O Lord, Our Lord,
The hot days of summer are upon us and we dream of distant places were tall pines, cool nights and cold streams refresh us. This is a time for travel and vacations. We thank you for the abilities and resources that allow us to briefly experience other environs and escape the bonds of scorching June, July and August winds. As we dream, sensitize us, O Lord, to the needs of others in our own community, those who have neither the ability nor the resources for respite from the oppressive heat. May we be mindful of the elderly, those in substandard housing, the homeless and the disadvantaged. These are our neighbors. These are the ones who most often embody the Christ, if we believe Jesus’ words in Matthew 25. Forgive us, we pray, when we look away or pass by on the other side. As we consider travel or cool swimming pools or mountain streams may we also consider purchasing a box fan for the Salvation Army, calling an elderly acquaintance to see what they might need, or gifting CDSA to help with someone unknown with an electric bill. We are so blessed, O God. May our actions bless others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________
The board voted last night to continue to underwrite and support Kids Central so that it might remain a vital and necessary ministry in Enid. We reaffirmed this is a mission of our congregation. A line of credit will allow Kids Central to make it through the summer while making changes in cost and fee structures. David Eck and Don Johnson are now on a new Finance Committee to assist in those efforts. Also some of the functional committees will be represented on the Kids Central board. Please continue to pray for Kids Central. You will be seeing and reading a lot more about the wonderful and necessary service it provides for the larger community.
Our prayers continue to go up for Sue McClendon, Davida Whitsett, Gene Carlson and Ira McAnally.
This is the Fourth of July weekend. Once again, many of our parishioners will be traveling for vacation, family reunions, and time away. Please pray for their safety and pray for our church. If you are in Enid this weekend, please join with your church family as we worship our loving and ever-present God.
One week from today, Carolyn and I will begin our drive toward Nashville and the 2011 General Assembly. Sharron Watkins, the General Minister and President of our denomination, has produced a video about the church, the assembly and spiritual practices, It is a little over 4 minutes long. I encourage you to click on the link and watch the video. www.disciples.org/Video/tabid/892/Default.aspx
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:45-56:
From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.”At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”
Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”Many women were also there, looking on from a distance; they had followed Jesus from Galilee and had provided for him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, June 29
O God of Tender Mercies,
We are often driven by good intentions, only to realize we have invaded others personal lives. We claim “Christian concern” when we share stories that are tantamount to gossip. Forgive us, O Lord, for our insensitivity. May we always remember to treat others as we would want to be treated, to speak of others as we would want others to speak of us, and to care for others as we would want to be cared for. Your grace abounds. Help us to be thoughtful, concerned, loving and sensitive people as we seek to be and live the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________
Sorry this email is later than usual this morning.
I received the following email from Tim McAnally:
John, Please add my Dad, Ira McAnally to the prayer requests. He has been feeling bad and had some tests where his liver enzymes were elevated & has lost 33 lbs, most of it in last 2 months. They ran a blood test on the prostate & where it was 2 and 3 previously, was now at 100. He has a bone scan scheduled Wednesday.
Please pray for Ira McAnally.
I received word this morning that Sue McClendon, Kayci McClendon’s mother, had a stroke. She is in ICU 362 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her husband, Randy McClendon is a retired high school teacher. Sue is only 49 years old. Please pray for Sue and her family.
Tonight there is a brief Elder Training session on serving at the Table. It will be held in the Sanctuary and will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. This is a rudimentary training session for new Elders and any continuing Elders.
There is a special called Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Fellowship Hall.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:27-44:
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull),they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’”The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are often driven by good intentions, only to realize we have invaded others personal lives. We claim “Christian concern” when we share stories that are tantamount to gossip. Forgive us, O Lord, for our insensitivity. May we always remember to treat others as we would want to be treated, to speak of others as we would want others to speak of us, and to care for others as we would want to be cared for. Your grace abounds. Help us to be thoughtful, concerned, loving and sensitive people as we seek to be and live the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________
Sorry this email is later than usual this morning.
I received the following email from Tim McAnally:
John, Please add my Dad, Ira McAnally to the prayer requests. He has been feeling bad and had some tests where his liver enzymes were elevated & has lost 33 lbs, most of it in last 2 months. They ran a blood test on the prostate & where it was 2 and 3 previously, was now at 100. He has a bone scan scheduled Wednesday.
Please pray for Ira McAnally.
I received word this morning that Sue McClendon, Kayci McClendon’s mother, had a stroke. She is in ICU 362 at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her husband, Randy McClendon is a retired high school teacher. Sue is only 49 years old. Please pray for Sue and her family.
Tonight there is a brief Elder Training session on serving at the Table. It will be held in the Sanctuary and will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. This is a rudimentary training session for new Elders and any continuing Elders.
There is a special called Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Fellowship Hall.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:27-44:
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.
And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull),they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’”The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, June 28
Life-Giving, Life-Affirming God,
As Christians we are invited to be People of the Light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and through the Risen Lord, You, O God, have brought light into the dark places of life. Often times the darkness has power all its own and it is difficult to see the path ahead. Sometimes we contribute to the darkness experienced by others as we live self-centered, self-focused lives. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to see and share the light of Jesus. Make us instruments of Your peace so that others might see You more clearly. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________
Please pray for our ministry with Kids Central. We have important decisions to make Wednesday at our special board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Remember our nine children and youth church campers this week and particularly the adults who are there: John Wheeler, Sally Wheeler, Laurie Bushman, and Melanie Novak. James and Amanda Phillips were working at a Discovery Camp this weekend.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:11-26:
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.”But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?”But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.”Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!”Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
As Christians we are invited to be People of the Light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and through the Risen Lord, You, O God, have brought light into the dark places of life. Often times the darkness has power all its own and it is difficult to see the path ahead. Sometimes we contribute to the darkness experienced by others as we live self-centered, self-focused lives. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to see and share the light of Jesus. Make us instruments of Your peace so that others might see You more clearly. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________
Please pray for our ministry with Kids Central. We have important decisions to make Wednesday at our special board meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Remember our nine children and youth church campers this week and particularly the adults who are there: John Wheeler, Sally Wheeler, Laurie Bushman, and Melanie Novak. James and Amanda Phillips were working at a Discovery Camp this weekend.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:11-26:
Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.”But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?”But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. Now at the festival the governor was accustomed to release a prisoner for the crowd, anyone whom they wanted. At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Jesus Barabbas. So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?”For he realized that it was out of jealousy that they had handed him over. While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.”Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus killed. The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.”Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” All of them said, “Let him be crucified!”Then he asked, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.”Then the people as a whole answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
So he released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, June 27, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, June 27
O Divine Presence,
Sometimes we gently go to our knees in prayer. Sometimes life’s circumstances drive us there. Life can be difficult and harsh. Forgive us, O Lord, when we naively see and experience only what makes us feel good. Remove our blinders, we pray. Even in the rawness of human existence, You are there. May we embrace all of life. May our love and compassion mirror the Christ, who set us free form our own limitations and from the cultural stereotypes which isolate us from one another. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________
I received the following email from Cindy Carlson:
Gene fell yesterday & broke his hip & had surgery last night. Doing well & should come home in a few days.
Please continue to pray for Gene Carlson.
Please pray for Luke Anton as he looks for a new job.
Please pray for our adults and children who are at church camp. May it be a joyful, positive and spiritual experience.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:3-10:
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.”After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sometimes we gently go to our knees in prayer. Sometimes life’s circumstances drive us there. Life can be difficult and harsh. Forgive us, O Lord, when we naively see and experience only what makes us feel good. Remove our blinders, we pray. Even in the rawness of human existence, You are there. May we embrace all of life. May our love and compassion mirror the Christ, who set us free form our own limitations and from the cultural stereotypes which isolate us from one another. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________
I received the following email from Cindy Carlson:
Gene fell yesterday & broke his hip & had surgery last night. Doing well & should come home in a few days.
Please continue to pray for Gene Carlson.
Please pray for Luke Anton as he looks for a new job.
Please pray for our adults and children who are at church camp. May it be a joyful, positive and spiritual experience.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:3-10:
When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. He said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.”Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since they are blood money.”After conferring together, they used them to buy the potter’s field as a place to bury foreigners. For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one on whom a price had been set, on whom some of the people of Israel had set a price, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, June 26
God Who Blesses and Loves,
You offer us lives filled with hope and joy, beauty and grandeur, knowledge and mystery. We sing to You our songs of grateful praise. May every ounce of our being bring honor to You. There are so many times when we turn away, and yet You seek always to draw us back. There are so many times when we dishonor You by our mean, selfish actions, and yet You extend to us Your love and grace. May we live as those who follow Jesus. May our hearts be opened to Your grace and our lives transformed by Your love and may the evidence of our love for You be seen as we share that love with others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________
I received the following email from Patty Melott:
Dear Reverend McLemore, Larry's dad is in ICU at St. Mary's and not expected to go home. We don't think he will make it through the weekend. Please pray for him. We want to Thank Everyone for the continued Prayers while we have been sitting with Larry's mom and dad. It has been a continuous job but one we have accepted with God's graces. Larry's mom has extreme Alzheimer’s and when Dad goes we do not expect his mom to linger too long after. They have been married 69 years and lived for each other. Thank You again and keep us in your Prayers. Your brother and sister in Christ, Larry and Patty Melott
Please pray for the Melott family.
Please pray for those victims of the floods and fires.
The Elders meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:1-2:
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 26:
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD,
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
O LORD, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.
Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty,
those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the LORD.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You offer us lives filled with hope and joy, beauty and grandeur, knowledge and mystery. We sing to You our songs of grateful praise. May every ounce of our being bring honor to You. There are so many times when we turn away, and yet You seek always to draw us back. There are so many times when we dishonor You by our mean, selfish actions, and yet You extend to us Your love and grace. May we live as those who follow Jesus. May our hearts be opened to Your grace and our lives transformed by Your love and may the evidence of our love for You be seen as we share that love with others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_________________________________________
I received the following email from Patty Melott:
Dear Reverend McLemore, Larry's dad is in ICU at St. Mary's and not expected to go home. We don't think he will make it through the weekend. Please pray for him. We want to Thank Everyone for the continued Prayers while we have been sitting with Larry's mom and dad. It has been a continuous job but one we have accepted with God's graces. Larry's mom has extreme Alzheimer’s and when Dad goes we do not expect his mom to linger too long after. They have been married 69 years and lived for each other. Thank You again and keep us in your Prayers. Your brother and sister in Christ, Larry and Patty Melott
Please pray for the Melott family.
Please pray for those victims of the floods and fires.
The Elders meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The scripture for today is Matthew 27:1-2:
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 26:
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.
I do not sit with the worthless, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
I hate the company of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence, and go around your altar, O LORD,
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
O LORD, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.
Do not sweep me away with sinners, nor my life with the bloodthirsty,
those in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes.
But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me.
My foot stands on level ground; in the great congregation I will bless the LORD.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, June 25
O Lord Our Lord,
We pray for peace, harmony and a common will to share the Good News. Jesus commanded that we love You and love our neighbor. Help us to realize these are the markers by which we are judged, by the world and by You. Give us strength, courage and a passion to serve You. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
The Cancer Transitions meeting is this morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
All “new” and “old” Elders will meet tomorrow evening in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m.
Tomorrow is my turn to preach in the R & R Service. Don Johnson is preaching at 8:00 and 10:15 “The Lord’s Prayer—The Answer to the Storms of Life”. I am preaching in R &R “Look at Jesus”. Invite friends to join you in worship.
Davida Whitsett is not doing well in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Davida.
The scripture for today is Esther 7:1-10; 9:20-22:
So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.”Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?”Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
The king rose from the feast in wrath and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that the king had determined to destroy him. When the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman had thrown himself on the couch where Esther was reclining; and the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the words left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.”So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.
Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We pray for peace, harmony and a common will to share the Good News. Jesus commanded that we love You and love our neighbor. Help us to realize these are the markers by which we are judged, by the world and by You. Give us strength, courage and a passion to serve You. In Jesus name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
The Cancer Transitions meeting is this morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
All “new” and “old” Elders will meet tomorrow evening in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m.
Tomorrow is my turn to preach in the R & R Service. Don Johnson is preaching at 8:00 and 10:15 “The Lord’s Prayer—The Answer to the Storms of Life”. I am preaching in R &R “Look at Jesus”. Invite friends to join you in worship.
Davida Whitsett is not doing well in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Davida.
The scripture for today is Esther 7:1-10; 9:20-22:
So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.”Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?”Esther said, “A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.
The king rose from the feast in wrath and went into the palace garden, but Haman stayed to beg his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that the king had determined to destroy him. When the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman had thrown himself on the couch where Esther was reclining; and the king said, “Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the words left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman’s face. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.”So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.
Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, June 24, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, June 24
Loving and Gracious God,
May our actions honor You this day. Help us to realize, O Lord, that we are being watched by those who are interested and curious about the Christian faith and who know we are Christians and members of Central Christian Church. They are outside the faith. They have no personal church history or experience. They have heard about Jesus the Christ, but have not accepted Him as Lord and savior. And they are observing us to see how Christians live and act. Help us to realize, Loving Creator, that we are witnesses in everything we do and say. May we live and act as Great Commandment Christians, loving You and our neighbor. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Davida Whitsett is our only member who is hospitalized. She is on the 5th floor at St. Mary’s.
There is an Elders’ Meeting Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders, new continuing, and those not currently serving on the Board are encouraged to attend. We will look at the new serving schedule, set a date for Elder Ordination for the new Elders, possibly discuss our pilot Shepherding program, and address other issues determined by the chairperson. Please plan to attend.
There is a special Board Meeting next Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This is for the Board as it is currently constituted, not the new board that assumes office on July 1.
There has been discussion over the last couple of weeks about the placement of the flags in the sanctuary, and, unfortunately, a lot of inaccurate information has been a part of that discussion. I am sure you are aware the flags are moved from time to time for various reasons, namely when there are wedding or seasonal decorations in the front. As I understand it, this time the flags were moved to the back when the sanctuary was decorated for Easter. No pastor or group made the decision to leave them in the back AND, to my knowledge, no one said they will never be put back in the front. In fact, after some investigation, I directed Connie to place them back at the front of the sanctuary last Monday. The worship committee met last Tuesday and agreed it was an oversight that they weren’t put back in place where they have been displayed these last fifteen years or so. I am sorry about the consternation this caused for a few of our members and the inaccurate information that was shared.
The scripture for today is Esther 4:8-17:
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people. Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days. ”When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai,“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
May our actions honor You this day. Help us to realize, O Lord, that we are being watched by those who are interested and curious about the Christian faith and who know we are Christians and members of Central Christian Church. They are outside the faith. They have no personal church history or experience. They have heard about Jesus the Christ, but have not accepted Him as Lord and savior. And they are observing us to see how Christians live and act. Help us to realize, Loving Creator, that we are witnesses in everything we do and say. May we live and act as Great Commandment Christians, loving You and our neighbor. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Davida Whitsett is our only member who is hospitalized. She is on the 5th floor at St. Mary’s.
There is an Elders’ Meeting Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All Elders, new continuing, and those not currently serving on the Board are encouraged to attend. We will look at the new serving schedule, set a date for Elder Ordination for the new Elders, possibly discuss our pilot Shepherding program, and address other issues determined by the chairperson. Please plan to attend.
There is a special Board Meeting next Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This is for the Board as it is currently constituted, not the new board that assumes office on July 1.
There has been discussion over the last couple of weeks about the placement of the flags in the sanctuary, and, unfortunately, a lot of inaccurate information has been a part of that discussion. I am sure you are aware the flags are moved from time to time for various reasons, namely when there are wedding or seasonal decorations in the front. As I understand it, this time the flags were moved to the back when the sanctuary was decorated for Easter. No pastor or group made the decision to leave them in the back AND, to my knowledge, no one said they will never be put back in the front. In fact, after some investigation, I directed Connie to place them back at the front of the sanctuary last Monday. The worship committee met last Tuesday and agreed it was an oversight that they weren’t put back in place where they have been displayed these last fifteen years or so. I am sorry about the consternation this caused for a few of our members and the inaccurate information that was shared.
The scripture for today is Esther 4:8-17:
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people. Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden scepter to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days. ”When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not think that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai,“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, June 23
Awesome and Amazing God,
You have blessed our hearts and lives in manifold ways. Your peace upholds us. Your comforting Presence sustains us. Forgive us, we pray, when we walk away from You seeking to please ourselves and impress others. Such actions lead to emptiness and despair. Help us to be Great Commandment Christians, those who love You and love their neighbor. The actions of the Christian faith are simple and yet we choose to complicate them. Simplify our understandings, O God. May we seek to live life following the basic element of Jesus teaching. . .loving You and loving others. We pray this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
The Talent Show last night was a great success. Thanks to organizers Carolyn and Laurie and, certainly, to all those who shared their talents. There was great variety and it was all FUN!
A reminder to all the new and incoming Elders. We will meet this Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to attend.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Moderator David Dell has called a Special Board Meeting (of the existing Board) for next Wednesday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The only topic will be Kids Central. It is crucial that we have a quorum. Please attend. (Please note: the New Board does not officially take office until July 1).
The scripture for today is Nehemiah 7:73b-8:12:
So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel settled in their towns. When the seventh month came—the people of Israel being settled in their towns—
all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You have blessed our hearts and lives in manifold ways. Your peace upholds us. Your comforting Presence sustains us. Forgive us, we pray, when we walk away from You seeking to please ourselves and impress others. Such actions lead to emptiness and despair. Help us to be Great Commandment Christians, those who love You and love their neighbor. The actions of the Christian faith are simple and yet we choose to complicate them. Simplify our understandings, O God. May we seek to live life following the basic element of Jesus teaching. . .loving You and loving others. We pray this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
The Talent Show last night was a great success. Thanks to organizers Carolyn and Laurie and, certainly, to all those who shared their talents. There was great variety and it was all FUN!
A reminder to all the new and incoming Elders. We will meet this Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please plan to attend.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Moderator David Dell has called a Special Board Meeting (of the existing Board) for next Wednesday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The only topic will be Kids Central. It is crucial that we have a quorum. Please attend. (Please note: the New Board does not officially take office until July 1).
The scripture for today is Nehemiah 7:73b-8:12:
So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel settled in their towns. When the seventh month came—the people of Israel being settled in their towns—
all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.”And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, June 22
Spirit of God,
Descend upon our hearts. Surround us with Your grace. Enfold us in Your love. May we understand, O Great Love, that You are not “out there”, but that You are with us. As the ancients said, “You are over us, under us, in us and through us.” May our hearts belong to You and may we leap into Your embrace. We pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please pray for Ona Lee Drassen. She is in declining health.
Davida Whitsett has improved and is now on the rehab floor in St. Mary’s Hospital. Please continue to pray for her.
Please pray for an unnamed young couple (not members) who are having major marital problems.
Tonight is the Talent Show at 6:30 p.m. The meal is at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to attend . This should be a lot of fun.
The scripture for today is Nehemiah 1:1-11:
The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capital, one of my brothers, Hanani, came with certain men from Judah; and I asked them about the Jews that survived, those who had escaped the captivity, and about Jerusalem. They replied, “The survivors there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.”When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned. We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish my name. ‘They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand’s Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!” At the time, I was cupbearer to the king.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Descend upon our hearts. Surround us with Your grace. Enfold us in Your love. May we understand, O Great Love, that You are not “out there”, but that You are with us. As the ancients said, “You are over us, under us, in us and through us.” May our hearts belong to You and may we leap into Your embrace. We pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Please pray for Ona Lee Drassen. She is in declining health.
Davida Whitsett has improved and is now on the rehab floor in St. Mary’s Hospital. Please continue to pray for her.
Please pray for an unnamed young couple (not members) who are having major marital problems.
Tonight is the Talent Show at 6:30 p.m. The meal is at 6:00 p.m. Please plan to attend . This should be a lot of fun.
The scripture for today is Nehemiah 1:1-11:
The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capital, one of my brothers, Hanani, came with certain men from Judah; and I asked them about the Jews that survived, those who had escaped the captivity, and about Jerusalem. They replied, “The survivors there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.”When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
I said, “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments; let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Both I and my family have sinned. We have offended you deeply, failing to keep the commandments, the statutes, and the ordinances that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place at which I have chosen to establish my name. ‘They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great power and your strong hand’s Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!” At the time, I was cupbearer to the king.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, June 21
Holy Presence,
We are amazed by the beauty and intricacies of creation. Today the sun reaches its highest point in the northern hemisphere. Ancient cultures were much more sensitive to these natural occurrences than we are and, in many instances, they became the occasion for pagan festivals. Today science informs us and we observe and study the heavens. Help us, Dear Lord, to stand in awe and amazement as we consider the universe and our place in it. May our delight be in You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
We continue to pray for Gailene Squires’ family as they travel to Georgetown, Texas for the interment of her ashes at 5:00 p.m. today.
Ron Maphet’s back surgery was successful, although he is in much pain. I will see Ron and Pat this afternoon at the Spine Hospital in OKC. Please pray for a complete recovery for Ron.
The All-Church Talent Show is tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will eat at 6:00 p.m. You won’t want to miss it.
The Seekers/ Young Adults Class had a gathering yesterday evening and did some planning. Please pray for this group in our church.
I have been sending these daily emails since Ash Wednesday 2010. A few months later I decided to also post them on a blog that can be reached through the church’s website www.centralenid.org. Yesterday was the 365th post. To date that blog has received over 4,060 “hits” which means that others are accessing these daily prayers, joys and concerns there.
The scripture for today is Ezra 9:5-15:
At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God, and said, “O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.“And now, our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering to possess is a land unclean with the pollutions of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations. They have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. ‘After all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you destroy us without remnant or survivor LORD, God of Israel, you are just, but we have escaped as a remnant, as is now the case. Here we are before you in our guilt, though no one can face you because of this.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are amazed by the beauty and intricacies of creation. Today the sun reaches its highest point in the northern hemisphere. Ancient cultures were much more sensitive to these natural occurrences than we are and, in many instances, they became the occasion for pagan festivals. Today science informs us and we observe and study the heavens. Help us, Dear Lord, to stand in awe and amazement as we consider the universe and our place in it. May our delight be in You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
We continue to pray for Gailene Squires’ family as they travel to Georgetown, Texas for the interment of her ashes at 5:00 p.m. today.
Ron Maphet’s back surgery was successful, although he is in much pain. I will see Ron and Pat this afternoon at the Spine Hospital in OKC. Please pray for a complete recovery for Ron.
The All-Church Talent Show is tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will eat at 6:00 p.m. You won’t want to miss it.
The Seekers/ Young Adults Class had a gathering yesterday evening and did some planning. Please pray for this group in our church.
I have been sending these daily emails since Ash Wednesday 2010. A few months later I decided to also post them on a blog that can be reached through the church’s website www.centralenid.org. Yesterday was the 365th post. To date that blog has received over 4,060 “hits” which means that others are accessing these daily prayers, joys and concerns there.
The scripture for today is Ezra 9:5-15:
At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God, and said, “O my God, I am too ashamed and embarrassed to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our ancestors to this day we have been deep in guilt, and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as is now the case. But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the LORD our God, who has left us a remnant, and given us a stake in his holy place, in order that he may brighten our eyes and grant us a little sustenance in our slavery. For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.“And now, our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken your commandments, which you commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you are entering to possess is a land unclean with the pollutions of the peoples of the lands, with their abominations. They have filled it from end to end with their uncleanness. Therefore do not give your daughters to their sons, neither take their daughters for your sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and eat the good of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever. ‘After all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this, shall we break your commandments again and intermarry with the peoples who practice these abominations? Would you not be angry with us until you destroy us without remnant or survivor LORD, God of Israel, you are just, but we have escaped as a remnant, as is now the case. Here we are before you in our guilt, though no one can face you because of this.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, June 20, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, June 20
Most Amazing God,
There are times in our lives when we experience pain and struggle. There are other times when we are filled with peace and hope. It is difficult to feel Your presence in both. We can be so overwhelmed by the difficulties that we cannot sense Your love. We can also be so euphoric that offering thanks for Your grace is an afterthought at best. Lord, we pray You will forgive us. We trust in You on the mountain top and in the valley. Pour out Your Spirit on us is our plea. Make us one with You and may our hearts be in tune with Your heart as we seek to help and serve others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
The service for Gailene Squires, Mae Clark’s daughter, is this morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Please pray for Mae and her family.
Davida Whitsitt is hospitalized and not doing well. Please pray for Davida.
Ron Maphet is having surgery at the Spine Hospital in OKC today. Please pray for success to relieve the pain.
Gene Brintnall is traveling to the Mayo Clinic to have another procedure on his throat later this week. Please pray for Gene.
The scripture for today is Ezra 3:8-13:
In the second year after their arrival at the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with the rest of their people, the priests and the Levites and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity. They appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work on the house of the LORD. And Jeshua with his sons and his kin, and Kadmiel and his sons, Binnui and Hodaviah along with the sons of Henadad, the Levites, their sons and kin, together took charge of the workers in the house of God. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the LORD with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, according to the directions of King David of Israel; and they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of families, old people who had seen the first house on its foundations, wept with a loud voice when they saw this house, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted so loudly that the sound was heard far away.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
There are times in our lives when we experience pain and struggle. There are other times when we are filled with peace and hope. It is difficult to feel Your presence in both. We can be so overwhelmed by the difficulties that we cannot sense Your love. We can also be so euphoric that offering thanks for Your grace is an afterthought at best. Lord, we pray You will forgive us. We trust in You on the mountain top and in the valley. Pour out Your Spirit on us is our plea. Make us one with You and may our hearts be in tune with Your heart as we seek to help and serve others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
The service for Gailene Squires, Mae Clark’s daughter, is this morning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Please pray for Mae and her family.
Davida Whitsitt is hospitalized and not doing well. Please pray for Davida.
Ron Maphet is having surgery at the Spine Hospital in OKC today. Please pray for success to relieve the pain.
Gene Brintnall is traveling to the Mayo Clinic to have another procedure on his throat later this week. Please pray for Gene.
The scripture for today is Ezra 3:8-13:
In the second year after their arrival at the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with the rest of their people, the priests and the Levites and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity. They appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work on the house of the LORD. And Jeshua with his sons and his kin, and Kadmiel and his sons, Binnui and Hodaviah along with the sons of Henadad, the Levites, their sons and kin, together took charge of the workers in the house of God. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments were stationed to praise the LORD with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, according to the directions of King David of Israel; and they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people responded with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of families, old people who had seen the first house on its foundations, wept with a loud voice when they saw this house, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted so loudly that the sound was heard far away.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, June 19
Loving God,
We are moved and touched by the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. His compassion, his healing, his turning the social order upside down, his concern for the marginalized. . .all of this speaks to the depths of our souls. He showed You to the world. Forgive us, O Lord, when we overlook His message. Forgive us, Eternal Presence, when we let the creeds, doctrines and priorities of the church cloud our image of the example He gave for living the life You call us to live. May He be present to us now as the Risen Lord as we open our hearts to Him. May we seek to accept His love and follow His teachings. We pray in His name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
Today is Father’s Day. May all our father’s be blessed.
Tomorrow evening the Seekers/Young Adult Class is having a cookout and swim party at Pat and Gail Novak’s house beginning at 6:30 p.m. All class members and young adults are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. They will also talk about small group, Bible study and other class options.
Next Sunday, June 26th , all current and new elders will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 16th, all 2011-2012 Board Members and Committee Chairpersons will meet at Christian Church of the Covenant from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a “Church Board Retreat”. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend. More information will follow.
The memorial service for Gailene Squires, Mae Clark’s daughter, will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for her family as they travel from Virginia, Indiana, Florida and Arizona.
The scripture for today is 2 Chronicles 36:15-23:
The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place; but they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words, and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against his people became so great that there was no remedy. Therefore he brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their youths with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or young woman, the aged or the feeble; he gave them all into his hand. All the vessels of the house of God, large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his officials, all these he brought to Babylon. They burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious vessels. He took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had made up for its sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom and also declared in a written edict:“Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the LORD his God be with him! Let him go up.”
The psalm for this week is Psalm 148:
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are moved and touched by the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. His compassion, his healing, his turning the social order upside down, his concern for the marginalized. . .all of this speaks to the depths of our souls. He showed You to the world. Forgive us, O Lord, when we overlook His message. Forgive us, Eternal Presence, when we let the creeds, doctrines and priorities of the church cloud our image of the example He gave for living the life You call us to live. May He be present to us now as the Risen Lord as we open our hearts to Him. May we seek to accept His love and follow His teachings. We pray in His name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________
Today is Father’s Day. May all our father’s be blessed.
Tomorrow evening the Seekers/Young Adult Class is having a cookout and swim party at Pat and Gail Novak’s house beginning at 6:30 p.m. All class members and young adults are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. They will also talk about small group, Bible study and other class options.
Next Sunday, June 26th , all current and new elders will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 16th, all 2011-2012 Board Members and Committee Chairpersons will meet at Christian Church of the Covenant from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a “Church Board Retreat”. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend. More information will follow.
The memorial service for Gailene Squires, Mae Clark’s daughter, will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for her family as they travel from Virginia, Indiana, Florida and Arizona.
The scripture for today is 2 Chronicles 36:15-23:
The LORD, the God of their ancestors, sent persistently to them by his messengers, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place; but they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words, and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against his people became so great that there was no remedy. Therefore he brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their youths with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or young woman, the aged or the feeble; he gave them all into his hand. All the vessels of the house of God, large and small, and the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his officials, all these he brought to Babylon. They burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious vessels. He took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had made up for its sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.
In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom and also declared in a written edict:“Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the LORD his God be with him! Let him go up.”
The psalm for this week is Psalm 148:
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the LORD!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, June 18
Ever-Present God,
Help us, this day, to appreciate the “small” things of life: a gentle breeze, a beam of sunlight reflecting through the leaves, a drink of water, a bird bathing in a lawn sprinkler. So often the pace of our lives blinds us to the simple joys and pleasures of the human experience. Forgive us, O Lord. May we see You in everything, large and small. May we take deep breaths, Holy Pauses, during the day and give You thanks for all those “simple” things that enhance our life. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
The Transitions Program initiated by the Cancer Support Group begins today at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. May we pray for its success.
The Civitan Dance for the developmentally disabled was last night in the Fellowship Hall. It was a great success. Thanks to all who made it possible.
Our Young Adults are having a cookout and swim party at Pat and Gail Novak’s on Monday at 6:30 p.m. They will plan some summer and fall activities and studies.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Come to church with your dad or bring your dad to church with you.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:57-75:
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?”But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.”Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?”
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.”But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.”After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.”Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Help us, this day, to appreciate the “small” things of life: a gentle breeze, a beam of sunlight reflecting through the leaves, a drink of water, a bird bathing in a lawn sprinkler. So often the pace of our lives blinds us to the simple joys and pleasures of the human experience. Forgive us, O Lord. May we see You in everything, large and small. May we take deep breaths, Holy Pauses, during the day and give You thanks for all those “simple” things that enhance our life. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
The Transitions Program initiated by the Cancer Support Group begins today at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. May we pray for its success.
The Civitan Dance for the developmentally disabled was last night in the Fellowship Hall. It was a great success. Thanks to all who made it possible.
Our Young Adults are having a cookout and swim party at Pat and Gail Novak’s on Monday at 6:30 p.m. They will plan some summer and fall activities and studies.
Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Come to church with your dad or bring your dad to church with you.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:57-75:
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for false testimony against Jesus so that they might put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’”The high priest stood up and said, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?”But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath before the living God, tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, From now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?” They answered, “He deserves death.”Then they spat in his face and struck him; and some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who is it that struck you?”
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant-girl came to him and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.”But he denied it before all of them, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”When he went out to the porch, another servant-girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.”After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you are also one of them, for your accent betrays you.”Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the man!” At that moment the cock crowed. Then Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, June 17, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, June 17
Amazing God,
Each day is a promise and an opportunity to grow in faith and love. We thank you for the gift of today. As we go about our work and play may we see You at work in the world. May we respond to those opportunities to participate in what You are already doing. May we find ways to share our faith using deeds as well as words. We are so blessed, loving God, because we know You and have opened our hearts to the Spirit of Christ. Give us the strength and insight, we pray, to live and share the Good News. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________________
Fig Newton’s surgery was more involved than originally anticipated. They kept him an extra day in the hospital. He will, hopefully, be released today.
Ron Maphet is having back surgery in OKC on Monday.
Please pray for Fig and Ron.
Please continue to pray for the families of Bettie Linton and Gailene Squires. Bettie’s service was yesterday. Gailene’s is on Monday.
We have a number of travelers on the road. Please pray for safe and fun vacations.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 26:47-56 (Remember we are alternating each week between the New Testament and Old Testament. If we stay on course we will have read all of the N.T. and a good portion of the O.T. in three years. We are in Week 29 of Year One):
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.”At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?”At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Each day is a promise and an opportunity to grow in faith and love. We thank you for the gift of today. As we go about our work and play may we see You at work in the world. May we respond to those opportunities to participate in what You are already doing. May we find ways to share our faith using deeds as well as words. We are so blessed, loving God, because we know You and have opened our hearts to the Spirit of Christ. Give us the strength and insight, we pray, to live and share the Good News. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________________
Fig Newton’s surgery was more involved than originally anticipated. They kept him an extra day in the hospital. He will, hopefully, be released today.
Ron Maphet is having back surgery in OKC on Monday.
Please pray for Fig and Ron.
Please continue to pray for the families of Bettie Linton and Gailene Squires. Bettie’s service was yesterday. Gailene’s is on Monday.
We have a number of travelers on the road. Please pray for safe and fun vacations.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 26:47-56 (Remember we are alternating each week between the New Testament and Old Testament. If we stay on course we will have read all of the N.T. and a good portion of the O.T. in three years. We are in Week 29 of Year One):
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.”At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?”At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, June 16
Creator God,
You give us a world filled with variety and color. The vibrancy of creation is all around us, yet many times our receptors are dulled and we only see life only in shades of grey. Jesus was like a prism. The single beam of human history was refracted through Him and became a Technicolor reality. Give us eyes to see and hearts to appreciate. Life in Christ offers amazing possibilities and unlimited joy. We give You thanks in Jesus name. AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Fig Newton’s shoulder surgery was successful. He spent the night at St. Mary’s hospital and will return home today.
Fig’s stepmother, Harriett Newton, died a few days ago in Florida. Please pray for Fig and their family.
We celebrate Denny and Peg Krick’s fifty-fifth wedding anniversary yesterday.
Ron Maphet will have back surgery at the Spine Hospital in OKC on Monday. Please pray for success. Ron has been in a lot of pain.
Bettie Linton’s funeral is this 10:00 this morning at Ladusau-Eavns.
Gailene Squires’ memorial service will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. in our chapel.
Please pray for both families.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:36-46:
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.”And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.”Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You give us a world filled with variety and color. The vibrancy of creation is all around us, yet many times our receptors are dulled and we only see life only in shades of grey. Jesus was like a prism. The single beam of human history was refracted through Him and became a Technicolor reality. Give us eyes to see and hearts to appreciate. Life in Christ offers amazing possibilities and unlimited joy. We give You thanks in Jesus name. AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Fig Newton’s shoulder surgery was successful. He spent the night at St. Mary’s hospital and will return home today.
Fig’s stepmother, Harriett Newton, died a few days ago in Florida. Please pray for Fig and their family.
We celebrate Denny and Peg Krick’s fifty-fifth wedding anniversary yesterday.
Ron Maphet will have back surgery at the Spine Hospital in OKC on Monday. Please pray for success. Ron has been in a lot of pain.
Bettie Linton’s funeral is this 10:00 this morning at Ladusau-Eavns.
Gailene Squires’ memorial service will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. in our chapel.
Please pray for both families.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:36-46:
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.”And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.”Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, June 15
Incarnate God,
We see You in the Person of Jesus Christ. We see Your image in humanity. We know You are present in all creation and we give You thanks. Some understand You in power and might. Others understand You in compassion and love. You are experienced as strength and vulnerability. You are known in actions of justice and of mercy. You meet us where we are. Bless us now, Loving God. Empower us to see others and the world through Your eyes so that we might act as Your agents of peace, reconciliation and hope. We pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Bettie Linton’s funeral will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for her son, Scott, and all her family.
We are going to do a memorial service on Monday at 11:00 a.m. for Gaylene Squires in the chapel. Gaylene was Mae Clark’s daughter who lived in Virginia. Please continue to pray for all her family, many of whom are traveling from Virginia and Indiana. They will be taking her cremains to Georgetown, Texas for interment after the service.
WWNF is tonight beginning with the meal at 6:00 p.m. provided by the Boy Scouts. There will be a Bible Study on the Lord’s Prayer and an opportunity to do a service project assembling food packets for the Kids Against Hunger program. Obviously, there is something for all ages.
Please pray for our vacationers. We have a number of members who are travelling.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:26-35:
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. ‘But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.”Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We see You in the Person of Jesus Christ. We see Your image in humanity. We know You are present in all creation and we give You thanks. Some understand You in power and might. Others understand You in compassion and love. You are experienced as strength and vulnerability. You are known in actions of justice and of mercy. You meet us where we are. Bless us now, Loving God. Empower us to see others and the world through Your eyes so that we might act as Your agents of peace, reconciliation and hope. We pray in Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Bettie Linton’s funeral will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for her son, Scott, and all her family.
We are going to do a memorial service on Monday at 11:00 a.m. for Gaylene Squires in the chapel. Gaylene was Mae Clark’s daughter who lived in Virginia. Please continue to pray for all her family, many of whom are traveling from Virginia and Indiana. They will be taking her cremains to Georgetown, Texas for interment after the service.
WWNF is tonight beginning with the meal at 6:00 p.m. provided by the Boy Scouts. There will be a Bible Study on the Lord’s Prayer and an opportunity to do a service project assembling food packets for the Kids Against Hunger program. Obviously, there is something for all ages.
Please pray for our vacationers. We have a number of members who are travelling.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:26-35:
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered. ‘But after I am raised up, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”Peter said to him, “Though all become deserters because of you, I will never desert you.”Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.”Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, June 14
Sweet, Holy Spirit,
Fall afresh on us today. Melt us. Mold us. Fill us. Use us. Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on us. There is something in us that cries out for Your embrace. There is an empty place within us that only You can fill. Help us to know, O God, that You beckon to us, but the decision to respond is always ours. You call us by name, but only we have the ability to turn into Your embrace. We often seek other avenues to fill the emptiness. We place value on what is eternally without value and we overlook the priceless gift of Your love. Forgive us, we pray. May we respond to Your call and may our hearts be joined to Your heart. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Please pray for Mae Clark (and send her cards). Her daughter, Gaylene Squires, who we have been praying for, died.
Tomorrow is WWNF at 6:00 p.m. The meal will be provided by the Boy Scouts as a fundraiser. They will be serving Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Following the meal a number of our children, youth and adults will be involved in a “service project”. Other of our adults will be in a discussion of the Lord’s Prayer led by Jack Weston and Don Johnson.
Bettie Linton’s funeral is 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Ladusau-Evans.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:14-25:
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?”He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray menthe Son of Mangoes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Fall afresh on us today. Melt us. Mold us. Fill us. Use us. Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on us. There is something in us that cries out for Your embrace. There is an empty place within us that only You can fill. Help us to know, O God, that You beckon to us, but the decision to respond is always ours. You call us by name, but only we have the ability to turn into Your embrace. We often seek other avenues to fill the emptiness. We place value on what is eternally without value and we overlook the priceless gift of Your love. Forgive us, we pray. May we respond to Your call and may our hearts be joined to Your heart. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Please pray for Mae Clark (and send her cards). Her daughter, Gaylene Squires, who we have been praying for, died.
Tomorrow is WWNF at 6:00 p.m. The meal will be provided by the Boy Scouts as a fundraiser. They will be serving Philly cheese steak sandwiches. Following the meal a number of our children, youth and adults will be involved in a “service project”. Other of our adults will be in a discussion of the Lord’s Prayer led by Jack Weston and Don Johnson.
Bettie Linton’s funeral is 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Ladusau-Evans.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:14-25:
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.
On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?”He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’”So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?”He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray menthe Son of Mangoes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, June 13, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, June 13
O God of the past, present and future,
We stand before You today wondering if You get angry with us. There are times in our lives when anger overwhelms us: anger at family, friends, leaders, politicians, situations, and so on. Often we feel justified in our anger, then we reflect on Your anger toward us. The Old Testament pictures You many times as an angry God who punishes Your unfaithful children. We often deserve Your anger, O Lord, and there are times when we don’t deserve Your grace. In our eyes, Your anger is justified. We seek Your grace and favor, not Your anger. Please forgive us Lord. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
We received word from Betty Unruh asking prayers for her great-granddaughter, 2 year old Kinason Schieber. She is in Children’s Hospital in OKC for tests to determine the source of an infection.
Jana Davis sent the following email:
Hi, friends! Mother (Joan Ingmire) is now settled into her apartment in the Trinity part of the Commons, room #3025. If you would, please print this in the Visitor/bulletin. Thanks! Jana
We are glad Joan is settled. Please continue to pray for her.
The funeral for Bettie Linton will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans with a family meal at the church. Please pray for Bettie’s family.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:6-13:
Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.”But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We stand before You today wondering if You get angry with us. There are times in our lives when anger overwhelms us: anger at family, friends, leaders, politicians, situations, and so on. Often we feel justified in our anger, then we reflect on Your anger toward us. The Old Testament pictures You many times as an angry God who punishes Your unfaithful children. We often deserve Your anger, O Lord, and there are times when we don’t deserve Your grace. In our eyes, Your anger is justified. We seek Your grace and favor, not Your anger. Please forgive us Lord. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
We received word from Betty Unruh asking prayers for her great-granddaughter, 2 year old Kinason Schieber. She is in Children’s Hospital in OKC for tests to determine the source of an infection.
Jana Davis sent the following email:
Hi, friends! Mother (Joan Ingmire) is now settled into her apartment in the Trinity part of the Commons, room #3025. If you would, please print this in the Visitor/bulletin. Thanks! Jana
We are glad Joan is settled. Please continue to pray for her.
The funeral for Bettie Linton will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Ladusau-Evans with a family meal at the church. Please pray for Bettie’s family.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:6-13:
Now while Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when the disciples saw it, they were angry and said, “Why this waste? For this ointment could have been sold for a large sum, and the money given to the poor.”But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, June 12
Holy and Dynamic Presence,
You are spirit and we seek to worship You in spirit and in truth this Pentecost Sunday. We remember the passion the Holy Spirit engendered at the birth of Christ’s church. We trace the development of that institution and see times when that passion was aflame with love and hope. We also see times when the institution stifled creativity and was oppressive. It is easy for us, O God, to see the faults of ages past. Forgive our shortsightedness, we pray. On this Pentecost Sunday may we be receptive to the “wind and fire” of Your Spirit that moves us into the community, speaking the languages of our culture, and proclaiming Your love that comes to all through Jesus the Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Wear something red to church today. It is Pentecost!
Bettie Linton’s funeral will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for Bettie’s family and friends.
Tonight is an ice-cream social in the Fellowship Hall. It starts at 6:00 p.m. Bring some cookies of ice cream. We will have a wonderful time of fellowship.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:1-5:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 136:1-4, 10-26:
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.
It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You are spirit and we seek to worship You in spirit and in truth this Pentecost Sunday. We remember the passion the Holy Spirit engendered at the birth of Christ’s church. We trace the development of that institution and see times when that passion was aflame with love and hope. We also see times when the institution stifled creativity and was oppressive. It is easy for us, O God, to see the faults of ages past. Forgive our shortsightedness, we pray. On this Pentecost Sunday may we be receptive to the “wind and fire” of Your Spirit that moves us into the community, speaking the languages of our culture, and proclaiming Your love that comes to all through Jesus the Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Wear something red to church today. It is Pentecost!
Bettie Linton’s funeral will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home. Please pray for Bettie’s family and friends.
Tonight is an ice-cream social in the Fellowship Hall. It starts at 6:00 p.m. Bring some cookies of ice cream. We will have a wonderful time of fellowship.
The scripture for today is Matthew 26:1-5:
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him. But they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 136:1-4, 10-26:
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.
It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, June 11
O Holy Parent,
You have formed us in Your image. Forgive us, Loving God, when we attempt to form You in ours. May Your love and grace touch us in ways that are familiar to us. May we recognize Your influence in the course of our days. You are Divine Presence in our lives. Open our eyes and our hearts to see You, to feel You, and then, to love You. We offer this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Le Roy Frost’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please lift up his family in your prayers.
I just received word the Bettie Linton died this morning in Overland Park, Kansas. We will have her services here in Enid. I will announce that information as soon as the date and time are determined. Please pray for her family.
Ken Frech and Gene Brintnal were to be dismissed from St. Mary’s Hospital yesterday. Elbert Wheeler was hoping to go home today. Mario Ruggia is in St. Mary’s. Please pray for all these members and friends.
Fig Newton fell the other day and has to have surgery on his shoulder this Wednesday. Please pray for Fig.
Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday. Please wear something red and plan to come to the Ice Cream social at 6:00 p.m. Bring some ice cream or cookies and plan to enjoy good fellowship.
The scripture for today is 2 Chronicles 34:22-33:
King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. As he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”At the end of the year the army of Aram came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the officials of the people from among them, and sent all the booty they took to the king of Damascus. Although the army of Aram had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because they had abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors. Thus they executed judgment on Joash. When they had withdrawn, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of the priest Jehoiada, and they killed him on his bed. So he died; and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against him were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabite. Accounts of his sons, and of the many oracles against him, and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written in the Commentary on the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah succeeded him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You have formed us in Your image. Forgive us, Loving God, when we attempt to form You in ours. May Your love and grace touch us in ways that are familiar to us. May we recognize Your influence in the course of our days. You are Divine Presence in our lives. Open our eyes and our hearts to see You, to feel You, and then, to love You. We offer this prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Le Roy Frost’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please lift up his family in your prayers.
I just received word the Bettie Linton died this morning in Overland Park, Kansas. We will have her services here in Enid. I will announce that information as soon as the date and time are determined. Please pray for her family.
Ken Frech and Gene Brintnal were to be dismissed from St. Mary’s Hospital yesterday. Elbert Wheeler was hoping to go home today. Mario Ruggia is in St. Mary’s. Please pray for all these members and friends.
Fig Newton fell the other day and has to have surgery on his shoulder this Wednesday. Please pray for Fig.
Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday. Please wear something red and plan to come to the Ice Cream social at 6:00 p.m. Bring some ice cream or cookies and plan to enjoy good fellowship.
The scripture for today is 2 Chronicles 34:22-33:
King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. As he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge!”At the end of the year the army of Aram came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the officials of the people from among them, and sent all the booty they took to the king of Damascus. Although the army of Aram had come with few men, the LORD delivered into their hand a very great army, because they had abandoned the LORD, the God of their ancestors. Thus they executed judgment on Joash. When they had withdrawn, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of the priest Jehoiada, and they killed him on his bed. So he died; and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings. Those who conspired against him were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonite, and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabite. Accounts of his sons, and of the many oracles against him, and of the rebuilding of the house of God are written in the Commentary on the Book of the Kings. And his son Amaziah succeeded him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, June 10, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, June 10
Gracious and Loving God,
This is Pentecost weekend and we certainly felt the wind last night, although not the wind of the Spirit. As we reflect on the events of the church’s birthday, centuries ago, we ponder our own relationship with the living Body of Christ. Those early followers of Jesus were empowered to boldly proclaim Your love and grace for the world. And they risk everything in the living and proclaiming of the Christian faith. We have become timid and insipid. For many, participation in the church is sporadic and a low priority. Forgive us, Loving God. May Your Holy Spirit come on us in this day like tongues of fire. May the passion of those early disciples inspire our passion. May we seek to share the Good News and make disciples of Jesus. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________________
LeRoy Frost’s funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for Helen and her family.
There is an Ice Cream Social Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring some cookies or ice cream or both. There will be no program, just good fellowship.
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. WEAR SOMETHING RED to church.
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 29:10-20:
Then David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly; David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you search the heart, and take pleasure in uprightness; in the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you’d LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to my son Solomon that with single mind he may keep your commandments, your decrees, and your statutes, performing all of them, and that he may build the temple for which I have made provision.”Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
This is Pentecost weekend and we certainly felt the wind last night, although not the wind of the Spirit. As we reflect on the events of the church’s birthday, centuries ago, we ponder our own relationship with the living Body of Christ. Those early followers of Jesus were empowered to boldly proclaim Your love and grace for the world. And they risk everything in the living and proclaiming of the Christian faith. We have become timid and insipid. For many, participation in the church is sporadic and a low priority. Forgive us, Loving God. May Your Holy Spirit come on us in this day like tongues of fire. May the passion of those early disciples inspire our passion. May we seek to share the Good News and make disciples of Jesus. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________________
LeRoy Frost’s funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for Helen and her family.
There is an Ice Cream Social Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring some cookies or ice cream or both. There will be no program, just good fellowship.
Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. WEAR SOMETHING RED to church.
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 29:10-20:
Then David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly; David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope.O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God, that you search the heart, and take pleasure in uprightness; in the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you’d LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to my son Solomon that with single mind he may keep your commandments, your decrees, and your statutes, performing all of them, and that he may build the temple for which I have made provision.”Then David said to the whole assembly, “Bless the LORD your God.” And all the assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, June 9
O Lord, Our Lord,
You are in concert with all of creation. You have composed the melodies of life and we are a part of that music. Your Presence is always with us and You restore our souls. Forgive us, loving God, when we move away from You. Forgive us when we abdicate the creativity that resides within us, a creativity that allows us to continue Your process of creation. We are stewards of all that is. May we be wise, hopeful and compassionate as we use Your resources to work for justice, peace and hope for all. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________--
LeRoy Frost died yesterday. His funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel on Saturday.
Ernie Page, Bertie Krausse’s nephew, died. His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Methodist church in Jet.
Ken Frech is continuing to improve after his surgery. He is in Room 209 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
There is an Ice Cream Social at the church at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Get out those ice cream freezers and make your favorite recipe to share. We will have a wonderful time of fellowship. It will be a great way to “jump” into summer.
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 22:6-16:
Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. David said to Solomon, “My son, I had planned to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood in my sight on the earth. See, a son shall be born to you; he shall be a man of peace. I will give him peace from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be a son to me, and I will be a father to him, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever. ‘Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, so that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone too I have provided. To these you must add more. You have an abundance of workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of artisans without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you.”
Grace and peace,
You are in concert with all of creation. You have composed the melodies of life and we are a part of that music. Your Presence is always with us and You restore our souls. Forgive us, loving God, when we move away from You. Forgive us when we abdicate the creativity that resides within us, a creativity that allows us to continue Your process of creation. We are stewards of all that is. May we be wise, hopeful and compassionate as we use Your resources to work for justice, peace and hope for all. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________--
LeRoy Frost died yesterday. His funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel on Saturday.
Ernie Page, Bertie Krausse’s nephew, died. His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday in the Methodist church in Jet.
Ken Frech is continuing to improve after his surgery. He is in Room 209 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
There is an Ice Cream Social at the church at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Get out those ice cream freezers and make your favorite recipe to share. We will have a wonderful time of fellowship. It will be a great way to “jump” into summer.
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 22:6-16:
Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the LORD, the God of Israel. David said to Solomon, “My son, I had planned to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed so much blood in my sight on the earth. See, a son shall be born to you; he shall be a man of peace. I will give him peace from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for my name. He shall be a son to me, and I will be a father to him, and I will establish his royal throne in Israel forever. ‘Now, my son, the LORD be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the LORD your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the LORD grant you discretion and understanding, so that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances that the LORD commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the LORD one hundred thousand talents of gold, one million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone too I have provided. To these you must add more. You have an abundance of workers: stonecutters, masons, carpenters, and all kinds of artisans without number, skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, and iron. Now begin the work, and the LORD be with you.”
Grace and peace,
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, June 8
Divine Love,
May each breath we take confirm Your love for us. Your Presence is constant and Your grace never-ending. Forgive us, Loving Father, when we take it all for granted. Forgive us, Holy Parent, when we allow the success of human ventures to reduce our trust and reliance on You. We stand before You as Your children who are judged by our actions and our hearts. May we accept Your unmerited grace that comes to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray this prayer in His name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Dee Smith sent the following email:
John, Please put my sister, Phyllis Franks on the email list of prayers. She has seizures from a car wreck years ago but they are getting worse and she is having loss of memory. she will be seeing a different Dr. in Ft. Smith tomorrow, so let us pray that they can help her. Thanks, Dee Smith.
Please pray for Dee’s sister, Phyllis.
Please pray for Mary Ruth Cooper's grandson. He was involved in a terrible car wreck in Hutchinson, Kansas and is critically injured.
Please continue to pray for Georgie Haltom’s brother and nephew, Frank and Mark Goss. They are hospitalized in different hospitals in Oklahoma City.
Also please continue to pray for Jane Johnson’s cousin, Tim Hopkins, who has major heart issues.
Ken Frech’s surgery yesterday to remove a subdural hematoma was successful. He is in ICU at St. Mary’s and will remain in the hospital for three or four days. Please continue to pray for Ken.
Georgia Ball, Joan Petersen, Elbert Wheeler and Gene Brintnall are all patients, along with Ken Frech, at St. Mary’s. Please pray for all our hospitalized.
Today we are hosting the Regional Pentecost worship for pastors. All licensed and ordained ministers are welcome. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and greetings. The worship is at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel. Then we will enjoy a light lunch at 11:30.
TONIGHT IS OUR FIRST WWNF FOR THE SUMMER! The meal is at 6:00 p.m. Family fun activities begin at 6:30 p.m. A Bible Study for adults also begins at 6:30 p.m. PLAN TO ATTEND!
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 17:16-27:
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And even this was a small thing in your sight, O God; you have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come. You regard me as someone of high rank, O LORD God! And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? You know your servant. For your servant’s sake, O LORD, and according to your own heart, you have done all these great deeds, making known all these great things. There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people Israel, one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making for yourself a name for great and terrible things, in driving out nations before your people whom you redeemed from Egypt? And you made your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God.“And now, O LORD, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as you have promised. Thus your name will be established and magnified forever in the saying, ‘The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God’; and the house of your servant David will be established in your presence. For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him; therefore your servant has found it possible to pray before you. And now, O LORD, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you. For you, O LORD, have blessed and are blessed forever.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
May each breath we take confirm Your love for us. Your Presence is constant and Your grace never-ending. Forgive us, Loving Father, when we take it all for granted. Forgive us, Holy Parent, when we allow the success of human ventures to reduce our trust and reliance on You. We stand before You as Your children who are judged by our actions and our hearts. May we accept Your unmerited grace that comes to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray this prayer in His name, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Dee Smith sent the following email:
John, Please put my sister, Phyllis Franks on the email list of prayers. She has seizures from a car wreck years ago but they are getting worse and she is having loss of memory. she will be seeing a different Dr. in Ft. Smith tomorrow, so let us pray that they can help her. Thanks, Dee Smith.
Please pray for Dee’s sister, Phyllis.
Please pray for Mary Ruth Cooper's grandson. He was involved in a terrible car wreck in Hutchinson, Kansas and is critically injured.
Please continue to pray for Georgie Haltom’s brother and nephew, Frank and Mark Goss. They are hospitalized in different hospitals in Oklahoma City.
Also please continue to pray for Jane Johnson’s cousin, Tim Hopkins, who has major heart issues.
Ken Frech’s surgery yesterday to remove a subdural hematoma was successful. He is in ICU at St. Mary’s and will remain in the hospital for three or four days. Please continue to pray for Ken.
Georgia Ball, Joan Petersen, Elbert Wheeler and Gene Brintnall are all patients, along with Ken Frech, at St. Mary’s. Please pray for all our hospitalized.
Today we are hosting the Regional Pentecost worship for pastors. All licensed and ordained ministers are welcome. We will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall for coffee and greetings. The worship is at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel. Then we will enjoy a light lunch at 11:30.
TONIGHT IS OUR FIRST WWNF FOR THE SUMMER! The meal is at 6:00 p.m. Family fun activities begin at 6:30 p.m. A Bible Study for adults also begins at 6:30 p.m. PLAN TO ATTEND!
The scripture for today is 1 Chronicles 17:16-27:
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And even this was a small thing in your sight, O God; you have also spoken of your servant’s house for a great while to come. You regard me as someone of high rank, O LORD God! And what more can David say to you for honoring your servant? You know your servant. For your servant’s sake, O LORD, and according to your own heart, you have done all these great deeds, making known all these great things. There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people Israel, one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making for yourself a name for great and terrible things, in driving out nations before your people whom you redeemed from Egypt? And you made your people Israel to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God.“And now, O LORD, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, let it be established forever, and do as you have promised. Thus your name will be established and magnified forever in the saying, ‘The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel’s God’; and the house of your servant David will be established in your presence. For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build a house for him; therefore your servant has found it possible to pray before you. And now, O LORD, you are God, and you have promised this good thing to your servant; therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you. For you, O LORD, have blessed and are blessed forever.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, June 7
Eternal Hope,
The mystery of Your love confounds us, because there are time when we feel undeserving. The power of Your grace surprises us, because it is beyond our ability to forgive others. Your faithfulness to us is amazing, because we are often unfaithful to You. Forgive us, O Lord. May we spend less effort attempting to explain who You are and more effort being receptive. May we be less concerned about doctrine and more open to the power of Your presence with us. We open our hearts to You this day. Enfold us in Your mystery. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________________________
Please pray for Ken Frech. He is having surgery this morning to remove a blood clot in his brain.
Please pray for Georgie Haltom’s brother and nephew, Frank and Mark Goss. Frank is in Integris Hospital in OKC (He had a heart transplant a couple of years ago). Mark is in the Heart Hospital in OKC with a heart attack.
Joan Petersen is in St, Mary’s hospital. Georgia Ball, Ken’s wife, is in St. Mary’s hospital.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
Please pray for Helen and LeRoy Frost. LeRoy is under hospice care and not doing well.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 5:1-16:
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.”
So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.”But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.
Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant.”But he said, “As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!” He urged him to accept, but he refused.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The mystery of Your love confounds us, because there are time when we feel undeserving. The power of Your grace surprises us, because it is beyond our ability to forgive others. Your faithfulness to us is amazing, because we are often unfaithful to You. Forgive us, O Lord. May we spend less effort attempting to explain who You are and more effort being receptive. May we be less concerned about doctrine and more open to the power of Your presence with us. We open our hearts to You this day. Enfold us in Your mystery. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________________________
Please pray for Ken Frech. He is having surgery this morning to remove a blood clot in his brain.
Please pray for Georgie Haltom’s brother and nephew, Frank and Mark Goss. Frank is in Integris Hospital in OKC (He had a heart transplant a couple of years ago). Mark is in the Heart Hospital in OKC with a heart attack.
Joan Petersen is in St, Mary’s hospital. Georgia Ball, Ken’s wife, is in St. Mary’s hospital.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
Please pray for Helen and LeRoy Frost. LeRoy is under hospice care and not doing well.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 5:1-16:
Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. She said to her mistress, “If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”So Naaman went in and told his lord just what the girl from the land of Israel had said. And the king of Aram said, “Go then, and I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.” He went, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten sets of garments. He brought the letter to the king of Israel, which read, “When this letter reaches you, know that I have sent to you my servant Naaman, that you may cure him of his leprosy.”When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me.”But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, “Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel.”
So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha’s house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean.”But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, “I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?” He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, “Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, ‘Wash, and be clean’?”So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean.
Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant.”But he said, “As the LORD lives, whom I serve, I will accept nothing!” He urged him to accept, but he refused.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, June 6, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, June 6
Dear God,
Our prayer today is for the church: the Church Universal and our congregation. It is always difficult to transition into a new age and this time of unprecedented change in our culture is impacting Christ’s church in profound ways. We pray for wisdom and courage so that our participation and leadership in Your church might bring hope to this post-modern era. Remind us, O Lord, of our mandate: to make disciples who make disciples. Gather is us and then send us forth as Your faithful witnesses. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
We celebrate eight new members who have recently joined our congregation. Mike and Tammy Skaggs joined during our traditional service two weeks ago. The Scott family and Katie and Luke Anton joined in the R & R service yesterday. May we warmly welcome these eight new members.
Joan Petersen is back in St. Mary’s hospital. She was admitted on Saturday.
Please pray for Randy and Michael Johnson. They leave on a European music tour this week.
Please pray for our families who are vacationing.
Chi Rho I Camp begins today and we have a number of junior high youth who are participating. Please pray for a wonderful, spiritual, and joyful experience for them.
Our Special Gifts Committee meets this evening at 7:00 p.m.
Congratulations to our newly elected officers and board members.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 4:8-17:
One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. He said to him, “Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?” She answered, “I live among my own people.”He said, “What then may be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.”He said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, “At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.” She replied, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.”The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Our prayer today is for the church: the Church Universal and our congregation. It is always difficult to transition into a new age and this time of unprecedented change in our culture is impacting Christ’s church in profound ways. We pray for wisdom and courage so that our participation and leadership in Your church might bring hope to this post-modern era. Remind us, O Lord, of our mandate: to make disciples who make disciples. Gather is us and then send us forth as Your faithful witnesses. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
We celebrate eight new members who have recently joined our congregation. Mike and Tammy Skaggs joined during our traditional service two weeks ago. The Scott family and Katie and Luke Anton joined in the R & R service yesterday. May we warmly welcome these eight new members.
Joan Petersen is back in St. Mary’s hospital. She was admitted on Saturday.
Please pray for Randy and Michael Johnson. They leave on a European music tour this week.
Please pray for our families who are vacationing.
Chi Rho I Camp begins today and we have a number of junior high youth who are participating. Please pray for a wonderful, spiritual, and joyful experience for them.
Our Special Gifts Committee meets this evening at 7:00 p.m.
Congratulations to our newly elected officers and board members.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 4:8-17:
One day Elisha was passing through Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to have a meal. So whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for a meal. She said to her husband, “Look, I am sure that this man who regularly passes our way is a holy man of God. Let us make a small roof chamber with walls, and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that he can stay there whenever he comes to us.”One day when he came there, he went up to the chamber and lay down there. He said to his servant Gehazi, “Call the Shunammite woman.” When he had called her, she stood before him. He said to him, “Say to her, Since you have taken all this trouble for us, what may be done for you? Would you have a word spoken on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?” She answered, “I live among my own people.”He said, “What then may be done for her?” Gehazi answered, “Well, she has no son, and her husband is old.”He said, “Call her.” When he had called her, she stood at the door. He said, “At this season, in due time, you shall embrace a son.” She replied, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not deceive your servant.”The woman conceived and bore a son at that season, in due time, as Elisha had declared to her.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, June 5
Gracious God,
There are days when we are full of hope and joy. There are other times when we are filled with anger and frustration. Today, O God, we confess our condition to You. We know that Jesus experienced anger and emotional responses to the circumstances that surrounded him. He wept over Jerusalem. He turned over the money changers tables and drove them out of the Temple. Help us, O God, to know that You are with us in all circumstances. May Your Spirit calm us and empower us to move against those situations and people that cause anger and frustration, but may our actions be couched in the understanding that everyone is a child of God. This is our prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
A number of our members were involved in the Relay for Life and in the Phillips University Reunion this weekend. We celebrate their participation and their devotion.
Today the youth will offer a luncheon as a fundraiser for camp and conference fees. Please plan to attend.
Today, we are electing our deacons, elders and special gifts trustees at congregational meetings during our morning services of worship.
Also today, our deacons and elders are serving communion to the homebound. Please pray for those serving and those being served.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 2:1-12:
Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 34:
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
There are days when we are full of hope and joy. There are other times when we are filled with anger and frustration. Today, O God, we confess our condition to You. We know that Jesus experienced anger and emotional responses to the circumstances that surrounded him. He wept over Jerusalem. He turned over the money changers tables and drove them out of the Temple. Help us, O God, to know that You are with us in all circumstances. May Your Spirit calm us and empower us to move against those situations and people that cause anger and frustration, but may our actions be couched in the understanding that everyone is a child of God. This is our prayer in Jesus name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
A number of our members were involved in the Relay for Life and in the Phillips University Reunion this weekend. We celebrate their participation and their devotion.
Today the youth will offer a luncheon as a fundraiser for camp and conference fees. Please plan to attend.
Today, we are electing our deacons, elders and special gifts trustees at congregational meetings during our morning services of worship.
Also today, our deacons and elders are serving communion to the homebound. Please pray for those serving and those being served.
The scripture for today is 2 Kings 2:1-12:
Now when the LORD was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the LORD will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the LORD has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up, and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.”He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.”As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 34:
I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor soul cried, and was heard by the LORD, and was saved from every trouble.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
O fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for those who fear him have no want.
The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good?
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry.
The face of the LORD is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all.
He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.
Evil brings death to the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, June 4
O Divine Presence,
Once again we are blessed with a beautiful morning. May this day be a day of rejoicing and peace. Bless us, Dear God, as we seek to bless others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Tomorrow the youth will provide a lunch as a fundraiser to cover increased camp costs (We have a large number attending). Plan to stay after the 10:15 a.m. services to enjoy good food and support our youth.
Please pray for Gene Carlson. He is at home, recovering from a recent hospital stay.
There will be congregational meetings during all of tomorrow’s services to elect new deacons and elders.
The scripture for today is Matthew 25:31-46:
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. ‘Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. ‘Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. ‘And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Once again we are blessed with a beautiful morning. May this day be a day of rejoicing and peace. Bless us, Dear God, as we seek to bless others. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Tomorrow the youth will provide a lunch as a fundraiser to cover increased camp costs (We have a large number attending). Plan to stay after the 10:15 a.m. services to enjoy good food and support our youth.
Please pray for Gene Carlson. He is at home, recovering from a recent hospital stay.
There will be congregational meetings during all of tomorrow’s services to elect new deacons and elders.
The scripture for today is Matthew 25:31-46:
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. ‘Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. ‘Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. ‘Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me. ‘And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, June 3, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, June 3
God Who Touches Earth With Beauty,
There is no place we can go that is outside Your love. There is no respite from Your grace. Forgive us, Dear God, when we feel so independent that our “do it yourself” attitude smothers our acceptance of Your sovereignty. We are Yours. The gift of free will allows us to choose our own path and we certainly have choices. We can seek to “go it alone” or we can choose to discern and follow Your will for us. May we be bold, courageous followers of the One who showed us Your ways, Jesus the Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Abe Preston’s funeral is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Please continue to pray for his family.
Please continue to pray for Jane Johnson’s cousin, Tim Hopkins, as the doctors make decisions about his heart.
The youth are providing a spaghetti fund raiser luncheon after the 10:15 a.m. services this Sunday. Proceeds will be used to underwrite the increased expense of summer camps and conferences. Come, enjoy the food and make a gift.
The scripture for today is Matthew 25: 14-30:
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents. ‘His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. ‘And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents. ‘His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. ‘Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours. ‘But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
There is no place we can go that is outside Your love. There is no respite from Your grace. Forgive us, Dear God, when we feel so independent that our “do it yourself” attitude smothers our acceptance of Your sovereignty. We are Yours. The gift of free will allows us to choose our own path and we certainly have choices. We can seek to “go it alone” or we can choose to discern and follow Your will for us. May we be bold, courageous followers of the One who showed us Your ways, Jesus the Christ. It is in His name we pray, AMEN.
__________________________________________________
Abe Preston’s funeral is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel. Please continue to pray for his family.
Please continue to pray for Jane Johnson’s cousin, Tim Hopkins, as the doctors make decisions about his heart.
The youth are providing a spaghetti fund raiser luncheon after the 10:15 a.m. services this Sunday. Proceeds will be used to underwrite the increased expense of summer camps and conferences. Come, enjoy the food and make a gift.
The scripture for today is Matthew 25: 14-30:
For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents. ‘His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. ‘And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents. ‘His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. ‘Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours. ‘But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, June 2
O God Who Dwells With Us,
We humbly come to You in prayer, thanking You for our blessings. In the haste of daily living we often fail to give You thanks for each breath, for each grace-filled moment, and for depth you provide in human relationships. Forgive us, we pray. May this day be a new day in our relationship with You. May we open our eyes to Your Presence and see You at work in the world and in our lives. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
This morning I will attend Eric Koegel’s funeral at the First Christian Church in Edmond. May God surround his family with comfort and peace.
Please continue to pray for the family of Abe Preston. His service is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Jane Johnson has asked for prayers for her cousin. He is likely a candidate for a heart transplant.
Jana Davis has asked for continued prayers for her mother. She will be moving to her permanent residence at the Commons.
I received the following email from Scott Linton about his mother, Betty:
I wanted to get you folks a note and give you an update on mom. She is currently at Bickford Place in Overland Park, KS and is in their memory care wing called Mary B’s. last Oct mom had a stroke that has left her without control on her right side. Since then she has had to pretty much have assistance with all daily activities due to being confined to a wheel chair.
The nurses there encouraged me to get Hospice care for her in Feb to help her be more comfortable which they have. She still has a smile and kisses for everyone and her attitude is as positive as ever. However her condition is becoming more frail and the nurse at the facility has informed me as of today that mom will be going onto a softened diet as she is unable to swallow solids and liquids will need to be thickened. She has some congestion in her chest she is unable to expel and the nursing staff is fearing it will progress rather quickly.
Please keep mom in your thoughts and prayers as we wait for the Lord to call her home.
Regards, Scott Linton
We received nice TV coverage yesterday on Channel 4. Below is a link:
http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/873994f5-42f6-4fb8-af2f-4433f9c94a52/News/City-Comprising-Public-Storm-Shelter-List
The scripture for today is Matthew 25:1-13:
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ‘Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ‘But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. ‘And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us. ‘But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you. ‘Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We humbly come to You in prayer, thanking You for our blessings. In the haste of daily living we often fail to give You thanks for each breath, for each grace-filled moment, and for depth you provide in human relationships. Forgive us, we pray. May this day be a new day in our relationship with You. May we open our eyes to Your Presence and see You at work in the world and in our lives. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________________
This morning I will attend Eric Koegel’s funeral at the First Christian Church in Edmond. May God surround his family with comfort and peace.
Please continue to pray for the family of Abe Preston. His service is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Jane Johnson has asked for prayers for her cousin. He is likely a candidate for a heart transplant.
Jana Davis has asked for continued prayers for her mother. She will be moving to her permanent residence at the Commons.
I received the following email from Scott Linton about his mother, Betty:
I wanted to get you folks a note and give you an update on mom. She is currently at Bickford Place in Overland Park, KS and is in their memory care wing called Mary B’s. last Oct mom had a stroke that has left her without control on her right side. Since then she has had to pretty much have assistance with all daily activities due to being confined to a wheel chair.
The nurses there encouraged me to get Hospice care for her in Feb to help her be more comfortable which they have. She still has a smile and kisses for everyone and her attitude is as positive as ever. However her condition is becoming more frail and the nurse at the facility has informed me as of today that mom will be going onto a softened diet as she is unable to swallow solids and liquids will need to be thickened. She has some congestion in her chest she is unable to expel and the nursing staff is fearing it will progress rather quickly.
Please keep mom in your thoughts and prayers as we wait for the Lord to call her home.
Regards, Scott Linton
We received nice TV coverage yesterday on Channel 4. Below is a link:
http://www.kfor.com/videobeta/873994f5-42f6-4fb8-af2f-4433f9c94a52/News/City-Comprising-Public-Storm-Shelter-List
The scripture for today is Matthew 25:1-13:
Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. ‘Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ‘But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves. ‘And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us. ‘But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you. ‘Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, June 1
Most Amazing and Loving God,
So much of the time we think about You, we study about You, we debate about You, and we even write statements about what we and others are to believe about You; but we don’t prepare ourselves to experience You. Forgive us, O Lord. May we organize our lives in ways that set aside time to open our hearts to You. May our worship, meditations, prayers and Holy pauses, bring us closer to You. We are surrounded by Your grace. Stir us we pray. May we experience the peace, presence and love that comes only from You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Eric Koegel’s funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday (tomorrow) at the First Christian Church in Edmond. Please pray for his family.
Abe Preston’s funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. in our chapel. Please pray for Abe’s family.
The Bell Choir will rehearse this evening at 5:30 p.m. They will play in the 10:15 a.m. traditional service this Sunday.
I hope everyone had a joyful Memorial Day holiday. Carolyn, her sister, and I took a quick trip to McPherson County, Kansas, to find some old graves of their ancestors and then went on to Kansas City to see the Diana Exhibit at Union Station. We got back yesterday evening.
The scripture for today is Matthew 24:45-51:
Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed, ‘and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
So much of the time we think about You, we study about You, we debate about You, and we even write statements about what we and others are to believe about You; but we don’t prepare ourselves to experience You. Forgive us, O Lord. May we organize our lives in ways that set aside time to open our hearts to You. May our worship, meditations, prayers and Holy pauses, bring us closer to You. We are surrounded by Your grace. Stir us we pray. May we experience the peace, presence and love that comes only from You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Eric Koegel’s funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday (tomorrow) at the First Christian Church in Edmond. Please pray for his family.
Abe Preston’s funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. in our chapel. Please pray for Abe’s family.
The Bell Choir will rehearse this evening at 5:30 p.m. They will play in the 10:15 a.m. traditional service this Sunday.
I hope everyone had a joyful Memorial Day holiday. Carolyn, her sister, and I took a quick trip to McPherson County, Kansas, to find some old graves of their ancestors and then went on to Kansas City to see the Diana Exhibit at Union Station. We got back yesterday evening.
The scripture for today is Matthew 24:45-51:
Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed, ‘and he begins to beat his fellow slaves, and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know. He will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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