Loving God,
As we begin a new week we reflect on the events of the last few days. Our hearts go out to those victims of the terrible tragedy in Arizona on Saturday. We are overwhelmed by the senseless violence. We pray, O Lord, for the victims and their families. People of faith are challenged by these circumstances. Help us to understand that You are there, holding all those effected in Your everlasting arms, whether they realize and acknowledge it or not. May we, the followers of Jesus, seek to be agents of peace and reconciliation in a broken and hurting world. We offer this pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
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Please continue to pray for our hospitalized: Madge Loomis, Thelma Harper, Joan Petersen, Lynn Unruh, Francis Ferne DeVisser, Dale Vance and Wendell Welker.
Shelby Smotherman asked that we pray for Addison Goodman, a young child who had a seizure and was taken from Claremore, her home, to a hospital in Tulsa.
Our Young Adults who attended the Young Adult retreat had a great time, a cause for celebration.
In yesterday’s prayer I said, “As the bitter cold approaches we pray for those with particular needs: the elderly, the homeless, those without adequate shelter and warmth. O God, You have equipped us with the ability and the resources to care for ourselves and our families. Open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others. May we find ways to see and respond to the less fortunate around us, knowing that the Christ appears often in the form of those in need. We seek to serve You by serving others. We offer this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN”
Be careful for what you pray for………….
A woman came in late to the R & R service yesterday with her infant boy and elementary aged daughter. I believe they came to us because we were the closest church to where they lived on Cherokee. Becky Meyer brought her to me after the Sanctuary service was over and said the visitor needed assistance. The mother told me her husband had gone through a series of jobs. They had no heat in their home and she was wanting to take her baby and young daughter back to Tawanda, Kansas where there was family. Carolyn and I determined she had no diapers, no formula, no baby wipes, no food, little gasoline, a heater in the van that was very inefficient and the mother had no coat. She was driving an old Dodge van with Kansas plates. As you probably know, we give CDSA $500 a year for what we call “local benevolence” and our practice is to refer people there. Obviously, CDSA is closed on the weekends, and here was a mother with small children in immediate need. Carolyn went home and brought the mother one of her coats and a couple of blankets. We went to Walgreens where Carolyn and I bought diapers, wipes, formula (which she began to feed the crying baby in the store as we were still shopping) and some personal necessities for the mother. We went to the Shell station and the church purchased gasoline (enough for the trip to Tawanda), transmission fluid and antifreeze. Steve Bradford, a local mechanic and active member of the Civitan club, happened to be at the Shell station while we were there. When he saw what was happening he came out, helped with the fluids and did a quick check of the vehicle. I gave the mother a McDonalds gift card. As we left they were driving to McDonalds and then were headed to Kansas. We gave her our cell phone numbers. We received no calls so we assume she made the trip safely, even as the temperature dropped and light sleet began to fall.
I am telling this story for two reasons. First to say that we are called to help others in need, particularly when children are involved. Second, since the money spent was not budgeted, would you consider a small donation to reimburse part of the expense? If you would, just mail or drop a check or cash by the church…noting “family in need”. Thanks.
Scripture for today: Matthew 7:15-20.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.
Psalm for this week: Psalm 29.
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory of his name; worship the LORD in holy splendor.
The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over mighty waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the LORD causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Sorry for the long email….. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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