Prayers 1 16 2011
*Welcome
*New Region affiliation meeting this Tuesday, Allen Temple, Oakland, 10:00
*Special Membership Meeting, next Sunday, Jan. 23, 1:30 to discuss actions taken by the Deacon and CE boards; final decisions may be made on Feb. 6th, the church annual meeting.
*CCU Dinner tonight, 5:30, Fare East Café, see Dick Wong
Prayer Concerns
*Ed McKnight, Steve Lessler’s stepfather passed on Jan. 15th; be in prayer for Steve’s mother, Renee and their family; there will be no public service
*MLK, Jr. Holiday for Christian service
Prayer of God’s People
Lord Jesus Christ, you have called us to follow you, to walk with you, and to work with you to advance your kingdom. Discipleship was your idea before it was ours. In love, you reached out to us, you called us by name, and you invited us to be part of your life-changing movement in the world.
Grant us the grace to live up to the faith that you put in us. Give us the gifts we need to do your work. Strengthen us to follow you faithfully no matter where you take us. And instill in us a passion for reaching out to others in your name, calling others to join in the kingdom. Help us to look upon everyone we meet as your beloved sisters and brothers, as your chosen disciples, as those who are invited to come to you, to see your wonders in the world, and to take up your work as their own.
As we remember the life and ministry of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we rededicate ourselves to the work of peace and justice in our community, in our country, and around the world. We pray for non-violence when there is war and conflict. We pray for reconciliation when there are enemies and adversaries. We pray for understanding and trust when there are prejudice, xenophobia, and racism. Teach us to be instruments of love and tolerance and show us how we can make a positive difference in the world.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God and Savior of us all, we pray for those in our circle of relationships who are in need of your mercy and healing miracles. We lift up Steve Lessler and his family to you as they grieve the passing of his stepfather Ed McKnight on Jan. 15th. Grant them comfort to know that God loves all his children. Bless…
O God, we pray that all might hear your special call to each, that each might respond to the call to come and see, to know you even as they are known. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray and in his name that we pray together, “Our Father…”
Offertory
We are God’s miracle, and miraculously, God’s presence in the world.
May we be the light to the nations, a witness to your promise of salvation, and may our offerings through your grace help to spread your word. Receive these gifts for the mission and ministry of your church. These things, we pray, gratefully, gracefully, mindful of your glory and mercy. Amen.
Benediction
When you came to church today, Jesus asked you, “What are you looking for?
Jesus invites you to “Come and see.”
Jesus is calling each one of us into discipleship from the very young to the very old
And to all the baby boomers who are ready to choose vocation over vacation.
Amen.