Good and gracious Lord, as our part of the world begins its season of rest in you, we remember, in an ancient prayer, of the miracle of healing and new life in you:

To heal our spiritual wounds, you do not need ointments,

Nor time, nor advocates,

Nor the passing of days,

Nor the changing of prescriptions,

Nor amputation, nor cauterization, nor surgery

As practiced by earthly medicine,

In which there is always trial and error,

Often grave error.

But for you, the creator of the soul and body,

All is illumined,

All is clear,

All is written,

All is easy,

All is possible,

Wisdom leads,

Promises are kept,

Wishes are fulfilled.   

Prayer 43; Speaking with God from the Depths of My Heart

St. Gregory of Nareg (945-1003)

We ask for your illumination and patient guidance upon all those who gather in your name this month and your loving care for those in special need:

Ecumenical/NCC/ELMC Related Meetings and Events

• September 6--Labor Day
• September 8--International Literacy Day (UN)
• September 7-9--Committee on the Uniform Series Annual Study Plan Meeting; Nashville, TN
• September 9-11--Committee on the Uniform Series Children's Curriculum Design Meeting; Nashville, TN
• September 12-15--Joint Meeting of the Committee on Disabilities and Committee on Families and Children; Grand Rapids
• September 20-21--NCC Governing Board Meeting; Newark, NJ
• September 20-23--NCC Outdoor Ministries Summit; Allenspark, CO
• September 20--NCC Governing Board will participate in Light a Candle Prayer Vigil and National Observance of Children's Sabbaths by praying for children:  www.discipleshomemissions.org/pages/FCM-LightACandle2010packet
• September 21--International Peace Day (UN)
• September 23--First Day of Fall
• September 24--Native American Day
• September 28-30--NCC Communication Commission Meeting; Washington, DC
• September 30-October 2--Committee on Black Congregational Ministries Meeting; New York

Concerns/Observances:

• Donna W., Presbyterian Church USA, Member of the Committee on Disabilities, as she deals with health challenges
• Dorothy J., AME Zion Church, Committee on the Uniform Series, in the recent passing of her step mother
• Melanie G., UMC GBOD, Committee on Families and Children, and her father and family as he deals with health challenges
• ELCA colleagues as they deal with recent decisions regarding budgetary cuts
• Kevin W. UMC GBOD, Committee on Outdoor Ministries, and new wife, recently married on August 21^st
• Bishop George W., Senior Bishop AMEZ Church, as he recuperates from surgery