Prayer for Today, Friday, September 5

Gracious God,

 

There are days when we are particularly aware that life is good, when we are optimistic, excited, and eager. Then a comment, a note, or an email takes the wind out of our sails. The 99% hopefulness is defeated by the 1% criticism and negativity. In such times we seek the comfort of Your presence and the assurance that we were on the right track. Give us the strength, O Lord, to overcome the negativity that is around us. By the same token, help us, O God, not to be the person who adversely impacts the hopes and dreams of someone else. May we always seek to affirm and support others. May we avoid undo criticism and tearing down. Please forgive us, we pray, when we have been the ones who have burst others balloons. May we be supportive and encouraging. This we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

_______

 

Dean Berkenbile is back in the Heart Hospital. He had an “episode” during a follow-up examination and is having fluid buildup. The surgeon put in drains and he will be there for three or four days. Please pray for Dean.

 

Kayla Ingram, granddaughter of John and Carol Ingram, fell off a bicycle and received a concussion. She was kept in St. Mary’s overnight. Please pray for Kayla.

 

Candy Hills mother, Madlyn Campbell, is in Bass Hospital and will have a heart procedure today. She is battling cancer and has now developed heart issues. Please pray for Madlyn.

 

Sunday is our Fall Kick-off. Be sure to wear your team or school colors and plan to stay for the fellowship luncheon at 11:30. We will have a lot of fun.

 

I have developed a packet of material to use in preparation for our Wednesday night discussion regarding the controversial resolution that passed the General Assembly in Orlando last July. There is one more item that was not in the material I passed out last WWNF. Copies of the new piece and the entire packet including the new item will be at the Welcome Center.

 

Looking ahead: There is a workshop entitled “Creating a Culture of Generosity in Your Congregation” that will be presented at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa on Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  This is an abbreviated version of the event David Eck and Don Johnson attended a couple of years ago. I hope we can have some Central members attend. The church will provide transportation. Let me know if you are interested.

 

Looking ahead: The NW Area is providing a workshop entitled “ Elder Beyond the Table” on Sunday, October 6^th from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Rev. Don Gibson is the presenter. This will be a good event for new and old Elders. The church will provide transportation. Let me know if you are interested.  

 

SCHEDULE FOR TODAY

 

Regular office hours.

 

Grace and peace,

 

John McLemore