Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 31

God of the past, present and future,

We come to You on this last day of 2011 giving thanks for the bounty of creation and Your timeless grace. Watch over us, we pray, as we venture into 2012. May our devotion to You increase. May Your peace abound. May our love for our neighbor be expressed in action. We pray for our church in the coming year, O Lord. May our witness be profound as we share and live the Good News. All this we ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________

Gary Hula was involved in a terrible car crash on 81 highway north of Pond Creek yesterday late afternoon. The other vehicle apparently crossed the centerline. Gary attempted to evade but the collision was head on. Gary is in St. Mary’s hospital and will have surgery this morning to repair a broken femur. He is pretty beat up but doesn’t have any internal injuries. Please pray for Gary and his family. Please also pray for the family of the other driver who died at the scene.

Tomorrow we will be back to our regular Sunday morning schedule.

Have a safe celebration of the New Year.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:21-25

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 30

Comforting God,

We cry out and You are there. Throughout history we see Your desire to live in relationship with humankind, offering forgiveness and seeking reconciliation. In Jesus parable of the prodigal we hear of the father waiting for the return of the son, running to greet him and celebrating his return. So You are to us, loving God. Forgive our misguided ways, we pray.  May we turn into Your embrace. May we accept Your grace and may our lives be transformed, living as You would have us live. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______________________

Elbert Wheeler’s memorial service is today at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary with a family luncheon following. There will be a private, family graveside to bury his ashes tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

Clarice Bentley’s funeral will be today at 2:00 p.m. at Ladusau-Evans. Don Johnson will preside.

Please pray for both of these families.

Joyce Greenhaw is having outpatient surgery this morning at Mercy Hospital in OKC. Please pray for Joyce.

Deloras Oringderff is recovering from her back surgery and might be released today.

Bill Brant was hospitalized again, a few days ago, in Colorado because of a fever.

Randy Conrady will be moved today from Bass Hospital to Greenbriar Nursing Home.

Please pray for Joyce, Bill and Randy.

Carolyn and I are home from Dallas. It was generally a good trip, but, as it turns out, I have to make one more trip next week to begin the drug. On the up side, the oncologist is still very positive about my prognosis.

There is no Saturday service, but we will observe our regular worship and Sunday School schedule this Sunday, January 1.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:10-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 29

Intruding God,

You are so good to us. We are blessed beyond measure, even in spite of life’s turmoil. Your spirit broke into human history in the most unique way through Jesus the Christ. Break into our lives today, we pray. Sometimes we welcome Your presence. Sometimes You intrude when we are not prepared. Draw us unto Yourself, even when we are unwilling, O Lord, and push us into the world as Jesus’ disciples. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________________

Elbert Wheeler’s memorial service is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Don will preside at a funeral for Clarice Bentley at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon in the chapel at Ladusau-Evans.

Please pray for both these families.

Deloras Oringderff is having surgery today.

Bill Brant was dismissed from the hospital in Colorado after his fall on the ice. He was readmitted because of a fever.

Please pray for Deloras and Bill.

Carolyn and I are in Dallas. We saw the oncologist yesterday. We enjoyed a good evening meal and a wonderful night in a nice motel thanks to the generosity of good friends. Today I have more blood work, see the oncologist again, and begin the drug trial. Of course things never go as planned. Apparently there will be a delay in getting the drug, so we will have to stay in Dallas a few hours longer than we were originally told. O well. Thank you for your continued prayers.

The scripture for today is Mark_4:1-9

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 28

God of Mercy,

May we recognize Your presence with us this day. So often we compartmentalize our lives and relegate You to Sunday mornings. We pray You will forgive us, Loving God. May we experience You in all the days of our lives and may we seek to honor You with our love and with our witness. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______

Elbert Wheeler’s funeral will be Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please continue to pray for Meme, Evan, Megan, Claire and their families.

Deloras Oringderff is in St. Mary’s hospital and will have back surgery tomorrow. Randy Conrady remains in Bass Hospital, Please pray for Deloras and Randy.

The scripture for today is Mark_3:31-35

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 27

Merciful God,

As the end of 2011 approaches we remember and reflect on the events of this year. We have so much to celebrate and for which to be thankful. There are also those occasions, however, when we missed the mark, when we avoided doing the right thing, and when we weren’t faithful to You. Forgive us, we pray. While calendars are human constructions, a new year gives us the motivation to be better followers of Jesus. As we continue through the Christmas season into the new year, we pray for renewed strength to care for others, to share the Good news, and to be faithful witnesses in all we so and say. This is our prayer in the name of the Lord of all years, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

__________________

Elbert Wheeler died yesterday afternoon around 3:15 p.m. in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Meme and their children. Elbert’s funeral will probably be on Friday.

I have been informed by Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home that Clarice Bently has died and there will be either a service in the Ladusau-Evans chapel or at the graveside on Friday at 2:00 p.m.

I will share more information about both of these services as it becomes available.

Randy Conrady is the only member currently hospitalized. He is in Bass Hospital. Please lift Randy up in your prayers.

REMEMBER: there is no Church Visitor this week. We will have all our regular services next Sunday, January 1.

Carolyn and I travel to Baylor in Dallas tomorrow and will return on Thursday. Please keep us in your prayers.

The scripture for today is Mark_19b-30

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, December 26

Divine Spirit,

The gifts are opened. The wrapping paper and boxes are in the trash. Guests are preparing for return travels. There are dishes to be washed and items to be exchanged. Christmas Day is past and now we return to life as usual. If we listen, though, we can still hear distant carols and we can see, in our minds, those images of awe inspired children and smiling adults who have celebrated the birth of Christ. May we remember that Jesus didn’t come into a world of tinsel, lights, toys and gadgets. Rather, he came and comes into a world of darkness, oppression, poverty and conflict. Forgive us, Loving God, for sanitizing his birth and keeping him in the manger. May we allow the Christ to enter the present, the routine, even the darkness of the present day. May we experience Your hope and peace through him. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____________

Elbert Wheeler is in the hospital and is not doing well.

Randy Conrady is not doing well at all. He is in Bass hospital.

Clo Rine is still in St. Mary’s.

Charlie Stuever, Jason’s father, has been released from St. Mary’s.

Please pray for Elbert, Randy, Clo, and Charlie.

The church office is closed today. There will not be a Church Visitor this week.

The regular reading for yesterday was Mark_3:7-12

The Psalm for the week is Psalm_147:1-11

The reading for today is Mark_3:13-19a

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 25 CHRISTMAS

Isaiah_11:1-10

            It's a "dog eat dog" world, we say: It's survival of the fittest, and it's not pretty. All true in its way. But is it all that's true?  Isaiah gives us a vision that Jesus Christ lived into. While the wicked will perish, his judgment will favor the poor and the meek. Everything will be turned upside down.

            The Reign of God stands in contrast to the values of the culture. Instead of a “dog eat dog” mentality, Christ ushers in a different scenario. The wolf will live with the lamb. The cow and the bear will graze together. The leopard will lie down with the kid. All are metaphors for a new age. EVERYTHING is different, unexpected, out of the ordinary.

            When we celebrate the birth of Christ we are warmed by the beautiful story. It is a comforting and comfortable picture. As we embrace the Christ, however, we realize that the “normal” view of the world is no longer valid. We are moved out of our comfort zone into a world of new possibilities.

Dear God, open our eyes and our hearts this Christmas Day, that we might embrace the demands of the Christian faith which are always new and life transforming. May we be your agents in the world, agents with a different perspective.  In Jesus name, AMEN.     

Join your church family for scripture and carols at 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Bring family and friends to a “pot luck” breakfast at 9:15 a.m. The church is providing egg casserole and drinks.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE

God Who Brings Joy,

On this Christmas Eve day we open our hearts to the joy that comes only from You. More than merriment, Your joy sustains us and gives us hope. Through the Christ You brought light into lives that are dark and despairing. In the Manger we see the hope for all humankind and that revelation is cause for great rejoicing. We thank You, Loving God, for the miracle of Christmas. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

____________________

Please pray for those who are hospitalized, homebound, deployed, and removed from their families on Christmas.

Tonight we will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion services. One at 7:00 p.m. and one at 11:00 p.m. Please join us and bring your guests.

Tomorrow we will have brief services of scripture, carols and communion at 8:30 a.m. in the chapel and at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will share a “pot luck” breakfast for everyone at 9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The church will provide the egg casseroles. Bring a breakfast treat and join us. Casual dress is very appropriate.

The scripture for today is Proverbs_3:21-35

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 23

God of All Time,

In the eternity of Your grace we seem so insignificant. In darker moments we feel unworthy and unacceptable to You. The message of the Advent season is that the world needs a savior, and, O God, we need a savior. You provided and continue to provide that One to us, Jesus who is the Christ. As we ponder the unexplainable mystery of the manger, the overwhelming power of Your love, and the magnificent beauty of Christmas, we are driven to our knees, seeking Your forgiveness. Draw us unto You, we pray. Wash us clean, O Lord, as we catch a glimpse of the nativity and humbly bow with the shepherds and wise men. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______________

  

Clo Rine is still in St. Mary’s Hospital. Mary Jo Summers has been dismissed to the Sterling House. Charlie Steuver, Jason’s dad, has been moved from ICU to a room. Randy Conrady is still in Bass Hospital. Please pray for all these members and friends.

Please take a few moments today to reflect, listen and pray. This is a magnificent and awe filled time of year. Thanks be to God.

The scripture for today is Proverbs_3:1-12.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 22

God of Grace,

Today we pray for peace: in our hearts, in our families, in our church, in our community, and in our world. It seems that everywhere we look we see violence and unrest. Even as our troops are coming home from Iraq, there is more violence. We are concerned about the military in Afghanistan. In our own city there are numerous accounts of people seeking to hurt others. May Your spirit of peace abound, O God. Help us to understand that our words can be disrupt a peaceful climate. As we buy toys and games for our children and grandchildren, help us to choose wisely, avoiding those that portray violence toward others. Empower us to work for shalom in our hearts, O God, as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. AMEN.

________________

Remember our Christmas eve and Christmas morning services at the church.

The church will be closed on Monday. There will NOT be a Church Visitor newsletter next week.

The scripture for the week is Proverbs 2:1-15:

Click here: Proverbs_2:1-15

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 21

O Divine Presence,

May our spirits soar as we rapidly approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth. May our hearts be happy and may there be a song on our lips. We have so much for which to be thankful this Christmas season. In the midst of our joy, help us to look around us, O Lord, and see those who are less fortunate. May our gifts of peace, joy, hope and love be multiplied as we give them away. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

____________________

Please offer special prayers for Randy Conrady. Randy is having major health issues.

Remember our Christmas Eve services at 7 & 11 as well as our Christmas morning services at 8:30 and 10:15 with a breakfast at 9.

We pray for safe travels for family and friends on the road.

The scripture for today is Proverbs 1:20-33:

Click here: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191470323

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 20

Loving God,

We are hurrying to get those last minute items checked off our list before Christmas. Sometimes it is hard to appreciate the beauty and majesty of Christmas because of all the frenetic activity. Forgive us, Lord, for not seeing the manger because of all the tensile and wrapping paper. Today we pause, intentionally, to experience the power of the true meaning of this season. We give You thanks as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Immanuel. In Christ’s name we pray. AMEN.

__________________________

Please pray for Jason Stuever’s father , Charlie Stuever, who was in a severe car accident yesterday and is in ICU at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Please pray for Dr. Ron Schreck. He suffered a stroke over the weekend.

Clo Rine and Randy Conrady are still hospitalized.

The Stewardship Committee meets tonight at 6:30 p.m. All Committee Chairs are to meet at 7:30 p.m. so that we can finalize the budget for 2012.

The scripture for today is Job 42:1-6:

Click here: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191396417

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, December 19

O Lord, our Lord,

We are touched to a degree that is beyond words when we see others respond to Your love and grace. We thank You, Loving God, for the opportunity to witness and participate in Christian baptism. We know that the power of this sacrament is the result of the believer’s confession, the faith of the community and Your palpable presence. We pray for those baptized yesterday and we pray for our community of faith. May the ripple effect of Your love continue. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______________

YESTERDAY WAS A GLORIOUS DAY: We had good attendance in the 8:00 a.m. chapel service and in R & R. The choir and dancers were spectacular during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. The experience of eight adult baptisms was profound.

We also had the memorial service for Gene Mason yesterday afternoon. Please continue to pray for Judy and her children.

We offer a very special “thank you” to Dorothy Bracher, Suzie Floyd and all the people who helped to provide funeral luncheons on five consecutive days. They participate in an amazing ministry and we are all blessed by their service.

The scripture for today is Job 40:6-14:

Click here: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191307678

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 18

Intruding God,

We think our lives are going well, and then You surprise us with Your presence, challenging our priorities, our values, our service to others. Life would be so simple, God, if You would just let us come to church on Sundays, pray our prayers, sing our songs, and then go back to our routine, but You intrude. You turn everything upside down. You ask for our faithfulness and You desire that we trust in You. You call us out of our comfort and complacency. It is hard to be a true Christian, God. The message of Christmas is that You are with us. As we look at the life, ministry and sacrifice of Jesus our Lord, maybe we can try harder to be what You want us to be. We will try harder, O Lord. Amen.

__________________

Please pray for the family of Lindol Gregory, Bob Gregory’s brother and Ed Gorre’s brother-in-law. Lindol died on December 16^th in Texas.

Gene Mason’s memorial service is this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. We are providing a luncheon for his family at 12:45 p.m. Please pray for Judy and her children.

This morning the choir will present their cantata during the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.  Devon McAnally is preaching at the Revive and Renew Service. We also will have our regular 8:00 a.m. chapel service. Please join us and bring a friend.

The scripture for today is Job 38:1-23; 40:1-2:

Click here http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191207159

The Psalm for the week is Psalm 47:

Click here  http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191207245

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 17

God of the Prophets and Apostles,

There are those among us who have the faith, compassion and depth of spirituality to speak for You. Often we do not recognized them, O Lord, because they are usually not in pulpits, or leading meetings, or in the newspapers and books, or on television. Yet they speak truth to power. They challenge the status quo. They look beyond immediate gratification and sound bites, into the future You hold for us and they seek to direct us into Your reign. These prophets and apostles live and work in unexpected places.  May we hear You speaking to us through them. We pray this payer in the name of the one who was born in the most unexpected, undignified place, a manger. AMEN.

_______________________

Helen Matthew’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for her family.

Gene Mason’s funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for Judy and their family.

Carolyn and I made it home safely. We left at 7:30 a.m. and got home around 11:00 p.m. It was a long, but productive day.

Tomorrow will be a full and wonderful Sunday at Central with three services, the choir cantata, a number of adult baptisms, and youth caroling in the afternoon. Please join us.

The scripture for today is Mark 3:1-6:

Click here: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191131242

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 16

Dear Lord,

We praise you with our voices, with our thoughts, with our emotions and with our actions. May we find time, this day, to reflect on the beauty of this Advent season and then proceed with an act that exhibits our love for You. It is so easy to speak the words. It is much harder to translate them into deeds. May we be blessed as we seek to bless others. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_________________________

Please pray for Jimmy Davis’ mother. Alma. She had a stroke and is not doing well.

The memorial service for Goldia Rasmussen is today at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for her family.

Carolyn and I drive to Dallas today. Please pray for our safe travels.

The scripture for today is Mark 2:23-28:

Click here http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=191040549

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 15

God Who Calls Us By Name,

We are like Samuel. We hear our name being called, but we are unsure of the source. Please forgive our insular and inward ways. Help us, Loving God, to open our hearts and our ears. Today we say to You, like Samuel, “Speak, O Lord, for Your servant is listening”.  May we hear Your voice and respond to Your claim on us, seeking to live our faith where all can see. May we be bold in our concern for others. May we be drawn into a deep trust in You and a profound acceptance of Your grace. Speak, O Lord. We are listening. AMEN.

________________

Vera French reports, after a doctor’s consultation in Enid, that she has a place in her lung that is the size of a ping pong ball. They are certain it is malignant, but slow growing. She is going to go to Florida for Christmas and will return to Enid as soon as she can get an appointment with a specialist, likely in a few weeks. They will then do additional testing and probably a biopsy. Please pray for Vera’s health and for her safe travels.

Bertie Krausse has her appointment with the heart surgeon today in OKC. Please pray for Bertie.

Please pray for Davida Whitsett. She is back in the hospital and is not doing well.

Yesterday we buried Wayne Daniels in Garber. Today we will celebrate Birdene’s Schoonover’s life and faith at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary and then will bury her remains in Ames. Tomorrow Don will do the service for Goldia Rasmussen at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Also tomorrow, John Wheeler will represent Central Christian Church and participate in Jim Walta’s service at the Catholic Church in Hennessey. Saturday, I will assist Don with Helen Matthews service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Sunday, I will preside at Gene Mason’s memorial service in the sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. Please pray for these families. Please also pray for the church volunteers and staff. We have never had a week like this before.

You must come to church on Sunday, bring a friend, and participate in one of our three morning services. The choir Christmas cantata will be in lieu of the sermon in the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. A string quartet and liturgical dancers will also be a part of that service of worship PLUS we will be baptizing a number of adults.  It will be a GREAT DAY.

The scripture for today is Mark 2:18-22:

Click here: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=190957097

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 14

Loving God,

Our church has been impacted by so much death this week. It is almost beyond our ability to understand. We pray, O Lord, that Your spirit of peace and hope will flow over those who are grieving. May our congregation support these families with our love, our prayers, and our comfort. May the collective faith of our congregation buoy these who are hurting. Send Your Spirit, O God, to work through us, so that we may be a loving presence and a purveyor of Your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

__________________

Jim Walta died on Monday. Helen Matthews died yesterday morning. Gene Mason died around 9:00 p.m. last night. Please pray for all our grieving families.

Wayne Daniels funeral is today at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Birdene Schoonover’s service will be tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Goldia Rasmussen’s memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday in the chapel. Jim Walta’s service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the Catholic Church in Hennessey. We do not currently have any information on Helen Matthews’ service or Gene Mason’s service.  

Yesterday I connected dots that weren’t there. Bill Brandt did fall on the ice in Colorado, but he didn’t break a hip. He hit his head and is in ICU in a Denver hospital. I misspoke. Please offer special prayers for Bill.

Randy Conrady has moved out of the ICU at Bass and is now in a room. He will likely move to the Bass Pavilion in the near future.

Logan Stuever fell, resulting in a big laceration in his scalp which required a trip to the ER last night. Please pray for Logan and his parents.

Please pray for our staff and all the volunteers who provide funeral services and meals. It is an intense time at Central Christian Church.

The scripture for today is Mark 2:13-17:

Click this link: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=190869907

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 13

God of Abundant Grace,

So often our lives seem to be in a “rut”. There is comfort in sameness, but it can also lead to dull routine and boredom. During this Advent season we remember how Your Spirit intruded into human history and then nothing was the same. New hope and new possibilities for life with You became a reality. We pray You will come to us now, Transforming God. Intrude into our lives. May we experience You in surprising, unexpected moments  filled with beauty, power and awe. Stir our lives we pray. May our perspectives be changed and our vision sharpened, so that  we can see the presence of Christ around us and so that we can be empowered to break out of our dull routine into the full life he promised. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____________

 

Please pray for Vela McGugin. Her daughter, Beverly, died. Services will be Saturday at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.

Please pray for Judith Miracle, Carolyn McLemore’s sister, who is hospitalized in OKC. This is her third hospitalization this year.

Wayne Daniels’ Funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Birdene Schoonover’s funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Goldia Rasmussen’s memorial service will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for the families of these loved ones.

Bill Brandt fell on ice in Colorado and broke his hip. He is currently in a Denver hospital ICU. As soon as I get an address I will pass it on. Please pray for Bill.

The scripture for today is Mark 2:1-12:

Click below to read the text.

http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=190785415

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, December 12

Dear Heavenly Father,

Our images of You are diverse and our experiences of You are complicated. We know, O God, that You meet us where we are. You reveal yourself to us in ways that we are capable of understanding, yet You are so much more that our images, names and knowledge. We often wonder why You seek after us, why You love us, why You offer grace and peace to us. Yet You do. The images of the manger offer a glimpse of the mystery of Your presence.  May we embrace that mystery and seek to open our hearts to Your love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

___________________

Wayne Daniels funeral will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Birdene Schnoover’s funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Goldia Rasmussen’s memorial service will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for these three families.

Shirley West’s sister-in-law, Anna Marie Schulz, also died on Saturday. Please pray for her family.

Vera French was in a car wreck on her way home for California. As she was being examined for trauma, it was discovered she has lung cancer. Please pray for Vera as she consults with doctors and chooses the appropriate course of action.  

Charlie Holler’s 98 year old mother, Ethyl Holler, who lives in Illinois, was recently placed on hospice care. They have given her about two weeks to live. Please pray for Charlie and all his family.

The children’s Christmas program last night was wonderful and the treats and fellowship were amazing. Special thanks to Catina, Carolyn and all the parents who helped.

I have some more tests here tomorrow and Carolyn and I will go to Dallas for test there on Friday. We covet your prayers.

The scripture for today is Mark 1:40-45:

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.”⁴¹Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!”⁴²Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”⁴⁵But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 11

God of All Mercies,

May the beauty and splendor of this season direct us to the mystery of Your presence with us. O Lord, we know that Advent reminds us the world needs a Savior. Help us to embrace the Christ. Help us, we pray, to set aside the frenetic activity, at least for a few moments, and open our hearts to Your intruding love. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

Goldia Rasmussen died yesterday in the early afternoon. She is the third of our members to die in one day. Please pray for her son and his family. Goldia’s services are pending.

Wayne Daniels’ funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday with internment in Garber and a lunch for the family at approximately 12:30 p.m. at the church.

Birdene Schnoover’s funeral will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday with interment in Ames and a lunch for the family at approximately 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Floreine Oltmanns memorial service was held Friday at the First Christian Church in Crescent.

Please pray for all these families touched by death.

Randy Conrady is still in the ICU at Bass. Gene Mason is in the ICU at St. Mary’s and is in very critical condition. Please pray for Randy and Gene.

Today we will have wonderful morning services with an infant dedication in the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service.

This evening at 6:00 p.m. the children and some youth will present the Children’s Christmas Program with a Tasting Party afterward. Please join us to support the children, enjoy good fellowship and international treats.

The scripture for today is Mark 1:35-39:

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.”³⁸He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.”³⁹And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

The Psalm for the week is Psalm 32:

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. ²Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. ³While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. ⁴For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

⁵

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

⁶

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them. ⁷You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

⁸

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. ⁹Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you. ¹⁰Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord. ¹¹Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore