Tomorrow's Offering

Tomorrow will be a busy day around here. We'll have our three morning services, followed by a funeral for Gene, who was the first person to respond to the gospel after the formation of Grandview (it was Virginia Street Church of Christ back then). He was not, however, the first one baptized after the formation of the church. Some young women responded just after he did. When it came time to be baptized it was "ladies first." Gene served in World War II and in Korea. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. We'll miss him.

After the funeral we will have a "Welcome to Grandview" class to round out the day.

Months ago I flirted with the idea of taking vacation this weekend because I would love to have gone to Indianapolis to watch the inaugural MotoGP race at the IMS. Any of my fellow riders who want to go next year should start planning now (that includes you, Bryan). I'll beg all the family members up there to provide lodging and a couple of meals. If you're not familiar with MotoGP, I will give you sample:



I'll be recording the race in order to unwind with it Sunday evening. If you watch it please don't tell me who wins.

We continue our "Building up others in fellowship" series tomorrow. We'll look at Jesus' words on forgiveness in Matthew 18:21ff. If the sermon isn't very good ... well ... you'll just have to forgive me! Same with the prayer.

Prayers of the Church for Grandview
14 September 2008

O God, creator of a universe that is beyond comprehension and imagination, we bow before you in reverence, respect, and awe. We did not make ourselves. Without your help we can’t keep ourselves alive. And yet, despite our limitations, you have offered eternity to us.

Your grace has been an ever flowing fountain from before we were born. You have shown kindness to our ancestors. You have shown kindness to those who love and serve you. You have shown kindness to those who don’t care to consider your existence. You have shown kindness to those who deny you. You have shown kindness even to your enemies.

We, O God, have fallen into each of those categories at different times in our lives. Thank you for your forgiveness.

Help us to model your willingness to be life in the lungs of others. Help us to forgive, even as you forgive. Help us to be willing to play our part in the grand story of the gospel, of the continuing truth that the love of God wells up in history and humanity, restoring creation to its early garden greatness.

Bless your church and shine your light of truth in your people. Help us to know how we can stand with people in need, people who are being cheated by the decisions of others, people who are being beaten and battered—be it by hurricanes or humans. Make your church willing and strong.

Bless the people on the prayer list who need healing, forgiveness, strength, hope, and comfort. We rely upon your Spirit for these things. When you wish to rely upon us to be conduits of good things for people in need, help us to be joyful participants in your giving of grace.

Bless those who are our enemies. Bless those who hate us. Bless those who are indifferent to your passion. Bless your missionaries, be they here in Johnson City or living in the far away places.

We come together with unspoken needs and praises. In the silence, we offer them to you.

silence

Bless world leaders. Guide their feet in the paths of peace. Bless this nation as we choose a new president. May he be a man after your own heart; a man who stands for justice for the oppressed, a man who seeks the good of all people.

Bless your church as we are joined together in your kingdom, one family, one people, dedicated to your will. We pray as your Son has taught us: (the Lord’s Prayer)