Prayer for Today, Friday, August 31

Gracious Lord,

 

Sometimes we examine our situation in life and we become despairing. Then we look around and see conditions in which others find themselves and our maladies don’t seem so bad. Please forgive our self-centeredness, loving God. Help us to be glass half full people. May we rejoice in the positive aspects of our lives, the blessings, and the joy. May we seek to reach out to others as agents of hope and comfort. We celebrate the paradox of the Christian faith – we are blessed as we seek to bless others. For all things we give Your thanks. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Todd Garrett has been diagnosed with MS and is beginning treatment. Please pray for Todd.

 

Fig Newton sent the following email: “John one of our dear friends of the family who lives in Dallas, just found out that their 4 month old daughter has a hole in her heart and will need open heart surgery sometime in the next two weeks.  Please put Aubrey Miller in our prayers and also her Mom and Dad, Tim and Shannon.  Thank you to all of our church family for all of your prayers. God bless all of you.  Fig”

 

Please pray for Aubrey and her family.

 

Close friends of our daughter Katherine, Karlee and Jeff Chill, had two year old twins. Both have been diagnosed with Alpers disease. Logan has died. His brother, Griffen, is still living but will also die. Please pray for this family as they continue on this terrible journey.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 30

Loving God,

 

We are presented with choices every day and we attempt to make the right decisions. Sometimes these are relatively insignificant, sometimes they are potentially life changing. When we come to a fork in the road of life, we seek Your guidance as to which way to go. May we trust in You, O Lord. Empower us through your spirit to be open to the signs of Your presence. May we use all our gifts and abilities to make the right choices. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Jay Russell and Stanley Hitt are patients at St. Mary’s Hospital.

 

Dr. Mike Ogle has been released from Bass Hospital.

 

Sophia Farmer is a patient at the Bass Pavilion.

 

Please pray for our hospitalized.

 

Keaton Barron, 2 year old son of friends of Kyle and Kristen Tefft, has been diagnosed with leukemia. Please pray for Keaton.

 

Sally is needing volunteers for Sunday School. If you are interested please give Sally a call at 233-1214.

 

This weekend is the last holiday weekend of the summer. If you are traveling, please be safe. If you are in town, please make every effort to attend worship.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 29

O Divine Presence,

 

May Your spirit move among us this day. Where there is hurt, may we be agents of healing. Where there is despair, may we find ways to bring hope. Where there is division, may we be reconcilers. Where there is doubt, may we exhibit faith. You are our God. We thank You for the blessings that are all around us. May we seek to bless others in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please continue to pray for our homebound and hospitalized.

 

Please pray for our church as we seek to share the Good News in word and deed.

 

As you know, I had my 4^th chemotherapy treatment last Thursday. It seems that the fatigue came earlier and is staying longer this time, but that is part of the journey. I continue to covet your prayers.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 28

Holy God,

 

We rejoice in this new day! Our hearts are filled to overflowing as we explore the opportunities to love, to serve, to praise, and to connect that are before us. May we put away all malice and ill will that would adversely affect our relationships with others and with You. May our joy be contagious. Thank you for this glorious day. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Sophia Farmer has been moved to the Bass Pavilion room 4223. Please pray for Sophia.

 

Kayte Anton spent much of yesterday in the emergency room. She asked to be put on our chronic illness prayer list. Please pray for Kayte.

 

We have a number of visitors and prospects who are on the verge of joining Central Christian Church. Please pray for these individuals and families that they might make that decision. And pray for our church as we receive, accept, love and nurture them.

 

Remember the Kids Central Food Drive.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 27

Loving and Gracious God,

 

We praise Your name out of our faithfulness. But we do  wonder, at times, if our praises are heard. Sometimes the trials and tribulations of the present moment overwhelm us and we feel isolated and alone. We even doubt. Please forgive us, loving God. In the midst of our angst may we repeat the vow of the Psalmist. . .”Still will we trust in You”. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Jay Russell, Stanley Hitt, and Sophia Farmer are still hospitalized. Annella Baker is in Assisted Living at the Commons. Howard Shaffer and John Stephens have been dismissed. Please pray for all these members and friends.

 

Please continue to pray for Marjorie Butler, who fell last week and broke some ribs. Also for Todd Garrett who is undergoing medical tests and Joe Kudlac who is having difficulty walking.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 26

Holy One,

 

We yearn for those mountaintop experiences where our vision is unimpeded, our minds are clear, and our hearts are filled with hope and joy. This is when everything makes sense and we feel close to You, but such moments are fleeting, at best. Most of the time we experience the more mundane aspects of our mortal journeys. Thank You, O Lord, for those brief moments that bring us joy and glimpses of Your glory. They give us the strength to live everyday with courage and expectancy. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Sophia Farmer is back in the hospital and has been for a few days. Please pray for Sophia.

 

Annella Baker has been dismissed from the hospital and is now at The Commons Skilled Nursing.

 

Joe Kudlac has lost the strength in his legs and is unable to walk. Please pray for Joe.

 

Today we baptize John Cole. It will be a glorious celebration. Come to Sunday School and Church. Bring a friend with you.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 25

Loving God,

 

There are days when the road ahead is straight and looks easy. There are days when all we see are bumps and curves. When life goes well may we give You thanks for Your presence. When life is full of troubles may we trust in You and give You thanks for Your presence. You are our God. Come into our hearts, we pray, and give us the strength to meet the day, whatever it may hold. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Please continue to pray for our hospitalized: Jay Russell, Annella Baker, Howard Schaffer, Stanley Hitt, and John Stephens.

 

Tomorrow we will participate in a baptism during our 10:15 a.m. traditional service. Please pray for John Cole as he takes this major step in his journey of faith.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 24

Creator God,

 

Jesus said, “‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NRSV) May we hear Jesus words and take them to heart, O God. Sometimes our burdens seem overwhelming. Sometimes they are non-existent. Whatever the case, we surrender our cares and concerns to You. Help us to open our hearts to the spirit of the Christ who heals our wounds and makes us whole. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______

 

Please pray for our hospitalized: Jay Russell, Annella Baker, Howard Schaffer, Stanley Hitt, and John Stephens.

 

Please pray for Max and Mary Johnson. A niece passed away yesterday.

 

Our Regional Youth Council representatives:

Katie Bushman, Michael Johnson, Katherine Jones, Rachel Meyer, and John Wheeler are participating in a planning retreat this weekend with other youth leaders around the state. Please pray for safe travel and a successful meeting.

 

My fourth chemo went well. Now to wait and see when the fatigue hits, however this morning I feel great.

 

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 23

Eternal Love,

 

Your spirit moves among us as a nurturing, inviting, prodding, encouraging, and sustaining presence. We like the comfortable places of our lives, yet Your spirit unsettles us. Our encounters with the Holy change things. No longer can we rely on those easy ways of the past. You push us into uncharted waters, yet we are comforted and nurtured by Your grace and we are enabled to meet the challenges that are before us. Faith must always be dynamic. Static faith is dead faith. Keep prodding us, O Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Stanley Hitt was hospitalized with double pneumonia. Ginger called the church this morning and said he was doing better. Please pray for Stanley.

 

Marjorie Butler fell yesterday and was taken to the ER. She has bruised or broken ribs, but was released to return home. Please pray for Marjorie.

 

Sophia Farmer has been readmitted to Bass Hospital. Please pray for Sophia.

 

I had my fourth chemotherapy treatment this morning. So far so good. My PSA is coming down. We go to Dallas in two weeks to see the oncologist there. The local oncologist said we may want to continue the chemo a few more times since it is working and I seem to be tolerating it fairly well. I guess we will find out when I go to Dallas. Thank you again for your kind words and prayers.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

  

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 22

Holy One,

 

Sometimes the words of our prayers roll easily off our lips. At other times they get stuck in our throats. Examine our hearts, we pray. May Your spirit intercede on our behalf,  hear our deepest needs and assuage our unspoken concerns.  This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

I misspoke yesterday. Jay Russell is in St. Mary’s ICU. Please continue to pray for Jay.

 

Annella Baker and Howard Shaffer are also patients at St. Mary’s. Please pray for Annella and Howard.

 

Mike Ogle has been dismissed from Bass Hospital. John Stevens, Lana Ellis’ brothers is now a patient at Bass. Please pray for Mike and for John.

 

These last few days have been good days for me. Tomorrow I have my fourth chemotherapy treatment. So I am anticipating a few rough days next week. Carolyn and I go to Dallas to see the oncologist there on September 4^th. Maybe this will be the last chemo. We will wait and see.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 21

Gracious God,

 

You have called us Your children and Your love is eternal. Sometimes we are obedient. Sometimes we are rebellious. Sometimes we are filled with doubts and even question Your presence with us. We confess who we are. Even in our doubts and our rebellion You are our God. Even when we turn our backs to You and seek our own ends, Your love is there. Please be patient with us, Loving God.  Draw us unto Yourself, O Lord. Please surround us with Your peace, even when we turn away. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Please pray for Todd Garret. He is dealing with health issues.

 

Please continue to pray for Jay Russell. He is still in ICU at Bass Hospital after his third surgery on Sunday.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 20

O Lord our Lord,

 

A new day and a new week are before us. What will the future bring? Help us, Loving God, to recognize opportunities for caring and service. May we look outwardly rather than inwardly. May our time be spent in ways that benefit those around us. May our attitude be positive and hopeful. Please forgive us when we miss the mark, we pray. May Your spirit of peace and hope sustain us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Please pray for Jay Russell, Dee Smith’s son. Jay had another emergency surgery yesterday morning.

 

We had a wonderful Fall Kick-off with many enjoying our noon luncheon. Please pray for our congregation as we move into the fall. May we seek to discern God’s claim on us all.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 19, 2012

Today is the day we assemble to bring our worship to You. It is the most important act of the faithful. You call to us. You learn toward us, and we are invited to respond with our presence, our praise, and our prayers. Everything else we do as a church is defined by our worship. Please forgive our skewed priorities. Please forgive our misplaced loyalties. Be present to us this day as we worship You. May we do so in spirit and in truth. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____  

I received the following email from Austin Wade: “Rev McLemore--

Would you ask someone to add my first wife's name to the group prayer request.  Her name is Martha Lowe (Santa Maria, CA).  She dying and is being cared for by hospice and our children.  We are praying that she has an easy transition.  And I am praying that God also be with and comfort our children, Bruce and Rebecca.

Thank you. --Austin Wade”

Please pray for Martha Lowe.

I received the following email from Judi Jordan “Our good friend Rick Hockmeyer, EHS teacher and tennis star, is very sick.  High fevers and they can't find the cause.  Prayers for health and for the doctors solving this puzzle are appreciated.
Judi”

Please pray for Rick.

Please continue to pray for the families of Vena Poore, John Ireland, and Alma Davis.

Today is Fall kick-off Sunday. Wear your school or team colors and join us for our luncheon.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 18

God Who is Faithful,

 

In our history, O Lord, You have continually reached out to Your people. You establish a covenant relationship. The people fall away. You reach out again and the people continue to fall away. We don’t understand why You keep trying, yet You do. We feel so unworthy, as a people and as individuals. Help us to realize that there is an emptiness in us that only You can fill. We are incomplete until we turn into Your embrace. Your grace overcomes all our flaws and sin. We stand amazed, but we are thankful. May we be faithful to You in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Sophia Farmer and Laura Deatherage were both dismissed from the hospital yesterday. Please pray for their recovery.

 

Jay Russell and Mike Ogle still need our prayers.

 

A group is gathering at 9:00 a.m. today to decorate the fellowship hall for our Fall Kick-off Luncheon tomorrow.

 

Remember to wear your team or school colors to church and then to stay for the luncheon. We will have a lot of fun and will receive information about our programs and ministries for the fall.

 

The Sooners Class will meet in the chapel for Sunday School tomorrow.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 17

Eternal Presence,

 

You are our help is ages past and our hope for years to come. We give You thanks for the wonder and mystery of Your grace in our lives that gives us hope and the promise of peace. Often we are overwhelmed by the divisions we experience in the human family. Politics, economics, ethnicity, and religion often drive people apart. May our faith inform and sustain us in such times. The prophet Isaiah spoke for You when he said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples”. Forgive us, Loving God, when we focus on that which separates us. May our faith be the motivation to find common ground with our brothers and sisters around the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____   

 

Please pray for Kristen Damrey, Her grandmother in Kansas died recently.

 

Dr. Mike Ogle is very ill and is in Bass Hospital. Please pray for Mike.

 

Laura Deatherage should be dismissed from St. Mary’s today. Please pray for her speedy recovery.

 

Please continue to pray for Jay Russell and Sophia Farmer.

 

The Faith Leader group, which has been meeting this last year, will have their final event tomorrow at the home of Mike and Suzanne Klemme.

 

Sunday is our Fall Kick-off Luncheon. Everyone is invited to wear their school colors and have a lot of fun. Volunteers are needed to set up and decorate. Please come to the church at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday) to help. The Sooners Class will meet in the Chapel for Sunday School on Sunday.

 

Sunday will be a great time to bring a friend with you to Sunday School, worship, and the luncheon.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 16

Holy One,

Priorities are easily set and difficult to honor because there are so many influences competing for our time, talents and resources. We want to spend time with families, but everyone has busy schedules, even our children and youth. We want to help in civic organizations, yet the pace of our work limits our involvement. We want to serve You, O Lord, yet often we even move You down the list. Please forgive our foolish ways, we pray. May we be bold and courageous, holding fast to our desire to serve You and others in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Alta Mae Birkenbile’s funeral is today at 2:00 in the sanctuary. Please pray for her family.

Somehow Laura Deatherage’s hospitalization was left out of this week’s Visitor. She is recovering from knee surgery and is in St. Mary’s hospital room 396. Please pray for Laura.

This Sunday is our Fall Kick-off. Everyone is invited to wear their school colors and stay for a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed on Saturday, August 18^th, to decorate and roll silverware. If you can help, come to the church at 9:00 a.m.

We had our first Board meeting last night and it was well attended. Please pray for our Board officers and committee chairs who are listed below:

2012-2013 Board Officers

Moderator – Roy Smith

Vice-Moderator – Beth Tefft

Secretary – Valerie Driscoll

Treasurer -  Mary Suzan Chambers

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

CACS – Shirley Salisbury & Kay Allison

Christian Education  - Kayte Anton & Amanda Phillips

Evangelism – Gail Novak

Membership – Jana Harvey & Beth Kelly

Property – David Dell

Stewardship – Thom Bushman

World Outreach – Sue Dell & Tiffany Harvey

Worship – Suzanne Klemme & Georgie Haltom

Grace and peace,

John McLemore  

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 15

Loving God,

The cooler weather and rain come as a great relief and our spirits are lifted. We thank You for the variety of life experiences. You walk with us through the drought and in the falling rain. You are present in the heat of the day and the cool of the night. May our hearts be open to You. May our voices sing Your praises. May our witness draw others into a relationship with You through Jesus the Christ. Your presence is eternal and your love precedes anything we do. We give You thanks.  In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.

______

Laura Deatherage had knee replacement surgery yesterday at St. Mary’s hospital. She is in room 396. Please pray for her recovery.

John Ireland’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. Alta Mae Birkenbile’s funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for their families.

The Kids Central Board meets today at 5:00 p.m. The Membership Committee and the Special Gifts Committee meet today at 6:30 p.m. The Board meets at 7:30 p.m.

Please pray for our new Board, officers, and committees. May our service to God be faithful and dedicated.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 14

Divine Love,

Life throws us curve balls from time to time. We think we are prepared. Our plans are in place and then suddenly everything has changed. We become disoriented and unsettled. Help us to realize, Loving God, that You are our solid rock. You are the ground of our being. Even when the unexpected and unplanned circumstances of life overwhelm us, You are unchanged and unchanging. We trust in You, O Lord. May Your Spirit embrace us and give us strength. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

John Ireland’s funeral is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Alta Mae Birkenbile’s funeral has been scheduled for Thursday at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Please pray for John’s and Alta Mae’s families.

The Kids Central Board meets tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. The Membership Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. The Special Gifts Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. and the Board meets at 7:30 p.m. It will be a busy day.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 13

Embracing God,

Our church family has been impacted these last few days by the demise of a number of dear and faithful members and friends. We pray for their families, their friends, and our entire faith community. We realize, O Lord, that death is but the end of one journey and the beginning of another, yet loneliness and sorrow impact us. May your spirit of peace and comfort sustain those who are grieving. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

John Ireland died yesterday morning. His funeral will be on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Alta Mae Birkenbile died yesterday afternoon. Her service will likely be on Wednesday afternoon here at the church.

Jimmy Davis’ mother died yesterday morning. There will be a graveside service for her in Lawton on Wednesday.

Please pray for the families impacted by these deaths and also please continue to pray for the families of Vela McGugin and Vena Poore, whose services were last week.

There is a board meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All elders, deacons, board officers and committee chairs are asked to be in attendance.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 12

God of Love,

 

We use the word “love” so frequently it often loses its meaning. Please forgive us, Generous God, for allowing such a concept to become flat and colorless. Your love overwhelms us. Christ’s love on the cross empowers us. The love of family and friends encourages us. True love is anything but dull and lifeless. It is a simple and overused word, yet it conveys the very essence of our relationship with You and others and we are grateful. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

-----

Please pray for John Ireland and Alta Mae Birkenbile. They are both in the final stages of their life.

 

Today is Bridge Sunday. Join us for breakfast in the loggia at 9:00 a.m. and a program at 9:30 a.m.

 

There is Deacon Training at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

 

Please pray for our church as we seek to live and share the Good News.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore       

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 11

Loving God,

We take so many of our blessings for granted. The cool morning breeze reminds us that life is not always the same, that changes do come, often revitalizing us. Thank You, Gracious God. Please forgive our shortsightedness. Please forgive our narrow view of life, thinking that today’s trials last forever. You are a God of Love and in You we find hope and strength. Today we thank You for all our blessings. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

Please pray for Jimmy Davis’ mother, Alma. She is continuing to decline.

Please pray for John Ireland and his family. John is in the last days of his life.

Also for Alta Mae Birkenbile, Laura’s grandmother. She is not expected to live much longer.

Tomorrow is Bridge (Promotion) Sunday. Join your church family and friends for a breakfast in the loggia at 9:00 a.m. There will be a program at 9:30 a.m. and then special recognition as a part of worship in the 10:15 a.m. traditional service and the R & R service.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 10

O Holy Presence,

The power of darkness is difficult to overcome and it moves into our thoughts, our spirits, our very beings. Free us, we pray, from seeing only the negative, the disgusting, the evil in the world. May the light of Your grace illumine our hearts this day. May Your presence cleanse us and free us from the base elements of our nature. May we experience hope and joy as we seek to share the news of Christ that brings light into all the dark places of life. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

Please pray for Alta Mae Birkenbile. She is in the last days of her life.

Please pray for John Ireland. He is now at home under hospice care.

Sandy Law sent the following email: “. One of my friends has 3 special needs children because of this she doesn’t work

and now her husband has been diagnosed with cancer...Her name is Melissa and her husband is Tommy....Could their family be added to our prayer list... They have given the cancer to God but that isn’t their only issues right now..They have no insurance....”

Please pray for Melissa and Tommy.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 9

Creator God,

We see your handiwork all around us and we sing praises to You. Unfortunately, in our self-absorbed, fast-paced world we often rush past the beauty that is there. Our focus is on the next meeting, the next appointment, the next stop on the journey, the items we need at the store, or the next program on television. Please forgive us, Loving God, and help us to slow down. May we take Holy Pauses through this day. May we look around. May we rejoice in the beauty and wonder that is all about and may we give You thanks. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Vena Poore’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for her family and friends.

Jay Russell (Dee Smith’s son), John Ireland and Sophia Farmer are all hospitalized. Please pray for them.

June Frei is recovering from a broken arm. Please pray for June.

Another need has been brought to my attention. We have a member who is diabetic. She normally gets her insulin through an agency here in Enid, but they have not responded to two recent requests. Her doctor sent her to the free clinic which is normally open every Tuesday evening. Unfortunately they are on a summer schedule and are open every other week. Last Tuesday they were closed and she was out of her medication. Rick Hill graciously filled the prescription for her because she was rapidly moving into a desperate situation. The cost was over $250.00 because she has no insurance. I authorized Rick to bill the church. Would you, your Sunday School class, or small group consider helping defray that cost?  It seems there is so much need. I know God doesn’t ask us to do everything, but God does ask us to do something. Thank you for your consideration.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 8

Spirit of the Living God,

Fall afresh on us this day. Melt us. Mold us. Fill us. Use us. Spirit of the Living God. Fall afresh on us as we continue our journey. May we experience the miracle of Your touch. Please wash away our pain, our grief, our sorrow, and our hurt. May we be empowered to boldly confess our experience of You in our lives and our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Use us, O Lord. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Vela McGugin’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Vena Poore’s funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please pray for their families.

I received the following prayer request from Jennifer Dentinger: “Could you please add my cousin Felice Delgado to the prayer list. He lives in Philadelphia and was found unconscious on the side of the road yesterday. He is currently on a respirator and in a coma and nobody knows what happened to him.”
Please pray for Felice.

There will be a Deacons’ Meeting this Sunday immediately after the 10:15 a.m. services in the sanctuary. All deacons are encouraged to attend.

Our first Board Meeting of the new program year will be one week from today, Wednesday, August 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Yesterday was a rough day for me, but this morning is starting off much better. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 7

Loving God,

We live in a time when people hold strongly opposing views on a variety of subjects. There is so much division and we experience it even in the church. Please forgive our bickering. As people of faith may we focus on those understandings that bring us together rather than pull us apart. Help us to realize we can have strongly differing opinions. We can discuss them, and in the end, we can love one another, even as we disagree. May the bond that holds us together, Jesus Christ or Lord, sustain us and make us one. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

Today was a bad day for me and it was right on schedule, just like last time. I pray that tomorrow will be a little better, and it should be.

Please pray for the family of Vela McGugin whose funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 6

O Holy One,

You are near to us as our next breath. Our heart beats in rhythm with Yours, yet there are times when we feel isolated and alone. We sometimes feel there is no one who understands us, or cares for us, or appreciates what we do. Please forgive us, Loving God, for our self centeredness. May we know that we are understood when we seek to understand others. We experience caring as we care. We feel appreciated when we express appreciation to others. We know Your love and feel Your eternal presence when we actively love others, particularly the widow, orphan and resident alien. You are as near to us as the next breath, but it is when we give to others that we actually experience Your presence. Bless us now we pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Vela McGugin’s funeral will be in the chapel on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her family and friends.

Vena Poore died yesterday. Her funeral will likely be on Thursday. Please pray for her family.

Tammy Ingram reports her uncle Larry is doing much better and has been released from the hospital. She appreciates the prayers and expressions of concern.

We welcome Mark and Lisa Boller into our membership. They joined during the 10:15 a.m. traditional service.

Brian Meyer’s first Sunday in R & R was a great success. Please pray for this service and all our services as we actively invite and welcome new members to Central.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 5

Divine Presence,

Our hearts go out to all those affected by the wildfires. Please watch over them, O Lord, as well as the firefighters and volunteers who are there to help. You are always with us. May Your presence bring comfort to those who have lost so much. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

Today is the day the Lord has made. May we gather to rejoice and sing praises to God.

Please pray for our church as we seek to invite and welcome. May God be with us as we make disciples who make disciples.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 4

Holy Presence,

We yearn for encounters with You, Loving God. Sometimes they occur as we embrace the beauty of creation; sometimes in our study of scripture and the tradition; sometimes in the depths of our relationships with family and friends; sometimes as we reach out to those in need; sometimes in our worship. Music, prayers, and meditation often take us to places we cannot reach on our own, where the mystery of eternity and the reality of our lives is separated only by a thin veil. We seek those moments, O Lord. We yearn to feel Your holy touch. Today we open ourselves to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

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Our beloved Vela McGugin died yesterday. Her service will likely be on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. I will announce a definite time tomorrow when it has been finalized. Please pray for her son, Pat, and all of her family.

I received the following email from Tim McAnally:

“John,

Please add Max & Barbara Thomas of Ninnakah to the Prayer list. They are my sister in laws parents. Their farm home burned to the ground yesterday. They are in there late 80s and early 90s.”

Please pray for the Thomas family and all those impacted by the heat, wind, and fires. May God watch over the brave firefighters and all those whose homes have been destroyed.

Tomorrow is the Lord’s Day. Please honor God with your presence in worship. We are doing another infant dedication in the 10:15 a.m. traditional service. Brian Meyer begins his tenure as the main preacher in the R & R service. It will be a great day!

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 3

Author of Love,

We are able to love because You first loved us. We are able to compassionately respond to human need because you planted the seed of compassion within us. We see and appreciate beauty because Your spirit empowers us to open our eyes and see. Please forgive us, O Lord, when we hate, close our hearts to need, and see only the ugly parts of human existence. May the light that Jesus brought to a world of darkness shine through us. May our witness influence others, not to avoid the distasteful and unpleasant, but to transform them into love, compassion, and beauty. This we pray in Jesus name, AMEN.

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I received the following email from Suzanne Klemme yesterday:  “New grandbaby born today! Kylee Lynn Klemme. 8:23 am, 8 lbs 14 oz, 20". She and Lindsey are doing great and the other kids love her!”

Congratulations to Bret and Lindsey, the proud parents, to Mike and Suzanne Klemme, the proud grandparents, and to Bob Klemme, Worth and Dorothy Bracher, the proud great grandparents.

Brain Meyer serves his first Sunday as the main preacher and “point” person in R & R this Sunday. The service is providing a meaningful worship experience for a number of new and old members and visitors. Brian, James Phillips, the band and others are committed to growing this service. Please support their efforts with your prayers, attendance and by inviting others to join us.

My third chemo was yesterday. So far so good. Likely the challenging days will come during the first part of the week.

Grace and peace,

John McLemore