Prayers 4 17 2011
*Welcome to the 9:30 Joint English Worship and Believers Baptism; especially to the guests who are here for the baptismal service; welcome Pastor Chris Otani to participate in this special baptism for Caitlin Ung
*Sidewalk Reception follows immediately after this service to congratulate our new members
*Thanks to those who came to help out with our All-Church Clean-Up Day yesterday in time for today’s services and Holy Week
*Holy Week Services: Maundy Thursday, 7:30 at Chinese Congregational; CCU Good Friday—Cantonese, 1:00 at Presbyterian and English, 7:00 at FCBC; CCU Sunrise, 7:00 at the YMCA Courtyard followed by YMCA Easter Breakfast (No breakfast at FCBC); Easter Services at 9:10, 10:20, and 11:30
*Proposed Mission Trip to Xian, China in 2012; see bulletin for more info; interested persons can attend a meeting on May 1st
*Toddlers Time still need helpers to work with our growing Sunday school student population; see Melanie Low or Genevieve Yow
*Religious Liberty event with J. Brent Walker, Baptist Joint Committee, Washington, D.C., May 7, Walnut Creek
Prayer Concerns
*Anna Lee who had gland surgery near her neck this past week
*Bill Jang receiving treatment for heart blockage
*5 persons received into membership today
*Jamie and David Lee announce the good news that they are expecting their first baby this October. Congratulations to Nelson and Lea Wong and Dan and Diana Lee!
*Jason Hom is to Ana this past weekend. Congratulations to them and to Franklin and Marian Hom!
Prayer of God’s People
O God, on this day when Jesus is acclaimed triumphantly, help us to follow the servant who set us an example of humility and hope and not what the world expects. Astound us, not with garments of glory, but wearing the clothes of a worker like one of us. Inspire us, as much by your obedience as through your words found in Christ. We pray that through the many services that happen this week that we may grow nearer to you and to realign our lives according to your plan for us to be faithful followers. Bless those who will be baptized today and welcomed into this loving and active Christian family.
Just as Jesus underwent a time of trial and testing, we pray for those who are going through times of struggles and suffering. Bless Anna Lee as she recovers from her surgery and that this would restore her health. Be with Bill Jang as he rests and explore ways to strengthen his heart. Stand with …
Merciful God, we acknowledge and confess the ways we have lived this coming week of our faith history in our lives, past and present. We give you thanks for your mercy, we acknowledge in gratitude your mercy, we raise our hands in thanksgiving, and we pray that we might not only live as one forgiven, but also resolve to receive your transformation in our lives. At the foot of the cross, we pray in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
As you come to the parade, we shout,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Let us follow Jesus into the temple.
May we be blessed in the reign of God!
Amen.