Tuesday, December 2, 2014

"Where there is no vision the people perish!" Proverbs 29:18 KJV

The first prescription out of the Healthy Church Initiative is to enter into a season of prayer during Advent.  The first Sunday of Advent was November 30 and during worship we prayed for our church, community, various ministries, as well as needs facing people in our communities.  Each week we share request for our Advent Season of Prayer Calendar.  I have posted last weeks request as well as the ones for the coming week.

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
         30
                   1
Our Bishop and pastors of the Iowa United Methodist conference.
               2
The pastor and people of First UMC, Newton, for the gift of vision.
                    3
People who are lonely during this time of the year.
                  4
Schools and teachers facing difficult issues as they teach our children and youth.
                  5
Grateful hearts for all that the Lord has given us and God’s provisions every day.
                   6
Your direction as we work to show your love, peace, and justice for all people.

  

Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday

                    8
Those who work in emergencies services in our community.
               9
That our youth will see Christ in the lives of those around them.
                  10
That our church will learn what it takes to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
                  11
The poor – emotionally and physically and for all who are ministering to them.
                 12
A firm trust in your goodness, and that all will work for peace throughout the land.
               13
Those who teach and lead that they will have a heart for you and your word.



You may have noticed that there were no prayer request on Sunday.  That is because during worship we lift up additional prayer requests.  Below are ones lifted up on Sunday November 30.  I encourage you to pray for the following:
  • New Beginnings at this Christmas Season…  
  • Those who do not know where there next meal will come from, who are homeless and hungry in our street... 
  • A positive and hopeful attitude about the future of our church community... 
  • Wisdom for the leaders in our church and for the Healthy Church Initiative as we move forward... 
  • A clear vision of where the Lord is calling us to serve beyond the walls of our church and in the life of all God’s children…
I want to invite you to join us for worship throughout Advent as we draw closer to Christmas and the birth of our Savior.  Worship begins at 8:45 AM. with music and praise and runs until 10;00 AM.  

On Christmas Eve we will have two services preceded by Holy Communion.  They will take place at:
6:30 PM. Communion with the Candlelight Service at 7:00 PM.
10:30 PM. Communion with the Candlelight Service at 11:00 PM.

May you have a blessed Advent / Christmas Season and keep praying for the Healthy Church Initiative as it impacts First United Methodist Church, Newton Iowa and surrounding communities, and the lives of each individual God's Holy Spirit will touch as we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Gary

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