Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

Last night’s “Blue Christmas Service,” which was a service for those grieving at this time of year.

Wonderful family reunions.

Delightful surprises.

Pastor Charles and Belinda’s niece Lisa H. is now engaged to be married in 2015.

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

Birthday blessings to Jesus, Pastor Charles, Luke M., Chuck P., Meggie L., Judy, Lisa M., Sharon W.’s sister-in-law’s brother, Phyllis C.’s great grandson, Carol V.’s grandson and Mitch E.’s grandmother Nola and grandmother Sue.

Laughter.

Clay F. noted that our prayers for 6-year-old Caden in Seattle, who has been dealing with cancer, have been answered.

Tom and Bridgett have been together for five years now… and are now engaged to be married.

The church’s brass ensemble played so beautifully at the local Super 1 recently.

Those who make merry.

The church’s prayer shawl ministry.

Today’s blessing of a prayer shawl for Myrna B., Cleo G.’s sister-in-law.

Travelling mercies.

Callie’s grandparents Brenda and Steve – their upcoming mission trip to California.

The wonderful concert that was held in the church last Monday night.

Thanks for all the effort to make the church more handicap-accessible.

The United Methodist Women’s (UMW’s) support of three of our church members who were actively involved in the recent Chrysalis retreat… and those who commit themselves to nurturing others’ faith journeys.   http://helenaemmaus.org/3301.html

People who share with the rest of us… their amazing gifts of music at church and community events.

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.

Church family members who step in and help when called.

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

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 the people of the Central African Republic and the South Sudan. 

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) Sister-in-law Myrna, (11) Son-in-law Matt, (12) Susan, (13) Friend’s granddaughter Lillie, (14) Lynn M., (15) Rich G., (16) Doris T.’s sister-in-law Cloris and (17) Gail F.

Prayers for family and friends who are mourning the recent deaths of their loved ones.

Best friend Claire who is going into foster care.

Prayers for those who are struggling to deal with the recent deaths of family members and close friends, e.g., Bruce Luddington’s wife.

Prayers for family and friends who are gravely concerned about their loved ones who are facing serious consequences for their recent actions.

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.