When the people of God partner with God in prayer, great things can happen. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (John 14:12-14)
A Prayer Group made up of folks from all congregations meet on a regular basis. The Prayer Group’s focus would be on the following areas in their prayer time together. Right now we have 1 person from Transfiguration - Patricia K. Stephens, 2 from Faith - Marilyn Josefsson, Bonnie Hofer, 2 from St John's - Marita Matthew, Waltraut Weingartner, and Pr. Chun Zhang.
At the 1st stage, the group will pray for:
We want to saturate the entire amalgamation process in prayer and seek God’s direction as everyone moves forward. We do not embark on any other ministry without prayer and neither should we omit prayer in this vital merger process.
A Prayer Group made up of folks from all congregations meet on a regular basis. The Prayer Group’s focus would be on the following areas in their prayer time together. Right now we have 1 person from Transfiguration - Patricia K. Stephens, 2 from Faith - Marilyn Josefsson, Bonnie Hofer, 2 from St John's - Marita Matthew, Waltraut Weingartner, and Pr. Chun Zhang.
At the 1st stage, the group will pray for:
- God’s direction in the process. If the congregations are to become one, there must be a strong reliance on God’s guidance.
- All churches involved in the amalgamation process. Prayer for openness to God’s guidance, direction and open hearts among everyone.
- The working committee (previous task force) as a whole as they discern the direction, values and vision of the new church.
- The pastors, the lay leaders and congregation’s needs during this time of discernment.
- The specific community needs, including the conversations and changes happening in both communities.
- Community needs, praying for the needs of existing communities of all churches.
- Receptivity in the community to the potential amalgamated congregation. Pray that the new church would be seen in a good light and that the neighbors would be excited to experience the new church.
- The potential new congregation to have a positive impact in the community to bring about personal, spiritual, and community transformation.
We want to saturate the entire amalgamation process in prayer and seek God’s direction as everyone moves forward. We do not embark on any other ministry without prayer and neither should we omit prayer in this vital merger process.
Prayer Group Update
(Pat from Transfiguration put a prayer update for her fellow congregants after each meeting. However, all 4 congregations can be BENEFITED from it.)
May, 2018
The Task Force Prayer Group met May 7th in Grace Lutheran. The prayers were Pastor Chun, Bonnie and Marilyn from Faith, Marita from St. John’s and me.
Our prayers were answered. I counted 27 members from T.L.C. at Grace, on May 6th. The Worship was inspiring and uplifting. Meeting new folk during our "speed dating" session was enlightening.
Being reminded that all of us are encouraged to get involved with sharing our hopes, concerns and ideas for the future was important. The following are opportunities for us to make our voices heard.
One in Christ - Faith*Grace*St. John’s*Transfiguration - CONSIDERING OUR FUTURE Where is God calling us?
Each session will be approximately 90 minutes. Attend at your own church or come along to another. Your choice. The results will be published for all to read.
Patricia
The Task Force Prayer Group met May 7th in Grace Lutheran. The prayers were Pastor Chun, Bonnie and Marilyn from Faith, Marita from St. John’s and me.
Our prayers were answered. I counted 27 members from T.L.C. at Grace, on May 6th. The Worship was inspiring and uplifting. Meeting new folk during our "speed dating" session was enlightening.
Being reminded that all of us are encouraged to get involved with sharing our hopes, concerns and ideas for the future was important. The following are opportunities for us to make our voices heard.
One in Christ - Faith*Grace*St. John’s*Transfiguration - CONSIDERING OUR FUTURE Where is God calling us?
Each session will be approximately 90 minutes. Attend at your own church or come along to another. Your choice. The results will be published for all to read.
- Please pray for good attendance at the meetings listed above.
- Pray for open hearts and minds so that the Holy Spirit’s guidance is heard.
- Pray for the consultants and the Task Force leaders.
- Pray for the members of our four congregations.
- Most of all, pray that God’s Will be done as it was in the past, so let it be in the future.
Patricia
April, 2018
The Task Force Prayer Group met April 9th in St. John’s. The prayers were Pastor Chun, Bonnie and Marilyn from Faith, Marita from St. John’s and me.
During April, please pray for the Service, Sunday May 6, at 10:30, in Grace Lutheran Church. This is a special service for all four congregations. A light lunch will follow and an update on future plans will be provided.
Remember there will no Worship at Transfiguration on May 6th.
Blessings,
Patricia
The Task Force Prayer Group met April 9th in St. John’s. The prayers were Pastor Chun, Bonnie and Marilyn from Faith, Marita from St. John’s and me.
During April, please pray for the Service, Sunday May 6, at 10:30, in Grace Lutheran Church. This is a special service for all four congregations. A light lunch will follow and an update on future plans will be provided.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the leaders as they plan this time together.
- Pray for a good attendance by members of all four churches.
- Talk and Pray about sharing transportation so that all may attend.
Remember there will no Worship at Transfiguration on May 6th.
Blessings,
Patricia
March, 2018
This is the first follow-up to my request asking you to pray for the Task Force.
The Prayer Group and the Task Force met March 12th in Transfiguration. The Prayers were Pastor Chun, Marilyn and Bonnie from Faith, Waltraut from St. John’s and me.
During March, will you pray for the Congregational Councils of the four churches? They are meeting on March 24th.
PLEASE
I remember Transfiguration’s beginnings and the trust of those early leaders, willing to move from their established churches to start this mission on the mountain.
I don’t know what or where God wants us to be in the future.
I am willing to leave this in God’s Hands and the hands of our elected leaders, as I did those years ago.
It was really rather exciting as well as scary.
Bless you.
Patricia
This is the first follow-up to my request asking you to pray for the Task Force.
The Prayer Group and the Task Force met March 12th in Transfiguration. The Prayers were Pastor Chun, Marilyn and Bonnie from Faith, Waltraut from St. John’s and me.
During March, will you pray for the Congregational Councils of the four churches? They are meeting on March 24th.
PLEASE
- Pray that they will listen to and understand the concerns of each congregation.
- Pray that a common ground is found in their desires to do God’s will.
- Pray that minds will be open to a new vision of ministry in Hamilton.
- Pray for The Holy Spirit to inspire and encourage us and our leaders to step out in trust.
I remember Transfiguration’s beginnings and the trust of those early leaders, willing to move from their established churches to start this mission on the mountain.
I don’t know what or where God wants us to be in the future.
I am willing to leave this in God’s Hands and the hands of our elected leaders, as I did those years ago.
It was really rather exciting as well as scary.
Bless you.
Patricia
