Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 28

Loving  God,

 

Today we set aside those cares that consume our thoughts. Many times worry drains us of our energy and our hope. We pray that You will soothe our uneasy spirits with Your grace filled presence. May our trust in You help us put all of life into perspective. May our focus be less on our own needs and more on the needs of others. Cares will always be with us. Your love diminishes their impact and we give You thanks and praise through Jesus the Christ in whose name we pray. AMEN.

______

 

Please continue to pray for Dale Vance and his daughters, Carol and Karen, as they care for him at his home.

 

Please continue to pray for Mae Clark who is in rehab at St. Mary’s hospital.

 

CWF members are reminded of CWF Dinner for Two next Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Invite a friend. R.S.V.P. to the church office tomorrow.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

10:00   Lifelong Learning

10:00   Bible Study in the conference room

6:00    Emmaus 4^th Day in the fellowship hall and chapel

6:30    CWF Dorcas group at a local restaurant

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_9:37-45

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 27

Most Gracious God,

 

There are so many challenges in life: peer pressure for the young and health issues for the more mature, to name only two. Sometimes we are overwhelmed by troubling circumstances. We surrender them to You, Loving God. Please give us the strength and fortitude to press on in our lives, regardless of the obstacles. May we trust in You and feel the encouraging strength of Your embrace. In all things, may we seek to honor You with our faithful service. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

This morning power is still out for over 5,000 Enid customers (including the McLemore’s). Please pray for these friends and members of our family as well as the utility workers who are working hard to restore services.

 

Power is on at the church so it is business as usual with WWNF activities and a Cabinet meeting this evening.

 

I left for Dallas on Monday to avoid the storm and returned yesterday evening. It was a safe and productive trip.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Prayer Service

9:00    TOPS

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – Men

5:15     WWNF activities begin

7:30     Cabinet Meeting in Room 109

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_9:21-36

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, February 26

Dear God,

 

Our prayers today are for those who are impacted by this winter storm and lack of power. Watch over them we pray. Be with the city and utility workers as they work in the bitter cold to restore those benefits we often take for granted. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Lana Ellis has asked for continued prayers for her brother, John, who is back in the hospital. Also her daughter-in-law Wendy had a stroke, but is doing OK. Please pray for John and Wendy.

 

The church is obviously closed today. Please stay safe and warm.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, February 25

Divine Presence,

 

Guide us with Your Spirit, we pray. Illumine our path. Hold us close in times of trouble and distress. We trust in You. May Your peace sustain us and may Your hope cause us to embrace life. This we pray in Jesus’ name.

_______

 

The Enid Schools are closed today so our policy says the church will be closed. Likely there will be people in the office until the weather begins to get bad since it is just raining at this writing.

 

The Listening Conference scheduled for this evening at Christian Church of the Covenant has been postponed until March 11.

 

Please stay in and stay warm during this winter storm.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

The church will be closed.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_9:18-20

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, February 24

Gracious God,

 

Today we pray for Your whole church in all its manifestations. Please fill it with truth and peace. Where there is error, direct it; where there is anything amiss, reform it; where there is right, strengthen it; and where Your church is divided and torn apart, heal it and bind up its wounds. We offer this prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

_____

 

Kathy Eck has been in Memphis for the funeral of her uncle. Please pray for Kathy’s family.

 

Today is Youth Sunday and the youth will be leading a combined 10:15 a.m. service of worship in the sanctuary. We will also have an 8:00 a.m. chapel service where I will be preaching. Come and worship with us today.

 

The Listening Conference for the region will be tomorrow, February 25, at Christian Church of the Covenant. The church is providing a soup supper. Everything begins at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

 

SCHDEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Worship in the chapel

9:00    Sunday school for all ages

10:15    Combined worship in the sanctuary led by our youth.

3:30     Chi Rho youth group

3:30     Financial Peace University in room 109

5:00    Youth snack supper

5:30     CYF youth group

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM

FOR THE WEEK

 

Luke_9:7-17

 

Psalm_132

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore       

Prayer for Today, Saturday, February 23

Most Holy God,

 

Too often we stumble. Life is tricky and many time we can’t anticipate the unexpected hurdles. We get tired of falling, getting up, and then reassessing our position. Forgive us, Loving God, when we forget You are with us to encourage, support, and sustain our fragile lives. Even in the midst of being flat on our faces, may we look up to see Your face and feel Your comforting embrace. You dust us off and send us on our way and we give You thanks in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Mae Clark gave us a scare yesterday. She wasn’t in her home, but we found her at St. Mary’s hospital with pneumonia. She is now in rehab in room 504. Please pray for Mae.

 

Dale Vance has been dismissed and is in his home, however he has had a couple of rough nights. Please pray for Dale.

 

Remember there is a Listening Conference to reflect on the future of the Christian Church in Oklahoma on Monday at 6:30 at Christian Church of the Covenant. They will provide a light supper. All are invited.

 

Tomorrow we will have our regular 8:00 a.m. chapel service. The youth will lead a combined 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary. Please come to support our youth and share in a vibrant worship experience.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

10:00   N.W. Emmaus Board meeting in Room 109

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Zechariah_8:1-17

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, February 22

O Lord,

 

We pause for a moment to reflect on the grace and love You shower upon us. In the midst of our sin and self-centeredness You continue to reach out to us. You beckon to us with arms outstretched. During this Lenten season, may we turn to You and honor You with our prayers, fasting, and almsgiving. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Please continue to pray for Bert Sims who is recovering from a fall; for Gretchen Boyer who is battling cancer; for Dale Vance who is getting used to a feeding tube; and for the family of Justin Diel whose memorial service is today at 1:00 p.m.

 

The cabinet meeting that was scheduled for last Wednesday has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, February 28, at 7:30 p.m.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

11:15    Diel family luncheon

1:00     Memorial service for Justin Diel in the sanctuary

7:00    Family movie night in Central Cinema room

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Zechariah_7:1-10                              

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 21

Dear God,

 

As we call on you today we realize that we often come asking for favors. Today we would like just to be in Your presence. Let our hearts respond to Your Love. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

____

 

I received word last night that Bert Sims fell Sunday and fractured a couple of ribs. He is home at Greenbrier, but is in pain. Please keep Bert in your prayers.

 

Beth Tefft has asked for prayers for Gretchen Boyer. Gretchen is in a long battle with cancer and the recent news was not good. Please pray for Gretchen and her family.

 

The church is closed today because of the weather. When the Enid schools are closed so is the church.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

The church is closed.

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Haggai_2:1-9

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, February 20

Gracious God,

 

Lent is a time of self-examination and reflection. So often, O Lord, we miss the mark. We have good intentions, but the allure and pressure of peers and the culture trump and derail our acts of faithfulness. Please forgive us, Loving God. May our Lenten journey lead us back to what You want us to be and do. May our actions be acceptable in Your sight. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____  

 

I haven’t made any decisions about WWNF and the cabinet meeting, but will likely do so around noon. I will send an email if we cancel and Kandy will make phone calls. If you don’t hear from the church then we will continue with our usual schedule.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

9:00    TOPS in the multi-purpose room

9:30    Inactive members task group

Noon   Single Men’s luncheon

1:00     Emmaus reunion group – men

5:15     WWNF activities begin

7:30     Cabinet meeting

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Zephaniah_3:11-20

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, February 19

Most Holy God,

 

We remind ourselves, O Lord, that we are in Your presence. We will take refuge in Your loving heart. You are our strength in times of weakness. You are our comforter in times of sorrow. We give You thanks and praise in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

The memorial service for Justin Diel will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Our church will provide a meal for the family at 11:15 a.m. Please pray for Justin’s family, friends, and brothers in the Air Force.

 

There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow evening at 7:30 p.m.

 

Next Monday we are invited to a 6:30 p.m. Listening Conference at Christian Church of the Covenant. The Christian Church in Oklahoma is in a time of reflection and planning as the result of Tom Jewell’s retirement and Gary Mitchell’s departure. The questions discussed will be:

1. Why are you a Disciple?
2. What has been the Oklahoma Disciples' finest moment?

3. Describe a time you felt most involved, spiritually touched, or most excited about your involvement as an Oklahoma Disciple.
4. What about the Oklahoma Disciples do you most value?
5. If your greatest dream for the Christian Church in Oklahoma came true, what would that dream be and look like?

Please consider attending. Call Kandy at 233-1214 to RSVP. Our friends at Covenant are providing a soup supper as a part of the event.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

8:15     John McLemore drives to OKC for a 10:00 meeting of the Disciples Retirement Community of Oklahoma.

10:00   Lifelong Learning

Noon   Noon Bible Study

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – women

6:00    Beta Sigma Phi City Council in room 109

6:00    Technology Group meeting

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Zephaniah_3:1-7

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, February 18

Ever Present Spirit,

 

Your word through the Psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God." Lord, on our Lenten journey, please lead us to the calmness and greatness of Your Presence. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

____

 

Please pray for the family of Justin Diel. His memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m. this Friday in the Sanctuary. The Thornburghs were his grandparents.

 

A new study will begin this Wednesday during WWNF. It is entitled, “The Way—Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus” and is  written by Adam Hamilton. Join your friends at 6:30 p.m. in room 109.

 

There is a Cabinet meeting at 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday in Room 109.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers

9:00    Staff meeting

Noon   Noon Prayer Service

6:00    Quilters Guild

7:00    Boy Scouts

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Zephaniah_2:1-4                  

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, February 17

Gracious God,

 

Some of us have been in relationship with You from childhood. Others of us have come to You later in life. You love us all and have always been with us. You call to our hearts. You peak through our deafness. You eliminate our blindness. As Augustine said,  “Our heart pants for you. Our soul hungers for you”. You touch us and we are consumed by Your grace and the thought of your peace. We give You thanks and praise in the name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

____

 

Please continue to pray for Dale Vance and his daughters, Carol and Karen, as they care for him.

 

There is a brief parent’s meeting at 11:30 this morning in the Sanctuary. All parents of youth are encouraged to attend.

 

Gene Heitfeld has added a new feature to the church’s website www.centralenid.org. Now some of the special music from the traditional service can be viewed there. THANK YOU, GENE.

 

There is a cabinet meeting at 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday in room 109. All Board officers, committee chairs, task group chairs, and fellowship presidents are encouraged to attend. We will meet for one hour and look at current programs as well as some statistical data about our church.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel worship

9:00    Sunday school for all ages

10:15    R & R worship in the chapel

10:15    Sanctuary worship

11:30    Youth parents’ meeting in the sanctuary

3:30     Financial Peace University in room 109

3:30     JYF

3:30     Chi Rho youth

5:00    CYF youth

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY & PSALM FOR THE WEEK

 

Zephaniah_1:1, 12-28

 

Psalm_132

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, February 16

Most Holy God,

 

As our Lenten journey is now proceeding may we confess all those actions and thoughts that separate us from You and from one another. Please forgive us, Lord. We want to be good. We want to be faithful. May our hearts be open and our spirits renewed. May the power of Your presence lift us above our human frailties and may our lives honor You. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

There was a good attendance at the memorial gathering honoring Sophia Farmer yesterday. Her brother and sister-in-law were very appreciative.

 

There is a parents meeting tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. All parents of youth are encouraged to attend.

 

Next Wednesday we will have a cabinet meeting in Room 109 at 7:30 p.m. Board officers and committee chairs are encouraged to be present.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00 a.m.        Lenten Morning Prayers

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_9:1-6

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, February 15

Most Glorious God,

 

During our Lenten journey we pray for peace of heart, mind, and soul. May we pause, each day, to reflect on the beauty of life and the power of love. Heal our broken bodies and spirits. Empower us, we pray, to live lives of faithful obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_____

 

Dale Vance had a successful procedure yesterday. Please continue to pray for Dale and his family.

 

Sophia Farmer will be remembered during a gathering of family and friends in the parlor at 11:00 a.m. this morning.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers in the chapel

11:00   Memorial Gathering for Sophia Farmer in the Parlor

 

SCRITPURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_8:40-56

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, February 14

O Lord Our God,

 

On a day when we think about love in its human form may we also remember that You are the author of love, that it is more than just an emotion, and that it is at the very center of our relationship with You. Today we pray for our spouses, significant others, family, and friends. We also give You thanks for love that knows no boundaries or conditions. We are blessed by Your grace. We offer You our praise and prayers through Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

______

 

There will be a Memorial Gathering to honor Sophia Farmer this Friday at 11:00 in the Parlor. You are welcome to attend.

 

Dale Vance is having a surgical procedure this morning. Please pray for Dale.

 

Roy Camp is having out-patient surgery on his foot today at the Bone and Joint Hospital in OKC. Please pray for Roy.

 

We had a good attendance at our Ash Wednesday service last night. You are invited to join me for Lenten Morning Prayers this morning at 7:00 a.m. in the chapel.

 

Yesterday I announced the Regional Listening Conference as being on January 25^th. Oops! It is February 25^th at Christian Church of the Covenant.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

7:00    Lenten Morning Prayers in the chapel

10:00   NW Area Ministers’ Meeting at Christian Church of the Covenant  

10:00   Lifelong Learning in the multipurpose room

10:00   Bible Study in the conference room

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

 

Luke_8:26-39

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore