July 25th

Almighty God,

You have blessed us and provided for our needs, especially during this pandemic. Through your Holy Spirit may we not only acknowledge these gifts but also have the courage and determination to use them to serve the people in accordance with your will.

As the disciples were confused by the problem of how to feed the thousands until they offered all that they had to Jesus. Lord, we open minds and hearts seeking a new vision in this difficult time to serve the people and show us what miracles can happen when we make a total commitment to you.

Lord, we pray for the people in China, especially the people who were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent earthquakes in Yunnan province. Comfort the families of those who are deceased and give strength to those who are recovering. We pray that people will come to know the faith, hope, and love in you.

Lord, we pray for the people who are living in poverty in China. Please put your loving arms around them and light up the night and let them see the love.

Lord, we pray for the churches, seminaries, our mission partners, church leaders, and workers in China. We pray that you will encourage, strengthen, and equip them with wisdom to serve the people there.

God, help us to hear what you are still speaking and calling for our total commitment to caring and sharing your love with the people today and forever.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

 * Pastor Robin thanked the Liturgical Arts team for decorating the chancel and Bell Tower for our Christmas In July service. 

 

* Congratulations to Arabelle Rohs who received Grand Champion ribbon for her efforts at the 2021 Sherburne County Fair this past weekend, for a 4H scrapbooking project on many aspects of the pandemic.  She made the front page of the Elk River Star News with her llama.   She also won a reserve champion ribbon for a separate scrapbook she made to see how many scrapbooking techniques she could try.  Congratulations Arabelle! 

 

* Giuliana Beckwith lifted up prayers of thanks for her nephew, Nate, who had another successful surgery.  He is recovering at home and his heart is beating on its own. “Your prayers meant the world to my family.” 

* This morning, the beautiful flowers on the altar were provided by Robin.

* Our friend and church member, Susan Olsen, who currently lives in Ocala, Florida, came to church today accompanied by her son, Scott.  Susan was the wife of our former pastor Clarion Olsen.  So good to see you, Susan! .   

 

July 25th

The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) is a state-level, judicatory-based council of Christian denominations with a mission to manifest the unity of the church in order to build the common good in the world. MCC pursues this mission by creating ecumenical and interfaith programmatic partnerships that work toward a vision of racial and social justice lived out in diverse communities throughout Minnesota. Therefore, MCC believes in and is committed to the core values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

*  Nancy Hasset asked for prayers for the family and friends of her friend, Jan, who had cancer and passed away.  Also, please pray for the family and friends of Bob’s nephew, Greg, who passed away unexpectedly. 

* Teresa Lentz asked for prayers for all those affected by the flooding in Germany and Belgium. 

* Nancy Hassett asked for prayers for those in China affected by the floods. 

* Marce Ediger asked for prayers for those affected by the fires in the U.S. western states.

* Ruth Johnson asked for prayers of the family of John Barth who passed away this past week.

* Jenny Sliker asked for prayers for those participating in the 2021 Olympics, to lift up the players and the coaches that they have a safe experience.  Prayers that those watching can experience that the games are a way of sending a message to us of peace and that we can work together and play together. 

* Pastor Robin asked for prayers for those in Ely, MN, who were affected by a big storm this past Friday, causing them to cancel their yearly Blueberry Festival.  Many booths and wares were damaged by the storm.

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