Good morning,
This is a history-making day. One presidential term is ending and another is beginning. We are a democracy and we have the privilege of voting and determining who will lead us. It is an incredible gift and responsibility few people in the world have. At its best, it is a healthy exchange of ideas and positions where all have a voice and through collaboration, discover the best course of action. We also know democracy can become a battleground with opposing sides pitted against one another. We have seen a lot of that and too often our emotions have pulled us into the fray.
So today, while history is being made, I pray that we can remember who we are, and what matters most to us. The litany below comes from The United Methodist Book of Worship.
I hope we can add our prayers to this history-making day.
Let us pray for the Church and the world.
Grant, almighty God,
that all who confess your Name may be united in your truth,
live together in your love, and reveal your glory in the world.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
Guide the people of this land, and of all the nations,
in the ways of justice and peace;
that we may honor one another and serve the common good.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
Give us all a reverence for the earth as your own creation,
that we may use its resources rightly
in the service of others and to your honor and glory.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours,
and grant that we may serve Christ in them,
and love one another as Christ loves us.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
Comfort and heal all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit;
give them courage and hope in their troubles,
and bring them the joy of your salvation.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
We commend to your mercy all who have died,
that your will for them may be fulfilled;
and we pray that we may share with all your saints
in your eternal kingdom
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Silent prayer.
We offer these prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Cindy
Pastor Cindy Hickman
West Des Moines United Methodist Church
720 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
515-279-0826
Like us on Facebook or visit us at wdmumc.org
And join in worship on-line on Sunday mornings at 9:30 and posted all week long.
This week at WDMUMC:
Monday Morning Prayer! Every Monday morning at 8 Pastor Cindy goes live on Facebook with a prayer. This winter the prayers are focusing on the goodness of God using a passage of the bible to lead us. Join in the Livestream or check out the prayer posted on Facebook.
#JustRead Every Tuesday at 4:30 Pastor Cindy leads a bible study on zoom where we just read the bible and talk about it. We are beginning 1st Corinthians. Email Pastor Cindy if you would like to join in.
Small-Group Opportunities Join Pastor Trevor for two ongoing small group options. With both of these, you can jump in at any time.
· YNAB (You Need A Budget). Get control of your personal finances so that you can spend your money on what’s important to you. Zoom with Pastor Trevor and others on Sundays at 1 pm starting on February 7th.
· Social World of Ancient Israel. Study the social world represented in the Old Testament. How do our worlds collide? What has changed? Let’s dive into it together Wednesdays at 7:30 pm on Zoom starting on February 17th. Pastor Trevor has books in his office if you would like one.
Sneak Preview for Lent Lent, the holy season that leads to Easter, begins February 17th. Two opportunities for you to consider:
· Yoga! If there is interest, we will offer a meditative yoga class led by Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel. Rev. Quehl-Engel is an Episcopal priest and is trained in yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. If your soul needs rest and a reset, think about joining in. No time or date set yet. Send Pastor Cindy an email if you are interested.
· Lenten Book Study Savior by Magrey deVega. What does it mean that Christ is our savior? What happened on the cross? deVega looks at six different ways we can view what happened on the cross. You can be your own theologian and consider what the cross means to you. Let Pastor Trevor know if you or your group would like a book. We are ordering now!
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