will run tests on December 1 and the surgery is December 2. It is out-patient, but the local doctors wanted him to see the specialist there.
The Worship Committee meets tonight at 7:00 p.m.
There is a Board Meeting tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.mn. in the Fellowship Hall.
Sunday is our BIG Thanksgiving Sunday with the luncheon following. Please bring a friend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, November 15, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, November 15
O God,
We are so grateful for our blessings. This day may we find the time to pause, reflect and give you thanks. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Faydean Masemore’s memorial service will be at noon tomorrow in the chapel. The family will have a private graveside service at 11:00 a.m. and then will participate in a meal provided by the church at approximately 12:45 p.m. Please pray for Faydean’s family.
Maribel Moore is home recovering from major surgery on her leg to remove blood clots. The surgery was a few weeks ago, but please keep Maribel in your prayers as she works through a long and difficult recovery.
The NW Area Disciples men will meet here at Central this Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. for a wonderful meal and musical program provided by Randy Johnson and a number of his high school vocalists. This is the meeting where the spouses are invited. Please plan to attend. Call the church office today to RSVP. Thanks.
Next Sunday is THANKSGIVING SUNDAY! We will receive our annual Thanksgiving special offering and we will enjoy our Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are so grateful for our blessings. This day may we find the time to pause, reflect and give you thanks. In Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Faydean Masemore’s memorial service will be at noon tomorrow in the chapel. The family will have a private graveside service at 11:00 a.m. and then will participate in a meal provided by the church at approximately 12:45 p.m. Please pray for Faydean’s family.
Maribel Moore is home recovering from major surgery on her leg to remove blood clots. The surgery was a few weeks ago, but please keep Maribel in your prayers as she works through a long and difficult recovery.
The NW Area Disciples men will meet here at Central this Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. for a wonderful meal and musical program provided by Randy Johnson and a number of his high school vocalists. This is the meeting where the spouses are invited. Please plan to attend. Call the church office today to RSVP. Thanks.
Next Sunday is THANKSGIVING SUNDAY! We will receive our annual Thanksgiving special offering and we will enjoy our Thanksgiving Luncheon.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, November 14
O Ever-present Love,
This is the day You have made. We rejoice and are glad in it. As we come to you today in prayer we reflect on the various roads that have brought us to this place. We pray for Your forgiveness for the times when we chose the darker path, one motivated by greed, anger, doubt, revenge or hubris. We thank You for Your presence on the entire journey and for your grace which sustained us and brought us back to you. Now as we look ahead, O Lord, may we draw closer to you as we seek to care for and serve those around us. May we love as You love: wastefully, generously, without condition. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________
I received word yesterday evening that Faydean Masemore died. There will be a family graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday and a memorial service in our chapel at noon on Tuesday. Please pray for Faydean’s family.
Denny Krick and Bob Goodness have been dismissed from the hospital. Please pray for their continued recovery.
Barb Newton is still in St. Mary’s. She will likely be dismissed on Monday. Richard Cook is still at Bass and will be there a while longer. Please pray for Barb and Richard.
TODAY IS PHILLIPS UNIVERSITY DAY at Central. We will host the PULF Scholars in Sunday School, 10:15 a.m. worship and at a covered dish luncheon. Please come and celebrate a glorious Lord’s Day with us.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
This is the day You have made. We rejoice and are glad in it. As we come to you today in prayer we reflect on the various roads that have brought us to this place. We pray for Your forgiveness for the times when we chose the darker path, one motivated by greed, anger, doubt, revenge or hubris. We thank You for Your presence on the entire journey and for your grace which sustained us and brought us back to you. Now as we look ahead, O Lord, may we draw closer to you as we seek to care for and serve those around us. May we love as You love: wastefully, generously, without condition. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________
I received word yesterday evening that Faydean Masemore died. There will be a family graveside at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday and a memorial service in our chapel at noon on Tuesday. Please pray for Faydean’s family.
Denny Krick and Bob Goodness have been dismissed from the hospital. Please pray for their continued recovery.
Barb Newton is still in St. Mary’s. She will likely be dismissed on Monday. Richard Cook is still at Bass and will be there a while longer. Please pray for Barb and Richard.
TODAY IS PHILLIPS UNIVERSITY DAY at Central. We will host the PULF Scholars in Sunday School, 10:15 a.m. worship and at a covered dish luncheon. Please come and celebrate a glorious Lord’s Day with us.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, November 13
O Gracious and Generous God,
You have placed your impression on each of us. We are created in your image. There is also within us a “God shaped” emptiness that only You can fill. Please fill us this day, O Lord, that we might reflect your glory and love to the world. Please fill us this day, O Lord, so that we might see your impression in those around us. Please fill us this day, O Lord, so that we might see Your image, even in the stranger and the enemy. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Anna Belle Allen, Randy McWilliams’ mother-in-law, died Friday. Please pray for her family.
Please pray for John Wheeler and many of our youth. They are at Guthrie for Fall Fest.
Our Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars are having a wonderful event. Yesterday they heard impressive keynote speakers, shared their service projects, went to University Place Christian Church for supper, experienced vespers in our chapel and then enjoyed a movie in our movie room, Central Cinema. Today they will listen to more keynote addresses, go the old Phillips campus for a tour and a Jim Bray art show, participate in a tour of the new Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, and enjoy a banquet at Montgomery Hall. Tomorrow they will attend some of our adult Sunday School classes, participate in our 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship with the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preaching, and enjoy our hospitality during a covered dish luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. It has and will continue to be an outstanding event.
Remember: Tomorrow is Phillips University Day here at Central. We will have a regular 8:00 a.m. service where I will preach and a combined 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary where we will experience a variety of music and Dr. Watkins will preach. Please invite someone to join you in church tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You have placed your impression on each of us. We are created in your image. There is also within us a “God shaped” emptiness that only You can fill. Please fill us this day, O Lord, that we might reflect your glory and love to the world. Please fill us this day, O Lord, so that we might see your impression in those around us. Please fill us this day, O Lord, so that we might see Your image, even in the stranger and the enemy. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Anna Belle Allen, Randy McWilliams’ mother-in-law, died Friday. Please pray for her family.
Please pray for John Wheeler and many of our youth. They are at Guthrie for Fall Fest.
Our Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars are having a wonderful event. Yesterday they heard impressive keynote speakers, shared their service projects, went to University Place Christian Church for supper, experienced vespers in our chapel and then enjoyed a movie in our movie room, Central Cinema. Today they will listen to more keynote addresses, go the old Phillips campus for a tour and a Jim Bray art show, participate in a tour of the new Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, and enjoy a banquet at Montgomery Hall. Tomorrow they will attend some of our adult Sunday School classes, participate in our 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship with the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preaching, and enjoy our hospitality during a covered dish luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. It has and will continue to be an outstanding event.
Remember: Tomorrow is Phillips University Day here at Central. We will have a regular 8:00 a.m. service where I will preach and a combined 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary where we will experience a variety of music and Dr. Watkins will preach. Please invite someone to join you in church tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, November 12, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, November 12
Dear God,
We come to you in humble prayer. Thank you for the rain that clears the air and refreshes the earth. Thank you for the life affirming presence of your Holy Spirit with us that refreshes our souls. Forgive us, we pray, when we build barriers between ourselves and you, barriers that harden our hearts and stiffen our necks. May your grace release us from the bondage of our self-centeredness. May we see your love around us each day, even in the rain that clears the air and refreshes the earth. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
The Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars are with us. Their first session was last night with a welcome, wonderful meal, and icebreaker activities. Remember Sunday is Phillips University Day. We will have a combined Revive and Renew and Traditional service in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preaching. Afterward we will host our scholars and guests at a “covered dish” fellowship luncheon. Remember to bring a dessert or salad.
Denny Krick is at Bass Hospital. He was admitted yesterday morning. Barb Newton is in ICU at St. Mary’s. She was admitted yesterday as well. Please pray for Denny and Barbara.
We received the following email from Cheryl Sargeant:
“Just a note - Tom Sargeant had surgery in Sept. for prostate cancer, and is doing very well. His last tests indicated that there is no more cancer. We hope he will stay in remission. Cheryl Sargeant”
We celebrate Tom’s good news. Please continue to pray for Cheryl and Tom.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We come to you in humble prayer. Thank you for the rain that clears the air and refreshes the earth. Thank you for the life affirming presence of your Holy Spirit with us that refreshes our souls. Forgive us, we pray, when we build barriers between ourselves and you, barriers that harden our hearts and stiffen our necks. May your grace release us from the bondage of our self-centeredness. May we see your love around us each day, even in the rain that clears the air and refreshes the earth. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
The Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars are with us. Their first session was last night with a welcome, wonderful meal, and icebreaker activities. Remember Sunday is Phillips University Day. We will have a combined Revive and Renew and Traditional service in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preaching. Afterward we will host our scholars and guests at a “covered dish” fellowship luncheon. Remember to bring a dessert or salad.
Denny Krick is at Bass Hospital. He was admitted yesterday morning. Barb Newton is in ICU at St. Mary’s. She was admitted yesterday as well. Please pray for Denny and Barbara.
We received the following email from Cheryl Sargeant:
“Just a note - Tom Sargeant had surgery in Sept. for prostate cancer, and is doing very well. His last tests indicated that there is no more cancer. We hope he will stay in remission. Cheryl Sargeant”
We celebrate Tom’s good news. Please continue to pray for Cheryl and Tom.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, November 11
Dear Eternal Presence, Father and Mother to Us All,
We humbly come before you this day. Our spirit reaches up to You. Hear our prayers we pray. On this Veterans’ Day we honor those who have faithfully served their country, in times of war and in times of peace. We thank you for their service and their sacrifice. We give You particular thanks for those who died serving their country. Send your Spirit of Comfort and Hope to be with their families, whether the loss was recent or decades ago. War is a terrible thing, O God, and we do not honor war, but we do honor those whose dedication and sense of service lead them to respond to the call to take up arms and stand in harm’s way. Bless them, O God, and bless us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
I just received a call that Denny Krick is in the ER at Bass. Please pray for Denny and Peg.
Ed Krause and Valerie Driscoll have been released from the hospital. Please pray for their recovery.
Jim Goodness’s son, Bob, has been hospitalized.
The PULF Legacy Scholars arrive today. Please pray for a wonderful Leadership Conference for them.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We humbly come before you this day. Our spirit reaches up to You. Hear our prayers we pray. On this Veterans’ Day we honor those who have faithfully served their country, in times of war and in times of peace. We thank you for their service and their sacrifice. We give You particular thanks for those who died serving their country. Send your Spirit of Comfort and Hope to be with their families, whether the loss was recent or decades ago. War is a terrible thing, O God, and we do not honor war, but we do honor those whose dedication and sense of service lead them to respond to the call to take up arms and stand in harm’s way. Bless them, O God, and bless us. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
I just received a call that Denny Krick is in the ER at Bass. Please pray for Denny and Peg.
Ed Krause and Valerie Driscoll have been released from the hospital. Please pray for their recovery.
Jim Goodness’s son, Bob, has been hospitalized.
The PULF Legacy Scholars arrive today. Please pray for a wonderful Leadership Conference for them.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, November 10
O God,
We stand before you as those who claim to be your children. Indeed, O Lord, you are our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Sometimes, however, we are disobedient. We seek our own ends. We succumb to the values of the culture which are in opposition to the values of the faith. Most of the time our intentions are good, but we miss the mark. Please forgive us, Dear God. May we understand mature faith is not always the result of years of living. May there be times when we once again approach you like a child with total awe and amazement. May we, once again, devote our lives to you as we open our hearts to your Spirit. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
REMEMBER: All normal first Wednesday CWF activities are today.
WWNF is this evening. Come and join us for a meal at 5:15 p.m.; chapel, children and youth activities; Jack Weston’s Bible study; chancel and bell choir rehearsals; all in all a great time.
Everyone is gearing up for the Phillips University Legacy Scholars Leadership Conference that starts tomorrow. Help us as we seek to be gracious hosts. Be sure to come to the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship on Sunday and stay for the “covered dish” luncheon.
If you haven’t gone to the website lately, be sure to check it out. There are some new features. The address is www.centralenid.org Please let me know what you think and feel free to offer any suggestions for improvement. Based on Kyle Maxwell’s visit with us last Sunday evening a new Publicity Task Group is being formed (It has been talked about for a long time. Now we are doing it.). This is a group that will plan and implement publicity for the church, including website, promotional videos, newspaper articles, Community Talk programs and written pieces. It will be volunteer driven. Interested? Let me know.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We stand before you as those who claim to be your children. Indeed, O Lord, you are our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. Sometimes, however, we are disobedient. We seek our own ends. We succumb to the values of the culture which are in opposition to the values of the faith. Most of the time our intentions are good, but we miss the mark. Please forgive us, Dear God. May we understand mature faith is not always the result of years of living. May there be times when we once again approach you like a child with total awe and amazement. May we, once again, devote our lives to you as we open our hearts to your Spirit. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
REMEMBER: All normal first Wednesday CWF activities are today.
WWNF is this evening. Come and join us for a meal at 5:15 p.m.; chapel, children and youth activities; Jack Weston’s Bible study; chancel and bell choir rehearsals; all in all a great time.
Everyone is gearing up for the Phillips University Legacy Scholars Leadership Conference that starts tomorrow. Help us as we seek to be gracious hosts. Be sure to come to the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary worship on Sunday and stay for the “covered dish” luncheon.
If you haven’t gone to the website lately, be sure to check it out. There are some new features. The address is www.centralenid.org Please let me know what you think and feel free to offer any suggestions for improvement. Based on Kyle Maxwell’s visit with us last Sunday evening a new Publicity Task Group is being formed (It has been talked about for a long time. Now we are doing it.). This is a group that will plan and implement publicity for the church, including website, promotional videos, newspaper articles, Community Talk programs and written pieces. It will be volunteer driven. Interested? Let me know.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, November 9
Source of All That Is and Shall Be,
You reveal Yourself to us in glimpses, because we cannot comprehend the entirety that is You. We thank You for those parts of You we see in Jesus, in scripture, in the great tradition of the church and in the presence of the Holy Spirit in life around us. We pray to You as Jesus prayed to You, as the saints prayed to you, as the church has prayed to you and as our families have prayed to You. Hear our prayer O Lord and lean toward us as we seek to lean into your embrace. You are greater than anything we know and yet You love us with a wastefully, generous love which we do not deserve nor which we can earn. We are overwhelmed. We give you thanks in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Ed Krause had hip surgery yesterday and is recuperating in room 394 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Opal Gerhard’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Carolyn and I were to have been driving to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas as I am writing this email. As it turns out, they are not quite ready to begin the drug trial. I should hear today or tomorrow when we are rescheduled for the TAK-700 Phase 3 Clinical Trail. It seems it is more involved than we had originally anticipated. While it is an oral medication, I am to have a series of scans, blood work and tests before we begin, all to be done at Baylor. I should also hear today when I am scheduled for the Provenge immune therapy treatment. Interestingly, both the trail and immune therapy can be done at the same time. Frankly, I just want to get started. Your prayers are always appreciated.
If you haven’t looked at the website lately I encourage you to do so. The address is www.centralenid.org. You will notice there is a new blog there where you can share your stories about God’s grace in your life. Just click on the “Share Your Stories” which will take you to the blog. Then click on “comments”. At the bottom of that page there is a place to “Post a Comment”. You will need to “sign in” through your choice of media. All are free and require little information. Please take this opportunity to share some of your story about experiencing God’s grace in your life. I took the liberty of posting the email to Mary Johnson from Tam Economou that I shared in yesterday’s email, just to get things started. You can also go directly to the blog at http://www.centralwitness.blogspot.com/
The Sunday is Phillips University Sunday at Central. The R & R and Sanctuary services will be combined with the R & R musicians leading us in portions of the worship experience. All of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars (around 30 college students from around the country) and a number of guests will be with us. Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharron Watkins will be preaching, PLUS we will have a “covered dish” fellowship luncheon with the church providing the meat and the congregation bringing salads and desserts. This will be a great day for us. Invite family and friends to join us. If you know some Phillips’ alums, be sure to invite them.
Have a wonderful and blessed day. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You reveal Yourself to us in glimpses, because we cannot comprehend the entirety that is You. We thank You for those parts of You we see in Jesus, in scripture, in the great tradition of the church and in the presence of the Holy Spirit in life around us. We pray to You as Jesus prayed to You, as the saints prayed to you, as the church has prayed to you and as our families have prayed to You. Hear our prayer O Lord and lean toward us as we seek to lean into your embrace. You are greater than anything we know and yet You love us with a wastefully, generous love which we do not deserve nor which we can earn. We are overwhelmed. We give you thanks in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Ed Krause had hip surgery yesterday and is recuperating in room 394 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Opal Gerhard’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Carolyn and I were to have been driving to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas as I am writing this email. As it turns out, they are not quite ready to begin the drug trial. I should hear today or tomorrow when we are rescheduled for the TAK-700 Phase 3 Clinical Trail. It seems it is more involved than we had originally anticipated. While it is an oral medication, I am to have a series of scans, blood work and tests before we begin, all to be done at Baylor. I should also hear today when I am scheduled for the Provenge immune therapy treatment. Interestingly, both the trail and immune therapy can be done at the same time. Frankly, I just want to get started. Your prayers are always appreciated.
If you haven’t looked at the website lately I encourage you to do so. The address is www.centralenid.org. You will notice there is a new blog there where you can share your stories about God’s grace in your life. Just click on the “Share Your Stories” which will take you to the blog. Then click on “comments”. At the bottom of that page there is a place to “Post a Comment”. You will need to “sign in” through your choice of media. All are free and require little information. Please take this opportunity to share some of your story about experiencing God’s grace in your life. I took the liberty of posting the email to Mary Johnson from Tam Economou that I shared in yesterday’s email, just to get things started. You can also go directly to the blog at http://www.centralwitness.blogspot.com/
The Sunday is Phillips University Sunday at Central. The R & R and Sanctuary services will be combined with the R & R musicians leading us in portions of the worship experience. All of the Phillips University Legacy Foundation Scholars (around 30 college students from around the country) and a number of guests will be with us. Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharron Watkins will be preaching, PLUS we will have a “covered dish” fellowship luncheon with the church providing the meat and the congregation bringing salads and desserts. This will be a great day for us. Invite family and friends to join us. If you know some Phillips’ alums, be sure to invite them.
Have a wonderful and blessed day. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, November 8, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, November 8
O God our God,
The beauty of this morning is almost overwhelming. We are blessed with the ability to observe and appreciate your creation. On such a morning we thank you for friends, family, and a church where we are nurtured, encouraged and given opportunities to serve others. Help us, we pray, to be bold in our witness. Help us to model the Christian life so that others may see our good works and be led to a relationship with you through Jesus Christ. Empower us, O God, to invite and welcome others as we journey “along the Way”. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Mary Johnson forwarded the following email from Tam Economou, one of the Vietnamese refugees Central hosted a number of years ago. It is nice to hear such kind words about our church:
Hi, Mrs. J:
I am putting in the mail my offering for the church's Thanksgiving offering. I am early (1st time in over 30 years!!!!)
Thank you for adding it to the church's collection.
Minister McLemore sent me a note saying that he was amazed that I still remember my offering every year.
I know you may not believe this, but every single time I remember the love and the many "gifts" that was given to us during our time in Enid, I get welled up with so much emotion. (I am trying not to cry, right now..) I wished I had a platform to stand up on and tell everyone who would listen what an example of Christian Charity the church and it's people were to us. I hope that you know what you (all) mean to me.
Did you remember that we came to Enid on Nov. 1st? My first sight of "America" was at LAX on Halloween!!! can you imagine a ten year old staring at all these "huge" people in funny costumes??? And before we came, they told us Indians were still chasing cowboys in Oklahoma!!! yes, it's all quite a memory!!!
We are all doing ok here. the kids are going wild from Halloween candy!!! Basil is still working (for now.) He works on the filling the tank with Oxygen, so for now he's staying until the end... Please keep us in your prayers.
I hope this email finds you doing better with your health issues... Please keep me update--if you can :):):)
more later,
xoxoxoxo
tam.
Ed Krause is having hip replacement surgery this morning at St. Mary’s Hospital. He will be in Room 394 for the next few days.
Please pray for the family of Opal Gerhard. Her services will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Many in our church remember Bill Garner. He suffered a major stroke a few months ago. Bill died yesterday. Please pray for his family and friends. He was a longtime neighbor of the Brachers.
We had a wonderful meeting at the church last night with our Elders and Deacons. Special thanks to Kyle Maxwell for leading the meeting and David Eck and Don Johnson for organizing it. There was good discussion and a number of good ideas were suggested.
This Wednesday the CWF (Disciples Women) will have all their regular 1st Wednesday meetings and luncheon. These were postponed a week because of the Tefft funeral luncheon. Devon McAnally is bringing the program at the luncheon about her new responsibilities as the Health Care Advocate for the Regional Church.
Please continue to pray for our church. May we be faithful to the mission God has set before us.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The beauty of this morning is almost overwhelming. We are blessed with the ability to observe and appreciate your creation. On such a morning we thank you for friends, family, and a church where we are nurtured, encouraged and given opportunities to serve others. Help us, we pray, to be bold in our witness. Help us to model the Christian life so that others may see our good works and be led to a relationship with you through Jesus Christ. Empower us, O God, to invite and welcome others as we journey “along the Way”. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Mary Johnson forwarded the following email from Tam Economou, one of the Vietnamese refugees Central hosted a number of years ago. It is nice to hear such kind words about our church:
Hi, Mrs. J:
I am putting in the mail my offering for the church's Thanksgiving offering. I am early (1st time in over 30 years!!!!)
Thank you for adding it to the church's collection.
Minister McLemore sent me a note saying that he was amazed that I still remember my offering every year.
I know you may not believe this, but every single time I remember the love and the many "gifts" that was given to us during our time in Enid, I get welled up with so much emotion. (I am trying not to cry, right now..) I wished I had a platform to stand up on and tell everyone who would listen what an example of Christian Charity the church and it's people were to us. I hope that you know what you (all) mean to me.
Did you remember that we came to Enid on Nov. 1st? My first sight of "America" was at LAX on Halloween!!! can you imagine a ten year old staring at all these "huge" people in funny costumes??? And before we came, they told us Indians were still chasing cowboys in Oklahoma!!! yes, it's all quite a memory!!!
We are all doing ok here. the kids are going wild from Halloween candy!!! Basil is still working (for now.) He works on the filling the tank with Oxygen, so for now he's staying until the end... Please keep us in your prayers.
I hope this email finds you doing better with your health issues... Please keep me update--if you can :):):)
more later,
xoxoxoxo
tam.
Ed Krause is having hip replacement surgery this morning at St. Mary’s Hospital. He will be in Room 394 for the next few days.
Please pray for the family of Opal Gerhard. Her services will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Henninger-Hinson Funeral Home.
Many in our church remember Bill Garner. He suffered a major stroke a few months ago. Bill died yesterday. Please pray for his family and friends. He was a longtime neighbor of the Brachers.
We had a wonderful meeting at the church last night with our Elders and Deacons. Special thanks to Kyle Maxwell for leading the meeting and David Eck and Don Johnson for organizing it. There was good discussion and a number of good ideas were suggested.
This Wednesday the CWF (Disciples Women) will have all their regular 1st Wednesday meetings and luncheon. These were postponed a week because of the Tefft funeral luncheon. Devon McAnally is bringing the program at the luncheon about her new responsibilities as the Health Care Advocate for the Regional Church.
Please continue to pray for our church. May we be faithful to the mission God has set before us.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Prayer for Today, Sunday, November 7
Loving Creator,
We look about us and see so many challenges to faithful living and we often feel overwhelmed. Forgive us, we pray, when our discouragement leads us to a “so what” attitude. Jesus calls us to be “salt” and “light” to the world. He says that the faith is like yeast which pervades and effects the dough. In the midst of the challenges may we find ways to share our faith. May that sharing be by doing, reaching out, loving and caring for the widow, orphan and stranger in our midst. May we be light emitting, salty, yeasty people, bringing glory and honor to You as we serve those in our community. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Our prayers go out to the family of Opal Gerhard. She died yesterday and the funeral will likely be on Tuesday.
Ed Krause is preparing for hip replacement surgery on Monday morning. Please pray for Ed.
Joan Petersen, Carrol Miller, Barbara Newton, Myra Maxwell are all at home following hospital stays.
Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer’s mother), Wanda Gungoll (Irene Green’s sister), Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law), and Valerie Driscoll are still hospitalized. Please pray for all our hospitalized and those recently released from the hospital.
Today our Deacons and Elders serve communion to the homebound members of the church, a great ministry.
The Market of Blessings is today from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
There is a CROP Walk this afternoon, I misspoke yesterday. Our Daily Bread is the local beneficiary of some of the funds raised during the Walk.
The Elders meet this evening at 5 p.m. The Elders and Deacons meet together at 5:30 p.m.
See you in church.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We look about us and see so many challenges to faithful living and we often feel overwhelmed. Forgive us, we pray, when our discouragement leads us to a “so what” attitude. Jesus calls us to be “salt” and “light” to the world. He says that the faith is like yeast which pervades and effects the dough. In the midst of the challenges may we find ways to share our faith. May that sharing be by doing, reaching out, loving and caring for the widow, orphan and stranger in our midst. May we be light emitting, salty, yeasty people, bringing glory and honor to You as we serve those in our community. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Our prayers go out to the family of Opal Gerhard. She died yesterday and the funeral will likely be on Tuesday.
Ed Krause is preparing for hip replacement surgery on Monday morning. Please pray for Ed.
Joan Petersen, Carrol Miller, Barbara Newton, Myra Maxwell are all at home following hospital stays.
Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer’s mother), Wanda Gungoll (Irene Green’s sister), Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law), and Valerie Driscoll are still hospitalized. Please pray for all our hospitalized and those recently released from the hospital.
Today our Deacons and Elders serve communion to the homebound members of the church, a great ministry.
The Market of Blessings is today from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
There is a CROP Walk this afternoon, I misspoke yesterday. Our Daily Bread is the local beneficiary of some of the funds raised during the Walk.
The Elders meet this evening at 5 p.m. The Elders and Deacons meet together at 5:30 p.m.
See you in church.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Prayer for Today, Saturday, November 6
O Gracious God,
Weekends provide most of us with opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Help us, O Lord, to be wise in our use of leisure time. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to set aside time to praise you as a part of our weekend schedule. May we honor you with our presence in worship. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Chester Ross is in St. Mary’s Hospital room 307 with pneumonia. Please pray for Chester and Doris.
The Market of Blessings is in full swing in the Fellowship Hall. It runs from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. today and tomorrow.
Tomorrow afternoon a few of us from Central will participate in a CROP walk for hunger relief. There will be a donation jar at the Welcome Center. Please make a contribution to support our walkers. One half of the money raised will go to Horn of Plenty. The balance will be sent to Church World Service for global hunger relief.
Tomorrow the Elders will meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor. At 5:30 p.m. the Elders and Deacons will meet together in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders and Deacons are encouraged to attend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Weekends provide most of us with opportunities for leisure and relaxation. Help us, O Lord, to be wise in our use of leisure time. Forgive us, we pray, when we fail to set aside time to praise you as a part of our weekend schedule. May we honor you with our presence in worship. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________
Chester Ross is in St. Mary’s Hospital room 307 with pneumonia. Please pray for Chester and Doris.
The Market of Blessings is in full swing in the Fellowship Hall. It runs from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. today and tomorrow.
Tomorrow afternoon a few of us from Central will participate in a CROP walk for hunger relief. There will be a donation jar at the Welcome Center. Please make a contribution to support our walkers. One half of the money raised will go to Horn of Plenty. The balance will be sent to Church World Service for global hunger relief.
Tomorrow the Elders will meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor. At 5:30 p.m. the Elders and Deacons will meet together in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders and Deacons are encouraged to attend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, November 5, 2010
Prayer for Today, Friday, November 5
Ground of Our Being,
You are our rock, our foundation. You know our desires, our hopes and our ambitions. You also know our fears, our doubt, and our sin. Forgive us, O God, when we imagine we can live without You. Forgive us when we believe we can accomplish all things and overcome all obstacles on our own. Help us, we pray, to turn into your embrace. Help us to know your strength and experience your love within a community of believers, specifically at Central Christian Church. When our faith is strong, may we have faith on behalf of others. When our faith is weak, may other’s faith sustain us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Barbara Newton was dismissed from St. Mary’s Hospital yesterday. She sees her doctor next week for a follow-up to her surgery and exploring the possibility of additional treatments.
Ed Krause will have a total hip replacement on Monday at St. Mary’s Hospital. His surgery is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.
Please pray for Barb, Ed and all our members who are hospitalized or sick.
The Market of Blessings is tomorrow and Sunday in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
There is an Elder’s meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday in the Parlor and then a combined Elder/Deacon meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders and Deacons are encouraged to attend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You are our rock, our foundation. You know our desires, our hopes and our ambitions. You also know our fears, our doubt, and our sin. Forgive us, O God, when we imagine we can live without You. Forgive us when we believe we can accomplish all things and overcome all obstacles on our own. Help us, we pray, to turn into your embrace. Help us to know your strength and experience your love within a community of believers, specifically at Central Christian Church. When our faith is strong, may we have faith on behalf of others. When our faith is weak, may other’s faith sustain us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Barbara Newton was dismissed from St. Mary’s Hospital yesterday. She sees her doctor next week for a follow-up to her surgery and exploring the possibility of additional treatments.
Ed Krause will have a total hip replacement on Monday at St. Mary’s Hospital. His surgery is scheduled for 7:30 a.m.
Please pray for Barb, Ed and all our members who are hospitalized or sick.
The Market of Blessings is tomorrow and Sunday in the Fellowship Hall from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
There is an Elder’s meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday in the Parlor and then a combined Elder/Deacon meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders and Deacons are encouraged to attend.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Prayer for Today, Thursday, November 4
Eternal Presence,
Your beauty is all about us. Open our eyes, O Lord, that we might see and appreciate you. The fast paced world in which we live and move allows us little time for reflection and spiritual renewal. Forgive us, O God, when we fill our lives with meetings, appointments, errands, flitting hither and yon, all the time moving you from the center to the edges of our lives. May we learn again the ancient practice of sabbath, devoting time for rest, reflection and renewal. Slow us down, O Lord, that we might dwell in the life affirming beauty that is you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________
Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer's mother) is in St. Mary's Hospital.
Barb Newton is in St. Mary's hospital.
Wanda Gungoll (Irene Green's sister) is in Bass Hospital
Valerie Driscoll is in bass Hospital.
Richard Cook (Bob Park's brother) is in ICU at Bass after major surgery yesterday.
Please pray for these hospitalized.
Kathi Miller (Carolyn McLemore's sister) is having surgery today in OKC for a kidney stone.
Judie Stocks is recovering from a broken heel.
Please pray for Kathi and Judie.
The Market of Blessings is this Saturday and Sunday from 9 am til 1 pm. Be sure to check out the gift and giving opportunities.
Grace and peace,
JohnMcLemore
Your beauty is all about us. Open our eyes, O Lord, that we might see and appreciate you. The fast paced world in which we live and move allows us little time for reflection and spiritual renewal. Forgive us, O God, when we fill our lives with meetings, appointments, errands, flitting hither and yon, all the time moving you from the center to the edges of our lives. May we learn again the ancient practice of sabbath, devoting time for rest, reflection and renewal. Slow us down, O Lord, that we might dwell in the life affirming beauty that is you. In Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________
Margie Edwards (Janet Lohmeyer's mother) is in St. Mary's Hospital.
Barb Newton is in St. Mary's hospital.
Wanda Gungoll (Irene Green's sister) is in Bass Hospital
Valerie Driscoll is in bass Hospital.
Richard Cook (Bob Park's brother) is in ICU at Bass after major surgery yesterday.
Please pray for these hospitalized.
Kathi Miller (Carolyn McLemore's sister) is having surgery today in OKC for a kidney stone.
Judie Stocks is recovering from a broken heel.
Please pray for Kathi and Judie.
The Market of Blessings is this Saturday and Sunday from 9 am til 1 pm. Be sure to check out the gift and giving opportunities.
Grace and peace,
JohnMcLemore
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, November 3
O God,
We call you by many names: Father, Mother, Heavenly Parent, Eternal Strength, Powerful One, Rock of our Salvation, Comforter, Creator, Author of Love, and on and on. Help us to understand you are more than any name mortals assign you. We pray for forgiveness, O Lord, when we attempt to define you and place you within the boundaries of our understanding. In these moments may we seek, not to define you, but to experience you. May we seek, not to name you, but to open our hearts to your love. May we seek, not to idolize your titles, but to be your agents in the world, following the model of Jesus. In his name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Richard Cook, Bob Parks’ son-in-law, is having major surgery this morning. Please pray for Richard and his family.
Twyla Tefft's funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans.
Myra Maxwell, daughter-in-law of Bill and Betty Maxwell had surgery yesterday. Her husband Jeff is here from Afghanistan to be with her.
Valerie Driscoll will likely be hospitalized through the weekend because of an infection.
Barb Newton is in St. Mary’s because of an imbalance in her blood chemistry.
Judie Stock broke her heel and is wearing a "boot".
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
Remember tonight is WWNF. The Adult Bell Choir will begin rehearsals at 7:30 p.m.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We call you by many names: Father, Mother, Heavenly Parent, Eternal Strength, Powerful One, Rock of our Salvation, Comforter, Creator, Author of Love, and on and on. Help us to understand you are more than any name mortals assign you. We pray for forgiveness, O Lord, when we attempt to define you and place you within the boundaries of our understanding. In these moments may we seek, not to define you, but to experience you. May we seek, not to name you, but to open our hearts to your love. May we seek, not to idolize your titles, but to be your agents in the world, following the model of Jesus. In his name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Richard Cook, Bob Parks’ son-in-law, is having major surgery this morning. Please pray for Richard and his family.
Twyla Tefft's funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans.
Myra Maxwell, daughter-in-law of Bill and Betty Maxwell had surgery yesterday. Her husband Jeff is here from Afghanistan to be with her.
Valerie Driscoll will likely be hospitalized through the weekend because of an infection.
Barb Newton is in St. Mary’s because of an imbalance in her blood chemistry.
Judie Stock broke her heel and is wearing a "boot".
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
Remember tonight is WWNF. The Adult Bell Choir will begin rehearsals at 7:30 p.m.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, November 2
Dear One who is our Light and our Salvation,
We give you thanks for another day as we awake and greet the dawn. Life is a precious gift and as we live may we strive to honor you with the words of our mouths and the works of our hands. Our thoughts go out to those in need, particularly as the weather turns cold. Forgive us, O Lord, when we choose to pass by on the other side. May we hear again Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 and seek to care for the “least of these”. We pray for strength, courage and boldness as we journey “along the Way”. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
The funeral for Twyla Tefft, Scott’s mother, is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. We are providing the funeral luncheon for the family because we have the space and no steps. It will be between 11:30 a.m. and Noon. As a result the CWF, which was scheduled for their regular 1st Wednesday activities, has graciously agreed to move their meetings and luncheon back one week to November 10th. Please pray for the Tefft family.
The Christian Action and Community Service Committee is still asking for coats, mittens and shoes to be distributed to needy children at a local school. Look in your closets or consider making a trip to Hope Outreach or the Salvation Army or to the sale racks and bring a coat or two to provide warmth for a child in need.
Please pray for our Pony Express campaign as we move into the second week of passing the saddlebags. A number have already been turned into the office.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We give you thanks for another day as we awake and greet the dawn. Life is a precious gift and as we live may we strive to honor you with the words of our mouths and the works of our hands. Our thoughts go out to those in need, particularly as the weather turns cold. Forgive us, O Lord, when we choose to pass by on the other side. May we hear again Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 and seek to care for the “least of these”. We pray for strength, courage and boldness as we journey “along the Way”. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
The funeral for Twyla Tefft, Scott’s mother, is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. We are providing the funeral luncheon for the family because we have the space and no steps. It will be between 11:30 a.m. and Noon. As a result the CWF, which was scheduled for their regular 1st Wednesday activities, has graciously agreed to move their meetings and luncheon back one week to November 10th. Please pray for the Tefft family.
The Christian Action and Community Service Committee is still asking for coats, mittens and shoes to be distributed to needy children at a local school. Look in your closets or consider making a trip to Hope Outreach or the Salvation Army or to the sale racks and bring a coat or two to provide warmth for a child in need.
Please pray for our Pony Express campaign as we move into the second week of passing the saddlebags. A number have already been turned into the office.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, November 1, 2010
Prayer for Today, Monday, November 1
Eternal Presence,
We rejoice in your love and are overwhelmed by your grace. We pray you will touch our hearts this day, giving us strength for the journey. Please forgive us when we miss the mark, O God, and guide us to the path that leads to you and to service to others. This is our prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________
I received the following email form Scott Chuda, the young Navy pilot who attended our 8:00 a.m. chapel service:
God Bless from Kingsville, Texas
John,
Just wanted to write you a quick note to say hello. I still receive the daily emails and love the prayers you have written. Its a great way to start the day.
I started my jet training on the 18th and have about another month before I will actually get into the jet, the wait is making me wicked anxious.
Best wishes to the entire congregation,
-Scott Chuda
Please pray for Scott as he continues his training.
I also received a text message from Lavonna Hopkins. Her father , Sam Wade, had a heart attack and will be having a heart cath procedure in OKC. Please pray for Sam Wade.
Please pray for the family of Twyla Tefft, Scott's Tefft's mother. She died saturday. Her funeral will likely be on Wednesday.
Valerie Driscoll is hospitalized at Bass Hospital. Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law) is also at Bass. Joan Petersen and Carrol Miller (Kyle miller’s father) are at St. Mary’s. Please pray for our hospitalized.
Ken Ball is going to have eye surgery tomorrow morning at the Surgery Center.
“Trunk or Treat” was an outstanding success. Thanks to Sally, John and the others who put it together. And also thanks to everyone who provided the vehicle trunks and candy. Yesterday Central Christian Church had a very positive impact on our neighborhood.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We rejoice in your love and are overwhelmed by your grace. We pray you will touch our hearts this day, giving us strength for the journey. Please forgive us when we miss the mark, O God, and guide us to the path that leads to you and to service to others. This is our prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________
I received the following email form Scott Chuda, the young Navy pilot who attended our 8:00 a.m. chapel service:
God Bless from Kingsville, Texas
John,
Just wanted to write you a quick note to say hello. I still receive the daily emails and love the prayers you have written. Its a great way to start the day.
I started my jet training on the 18th and have about another month before I will actually get into the jet, the wait is making me wicked anxious.
Best wishes to the entire congregation,
-Scott Chuda
Please pray for Scott as he continues his training.
I also received a text message from Lavonna Hopkins. Her father , Sam Wade, had a heart attack and will be having a heart cath procedure in OKC. Please pray for Sam Wade.
Please pray for the family of Twyla Tefft, Scott's Tefft's mother. She died saturday. Her funeral will likely be on Wednesday.
Valerie Driscoll is hospitalized at Bass Hospital. Richard Cook (Bob Park’s son-in-law) is also at Bass. Joan Petersen and Carrol Miller (Kyle miller’s father) are at St. Mary’s. Please pray for our hospitalized.
Ken Ball is going to have eye surgery tomorrow morning at the Surgery Center.
“Trunk or Treat” was an outstanding success. Thanks to Sally, John and the others who put it together. And also thanks to everyone who provided the vehicle trunks and candy. Yesterday Central Christian Church had a very positive impact on our neighborhood.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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