Prayer for Today, Monday, April 30

Helping God,

There are times in our lives when we know only grief and despair. The future seems bleak. These feelings occur when a loved one dies, when we get a bad report from the doctor, when we are estranged from family or friends, or when there aren’t enough resources to meet daily needs. May we know that, even in the darkest times, You are there. You are a God of grace and peace. Your presence helps and sustains us. Hope comes when we accept Your love. Life’s circumstances may not change, but You are alongside us. . .helping, encouraging, nurturing and guiding. We give You thanks in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

Please continue to pray for the family of Gladys Turner, Beth Henneke’s aunt, who died on Saturday. Terry and Beth will be taking her ashes back east for burial.

Our prayers go with Mike and Lana Ellis as they now transition to a new home in Edmond.

We welcome a new member, Ricky Cornett, who joined our church yesterday. He joins his wife, Teena, who became a member a few weeks ago.

This is Tri-State week. Paul Giberson is coordinating our church’s support and hospitality. If you would like to help then come to the church this Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. Paul will be here from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Guild is also providing a snack bar as a fund raising project. Come and support the Guild.

This should be a more normal week in the office. Don and I are both back “on duty”.

We received good reports from the adults and the youth who attended the Regional Assembly. I read some very good comments from our youth on facebook.

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

10:00 a.m.      Staff Meeting in the conference room

Noon               Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

5:30 p.m.        Girl Scout Troop in the multipurpose room

6:30 p.m.        Faith Leader Class in Room 109

7:00 p.m.        Boy Scout Troop 2 in the Boy Scout Room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

John_1:10-13

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, April 29

God of Hope,

We adore You and praise Your name. As we come to You in prayer we are keenly aware of our sinfulness. We claim the lordship of Jesus Christ. We claim that all are created in Your image. We talk of love and forgiveness, yet we so often miss the mark. We fail to translate words into deeds. Please forgive us, Loving God. May we be a people of action. Send You Spirit to empower us to be bold in our deeds as we follow the Christ into the world. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____________

We lift up the family of Gladys Turner, Beth Henneke’s aunt, who died yesterday.

Prayers have been requested for a family in severe emotional distress. Please pray for this anonymous family.

It looks like we will have some thunderstorms this morning. Get your umbrellas and come to church.

Today is Mike and Lana Ellis’ last Sunday with us as residents. Please pray for a good and safe transition to their new life in Edmond.

It is good to be home. The Regional Assembly was a wonderful experience. Our youth and some adults are still in Duncan because Youth at the Assembly continues through this morning. James Phillips is there leading them in worship. Dustin Damery will lead the R & R worship with Don Johnson preaching.

There are no youth group meetings at the church today.

SCRIPTRURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

John_1:6-9

Psalm_87

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 28

O God, Our God,

We are a part of Your family. Genesis tells us You created all humanity is Your image. The New Testament tells us we are joint heirs with Christ. The concept overwhelms us. So often we gather in corners with those who are just like us and we isolate ourselves from our other brothers and sisters. Please forgive us, Loving God. May we work for unity within Your family, but not strive for uniformity. Please bless us as we reach across the barriers that separate us. Empower us, we pray, to see Your face in the faces of our human family. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

Stanley Hitt and Betty Shellady have both been dismissed from the hospital. Please pray for them as they continue to recover.

Jeanette Heitfeld sent the following email about her health: “The doctor finally got me called last evening.  All 4 brain hormones are over producing which in turn makes the glands that produce adrenaline, insulin, digestive fluids, melatonin for sleep, etc. malfunction.  This can be caused by a toxic system being continually poisoned by foods I am allergic to, lack of sleep, and stress from a sick body.  All of these of course were in existence.  I guess I'm understanding what "being sick of yourself", "and going in circles" means."  Ha!

Since I've been off the severe foods for 10 days, I'm not in as much muscle and joint pain, the GI system is working some better, and I'm finally getting at least 5 hours of sleep each night the last 4 days.  He wants to wait 3 more weeks and do some retesting if I continue improving.  He's hoping that things will level out so I don't have to go on more medication.  He said it appears from the improving symptoms that the daily shot is getting the bad bacteria in my stomach under control.  All this goes to say he is pleased and thinks the improvement, although slow, will continue.

All the prayers are helping.  Thanks!

Peace, hope, joy,
Jeanette

Thelma Crabbs, Glenn’s mother, is celebrating her 100^th birthday this Sunday with a reception at Greenbrier from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The Regional Assembly for adults concludes today. The youth section concludes tomorrow.

           

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Jeremiah_4:1-4

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, April 27

Loving Creator,

As we approach another weekend we reflect on the way we use leisure time. We all need Sabbath, O Lord, and yet we fill our Saturdays and Sundays with activity and, often frenetic behavior. Please forgive us, O Lord, for not taking the time to rest, reflect and be refreshed. On the seventh day You did no work. Help us to understand the labor of the week is sufficient to sustain us on the Sabbath. May we pause this Saturday or Sunday to enjoy rest and leisure. May we find our peace in You and intentionally come to You in worship. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Stanley Hitt and Betty Shellady are both still hospitalized. Please pray for them.

The Regional Assembly is underway in Duncan. Devon McAnally, Valerie Driscoll, Carolyn and I are here now along with John and Sally Wheeler and our youth who are part of the Regional Youth Council. Don Johnson, James Phillips, and a number of additional youth will be here this today. Please pray for this event.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Jeremiah_3:21-25

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, April 26

Divine Presence,

Today we pray for families. We realize, Loving God, that the family structure has changed through the years. We now have single parent families, foster families, grandparents raising grandchildren, same sex parents, extended families taking in nieces and nephews, and so much more.  Forgive us, O Lord, when we think of family in limited ways. Help us as the church to foster loving and nurturing relationships in the home. May we see our church experience as a large family, where we support all our members, provide a safe and loving environment, and truly care for one another. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

The Regional Assembly for the Christian Church in Oklahoma begins today at the First Christian Church in Duncan. Tomorrow Youth at Assembly begins and we will have a number of youth present. Please pray for the assembly.

There will not be a Young Adult Bible Study this evening.

There are no activities at the church today outside regular office hours.

Carolyn and I made it safely to Dallas yesterday. My PSA has stabilized (it is still high), but the Doctor thinks I may be on the real drug this time. That is good news. Today we are in route to Duncan, returning to Enid Saturday afternoon after the assembly.                

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Jeremiah_31:11-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 25

Loving God,

Today we focus on Your love for us and our love for others. Jesus told his followers to show the world they were his disciples by the way they loved one another. Please help us, Dear God, to follow his mandate. The church is a family. Sometimes we have differences, even strong differences, but may we love, even if we disagree. The world needs that model, O God. We seek to faithfully express our love for You as we love one another. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

Molly Bloom was at the Surgery Center yesterday as the doctors likely incised a spider bite. Please pray for Molly.

Please continue to pray for Betty Shellady and Stanley Hitt who are being treated for pneumonia.

There is NO WWNF TONIGHT. It will begin again in June.

I returned safely Tuesday evening from Indianapolis, invigorated, but tired. Carolyn and I left early this morning to drive to Dallas for lab work and to see my oncologist. Then we are off to Duncan for the Regional Assembly.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

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

1:00 p.m.        Emmaus Reunion Group-Men in room 109

5:45 p.m.        Membership Committee in the Conference Room

6:00 p.m.        Youth choir in the choir room

6:30 p.m.        Chancel choir in the choir room

6:30 p.m.        Youth group in the youth room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Jeremiah_2:33-37

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 24

Creator God,

The heavens and earth are full of your handiwork. Help us to open our eyes, we pray, so that we might experience the beauty that can be seen, even in everyday living. So often, Dear God, we are so self-absorbed that we don’t appreciate, or even see, the wonders that are all around us. Forgive us, we pray. Today, may we pause to see and observe. May our eyes be opened. May we stand in awe. We pray this prayer in the name of Jesus’ AMEN.

_____________

Betty Shellady is in St. Mary’s  Hospital with pneumonia.

Stanley Hitt is also in St. Mary’s Hospital with pneumonia.

Please pray for Betty and Stanley.

Ruby Anton was taken to the emergency room with what was thought to be a spider bite, but  it turned out to be a localized staph infection. She was treated and released and then got to eat all the ice cream she wanted. Please pray for Ruby.

A family that is experiencing much stress is asking for private prayers. Please pray for this unnamed family.

I fly home this afternoon from General Board, get a brief night’s sleep, and then Carolyn and I drive to Dallas for an oncologist appointment in the morning. Please pray for safe travels and good reports.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

Noon               Noon Bible Study

2:00 p.m.        Tai Chi Class in room 103

3:15 p.m.         Greenbrier Worship Service

5:00 p.m.        Emmaus Reunion Group – Women in the library

6:30 p.m.        CWF Dorcas group in the multipurpose room

7:00 p.m.        Quilt Central

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Jeremiah_2:14-32

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, April 23

Loving and Gracious God,

 

A new week is before us. What will it hold? Will we see new opportunities for witness and service? Will we embrace new acquaintances, leading to new friendships? Will we be overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of your creation, even in our everyday lives? Will we have the opportunity to help someone in need? Will we be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world?  There are so many possibilities. Please empower us, O Lord, to see the opportunities that lie before us and then to act on them as followers of Jesus’ This is our prayer in his name. AMEN.

_________  

 

A special “Thank you” to Jeanette Heitfeld, Jack Weston and John Wheeler for faithfully serving in Don’s and my absence. We are blessed with so many servants at Central.

 

Reports are that the Women’s Walk to Emmaus was a great success. We have a wonderful facility and I am pleased we can share it with others.

 

The General Board meeting is going well with full days of business and planning. I will be flying back to Oklahoma tomorrow afternoon.

 

The Regional Assembly is this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the First Christian Church in Duncan. The youth section is Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Please pray for this bi-annual gather of the Christian Church in Oklahoma. We will have a number of members in attendance.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon               Noon Prayer Service in the Chapel

5:30 p.m.        Girl Scout troop in the multipurpose room

7:00 p.m.        Boy Scout Troop 2 in the Boy Scout room

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Jeremiah_2:1-13

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, April 22

O Lord,

We live in a broken and fractured world. It seems there is more darkness than light. As Christians we have the joy and the responsibility to be the “Light of the World.” Please forgive us when we hide our light under a bushel. Please forgive us when we lock the world out of our lives and pretend everything is all right. In our baptism we were gifted with the Holy Spirit which boldly leads us to share our love, talents and gifts with others. May we bring the light of Christ into the dark places of life. May we be his hands and feet in the world. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

Kayte Anton reports that our booth at the Red Dirt BBQ was a great success. Special thanks to Kayte for all her efforts.

Jack Weston is preaching today in the chapel and sanctuary services and John Wheeler is preaching in R & R. Please support them with your presence.

The General Board meeting is underway. Rev. Dr. Sharron Watkins delivered her State of the Church address with hope and enthusiasm. I will attempt to get a copy and share it with you. This is a challenging and exciting time to be the church.

SHECHEDULE FOR TODAY

All Day            Women’s Walk to Emmaus

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 Service in the chapel

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

5:00 p.m.        Snack supper for youth

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

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

Jeremiah_1:4-10

Psalm_108

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 21

Gracious God,

Our lives span but a moment in all eternity. In so many ways our sense of importance is an expression of our hubris. Please forgive our self-centeredness, we pray. In the midst of it all, however, You love us. You care for us and Your grace gives us meaning and purpose. May we use the time allotted to us to be Your faithful servants in the world. May our thoughts, words and deeds convey a trust in You. While eternity is a great mystery for us, may we receive a glimpse of it and that great cloud of witnesses who have gone before. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

______________

Richard Long is still in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Richard.

Catina Sundvall has gone home. Please pray for Catina as she now begins a long recovery.

Please pray for a young woman who wishes to remain anonymous. She is facing the possibility of a diagnosis of MS and will know after more testing.

The Women’s Walk to Emmaus is underway at the church with a large group of pilgrims. Please pray for this spiritual retreat.

The Red Dirt BBQ is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Be sure to go by the church booth. Stay and help for a while if you can.

Jeanette Heitfeld is preaching at the Saturday Service of Communion this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel. A special thanks to Jeanette.

Jack Weston is preaching tomorrow at the 8:00 a.m. chapel service and the 10:15 sanctuary service. John Wheeler is preaching in R & R. Thanks to both of them. We are truly blessed to have so many faithful servants at Central Christian Church.

I made it safely to Indianapolis after a 2 ½ hour delay leaving OKC. It was a long day sitting in airports, but I am here and rested after a good night’s sleep. General Board begins today.

Please pray for our church, locally, regionally and nationally. May we discern God’s will for us.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

John_1:1-5

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, April 20

Loving God,

We offer numerous prayers asking for Your blessing. We utter “church” words like, “love”, “peace”, “forgiveness”, and “reconciliation”. Unfortunately there are many times in our lives when we act as if these words have no connection to everyday events. So often, O Lord, we are unworthy of Your blessing. Please forgive us, we pray. May our Sunday intentions come to reality in our everyday actions. May we accept Your love and allow Your Spirit to transform us into the bold, courageous, caring people You have made us to be. This in our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________________

Congratulations to Mary Beach. Her granddaughter, Shannon, gave birth to a new great-grandchild. There were initial concerns, but everything was fine.

Please pray for Joyce Greenhaw and her family. Her sister’s funeral is this morning at 10:00 a.m. in Stillwater.

The Women’s Walk to Emmaus began last night. Please pray for this event that we are hosting.

We will have a booth today and Saturday at the Smokin' Red Dirt BBQ event at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center. Our booth is located just inside the main room.

Friday booth hours: 3-10pm

Saturday booth hours: 10am-4pm

Contact Kayte Anton if you have any questions. 580-430-1589

I am off to Indianapolis in a little while. Please pray for safe travels and a productive General Board meeting.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_16:14-20

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, April 19

O Loving God,

On this April 19^th we remember the horrific loss of life in the bombing in Oklahoma City. We also remember the scores of courageous people and thousands of supporters who assisted the victims and their families. We don’t understand these tragic acts of violence, but we do know, O Lord, that You were present with those who died and those who lived. May this anniversary be a time for us to recommit ourselves to reconciliation and peace. Violence doesn’t solve anything. We pray that Your shalom may prevail in our lives, in our families and in our communities. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_________

Richard Long and Mae Clark are both patients at St. Mary’s Hospital. Pleas pray for them.

Catina Sundvall is recovering from a severely broken leg and a three hour surgery Tuesday evening. She is at Bass Hospital. Please continue to pray for Catina.

The Red Dirt BBQ is tomorrow and Saturday. Kayte Anton is going to be at the booth. Be sure to drop by. There is no sign-up sheet, but if you would like to spend a little time at our church booth, just show up.

The Women’s Walk to Emmaus begins today and they will have a full house. Please pray for this event.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

All Day                        Women’s Walk to Emmaus

8AM – 11AM  Failing Retirement Brunch in the Fellowship Hall

2PM                Worship at the Commons

4PM                Cancer Support Group

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_16:1-13

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 18

O Divine Presence,

There are days when our life's journey is like driving on a superhighway. We are relaxed, comfortable, and making good time. There are other days when our life's journey is like driving on a rutted, wash boarded, seldom used back road. We are barely able to make progress. The trip is rough and exceptionally uncomfortable. We feel like our "vehicle" might fall apart. Please forgive us, Loving God, when we believe the Christian faith keeps us only on the paved roads. May we trust in You, O Lord, regardless of where our journey takes us. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

We extend our sympathies to Joyce Greenhaw whose sister, Donna Hickey, died on Monday afternoon. The funeral will be Friday morning at 10 AM at the Palmer-Maler Funeral Home in Stillwater. Please pray for Donna's family.

Ottis Cornelsen has asked for prayers for her niece, Myra Leist, who has suffered from a stroke. Myra is a member of the Christian church in Fairview. Please pray for her.

We just received word that Catina Sundvall broke her leg and is in Bass Hospital. Please pray for Catina.

I received the following e-mail from Tom Jewell: “Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, While the tornados over the weekend have been devastating to so many residents of our state, Oklahoma Disciples have been hit hard.  No damage has been reported from Norman, but members from First Christian, Woodward suffered extensively.  As of today, we are aware of five families from the congregation who lost their homes.

Associate Regional Pastor, the Rev. Gary Mitchell, dispatched six regional church generators to Woodward yesterday.  This Sunday, Gary will be present at First Woodward to offer solidarity grants from Week of Compassion and the Oklahoma Disciples Regional Church Disaster Fund to each of the five families. 

Just now, Woodward city officials are not requesting on-site assistance.  However, if you would like to contribute to the relief efforts, donations can be made to Week of Compassion, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana 46206 with the notation:  Oklahoma Tornado Relief or you may give to the Oklahoma Regional Church Disaster Fund, 301 N.W. 36^th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73132.

Let us continue to keep all victims of this weekend in our prayers.

In Christ, Tom

Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Jewell, Regional Church Pastor”

If you would like to make a contribution to help the tornado victims, make your check out to Central Christian Church and note on the memo line "Week of Compassion-storm relief.” You can bring the checks to the church any time or you can place them in the offering tray on Sunday.

Remember to bring your cookies for our booth at the Red Dirt BBQ!

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

9 AM   TOPS in the multipurpose room

11 AM  Centours sack lunch and a movie

Noon   Single men's luncheon

1 PM    Emmaus Reunion Group-men in room 109

5:15 PM           WWNF activities began

5:15 PM           Hospital Callers meet in the conference room

6:30 PM          Chancel Choir rehearses in the choir room

7:30 PM          Pastor’s Cabinet meets in room 109

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_15:42-47

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 17

God of Tender Mercies,

We humbly come to you in prayer. O Lord, often we begin the day with grand intentions. Many times those intentions are smothered by negative thoughts and negative people. Please forgive us when we lose our focus. You call us to be faithful in the good times and the bad. May our Christian witness be consistent. May our Christian service be sustained. May the hope that comes to us through Jesus Christ our Lord continually encourage us so that our intentions may become reality. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

May Clark received a pacemaker yesterday. Please pray for Mae.

Teena Cornett’s procedure was canceled.

Barb Newton made a trip to the emergency room yesterday because of high blood pressure. They altered her medication, observed her for a while and then released her to her home. Please continue to pray for Barb.

I received the following e-mail from Suzanne Klemme:

“John, Please add my brother-in-law's brother, Randy Brittain, to our prayer list. He had quadruple heart bypass surgery this morning in Omaha, but is in critical condition. I know prayers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Suzanne”

Please pray for Randy Brittain.

Gladys Turner, Beth Henneke’s aunt, is now under hospice care. Please pray for Gladys and Beth as Beth cares for her.

Sherry Garrett thanks everyone who has prayed for her mother, Sue Rogers. Please continue to remember Sue as you pray.

The Bushman’s have asked for prayers for Cindy Geitzenauer, who is in St. Mary’s ICU with a skull fracture after an accident.

Reminder: we are asking for cookies to give away at the Red Dirt Barbecue this Friday and Saturday at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center. Please bring to them to the church by Thursday. Kayte Anton will be at our church booth. You're welcome to come by anytime and assist her.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

8 AM   Single Women's Breakfast at the Ramada Inn

Noon   Noon Bible Study in the library

2 PM   Tai Chi Class in room 103

5 PM   Emmaus Reunion Group-women in the library

5 PM   St. Mary’s Volunteer Banquet in the fellowship Hall

6 PM   Beta Sigma Phi City Council in room 109

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_15:33-41

Grace and peace,

John McLemore                               

Prayer for Today, Monday, April 16

God of Wonders,

There are days, O Lord, when our prayers easily roll off our tongues. There are other days, when it is difficult pray. Scripture tells us, loving God, that you know our hearts. Please examine our hearts today and remove those barriers that separate us from you. Forgive us our sins and accept us in spite of our frailties. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________________

Yesterday was another great day at Central Christian Church. We had a number of visitors. Thank you for helping them feel welcome.

Mae Clark is having a pacemaker procedure this morning at St. Mary's hospital. Tina Cornett, a new member, is having a hart cath procedure at 10:30 AM at St. Mary's hospital. Please pray for Mae and Tina.

I received the following e-mail from Kayte Anton:

“Just a reminder that this Friday and Saturday is the Red Dirt BBQ and we signed up for a booth. It’s at the Cherokee Strip Conference Center.

Booth hours are:
Friday 3-10pm
Saturday 10am-4pm

I need the following:
-The two big vertical banners from the Loggia
-Do we have a horizontal banner that just says "Central Christian Church' ??
-Central Christian Church brochures
-Kids Central brochures
-Kids Central summer program flyers

And the big one we talked about: COOKIES!!! I need the cookie ladies!! I've got ideas for some other stuff that I'll work on this week to make our booth POP, but I could use some help gathering the brochures and getting COOKIES!
Thanks, Kayte A.”

Warm up those ovens. We need LOTS of cookies. Please bring them to the church by Thursday. Note on the bag "Red Dirt BBQ”

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

10 AM             Staff Meeting in conference room

Noon               Noon Prayer Service in the Chapel

5:30 PM          Girl Scout Troop in the multipurpose room

6 PM               Quilters Guild and the fellowship Hall

6:30 PM          Faith Leader Class in room 109

7 PM               Boy Scout Troup 2 in the Boy Scout room

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Mark_15:16-32

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, April 15

Keeper of our Souls,

We praise Your name this day. Even in the trials and storms of life, You show your love to us. Even as we are unworthy, You extend your grace. Even when we act as spoiled children, Your care sustains us. Please forgive us. Please cleanse us. May the Spirit of Christ guide us to faithfully serve You in deed and word. This is our prayer in Jesus name. AMEN.

__________

Mae Clark is in St. Mary’s Hospital after a fall. No apparent broken bones. Please pray for Mae.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those people affected by yesterday storms, particularly those in Woodward who lost loved ones.

I've received three requests for prayer by people who choose to remain anonymous. Please pray for these families.

The Horn of Plenty food drive begins today at 2 PM.

The Men's Walk to Emmaus continues through today.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

Mark_15:1-15

Psalm_22:1-8,22-24

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 14

Ever-present God,

Our prayers today, O Lord, go out to those who were impacted by the yesterday's storms. Please watch over them, we pray. May we be vigilant today and watch out for our neighbors and friends as more inclement weather is forecast to develop. You are with us, O Lord, when the skies are clear and when the storms come. May we feel Your loving embrace, regardless of life’s circumstances. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

Please pray for Jeanette Heitfeld. She's dealing with some major health issues.

The Horn of Plenty food drive is still on schedule for tomorrow afternoon. The rain is forecast to subside by noon.

Tomorrow Don Johnson his preaching in the 8 AM Chapel service and 10:15 AM sanctuary service. I am preaching in the R&R service. Please join us for worship.

When the weather turns bad Storm Central will be open. Enter the education building from Main Street. If you bring a pet, make sure it is on leash or in a cage.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

All day             Men's Walk to Emmaus

5:30 PM          Saturday Service of Communion in the Chapel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_66:10-14

Grace and peace,

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, April 13

Awesome God,

We know, O Lord, You are as close to us as our next breath, but so often we turn away from You. We limit You to certain times and places in our lives and fail to see You in the events of everyday living. We confess all and seek Your forgiveness. May we feel your touch, know your love, and honor You with our devotion and service. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

I received the following e-mail from John Ingram: “Would you please add Robin Long to the prayer list. She is the wife of a friend of mine. She is undergoing surgery to remove some plates in her neck and replace them with artificial bone. Surgery is next week. Thanks, John Ingram”

Please pray for Robin Long.

The Men's Walk to Emmaus is underway at the church. Please pray for this event.

This Sunday, April 15, is the Horn of Plenty food drive.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

All day             Men's Walk to Emmaus

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

Isaiah_65:17-25

Grace and peace,

John McLemore