Day 1 (Sunday) Rev. Wiggs

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2 Day 1 (Sunday) Rev. Wiggs O God, you are the fountain of all truth; we ask you to protect your Church from all false teaching. Protect the Church from all teaching and preaching which would destroy one's faith; from all that removes the old foundations without putting anything in their place; from all that confuses the simple, that perplexes the seeker, that bewilders the way-faring person. And yet at the same time protect the Church from the failure to face new truth; from devotion to words and ideas which the passing of the years has rendered unintelligible; from all intellectual cowardice and from all mental lethargy and sloth. O God, send to your Church teachers, whose minds are wise with wisdom; whose hearts are warm with love; whose lips are eloquent with truth. Send to your Church leaders whose desire is to build and not to destroy; who are adventurous with the wise, and yet gentle with the simple; who strenuously exercise the intellect; and who yet remember that the heart has reasons of its own. Give to your Church preachers and teachers who can make known the Lord Jesus Christ to others because they know him themselves; and give to your Church hearers, who, being freed from prejudice, will follow truth as blind men long for light. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. From Dr. William Barclay in Prayers for the Christian Year, used by Reverend Wiggs in the State of the Church address. 1 P age

3 Day 2 Monday Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to serve you through Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. We are blessed beyond measure. Please use our gifts to further your kingdom and bless others. May we be generous. Amen Jeri Strange, Staff, Member August P age

4 Day 3 Tuesday Lord of grace and forgiveness, We pray for the future of our church, Boston Avenue. Help us remain faithful in our covenant with you and faithful to our membership vows. Strengthen us to follow your teachings and to be a living witness to all those we meet. Stir up in us daily the desire to grow spiritually and the determination, as John Wesley directed, to do all the good we can, in all the ways we can, for as long as we can. Amen Belynda Clanton, Staff, Member August P age

5 Day 4 Wednesday Gracious God, We are deeply grateful for the love of family and friends, for the beauty and wonder of your creation, and for the opportunity to serve you in this hurting world. All that you have provided is ours to use for the care, love, and nurture of your children and this beautiful earth. In the words of hymn writer Robert Edwards, Open wide our hands in sharing, as we heed Christ s ageless call, healing, teaching, and reclaiming, serving you by loving all. Amen Susan Panciera, Staff, Member January P age

6 Day 5 Thursday Gracious God, As we look back in awe at the amazing vision and inspiring legacy for our church of those who came before us, and as we channel our passion and energy into meeting the needs of our church today, let us also gaze with joyous wonder into the future of our beloved Boston Avenue. Let us match that joyous wonder with bold and purposeful action, moving into the future with confidence that we are following the path that God has set before us. Give us grace to spread God's love to all who are willing to receive it and ever be an example of the excellence that is possible when God's people work together. Give us peace to know that one day, when considering our own legacy, those coming after us will say, "Truly, they gave to this church their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service and their witness." Amen Angelyn Dale, Staff, Member December P age

7 Day 6 Friday Dear Lord, you have given us a church home so we can learn to be more like you. Lead us to renew our minds and hearts in pursuit of your mission of compassion and love. May we as a community nestled in Christ, find more than enough talents, resources, and joys to share with all. Bless our church and its future in the world and here at home in Tulsa. AMEN. Jose Luis Hernandez, Staff, Associate Member January P age

8 Day 7 Saturday All creation... everything that inhabits the earth belongs to you, Holy One. You set the foundations of the world deep into earth s waters. Your glory fills every inch of creation. Your praise reaches up to the heavens: it is sung by little children and adults alike! When I look at the stars in the sky, the vast oceans, the forests and the mountains I can t help but wonder, Who am I? Why would such a vast and powerful God know or care for me? Although we are small and limited in our abilities, you have appointed humanity as caretakers of your creation. Guide us, Holy One. We need your presence. Help us share our gifts to nurture and enhance your creation. Joel Panciera, Staff, Member January P age

9 Day 8 Sunday Wondrous Fashioner and Sustainer of Life, we know that you know every inch of our minds, bodies and spirits before we reveal anything to you with intention. As we move through the annual financial stewardship campaign, give us courage to be generous, knowing that participating in a spiritual discipline such as pledging or tithing opens us to the movement of the Holy Spirit over, through and around us. Remind us that after the temporary pain of sacrifice, we come to know the long-term rewards of having invested in something that reaches beyond our own personal needs into the lives of people whose names we might not even know. Teach us that we are all connected to each other through the divine web of life that you create. It is in the name of the One who sacrificed his entire life that we pray. AMEN. Rev. Amy Venable, Associate Minister 8 P age

10 Day 9 Monday Our Awesome God, We, your followers thank you for so many things in our lives... Our Families, Our Friends, Our Boston Avenue Church, Our Health and Our Memories. We pray for our families and friends who need your healing arms around us, and your healing hands touching ours. We depend on your healing love in the trying lives of our beloved families and friends. And for this love we are all grateful. Amen Judie Cherblanc, Roundtable Class, Member April P age

11 Day 10 Tuesday Lord, kindle in us the fire of your love for you and for your people at Boston Avenue. Make us compassionate especially for the poor and needy, the hungry and the thirsty. Open our eyes to see the opportunities you give us daily to be the answer to the prayers of others. Give us grateful hearts as we recognize and tend to your spiritual gifts of prayer, worship, meditation, scripture reading and daily devotional. Draw to the Boston Avenue Church those who need to love you and want to serve your world. We pray in the name of the one who saves us. Amen. Jacques Cunningham, Pilgrimage Class, Member March P age

12 Day 11- Wednesday Ever-present God, We know that the life you have given us brings a constant series of changes. We search for new jobs, meet new neighbors and say good-bye to old friends, learn of health issues, move to different homes, and experience new family situations. Help us to face change not with fear, but with confidence that, because you are always beside us, we will learn, grow, celebrate, and endure. Enable us to be generous with both the material and the spiritual gifts you have entrusted to us, that they may be used with love to lessen the sorrows and to magnify the joys of those we encounter on life's journey. Inspire us to bring new members into the Boston Avenue family, so that we may continue to build a church home where all who enter draw ever closer to you. Amen. Freda Reck, Choir, Member October P age

13 Day 12 Thursday We come to you Dearest God with thanks for Boston Avenue UMC. Within her walls, we find acceptance for our differences: No matter how our mistakes may bother us, we find forgiveness. We thank you for our church s missions and outreach and pray that we can secure her future as we financially support her vital ministries. Jan Graham, Heritage Class, September P age

14 Day 13 Friday We give thanks to you, our God and creator, for this beautiful place to worship and serve you. We give thanks for the generations before us who have made it possible and pray that we may dedicate our gifts so that his building will continue to honor you, to identify us as your children, and to serve as an inspiration for the ages. We pray that the generosity of your love will compel us to be generous, both now and in the future, with our time, talents and resources. Sheila Parr, Roundtable, March P age

15 Day 14 Saturday Dear Lord, Thank you so much for the opportunity to worship with such amazing people in such an amazing building. Thank you so much for all the wonderful volunteers and staff. Please help Boston Avenue to be a church that welcomes and loves all. Thank you for all of our music opportunities. Please help us to continue to have safe, joyful, educational and spiritual Sunday s and Wednesdays. Please help Boston Avenue to continue to make a difference in Tulsa, the State, the country and the world. Amen Paige Linn, Mid-High Youth, Member April P age

16 Day 15 Sunday Gracious and Loving God, What a blessing Boston Avenue Church has been for my life and the life of my family. I have been allowed to live out my calling to ministry at Boston Avenue Church. The expanse of resources, be it people or financial, has allowed great things to happen. I've witnessed lives transformed, beliefs enriched and lifelong connections sealed. All this and more only happens when everyone comes together and gives from their heart what you, O God, are leading them to give. I give you thanks for those who have gone before and shown us the way to be faithful givers. May I set such an example for those around me. Amen Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, Associate Minister 15 P age

17 Day 16 Monday "I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows, which my lips have uttered and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble." --Psalms 66:13-14 Walter L. Moore, in his book Courage and Confidence in the Bible, describes this writer's predicament: "Under the pressure of difficulties the Psalmist had made promises to God, but when the troubles were past, the promises were forgotten. When he came to the temple to worship, his failure to make good on those promises occurred to him. Then he uttered these words." Have we overlooked our promises and our unpaid balances to the Lord, during our times of need, trouble, or peril? Prayer: Serve us every reminder of our unpaid vows to Thee, O Lord. Recalling John F. Kennedy's quote "God's work on earth must truly be our own", may we meet our obligations to Your divine will. Steven Schnitzer, Member February P age

18 Day 17 Tuesday Most gracious Lord, as members of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, we pray that thy Holy Spirit might equip and motivate us to become instruments of thy peace, here and elsewhere. Give us the discernment and discipline to become good stewards of the gifts you have entrusted to us. Help us to understand that wisdom ceases to be wisdom when it is too proud to weep, to somber to laugh, and to selfish to seek other than itself. We ask this in the name of thy Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen Karl Cocke, Roundtable Class, Member October P age

19 Day 18 Wednesday Dear Lord, you have formed us in your own image, as people who care about others. Guide us as we serve Compassion Dinners, Family Promise, Sistema, and on and on. Work miracles through us, and help us show results. You showed us through your life that when we come from a solid foundation, we can do all things through you who strengthens us. Help us to do things because of the love you have for us and the love we have for each other. Amen Dolores Ritter, Homebuilders Class, Member April P age

20 Day 19 Thursday Lord, We are so fortunate to be here at Boston Avenue where we worship in a beautiful building with beautiful grounds. We are blessed to have beautiful music and beautiful teachings, we worship a Beautiful Savior. Lord, please help us to be a people who put this beauty in motion here in Tulsa. Help us throw open these church doors and share the life giving beauty of the Gospel with all your children in Tulsa in hopes that ourselves and others can see and experience a little more of the Beauty of the Kingdom of God right here. In Jesus name, Amen. Bret A. Unterschuetz, Horizons Class, Member August P age

21 Day 20 Friday Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessings that you have bestowed upon our congregation these past 125 years. We see you in the faces of our children, in the details of our building and in the relationships we have formed within our membership. We are open to your light and looking forward to our future as a faith community. Please be present with us as we move into this time of reflection. In Your Name, Amen Angela Sexton, New Frontiers, Member May P age

22 Day 21 Saturday Amazing Grace (Verse 1 & 3) Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. 21 P age

23 Day 22 Sunday God of abundance, You created the world from chaos, us from the dust of the ground. You constantly provide when it seems as if there's a shortcoming: a ram for Abraham, manna for the Israelites, two stones for David, leftovers from fish and bread. May we as your people always be reminded that there is enough. There is enough to share. There is enough to give. There is enough to fully live. For all that we have, comes from you...the one who created us and gave us life. We offer all that we are in gratitude of these gifts. Amen. Rev. Sara Pugh-Montgomery, Associate Minister 22 P age

24 Day 23 Monday God of Change, You changed the formless void into a benevolent Universe; An enslaved tribe into your people who resided in the Promised Land; The defeat of death on the cross into the victory of Christ s resurrection. We, as your church, are tempted to listen to the voice of fear, and cling to the security of our past, remaining the same in the face of the challenges of an unknown future. However, you are not calling us to be preservers and protectors of our past; but channels of change as you lead us to embark on a hopeful adventure of Faith into the future. Ed Payton, Administrative Board Chair, Member May P age

25 Day 24 Tuesday Dear Father of unfathomable compassion, surround Boston Avenue with your love. Guide us, remind us, to share the compassion you show us. May our church be a beacon of love and compassion to this community including ALL, no matter ones situation or station in life. Amen. Carol Maus, Maranatha Class, Member July P age

26 Day 25- Wednesday God, We know that you and your love exist outside of time, enduring through our human experience and through the many changes history brings. We are delighted to connect with the traditions of our fore-fathers and fore-mothers in the faith through the hymns and affirmations we use for worship each week. We also delight in bringing your peace and grace to all we encounter, understanding that you meet us where we are and know better than anyone else how to love us in our brokenness. As we look towards the future of our church, help us listen to the hurt and need in our community and to humbly offer our love and support. Help us to be a living translation of the Bible's holy intent. Amen Kate Parker, Journey Class, Member February P age

27 Day 26 Thursday Thank you for our many blessings. Thank you especially for the freedoms we have, our church, and the diversity of the people who are involved. Thank you for the opportunities to study, to socialize, and be helpful to others. Forgive us when we get so self-centered that we do not recognize the gifts you have given us. Help us to have open minds and open hearts as we learn more ways to share our blessings with others. Amen Dolores Hedger, Pilgrimage Class, Member October P age

28 Day 27 Friday Continue and be with our young people to develop and grow spiritually with Christian concern for others through the activities at Boston Avenue. Also, we offer special prayers for our older members as they handle their many person problems. Always thanking Jesus! Bob Nelson, TV Viewer, Member May P age

29 Day 28 Saturday Amazing Grace (Verse 4 & 6) The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures When we ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We ve no less days to sing God s praise Than when we d first begun. 28 P age

30 Day 29 Sunday Father of us all, we have so much to thank you for in our worshipping and caring community! We all receive spiritual blessings, some of which we share, and some of which we ponder in our hearts alone. To me, the beauty of our Sunday mornings helps to give me peace and to feel blessed and strengthened in my life. We have many opportunities to pass along the love of Christ, to our children, to neighbors in Tulsa, and to people we must stretch to reach, through mission and through our connectional work such as UMCOR. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with all the needs we see. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, welcoming the future with humility and with generosity of spirit, together. Amen. Laura Bottoms, Bell Choir, Member April P age

31 Day 30 Monday Lord help us to understand how vital attending church is to staying connected to God and our spiritual growth. Your purpose for us is revealed through our relationship with others. The fellowship and teachings in church bring us closer to Christ and further away from our independent desires. Guide us to experience freedom, joy and peace through the ministries of Boston Avenue Church. Scott Morgan, Finance Chair, Member August P age

32 Day 31 Tuesday And all nations shall call you blessed for you shall be a delightsome land, says the Lord of Hosts. Malachi 3:10-12 God already knows our purpose as individuals living within communities, in a nation among nations; He created our earth, this earth. As we celebrate a monumental 125 th anniversary at Boston Avenue Church, we have established a legacy. We have faith as we continue our pilgrimage and just as the pilgrims settled into the New World, we have assembled here. We have faith that our pilgrimage will continue with future congregations. Just as the American Indians shared food with the settlers, both shared unity and peace; they assembled a community of humanity and trust. Trust is faithful and we trust God will provide peace on earth among all nations as we are all human beings. With great hope and faith in God, we desire that all generations come to this home, our home, and the Lord s home as pioneers of the future of Boston Avenue Church. Angela Graham, Member March P age

33 Day 32 Wednesday Lord, you have created such a beautiful world full of love and joy, but sometimes we are too focused on our daily lives to see. Please help open our eyes to see the beauty you ve created. We know that your love conquers all and even in are darkest moments you are with us. Create loving and forgiving hearts so we may truly live out our lives as the disciples you created us to be. Madison Dill, Senior High Youth, Member November P age

34 Day 33 Thursday Jeremiah 29: 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Where do I find my well-being, health, comfort, security, safety, and good (in sum, my welfare)? Where at church do I find my welfare? Loving God, in whom we find Christian community, We thank you for this church, and all the people who enter its doors and join its body. We consider the ways in which we find our well-being in this place, and in these people. We pray on its behalf, that it may flourish and thrive as we wish ourselves to flourish and thrive. May we reflect on how we can support the welfare of this church, so that we may continue to find our well-being within its community. Amen. Caitlin Dryke, Staff, Member Journey Class 33 P age

35 Friday Day 34 God of love, God of peace, Help us continue to be a church of compassion. Let us continue to be a church of justice. People need to know that they re loved. Everybody needs to know that they matter. Help us show them that. Help us be a beacon of light, a beacon of love, to all of your children. Amen Philip Boone, Staff, Member June P age

36 Saturday Day 35 Boston Avenue Verses to Amazing Grace State of the Church, September 23, 2018 I am an important puzzle piece, Of Boston Avenue; We worship and serve as we ascend, And grace will lead us through. 35 P age

37 Day 36 Sunday O God of all creation, you have been faithful from the beginning, generation after generation. Embed that memory of faithfulness deep in our souls that we may trust you ever more deeply in this journey of faith. As we mark our 125 th anniversary as a vital congregation, help each of us know to the core of our being that we are an important part of the Boston Avenue puzzle. Remind us that you have called and gifted each of us. We pray that your love and grace will flow through every one of us, so that you can use us for your purposes until the kingdom comes upon the earth as it is in heaven. Amen and amen. Rev. David Wiggs, Senior Pastor 36 P age