Sunday, January 18, 2009
John 4 - Daily Office Reading
34Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work. 35Do you not say, "Four months more, then comes the harvest"? But I tell you, look around you, and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting. 36The reaper is already receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37For here the saying holds true, "One sows and another reaps." 38I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.'
Prayer for Transition, Protection, Healing
Father almighty, creator, redeemer, deliverer, healer, protector, we praise you for your grace and mercy toward St. Timothy's. I pray that you will be present at the closing and workdays this week and bless the efforts of all who are working toward cleaning and moving to the new building. Father, assist us with your protection against injury, disagreement, or distraction from our mission. Protect the health of all of our parishoners, staff, and clergy during this busy time.
Jehovah Rafa, our healer, we lift up those who are sick amongst us in body, mind, or spirit. Please heal, restore, and recreate all of us with colds, cancer, depression, anxiety, and injuries. Help relieve our pain, help us to have good nutrition and restful sleep. Guide our doctors, surgeons, and caregivers.
Bless and guide those who are seeking direction and employement. Help them to see and experience your wonderful provision in the midst of adversity.
Raise up workers who have the hands, feet, ears, and hearts of Christ. People within our midst to share your love for us with one another. Give us a heart for mission and ministry. Give us eyes to see those in need and the gifts we need to respond as we should.
Help us to see Christ in one another.
Jehovah Rafa, our healer, we lift up those who are sick amongst us in body, mind, or spirit. Please heal, restore, and recreate all of us with colds, cancer, depression, anxiety, and injuries. Help relieve our pain, help us to have good nutrition and restful sleep. Guide our doctors, surgeons, and caregivers.
Bless and guide those who are seeking direction and employement. Help them to see and experience your wonderful provision in the midst of adversity.
Raise up workers who have the hands, feet, ears, and hearts of Christ. People within our midst to share your love for us with one another. Give us a heart for mission and ministry. Give us eyes to see those in need and the gifts we need to respond as we should.
Help us to see Christ in one another.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving
This is an appropriate week to say Lord, where would we be without you. Thanks.
You brought us to a Cafetorium and gave us all the things we would need to turn it into a sanctuary every week.
You brought us so many friends in the community that have reached out to us as we have struggled to grow in you.
You have grown our number as we have been serving you in a period of transition.
You have brought to us a ready made facility with room to grow. You have made what seemed to be unreachable - affordable.
You have filled our hearts with generosity so that many are responding in faith during a time of economic uncertainty.
A year ago we started a process of prayer and discernment. We asked you to lead us through uncharted waters. We were not at all sure what our future would look like when you made it clear that we were to leave our security behind. We could not have imagined that you would provide so rich a blessing that we would be meeting on Christmas Eve in a new facility.
Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. When we called to you, you heard us. You were there to guide us, to teach us, to help us. When you promised that you had plans for us, we could not see the plans. Now we see the first fruits of your harvest for us and it is indeed good.
We are wholly yours Lord, and we cannot wait to see what plans you have for us next.
You brought us to a Cafetorium and gave us all the things we would need to turn it into a sanctuary every week.
You brought us so many friends in the community that have reached out to us as we have struggled to grow in you.
You have grown our number as we have been serving you in a period of transition.
You have brought to us a ready made facility with room to grow. You have made what seemed to be unreachable - affordable.
You have filled our hearts with generosity so that many are responding in faith during a time of economic uncertainty.
A year ago we started a process of prayer and discernment. We asked you to lead us through uncharted waters. We were not at all sure what our future would look like when you made it clear that we were to leave our security behind. We could not have imagined that you would provide so rich a blessing that we would be meeting on Christmas Eve in a new facility.
Thank you Lord. Thank you Lord. When we called to you, you heard us. You were there to guide us, to teach us, to help us. When you promised that you had plans for us, we could not see the plans. Now we see the first fruits of your harvest for us and it is indeed good.
We are wholly yours Lord, and we cannot wait to see what plans you have for us next.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Legacy
Anthea, the girls and I have just returned from a weekend in Dallas where we went to a fundraiser for Pioneer Bible Translators. My college buddy Greg is the President. Greg and Rebecca along with a team of others have just finished translating the entire Bible into a west African language that has never had a Bible before. A whole people group that has never had the Word of God in their language now does. Greg and Rebecca have been working on this project for 16 years and it is finally published. When they first went to Africa, they had a lot of setbacks, but the prayers, financial support, and emotional support they received have worked together with God and them as partners to establish a legacy with eternal consequences.
As I was listening to stories about the power of God's Word in other cultures, I was struck by the legacy we are building at St. Timothy's. We are a local parish, that is a resource to our region of southeast Texas that has strong ties that reach across the globe. Also, we are a church that is setting forth the gospel in a relevant modern way while maintaining our historic connection to the Biblical universal Christian faith. We too have the opportunity to be partners with God in establishing a legacy with eternal consequences. That is one reason that it is so important to pray, seek God's direction, and work together as a team. With God's grace, the unique ministry of St. Timothy's will outlast our mortal bodies and the buildings that may be purchased or built as tools for the work.
As I was listening to stories about the power of God's Word in other cultures, I was struck by the legacy we are building at St. Timothy's. We are a local parish, that is a resource to our region of southeast Texas that has strong ties that reach across the globe. Also, we are a church that is setting forth the gospel in a relevant modern way while maintaining our historic connection to the Biblical universal Christian faith. We too have the opportunity to be partners with God in establishing a legacy with eternal consequences. That is one reason that it is so important to pray, seek God's direction, and work together as a team. With God's grace, the unique ministry of St. Timothy's will outlast our mortal bodies and the buildings that may be purchased or built as tools for the work.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Welcome
You found it! Welcome to the blog for St. Timothy's Capital Campaign Spiritual Component. The purpose of the blog is stated in the heading, but I would like to take the time to encourage you to read the posts and post comments letting other readers know what God is telling you as you seek his will for your corporate life with St. Timothy's. I will moderate the comments to keep anything that would disprupt the spiritual environment of the blog at bay. As you pray for your Parish, its leaders, programs, and families, please reflect on the issues and concerns that God places on your heart. Often, this is the first step in his leading us into our roles and responsibilities in his Kingdom. Lets try to phrase comments in a positive format as to things that God is placing on our hearts regarding our future together. There are other formats for discussing details of building plans or preferences on programs.
Reflecting on Scripture
Scripture is our primary way of learning about God's revealed will. Ask Him to speak to your heart about his purpose and vision for our life together as you reflect on several topical passages:
God's Mission and Vision for his Church and the World
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus revealed God's mission by his example Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus gave the Church a great commission in Matthew 28:18-20. He also talks about his desire for Christians to continue his work with his help in John 17. Jesus' Apostles further illuminate our mission. James 1:26-27, 1 Peter 2:9-12, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, John 20:30-31.
God is our Provider
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14
Jesus told us about God's care and provision for us in Luke 12:22-31. Paul tells the Philipians about the connectivity of God's Ministry, Our Generosity, and His Blessing in Philipians 4:15-20. King David reflects on God's ability to provide for us in Psalms 50:8-15.
Giving to God with Thankfulness
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they should give not of compulsion, but from thanksgiving in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 13:3. King David reminds us that giving should entail sacrifice in 2 Samuel 24:24. However, in Luke 21:1-4, Jesus uses the example of a poor widow to overturn the disciples' notion of the value of the gift to the Lord. Paul reminds us to follow Christ's example of sacrificial giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9 and Philipians 2:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
Jesus asks us to consider our role as his servants in the Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30.
God's Mission and Vision for his Church and the World
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus revealed God's mission by his example Matthew 9:35-38. Jesus gave the Church a great commission in Matthew 28:18-20. He also talks about his desire for Christians to continue his work with his help in John 17. Jesus' Apostles further illuminate our mission. James 1:26-27, 1 Peter 2:9-12, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, John 20:30-31.
God is our Provider
So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:14
Jesus told us about God's care and provision for us in Luke 12:22-31. Paul tells the Philipians about the connectivity of God's Ministry, Our Generosity, and His Blessing in Philipians 4:15-20. King David reflects on God's ability to provide for us in Psalms 50:8-15.
Giving to God with Thankfulness
Paul reminds the Corinthians that they should give not of compulsion, but from thanksgiving in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 13:3. King David reminds us that giving should entail sacrifice in 2 Samuel 24:24. However, in Luke 21:1-4, Jesus uses the example of a poor widow to overturn the disciples' notion of the value of the gift to the Lord. Paul reminds us to follow Christ's example of sacrificial giving in 2 Corinthians 8:9 and Philipians 2:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
Jesus asks us to consider our role as his servants in the Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30.
Daily Office
One way that Christians has sought God's will for 2,000 years is through daily prayer. Here is a link to a site that has the Daily Office from the 1979 Prayer Book on line in an interactive format. http://www.missionstclare.com/english/ Following are some specific prayers that are related to Discernment, our Parish, and Stewardship. They may be added after "Petitions and Intercessions" section of the Daily Office. I have found that the scripture readings although part of a calendar that is used by thousands often have specific application to me in my circumstances so I encourage you to read some or all of the readings with the prayers. In another post, I will suggest some topical readings that are applicable to this time of reflection.
For the Mission of the Church
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Unity of the Church
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance
God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Right Use of God's Gifts
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
For the Mission of the Church
Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For the Unity of the Church
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Guidance
God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Right Use of God's Gifts
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pray for our Leadership
Please take the time to pray for our Clergy, Staff, Vestry, and Capital Committee regularly, but particularly during Responding in Faith. Posts of encouragement to them will be sent to them daily by email.
Clergy
Clergy
- Fr. Stan Gerber, Rector
- Fr. Craig Heenan, Asst. Rector
Staff
- Jennifer Scherzer
- Kristin DePue
- Nicholas Gerber
- Mike Mason
- Pat Williams
- Michele Gavin
- Tracy Pegues
- Kris Heeter
- Beth Winford
- Caye Lankford
- Michelle Dear
- Ernie Midgley
- Barry Firestone
Vestry
- Ray Waters
- Glen Williams
- Steve Crawford
- Valerie Fennel
- Barry Firestone
- Rusty Gavin
- Paul Palmer
- John Pegues
- Jennifer Scherzer
- Anne Sundquist
Responding in Faith Committee
- Stan Gerber
- Craig Heenan
- Barry and Sharon Firestone
- Ray and Suzi Waters
- Caye and Paul Lankford
- Michelle and Rusty Gavin
- Nicholas Gerber
- Kristin DePue
- Jill Jordan
- Lenora Reddehase
- Glen and Pat Williams
- Charles and Jennifer Scherzer
- Kathy and Jim Boggs
- Tracy and John Pegues
- Anthea and Bill Kotlan
Pray for our Future
The Lord has guaranteed that we all have a future in the Body of Christ. He is calling all of his followers clergy or lay into a relationship together with Christ that will be the agent of change for this world. Responding in Faith - His Vision - Our Mission gives us all the opportunity to explore with God what his plan is for each or our families and for our parish community as we continue our journey with Christ. This process of seeking God's will is not simply to determine how much money we have and how it will be spent. We are seeking God's hand to shape us into the tool that he seeks in our community. So as you consider options for your family's participation in the parish and pray for our parish's long term direction, please ask the Lord to help us to look beyond what is convenient for our needs so that we can gain his perspective to get a vision for how we can impact our world for Christ through various avenues that appear to be available.
FM 2920 Acreage
Pray with thanksgiving that God has made available approximately 10 acres of land along FM 2920 west of Target. Pray for discernment regarding the timing and resources available to construct a worship space in that location.
Nazarene Church Building at Louetta
Another door that has opened to St. Timothy's for a worship space is an existing church building located near Louetta and Steubner Airline. Pray for discernment for our leadership regarding this location and the possibility of a future with two locations for the parish.
Temporary Accomodations
Several options have been examined for a longer term temporary location. Please pray that God would provide an option that is affordable and meets our worship needs.
FM 2920 Acreage
Pray with thanksgiving that God has made available approximately 10 acres of land along FM 2920 west of Target. Pray for discernment regarding the timing and resources available to construct a worship space in that location.
Nazarene Church Building at Louetta
Another door that has opened to St. Timothy's for a worship space is an existing church building located near Louetta and Steubner Airline. Pray for discernment for our leadership regarding this location and the possibility of a future with two locations for the parish.
Temporary Accomodations
Several options have been examined for a longer term temporary location. Please pray that God would provide an option that is affordable and meets our worship needs.
Pray for Responding in Faith Programs
Please pray for our Capital Campaign Team (listed in another post) and the events that have been scheduled.
- Leadership Gift Gathering Meetings (November 6 - 9)
- Thanksgiving Celebration Event (November 16)
- Jubilee Sunday (November 30)
Pray that these events will be well organized and well attended. Pray that they will honor our Lord and his committment to us. Pray that our communication will be blessed with truth and respect and with a lack of misunderstanding. Pray that the Holy Spirit will join us every time we gather and help us to keep our focus on Christ.
Pray also for our follow up teams, our program for children to participate in the campaign, and our youth group as they join the adults in seeking God's purpose for their group.
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