Life-Giving, Life-Affirming God,
As Christians we are invited to be People of the Light. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” and through the Risen Lord, You, O God, have brought light into the dark places of life. Often times the darkness has power all its own and it is difficult to see the path ahead. Sometimes we contribute to the darkness experienced by others as we live self-centered, self-focused lives. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to see and share the light of Jesus. Make us instruments of Your peace so that others might see You more clearly. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
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JOYS AND CONCERNS
Mission Enid begins in 9 days. Mission Enid needs volunteers! Sign-up sheets are located in the loggia on the large board. There is something for everyone, and everyone can do something! It will be "all hands on deck" to make Mission Enid a success. Please join the fun!
Please continue to lift up Joyce McCoy and Wayne Galer.
Kathi Miller, Carolyn’s sister is having lung studies.
A Pastoral Word from Rev. Dean Phelps
Two weeks ago, hundreds of unaccompanied children, ranging in age from eight to eighteen, began arriving at Fort Sill to be temporarily housed while U.S. immigration authorities determine their future. Their arrival has made many of us newly aware of a rapidly increasing humanitarian crisis.
The Oklahoma Conference of Churches has convened a task force to consider how the faith based communities may respond to this humanitarian crisis. I am privileged to be part of that task force.
The Conference of Churches and leaders of the various communions have consulted with colleagues and leaders within the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Homeland Security. Because the children are being housed at a military facility and because of our concern for their emotional and spiritual care, we have also been in contact with chaplains within the Department of Defense.
At this time, we are offering the following suggestions for congregations:
1) Pray for the children and for those responsible for their care.
2) Be wary of anyone claiming to be collecting money for the children. A federal government response will see to the needs of the children.
3) Do not begin collecting items for donation without specific instructions from your denominational leadership. Used clothing is particularly problematic.
4) Know that access will likely be very restricted. Language and cultural barriers provide unique challenges.
5) Watch for updates from the Oklahoma Conference of Churches regarding the ongoing and long-term response.
For now, our best response is to pray, educate ourselves and remain vigilant regarding the plight of these children.
Please pray for our family members, friends and unnamed children.
We have three unique services of worship on Sunday mornings. Invite your family and friends to join us. There is a worship style for everyone.
SCHEDULE
No Scheduled Activities
PSALM FOR TODAY
Psalm 74
1O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
2Remember your congregation, which you acquired long ago, which you redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage. Remember Mount Zion, where you came to dwell.
3Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary.
4Your foes have roared within your holy place; they set up their emblems there.
5At the upper entrance they hacked the wooden trellis with axes.
6And then, with hatchets and hammers, they smashed all its carved work.
7They set your sanctuary on fire; they desecrated the dwelling place of your name, bringing it to the ground.
20Have regard for your covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the haunts of violence.
21Do not let the downtrodden be put to shame; let the poor and needy praise your name.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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