Pray for Peace

I just added a new link to the list at the top of the blog: a list of ongoing conflicts at Wikipedia. It is overwhelming, of course, but it could be a tool for prayer. Please take a look sometime, pray for peace, and know that God is in control.

Image of peace in Sierra Leone is from http://myhero.com/myhero/hero.asp?hero=andrewgreene

Grand Sweep Readings for June 17

Pastor Bart has been leading our church through a "Grand Sweep" of the Bible, as we read God's holy word, in order, from Genesis through Revelations.

Next week's sermon will be on Zephaniah through Malachi. Please spend some time reading and reflecting on these chapters during the week, in preparation for next Sunday.

Prayers of the People - June 10 - 16, 2007

Thanks and Praise

Kelly and Sara, and their children, John, Allison, and Will, are safely settled in their "new home with a yard with grass to play in!" in Naperville, Illinois. Ask the Lord to bless their lives there, especially their search for a new church home (a picture is posted in the side room).

The 2007 Walk for Hunger on May 6 drew more than 43,000 participants, and raised in excess of $3.3 million to help feed families and individuals in need, through grants to 400 state-wide emergency food programs. Thank God for giving people generous hearts and strong legs!

Needs and Concerns

Rev. Wayne Parrish, a former member of this church, now our Presbytery's Executive, flew to Richmond, Virginia last week because of the unexpected death of his father. It's an especially heavy loss in view of the death of Wayne's mother less than six months ago. Pray that he will be able to grieve, yet cling to his hope in Jesus Christ.

Rev. Aaron Hicks, a former Intern here, now working with internationals in Granada, Spain, sent us an urgent request for prayer last Thursday. His mother had just phoned to say that his father was being rushed to the hospital due to a heart attack. Rev. James Hicks recovered from a previous one 3 years ago. Pray that he will again be stabilized, strengthened and healed.

Let's pray for all those who are separated from their loved ones by war, imprisonment, or economic hardship. Pray, too, for those who are missing, and those who wait for them. Lord, have mercy.

As our nation's leaders debate the course of the war in Iraq, may they humbly ask God to grant them insight, moral courage, and a genuine desire for a non-partisan, peaceful solution to the conflict there and here at home.

Announcements

WE WELCOME TODAY The Spirit and Truth Dance Ministry of Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan, under the direction of Sumaya White. We're grateful for their joy and discipline as they lead us in worshiping God through beautiful movement and sound.

LOOKING FOR WORK? Employment opportunities for qualified people are available with the City of Cambridge, in several departments. See the list which is posted in the side room. Tell your friends.

THE "COMPANIONS IN CHRIST" group will meet here at the church at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19. The last gathering, possibly on Tuesday, July 3, has yet to be confirmed.

TEENS: THINKING ABOUT A SUMMER JOB? You can grow in your faith, help others do the same, and earn $150 a week as a counselor at CAMP WILMOT, our Presbyterian camp in New Hampshire. Contact Jlene Root at 603-594-0224.

COPIES OF OUR CHURCH'S ANNUAL REPORT are available on the back table. Please pick one up and carefully read it.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CHURCH'S
2007 GRADUATES!

Image of "Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases" is from the Micah Challenge site

Grand Sweep Readings for June 10, 2007

Pastor Bart has been leading our church through a "Grand Sweep" of the Bible, as we read God's holy word, in order, from Genesis through Revelations.

Next week's sermon will be on Amos 7 - Habakkuk 3. Please spend some time reading and reflecting on these chapters during the week, in preparation for next Sunday.

Image of the broom vendor is from

http://www.uab.edu/english/hone/etexts/edb/day-pages/169-june18.html

Prayers of the People - June 3 through 9, 2007

Alicia's grandmother, Mary, who suffers from Alzheimers disease, is waiting to relocate from a rehabilitation facility to a nursing home in New Canaan, Connecticut. Please pray that she will continue receiving good care before, during and after her move. Pray, too, for peace of mind for her and all her family.

Let's pray for all those who are separated from their loved ones by war, imprisonment, or economic hardship. Pray, too, for those who are missing, and those who wait for them. Lord, have mercy.

As our nation's leaders debate the course of the war in Iraq, may they humbly ask God to grant them insight, moral courage, and a genuine desire for a non-partisan, peaceful solution to the conflict there and here at home.

"Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance," prophesied Jeremiah (Jer. 31:13). And so they shall - next Sunday! Five young women from Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan, friends of Rachel, will be with us next Sunday, June 10, to worship the Lord through liturgical dance. Let us welcome them warmly and be led into a new and deeper kind of worship.

Teens: thinking about a summer job? You can grow in your faith, help others do the same, and earn $150 a week as a counselor at Camp Wilmot, our Presbyterian camp in New Hampshire. Contact Jolene Root at 603-594-0224.

Image of the prophet Amos from http://home.iprimus.com.au/xenos/prophetamos.html

Deacons' Meeting Minutes from 4/24/2007 Gathering

As a way to keep the congregation informed, we, the deacons, have decided to post those aspects of our meeting minutes which we feel are of special relevance to our church's community. Here are some highlights from the most recent deacons' meeting:

Prayer Requests and Thanksgiving

a. Ruth Ball-recovering from surgery
b. Glenda and Loran Wallace-thanksgiving for selling of condo
c. Liz Planansky-radiation treatment beginning 4/25-11/09
d. Beverly Shank’s mother moving in with her and John on Memorial Day-prayers for
smooth transition and enjoyable time together
e. Beverly’s niece finishing freshman year of college-thanksgiving and prayer for strong finish

Diaper Drive

a. Felicia Brady and Sam Houston took donations to Women's and Children's YWCA Shelter.
They were very appreciative!!

Pastor Bart Kelso's "Taking the Pulse" Community Gatherings

a. Plans on having two gatherings after the annual meeting (6/2) in Lynn and Arlington