Midweek Meditations, September 5
Special Note: This Sunday is Calvary’s Fall Kickoff. See Upcoming Events below for details. Members are asked to bring side dishes or desserts to share for the Fellowship Meal following worship.
A Prayer for This New Season
O God, as summer vacations end, our children return to school, and we look ahead to a new season – the changing of our schedules – we turn to you for guidance, wisdom and discernment. Our time and attention are finite. We are bound to live within our own imperfect human limitations. We ask your help in focusing on those things that are most important while avoiding those of little value. Most especially we ask your help in giving ourselves fully to one another, to our families, our children, to our community, that we might be of service to others and love well.
As children return to school, we ask you would keep them safe as they join with others to learn and grow. As our church resumes its regular fall schedule we ask your blessing upon the music we make, the praises we bring, and the acts of mercy in which we participate. May the gospel good news of your Son Jesus, be at the center of our worship, and indeed, our lives. Bless also the work of our hands, whether that be our occupation, or the other responsibilities that fill our days. May our contribution to society be a blessing to many others.
Finally, Lord, we ask you would make us hopeful people in a sometimes hopeless world. May you grant us a perspective to see the trials and difficulties of these days as signs that our world is broken and in need or redemption, redemption already promised and made possible by your Son, our Savior. We ask you to lift us up, especially when this world lays us low. Give us words of encouragement and compassion to speak to one another in trying or uncertain times. Grant joy to us your people, that we would find comfort in the community you knit together, love within our families, and pleasure in the the great beauty of your creation and the many blessings you have entrusted to us, your people.
All these prayers we bring before our God who loves us, just as we trust in the great, sacrificial saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
~Pastor Mike Middaugh
UPCOMING EVENTS
Calvary’s Fall Kickoff is this Sunday, Sept. 9thwith a special worship service, the return of the Calvary Chancel Choir, and a Blessing of the Backpacks for our school children. All are invited to stay for a Fellowship Meal after worship, sides and desserts will be potluck style (please bring something to share) with brats and hot dogs provided.
We pray for and offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Robert Cottrell who entered the arms of his Lord on Sunday, Sept. 26. Memorial service details will be announced as they are known. Calvary leadership and Elders will work to find ways to care for Robert’s family, Joyce and Ada. Cards may be sent to: 6345 Bright Plume, Columbia, MD 21046
The Allocation Committee has drafted a recommendation regarding the scope of renovations to the building. Their plan has been accepted by the Board and will now be presented to the Voters for discussion and eventual modifications or acceptance. Town Hall Meetings are being scheduled for September and October to discuss these plans before an October Special Voters Assembly.
This Sunday
The readings for this Sunday are: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James 2:1-10, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37.