Prayers 2 26 2012
*Welcome
*Discover FCBC Luncheon, 11:30, Fellowship Hall—an opportunity to become better acquainted; see Deacons Shirlene or Sheryl
*Lanna Coffee available for purchase after worship today; freshly roasted beans or ground; both espresso and French roast; you can always make a donation that 100% will go to mission projects in Thailand
*Next Sunday, former pastor, Rev. Richard Chung will be bringing the message at both 9:00 and 10:20 services
*BASS Convention, March 1-3, Castro Valley, catalog of workshops in the vestibule
*Men’s Fellowship, March 10, 9:00 for breakfast; Dr. David Louie will lead us on the topic: Men’s Health in Our Mature Years
*Women’s Retreat, March 9-11
Prayer Concerns
*Frank Fong, Helen Fong’s brother who has cancer
*Leland Doung, Byron and Layton Doung brother died from a brain tumor (Keegan’s uncle)
*Search Committee—getting to know 3 candidates some more by reviewing sermon samples
Prayer of God’s People
Eternal and Everlasting Father of light, we come to you this day with our hopes and fears certain of your mercy and grace. We are grateful for each day of life granted us by your Spirit and for the abundance of this good earth that sustains us. We are humbled by the love and encouragement of those who know us best as we seek others who are teachers and mentors throughout our lives especially those who are at this church.
You know our many needs and understand our fears, for you remember we are dust. Thank you for the time we spent these past two days to remember and celebrate the long life of Richard Chen. We lift up the life of Leland Doung to you today and seek your mercy for his family and for the larger Doung family during this time of grief. We pray for Frank Fong that your sustain him and lift up his spirits during this time of sickness and struggles. Bless…
We ask for your healing for those among us who struggle with disease; your comfort for those who are afraid of the future; your mercy for those caught in the snares of poor decisions; your might for those whose service place them in harm’s way; and your help to this congregation as we seek your forgiveness and direction during this season of Lent.
Jesus, you who struggle for all and proclaimed the good news to the captives who dwelled in their prison of sin, dwell with us today in our worship. Break down the barriers we have raised among ourselves. Loose the chains that bind our imaginations, preventing us from seeing your hand in every aspect of life. Set our feet once more upon a journey of faithful discovery and hope. Speak to us in our hearts, and also through the lives of all who share this time with us today. This we pray in your name, trusting that your will shall be done and in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near;
Repent, and believe in the good news.”
Let us go and heal the world with
God’s grace,
Christ’s love and,
The Spirit’s peace.
Amen.