Prayers for Japan 

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.” He also promised, “for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Gracious and loving God, we pray for all of our partners in Japan who work with children and for the sake of future generations. We pray for the Minority Center in Tokyo which looks out for the needs of immigrant and minority children, for Sato-san and his friends from EIWAN who tend to the special needs of children born to cross-cultural families. We pray for the inter-religious leaders who have their eye on protecting the safety of unborn generations. We also pray for all Christian mission-related schools who provide a nurturing learning environment for the young people in their care. Help the church to be a sign of hope such that children living in Japan may inherit the promise of the kingdom of God. May the blessing of Jesus be upon the young and vulnerable.

         (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), John Olson, Linda Fenton, Dave Halgren, Diane Narr, Joan Axen and Nancy Andersen.

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Holy and gracious God,
let us be open to your presence among your people, those who gathered for worship, and all of your people throughout your creation.  May we receive you fully and respond to you wholeheartedly. 

Holy One, we lift up our siblings around the world.  We have heard their cries for justice and peace as they face the challenges of human rights abuses, damage to creation, natural disasters, and COVID-19.

We know that there are many obstacles to addressing these challenges.
But we also know that you are greater
and that your love for your people is deeper than we could ever imagine.
Cover your people with your love, O God.

May we feel your presence walking with us each day.  Guide us, O God,
that we may also walk beside our local and global neighbors in prayer, partnership, and presence.  May we listen to you and our partners
as we consider what we might do to share in ministry with all people.

We offer a prayer of thanks for those who are volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels this month. 

We also thank God for those who continue to purchase eggs from Robin's farm.  The proceeds go to support 

Open Doors for Youth. 

We pray with joy for work of Family Promise and the generous participation of Union United Church of Christ folks.   

Family Promise says: 

"We are thrilled to announce that Hotdish for Homelessness has raised over $22,000 so far to support families experiencing housing insecurity! Thank you to our sponsors, attendees and donors for promoting our mission of empowering families experiencing housing insecurity to build a foundation of lasting independence."

There is still time to make a donation and impact the lives the families with children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Visit our website at www.familypromiseanoka.org/donate or mail a cash or check to Family Promise in Anoka County 14515 Nowthen Blvd. NW Ramsey, MN 55303

Please pray for Arlo and Virginia Schultz.  Arlo’s brother-in-law passed away in September after being on hospice for 2 months.

Jenny Sliker asked for prayers for her daughter, Amanda Hooper, who is in the Maple Grove Hospital with a bowel obstruction. 

Please pray for Don and Beth Britt’s oldest son, Dan, who had a heart attack. He had a stent placed and is now stable.

Janelle Johnson asked for prayers for  long-time friends Duane and Judy who live in San Diego.  Duane was diagnosed with an external acute malignant otitis (ear).  He is receiving IV therapy.

Please pray for Giuliana Beckwith for successful healing after her hip surgery. 

Lisa Cawthra has a joy.  Ruby has now completed rehab and has been sober 65 days.  She is living in a sober living facility and attending a treatment program. 

Lisa also asked for prayers for the kids going back to school and also for the teachers.  There are various circumstances that are different this year, causing stress and anxiety for everyone.

Marce Ediger asked for prayers on the death of her uncle Harvey.  Please pray for Marce and her extended family. 

We give thanks for Giuliana Beckwith and her successful hip surgery. 

Lisa Cawthra has a joy.  Ruby has now completed rehab and has been sober 65 days.  She is living in a sober living facility attending a treatment program.  

We give thanks for our two new members who joined on Sunday, Sandy Thompson and Giuliana Beckwith.

God blesses us with an abundant world and asks that we give all of ourselves and some of what we have to share with our church and other organizations  supporting peace and justice.  This past Sunday included a special offering for CAER - our local food shelf, and the national UCC offering for Neighbors in Need.