Reflections from Bro. Rudy –

JOIN IN THE GREATER WORK OF PRAYER

Oswald Chambers said, “Prayer does not equip us for greater works; Prayer is the greater work.” Our Prayer Team kind of took that as their motto several years ago. It is a reminder of the importance of prayer. But I wonder, does our practice of prayer say we believe it is the greater work?

Our Ministry Team on Prayer has decided they needed to do more praying than meeting. So each month, on the Third Thursday, they join together in the Chapel for prayer. Anyone is invited to join them at 5:45 for this time of prayer. The purpose is to make this more of a House of Prayer, seeking God’s direction and power for His Church here at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon.

This Friday marks the beginning of another Prayer Opportunity. Upper Room Ministries has developed a Prayer Guide for General Conference. General Conference is the major decision,
policy body of the United Methodist Church worldwide. It meets every four years. It will meet April 24 through May 4 in Tampa.

In preparation for General Conference, Upper Room Ministries has developed a 50 Days of Prayer Guide for us to use before and during General Conference. The Guide begins this Friday, March 16 and continues through May 4, the last day of General Conference. You can down load the prayer guide at http://50daysofprayer.upperroom.org/

The 988 Delegates from United Methodist Conferences around the world will gather to act on issues that will determine the direction of the United Methodist Church for the next four years and even beyond. There are those who believe some of the decisions that will come before
this General Conference have the possibly of dividing our connection.

The Prayer Guide could be used in your personal prayer times and also with a group. This could be a good time to form a small prayer group who would get together each week and use this Prayer Guide to lead your prayer time. If you would like help in forming such a group, Marcia and I would be happy to help you.

Don’t forget the Easter Egg Hunts that are coming up March 31 and April 1. Clyde and Brenda Cork are leading the Easter Egg Hunt for the children of our United Methodist Children’s Homes. The children will gather from across the state at Camp Sumatanga. You can help support this mission by marking your check for, Children’s Home Egg Hunt.

Then on April 1, we will have our Community Easter Egg Hunt at Blackcreek Park. It will begin at 4:00 PM. The Children’s Team needs candy to fill over 1000 Easter Eggs for the Hunt. There are
bins around the church were you can place your candy. The sooner the better, so they can start
filling eggs.

This Saturday, March 24, the Hispanic Team will been passing out flyers in 100 Oaks Trailer Park about the Community Easter Egg Hunt and a new Hispanic Bible Study that will begin Wednesday, April 4th. If you would like to help with this outreach,be here at 8:30 AM.

As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.