10 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH - 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Dear Friends in Christ -

So many full-of-wonder things are happening at St. Paul's!
Three new Christians were baptized at Easter.
Five adults were confirmed/received on April 12th.
Ministry Teams have started to meet together on the 4th Tuesday of the month.
Our parish budget is nearly balanced for the first time in over 10 years.
The interior repairs and painting/carpeting of the Old Church will begin in May.
HALLELUJAH!

In these last 10 days of April, I have asked the whole parish to join me for 10 DAYS of PRAYER FOR OUR CHURCH. Our parish leadership retreat in February identified "fiscal confidence" as a key part of our vision. We really do need to raise the final $15,000 to close our budget gap. And the 30th of April is our deadline for doing so. Why? Because we need to know how our budget is shaping up for the year so that we can turn our attention to other things . . .

PLEASE PRAY WITH ME AT 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EACH DAY. From here on out, I'll try to post the prayer that I'm praying in advance of the prayer time so that you can pray it with me if you like.

HERE is the prayer that I prayed this morning (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with all of your people at St. Paul's as we pray together for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HERE is the prayer that I'll pray this evening (BCP p. 818, adapted):
Gracious and loving God: Give us grace to seriously desire unity with one another and to lay aside any hurtful divisions or prejudices. Take away whatever may hinder us from godly union and accord; 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.

May God teach us the way to step fully into His light!
Faithfully yours,
Janet+