Prayers 5 8 2011
*Welcome! (Susan Chorley and Franz)
*Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!
*Senior Center, this Wednesday on “Helps at Home and Independent Living,” Jocelyn de Torre, Kaiser; See Dick or Anna Quan Wong
*Dr. James Chuck preaching for the next 2 Sundays while I’ll be leading the group on the Steps of Paul in Turkey and Greece
*Gift Planning Workshop with Rev. Augie Bau, May 29th, 1:30; plan to attend
*Proposed Special Membership Meeting on June 12 to review and adopt the new pastoral job description for the Search Committee to begin its work
Prayer Concerns:
*Steps of Paul pilgrims beginning this Saturday until May 27 for safe travels and meaningful experiences
*Mothers, parents, and caregivers who nurture and care for us through life
*ABC churches put at risk as the result of the decision by the region to dispose of real estate
Recognition of Mothers, Parents, and Caregivers
It’s true to say that everyone has a mother. In 1912, America recognized women by designating Mother’s Day, but this took 40 years of advocacy before it happened. Today, we often take mothers, parents, and caregivers for granted and so it’s important for us to take a moment to recognize these nurturers and especially our mothers.
The tradition is to give mothers a white carnation to symbolize the “purity of a mother’s love.” But since we are Chinese-Americans, we have all other colors but white. I wish that you could have known my mother, Lee Yew Ngee. I will always remember her for buying us chocolate éclairs after working a long day in a sewing factory.
I want some of the men to come up and give all the women a carnation. And then all of us like what I just did, share the name of your mother with someone near you. This way, we have remembered our mothers.
Let us pray.
Today, O God, we have set aside a moment to remember our mothers who give us life, sustain us in our dependency, and guard us in our vulnerability. We are thankful for their forgiveness no matter what we have done and love us like no one else ever will. Our mothers’ love is like yours, O God and nothing could be deeper or purer or more redeeming. Thank you, God for our mothers, and may your name be praised. Amen.
Prayer of God’s People
O holy Lord, your voice echoes within our hearts, strengthening us for today with both comfort and guidance. We are thankful for your abundance seen everywhere in creation and within our own lives. For the very gift of life, for the measure of our days, for the hands that have welcomed us into this world and into this fellowship, and for the time of reflection when your voice is most clear. We pray that we may hear your voice in our worship this morning.
We ask for your mercy and grace for the needs of our lives. Bring healing to those who are afflicted with illness and distress. Be with…
Restore relationships that are broken or distant to wholeness. We pray that your presence will be with those pastors and regional representatives to move toward an agreement that would enhance ministry rather than to injure ministry, proclaim Good News to all who need Jesus as their Lord and Savior rather than to stifle evangelism by the need of worrying about survival.
Provide those who are able with sufficient work and protect those who are vulnerable. Watch over all whom we know who are struggling with securing new jobs and new ways to use their gifts and talents given by you.
Shield all of us from poor faith, meager hopes, and insufficient love in these uncertain days. In light of change and upheavals around the world, we pray for safety and protection of those who faithfully will follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul who spread the gospel to the known world and as the result of his courageous witness that we are disciples of Jesus Christ today. May these pilgrims return with a deepen faith to continue to be your active servants at FCBC and all places in the world.
And we give thanks and gratitude for all mothers, parents, and caregivers who out of genuine love, self sacrifice, and unbound care, have made it possible for us to be here today in the presence of you, our creator.
We pray these things through Christ our Savior who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
Trust in the Good Shepherd who has gone before us.
May you be confident in valleys of darkness.
Go with God’s peace and Godspeed.
Amen.