Prayers of the Church

JOYS

Prayers of thanksgiving for …

The wonderful Christmas Eve service – in a full church – praising God with worship, prayers and heavenly music.

People willing to teach classes which help others to grow in their faith.

Recently arrived babies who are celebrating their first Christmas with their loved ones.

Wonderful family reunions, including those with brand new beautiful babies to enjoy.

Delightful surprises.

Homecomings.

Visitors to church:  Sean K., Margie W. and Danielle.

Lynn M. is back in church with us.

Laughter.

Tonight’s “Fifth Sunday Sing-along.”

Those who make merry.

Special acts of kindness.

Skype which enables people to see and hear and link with family and friends over the holidays, and all the year through.

The church’s prayer shawl ministry.

The lovely prayer shawl for Cleo’s family member, which is so appreciated.

The neighbor who changed someone’s tire this morning before church.

Neighbors who look out for one another.

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

Travelling mercies.

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

Church family members who step in and help when called.

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

All the people who contributed to our church’s observance/celebration of Advent and Christmas this year -- which was so energized, uplifting and meaningful – all offered in worship of our amazing God.

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, (17) Gail F, (18) Cousin Sojie, (19) Jeanne C., (20) Ginny M., (21) Ed H., (22) Sheila H., (23/24) John W.-B. and his wife Sonja and (25/26) Mike in Arizona and his partner Emily L.

Prayers for family and friends who are mourning the recent deaths of their loved ones:  Doris Kester, Sandy Kenyon and Kathy B’s brother.

Prayer shawls for Rich G. and Jeanne C.

Prayers for Tina.

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.

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  (1) Tonight’s “Fifth Sunday Sing-along” begins at 6:00 p.m.  (2) Next Sunday morning, Clay Freeman’s class will begin to study the book of Hebrews.