Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 30

O Divine Presence,

 

Come into our heart, we pray. We know Your love is eternal, Your grace is all sufficient, and You are as near to us as our beating hearts. In these moments may we be open to You. You stand at the door, but we must open it and welcome You into our lives. O Lord our Lord, come into our hearts we pray. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Please pray for Jim Goodness who is still in the Bass Pavilion.

 

Please pray for Rob Lund and Cal Mettee who are both recovering at their homes from recent surgical procedures.

 

Pray for our church today. May God spirit be palpable there.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00 a.m.        Chapel Service

9:00 a.m.        Sunday School for all ages

10:15 a.m.       Sanctuary worship

10:15 a.m.       R & R worship in the chapel

3:30 p.m.        Chi Rho (middle school) youth

5:30 p.m.        Bell choir rehearsal

5:30 p.m.        CYF (high school) youth

6:40 p.m.        “How to Share Your Faith” class in the fellowship hall

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

1Corinthians_12:1-11

 

Psalm_88

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 29

Gracious God,

 

We pray that the light of Your grace and love may shine in the dark places of our lives. We seek to be open. We desire to share our lives with others, yet there are places within us that are hidden and shrouded in darkness. Illumine us with Your spirit that forgives our sin and makes all things right. May we be encouraged and may we be bold as we bear witness to the fact that Your love makes all things new. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Please pray that tomorrow’s worship and Sunday school experiences may provide an environment where God’s spirit can touch hearts and change lives.

 

Remember: we receive our special Reconciliation offering tomorrow and next Sunday. Please give generously.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

All Day                        Emmaus team meetings

5:30 p.m.         Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_13:1-11

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 28

O Great and Merciful God,

 

Bless Your Holy Name. You know us to the depths of our being and we stand before You as those sinful, unworthy of Your goodness, and confused. We want to be Your faithful servants. We want to be loving and compassionate, but we often fall so short. Please forgive our faults, O Lord, and by Your mercy encourage us to be more faithful, more generous, more outward focused. May we trust in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

John Worden is over halfway through radiation treatments for prostate cancer. Please pray for John.

 

Cal Mettee and Ron Lund are still recovering from their surgical procedures. Please lift them up in Your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Regular office hours

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_12:44-50

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 27

Most Holy God,

 

We in America take so many of our blessings for granted: clean water, available healthcare, dependable power, ample food. We are 5% of the world’s population and consume more than 24% of the world’s resources. Help us to appreciate what we have, O Lord. Please also help us recognize our responsibilities to others, particularly the less fortunate. Jesus said that when we do it for the least we do it to him, that is provide food, drink, clothing, etc. May we be wise, O Lord, and may we be compassionate. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Jim Goodness is still in the Bass Pavilion. Cal Mettee had surgery yesterday and is recovering at his home. Please pray for Jim and Cal.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

10:00 a.m.       Lifelong Learning

11:00 a.m.       Bible Study in the conference room

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_12:36b-43

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 26

God of Wonders,

 

We often talk of Your love for us, yet we are less frequent in discussing our love for You. The real question for us is this: will we love and serve You, even if there is no immediate benefit for us. May our answer be “yes”, O Lord. May we honor You with our words and deeds. May our love for You emulate Your love for us. May it be without condition or expectation. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Please pray for all the varied ministries of our congregation.

 

Remember: the NW Area Women’s Retreat this weekend. Call the church for more information.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00 a.m.        TOPS in the multipurpose room

1:00 p.m.        Emmaus Reunion Group  - Men

5:15 p.m.         WWNF meal and activities

5:30 p.m.        Property Committee in the conference room

7:30 p.m.        Christian Education committee in the conference room

7:30 p.m.        R & R Planning team in the library

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_12:27-36a

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 25

O Brightness of Faithful Souls,

 

We pray today for direction and a blessing. So many life decisions are easy to make, because the outcomes are so different. There are a few decisions we are called to make, however, that are exceptionally difficult, some because there are no positive outcomes, yet choices must be made. Please bless us with Your presence as we seek to decide what is best, O Lord. Please show us the way and then help us find the strength to stay firm in our choices. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

 

There is a World Outreach Committee meeting this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Room. If you have an interest in World Outreach then you are welcome to attend.

 

The Northwest Area Disciple Women’s Retreat is this weekend (Friday evening and Saturday) at Central Christian Camp and Conference Center near Guthrie. Some of our women are considering attending the Saturday only session which begins at 8:30 a.m. and costs $30. The Friday/Saturday event cost $75. If you are interested in attending call the church office.

 

We have a family in need of a single or double bed. One of the members is sleeping on the floor. If you have a spare in the garage or one you are not using then call me at 402-2522 and we will pick it up and deliver it to the family.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

10:00 a.m.      Lifelong Learning

Noon               Noon Bible Study

5:00 p.m.        Caregivers at Western Sizzlin

6:00 p.m.        World Outreach Committee in the conference room

6:15 p.m.         Emmaus Reunion Group – Women

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_12:20-26

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 24

O Divine Presence,

 

We often wonder about Your involvement in our lives. There are times when we feel You are absent, the trials and tribulations seem overwhelming, and we feel alone. Please forgive our shortsightedness and limited understanding. We may question Your presence in the present moment, but when we look back we see evidence of Your guiding and comforting spirit at work  with us. You are a great mystery, yet You are as close as our next breath and we give You thanks. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

___

 

Sophia Farmer has been released from the Bass Pavilion and is recovering at home. Please pray for Sophia.

 

Jim Goodness is still in the Pavilion and is in need of our prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00 a.m.        Staff Meeting

Noon               Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

7:00 p.m.        Boy Scout Troop 2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_12:12-19

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 23

Gracious Lord,

 

As we reflect we realize, O God, that we often miss the mark. We don’t support our words with actions. We fool ourselves with incomplete priorities. Please forgive us, Holy One. We also do many good things. May Your grace flow over us. May we honestly access our relationship with You and seek to be more faithful. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Scripture for the Day and Psalm for the Week.

 

John_12:1-11

 

Psalm_22:25-31

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 22

Author of Love,

 

Today we will offer private prayers for someone in our life. They will never know, yet we will lift them up to You. Scripture tells us that You know our prayers even before our lips utter the words and that is a cause for celebration. Today we will offer specific prayers for someone within our circle of friends and acquaintances. May Your spirit of peace and hope surround them and us as we pray. May we be sensitive to the issues in their lives and to their needs. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____

 

Rob Lund is recovering from yesterday’s  surgical procedure.  He will be released today.

 

Tomorrow we will commission our deacons and church officers. All are encouraged to be present in the sanctuary service. R & R people can return to R & R after the commissioning.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

5:30 p.m.        Saturday Service of Communion in the chapel

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_11:27-34

 

Grace and Peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 21

Loving God,

 

There are times when those closest to us disappoint us the most. These could be family members or close friends. When we love there is always the possibility of hurt, but love without risk isn’t true love. Please forgive us, Gracious One, when we let others down. Please forgive us, Holy God, when our action or inaction causes pain and separation. Your grace abounds yet the wounds are still fresh. May we surrender our self-centeredness and seek to lead lives of true love. We pray in the name of unconditional grace, Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

_____

 

A number of our men enjoyed a great evening at Okeene yesterday with the NW Area Men. We host the next meeting on November 15^th.

 

John Wheeler took a few of our youth to the State Fair this morning. Please pray for a safe trip and lots of fun.

 

This Sunday will be another full day. We will commission our Deacons and Board Officers in the sanctuary service. The baby dedication of Nora Leigh Tefft will occur in the R & R service. The Membership Committee is hosting a meal for new members at 11:30 p.m. The youth will meet in the afternoon and evening. The Bell Choir will rehearse at 5:30 p.m. and the third “How to Share Your Faith Class” will meet at 6:30 p.m. Please join us.

 

We celebrated Jim Stroup’s life yesterday morning. Please continue to pray for Paula, Alan and Patrick.

 

Rob Lund is having a surgical procedure this afternoon at St. Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Rob.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00 p.m.        Family Movie Night

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_11:23-26

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 20

Gracious God,

 

There are times when we question the purpose of our life. Why are we here? What is our calling? These questions are difficult and challenging. Sometimes the answers come easily  Sometimes we are uncertain. We pray, O Lord, for wisdom. Our life’s calling often changes, yet You are our God. May we look to Jesus for our model, knowing that it is changeless. While the specifics of our purpose in life may be vague, help us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. This is our prayer in his name. AMEN.

_____   

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_11:2-22

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, September 19

O Lord Our Lord,

 

In our fast paced and often confusing world we yearn for peace, in our hearts, our families, and our communities. Please forgive us, Gracious God, when we point our finger at others, blaming them for the unrest around us, when we, in fact, use aggressive language, agree that violence solves problems, and shake our fists at others. May our desire for peace lead us to become peacemakers. May our desire for calm lead us to support nonviolence. In all things may we model the life of Jesus who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers. . .”. It is in his name we pray. AMEN.

____

 

Sorry about the missed day. Sometimes too many things get in the way.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_10:23-11:1

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, September 18

Divine Presence,

 

We are in the midst of a presidential campaign and the rhetoric is typical. We pray for guidance as we hear the sound bites and watch the commercials. In all things, O Lord, we seek wisdom as we consider our choices. May we look to the example of Jesus and his teachings as we consider the role of politics and government. Most of all, O Lord, we pray that our debates and discussions not tarnish the respect and love we are called to share with one another, even as we express differing opinions. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____

 

The funeral for Jim Stroup will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Please continue to pray for his family.

 

Rob Lund will have a surgical procedure this Friday. Please pray for Rob and for Barb as she cares for him.

 

REMEMBER: The NW Area Disciples Men’s meeting will be this Thursday at Okeene. Be sure to call the church office to make a reservation.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:30 a.m.        Single Women’s Breakfast

10:00 a.m.      Lifelong Learning

Noon               Noon Bible Study

6:00 p.m.        Beta Sigma Phi – City Council

6:15 p.m.         Emmaus Reunion Group – Women

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_10:1-22

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, September 17

Holy One,

 

As we begin this new day we pause to thank You for our many blessings. Today will bring opportunities to love, serve, and support our families and friends. Today we might be challenged to make difficult decisions. Today we will seek to embody the message of Jesus Christ. Give us strength, we pray, to act in ways that will make this day one of hope. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____

 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Jim Stroup. Jim died early yesterday morning. His funeral will be Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for Paula and their family.

 

Thom Bushman reports that his sister-in-law’s father, Gene Sassman, died yesterday. Please pray for his family.

 

Laurie Bushman texted me a little while ago with a prayer request for her uncle, Tom Brown from Shawnee. He is in the hospital with fluid on his brain and suffering from severe headaches. Doctors are diagnosing his situation. Please pray for Tom and his wife, Carole, who is with him 24/7.

 

Lana Ellis has asked for prayers for six year old Vivian who has a tumor on her neck by her spinal cord. She is doing chemo and is in a lot of pain. Vivian is a friend of Lana’s children.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00 a.m.        Staff Meeting

Noon               Noon Prayer Service

6:00 p.m.        Quilter’s Guild in the Fellowship Hall

6:00 p.m.        Special Gifts Committee in conference room

7:00 p.m.        Boy Scouts

7:00 p.m.        Worship Committee in room 109

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

1_Corinthians_9:1-27

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, September 16

Most Gracious God,

 

Today we remember the events of 119 years ago when thousands of people made the run into the Cherokee Strip. Their courage, fortitude, and hope has impacted scores of generations, even to today. We also remember those people of faith who started new churches on the frontier and we thank You for their continuing influence. As we celebrate our heritage, Gracious God, may we consider the legacy we are leaving future generations. The frontier has changed, but there are still many challenges, particularly for the church. Give us the strength and wisdom, we pray, to be equal to the task before us. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Please continue to pray for Fran Hoad, Bert Sims, Gene Morahan, Jim Goodness, and Sophia Farmer.

 

Also please pray for Jim Stroup. He is in the last stages of his life.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00 a.m.        Chapel Service

9:00 a.m.        Sunday School

10:15 a.m.       Sanctuary Service

10:15 a.m.       R & R Service in the chapel

11:30 a.m.       Youth Luncheon

3:30 p.m.        Chi Rho Fellowship

5:30 p.m.        Bell Choir Rehearsal

5:30 p.m.        CYF

6:30 p.m.        “How to Share Your Faith”

 

PSALM FOR THE WEEK & SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Psalm_86

 

1_Corinthians_8:1-13

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Saturday, September 15

God of Tender Mercies,

 

In the midst of the harshness of life we seek those gentle moments when a special peace comes over us. We can’t explain or even define the movement of Your spirit with us, but we can experience it. Thank You, Loving God, for your comforting embrace that comes in times that are bad and also good. Thank You for these glimpses of Your grace that encourage us and give us hope. May we find ways to articulate our encounters with You and share our faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Tomorrow is a busy day at Central. Full services of worship have been planned. New members will join the church. Sunday school is always interesting. The youth are providing a luncheon to raise money for IAS, and our second “How To Share Your Faith” class will meet at 6:30 p.m.

 

Be sure to check out the new Kids Central webpage and facebook page. Forward to your friends.

http://www.kidscentralenid.org        

 

http://www.facebook.com/KidsCentralTheLearningStation  

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

2:45 p.m.        Wedding in the sanctuary

5:30 p.m.        Saturday Service of Communion

           

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_11:45-57

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore          

Prayer for Today, Friday, September 14

Loving God,

 

Conflict is a part of the human experience, but when it comes we are often devastated and distraught. People say things that shouldn’t be said. They make instant decisions that are hurtful and destructive. Help us, Gracious God, to find ways to bring peace and reconciliation to difficult situations. Help us, Holy One, to witness to Your love and grace, even in times of turmoil. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

___

 

Our hospitalized continue to be Gene Morahan, Fran Hoad, Jim Goodness, and Bert Sims. Please lift them up in your prayers.

 

There is a youth luncheon this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Please plan to stay, enjoy a good meal, and support our youth as they continue to raise money for the International Affairs Seminar. Forget Applebees and Chilis. Spend your money to support the youth and still have a good meal.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

1:00 p.m.        Sanctuary decorating for a wedding

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_11:38-44

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, September 13

O Holy One,

 

We seek to live as faithful followers of Jesus. We seek to be in relationship with You. May Your spirit abound in our midst. As we confess our misguided steps before You and pray for forgiveness, may we be aware of your eternal love. We are unworthy, yet we try to be faithful servants. Please hold us in Your arms and enable us to be more than we have been. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Gene Morahan was hospitalized yesterday at St. Mary’s. Fran Hoad has been at Bass for a few days. Jim Goodness is still at Bass and Bert Sims is at St. Mary’s. Sophia Farmer is still at the Bass Pavilion. Please pray for these members and friends.

 

I received the following email from Thom Bushman:

Please add Gene Sassman to our prayer list.  His is my sister-in-law's father.  He lives in San Antonio and is in his 90s.  He is going on HOSPICE care. Thanks, Thom

 

I took by 5^th chemotherapy treatment this morning. Now I am waiting to see when the fatigue hits. So far so good. I don’t think it will be too bad this time.

 

The NW Area Men will meet in Okeene next Thursday, September 20^th. Let’s fill up both vans.

 

I received the following email from Kayte Anton:

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Kids Central website is up and running! YAY!!  http://www.kidscentralenid.org

 

So is our Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/KidsCentralTheLearningStation 

 

Spread the word!!! Kayte Anton 

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

10:00 a.m.      Lifelong Learning

11:00 p.m.       Thursday Bible Study

5:30 p.m.        Horn of Plenty Meeting in 109

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

John_11:28-37

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore