July 18th

We pray for those in Germany and Belgium who are experiencing the worst flooding in decades. So far the flooding has killed at least 120 people as search and rescue efforts for hundreds of missing continue  By late Thursday, about 1,300 people were still unaccounted for in Germany but authorities cautioned that disrupted roads and telephone service could account for the high figure.

Meanwhile, German officials said that a warming climate is at least partially to blame for the catastrophic flooding.  

"We don't know the death toll yet, but it's going to be high" Merkel said. "Some died in their basements, some as firefighters trying to bring others to safety." 

 * Pastor Robin is grateful for all those who are virtually joining us this morning. 

 

* Collette Gilbert expressed prayers of joy for her daughter, Nicole Teske.    Nicole was diagnosed with leukemia.  She has had chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant which was 100% successful.  Prayers of joy and thanksgiving for continued good health. 

 

* Frank Scouten thanked Pastor Robin, Gigi, Nancy and others from Sanctuary and Resistance to Injustice who were at the Whipple Building last week to reinvigorate, support and share on this issue.  They meet once a month.  The video of the presentations can be found on YouTube. 

* This morning, the beautiful flowers on the altar were provided by Amanda Hooper to celebrate the birthdays of Finley and Hunter.

* Deanne Putnam Clark asked for prayers for her upcoming surgery on Thursday. 

* Amanda Hooper, who is manager of housing in Minneapolis, asked for prayers for all those impacted by the Eviction Moratorium, prayers for the landlords to make positive decisions, and prayers for the people who are supporting and helping those facing eviction. 

* Giuliana Beckwith asked for “prayers for her nephew, Nate.  He had a massive heart attack several days ago and has had several stent surgeries already.  He is stable at the moment but not out of the woods yet.  Your prayers are so appreciated.” 

To see the prayer post for the previous week, please click this link.

July 18th

       In God's Hands by Tracy Howe

     and justice will come

 and justice will come

“What one won’t eat by itself, one will eat when mixed with other food.” My Grand momma Neda B used to make a dish called goulash. Goulash is this stew or soup that consists of meat, vegetables, and spices. Neda B made hers a little different because this soup was made with all the leftovers that she would have in her refrigerator. She would have all kinds of vegetables and meats. Sorry to my vegans and vegetarians but stay with me. You would see beef, chicken, pork. You would also see an assortment of vegetables. You would see beans, celery, carrots, tomatoes, etc. etc. All this deliciousness in one pot. You could clearly tell the distinct differences because nothing was blended. Each thing had its own characteristic and individual taste. I realize that this description may be off putting, however once I had a spoonful of this deliciousness, I would appreciate every other spoonful until it was all gone. When it was all gone, I would experience a sudden sense of loss. Then, I remembered that the pot was still on the stove and I could go back and get some 

more. The world is starving for what we bring to the goulash. You are uniquely and wonderfully made. You have been blessed with talents and expertise. You have intellect and information. You are artist, visionaries, business professionals, organizers, trainers, consultants, and many other parts. What made Neda B’s goulash so good was that she did not blend — It was all random and stood on its own. She allowed for each part to bring what it had to the goulash. 

The Reverend Michael Malcom is the Executive Director of Alabama Interfaith Power and Light and a licensed and ordained United Church of Christ Minister 

         (Cards and Calls Appreciated)

Ella Rivers, Donna Church, Musz Bailey, Jim Babcock, Shelley Sherper, Bobbie Berg, Susan Olsen, Jackie Schuelein, Carol Lloyd, Joanne Burdick, Ruby Cawthra, Jane Houlton, Marion Marcott, Cheryl Wold, Judy Halgren, Amy Britt, Bailey Rosdahl, Jimmy Stevens, Dee & Jim Stevens (Jimmy’s parents), Dave Foley, John Olson, Nicole [Kilber] Teske, Linda Fenton, Dave Halgren, Diane Narr, Joan Axen and Nancy Andersen.

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