Prayers 2 7 2010
*Welcome
*Seminarians Scholarship Fund to support persons studying in seminary; opportunities to give today and next Sunday
*Haitian Earthquake relief; you may continue to give to assist in the rebuilding of this devastated country
*Annual Meeting, 1:30, bow and tea snack to enable you to attend; final financial reports, annual reports, installation of new officers, board and committee members, remembering our loved ones, state of the church report, recommendation to approve the partnership with the YMCA to help renovate their gym by us donating $250,000.00; we need a quorum to approve—make it a point to attend; end in time for the Super Bowl!
*Senior Center, Wednesday with Phil Choy on “Chinatown’s Architectural Wonders;” see Dick Wong to sign up
*Inquirers Membership Class begins next Sunday; after 10:20 Worship, 11:30-12:30; see Pastor Chris or me
*Stained Glass and Solar Panel work will be started in the next 2 weeks
Prayer Concerns
Congratulations to Brian Heung and Ani Sittig for their wedding yesterday at our church
Prayer of God’s People
Almighty God, we give thanks that you loved us enough not to remain to us an impossible mystery. You came to us, spoke to us, and revealed yourself to us. We are grateful for your revelation of yourself that is found in the scriptures. We thank you for beginning the story with us, and time and time again continuing that story with us. We thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit that enlivens our fellowship and makes us one. We praise you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ who continues to reach out to us to be disciples today. Thank you, Lord for bringing us all here today to praise you with our heart and mind and soul.
On this special day in the life of our church, we pray that you guide our steps and empower us to do your will. For all the wonderful ministries that occurred in 2009, we give you thanks. For all the new possibilities that you have for us in 2010, we say to you, “Here I am, send me.” We seek your presence as we discuss the possibility of partnering with the Chinatown YMCA with the trust that you will bless us in the years to come as you have blessed us and watched over us in the past 130 years. Continue to lead us into vibrant and life-changing ministries that invite more people to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Teach us how to fish for people just like Jesus taught Simon Peter and the others to do so from the very beginning.
Merciful Lord, send your Spirit to inspire those who are lost so that they may find safe harbor. Be with those who have lost their jobs so that they may discover gifts and talents to fulfill their life’s purposes. Be with those who face discrimination and great obstacles that they may find justice and equity promised to everyone. Be with those who are sick and are in need of your healing powers that they may be comforted and their health returns. Lord, be with those who suffer, the many Haitian victims, that they may find hope even in the small efforts that we can do to alleviate their terrible hardship. Be with those who fight on our behalf in far off lands that they may be safe and successful in bringing peace in the world.
All these things we pray in the name of Christ, Jesus, our Lord who taught us to pray, saying, “Our Father…”
Offertory
When we truly discern the grace of God, we want others to experience it, too. Christ calls us to reach out to our sisters and brothers with the good news of God’s reign. Our offerings help to take God’s Word to the world.
O God, use the resources we dedicate here to empower others to witness to your love and care. Fill our lives with thanksgiving. Fill our days with purpose. We rededicate ourselves to work and worship that express our profound gratitude for life and all of its opportunities. Amen.
The Lord’s Supper
When Simon Peter realizes how unworthy he is when he doubted Jesus’ instructions to cast his net in the deep water, Simon said, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”
We are all like Simon Peter, doubting, unsure about our abilities, and fearful about what the future might be. When we doubt what God may have in store for us, we sin against God by not living up to his hopes and expectations of us. “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”
The Lord’s Table is a sign that Christ has forgiven us for our sins by bearing all of the sins in the world onto himself so that out of God’s grace, we may be accepted, redeemed, and beloved. Notice what Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Don’t be afraid.” We do not need to be afraid because Jesus Christ has conquered death once and forevermore.
Benediction
Who will witness to the grace of God?
Who will go out to serve in Christ’s name?
Here we are, ready to be sent into the world.
Let us cross the streets in our lives and in the world
To go where God directs us to share good news.
Amen.