Prayers 4 6 2014
*Welcome! It’s good to be home; thanks to Pater Peter for filling the pulpit while I was in Italy with 32 others viewing and learning about religious art; this was a wonderful experience especially for me who have never been to Italy before
*Church membership meeting today at 1:00 to hear the testimonies from two persons whom the Deacons approved last Sunday to join the church; this is the highlight of the church when people become new in Christ
*Next Sunday, April 13 is Joint English worship at 11:20 in the sanctuary when we’ll have baptism; Pastor Visal will bring the message
*Highlight Holy Week; Maundy Thursday, CCU Good Friday services (English) at 7:30 at FCBC; and Easter services beginning with CCU Sunrise at 7:00 at the Chinese Congregational followed by annual Easter breakfast at the YMCA
*Registration for Yosemite and Day Camp are now available
*Reception Ministry at 2:00 today following the membership meeting
*On behalf of the Trustees, thanks to all who came out yesterday to clean up the church home before Easter services
Prayer Concerns
*Nico Tom is doing much better after his surgery last week; still a long recovery process
*Tom Wong and his home hospice care
Prayer of God’s People
Gracious Lord God, we come seeking the truth of life in our faith in Christ Jesus. You have sent out into the world with the love of Christ in our hearts and we pray that we have made a difference this past week in the lives of others especially those who have great needs. Strengthen and fortify us with courage and confidence to give testimony of our faith in you. We pray that our lives speak more convincingly than our words.
We are excited to once again know that you have touched the lives of people in our church for them to come forward and have a commitment to dedicate their lives to you in Baptism and church membership. We pray that their faith stories will reveal evidence of your grace and love for them in order for us to also renew our own faith convictions. In this holy time of Lent, we pray for repentance of our sins and the renewal of our souls. As we travel with Christ on the path to the crucifixion, we pray that we would have the thankful heart to receive forgiveness and mercy.
Lord, we celebrate the positive and encouraging news that we are hearing from Eunice and Kenneth Tom on the surgery that their son, Nico had. May he continues to get stronger to bring joy and happiness in this family. We pray for those in our church family who are suffering and requiring your mercy. Be with Tom Wong as he enjoys the time he has to be with Maureen and family. Bless us who are providing inspiration and care for all who are hurting and in despair. May we serve as the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Almighty God, you came into the world in Jesus to save us. We are still in the world but we in Christ are not of this world. Show us how to live in the world as the redeemed. Called us in our unique and special ways to spread the love of Christ in the world that is in great need for good news. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
The Lord’s Supper
Last Sunday when our group was traveling from Florence to Sorrento, we stopped at Ovieto where there is a church. The significance of this church is that according to Roman Catholic traditions, a miracle occurred that reinforced the meaning of the Lord’s Supper. We sat along a stone wall and learned about this miracle and then participated in Communion, the Baptist way. We believe that it’s not the bread and the wine that have significance but rather it is our lives that have changed. We are being transformed in the Lord. From ordinary to becoming extraordinary, we are redeemed in the Lord. Afterward, I heard that one person in our group was receiving the Lord’s Supper for the first time but has been a member for a lifetime. There is always time for you and for me to come to the Lord.
Benediction
You have been exposed to the light of Christ.
Be visibly faithful and active in your ministry.
Be pleasing to the Lord by being a loving and faithful people.
Amen