Prayers 9 9 2012
*Welcome!
*For me, it’s good to be back at the pulpit after 2 weeks away
*Sunday Morning Hours Schedule Q&A Forum, 11:30-12:30, Fellowship Hall; review the benefits and adjustments that would be needed to create an all around better schedule for everyone; Other forums scheduled for the rest of this month
*”Back to Church Sunday” for 9:00 Worship next Sunday, reception, name stickers, magnets, and invitations; you are welcome to attend!
*Farewell Reception for Pastor Jane Lam, next Sunday at 12:30, Fellowship Hall
*Dedication of the Church Nursery, next Sunday, Thanks to the Edmund and Helen Chan estate that is funding the mitigating the noise problem and upgrading the nursery with new furniture
*Overview Series begins next Sunday, 11:30-12:30 at the Y
*Senior Center, Wednesday, “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” See Dick and Anna Wong to register
Prayer Concerns
*John Tom’s mother, Shuk Han Tom passed on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 90 years old; Wake at 7:00 PM on Friday and Funeral at 11:00 AM on Saturday, at Halsted & Gray, 1123 Sutter (Polk and Larkin); In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: First Chinese Baptist Church, 1 Waverly Place, SF 94108; Lady Shaw Senior Center, 1483 Mason St., SF 94133, Coming Home Hospice, 115 Diamond St., SF 94114. Interment will be private.
*
Prayer of God’s People
Dear God, inspire us today in every breath that we take so that we might receive your word as life itself. We celebrate each person’s gifts here and we cherish each soul as essential to our overall being as the body of Christ. May our voices and our thoughts harmonize with other believers around the world so that your ears may hear our songs of praise that rises to heaven from our shared love for you.
As we begin this Fall season in the life of our church, we acknowledge the number of transitions that reveal how you are changing and transforming us all the time. We pray that all those who have stopped coming to church to worship and learn may feel your urgings and stirrings that they may once again be reunited with the friends and saints of this faithful community. We pray for the 9:00 Worship as they make a special effort to have a “Back to Church Sunday” emphasis. We welcome parents and toddlers to our newly renovated nursery where the children can play and receive your love. We look forward to the start of the Fall Overview Class that will build a strong foundation for persons to become active and effective church disciples. While we are welcoming more people to become involved in ministries, we are also sharing appreciation and farewell to Pastor Jane Lam next Sunday for the work that she completed while here at FCBC.
In the times when we seek comfort and reassurance, we turn to you, Lord for support and understanding. We pray for John Tom and his family in the passing of his mother, Shuk Han Tom last Tuesday. Grant John and his loved ones strength and encouragement at this time of grief and loss. We lift up the services this coming weekend as a way to bring you glory for the way you touch each of our lives with mercy and grace.
Lord, we confess that there are some bad habits that we keep. Teach us to not discriminate against people just because they are less fortunate but help us to see your beautiful creation through your eyes. Forgive us when we favor the rich over those who are poor. Break through the barriers that we have set up against you and help us to create the all-inclusive space you desire, in the midst of your word, breath, and life. All these things, we pray in the name of Christ Jesus who taught us to pray, “Our father…”
Benediction
Put away those bad habits!
Because you are alive,
Always and forever be thankful for the endless grace of God.
Go therefore from this place
In the love of God
For the love of God to be the church of Christ to each person you meet.
Amen.