Prayers 1 23 2011
*Welcome!
*Chinese Flower Show, next weekend, Jan. 28-30; watch out for street closures
*Lanna Coffee for purchase after worship next Sunday
*Overview of the Bible and Theology registration by today, Warren Lee
*Yosemite Trip registration forms available in the vestibule, April 30-May 2; David Louie is organizing this year’s weekend
*Special Church Membership Meeting today, 1:30 to discuss the recent actions taken by the Deacons and CE Boards; there won’t be any bows so come prepared for the meeting; our goal is to provide you with information and to address your questions
Prayer Concerns
*Anna Lee, fatigue
*Laura Dare and Tom Feng, family matters
*Eva Ung; bed rest for her pregnancy
*Nathalie Yan and Kevin Hsu’s new baby boy born on Friday, Jan. 21st
*Today’s Membership Meeting and the Church Annual Meeting, two weeks from today
Prayer of God’s People
God of Sabbath, God of Rest, may we honor you by taking a deep breath together, by slowing down, to apprehend your peaceful presence. May this day be truly different, measured not by what we accomplish but by who we are, thanks to you. As you have trusted us with the time you have put into our keeping, so we trust you that all will be well. Help us to live in this moment of worship, which is both passing and eternal.
For the challenges we face, the burdens we bear, the thorns we struggle against, the tasks not yet completed and those that require redoing; for every reminder that time is fleeting and that we are not yet home, that we are fallible and rely on your grace and mercy, that we are dependent and incomplete. We give you thanks to help us to see you as the bringer of hope, the sustainer of the weak, the bearer of burdens, designer of dreams, whose Spirit inspires, whose Savior shares our infirmities, whose Creation sustains, renews, and restores.
We pray and lift up for you, Lord: Anna Lee, Laura Dare and Tom Feng, Eva Ung and Arlen Ung, and all those who seek your presence to be sheltered in your arms, sustained by your Spirit and dependent on your goodness. We celebrate Nathalie Yan and Kevin Hsu’s new baby boy that has come into the world and that you have great hope for him as we know you have for each one of us.
As your people of faith gather in your spirit of fellowship and oneness in Christ, we pray that today’s meeting will be acceptable to you. Grant us the commitment to working together for your purpose and will for your ministry through us in this church and in the world. Help us to envision your grand plan and to trust our lives and this church in your hands for the future. May what we do today and the days to come strengthen our witness in Jesus Christ to all those who are seeking good news.
This we pray, lifting up from the depths of our hearts our deepest feelings and laying them before you on your altar, we pray in Christ’s name who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Offertory
God has given us—our time, talent, and treasure. Let us give with joy.
We present not only our monetary offerings, O God, but ourselves. When you made us, you bestowed on each of us talents and gifts. With your help, we seek to direct our passions and use of those gifts in your service and to your glory. Amen.
Benediction
The Lord is your light and your salvation; whom shall you fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of your life; of whom shall you be afraid?
The God of the snowflakes will be with you and keep you.
The God of the snowflakes will make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The God of the snowflakes and all of us will set us high on a rock and give us his peace.
Amen.