"Finally Brothers and
sisters have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made to God. And the peace of God, which passes all
understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
Too Busy Not To Pray
Dear Friends,
When there are many cares and
concerns or a serious problem in an area of our lives, it is
always a temptation to worry. Worry seems to be a natural
human response to challenging situations. This comes in part
as we mull over a concern attempting to discover
possible remedies for the situation. Problem solving is good
and necessary but if prayer proceeds thinking about possible
solutions to a situation we are much more likely to find the
answers and less prone to worry. Worry or anxiety usually
results because we can't find a solution, are powerless to
implement what we believe to be the answer or because we
aren't confident that the solutions we have discovered will
suffice. The next time you find yourself worrying, check to
see if you have talked the situation over with God. If you
have, ask for the confidence to trust the situation to God.
Remembering God's promises in scripture will help in this
process. (We all need to be reminded sometimes of the concern
God has for us .) Worry isn't a sin, as some people would
tell us, but it is needless and it shows a lack of trust in
God's goodness.
Thank you for your prayers as you share in the concerns of our
friend sin the Presbytery.
1.) Dick Baker, former pastor of Avonmore Presbyterian Church,
was scheduled to have brain surgery. In the process of
preparing for the surgery it was discovered that he had a
heart blockage. Please pray that Dick will have the care that
he needs so that he will be able to have the surgery.
2.) Barbara Moyer is doing well. She was able to come into
work yesterday but is still having trouble with her breathing.
She will have a procedure to stretch her throat on Thursday
which will involve anesthesia. Please pray that she will
recover quickly and that she will not have to have more of
these procedures.
3.) Bob Prinkey has been able to return to full time ministry.
He is wearing a shoe with a lift in the heel. He still has
pain and is fatigued with normal activity. Bob is making
slow but steady progress so he has asked that he be taken off
our list because this will be a long process. Bob is very
appreciative for our prayers and believes that they have been
very helpful.
4.) Gail Mason continues to make progress but she still cannot
negotiate stairs because she can't put full weight on her foot
as she descends. This is slowly getting better. She has been
able to resolve the issues regarding compensation and will be
off until June 15th. She will have another surgery on May
20th and asks for prayer for that. She continues to
appreciate the wonderful support she has been given.
5.) Ida Corbett, Rick's wife, was diagnosed with pancreatitis
but then the diagnoses was disputed. It has been very
disappointing. Please pray that she will get an accurate
diagnoses and treatment for her nausea and pain and that she
will be able to get off of pain medication.
6. ) Sherri Fritzius, treasurer of New Salem Presbyterian
Church is being treated for cancer. She had a reaction to the
shots that were being given to protect her salivary glands.
Without the shots she will loose the glands. Please pray
that she can receive the shots.
7.) A pastor in the Presbytery has had another rise in his
PSA. The doctors have decided not to treat him at this time.
Please pray for a lowering of his PSA and for good health
generally. Please pray for his stress level as he presently
has extra responsibilities. He will have another examination
in June.
8.) The Reverend Robert Jobe, a UCC pastor in Youngwood, has
been able to swallow small amounts of pureed food but is still
having trouble swallowing and in negotiating movements. A
decision is being made about when to send him to rehab as it
is expected that his recovery will be a long process. His
family will be meeting with his church board to decide what
the future of his ministry will be. Please continue to pray
for recovery of the ability to swallow and for him to regain
his health.
9.) Please continue in prayer for guidance for the leadership
of the Presbytery. A number of leadership positions have
changed ( or are in the process of changing.). A temporary
Executive Presbyter will be needed while preparations are made
to find an interim to replace Doug Holben as he retires in
June. Pray for Doug during this period as well.
10.) Funeral services for Vic Van Allen were held this past
Monday. Vic died a sudden death last Tuesday. Please
continue to remember his family in prayer and others who are
grieving at this time.
Thank you for your
continued prayers.
Blessings,
Carole
Isley Corey