Undershepherd Script

Friends,

"An American Salute to God" will be on Sunday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m., in our Community Building.

We will have our regular early service at 7:20 a.m. in the chapel and then join the greater Church in Belvidere and Boone County for the community service.  BTW, there's still time for you to be a part of the community choir.  Call 815-985-3532 or 815-544-6402 for more information about how you can be an advocate for "one nation under God."

Midweek has recessed for the summer; buuuuuuut Deeper Discipleship resumes on June 3 and every Wednesday in the Gathering Room from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.  Bring goodies!

The opening prayer for 5/24 (abbreviated from memory):

The providence of this day, Lord, is unmistakable.

Pentecost, Memorial Day Weekend, and reception of our Confirmation Class.

The empowering of Your Church for life and ministry no matter the cost.

The sacrifices of courageous women and men for one nation under God: those who gave the ultimate gift of their lives to preserve our liberty to love God, those who served and survived, and those who serve now with our beggings for their protection.

Younger women and men who stand today unashamed of Jesus and ready to live and minister in/through/for Him.

We thank You for them all.

We thank You for everyone who mentored our church since Pentecost, our servicewomen and men, and the parents who kept their baptismal promises with our Confirmation Class.

Yes, Lord, Your providence this day is unmistakable.

Your providence is unmistakable in compelling this family of faith on the corner of L&M to rise above the petty politics of government and education and sorrowfully competitive and self-righteous denominational pride in our neighborhood - so loathsome to everything that You personified and prescribed for holy, full, peaceful, and abundant living now and forever.

Your providence is unmistakable in compelling this family of faith to invite others to join us in this prayer and dedication to life "on earth as it is in heaven."

Your providence is unmistakable in compelling this family of faith from footsies with the political party and school and ecclesiastical idolaters who confuse righteousness and narcissism.

Your providence is unmistakable in compelling us to join the Pentecostals, American servicewomen and men who have given so much for so many and who continue to be willing to sacrifice for truth, justice, and an American way under Yours, and this Confirmation Class to the end that, at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue confess He is Lord.

And now, dear Lord, bless those around the world who share that passion to be Yours in all things at all times in all places with all people no matter the temporary cost in anticipation of eternal recompense...

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings and Love!