Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

The gift of Nelson Mandela’s life and his inspired leadership.

Those whose lives shine in the darkness.

Wonderful family reunions.

Visitors to church:  Sheila (Belinda’s mother).

Birthday blessings to Lisa M., Hattie Ann, Betty L., Hazel S., joey d. and Sonia H.’s baby sister.

Wedding anniversary blessings to Clay and Trudy Freeman who are celebrating 47 years of marriage together.

Wonderful weekly gatherings at the Ludington’s home of the middle-school youth group, which has welcomes new members.

Laughter.

Church members and friends of the church who offer to God and share with the rest of us… their amazing gifts of music.

The members of the church’s altar guild who have crafted such lovely and inspiring decorations for this season, which enhance our worship experience – each and every week.

Three of our church members who are actively involved in the Chrysalis retreat this weekend, as well as the others who commit themselves to nurturing others’ faith journeys.   

The wonderful holiday open house at the nearby “Genesis House” last Thursday, which included great fellowship and delicious refreshments.

The wonderful United Methodist Women’s (UMW’s) gathering last Friday, which included delicious food, fabulous fellowship and a great Advent/Christmas program of music and dramatic readings.

The wonderful United Methodist Men’s (UMM’s) gathering yesterday – 13 men enjoyed great fellowship and a very good presentation by Doug Snyder, representing the area charitable organization called “Brush with Kindness.”

Dense, yummy cheesecake at the UMW gathering Friday.

Heat and warm beds … and the safety and comfort that we enjoy.

Frozen water pipes that finally thawed:  Water is again accessible at home.

This wonderful season of holiday cheer and good will and goodies.

Folks who give of their time and talent to make prayer shawls.

Cheryl Z.’s amazing painting that she gave to Pastor Charles and Belinda, that is on display in the fellowship hall (on the goodies table) – so lovely that it has to be shared with the church family.  It includes a decorated Christmas tree, lit candles to light the way and behind that is “the cross,” and behind that is a scene reflecting God’s glory.  It will be on display this week in the fellowship hall.

Brian L.’s successful/safe outcome to a challenging event last week that featured a mule, a trailer and travelling issues.

Church family members who step in and help when called.

Gratitude to live in area communities who actively care for one another’s needs.

Anticipation of this Wednesday’s “birthday lunch” at the town’s Senior Center, which will include special music.

CONCERNS

Prayers for recovery and healing for the thousands of casualties and millions of people affected by the recent typhoon in the Philippines.  (Thanks be to God that the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is in position and involved in disaster relief.)

Prayers for peace in the Middle East – and in all the “four corners” of the world. 

Prayers for our military Veterans.

Prayers for the family and friends of the military service members who were killed or injured in the line of duty this last week.

Prayers for travelling mercies and for those not with us today

Prayers for healing mercies for (1) Mary L., (2) Claire K., (3) Ms. Hattie Ann, (4) Bev L.’s brother, (5) John W.-B., (6) Nilda B.’s sister’s father-in-law, (7) Donna L.’s Uncle Bob, (8) Gail and Lynn M.’s daughter-in-law, (9) Judy I., (10) Becky B, (11) Sister-in-law Myrna, (12) Son-in-law Matt, (13) Susan, (14) Friend’s granddaughter Lillie and (15) Lynn M.  

Prayers for Shirley, Aunt Marie and Cousin Charles.

Prayers for family and friends who are mourning the death of (1) Jack, Kathy B.’s brother, (2) Friend Annette’s sister, (3) Cousin Renee’s husband.

Prayers for those who are struggling to deal with the recent deaths of family members and close friends.

Prayers for family and friends who are gravely concerned about their loved ones who are facing serious consequences for their recent actions:  (1) Cameron, (2) Ryan, (3) Cody.

Prayers for all who are hurting at this time of year.

Prayers for those who are worried, frustrated and upset by the uncertainty surrounding their health-care insurance coverage.
 

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Tomorrow night, all are welcome to attend the holiday concert that begins at 7:30 p.m.