Prayers of the People - October 28 - November 3

Thanks and Praise

Let's thank and praise God for our Ministry interns, Rachel Freeman and Wren Collé. This Sunday, as they preach and lead us in worship, we also say goodbye and thank them for their two years of faithful service to us. We ask the Lord's continued blessing on their lives, and hope to see them again in the future.

We're grateful to God for Emma Jane's return to us. Since her pulmonary embolism on September 28, she has regained strength during a season of rest and rehabilitation. Welcome home, Emma Jane!

Autumn's peak is here at last! Praise the Lord who made "all things bright and beautiful," and let's get outdoors to revel in Creation's stunning colors while we can.


Needs and Concerns

The wildfires that still rage in Southern California have claimed hundreds of homes and businesses. May God protect those who battle the inferno, those giving aid, and those having to evacuate. Lord, have mercy!

The recent bombings in Pakistan and the Philippines killed and wounded hundreds of innocent civilians. May these cruel and cowardly acts only serve to strengthen the resolve of those who labor for justice and peace.

The deaths of so many thousands of Iraqi civilians: men, women and children, as well as the mounting casualties among U.S. and Iraqi troops, testify to the evils of this war, and to the urgent need for measures beyond military might: negotiation, protest, and above all, fervent prayer.


Announcements

OUR PREACHER TODAY is Rachel Freeman, who has served our church as a Ministry Intern for the past two years. A member of Jubilee Christian Church in Mattapan, Rachel will complete her M.Div. degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary this January, and is currently applying to Ph.D. programs in her home state of Virginia.

THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION will be celebrated during worship next Sunday, November 4. Let us take stock of our relationships, and seek reconciliation with anyone from whom we may have become estranged, due to their wrongdoing or ours, that all may come in peace to Christ's table.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS time begins NEXT SUNDAY, November 4. When you go to bed Saturday night, November 3, be sure to set your clocks and watches BACK one hour.

THE POETRY EVENING is this Saturday, November 3! Look for your invitation to this event in the mail, and please RSVP to Alicia (781 756-3457) by Wednesday.

WANTED: Old photos and memorabilia of our pastor's -- and church's --past 25 years. Items will be displayed at Rev. Kelso's retirement dinner Dec. 2. Beverly will organize the display of these materials for the dinner.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S UPDATE: Thank you for your regular, committed giving; for your hard work at fundraisers, such as the yard sale; for your extra gifts to meet happy, but unexpected, expenses such as
the piano movers. We are on track to meet the budget!

VISITOR'S HANDOUT: New to the church? Learn about our church and the opportunities to get involved by picking up a copy of our handout for visitors, located on the table in the back of the sanctuary.

YOUR NAME IS . . . ? As we begin a new school year, and welcome visitors, it will help us to get better acquainted if we wear our nametags. Please pick yours up (or make a new one) at the door. Thanks!

Image of t-shirt that helps us pray for our Red Sox is from The Red Seat.