Monday, May 3, 2010
An invitation for people of all faiths to pray for the nation
The word spread quickly on April 15 that the National Day of Prayer, May 6, had been cancelled by President Obama--as he did in 2009. This rumor turned out to be false. In fact, he did not cancel the event last year nor this year.
Observances of the National Day of Prayer took place across the country in 2009 and are scheduled again for this year. Last year President Obama decided not to hold an ecumenical service at the White House as his predecessor, George W. Bush, had done during his term. President Obama continued the tradition of issuing a presidential proclamation designating the National Day of Prayer and chose to observe the occasion privately.
Throughout the history of the country there have been many unofficial days of prayer, but in 1952 President Truman signed a bill that established a National Day of Prayer. It was not until 1988 that the first Thursday in May was set by President Reagan as the specific calendar date of the National Day of Prayer.
Although the April 15 rumor that this special day of prayer had been cancelled was false, a U.S. District judge in Wisconsin ruled on that date that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional, saying the observance “amounts to a call for religious action.” The Obama administration was the defendant in that case, arguing in favor of retaining the National Day of Prayer. The judge’s ruling will certainly be appealed and hopefully reversed.
Lillian Pinkus of the Dallas, Texas Anti-Defamation League reminds us that the day “invites people of all faith to pray for the nation. It is a day meant to unite, not divide. It is a day that should represent the inclusivity of the nation.”
Someone has described the National Day of Prayer in this manner: “On this day of voluntary prayer some may wish to meet in their place of worship to pray for the tranquility of our nation. Some may feel that this can be achieved by converting people of a different faith. Some may pray that this will come about through interfaith dialogue, understanding, and coordinated action. There will be those who observe the day with personal prayer, and those who do not pray but still observe the day through their thoughts, words, and actions.”
It is true the day never specified prayer as being related to the Christian faith only but Christians join in this communal time of prayer. We remember that God promised the ancient Israelites, “If My people … will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14).
In the words of presidential proclamation on the occasion of the 2009 National Day of Prayer: “Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times ... (Let us) remember (the) call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.”
Please join with me and our brothers and sisters across the nation every day but especially this Thursday as we “pray in thanksgiving for our freedoms and blessings and to ask for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection for this land that we love.”
Jamie Jenkins
jjenkins@ngumc.org
....................................................................................................................................................
North Georgia Conference News Brief
2010 Annual Conference Session Mission Offering is named
The greatest growth of the United Methodist Church is in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Philippines, yet pension funds for clergy in those areas are minimal or nonexistent. To continue with support of these Central Conference pastors and their surviving spouses, the 2010 Annual Conference Session Missions Offering will be donated to help support the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI).
--Read More--
Top 10 FAQs relating to the 2010 Annual Conference Session
On June 16-18, North Georgia lay and clergy conference session members will gather together to engage in worship and Christian conversation during the 144th Session of the North Georgia Conference. We have collected some quick information about the top 10 frequently asked question concerning AC2010.
--Read More--
....................................................................................................................................................
North Georgia Conference Event Spotlight
Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering
May 9 | Your local church
For nearly three decades the Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering has generated vital charitable care funds to assist residents in need. Today, providing charitable care is the most acute challenge that Wesley Woods faces. As older adults live longer, more are exhausting their financial resources and relying on Social Security as their only income. Some experience health problems that go far beyond what Medicare benefits will cover. Many struggle to afford simple necessities. Mother's Day gifts from caring donors enable these individuals to enjoy a decent, dignified quality of life. That is why we urge you to please give generously to the Mother's Day Offering. For more information, please call Charles Hoover at 404.728.6857 or visit http://www.wesleywoods.info/help/mothers.php for more resources.
....................................................................................................................................................
Upcoming Events this Week from the Conference Calendar
Monday, May 3
Atlanta Emory District Superintendency Committee Meeting
License to Preach School (May 3-7)
Rome Carrollton District Clergy Retreat (May 3-5)
Third Annual Wesley Foundation Golf Classic
Tuesday, May 4
Christian Educators Lunch Group
Wednesday, May 5
Atlanta Emory District Special-Called DCOM Meeting
Thursday, May 6
Night of Champions
Friday, May 7
Order of Elders Executive Committee
Saturday, May 8
UMVIM Training Event
View the Entire Conference Calendar
....................................................................................................................................................
North Georgia Conference Links of Interest
Subscribe to North Georgia Conference E-newsletters
North Georgia Conference Employment Listings
North Georgia Conference Resource Listings
The North Georgia Advocate
Read the Bible in a Year
North Georgia Conference on Facebook
....................................................................................................................................................
Lectionary Scriptures for this Sunday
May 9, 2010
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Color: White
Acts 16:9-15
Psalm 67 (UMH 791)
Revelation 21:10, 22–22:5
John 14:23-29
Visit the General Board of Discipleship website for lectionary planning helps for May 9, 2010
