Posted on

After General Conference 2021

A thought-provoking read.

Seven Potholes for the United Methodist “Way Forward”

Excerpt: “What follows are seven potential potholes for the way forward for all groups. A pothole, by its very nature, is like COVID 19 and God, i.e., no respecter of persons. A pothole will bend the frame and blow the tire of a Lexus, a go-cart, a Cadillac or a Kia. These are issues that do not transcend theology, since theology by its very nature is the stuff of transcendence. “

Posted on

Community Prayer Walk @ Cardinal

Cardinal Community Schools are ramping up to receive students this week, so members of the church community decided have to gather and bathe the schools and people in prayer. Join us in the south side high school parking lot, or from the comfort of your place at 6:30pm today and pray for our schools and everyone’s return.

Here are some prayer prompts if you need them:

We pray that this school will be a place of safety and learning, a place of encouragement and excellence, a place that supports those who are vulnerable, that defends the weak and the fatherless, a place that upholds those who are poor and oppressed, and cares for the afflicted and needy.

May this also be a place of adventure and great discovery, a place of learning and creativity, and place of mutual support and encouragement. May each student that attends these schools develop a thirst for learning, a respect for each other, and a deep love of the truth. Lord, there is nothing more important for our school than that You are kept in your rightful place, and we pray that in all things You may be magnified and glorified. This we ask in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.

*adapted from Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-School

That God pour out his blessings on, and protection for: this place, the students, the educators, the faculty, all who walk through the doors and walk the grounds.

That God grant wisdom, discernment, and compassion to those who are making decisions which will affect the lives of all here.

SAMPLE PRAYER for SPECIFIC STUDENT:

Lord, as I say this back to school prayer for [child’s name] I ask that you would sustain and guide him/her. Please help him/her to perform well academically and to learn more socially, all through the lens of loving You and loving others. Rather than getting distracted by the things of the world, I ask that You would give him/her Your heart for those around him/her. Please take his/her life and do wonderful things for Your will. Please also guide me and grant me the resources I need to support him/her. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

*Adapted from https://insider.pureflix.com/prayer-faith/8-powerful-back-to-school-prayers-for-kids

SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENTS:

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Posted on 1 Comment on Drive-Up Communion

Drive-Up Communion

Again this week, we will be having drive-up communion at each church in the parish this Sunday, July 5.

  • 12:00 – Agency
  • 12:30 – Batavia
  • 1:00 – Eldon

Please RSVP by phone or email so that we know how many portions to prepare. Below are some guidelines we ask you to follow.

  • Don’t park next to each other – leave a car width between
  • Roll down driver’s window and show how many portions you need by show of fingers
  • Take portions from tray when it is brought to you, and pastor will speak briefly (while masked)
  • Partake in car or take with you and partake later

Here is a video showing the portions we will be using.

Posted on

In-Person Worship – July 12

Starting July 12th all churches of the Good Shepherd Parish will have in-person worship! Masks and sanitizer will be available at each location. Logistic details vary a little by church, so each has made use of their calling tree to provide those details.

What is the same at all churches in the parish is the desire to keep our brothers and sisters safe. If you are ill, stay home and worship online. If you are not 100% comfortable with the idea of physically coming together in the sanctuary to worship, don’t. No one is under any obligation to be physically present – zero pressure.

We want everyone to be able to worship in Spirit and in truth, not in fear. If that means continuing to worship from home, I’m sure God will bless that.