Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 31

O God,

 

You heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds. Please give us the strength and grace to care for those who are pushed to the margins of society and have no voice. The Old Testament prophets told of your judgment when the nation failed to care for the widows, orphans, and resident aliens. You are a compassionate and gracious God. Empower us to model the works of your son, caring for the dispossessed, seeking to reconcile communities, and putting an end to hatred between your people. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Chester Ross, Dale Vance, and Dean Birkenbile are still patients at St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for them.

 

Dee Smith took her son, Jay Russell, to the ER yesterday afternoon. He was treated and released. Please continue to pray for Jay.

 

Marty Hoad’s funeral will definitely be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. We will be feeding the family after the graveside. Please pray for Marty’s three children and their families.

 

Jane Adams has asked for prayers for two friends whose husbands are terminal, Liz McDermontt and Alma Hunter. Please pray for these friends and their husbands.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

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

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_7:18-35

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 30

Sustaining God,

Thank you for accompanying us on our journey. We praise you for your graceful strength, and for forgiving, reviving and encouraging us. We are blessed by your love which overcomes our weakness, selfishness and wandering. Today, O Lord, we place our hands and hearts in yours. May You be glorified by us. We ask this in Jesus' name. AMEN.

_______

 

Paul Giberson is having outpatient knee surgery this morning. Ila Crain is having a CAT scan. Please pray for Paul and Ila.

 

Marty Hoad’s funeral is tentatively scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Brown Cummings Funeral Home. Please pray for Marty’s family as they deal with her unexpected death.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – men

5:15     WWNF activities begin

7:30     Education Committee meeting in the parlor

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_7:11-17

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 29

O Divine Presence,

 

Today, O Lord, we pray for our children and youth. A heavy responsibility is placed upon us as we teach, nurture, and witness to them. There are so many loud, competing voices in our culture vying for their attention and it seems as though the church is speaking only in a whisper. Help us to be bold, Dear God. So many homes have only one parent. Help us to be compassionate and supportive. There is so much violence around us in movies and games. Empower us to be voices of peace. Surround our children and youth with Your gracious and loving spirit, we pray, and give us the strength to model the Christian life to them. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Sorry for the late arrival of this email. The electricity went off at the McLemore home this morning(it’s good to have a battery powered laptop), and we didn’t have internet. I went to an out of town doctor’s appointment with Carolyn for her RA. We got back and I was covered up in the office…so here is the late email.

 

We received word that Marty Hoad died early this morning. Please pray for her family. It is too early to announce arrangements.

 

Chester Ross will probably go home Wednesday. Dean Birkenbile had surgery today at St. Mary’s hospital. Dale Vance is hospitalized with aspiration pneumonia. Please pray for these members and friends.

 

Ila Crain is having a CAT scan tomorrow. Paul Giberson is having knee surgery. Please pray for Ila and Paul.

 

Leadership Training School is this Saturday in OKC. There is a listing of classes at the Welcome Center and it’s not too late to sign-up to go. The church pays a flat fee registration and will take a church vehicle.

 

WWNF is in full swing. Plan to attend tomorrow evening.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon   Noon Bible Study

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – Women

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_7:1-10

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 28

Loving God,

 

We pray today for those of our family, friends, and church associates who are homebound. So often age and sickness isolate us from one another. We thank You for the Caregivers and others who make concerted efforts to reach out to these brothers and sisters who are no longer able to participate in the full aspects of community. May they know Your peace, feel Your comforting embrace, and be blessed through us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______  

 

Dorothy Gregory went to the ER yesterday. Tess Gregory and Judy Mason encouraged her to go. She was treated and released to her home. Please pray for Dorothy.

 

I received word that Ken Slack is in St. Francis hospital in Tulsa. Please pray for Ken.

 

Jill Stuever has asked for prayers for her father, Terry Henneke. Terry is having health issues.

 

Chester Ross is likely to be released from St. Mary’s. Please continue to pray for Chester.

 

Yesterday was Sally Wheeler’s birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALLY!

 

The job market is strong in Enid. To date we have only had one applicant for the part-time Financial Secretary position. If you know of someone who has bookkeeping experience who might want a good part-time job, have them bring a resume to the church office. Our personnel policy prohibits church members from being in this position.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    Staff meeting  

Noon   Noon prayer service

7:00    Boy Scouts

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_6:46-49

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 27

Gracious God,

 

Grant that the light of your love may never be dimmed within us. May it shine outward from our hearts to comfort others in times of peace and in seasons of adversity. May the bright beams of your goodness and love sustain us, soothe us, empower us, and bring us to the vision of your glory. We offer this prayer through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

_____

 

Please pray for our travelers: Kayte Anton, Ed Gorre, Harry Hammonds, and Don Johnson.

 

I attended the funeral for Sally Wheeler’s grandfather in Chickasha yesterday afternoon. Please continue to pray for her family.

 

There will be brief congregational meetings in all three services this morning.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel service

9:15     Sunday school for all ages

10:15    R & R service in the chapel

10:15    Sanctuary service

3:30     Chi Rho youth group

5:30     CYF youth group

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

Luke_6:43-45

 

Psalm_116

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 26

Most Holy One,

 

We thank You for finding and embracing us. You have accepted and forgiven us and we are overwhelmed. Please send us out to share your love, to find people who feel lost, and to embrace them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be the Good News and welcome others to be at home with You. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Chester Ross will remain in the hospital over the weekend. Sophia Farmer was dismissed. Please continue to pray for Chester and Sophia.

 

The funeral for Al Keim, Sally Wheeler’s grandfather, will be 1:30 p.m. today at the First Christian Church in Chickasha. Please pray for Mr. Keim’s family.

 

Kayte Anton is in Bethlehem today. Ed Gorre, Harry Hammonds, and Don Johnson will be in the Dominican Republic by this evening. Please continue to pray for these travelers.

 

Bring a friend with you to Sunday School and church tomorrow.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

No scheduled activities.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Amos_8:11-14

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 25

Eternal Love,

 

You astound us. We praise You. We worship You. We seek to honor You with our work. Please bless us this day. May Your spirit of love and grace sustain us and embolden us to reach out to those in need. You embrace all humankind. May we turn to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

 

Dean Birkenbile, Laura’s father, is in St. Mary’s hospital. You will remember he has just returned from Chicago after having a cancerous kidney removed. Please pray for Dean.

 

Chester Ross is still at St. Mary’s. Sophia farmer is still in Bass hospital. Please pray for Chester and Sophia.

 

The funeral for Sally Wheeler’s grandfather is tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the First Christian Church in Chickasha. Please remember Sally’s family in your prayers.

 

Kayte Anton left this morning for Israel. Ed Gorre, Harry Hammonds, and Don Johnson leave early in the morning for the Dominican Republic. Please surround our missionaries with your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

No scheduled activities at the church

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Amos_8:1-10

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 24

Gracious God,

 

There are times when we become used to your blessings and even take them for granted. We assume that you will continue to bless our lives in ways you have always blessed them in the past.
Remove the scales from our eyes, Loving Lord, that we may see the new things you wish to bless today, and give us the trust and imagination to perceive what you will bless tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

 

Sally Wheeler’s grandfather, Albert Keim, died Tuesday evening. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church in Chickasha. Please pray for Sally and her family.

 

Sandra Justice called to say that her niece, Rebecca Bee, has pneumonia. Please pray for Rebecca.

 

Continue to pray for Chester, Sophia, and Lana Ellis’ brothers, Glenn and John Stephens. They are all still hospitalized.

 

Dorothy Gregory, a new member, is struggling with kidney failure. Please pray for Dorothy.

 

There will be congregational meetings during our services of worship this Sunday to vote on our 2013 budget.

 

Leadership Training School is Saturday, February 2, in OKC. A number of good classes are scheduled. There will be a list of the classes and a sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center this Sunday. Consider going. We will take a church van.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

10:00   Bible study in the conference room

6:30    CWF- Dorcas group will meet at Napoli’s

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Amos_7:1-9

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, January 23

O Divine One,

 

Your grace is for all. May the love that is in your nature be in our words and deeds. Such love enfolds us even when we are a great way off. You receive the marginalized. You embrace the lonely and forsaken. Help us to show the care of Jesus to the rejected. Refresh us, we pray, when we are weary and protect us when the conflicts of life bruise us. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

I went to see Chester Ross late yesterday afternoon. He was asleep and surrounded by his family. Doris said the doctor didn’t think, a day or two ago, that Chester would go home from the hospital, but things have improved and Chester may be dismissed in a few days. Amazing! Please continue to pray for Chester, Sophia Farmer, and Jo Shellady.

 

Jack Weston reports that Amy’s surgery was successful. Now they are awaiting pathology reports to see what the next steps are. Please continue to pray for Amy Bramer.

 

I saw on Facebook yesterday that Eunice Barnes’ brother, Harold Hays, died Sunday in Amarillo. Please pray for his family.

 

We have some new pictures on the church website. Check it out at www.centralenid.org. Also look at our Facebook page “Central Christian Church in Enid OK”

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – Men

5:15     WWNF begins. All choirs and groups will meet tonight

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

AMOS_6:1-8

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, January 22

O God,

 

There are times in our lives when we are so rushed, resentful and confused that we do not feel compassion, see good or speak with kindness. Please forgive us, Loving God. Help us to reach out to You, feel Your embrace, and be restored. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

_____

 

Don Johnson, Ed Gorre, and Harry Hammonds leave Saturday morning for a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Kayte Anton leaves later this week for a trip of exploration and discovery to the Holy Lands. Please pray for safe travels and transforming experiences for these friends and representatives of Central Christian Church.

 

Chester Ross was thought to be in his last hours yesterday, but he is still with us. Please continue to pray for Chester.

 

Suzanne, Mary Beach’s daughter, is having surgery today. Amy, Ruth Weston’s daughter is also having surgery today. Please pray for Amy and Suzanne.

 

WWNF is in full swing tomorrow evening with all its programs. Come and join us.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

I am in OKC for meetings

Noon   Noon Bible Study

1:00     CWF meeting about the Bazaar

3:15     Greenbrier service

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – Women

7:00    Quilt Central

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Amos_5:18-24

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, January 21

Loving God,

 

As we enter a new week we look to You for guidance and direction. May Your Spirit be with us as we chart our course through the routine experiences and through the unexpected. We strive to model Jesus. May we be open to the peace that passes all understanding. May we be prepared to share the good news in word and deed. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please pray for Amy Bramer, Ruth and Jack Weston’s daughter. She will have major cancer surgery tomorrow in Nebraska.

 

Happy Birthday to Deloras Oringderff and Joan Ingmire who both recently celebrated birthdays.

 

Please pray for our church as we seek to find a replacement for Jan Markes who has resigned as our Financial Secretary.

 

We will have special congregational Meetings next Sunday during our services of worship to approve a budget and deal with a few other matters.

 

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

 

Amos_5:6-15

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, January 20

Most Holy God,

 

We thank You for the gift of family, for the fellowship of the church family, and for our connection to the wider world family. We ask that your peace and love stir our hearts so that we may work for harmony and peace around the world. We pray for those who are alone, bereaved, and suffering. Hold them in your loving arms and grant them the comfort and joy of family and friends. In Jesus name we pray.
AMEN.

_____

 

There is a Deacons meeting immediately after the 10:15 a.m. sanctuary service. All Deacons are encouraged to attend.

 

Butch Phillips is teaching Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at 3:30 p.m. in the education building. It isn’t too late to attend. This is a life changing class.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel service

9:00    Sunday School

10:15    R & R service in the chapel

10:15    Sanctuary service

11:30    Deacon’s meeting in the sanctuary

3:30     Financial Peace University Class

3:30     Junior Youth Fellowship

3:30     Chi Rho Youth

5:30     CYF Youth

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

Micah_7:18-20

 

Psalm_12

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, January 19

Gracious God,

We thank you for those who offer assistance during the difficult times of life. We thank you for those in the medical profession, counselors, police and fire personnel, pastors, funeral directors, church members, and friends. We thank You for their encouragement and support. We pray for those who respond to sudden events with calmness, grace, and love. In Jesus name we pray. AMEN.

_____

 

Please continue to pray for Chester Ross and Sophia Farmer. May they experience God’s embrace and God’s healing.

 

Yesterday I referred to Lana Ellis’ brother as “Dean” in one sentence. His name is Glenn Stephens. Please pray for Glenn and John who are both hospitalized.

 

Invite a friend to Sunday School and Church tomorrow. Don Johnson is preaching in R & R. I am preaching in the 8:00 Chapel service and the 10:15 sanctuary service.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

There are no activities scheduled at the church today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_6:39-42

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, January 18

Gracious God,

 

We pray for those stranded in unbelief, unable to move forward because of cynicism, doubt, lack of trust, or unbelief. Grant us the patience and empathy to be present to them until they are able to accept Your embrace. As we wait, help us not to judge them, but to examine honestly the things that also hold us back from a full relationship with you. Help us all to move towards the life to which You call us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

______

 

I received word that Steve Cowherd’s grandfather died. Please keep his family in your prayers.

 

Dean Birkenbile, Laura’s father, has had successful surgery in Chicago to remove a cancerous kidney. He is recovering at home. Please keep Dean in your prayers.

 

Lana Ellis’s brother Glenn is back in the hospital. Now both her brothers, Glenn and John, are hospitalized. Please pray for them.

 

I spent the night with Carolyn in OKC and am now preparing to leave for Dallas to see my oncologist. As always, I covet and appreciate your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

There are no scheduled activities today.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_6:37-38

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, January 17

God of Grace,

 

Our soul hungers for You. We pause for a moment and think of the love and the grace that You shower on us. You created us in Your image. May we embrace others as we see your likeness in them. Fill us, Loving God, and complete us. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Jo Shelleday received a pacemaker yesterday. Chester Ross is still in  St. Mary’s hospital. Sophia Farmer is still at Bass. John Stevens is in the Pavilion, and Angelita Walker will have outpatient surgery today. Please include all these members and friends in your prayers.

 

Please pray for Cruze who is two weeks old and has RSV. He was transported from Fayetteville to Tulsa yesterday evening. His grandmother is a good friend of Beth Henneke.

 

The men are leaving at 5:30 p.m. this evening to go to Fairview for a NW Area Men’s meeting.

 

I am sorry to tell you that Jan Markes, our Financial Secretary, has resigned. We informed the Board last night. Today is her last day. We wish Jan well and we covet prayers for our church as we seek to find her replacement.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon   Going away luncheon for Jan Markes and staff

2:00    Service at the Commons

4:00    Cancer Support Group in the library

5:30     Van leaves for NW Area Men’s meeting in Fairview.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_6:32-36

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore