Close to Your Heart

Good morning, Loved Ones,

As we stumble through the fog and rain this morning here in Kansas City we are once again praying for the people of Haiti who have experienced another earthquake. Below is a prayer produced by leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

We pray for Haiti

God of compassion
please watch over the people of Haiti,
and weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
with a sense of your present love,
and hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
may they find you and be comforted.
Guide us as a church
to find ways of providing assistance
that heal wounds and provide hope.
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers
we all suffer;
through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives

and rules this world with you. Amen.

— Bruce Reyes-Chow, Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine

If you are looking for ways to help and haven't found a way yet, please visit -

http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/haiti-index.htm

There you can find updates about the Presbyterian Church's efforts to help.

Today I give thanks for a warm bowl of oatmeal.

. . . for a patient and friendly companion dog who accompanied me to the airport this morning and comforted me while Sam is winging his way to Tucson.

. . . for Greg Take who filled in for Randy with the youth last night and for Randy who, though he was far away working in Garden City, called and ordered pizza for the youth to share.

. . . for new friends in Conception, Mo who are embarking on a great Public Square community building venture with the hopeful participation of young people.

. . . for new ballroom dance classes that my partner-for-life and I are taking on Wednesday nights.

. . . for my friend Roger Harrison from Leavenworth who heard about Cafe en la Calle and has begun to donate warm clothes to share.

. . . for more good news for Wyandotte County and soccer fans about a new stadium for the Wizards and 4000 new jobs for the area.

Keep the people of Haiti close to your heart in prayer and find some way to help.

Gimme Cinco,
Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/