Prayers for the Methodist Church in Rockaway!

Friday November 21, 2008

 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

       As you are already aware, Bishop Devadhar is on renewal leave. Our office has  contacted him in India to share a situation that was brought to our attention.   I am sending this note at his request to share this concern with you all.  We are soliciting your prayers for the Rev. Jean McMullan and the congregation of the United Methodist Church of the Rockaways.  Yesterday morning Rev. McMullan found the body of a man in the church.  He died before reaching the hospital.  Damage was done to the church in the struggle that took place.  The authorities are looking into the situation.

       Please pray for the pastor, Rev. McMullan, as she seeks to minister to the congregation and the community in this difficult and painful time in the aftermath of this act of violence in the church, a place of sanctuary for all of the children of God.  Prayerfully remember the congregation as they support their pastor in this time.  Pray for the pastor and congregation as they seek to understand how, in the light of such violence, to continue to be a church with “Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors.”  
 
       Also, please allow your prayers to be your messengers of support.  The pastor is being hard pressed to be available to those who need her time in these days.

In Christ’s love,

Charles Bender
Rev. Charles A. Bender, Jr.
Episcopal Associate

 

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry

 Some of the ladies who particpate in our Prayer Shawl Ministry.  The ladies pray for the people receiving the shawls as they are making them.  Then the shawl is passed through the congregation and they pray again for the person receiving the shawl.  It’s a tangible way to let people know we care and are praying for them.

Election Day 2008

In light of the deep feelings this election year, I thought this verse and prayer appropriate.

1 Peter 2:13-17

Submission to Rulers and Masters

 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.  Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.   Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

 

The following is from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges:
Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives;
that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes;
through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen.

 

This is a link to the General Board of Global Discipleships comparing the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church with the platforms of each party.

http://www.umc-gbcs.org/atf/cf/%7B689FEA4C-8849-4C05-A89E-C9BC7FFFF64C%7D/2008USELECTIONGUIDE_COMPREHENSIVE_rev100208.pdf