Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 31

God of the Past, Present, and Future,

 

We seek Your presence. We long for Your healing power. Help us, Dear God, to be equipped for what the future brings. May we be faithful and adaptable. May we embrace those understandings that are eternal, yet help us to see the potential of new and relevant expressions. Guide us, we pray, in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

I received another email from our members in Peru: “John,

Today we spent the day at the first school (the Sunflower School) meeting children with their families and painting.  We learned that this school has a waiting list.  We observed some in the classroom and the teacher is outstanding.  Sue notice that the classroom and the teaching was very developmentally appropriate.  We have included some pictures from today that we thought you might enjoy.  Tomorrow we will visit Villa Hermosa and Mi Peru.  

 

The Dells and The Johnsons”

 

I saw Marjorie Foster and Barb Lund yesterday in St. Mary’s. They are both improving. Please continue to pray for them.

 

VBS is going strong with good attendance. Remember there is an adult session and it is never too late to attend.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS

5:00    VBS

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore 

 

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 30

Gracious God,

 

We pray for the children in our midst: those in our families, our church, our neighborhood, and those attending VBS. They are so full of energy and excitement. They approach life in simple and trusting ways. Watch over them, we pray. May our influence be positive and encouraging. May they see in us the good qualities of faithful living. They are so impressionable. May Your spirit work through us as we lead and teach them. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

I received the following email yesterday evening:

“John,

We made it to Puno around 2:00 p.m. today.  There were no delays or complications in our travel.  Puno has grown since the last time we were here.  We stopped at the first school we helped to construct. Tomorrow we are going to paint at that school and visit with the teacher and some of the families there.

 Late this afternoon we met with the Galdos Gamero family and had a wonderful visit.  We will keep you updated throughout the week.

 

The Dells and Johnsons” 

 

Please pray for our travelers to Peru.

 

Continue to pray for Tim Giberson, Paul’s brother, as he continues to recover from his stroke. He is in ICU at Bass.

 

Barb Lund and Marjorie Foster are in rehab at St. Mary’s. Please pray for them.

 

VBS IS GROWING! We had more children yesterday evening. Don’t forget there is an adult section taught by Kayte Anton. It isn’t too late to join in. Everything begins at 5:00 p.m. with a meal.

 

I am having scans today. Please pray for good outcomes.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon              Noon Bible Study

5:00 p.m.        VBS

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 29

Most Holy God,

 

As another week stretches out before us we seek Your guidance and care. We have schedules, but there are also unknowns. Be present to us, we pray, and surprise us in the unexpected. Lift our spirits as we venture forth. May a sense of peace, hope, and love prevail. This in our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Peggy Schaffer is having laparoscopic colon cancer surgery in Oklahoma City today. She is expecting to return to Enid tomorrow. Amazing! Please lift up Peggy in your prayers.

 

VBS is underway. We had 62 children and a number of youth and adults participating. Join us tonight at 5:00 p.m. for supper.

 

The Johnsons and Dells should arrive in Puno, Peru today. Please pray for them.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:30    Staff meeting

11:00   Joe Morris Memorial Service in the chapel

Noon   Morris funeral luncheon

Noon   Noon Prayer Service

1:30     CWF Bazaar Work Day

5:00    VBS begins

7:00    Boy Scouts

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 28

Gracious God,

 

Today is the day Your faithful children assemble in churches around the world to worship You. It is the day when we set aside time to lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving. We seek to honor You with our presence. Unfortunately there are untold numbers of people, even in our community, who are absent from these gatherings. We pray for them, Loving God. May Your spirit surround them and may our invitation and welcome encourage them. We all stand before You as those who are incomplete. Only You can fill those empty spaces within us. May our witness share that reality and may others come into Your presence. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

VBS BEGINS THIS EVENING! The meal is at 5:00 p.m. There is a class for adults too.

 

Joe Morris’ memorial service will be tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.

 

Please continue to pray for Tim Giberson, Marjorie Foster, Clo Rine, Barb Lund, and Shelia Hashemi-Sohi who are all hospitalized.

 

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

 

REGULAR SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

VBS BEGINS AT 5:00 P.M.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore   

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 27

Great Comforter,

 

We seek those mountaintop vistas where we can see almost to eternity, yet most of our lives are lived in the valley where our vision is limited by the plain and ordinary. Occasionally we can soar to the heights, even spiritually. Grant us, we pray, the vision that takes us into Your extraordinary future. Please forgive our narrow perspective. Open up for us, we pray, the views that take our breath away and empower us to work diligently for Your reign on earth. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________  

 

Please continue to pray for Marjorie Foster, Barb Lund, and Clo Rine who are all hospitalized.

 

Tim Giberson, Paul’s brother, had a stroke yesterday late afternoon. He is in ICU at Bass hospital. They administered the “clot buster” drug and early indications were that it was working. Please pray for Tim as well as Paul and Mickie as they watch over him.

 

Don Coulter’s funeral was yesterday morning. Please continue to pray for Norma.

 

Joe Morris’ memorial service will be Monday at 11:00 in the chapel. Please pray for Jean and the rest of Joe’s family.

 

Our Mission Camp youth are back. Check out this link that highlights some of their work  http://kfor.com/2013/07/25/teens-donate-summer-break-to-help-families-in-need/

 

Don and Tary Johnson and David and Sue leave today for Peru. Please pray for a safe and productive trip.

 

VBS begins tomorrow! The meal is at 5:00 p.m. There will be classes for adults and children age 3 years to those who have finished the 5^th grade. Please pray for the success of this venture.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:30    Emmaus Board Meeting

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 26

Divine Presence,

 

Our relationship with You is real and a mystery. We seek to define You with our terms and You are beyond definition. We sometimes attempt to mold You in our image, with our prejudices and view of things. Please forgive us, O Lord. May we let You be God and may we seek to be Your children. We know Your love for us is palpable. We open our heart to You and we lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving. Please hear our prayer as we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Jimmy Davis is having a heart cath procedure this morning at St. Mary’s. Please pray for Jimmy.

 

Please continue to pray for Barb Lund, Marjorie Foster, and Clo Rine.

 

Don Coulter’s funeral is this morning at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel.

 

Joe Morris’ memorial service will be Monday at 11:00 in the chapel.

 

Please lift up our grieving and hospitalized in your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

MISSION CAMP concludes.

11:00   Don Coulter Funeral

12:30   Coulter Family luncheon

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore   

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 25

Empowering God,

 

We praise You, O Lord, with all our hearts. In the midst of trials and tribulations we still seek to honor You. As we journey from the valleys to the mountaintops we sing our doxologies. You are the source of our blessings and we are thankful. Receive us as we are and transform us, O God. May Your love flow through us as we pray this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Joe Morris died yesterday morning. His memorial service will be on Saturday with the time yet to be determined.

 

Don Coulter’s funeral is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Please continue to pray for Norma.

 

Clo Rine was taken to the ER at St. Mary’s yesterday evening and was then admitted. She is in room #420. Barb Lund is in St. Mary’s #402 and Marjorie Foster is in St. Mary’s # 406. Please pray for these members.

 

Jimmy Davis is preparing for a heart cath procedure tomorrow. Please lift Jimmy up in your prayers.

 

The board meeting last night had a wonderful attendance. “Thank you” to all the leaders who attended. This is a sign of the commitment of our deacons and elders and of the vitality of our congregation.

 

Special thanks to Roy Smith, former board moderator who did a wonderful job last year, and to Beth Tefft, who is providing leadership for this year.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

All Day            Mission camp in El Reno

10:00   Bible Study in the conference room

1:30     CWF Bazaar Workday

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 24

Gracious and Loving God,

 

We look around and everything seems to be changing in our lives, in our culture, and in our church. We have little control over much of what is happening and we are anxious. We find security in stability and sameness. In times such as these we are called to trust in You, O Lord. Rather than trying to “fix” the situation, invite us to trust in You and see what You are doing. Please open our hearts and minds to new possibilities. Please ease our concerns. May our energy and efforts be focused on discerning our role in this amazing and challenging time of change. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Don Coulter died yesterday morning in St. Mary’s hospital. His funeral will be Friday at 11:00 in the chapel at the church. Please pray for Norma and her family.

 

Barb Lund had successful hip surgery yesterday. Please pray for her as she recovers.

 

Jimmy Davis will have a heart cath procedure early Friday morning. Please lift Jimmy up in your prayers.

 

Tonight is our first board meeting of the new program year. We will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

 

I am back to work and in the office today.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

All Day            Mission Camp continues in El Reno

9:00    TOPS in the multi-purpose room

1:00     Emmaus Reunion  Group – men

5:30     WWNF activities begin with a meal

7:30     Board meeting in the multi-purpose room

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, July 23

O God Our God,

 

Sometimes our prayers come easily. At other times they do not. In such situations we want to honor You and give thanks to You, but the words aren’t there. Scripture says that Your spirit intercedes when we don’t know how to pray as we ought. May that spirit intercede for us today. Know our heart, O God. Cleanse us of our sinfulness. Please receive us as we are and make us whole. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Barb Lund fell while working at Our Daily Bread yesterday morning and broke her hip. She is having surgery this morning at St. Mary’s hospital. Rob is staying by her side. Their son, Jim, will be in Enid this afternoon. I understand that Molly is also in route. Please pray for Barb and Rob.

                

Don Coulter is in the last days of his life. He is alert and communicative, but has difficulty breathing. Don has a strong faith and is not afraid. Please pray for Don and Norma. Their daughter and son-in-law are also here.

 

Connie Oltmans, our custodian, was hit by a car while crossing a street in Las Vegas. He went to the ER and was released, but is very sore and his knee is bothering him. Connie is back in Enid. Please pray for Connie.

 

Tomorrow is our first Board Meeting of the new program year. Most committees have yet to meet, but all committee chairs and board members need to be present. We will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

 

Please continue to pray for our Mission Camp participants.

 

I will be back in the office tomorrow.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon   Noon Bible Study

1:00     JYF Fun Day

3:15     Greenbrier Service

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – women

5:15     Golf League (if temperature is under 100)

6:00    Technology Group Meeting

7:00    Quilt Central

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Monday, July 22

Dear God,

 

We come to You with thankful hearts, praising You for all our blessings. We have so many. Today we pause to reflect on Your presence with us and how our lives are impacted. We pray for those who have never had these experiences or who have walked away from You. May Your spirit surround them. May our words and deeds crack open a door that gives them a glimpse of what life with You is like and the importance of a connection with a community of faith. May Your blessings flow through us to others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Don Coulter is declining. Please lift Don and Norma up in your prayers.

 

Please continue to pray for Rev. Dr. Dan Loomis, Scott Warfield’s uncle. He is still in a coma after be hit while riding his bicycle in Ft. Worth.

 

Clo Rine has been moved to the nursing home at Greenbrier. Please pray for Clo.

 

A number of our youth and John Wheeler left yesterday for Mission Camp in El Reno. Please pray for a safe, fun, spiritual experience for them.

 

Board Meeting is Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. All board members and officers are encouraged to attend.

 

I am still taking a few vacation days.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:30    Staff Meeting

Noon   Noon Prayer Service in the chapel

1:30     CWF Bazaar workday

7:00    Boy Scouts

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Sunday, July 21

Most Holy God,

 

Today, O Lord, we pray for those people with power: politicians, law enforcement, military officers, appointed leaders, bosses, and others. We know that they have the ability to tear down or to build up. They can work for the common good or for their own benefit. Most of us have been in that position at one time or another in our lives. Please forgive us, if we abused our office. Please pour out your spirit on those currently in power. May they use their influence for the common good. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

__________

 

There is a deacons meeting today at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

 

VBS begins in one week. Please pray for a positive and spiritual experience for all the participants and leaders.

 

Please lift up Don Johnson and John Wheeler as they preach in today’s services.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, July 20

O Divine Presence,

 

You come to us in surprising ways and You gently prod us out of our complacency. Often we meet You in the sanctuary, where we gather with family and friends to worship.  Sometimes we meet You in the marketplace, where humanity works and toils. Sometimes we meet You in the dark recesses and alleyways, although it isn’t easy because those are places we avoid. You are God of all creations and Your spirit dwells with all Your children. Forgive us, we pray, when we limit You to high and holy places. Push us, O God, out of our provincialism. May Your spirit open our eyes and lead us into the world as Your faithful witnesses and servants. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______

 

I am taking a few vacation days after my workshop in Chicago.

 

Don Johnson is preaching at the 8:00 chapel service and the 10:15 sanctuary service tomorrow. John Wheeler is preaching in  R & R. Please surround them with your prayers.

 

There is a Deacons’ Meeting tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. All Deacons are encouraged to attend.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Friday, July 19

God of All Times,

 

You are at work in the world and You are at work in our lives. Help us, we pray, to be open to what You are doing. Often times our agendas and schedules get in the way of a true discernment of Your call. May we be open and receptive. May we be drawn into Your movement in the present and the future, and may we be a part of this amazing journey. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

There is a Deacon’s meeting this Sunday at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

 

Our Board Meeting is next Wednesday, July 24^th. All deacons, elders and board officers are encouraged to attend.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, July 18

Loving God,

 

Anxiety seems to be the common theme of modern life. We are anxious, yet we have little or no control over many of the causes.  Still we fret. In such times we need the assurance of Your presence with us. Help us, we pray, to find that deep, centered space within us where there is calm and peace. Then, O Lord, may we be a non-anxious presence for those around us. May Your spirit hold us so that we might hold others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

The workshop I am attending is outstanding. I do covet your continued prayers as I ponder the work of the leader in times of change.

 

This evening the men will gather with other Disciples men from the area to enjoy good food, good fellowship, and a program from Sally and Harry.

 

Please pray for Disciples around the country as they travel home from the General Assembly.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, July 17

Most Holy God,

 

Today we dedicate our dreams and aspirations to You. Draw us, we pray, into the future You have prepared for us. Please send Your spirit to empower us and give us the strength to step out in faith. We trust in You, O God. May our work be Your work. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____

 

Bud Arnold had successful knee replacement surgery yesterday. Please pray for a speedy recovery for Bud.

 

Don Coulter will likely be in St. Mary’s another week.

 

Tonight is a special WWNF with a covered dish supper and “Minute to Win It” fun. Plan to attend.

 

The workshop in Chicago is going well. Long but good hours.

 

Here is some information from the General Assembly.

 

July 16, 2013

Volunteers rock! Disciples Volunteering has teamed up with the local arrangements committee to serve at four different mission sites. These folks worked at Leu Gardens, an educational facility that teaches care of creation.   Monday night worship   Worship was graced with rich music including Richmond Punch on the violin.   Tuesday morning workshops   The Spirituality learning community featured a labyrinth workshop led by Rev. Warren Lynn from Disciples Home Missions.   Business items Check online to see the status of business items. Due to time constraints, the following business items originally scheduled for Tuesday will come before the assembly on Wednesday: 1330, 1325, 1338. In addition the three referred items will also return to the assembly: 1321, 1332, 1333.   Wednesday, July 17   Morning gathering      JoAnne Kagiwada Young Lan Kim  Video:table  Presentation: JoAnne Kagiwada and Young Lan Kim: "Kodomo no ta-me ni - For the Sake of our Children" - Based on this common saying in the Japanese community. with drama and personal reflection, Kagiwada and Young will explore the internment of Japanese Americans.   Learning opportunities Networking, reflection and practice  in learning communities Reports during afternoon business session online docket | business page | schedule of items "Many Cultures, One World" Epcot experience (Youth) Meal events Disciples Chaplins and Disciples Peace Fellowship breakfasts Disciples Men, Disciples Women and Yale Divinity luncheons Evening worship  Sweet Honey in the Rock   7:30 pm pre-worship music 8:00 pm Worship featuring Sweet Honey in the Rock   Webcast information       Join in the Assembly from wherever you are Watch for Facebook updates on the General Assembly group and CC DOC fan pages Follow on Twitter with the #ga13doc tag Check the business page for the progress of items Watch your e-mail in-box for frequent updates and previews Join in worship services through webcasts brought to you by our generous sponsors. If you are not attending and would still like to support the assembly, you can make a non-attending support gift - a "there in spirit" gift, if you will. The General Assembly is underwritten by registrations. If you are unable to attend and want to support the assembly, you can make a non-attending support gift online. Non-attending support gifts over $50 will automatically receive a copy of the post-GA news.       The General Assembly will receive four offerings during worship services for various ministries of the Church. Click on the first links below to give online to these special offerings. Click on the second link to learn more about the work these donations will accomplish. 13th Check (Pension Fund) | More information Disciples Mission Fund | More information Reconciliation Ministry | More information Week of Compassion  | More information     Stay Connected!     The Disciples News Service, also known as The Disciple®, is distributed weekly or as needed by Communication Ministries. For changes to your subscription options or to subscribe to this newsletter, please visit: www.disciples.org/Default.aspx?tabid=76 If you are interested in submitting news for distribution in the Disciples News Service, please review our "Guidelines for Submitting News and Information to Disciples News Service": www.disciples.org/Default.aspx?tabid=79

 

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore