PRAYER – a great way to start the year

Crossover Service

Crossover Service

A Crossover Service                By Debra A. Ziegler

 

A Crossover Service

A celebration for crossing over to a new year.

From 2015 to 2016

A gathering of people

One Church, many tribes, many languages

Singing, praise, drums, electric guitar, keyboard, shakers, harmonica

Yukelelie, rhythm and song.

Dancing and music are a part of the service

Dancing and music are a part of the service

A testimony-of the faithful prayer of an aunt, who for 17 years prayed.

Her prayers answered, a relationship begun.

A child now knows who his father is.  Praise to God who is faithful.

Humble thanks for the prayers of God’s children, and for His visions that guide us.

A sermon from Joshua 3

Challenging us to cross over into 2016 on the Lord’s side, to sanctify ourselves,

To leave our sinful trouble behind,

To stand firm in the testimony of the Lord.

This EYN church has many tribes

This EYN church has many tribes

A time of serious prayers in many languages.

Prayers …

For the Chibok community; the girls that were kidnapped and are still missing.  May they know God’s presence and their families be comforted.

For the EYN church – for unity and growth, for good relations with neighbors.

For Boko Haram- to turn from their violent ways and turn to the light.

For church leadership

For marriage and families

For following Christ with a renewed commitment

For safety in travel

And so we began our prayers in 2015 and prayed into 2016

Authentic worship (2)

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:7-11

Prayer for the day:
Accompanying, wise God, prepare me for the journey that the days, weeks, and months ahead will bring. Please use the gifts and talents that You have given me to serve and bless others in the upcoming year.


Question for reflection:

The transition from the old year to the new year is a time for reflection on our life’s journey. Considering 2013, which of your gifts and talents did you offer to God, your community, and the wider world? As you look ahead to 2014 and prepare for a new leg in the journey, what do you want to bring along with you? Are there skills or gifts that you are feeling a need to develop or focus on in the new year?

~ Gimbiya Kettering,  Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.