Prayers 1 9 2011
*Welcome!
*Hand Bells playing “Festive Variations” by M. Helman
*Mission to Vietnam with Kenley Mew and Steven Ng, 1:00-2:30, Sanctuary
*Senior Center, Wednesday on “Optimal Healing with Chinese Medicine;” See Dick Wong
*Men’s Fellowship, Saturday, Jan. 15, 9:00, Nelson Wong’s
*CCU Annual Union Day & Thanksgiving Dinner, next Sunday, Far East Café, 5:30, See Dick Wong
*Steps of Paul Trip; Please register if interested; almost full
*Special Membership Meeting, 2 Sundays from today, Jan. 23, 1:30 to consider decisions and recommendations that are coming from the CE Board and Deacons from their meetings yesterday. The items are:
1. CE Board voted to eliminate the position of Minister of Christian Education and was affirmed by the Deacons.
2. Based on a mutually agreeable understanding, the Deacons let go/lay off Pastor Chris Otani with a severance package because her current position is no longer available effective on March 31st.
3. Deacons in consultation with the CE Board propose a new pastoral position presently named, Pastor of Spiritual Formation for approval. The draft of the job description will be available for your review on Jan. 23rd.
The Jan. 23rd meeting will provide the membership an official opportunity to discuss these important matters with the hope to approve at the Church Annual Meeting on Feb. 6th, 1:30 PM.
*In light of these developments, the Deacons are offering a “Q&A” session immediately following our worship service this morning, 11:30-12:30 at the YMCA. I understand that both Don Lam and Dr. Chuck’s classes are cancelled so that you may want to attend. Those who are in George Lai’s class are also invited to come. Our goal is to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to share your opinions and concerns and we will strive to address them as much as we are able to do that.
Prayer Concerns
*Violet Fung passed on Jan. 5th, former member; aunt of a cousin of Sherry Pang, Funeral, Jan. 14, 1:00 PM, Duggan’s in Daly City, interment at Greenlawn.
Prayer of God’s People
Holy God and Merciful Christ, we are still at the beginning of this New Year and we long for a new beginning in our hearts, in our homes, and in our church. We are thankful for the bounty in our lives and the blessings that are received from you year after year. We are thankful for the gathering of church leaders yesterday as your humble servants embark on yet another New Year of planning, envisioning, and ministering to your people in the world. Strengthen and encourage us to remain faithful as we know you are ever faithful to us. Instill in us the conviction to answer the question, “Who Is My Neighbor?” as we dedicate ourselves to live out you commandments.
With new leaders in city halls, state houses, and in Washington, D.C., we pray for our nation’s leaders for vision of our future that leads toward greater faithfulness in your kingdom. Guide them to work for peace and justice for all people whom you have created in the world.
We lift up those among us whose personal heartaches and losses prompt them to know only discouragement if not outright despair. Assist us to be instruments of your perfect peace in their lives, reminding us of our obligation to serve you by serving them.
Thank you, Lord Jesus for your baptism when the heavenly voice proclaimed that you were indeed the Son of God. You came among us, in the flesh, as the epiphany of the full glory of God. Help us to see your glory as the light shining in the darkness. Teach us Lord to become lights to this world that is often afraid and have lost hope.
Hear our prayers, O Lord, and do not keep your Holy Spirit from us, for we ask these things in the name of Christ who taught us to pray together, “Our Father…”
Offertory
As the visitors from the east who came to worship the infant Jesus, opened their treasure chests, may we open our wallets and our lives in expressions of thanksgiving and commitment.
We bring our wealth to praise you, God. We are thankful for your revelation in Jesus Christ that gives us good news to share. May this offering accomplish among us, and far beyond us, the mission you give to each one of your people. Amen.
Benediction
May the heavens open
May the voice of heaven resound in praise.
May the angels of heaven rejoice.
May you, in whom God is well pleased,
take your beginning step to complete your baptism for the mission of Jesus Christ.
Amen.