Prayers of the People - November 18 - 24, 2007

Thanks and Praise

"Words alone can't fully express our gratitude to you and to the Lord for all the delights of our recent Poetry Night. The poems - many of them your own creations - the presents, the laughter, the sumptuous food, the singing, the hospitality, and other expressions of love, were all such precious gifts, as you yourselves are to us. Our cup runneth over!"
Love in Christ, Bart and Priscilla

Todd Billings was duly ordained last Sunday as a Minister of Word and Sacrament, in Holland, Michigan. Pastor Bart was honored to preach for the occasion. Todd continues to serve as Associate Professor of Reformed Theology at Western Seminary, a school of the Reformed Church in America. Ask the Lord to use Todd for his glory.

Autumn's vivid colors are still with us! 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

Please pray for Pastor Bart as he preaches and leads worship before the Presbytery of Boston tomorrow night, reflecting on 25 years as a member of that body.

Michael, brother-in-law of Lee, is currently at Youville Hospital for several weeks of rehabilitation. Pray for his healing, for strength to walk again, and for peace of mind for Michael and his wife Gloria.

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

PHOTOS OF FALL RETREAT: Last September, our church held a retreat on "The Seasons of Our Lives," at Toah Nipi in New Hampshire. Pictures of that gathering are on the bulletin board in the side room.

A SERVICE OF THANKS TO GOD will be held here on Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22, at 9:00 a.m. Please mark it on your calendar and plan to be present if you are in town for the holiday. This will be our church's 104th such service since our forbears first gathered for this purpose in 1903. Bring your family and friends, and join us for this special time of gratitude and praise.

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 Shank will organize the display of these materials for the dinner.

AN APPEAL FROM THE DEACONS: As we have in Christmases past, the Deacons are sponsoring a collection of needed items for the Cambridge Mothers' and Children's Shelter. Please bring any of the following before December 17 and leave them in the side room: twin mattress covers, bassinette and crib sheets, bath towels, paper towels and baby products.

CAN YOU HELP? After the 3:00 p.m. "Silver Celebration" service honoring the Kelsos on December 2, there will be a cookie and punch reception in the side room for those attending. Please contact Beverly Shank (jbshank@rcn.com or 781-861-8015) if you can bake or serve.

Image of sycamore tree is from Intaglio Fine Arts