Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the strong and courageous leaders we have at Genesis United Methodist Church. Your hand, Lord, guided them from the beginning to build this body of Christ and bring it to where it is today, thriving and growing. You have been faithful over the years to provide our staff, leaders, ministries, and missions with the tools needed to carry on your work. Your steadfast love and faithfulness never cease to amaze and inspire us.
Gracious God, thank you for a congregation who puts you first and honors you with tithes and offerings. Grant your wisdom to all who are filling out their financial pledge cards. Bless all who give and all who receive from the funds that are given. Fill the hearts and minds of each person and team creating budgets based on the results of the 2021 pledges, showing them how best to use these monies for current ministry and new things you will do in the coming year.
Holy Spirit, hover over each attendee of the Charge Conference that is in progress now. Bring unity and purpose into the gathering. May your will be done as agenda items are discussed and new leaders are confirmed. We are so thankful for the many people who serve, have served, and will serve on the Trustee, SPRC, Finance, and Lay Leadership teams. We ask for your anointing on the Class of 2023:
| SPRC: | Brooke Kelly | Darrin Kerchner | Brent Pelletier |
| Trustees: | David Butler | Robert Hundley | Mindy Leland |
| Lay Leadership: | Connie Hiller | Kelly Hartis | Trish Hudson |
Almighty God, continue to uphold Genesis staff in these unprecedented times. We as a congregation are so blessed by Pastor Craig’s messages, Marla’s music ministry with Kerby and Luke, Liliana’s children’s ministry, Michele’s Unleashed work with the youth, Pam’s and Malana’s leadership to adults, Kim’s steering of congregational care, Pam’s administration, Erica’s financial work, Marilyn’s direction of the preschool, and Aubrey’s coordination of childcare. We know they cover much more than these key areas and lead strong teams of your people in ministry.
Lord, we ask that you keep our leaders and staff from becoming discouraged or weary of well-doing. Instill fire in their souls for new things you will do in 2021, knowing that you will provide them with strength and wisdom – they need not rely on themselves. Guide them to walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with others around them in love. Give them diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [Ephesians 4:1-3]
God of mercy, it is so easy to get wrapped up in our own little worlds, focusing on the tyranny of the urgent or the strain of politics, information overload, and quarantine living. Forgive us for forgetting to encourage and appreciate our staff and leaders. Open our hearts to live with thanksgiving each day for those who have accepted the call to leadership in this church body. Help us to uplift them and accept the call to help in ways great and small.
Lord, thank you for every person in this church who has led or attended a zoom call or outdoor gathering in 2020. Help us to be hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, holy, and self-controlled. Empower us to hold fast to your faithful word so that we will be able to encourage others in sound doctrine. [Titus 1:7-9] Keep our hearts mission-minded and outward-focused. In every zoom call and conversation, bring our mission to mind to:
Love God. Love Neighbor. Serve Others.
Finally, equip your servants here at Genesis to do every good thing that is pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever.
Amen.