[So many coins were collected for our special Noisy Bucket Sunday during our 9 am chapel service that some of them spilled all over the floor. Don't worry, a couple of kind people stayed after worship to pick them up. Our coins will be supporting the Athens County Food Pantry which has an urgent plea for additional funds to finish the year. Click here for the sermon.]
O God, thank you for your
word to us this morning from Philippians to live a life worthy of the
gospel. Help us to live with purpose, to
serve others, and to live with integrity. Help us to rejoice always, whether or
not our favorite college football team wins or not.
O God, as our furnaces have
emerged from a long hibernation, we think of those who will be cold this
winter. Thank you that we can live a life worthy of the gospel by donating
winter clothing to help people in need. Thank you that we can live a life
worthy of the gospel through our Athens First Saturday outreach this upcoming Saturday
morning. Thank you that we can live a life worthy of the gospel by serving
meals at Monday Lunch here at our church. Thank you that we can live a life
worthy of the gospel by making blankets for those who are cold. Thank you for
all of these ways that we can provide warmth to the people in our community.
O God, we rejoice in you
always because you are bigger than any problem that may come our way. We
rejoice in you always because of how you guide us in making difficult decisions.
We rejoice in you always because you offer your healing love in times of
sadness and pain. We rejoice in you always because you love us unconditionally.
We rejoice in you always because your love includes everyone regardless of our age,
race, economic status, gender, political party, sexual orientation, or
nationality.
O God, for those who find it
difficult to rejoice today because of loneliness, grief, or pain, may they know
of your life-giving Spirit. May the college students who walk by our church on
a daily basis know of your life-giving Spirit. May our community leaders, our
schools, and our local officials know of your life-giving Spirit. May our local outreach organizations like
Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, and Good Works Outreach know of your life-giving
Spirit.
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