Friday Faith Connection

Worship—Sunday, May 24^th,
at 9:30 a.m.

Please join us as we again
worship through Facebook Live. Anyone can log on and watch. Use this link to
watch the service. And please consider passing it along to a friend.  https://www.facebook.com/events/4113335725345045/

 

Small Group – Gardening

As
our church continues its mission of loving God and loving others, we will be continuing
with small groups in a safe manner.  We are now starting a Gardening
Group, first virtually then perhaps more in person this summer.  If you
are interested in learning more about gardening and sharing your gardening
ideas with others, please consider joining this group.  All meetings will
be socially responsible (either online or social distancing outside).
Please contact Dani Jacoby if you are interested at either jac_dani@hotmail.com or 937-287-4077.

Scripture for Reflection – Psalm 116:15

Precious in the
sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

Reflection – Memorial Day

While Memorial Day was originally intended to honor the war
dead, it certainly has been expanded to honor any who have served and are now
deceased, as well as any who are deceased. It has been a tradition in my family
to visit the graves of our ancestors on Memorial Day. It is wonderful to be
reminded of those who loved us and influenced us, and still do so from heaven.
In the somber moment of facing the reality of death, I more greatly value this
life.

Prayer

God who treasures every one of us, as we move into this
Memorial Day weekend,

…We pray for those who left family and community to defend
their country and gave their life for us. We honor their sacrifice and pray for
healing for their friends and family….

…We pray for those who left family and community to defend
their country and returned home, but have now passed. Again, we honor their
sacrifice and pray for healing for their friends and family.

…We pray for those military families who suffered under the consequences
of war and service, being away from the men and women who were part of their
family but called to serve their country. We pray for their comfort, strength
and healing.

…We pray for all of us, that the day may come when, as Isaiah
prophesied, ‘the swords will be beaten into plowshares.’ As we draw near to
you, may we with greater conviction hear your call to treat all of humanity as
those you created, as those who Jesus gave his life for, as those who the Holy
Spirit calls to love God. May we come to a day where we all live as brothers
and sisters on this planet gently and majestically moving through time and
space.

…We give you thanks for those who have passed from this life.
We know you will keep alive their memories in our hearts until we meet with
them again, face to face, in your divine presence. Amen.