|
About us
ELMC 2004-2007 Mission Statement ELMC Strategic Goals for 2007-2011 Curriculum and leader formation
♦
Committee on the Uniform Series Family and age level ministries
♦
Family Ministries and Human Sexuality Racial/ethnic culture and specific ministries
♦
Committee on Deaf Ministries
♦
Disabilities
|
ELMC Prayer April 2008
We give thanks for this month's prayer offered by Rosemary Graham, Chair, NCC Committee on Disabilities and Representative of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Disabilities Commission and the Disabilities Ministries Director of South Atlantic Conference of Seventh-day Adventist (Atlanta,Ga).
Almighty God, Great Jehovah, Lord of All, we humbly come to your throne thanking you for who you are – creator, redeemer, sustainer, comforter, and restorer of brokenness.
Help us never to forget the sacrifice your son, Jesus, made for us on the cross in shedding his blood for our sins. May we bring glory, honor, and praise to you – triune God – by the way we live, the things we do, and the words we speak.
We pray for those affected by the recent storms, tornadoes, and floods. Redeem and restore that which was broken and lost. We pray for those in distress and despair; affected by disease; and those who have lost friends and family members in death. Surround them with your holy, comforting presence and fill them (and us) with hope, joy, and peace.
We also pray especially for:
-Thom C. in discernment for his new move in ministry -The birth of Eliana Marie (March 14th – first granddaughter of Mayra Castańeda, former ELMC Asst. Director) -Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter for many of the Orthodox church family -NCCCUSA Communions, Commissions and Committees -ELMC April Meetings -Ecumenical Disabilities Advocacy Network of the World Council of Churches -the war – soldiers and families affected -the presidential candidates, their families, and the election process -Our leadership and advocacy throughout America and around the world
Gracious God, you have taught us in your word that we are members of the one body of Christ each with a place to fill and a function to perform. Fill us with love for one another as we work together in your name, being Christ-like in our actions and relationships with one another. Unite and empower us in transforming the lives of hurting people.
In Christ’s name, Amen. ELMC Meetings: April 3-5: Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team Meeting; New York April 17-20: Higher Education Ministries Meeting; New York April 23: ELMC Administrative Board Meeting; Chicago April 24-26: Pacific Asian American Canadian Christian Education Ministries Meeting; San Jose, CA The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle
ELMC Prayer March 2008
We give thanks to The Rev. Dr. Arthur M. Kelly, Christian Education and SHAPE Program Coordinator, Kingdom Ministries Team, Church of God Ministries (Anderson) and Secretary of the ELMC Administrative Board, for this month's prayer offering which inspires hope even in the midst of difficulties.
A Prayer for Lent in Anticipation of Easter
In the Gospel reading (John 4) for the third Sunday of Lent[1], we are reminded that the One who knows all about us still sits with us and offers grace.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— Have mercy on us.
our world surrounded by darkness and the light pale—more reason for hopelessness than hope.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— have mercy on us.
No rumors, only the stark reality of wars; we are engaged on every front by the failures of power and the disasters of our pride
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— have mercy on us.
The river of peace rolls sluggish, too often dammed by human struggle. In Darfur, The Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Israel, Palestine, and our own streets peace stands beside the road and few notice that its wing lies broken by its side.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— have mercy on us.
Yet, we are not without hope for there are those who live in the Resurrection, who have not forgotten the Risen Lord, and who still stand against great odds, mend broken wings and extend your reign—
For them—for us—we pray:
For those disciples who stand against the loss of hope and the disintegration of learning: Committee on Public Education and Literacy, Washington, DC (March 6-7)
For those disciples who speak truth to power and justice to politics: Ecumenical Advocacy Days, Washington, DC (March 7-10) For those who stand for the formation of learned and caring disciples of Jesus Christ: Committee on Uniform Series Meeting, Orlando, FL (March 9-13) For those disciples who stand against the loss of family, false definitions of family, and the loss of childhood: Committee on Families and Children; Washington, DC (March 10-12) For those disciples who remind us all that the gospel of love and peace is not just for us and that God desires a home with all peoples: Program Committee on Education for Mission; New York, NY (March 26-28) Help your disciples to pray, Lord: World Day of Prayer (March 7) Help your disciples to stand against oppression and speak justice for women everywhere: International Women's Day (March 8) For your disciples who begin their journey to the your cross: Beginning of Orthodox Great Lent (March 10) For your disciples who keep the watch of the wall against the ever-present denial of humanity to “those not like us”: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) For your disciples who dig wells: World Water Day (March 22) For your disciples who celebrate the coming of true Life: Easter [Western Church] (March 23)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— have mercy on us— save us from ourselves save us from harming others save us to your great purpose save us to stand in the gap for those at risk of falling save us for the work of peace.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal— have mercy on us.
Amen. [1] Revised Common Lectionary, Year A.
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle
ELMC Prayer January 2008 New Year Greetings, To begin our communal prayer cycle, we have this beautiful offering from Rev. Cassandra Carkuff Williams, National Coordinator, Discipleship Resource Development, American Baptist Churches in the USA. May your ministry in 2008 be fruitful and your life be filled with the blessings of God. God of redemption, As we plan for our lives and work in the year ahead, may we be responsive to your voice, heeding whatever call you would place on us and our respective organizations, even if that call seems contrary to our preoccupations. Make us prophetic, courageous, flexible, and authentic. Keep our work ever-seasoned with integrity, so that we might share your message of love and justice in powerful, world-changing ways. We are thankful for the year that has passed, for your good gifts and for your sustenance in challenging times. We ask a special blessing on those who experienced difficult transitions in 2007, especially for those who lost loved ones, lost employment, suffered life-changing illnesses, and endured family struggles. We are thankful for the year that lies ahead. Keep us plugging along, day by day, step by step, breath by breath, by the power of your Spirit. And hold before us the vision of you kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen. Special Days:
Concerns and Celebrations:
the NCC Meetings:
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle:
|
As
this new season of spring abounds with fresh rain, blooming
buds, and az
In
this darkened season of the journey
In this season of mystical visitors, new beginnings, and great
expectations, bless us with your vision. Help us to share the joy of
the magi and open up to you our treasures—our gifts to you of
cooperative ministry, witness, and devotion.