Prayers 10 5 2014
*Welcome!
*Thailand Mission Team will be giving their report
*Church Membership Meeting today, 1:00, Sanctuary, Proposed 2015 Budget for your review and the distribution of the LRPC report
*LRPC Report Forums; 10/19, 9:00 AM and 10/26, 1:00 PM
*Lanna coffee for purchase and ordering holiday coffee gift bags
*Seniors Retreat this week with Rev. Katie Choy-Wong, Tuesday to Thursday
*Senior Center on Wednesday with Albert Chin on SF traffic
*Next Sunday, ABC Missionaries Kyle and Katrina Williams to the Congo will be with us to share about their work; I will be preaching at the FBC, Seattle
*WMO in October with a goal of $4300
*Inquirers Class begins on Oct. 19th
*Church Photo Directory for 2015; see the instructions to send in selfies and photos
Prayer Concerns
*Jayson Gatdula shared concerns about Tristan Feng, Laura Dare and Tom Feng’s son doing better at school; his half brother being released from prison and his mother’s health concerns
*Galison George, Pastor of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Liberian Baptist Convention in West Africa whom I met at Green Lake in July; Ebola plague; people in the Baptist convention have died, constantly washing hands, not touching even family members
*Jimmy Chen and George Chen
Prayer of God’s People
Dear God, we pray with a thankful heart for the safety that we feel today. We are grateful for the reality that we have good health care systems that keep us healthy; good food production systems that put nourishment on our tables; and the good fellowship that we enjoy by being members of this faith community.
But today, you are opening up our eyes, our ears, our minds and our hearts to the concerns around the world. We know that while we may feel relatively safe from the problems in the world, they are our problems too. We do live interdependently with everyone on the face of this planet.
We pray for the work in northern Thailand and particularly for the opportunities when we can have first-hand experiences of helping bring clean water to a village and to share the Bible and the Good News of Jesus Christ with villagers. Thank you, Lord for blessing us with committed people who are willing to go on mission sacrificially to bring about healthier communities and changed lives.
O God, we are shocked by the spread of Ebola and how it continues to devastate lives in West Africa. We pray for our friend, Galison George and the Liberian Baptist Churches as they minister to the sick and dying at their personal risk of catching this dreaded disease. We pray for the world community to come to their aid and lead us to become more compassionate with our sisters and brothers there.
When we hear from the ABC Missionaries Kyle and Katrina Williams next Sunday, we commit to our continuing support of the World Mission Offering that sends out missionaries to help and serve in the name of Christ in the four corners of the world.
And Lord, we lift up those in need who are only a step away that they too receive your grace and mercy. Bless Jimmy Chen and George Chen as they recover from their therapy and treatments; always believing that in you, O God, miracles do happen. We pray for Jayson Gatdula and his family, for Tristan Feng as he grows up and matures, and for all friends and loved ones who are in need of your presence. We pray, O God, with too many concerns weighing on our hearts but never too much for you that you would bless us and guide us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray and who taught us to pray to you together, “Our Father…”
The Lord’s Supper
Today is World Wide Communion Sunday which means that Christians all over the world remember to celebrate the truth that we are joined into one large Christian fellowship in Jesus Christ our Lord. Regardless of our traditions, distinctives, and even our differences, Christ unifies us all. In Ephesians 4:4-6, we read, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”
Let us pray. On this day we commend to you, O God, the whole Christian church throughout the world. Bless all who wait upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they may find strength in their calling. May your grace fill every person, so that those who know the Holy Spirit may ever love your name. Look in mercy at the many wrongs that your church has committed, and be gracious in your judgment. If it is pleasing in your sight, heal the outward divisions of your people. Lead your church that the world may know your kingdom is truly at hand. This we ask through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Benediction
God has invited you to the wedding banquet.
Now may the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Amen.