This Sunday’s worship service will be a Concert of Prayer.
You may be asking, “What’s a Concert of Prayer ?” A Concert of Prayer is a calling together of God’s people to pray. I really hope you’ll be there to add your “voice” to the church’s “concert.” We will have silent prayer, prayer in small groups, and prayer as an entire church. Don’t be nervous – no one will have to pray out loud who doesn’t want to ! However, we’re calling all of Emmanuel’s people – young and old – to be present and ready to pray, either out loud or silently in your spirit. (We’ll have some great singing too … which is a kind of praying !)
Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, in a brochure on Prayer Meetings, has these things to say about corporate (church-wide) prayer :
Corporate prayer has a special place in God’s heart because he desires that his people be one. Jesus prayed to the Father, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me”
(John 17:23). Jesus claims that Christian unity has a Spirit-given power to persuade the watching world that he is indeed the One sent from God. In other words, the greatest argument for who Jesus is may come not from theologians or preachers but
from the simplest believers who will live together in unity ! There is a blessedness – a peace – among those who are one in Christ that is so extraordinary and miraculous it is visible to nonbelievers.
There is no genuine prayer without unity, and no real unity without corporate prayer. If prayer is the deepest communion we can have with our Father God this side of heaven, it is also the place for true unity and power in the church family.
Why should we take time to pray all together this Sunday ?
Because we are entering into a new season of powerful ministry opportunities, and it would be presumptuous on our part to do so without invoking God’s help, power, and presence.
Because even in a happy and thriving church such as ours there are great personal and ministry needs.
Because God has given tremendous promises to those who pray, … and because he tells his people to pray at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Because our children can participate in such a service of prayer, too, and learn much through observation and their own participation about the importance of prayer.
Because we need the peace – the unity – that comes from united praying.
Because our community and our world need our unity too !
I hope to see you this Sunday at 10:15 !
Notes & Reminders
Pictorial Church Directory : Thank you for signing up for the portraits to be taken September 12-13 for the new church directory. If you haven’t signed up yet, we would love for you to be included … whether you are a member, new attender, or regular attender at Emmanuel. Brochures concerning the option you have of purchasing a family or individual portrait will be available again on the back table at church Sunday. Mike Mahoney will be there to answer your questions. If you’re having trouble signing up online for an appointment, Mike would be glad to help you with that as well.
One More Step in the Pictorial Directory : If you have already signed up for an appointment for the pictorial directory, Mike Mahoney needs to see you ! Please stop by the table at the back of the auditorium and see Mike before or after worship this Sunday. Thank you !
Engage : Don’t forget that there are activity pages for children to use during worship, available every Sunday on the table in front of the sound booth. There is even a page for parents ! Pick one up for your kids and yourself before the service starts !
Kick-Off Sunday : I’m looking forward to our Fall Kick-off Sunday on September 7 ! The schedule for the day is as follows :
New classes are beginning for adults and children at 9:00. Come prepared to join one of these classes for spiritual growth and for fellowship.
A Survey of the Book of Acts, led by Dave Kiser.
What is Faith, led by Scott Parker.
Discovering Christ & the Church 101 (membership class), led by Jeff Roth
Word Connections – a fun time for kids of connection with God’s Word, led by Lisa Horstmann & Lindsey Engemann.
Worship at 10:15
Carry-in Dinner at noon —
Please bring the following to church with you : a main dish and a side dish (or dessert). Drinks and tableware will be provided.
Toward the end of the meal we will receive some updates from our church leadership, and we will conclude our day together by sharing the Lord’s Supper.
One more thing … A short congregational meeting will be held immediately following worship Sunday, September 14, for the purpose of electing a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee has the task of nominating church officers for 2015. We encourage all members at Emmanuel to be present and to participate in the meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. Thank you !
The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted : A great marriage conference is being hosted by First Evangelical Free Church of St Louis County (Carman Road) on Saturday, September 27, from 9 am – 3:30 pm. This is Gary Chapman’s The Marriage You’ve Always Wanted conference. Several of us from Emmanuel attended this conference a few years ago when it was held in the Kansas City area. Gary Chapman is the author of the best-selling book The Five Love Languages. This conference is not a dry, formal marriage seminar – it’s a time of fun and discovery that can help you build the love relationship of your dreams. More information and registration can be found at www.efree.org.
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