Prayer for Today, Monday, December 31

O Lord,

 

Help us to be fully aware of your holy presence. As one year comes to a close and another begins, may we know that You enfold us in your love. Let our hearts become one with Yours. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Our beloved Gene Brintnall died early yesterday morning. His funeral will be on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

 

Jay Russell is having major surgery today at St. Mary’s Hospital. Jay is the son of Dee and Roy Smith. He will be hospitalized for 10 to 14 days to recover. Please offer special prayers for Jay.

 

Ruth and Jack Weston’s daughter, Amy Bramer, has recently been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Please hold Amy and the Westons in your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00 a.m.        Staff meeting

The church office will close this afternoon for New Years Eve.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_4:31-44

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 30

Loving God,

 

Please help us today to be open to You. As 2012 comes to a close may we put aside the cares of this world. Fill our minds with your peace and love. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Please continue to pray for the Justice family as they mourn the death of Sam’s sister.

 

Chad Novak is continuing to improve in a hospital in Tampa. He will probably be there for another week. Please continue to pray for Chad.

 

Jay Russell, Dee and Roy Smith’s son, is having surgery tomorrow at St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Jay.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel service

9:00    Sunday School for all ages

10:15    R & R service in the chapel

10:15    Traditional worship in the sanctuary

PM      Youth groups meet

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

Luke_4:14-30

 

Psalm_25:16-22

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 29

Divine Presence,

 

The more we pray the more we  feel Your presence. Each day and day by day may we be drawn closer to Your loving heart. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please offer prayers for the family of Charlotte Justice Saleska, Sam Justice’s sister. She died Friday in Phoenix.

 

Special note to the members CWF: The normal first Wednesday activities have been moved to January 9. Likewise the group meetings have been moved back a week as well.

 

A number of new and “reconsidered” Estimates of Giving have been received. If you have yet to submit your estimate for 2013 or are wanting to submit a different Estimate, please do so. Bring them to church tomorrow so we can finish the campaign and quickly work on the budget.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

There are no activities scheduled today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Micah_3:1-8

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 28

Most Holy God,

 

Help us realize that we can call on You at any time of the day or night. You are always waiting, listening for our prayer.
What a wonderful blessing. No phone needed, no e-mails, just a whisper and we give You thanks in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please pray for the family of Nikki Meyer who passed away before Christmas. She was Meredith Wager’s mother and Twyla Provost’s niece.

 

As 2012 comes to a close and we begin to think about 2013, please pray that the leaders and members of Central Christian Church be courageous and bold is finding ways to proclaim and live the Good News. May we be positioned to make appropriate and potentially challenging decisions.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

The church office is open.

There are no scheduled activities today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Micah_2:1-11

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 27

O Lord,

 

We pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that You shower on us. You created us in Your image and likeness. We ponder what that means. Help us to look around to family, friends, neighbors, strangers, even enemies and see Your image in them. As we approach the new year we pray for reconciliation and peace in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Harry Hammonds called yesterday to ask for prayers for his niece, Vicena Fredricks, and her family. Her seven week old baby died Tuesday night, probably from SIDS.  

 

Jerry Reinhart is in St. Mary’s hospital. Carolyn Huber is in Bass Hospital. Please pray for Jerry and Carolyn.

 

The Thursday Bible Study has been canceled.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

The church office is open.

There are no scheduled activities today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Joel_2:28-32

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 26

Dear God,

      

We come to you today longing for your presence. We desire to love you as You love us. May nothing ever separate us from You. We earnestly pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Christmas Day is over, yet we still bask in the glory and wonder of the Christmas season.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS in the multipurpose room

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – men

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Christmas Day

Loving God,

 

Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the wonder of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate in our hearts and open the door of love. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings. May this Christmas morning make us happy to be Your children, and this Christmas evening conclude with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven. In Jesus’ name. AMEN

______

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Monday, December 24

Dear God,

 

As we call on You this Christmas Eve, we realize that we often come asking for favors. Today we just want to be in your presence. Let our hearts respond to Your Love. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please continue to pray for Gene Brintnall who is under hospice care.

 

Pray for a hopeful and joyous celebration of Christmas.

 

The Children’s Christmas Program “Cookin Up Christmas” will be on Pegasys Channel 11 at 4:00 p.m. today.

 

The information in the Visitor and the bulletin about CWF meetings was incorrect. Lesson leaders, executive board and the monthly CWF luncheon will be on Wednesday, January 9. The Agape group will meet on the 15^th and the other groups will meet on the 16^th.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

The church office is closed

7:00    Christmas Eve Service

11:00   Christmas Eve Service

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_2:1-7

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 23

O Lord our God,

 

The frantic pace of pre-Christmas activities is almost over. Now we can welcome family and guests. We can set aside time today and tomorrow for moving worship experiences, and we can open our hearts to Your love. Please forgive us as we have set Jesus’ aside and pursued  a frenetic holiday pace. May we now focus on Your love and the mystery of Bethlehem. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Gene Brintnall is in renal failure and is approaching the end of his life. Please pray for Gene and his family.

 

We were to dedicate Gail Lewis’s great-grandson today, but Jaden Michael Kelly is recovering from RSV, so the dedication has been postponed. Please pray for Jaden.

 

Our daughter went to the hospital yesterday because she was exhibiting symptoms of preeclampsia. They kept her for a while, did a series of tests, and then sent her home. Please continue to pray for Katherine as her pregnancy comes to term.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel Service

9:00    Sunday School

10:15    Combined service of worship in the sanctuary

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_3:16-17

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 22

God of Wonders,

 

We stand in awe of the beauty and the mystery of Bethlehem. As we read the Christmas stories our minds are filled with amazing visions. As we look around today, we see family and friends gathering to celebrate Christ’s birth. Help us, O Lord, to see and believe. Help us, Loving God, to let the story live in our hearts and then be seen in our actions. We thank You for the miracle of Christmas and we offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Chad Novak, Pat and Gail’s son, was in Jamaica vacationing with his wife and contracted bacterial meningitis. They treated him for a while in Jamaica, then took him to Tampa by med flight. He is in a coma in the ICU at a Tampa hospital. Please pray for Chad and his family.

 

Please pray for the family of Jimmie Craddick who died yesterday. Jimmie’s wife, Millie, is a co-worker of our daughter Katherine.  

 

Please pray for our Christmas Sunday and Christmas Eve services. Also please pray for our holiday travelers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Nothing is scheduled at the church today

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_4:9-13

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, December 21

Gracious God,

 

Scripture tells us only You know the time and date when history comes to an end. Please forgive us for all the furor about the Mayan calendar. Soothe the hearts and minds of those who place stock in such things. We trust in You, O Lord. We ask for Your blessing and we seek to continue to share Your love with those around us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Bertie Krausse is recovering from her recent surgery at home. She still can’t put any weight on her leg. Catina Sundvall is also recovering from her surgery. Please continue to pray for Catina and Bertie.

 

Max Johnson reports that the Children’s Christmas Program is on Pegasys Channel 11 today at 5:00 p.m. Tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. and on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Office is open. No scheduled activities.

The church office will be closed on Monday, Christmas Eve. We will have two Christmas Eve services, one at 7:00 p.m. and the other at 11:00 p.m.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_4:5-8

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, December 20

Holy God,

 

This week we reflect on the joy that comes to us through Jesus the Christ. We move through the days waiting because we have been prepared to believe Your reign is close at hand. Continue to prepare our hearts, we pray,  and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which Your presence will bestow. In Jesus’ name we pray.

______

 

Gene Brintnall is now under hospice care. Please pray for Gene.

 

Please pray for our family, friends, and church members as they travel or as guests are received for the holidays.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

2:00    Commons service of worship

3:00    Staff Come & Go Christmas Party/Reception in the fellowship hall.

4:00    Cancer Support Group in the library

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_4:1-4

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore   

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, December 19

Empowering God,

 

Today our voices join the ranks of the heavenly chorus as we sing praises to You and carol one another with songs of hope, peace, joy, and love. Music is the language of the soul and it takes us to places beyond intellectual assent. We thank You, O God, for the power and mystery of this season and for the music  that lifts our spirits. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

 

Please pray for the Cox family as they mourn the death of Janet’s sister, Myrtle Atkins, and to the Simms family as they mourn the death of Katy Sims, Bert’s granddaughter.

 

Please lift up all those families who are grieving the loss of loved ones, particularly during this holiday season.

 

Remember, the staff Christmas Party is tomorrow from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to drop by and share holiday cheer and refreshments.

 

Please pray for our daughter, Katherine. Her baby is due January 15^th and Katherine on the verge of preeclampsia. She sees the doctor every week, but if symptoms progress the doctor will induce her. Carolyn and I have our bags packed and are ready to go on a moment’s notice.  

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS in the multipurpose room

11:00   Sooner Class Christmas Brunch at the home of Sally Keeler

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – men

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_3:15-38

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, December 18

Loving God,

 

The heavens and earth are full of Your glory. May we praise You with our hearts and our lives. We sing “Hallelujah”.  Thank You for Your grace and the love that is made known to us through Jesus the Christ. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

We continue to pray for the families in Connecticut who are now beginning to bury their loved ones.

 

Please also pray for the family of Bert Sims granddaughter, Katy Sims. Katy died during the night in Houston. Her aunt is Martha O’ Banion.

 

Thursday there will be a “come and go” Christmas party for the staff in the fellowship hall from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Plan to drop by and enjoy some Christmas treats with the staff.

 

Our Estimates of Giving for the operations of Central Christian Church in 2013 are less than we need. The Stewardship Committee is asking people who have yet to offer an Estimate to do so and for those who have already submitted an Estimate to consider an increase if possible. Central has always been blessed by generous givers and this year is no exception. Thank you in advance for your 2013 gifts to support our mission and ministry.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:30    Single Women’s breakfast at the Ramada Inn

Noon   Noon Bible Study                        

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – women

6:00    Beta Sigma Phi in room 109

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_3:1-14

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, December 17

Heavenly Parent,

 

There are times on our journey when we are uncertain and insecure. We need assurances. In the midst of the Connecticut tragedy and holiday pressures, this is such a time. Come to us, Dear God. Assure us with Your palpable presence. Sustain us with Your grace. Comfort us with the hope that can only come from You. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Please pray for Janet Cox and her family as they prepare for her sister, Myrtle Atkins, funeral.

 

Please continue to pray for those affected by Friday’s shooting.

 

Bertie Krausse is still in rehab at St. Mary’s.

 

Please pray for Bert Simms’ granddaughter, Katie, who lives in Houston. She was found unconscious and is in critical condition.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    Staff Meeting

Noon   Noon Prayer Service

6:00    Quilter’s Guild in the fellowship hall

7:00    Boy Scouts

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_2:41-52

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, December 16

O Divine Presence,

 

Circumstances complicate our lives and there are moments when we long for simplicity. The world is racing around us. Violence is always in the news. Uncertainty in government causes great concern, and in the midst of it all we continue on our journey through Advent. Help us to realize, Loving God, that our faith does not make things simpler, but our faith sustains us in the midst of such turmoil. Thank You for the gift of the babe in the manger. Thank You for Your ever-present love. Thank You for the comfort that comes to us in knowing that Your ultimate will is that all of creation be reconciled to You. Thank You for Christmas. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Janet Cox’s only remaining sibling, Myrtle Atkins, died Friday night. Please pray for Janet and all of Myrtle’s family.

 

Please pray for God’s blessing as we worship today.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8:00    Chapel Service

9:00    Sunday School for all ages

10:15    Choir Cantata in the sanctuary

10:15    R & R Service in the chapel

6:00    Children’s Christmas Program in the fellowship hall followed by a refreshments

The youth will have a Christmas party sometime today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

Luke_2:22-40

 

Psalm_111

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, December 15

God of Tender Mercies,

 

Our hearts are broken as we hear the stories of the horrific acts of violence in Newtown, Connecticut. Our words are so inadequate as we seek to provide comfort and solace to those effected, even our local students and teachers. We struggle with the reality of violence in our culture. We pray that Your comforting and healing presence may abound. May our thoughts and prayers support those who cannot pray in the midst of such horror. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please lift up Janet Cox’s sister, Myrtle Atkins. She is in the last hours of her life.

 

Pray for our children who are hearing about the school shooting. May they know God’s love and may they feel safe in their present environment.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:30    Children’s Christmas Program rehearsal

1:00     Red Hat Flappers meet in the multipurpose room

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Hosea_6:1-6

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore