Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 31

Divine Mystery,

 

In the words of St. Augustine, “I (we) believe. Forgive my (our) unbelief”. We have certainty in our faith, yet there are times when doubt and fear visit us and we experience dark nights of the soul. We know, O Lord, You embrace us, even as we waiver. Help us to feel the support of Your everlasting arms. When we turn away, You are there. While confusion seems to overwhelm us, Your grace abounds. You are never far from us, even when we seem far from You. We give You thanks and praise through Jesus the Christ. AMEN.

_____________

 

Clo Rine funeral is Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Nash Christian Church. Please pray for Clo’s family and friends.

 

Please pray for our homebound. Tomorrow our Elders and Deacons will be serving them communion.

 

Please pray for our church.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore  

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 30

Loving God,

 

We have many blessings and we have many concerns. Everything is swirling about us and we don’t know where to start when we pray. Scripture assures us that You know our prayers even before our lips utter the words. We take solace in that understanding. O God, You are so good to us. In this moment we seek the peace that comes only from You. Please hear the prayers of our hearts. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Our beloved Clo Rine died yesterday morning. Her funeral will be Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Christian Church in Nash with a graveside at Memorial Park on Tuesday. Please pray for Clo’s family and friends.

 

Harold Pirkl, a friend of many at Central and a member of the Garber Christian Church, had heart bypass and valve replacement surgery yesterday at the Heart Hospital in OKC. Please pray for Harold’s recovery.

 

Be safe this holiday weekend and come to Sunday School and church if you are in town.

 

This Wednesday, September 4, I will be teaching a class entitled “Central Christian Church: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”. WWNF begins at 5:15 with a meal. The class will begin at 6:30 in the fellowship hall. I hope you will consider attending.

 

In one week, on September 8, we will have our Fall Kick Off day with a Fellowship Luncheon at 11:30. Everyone is encouraged to wear your team (high school, college, or pro) shirts. It is always a lot of fun.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Regular Office Hours

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 29

Most Holy God,

 

Life is filled with relationships. We celebrate family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and class mates. There are times on our journey, however, when situations adversely impact associations, sometimes to the point of estrangement. Help us to discern Your will in these situations, O Lord. May we move away from unhealthy involvements, yet may we do so with dignity and grace. May we move closer to those people who are encouraging, supportive, and life affirming. Please surround us with Your peace, O God. May Your spirit be experienced as we connect with those around us. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Clo Rine is in the last days of her life. Please pray for Clo and her family.

 

Chester Ross needs our continued prayers. Please pray for Chester.

 

We had a wonderful time yesterday evening, although the attendance was less than expected. The desserts were great and the singing was wonderful.

 

Please pray for our members who may be traveling on this last holiday weekend of the summer. If you are home, please come and worship with your friends at Central.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

1:30        CWF Bazaar Workday

6:00        Iglesia Asambleas de Dios Pentecostes Church meets in the chapel

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 28

Loving God,

 

Our hearts are filled with joy and eager anticipation. There are so many amazing opportunities to serve You through the ministries of our church. May Your spirit fan the spark of faith within each of us so that it might burst into an all consuming fire in our hearts. May we use our imaginations to improve existing ministries and create new, vital, and relevant ones which will impact our neighborhood in positive and caring ways. Help us to walk the walk and “flesh out” the sacred story of scripture in all that we do. Move us, we pray, from discussion to action. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_____  

 

Here is a report on AL Sexton: “Surgery went well. The tumor was removed without damaging the nerves although  a rib was cracked pulling it out. Al will be at St. Paul's Hospital for only a day or two and then we will stay with my sister here in Dallas for about a week for post op care. It's amazing what can be done here with the robotic surgical equipment and a talented surgeon. Thanks for all your prayers and concern. Lois”

 

Fig Newton reports his procedure was a success and he was dismissed yesterday.

 

Please offer prayers of celebration for Al and Fig.

 

Continue to pray for Bill Maxwell, Clo Rine, and Dan Huston.

 

Come to WWNF tonight as we share a meal at 5:15 in the fellowship hall. Bring a dessert to share. Then at 6:00 we will enjoy a fun filled sing-a-long until 6:45. Bring a friend with you.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS in the multipurpose room

1:00     Emmaus Reunion Group – men

5:15     Membership Committee meeting

5:15     WWNF meal and “pot-luck” desserts

6:00    All church “sing-a-long”

6:45    Chancel Choir

6:45    Youth Group

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 27

Source of All True Joy,

 

We are weak and frail even when we think we are strong and invincible. Please forgive our hubris, O Lord.  The span of our years is but  a blink of the eye as we consider all eternity, yet each day is a gift. We are always surrounded by the mystery of Your presence. You value us and we give You thanks and praise. Guide us on our journey, Gracious God. May we live each day, albeit fleeting, with grace, dignity, and compassion as we serve You by serving others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Please pray for AL Sexton. He is having major surgery in Dallas today.

 

Clo Rine is in the last days of her life. Please surround this saint with your love and prayers.

 

Dan Huston, Kandy Trojan’s father, fell in the hospital and broke his hip. Please continue to pray for Dan.

 

I know you are continuing to pray for Denise Bellville, Denny and Peg Krick’s daughter, as she is on a long road to recovery after her car wreck in Florida.

 

Tomorrow we are “kicking of” Wonderful Wednesday Night Fellowship with a meal at 5:15. Everyone is encourage to bring a dessert to share. Then we will enjoy a sing-a-long with a variety of songs from 6:00 to 6:45.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon   Noon Bible Study

3:15     Greenbrier Service

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – women

5:15     Golf League at Golden Oaks

6:00    New Spanish speaking church meets in the chapel

7:00    Quilt Central

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 26

Most Holy God,

 

We bow in humility this day. Your presence is overwhelming, yet we are not afraid, rather we are comforted and encouraged. Please forgive us when we reduce You to that which we are capable of understanding. You are a mystery and we only get glimpses of Your glory from time to time, however we know you have accepted and forgiven us. Our hearts are filled and we give You thanks. Please bless us today as we seek to work and serve Jesus’ in whose name we pray. AMEN.

________

 

Fig Newton is having surgery today to implant a neurostimulator. He will be in St. Mary’s overnight.

 

Al Sexton will have major surgery tomorrow in Dallas.

 

Please pray for Fig and Al.

 

John Cole has been dismissed from Bass Hospital. Clo Rine, Dan Huston, and Bill Maxwell are still patients at St. Mary’s. Please pray for these friends.

 

Please pray for the people of Syria who have been struggling with a civil war for some time. Also pray for the U.S. and our friends as an appropriate response to the use of nerve gas by the Syrian regime is considered.  

 

Wonderful Wednesday Night Fellowship starts again this Wednesday with a meal, pot-luck desserts, and a song fest. The meal will be at 5:15. The singing will be from 6:00 until 6:45. Plan to attend.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:30    Staff Meeting

Noon   Noon Prayer Service

1:30     CWF Workday

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 25

Gracious and Loving God,

 

You embrace us. You lift us up. You give us visions of what Your kingdom is like. Help us, Loving God, to earnestly work so that Your will may be done “ on earth as it is in heaven”. May Your blessing flow through us to others. May the model of Jesus guide our steps as we relate to the least of these. We give You thanks and praise, O God. We commit to be Your faithful servants in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Peg Krick sent the following email about her daughter, Denise, who was injured in a car wreck in Florida: “Denise is now having physical therapy 3 times a week.  Every day brings a new challenge.  You can imagine how hard it is to do even the slightest movement since she cannot bend or rotate from side to side.  The walker gets her everywhere she needs to go on one leg.  The left leg is at right angle.  No weight bearing on that leg for at least two and a half months.  I will be here for awhile.  Keep the prayers going.  Peg”

 

We certainly will keep the prayers going.

 

There is a fellowship luncheon today at 11:30 and the program will be about Harry Hammonds’ and Sally Wheeler’s recent trip to Caninante.

 

Don Johnson is preaching in the 8:00 chapel and 10:15 sanctuary services today. I am preaching in R & R.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel Service

9:00    Sunday School

10:15    Sanctuary and R & R services

11:30    Fellowship Luncheon

3:30     Chi Rho youth

5:00    CYF youth

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore 

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 24

Most Gracious God,

 

You are our strength in times of weakness. You are our comfort in times of sorrow. May our faith be strong and our trust in You, sustaining. We see Your blessings all around us today. May we use our holy imaginations to anticipate Your blessings for tomorrow. We pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

______

 

Tim McAnally’s uncle, Derol Klusmeyer, died on Thursday. Please pray for Tim’s family.

 

John Cole is in Bass hospital. Please pray for John.

 

Kandy Trojan’s father, Dan Huston, is improving but remains hospitalized.

 

Please continue to pray for Bill Maxwell and Col Rine.

 

Tomorrow we will enjoy a fellowship luncheon at 11:30. Plan to join us and enjoy the food, fellowship, and brief program.

 

John Wheeler and our Regional Youth Council members are at a planning retreat this weekend. Please celebrate the work that they for do the entire region.

 

If you know of someone who would like to receive these daily emails, then forward this link to them so that they can sign-up: http://eepurl.com/fK0P2

 

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore     

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 23

Rock of our Life,

 

There are times when we feel as though we are sinking in a mire. Life’s pressures, concerns, temptations, and distractions overwhelm us and push us down. Then we hit solid ground. We are able to stand and met the onslaught. You are that solid ground, O Lord. You sustain us and give us strength to overcome life’s transient problems. You are the solid rock upon which we stand. We give You thanks and praise. May we always trust in You. Please hear our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Dean Berkenbile was released from the Oklahoma Heart Hospital yesterday. Please pray for Dean’s continued recovery.

 

Tim Giberson is continuing his recovery at home following his major stroke. He is doing outpatient speech therapy. Please continue to pray for our friend, Tim.

 

Tim McAnally sent the following email: “John, Add Derol Klusmeyer and his family and my Mom, Evelena to the prayer requests. Derol my Mom's brother in Dallas has been taken off a ventilator and all the family has been requested to come in. Mom cannot travel at this time so she is struggling some with this. Regards, Tim”

 

Please pray for Tim’s uncle, Derol, and his mother, Evelena.

 

Please also pray for Clo Rine and Bill Maxwell who are still hospitalized.

 

This Sunday there will be a fellowship luncheon at 11:30. Harry Hammonds and Sally Wheeler will present a brief program on their recent trip to Caminante in the Dominican Republic. Join us for good food and great fellowship.

 

We are all looking forward to our first Wonderful Wednesday Night Fellowship of the fall this Wednesday. We will eat at 5:15. Enjoy homemade desserts that everyone is bringing to share and participate in an old fashioned “hymn sing”. Plan on attending.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Regular Office Hours.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 22

Loving God,

 

We live in a world that emphasizes differences, rather than similarities. We see strife and conflict that are the result of social, ethnic, and religious distinctions. Our politicians are so polarized. It is easier to demonize the people on the other side than to try to find common ground. Please forgive our foolish ways, O Lord. As Christians may we boldly bring people together, focusing on how we are the same rather than how we are different. May we celebrate our diversity while embracing our uniformity. You are the God of all creation. We know our conflicts cause Your heart to break. Please bless us as we seek to be agents of reconciliation and peace. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_________

 

Don Angle will officiate at his niece’s funeral on Friday in Muskogee. Please pray for Don, Barbara, and their family.

 

Continue to pray for Bill Maxwell, Clo Rine, Dean Berkenbile, and Dan Huston, who are all hospitalized.

 

Al Sexton and Fig Newton are preparing for surgeries next week.

 

Next Wednesday, August 28^th, we will have our first WWNF of the fall. We will meet to eat at 5:15. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite homemade dessert to share. Then we will have an old fashioned “hymn sing” in the fellowship hall. The chancel choir will then meet for their first Wednesday rehearsal of the fall at 6:45. 

 

The following Wednesday we will be back to a regular schedule and I will be teaching a three week class entitled, “Central Christian Church: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”. We will discuss our history, beliefs, practices, relationship to regional and general church, and what the future may hold for us. This will be a class for visitors, new members, and long time members. It is not a repeat of Disciples 101 although a few of the same topics will be explored. Our second session will deal with our relationship to the regional and general church. One of the items will be resolution GA1327 which was passed at the Orlando General Assembly last month. It has been the cause of some controversy, so I have included the resolution below in its entirety. Plan to attend these three WWNF sessions on September 4, 11, and 18. Be prepared for good discussion.

 

GA-1327

(Sense-of-the-Assembly)

BECOMING A PEOPLE OF GRACE AND WELCOME TO ALL

WHEREAS, “We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world,” called to welcome others as we have been welcomed by God and to practice hospitality to one another, as well as to strangers; and

WHEREAS, Scripture affirms that all people are created in the image of God and share with all others in the worth that comes from being unique individuals; and

WHEREAS, Scripture affirms that as Christians we are many members, but are one body in Christ each with different gifts, called by Jesus to love our neighbors as ourselves, and called to the ministry of reconciliation and wholeness within the world and within the church; and

WHEREAS, Disciples historically affirm baptism as the primary call to ministry and offer baptism to all who profess their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior; and

WHEREAS, Disciples historically profess that the nature of Christian discipleship is profoundly informed by the Lord’s table, which is central to the act of worship, calling attention to the radical hospitality extended by Jesus, who welcomes all to the table of grace; and

WHEREAS, the Disciples’ movement came to be in reaction to limitations being placed on this welcome, recognizing that excluding anyone from the Lord’s table fragments the body of Christ; and

WHEREAS, the 1997 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) called for the church to give continuing research and reflection “concerning the participation of gay and lesbian persons in the full life and ministry of the Church”; and

WHEREAS, persons continue to be devalued and discriminated against within society and more sadly, within the church because of their sexual orientation and or gender identity; and

WHEREAS, Disciples find identity at the Lord’s table, sharing as the body of Christ, valuing each other in covenantal relationship even when we disagree; and

WHEREAS, Disciples historically affirm that individuals and congregations hold differing interpretations of scripture, but that all are called to transcend differences and claim one another in Christian unity;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the General Assembly meeting in Orlando, Florida, July 13-17, 2013, calls upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to recognize itself as striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children though differing in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly calls upon the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to affirm the faith, baptism and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that neither is grounds for exclusion from fellowship or service within the church, but we celebrate that all are part of God’s good creation; and

FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED that the General Assembly calls upon all expressions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as a people of grace and welcome, to acknowledge their support for the welcome of and hospitality to all.

   

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 21

O God, our God,

 

Through the course of our years we have encountered people who have had significant influence on us. We pause to remember and to give thanks. Some have been teachers, friends, family members, ministers, and colleagues. Bless them, we pray, and be with us as we continue on our journey. May we be a blessing to others. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

________

 

Dean Berkenbile is continuing to improve, but it will be a slow process. Please pray for Dean.

 

We have a number of people who are visiting and participating in our worship services and Sunday School programs here at Central. Please pray for them. May they develop good connections here and may God’s spirit guide them to full involvement.

 

Kandy Trojan’s father, Dan Huston, is doing better. Please pray for Dan.

 

We continue to pray for Clo Rine and Bill Maxwell.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

9:00    TOPS meeting

10:00   Inactive Members Task Group

Noon   Single Men’s luncheon

5:15     CACS Committee

5:30     Property Committee in the library

6:00    Education Committee

6:30    World Outreach Committee in my office

6:30    Youth Group

7:30     Cabinet Meeting in Room 109

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 20

Most Gracious God,

 

The Hebrew (Old) Testament tells of many characters who stood in fear and trembling before You. That is outside our experience. We see You as a God of love and grace, not a God of retribution. We thank You for Jesus who reveled You to us in this new and empowering way. Unfortunately, however, there are times when we limit our understanding of You to only that of a friend. Forgive us, we pray, when we see our image in You. We are thankful for Your love, but You are so much more than love. May we sometimes stand before You with a little trembling. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Bill Maxwell is in St. Mary’s rehab. Please pray for Bill’s continued recovery.

 

Clo Rine is still hospitalized. May God bless Clo as she comes to the end of her life.

 

Dan Huston, Kandy Trojan’s father, has pneumonia and is in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Dan. This is a very tenuous time.

 

Lift up Denise Bellville, the Krick’s daughter, as she recovers from her car wreck.

 

We have a cause for celebration. A small Spanish speaking Assembly of God church has rented some of our facility to hold services and Bible studies. The Property committee approved this venture and we will have a 90 day trial period. For a while we thought they had found another place, but that was not the case. I believe both congregations will benefit from this relationship. The pastor is Rita who works at Winchell’s Donuts. Many of you will likely know her.

 

I will be in OKC today for a meeting and plan to go to the Heart Hospital to see Dean Berkenbile.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Monday, August 19

O Divine Parent,

 

There are signs and symbols of Your love all around us. The most significant, however, is the cross. Your son spoke truth to power and ushered in a new concept of Your reign in the midst of a dominant pagan Roman culture. His death showed the world the ultimate sacrifice and act of love toward all creation. May we embrace the message of the cross as we humbly reflect on our sinfulness. Your love conquers all things. We give You thanks and praise. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.

_______

 

Fig Newton’s surgery and Al Sexton’s surgery will both occur NEXT week. Please continue to pray for them.

 

Dean Berkenbile has had a rough couple of days after his major surgery, but this morning Laura reports he took a lap around the floor, which is a good sign. Please continue to pray for Dean and his recovery. I have a meeting in OKC tomorrow and plan to see him at the Heart Hospital.

 

We welcome Mike Horner into our membership. He came forward during the 8:00 a.m. service to make his confession of faith. May God bless Mike on this new part of his journey. Also thanks to Marietta Henson, who first invited Mike to Central.

 

Kandy Trojan called me this morning. Her father is in the ER at St. Mary’s and is non-responsive. Please pray for Daniel Huston.

 

I didn’t get the full story about Denise Bellville, Peg and Denny Krick’s daughter. She was injured in the car crash with a crushed pelvis and other issues. Please pray for Denise. Peg is with her in Florida.

 

SCHEDULE

 

9:30        Staff Meeting

Noon     Noon Prayer Service

1:30        CWF Bazaar Work Day

6:00        Garfield County Quilters Guild meet in the fellowship hall

7:00        Boy Scout Troup 2

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Sunday, August 18

O Divine Presence,

 

Sometimes there is a heaviness in our hearts, the source of which is uncertain. We know of family members going through difficult times. We see problems in our neighborhood. The future of valued institutions, including the church, is uncertain. Our own future is cloudy. We surrender all to You, O Lord. Please ease the burdens we bear, whether real or imagined. Come to us as we open our hearts to You and please bring joy as we celebrate life and all its goodness. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Dean Berkenbile had double bypass surgery and a heart valve replacement yesterday at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in OKC. Please pray for Dean as he recovers.

 

Fig Newton will have surgery tomorrow. Please pray for our friend, Fig.

 

Today is Bridge (Promotion) Sunday. May we all celebrate the growth and maturing of our children and youth.

 

There is a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

 

Bring a friend to church and Sunday school today.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

8:00    Chapel Service

9:00    Bridge Sunday breakfast for children, youth, and their parents

9:00    Sunday School

10:15    Traditional worship in the sanctuary

10:15    Contemporary worship in the chapel

3:30     Chi Rho youth

5:00    CYF youth

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Saturday, August 17

Loving God,

 

There are times when our prayer can only be “Thank You”. Thank You, O Lord in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Fig Newton will have surgery Monday to implant a device that will help with back pain. Please pray for Fig.

 

Former member, Al Sexton, is awaiting his major surgery in Dallas to remove a tumor in his chest. Please pray for Al.

 

Dean Berkenbile is having major heart surgery this morning at the Heart Hospital in OKC. Please lift Dean up in your prayers.

 

The funeral for Rev. Dr. Gary Byrkit is at 11:00 this morning at Southern Hills Christian Church in Edmond. Please pray for Gary’s family and the church he served for 26 years.

 

Tomorrow is Bridge Sunday. Help us celebrate the promotion of children and youth.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

Prayer for Today, Friday, August 18

God of Abundant Blessings,

 

We lift up our voices in prayer to You, giving thanks and seeking to feel Your presence with us. Life is complicated and there are times when we aren’t sure which way to turn. May Your spirit guide us, Holy God. May the teachings and model of Jesus give us direction and purpose. May our focus be on others and their needs so that Your blessings may flow through us. You are holy and worthy of our praise. We seek to honor You with our words and deeds. Please hear our prayer offered in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Dean Berkenbile will have surgery today or tomorrow at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in OKC. The surgeon will do three bypasses and replace a valve. Please pray for Dean and his family.

 

Please pray for our granddaughter, Arielle. She is having a diagnostic procedure today in Tulsa and is very nervous.

 

Sunday is Bridge (Promotion) Sunday. There will be a breakfast in the loggia at 9:00 a.m. for all children, youth, parents, and other interested parties. There will be a brief program there as well.

 

Our new Financial Secretary, Patricia Stewart, has begun her work with us. She will be in the office from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Drop by and welcome her to Central Christian Church.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Regular Office Hours

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

Prayer for Today, Thursday, August 15

Gracious Spirit,

 

There are times when we feel You are absent from us and we are despairing, then, when we look back, we realize You were there all along. Please forgive our lack of trust and faith. May our eyes be open so that we can see Your good works all around us. Bless us, we pray, as we seek to bless others. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Tim Giberson is soon to be released from St. Mary’s. Pray that God watches over him as he continues his recovery.

 

Dean Berkenbile is still awaiting surgery. It will possibly be tomorrow, but more likely on Saturday. Please continue to pray for Dean.

 

We have a number of members who are continuing treatments for cancer.

 

Bill Maxwell is in a lot of pain as he recovers from a surgery after a broken hip. He will transfer to St. Mary’s rehab in a few days.

 

Al Sexton, a former member and friend to many at Central, is preparing for major surgery in Dallas to remove a tumor from his chest. It is scheduled for Thursday, August 22.

 

Fig Newton enters the hospital on Monday, August 26, to have a neuro stimulator inserted. If successful this will help Fig manage the pain.

 

The memorial service for Rev. Dr. Gary Byrkit will be Saturday, August 17, at Southern Hills Christian Church. Please pray for Gary’s family, friends, and the members of the church he pastured for 26 years.

 

Please lift up all of these members and concerns in your prayers.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

1:30     CWF Bazaar Workday

2:00    Commons Worship Service

4:00    Cancer Support Group

7:30     rehearsals for Revue

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

 

 

 

Prayer for Today, Wednesday, August 14

Gracious God,

 

Life sometimes brings bad news and there are situations when we are called on to share difficult decisions with those around us. We pray for strength and sensitivity when we are the messengers. May your spirit abound. May Your comfort prevail. May we affirm that nothing separates humanity from Your love. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Denny and Peg Krick’s daughter, Denise Bellville, was in a major car wreck in Florida. She is OK, but Peg will be flying out today to be with her. Please pray for Denise.

 

Dean Berkenbile, Laura’s dad, is in the OKC Heart Hospital and is awaiting heart surgery. His surgeon is really busy and surgery may not occur until Saturday or Sunday. Please pray for Dean and his family as they wait.

 

Bill Maxwell fell on Monday and broke his hip. He had surgery late Monday evening and is recuperating in Bass hospital room 308. Please pray for Bill and Betty.

 

The Personnel Committee has hired a new Financial Secretary. Her name is Patricia Stewart. Tomorrow is Susan Waters’ last day. Please come by and welcome Patricia.

I received the following e-mail from the Regional Office: “Rev. Dr. Gary Byrkit, senior pastor of Southern Hills Christian Church, Edmond, died suddenly Tuesday afternoon at home. Plans for a memorial service are pending and will be announced later. Messages of sympathy may be sent to his wife Annie, children, Aaron, Trevor and Brianna, and mother Marie at 1120 E. 11th, Edmond, OK 73034. Rev. Byrkit was past Regional Moderator and chair of the current Regional Pastor search committee”.

Gary was a colleague and friend. He has been in our church on numerous occasions. In fact he led a workshop for our elders a few years ago. Please pray for his family and Southern Hills Christian Church where he has served for 25 or more years.

There is an Evangelism Committee meeting this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome, even if you didn’t “sign up”. Join us.

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

9:00    TOPS

1:00    CWF Work Day

1:00    Emmaus Reunion Group – men

5:15     Hospital Callers meet in the Conference Room

6:30    Evangelism Committee meeting in the Conference Room

6:30    Youth Group

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore

  

 

 

Prayer for Today, Tuesday, August 13

God of Grace,

 

There are so many issues in today’s world which divide people, even people of faith. These issues cause splits in families, communities, and even in the church. In all things, O Lord, we seek Your presence and guidance. May we stand firm on those concerns that are beyond question. May we listen to those with different opinions and seek common ground, and in all things may we love one another. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Clo Rine was taken to St. Mary’s yesterday. Please continue to pray for Clo.

 

Dean Berkenbile, Laura’s father, had a heart cath procedure yesterday. They discovered issues and he was taken by ambulance to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Please pray for Dean.

 

Fall is just around the corner and WWNF begins on August 28^th.  We have decided to kick off the Wednesday programming with a meal at 5:15 p.m., potluck desserts, and then an old fashion “hymn sing” from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. It should be a lot of fun. Then on the following three Wednesdays (9/4, 9/11, 9/18) I will lead a discussion on “Central Christian Church: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”. We will talk about our history, beliefs, practice, our denomination, this church’s relationship to the Regional and General Church, and recent actions at the General Assembly. It should be a fun and lively discussion. Future WWNF plans will be announced.

 

Please continue to pray for our church as we seek to hire a Financial Secretary.

 

Mickie Giberson sent the following email: “A co-worker is clearing a family estate and they have a Yamaha Electone 7000 organ they would like to donate to a church.  I don’t know if we are interested, but wanted to pass the information along.  It is a large double keyboard type organ in excellent condition. For full info, it is in Craigslist in the NW Oklahoma section under musical instruments, posting ID 3965205792.”

 

If you know of a church that might be interested, let us know.

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Noon   Noon Bible Study

3:15     Greenbrier Service

5:15     Emmaus Reunion Group – women

5:15     Gold League at Golden Oaks

6:00    Technology Group

6:30    Property Committee will meet in the Library

7:00    Quilt Central

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore