Church guide

Dear Friends In addition to all that is happening close to home and with you and your family we pay to God with thanksgiving and for mercy and care and we pray for those in Turkey, in Ankara and Istanbul, for all the losses and attacks they have suffered this year and we are horrified and stunned by yesterdays attacks not understanding why anyone or group could be so violent and it is not the first time but it seem that the violence happens over and over. We feel helpless and yet we turn to you O Lord to lift in prayer all those these recent taking of lives has impacted especially those that have lost those they care about and those that witnessed the horror of the violence. We pray for your comfort for those in need, We pray for all the medical staff and police and first responders who care for the wounded and dying and for trying to find a way protect others and we pray for those that seem to value life so little that want vengeance. We pray for your help and arms of strength and healing and hope amidst the pain of seeing your children suffer and how can we be your servant of peace and mercy and healing. And we pray for whatever else is on the hearts of those in need and those who trust and are thankful for you our One God in Jesus we ask and pray. Amen

Dear Lord creator and lover and filled with grace and mercy we pray, we pray for all those who have been killed and for all who survived and for all who mourn. We remember this day those 49 killed in Orlando on Sunday and the nameless hundreds that have been killed in Chicago this year, and for many more. It is just that this seems representative of the senseless tragedies in this country. What shall we do? We pray O Lord for hope and wisdom in the midst of chaos and sadness for what is happening. We cannot understand why nor the enormity of this tragedy but we can pray to you for your Spirit to surround the mourning in comfort and strength and that we remember and when we have chance to speak and act against violence we have the courage and wisdom. We wonder how long O Lord the violent acts continue. May we dig deep and with your guidance seek ways to end violence, end shootings and encourage peace. May we not be quick to target or blame faith groups, may we not assume what we don't know. It is painful enough when people die of injuries and illness and yet when by another hand intentionally is incomprehensible. No words can express but we pray for help for those in need and for your presence among the suffering especially. May you console those who mourn so that we may console others with the consolation you have given us. We entrust to you for whom we pray in Jesus name. Amen

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Judges 5:31 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) “Lord, may all your enemies be destroyed. But may all who love you be like the morning sun. May they be like the sun when it shines the brightest.” So the land was at peace for 40 years.

Proverbs 17:17 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) A friend loves at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes.

2 John 1:6 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning.

Luke 6:35 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) But love your enemies. Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will receive a lot in return. And you will be children of the Most High God. He is kind to people who are evil and are not thankful.

1 John 4:18-19 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) 18 There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives away fear. That’s because fear has to do with being punished. The one who fears does not have perfect love. 19 We love because he loved us first.

Proverbs 12:25 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Worry makes the heart heavy. But a kind word cheers it up.

1 Peter 4:8 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) Most of all, love one another deeply. Love erases many sins by forgiving them.

Esther 4:14 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) What if you don’t say anything at this time? Then help for the Jews will come from another place. But you and your family will die. Who knows? It’s possible that you became queen for a time just like this.”

2 Peter 3:9 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) The Lord is not slow to keep his promise. He is not slow in the way some people understand it. Instead, he is patient with you. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. Instead, he wants all people to turn away from their sins.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) 9 But he said to me, “My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ’s power can rest on me. 10 Because of how I suffered for Christ, I’m glad that I am weak. I am glad in hard times. I am glad when people say mean things about me. I am glad when things are difficult. And I am glad when people make me suffer. When I am weak, I am strong.

Habakkuk 2:3 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) The message I give you waits for the time I have appointed. It speaks about what is going to happen. And all of it will come true. It might take a while. But wait for it. You can be sure it will come. It will happen when I want it to.

Lamentations 3:25-26 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) 25 The Lord is good to those who put their hope in him. He is good to those who look to him. 26 It is good when people wait quietly for the Lord to save them.

Acts 26:28-29 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) 28 Then Agrippa spoke to Paul. “Are you trying to talk me into becoming a Christian?” he said. “Do you think you can do that in such a short time?” 29 Paul replied, “I don’t care if it takes a short time or a long time. I pray to God for you and all who are listening to me today. I pray that you may become like me, except for these chains.”

James 4:7 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) So obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you.

Psalm 16:11 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) You always show me the path of life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you. You will make me happy forever at your right hand.

Ezekiel 18:32 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) When anyone dies, it does not give me any joy,” announces the Lord and King. “So turn away from your sins. Then you will live!

Ephesians 2:8 New International Reader's Version (NIRV) God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift.