Announcements:
*2003 Proposed Budget is posted in the vestibule for your review. Two weeks from today will be the Membership Meeting to consider the budget.
*Care Ministry Partners Training Session, next Sunday at 1:30-3:00 with Diana Ming Chan providing leadership.
Concerns:
*Steven Ng’s A Mew Wu passed on 9/18; Wake today at Green Street, 5:00-6:00 and Funeral on Monday at 10:00 AM.
*Allison Chan and Joe Shubert’s son, Liam had a malrotation of his intestine that could have caused a strangulation. Surgery was successful and the baby will be in the hospital for the next couple of weeks.
Prayer of God’s People
O God, you are ever-loving and ever-gracious. We celebrate your revelation of yourself in Jesus that you are with us in everything you have made. We worship you this day on this beautiful Fall day, acclaiming your majesty, acknowledging your sovereignty, and with gratefulness accepting your love for the world.
O God, a day does not go by without the fearful thought of a possible outbreak of war. Lord, help us to consider all avenues of negotiation, peace talks, the mediation of the United Nations, the willingness for friendly nations to intervene, and even giving another chance for the return of the weapon inspectors in Iraq to lead us away from violence and war. We believe, Lord, that in your magnificent creation of different cultures, different customs, different languages, and different religions that your desire of us is to live in peace. We earnestly pray for our President and his advisors to give peace a chance at all costs.
Your loving and generous grace abounds beyond our own human ability to understand. When we demand equity, you treat everyone equally. When we feel that we are more deserving, you show us that all of us come up short when it comes to our faithfulness. When we think that we are better than others, you teach us that the last shall be first and that we are all God’s children. We pray for forgiveness when we have done those things that we ought not to have done and have neglected to do those things which are of your will and way.
We pray for traveling mercies for those who are moving their children to college this weekend. May this time of transition offers many memories of letting go and trusting our children to live faithfully in the years to come. We lift up for your care, Mr. Wu A Mew who has returned to your heavenly home. Be with Steven Ng and his family at this time of loss and grief. We pray for Liam Shubert and his parents as he recuperates from his surgery. May this little baby grow up healthy and strong.
O God, we remember the affirmation of the Scriptures that your mercy is from everlasting to everlasting, that it is new every morning, leading those whom you love toward life in all its fullness. Receive our worship this day as we pray the prayer that our Lord taught us saying, “Our Father…”
Offertory
God provides generously for all of us. We have found joy in the faith that sustains our spirits. Let us now expand the circle of opportunity as we share what God has promised.
Offertory Prayer
Receive our tithes and offerings to your honor and glory, loving God. May fruitful results occur through and beyond our sharing. Call us all into the vineyard of meaningful labor and constructive leisure, that your Word, living through us, may call our neighbors to joyous reunion with you. Amen.
Benediction
In all your struggles, know that Christ is with you.
In all your labors, the love of God surrounds you.
Trust and give thanks for God’s wonderful works.
For God’s grace is generous!
Amen.