Among our Joys:
We give thanks for a successful youth retreat weekend on Vashon Island, for the youth and chaperones from each of the congregations a part of the Tacoma Joint Youth Group, including FCC Tacoma, who had the space to learn more about what God has made us to do and be in the world. I'm feeling particularly grateful for the adults who made this weekend happen, including our own intern, Justin Carlson, who stepped up in my absence as I was unable to attend. I sustained a minor concussion this week enjoying the beautiful weather on Tuesday when I fell off my rollerblades, so out of an abundance of caution, I made the difficult decision to stay home and rest. As our youth wrap up their time together this morning, we pray for safe travels back home and rest for those who guided our fine youths.
Another joy we have to share today is that with us this morning for worship is a special shepherd of God's church. We're so pleased to welcome the Rev. Paul Allen, the newly called Regional Minister of the Northern Lights Disciples of Christ Region, who will be officially installed to this next week at our Regional Assembly in Wenatchee. I'd like to invite Paul now to share his word of greeting on behalf of the Region. Welcome!
Another joy we have to share is the news of our friends at FCC Puyallup, on their proclamation to become an Open and Affirming congregation! This is fruit of their work to imagine God's welcome they're called to extend as a congregation, particularly to the LGBTQIA community. We're invited to participate this afternoon in a worship of celebration at 2:00pm at FCC Puyallup. I invite you to join me!
Among our concerns:
Pat McDaniel suffered a stroke last week and is currently stable.
A friend of Karen Murray's, Nancy, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. We pray for her and her family and caregivers as she receives chemotherapy.
Mary Hans-Zwosta, a friend of Sue Simpson
Loralie, friend of Corrine Bahrke
Laura Cohthril, as she continues to recover from a procedure this week at St. Clair's hospital, and as she continues receiving care there.
Danny Jablonski, who is receiving treatment care, and his spouse, Gordon
Marc Master
Alex Tapia
Corrine Bahrke's friend, Loralie
Martha Redford's friends, Margo and Teresa
We lift up a friend of Susan Pearson's, Francine Langor, on the loss of her husband, Nick Langor who died last week after battling a longterm illness. We pray for Francine, her family and friends, for God's comfort and peace as she traverses this difficult season.
Among our local and global community,
As tornado season is upon our neighbors in the midwestern part of the country, we lift up our siblings particularly in the wake of the 30 tornados that hit just this past week, across Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee. We also pray for those facing devastation from tornadoes across the globe, including Chine and Indonesia. We pray for for those who remain in harm's way, for those left in the wake of these storms with the loss of loved ones, beloved pets and homes, and for all emergency and medical personnel actively tending to those in need.
We pray for peace, for those under occupation, for those who fall victim to tyrannical rule, for all building peace in a world obsessed with war. We pray for Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel, Iran, Haiti, Myanmar, and anywhere God’s peace is trampled in the human quest for might.
We lift up the village on 6th and Orchard and those in need of community and support. Guide us to building up one another, recognizing that in losing our own selves, we find what we are truly made to do and be.
We lift up our Global Ministries partners in Korea.
If you'd like to share a prayer joy or concern, please contact Pastor Doug at doug@fcctacoma.org or by calling the church office. Please indicate whether your prayer is to be shared publicly, or if you'd like it to be kept private.
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