Prayers 11 27 2011
*Welcome to the First Sunday of Advent!
*Welcome to Mike Socia, Executive Director of Redwood Glen; his wife, Cathy
*Christmas Workshop, 1:00, Fellowship Hall; crafts, cookie bake, Lanna Coffee, etc.
*Lanna Coffee sale for Christmas gifts available after worship this morning; if coffee is not on your gift shopping list, you can always make a donation to Lanna Coffee where 100% of your gift will be sent to New Life Center and House of Love in Chiang Mai
*Advent Bible Study begins this week; Tuesday at Dick & Anna Wong’s home, 7:30; get a book from Lea Wong; South Bay led by Wes Chan begins this Wednesday
*Harvest Time! Please make a pledge if you haven’t yet; we are only 9 pledges away from surpassing the number of pledging units from this year
Prayer Concerns
*David Wong’s sister, Esther passed on Thursday, Nov. 17th
*Bill Chin resting at home to regain his strength
*James Wong resting at home and may not need surgery; will know on Dec. 3rd
*Ruth Sun, Ed Chan’s widow fell and broke 3 ribs and a vertebrae at a friend’s house
Prayer of God’s People
Dear God on this first Sunday of Advent, may we, with all of creation, pause, keep silence and breathe deep of the mystery that surrounds us. Open our hearts to your word, that we may learn with joy your desire for us, your destiny which we share, your dream of peace which will be fulfilled because your will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.
In this season of Advent, we seek after the joy of surprises as we prepare for the coming of Christ. In these weeks of secular cheer and stress help us to find your wonderful surprises not under a tree but in our lives. Help us to find your wonderful surprises not wrapped in a box with a ribbon but in the lives around us. Help us to find your wonderful surprises not in stockings hung by the chimney but in helping in others and in those moments find the wonderful joy of your Son Jesus Christ.
As a loving and supportive community, we pray for those in our midst who are in need of your strength and comfort. Be with Bill Chin and James Wong as they improve in their physical health. Bless Ruth Sun as she recovers from a terrible fall. Grant mercy to…
We lift up this faithful community of disciples who strive to make a difference in the world through their lives of transforming words and good deeds. Enable and empower us to support the life of this church through our generous giving, our willingness to serve as officers and board members, and our daily walk with Christ in our homes and neighborhoods. And we pray for Mike Socia as he courageously leads Redwood Glen to be a place for children, youth and adults come to be nearer to Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior.
We pray for all of these as well as those unspoken concerns held deep in our hearts in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Benediction
Know that the hope you have in Christ will be true.
Let the love of the Spirit protect you.
Open your hearts, and hear the song of all creation proclaiming the gospel—
Jesus is coming!
Amen.