Praises, travel mercies: Happy Father's Day to all fathers... may our Father's blessings extend to all our courageous parents. Praises for VBS, starting next Monday. Thanks to all for decorating the church as a rural clubhouse -- it looks spectacular! The crew still needs volunteers to help, and we need children to register. We encourage our workers, and pray they all (especially Heather Zerkle!) survive the week; above all, that the Lord is glorified by the children learning about Him. We ask for travel mercies for Cathy Clement, flying down to Alabama and driving back to Virginia next Friday and Saturday June 22-23. She is worried about being able to stay awake on this 18-hour drive. [John will be calling every 15 minutes, he threatens...] Prayers: We continue to pray for Gail Jarrett, recovering from bouts of vertigo, making it difficult for her to get around. Also, Jerry Pruitt has been suffering from the same symptoms, and the medicine he takes for it makes him very groggy. Iian Fairley is looking for a sober living situation, and if he could find a good Christian family to rent him a room... please be in touch through the church if you know of some place for him. We are also continuing to pray for Josh Wiggins. He needs a permanent job, and is looking for another place to stay. Class event: John Flowers offered a new date for the fellowship event at their home: Saturday, August 25th. For our class and friends. Please stand by for further information, and to let John know that you will attend. We continue to pray for the church, especially the Interim Pastor and Permanent Pastor Search Committees. Folks are visiting churches to hear candidate pastors preach. On July 1st, a candidate for the Interim Pastor position will come to the church and preach at both services, after which there will be a special-call business meeting to vote on electing the candidate to serve as Interim Pastor to the church. A group are gathering on Sundays at about 5 p.m. to pray for the Lord's guidance in our transition process; please join us at the church. Current Snack list for the class: John Clement, Sunday July 1.

By the Book Class Prayer Requests etc. for 5/6/12

Folks, hi. Last week we agreed that our class would serve dinner at the Hilda Barg Shelter on Tuesday, June 5. We've suggested we would barbecue burgers, brats and (for the kids) hot dogs. We'll find out the exact number of people to cook for closer to the date, but we figure around 30. So we will need volunteers to bring: Burgers Brats Hot dogs Buns for the above Potato salad Fruit, or some kind of dessert Tomatoes Lettuce Cheeses Pickles Soft drinks/juices/iced tea I think condiments are provided. Please reply to this message, or directly to John Flowers and/or John Clement, with what you can bring from the above list. Remind us if we've forgotten something that we would need. [We also have to make sandwiches for lunches for the next day, but I think the makings are provided.] Also, Cathy and I will be away tomorrow the 13th, and also the following two Sundays (the 20th and the 27th). Traveling to Alabama for daughter Veronica's graduation. Back on the 3rd. I apologize for not doing our prayer requests earlier in the week; it's been pretty hectic at Chez Clement. Praises, travel mercies: Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers! Praises for Claudia McManamey's safe return, and that her sister has moved from Florida into the area. The family is helping fix up the house where she will stay. Her other sister has set up appointments for her with an orthopedic specialist in this area. The Ridgways will be traveling for daughter Stacy's graduation this coming week. Phil's brother is flying to help out his brother-in-law and sister. We are still praying for help in getting Phil's mother into the assisted living facility with financial help. Class event reminder: John Flowers offered that he and Lydia will host a fellowship event at their home on Saturday, June 2nd for our class and friends. Please stand by for further information, and let John know that you will attend. Prayers: We are praying for Gail Jarrett's vertigo to resolve; also Cathy Clement has off-and-on muscle spasms in her back and shoulders. And for Edna Cryer, a long-time friend of Cathy Clement's mom; diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to her lymph nodes. Also, a colleague of Cathy's, Michelle Coon, going for back surgery (removing a herniated disk) this coming Thursday. Pray for doctors' discernment, and relief from pain. A reminder: John Flowers mentioned the class Lydia and he are planning to start teaching in a couple of weeks, "Laugh your way to a better marriage." John is hoping to teach it in the 11 o'clock hour on Sundays, during the traditional service; depending on what others want, he may teach it a second time during the week. Please let John know if you would like to participate, and what times and days of the week would be possible for you. We continue to pray for Josh Wiggins. He has temporary work, but needs a permanent job. We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. We keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they settle down in Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church. We need a new snack list -- if someone will circulate a list and publish it to this mailing list... Thank you all.

By the Book Prayer Requests for April 29, 2012

Praises, travel mercies: Praises and travel mercies for the Ladies' Retreat, this weekend at Camp Crossroads! Writing this on Monday evening, I know there were 28 ladies participating, and much fellowship and joy ensued. Jay Clement offered praises -- he is back in a sober living setting, and his sponsor is still with him. Also, we had been praying for his friend, Manny, and his wife Jessica. She gave birth to a beautiful baby, and mother and baby seem to be doing fine. We keep praying for their health. John Flowers gave praises for his first week on the new job ... so far so good. Claudia McManamey is in Florida for a second week, assisting her older sister Christine who is going through rehab for a broken pelvis and other complications. Travel mercies and support as she organizes her sister's move up to the D.C. area on Tuesday. Jim is eager for her return. Our wonderful pair of visitors -- Lillian Warkentin's parents, Doris and Roger, visiting from Essex, England, in our class for a second week, joined by another couple, Delores and Ben Fontaine, from New Hampshire to visit their daughter Jamie Hamilton and her family. Class event: John Flowers offered that he and Lydia will host a fellowship event at their home on Saturday, June 2nd for our class and friends. Please stand by for further information, and to let John know that you will attend. Prayers: Gail Jarrett came to church and Sunday School, even though she has been suffering from vertigo caused by an ear infection, and it makes it very difficult for her to get around. We are praying for her full recovery. We are praying for Edna Cryer, a long-time friend of Cathy Clement's mom; diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to her lymph nodes. She is having surgery to remove the lymph nodes, after which there will be chemotherapy. Pray for recovery. Cathy also mentioned her parents' pastor's grandniece named Jolee, born with a number of birth defects that will require reconstructive surgery. Also, a colleague of Cathy's, Michelle Coon, going for back surgery (removing a herniated disk) this coming Thursday. Pray for doctors' discernment, and relief from pain. The student group preparing for their mission trip to Haiti still have to raise about $1500; we are praying for their spirit to be strong and bring their help and the word of Jesus to the Haitian communities they will serve. Iian Fairley lost his case in court, and his CDL; we pray for him to trust in God, and find a way forward. We are still praying for Melinda Darby, our choir director and one of PCB's church founding heroes, goes for back surgery on May 3. We pray for surgeon's discernment and complete healing. John Flowers mentioned the class Lydia and he are planning to start teaching in a couple of weeks, "Laugh your way to a better marriage." John is hoping to teach it in the 11 o'clock hour on Sundays, during the traditional service; depending on what others want, he may teach it a second time during the week. Please let John know if you would like to participate, and what times and days of the week would be possible for you. We continue to pray for Josh Wiggins. He has temporary work, but needs a permanent job. We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. specifically, for a successful Town Hall on April 30th. A group are gathering on Sundays at about 5 p.m. to pray for the Lord's guidance in our transition process; please join us at the church. We keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they settle down in Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church. Current Snack list for the class: We need a new snack list -- we'll circulate it this coming Sunday.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 4/22/2012

Praises, travel mercies: John Flowers starts on a new job on Monday 4/23! His retirement lasted about three weeks. He will be working on a new challenge -- helping a startup company grow. Reaching a decision has given him a lot of peace of mind; he feels God has led him all the way through this decision. We pray for his success. Claudia McManamey is in Florida, assisting her older sister Christine who is going through rehab for a broken pelvis and other complications. Travel mercies and support as she plans her sister's move up to the D.C. area. Jim is not coping well with her absence, he reports. We had a wonderful pair of visitors this Sunday -- Lillian Warkentin's parents, Doris and Roger, visiting from Essex, England. Our Bible passages sound much better when they read them. They will be here for a few weeks, and we hope they will come back to our class. We offer praises for a good business meeting last Sunday. As one class member said, things went much better than we might have expected. Class event: John Flowers offered that he and Lydia will host a fellowship event at their home on Saturday, June 2nd for our class and friends. Please stand by for further information, and to let John know that you will attend. Prayers: Charles Jarrett asked for prayers for Gail; she is battling an ear infection, and it has given her balance problems. The student group preparing for their mission trip to Haiti still have to raise about $1500; we are praying for their spirit to be strong and bring their help and the word of Jesus to the Haitian communities they will serve. Iian Fairley goes to court on Thursday; we pray that his case will be dismissed, if that is God's will. Melinda Darby, our choir director and one of PCB's church founding heroes, goes for back surgery on May 3. We pray for surgeon's discernment and complete healing. Jay Clement asks for prayers for a good friend, Manny, and his wife Jessica. She is four months pregnant, and has been to the ER twice now. Pray for a successful pregnancy and for Jessica's health. Phil Ridgway asked for prayers -- well, for him and for his family. His nephew's girlfriend has given birth to twin babies -- eleven weeks early! They are very tiny, but seem to be doing OK. We pray for their health. Their mother needs to become a responsible mother, and the nephew and girlfriend are battling a drug addiction which they need to overcome. Phil's brother is helping them, but Phil has to keep himself from yelling at all of them. Pray for patience and loving firmness for Phil and his brother, and for this new family's struggles, that they may put themselves firmly in the Lord's hands. Phil and Sue also asked for prayers for her daughter Stacy; she graduates in May and needs a job. Cathy Clement asked for prayers for her daughter Veronica; she is just a few weeks short of graduating from high school and will be coming to live in Fairfax with us, but she is really struggling with her dad's behavior. We pray she will 'hang in there' for just a little longer, after which we will welcome her to Northern Virginia. She is excited to be going to George Mason in the fall. John Flowers mentioned the class Lydia and he are planning to start teaching in a couple of weeks, "Laugh your way to a better marriage." John is hoping to teach it in the 11 o'clock hour on Sundays, during the traditional service; depending on what others want, he may teach it a second time during the week. Please let John know if you would like to participate, and what times and days of the week would be possible for you. John also asked for prayers for a ministry he has been carrying out, to a former colleague who is going through a marriage separation. We continue to pray for Josh Wiggins. He has temporary work, but needs a permanent job. The Ladies' Retreat at Camp Crossroads is this coming weekend. We pray for safe travels and a good time of prayer, fellowship and togetherness in the beautiful setting of Wytheville. There are still a few spots available for any of our ladies who want to go, and fellowships are available. Departure from the church around 1 p.m. on Friday, returning Sunday. Talk to Olthea Croom, Lillian Shank or Cathy Clement. We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. specifically, for a successful Town Hall on April 30th. A group are gathering on Sundays at about 5 p.m. to pray for the Lord's guidance in our time of transition; please join us at the church. We keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they settle down in Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church. Current Snack list for the class: Sunday 4/8: Claudia and Jim McManamey Sunday 4/15: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce Sunday 4/22: John and Cathy Clement Sunday 4/29: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 4/15/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Larry Springer, back safely from two weeks in North Carolina -- last week caring for his grandson.
John Flowers is considering a job offer! He has been at home for just three weeks -- enough time to get some gardening in. He thinks he will accept this coming week.

Prayers:
We continue to pray for Dee's mother, Alice Stayner. Her fifth surgery in three weeks was successful, and the infection she was battling seems under control. Now she has to begin rehabilitation, and she is still battling continuing pain. Pray for her to find the energy to work at her rehabilitation.

Iian Fairley is feeling much better from his back pain. He asks everyone to pray for strength to keep working. Also, he asks for prayers for his ex-girlfriend, Shayla: she has issues with her baby father's parents, also healing and needing to find work. She lives in West Virginia, and needs to return to church.

Claudia McManamey mentioned her sister Christine, currently living in Florida. She had a bad fall this past week and broke her pelvic bone, and also had some internal bleeding. She is now out of ICU and is resisting going to rehabilitation (she is 81); her son will be going to Florida for a week to help her and organize a house sale and move -- she will be coming to the DC area to live. Claudia is traveling down to Florida to keep her company this coming week. She asks for prayers for recovery and an easy move.

We continue to pray for Josh Wiggins. He has temporary work, but needs a permanent job.

We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. specifically, for a successful business meeting and Town Hall on April 30th.

We keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they settle down in Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:

Sunday 4/8: Claudia and Jim McManamey
Sunday 4/15: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 4/22: John and Cathy Clement
Sunday 4/29: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 4/8/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Iian Fairley's back is doing much better; he is pain free, and has been able to work. He thanks everyone for prayers.
Claudia McManamey gave praises for her daughter Tara -- she is feeling better, and has been pronounced OK to go back to work.


Prayers:
We continue to pray for Dee's mother, Alice Stayner. Recovering from back surgery, she has had a post-surgical infection; there is more surgery scheduled for this week, and she is in a lot of pain.

We're also praying for Phil Ridgway's sister, Candy, and her husband Donnie. They need prayer for God's guidance in her search for a church home and for financial issues.

John Flowers asked for prayers for his mother, who is 90 and in a managed-care facility; she has dementia and has been getting weaker; also for his siter Shirley. He has some forward motion in his job search, and his garden has never looked this good.

We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..
We keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they settle down in Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:

Sunday 4/8: Claudia and Jim McManamey
Sunday 4/15: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 4/22: John and Cathy Clement
Sunday 4/29: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 4/1/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Josh Wiggins has found yet another job... the Lord has answered his prayers with abundance. He has some feelers out for something more permanent. Also, he recently got to spend some real quality time with his younger daughter, and it has lightened his spirit considerably.

Claudia McManamey offered praise for their grandson Ryan (Jud and Tara's son): he has felt the call to become a youth pastor, and has been very active in the youth ministry at his church. Most recently he wrote, directed and acted in a movie about bullying for an event at his school.

Also, Jim McM. was happy to see an old friend, Russ, visiting Potomac Crest earlier today. We hope they will find a welcome here.

John Clement offered praise for his son Jay -- just completed six months clean and sober. He's beginning to think about getting a small apartment on his own and working toward finishing college... Our prayers and praise surround him.


Prayers:
We ask for continuing prayer for Dee's mother, Alice Stayner. Recovering from back surgery, she now has a post-surgical infection.

Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his sister, Candy, and her husband Donnie. With the ongoing recession they have income issues, and she has battled several bouts of depression. They also need prayer for God's guidance in their search for a church home they can both feel they can belong to.

Iian Fairley is going through a bout of severe back pain... pray for healing. He needs to keep working.

Josh also asked for prayers for guidance. He has come to realize he has some residual anger about the way he lost his former job, and he is trying to let go through prayer and praise for the Lord's continuing grace.

John Flowers asks that we keep his family in our prayers as he tries to figure out what's next for him in finding work... he has some possibilities, including one at a different part of his former employer's firm. He also asked for prayers for his son JK, who is working in crisis intervention with teenagers; this may be the hardest work he has ever had to do. We pray for strength, discernment and faith in the Lord's grace as JK does this wonderful work.

We continue to pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..
Josh offered, and we all agree: we must keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they move to Nashville. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:

Sunday 4/8: Claudia and Jim McManamey
Sunday 4/15: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 4/22: John and Cathy Clement
Sunday 4/29: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 3/25/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
John Flowers offered praises: the shoe finally dropped this past Wednesday, and John has been let go after twenty years (!) with his contractor firm. On reflection, John and Lydia (his wife) have realized that God had been preparing him for this event over the past eight years -- first through leading him to Potomac Crest, and then through classes and significant inspiration... so John feels a weight has been lifted from him and he is freer than he has been for a long time. By Friday, he had been offered another job -- one with a lot less big-company pressure and more freedom to be creative. God is great -- all the time! We continue to pray for the family's well-being.
Praises for Veronica (Cathy Clement's daughter), visiting this week from Fairhope, AL; and travel mercies as she wends her way back home this coming Wednesday evening -- we hope for no airplane takeoff delays.
Dee gave praises for her mother, Alice Stayner. She had very serious back surgery in Minnesota this past week -- metal rods, stretching of the intervertebral spaces, etc. She went through it all very well (she is 83). Dee's nurse/sister will stay with her until she leaves the hospital for a rehabilitation facility, at which time Dee will take over care -- probably after Easter. We add prayers for continuing recovery.
Josh Wiggins has found another job -- it is 'on call' but his new boss has promised enough hours, and there seems to be a possibility of promotion. We thank the Lord.
Pastor's last sermon at Potomac Crest was this Sunday. The congregation bid him a fond, sad farewell in the true Baptist manner (lunch in the Fellowship Hall!). His sermon was on Potomac Crest moving on -- this is not Doug's church, it's Christ's church and it belongs to all of us. We are to look forward (not back), and pray to discern God's will for us. As Doug said, he knows this church family can fulfill God's will for this church.

Prayers:
Claudia McManamey asked for continuing prayers for her daughter Tara and their whole family. The diagnosis for Tara's severe headaches has come in, and Tara has shingles, with the viral infection on part of her head. The pain has continued, but Tara has been able to go back to work part-time (she's a nurse -- in isolation from patients). Claudia said the whole family is struggling (son Jaiden has hurt his back), and prayers for everyone would help; as Jud and Tara continue to prepare for mission commitments, pray for them to overcome discouragement, heal and hold firm.
Jim McManamey said his brother had had surgery for prostate cancer, and is doing very well. We pray, of course, for continuing recovery.
Dee mentioned her daughter Kristy: with Dee's departure in April to help her mother, Kristy's main mean of transportation will be leaving town (Kristy doesn't drive). Pray that she manages to get herself and her daughter around; we pray church members will step in to help.
Valerie Dinwiddie had a stress test in preparation for foot surgery on May 7 -- the little cart will be back one more time. The good news is that she passed the stress test without problems. Pray for medical discernment and good results.
Gail Jarrett mentioned her daughter Raven Ryder, now serving on active duty in the Navy; she is ashore in Newport News while her ship is out at sea, and not real happy with her temporary duties, but she's doing OK.
John Flowers mentioned the church's nomination committee, preparing to bring nominations for two pastor search committees forward to the church; also the employer handbook will come up for a vote on April 14th. Pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..
And also keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they move to Nashville. Just remember, this is not any easier for them than it is for all of us. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:

Sunday 3/25: Iian Fairley
Sunday 4/1: Phil and Sue Ridgway
Sunday 4/8: Claudia and Jim McManamey
Sunday 4/15: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 4/22: John and Cathy Clement
Sunday 4/29: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 3/18/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Travel mercies for Cathy Clement, visiting daughter Veronica in Fairhope, Alabama this weekend. Back from travels: Dee Stayner; Jim and Claudia McManamey, Sue Ridgway Welcome, all.
Thanks to the Ridgways for hosting a great event at their home this past Saturday! Phil R.'s smoked ribs were perfect, Phil Edney contributed secret-recipe barbecue sauce... there was much food and fellowship. Group played cards afterward, and some discoveries ensued about John and Lydia Flowers' competitive natures and smack-talking abilities.
Praises for a full house in our Sunday school class this Sunday. Gary Warkentin's mother Ruth, visiting from Santa Barbara, CA. Not an exact count, but I think we had 15 or so people in the class!
Phil Ridgway offered praises -- his brother is out of jail; sounds as though he will not be charged with anything.
Iian Fairley thanked everyone for prayers -- spring is here, and work is picking up.


Prayers:
Claudia McManamey asked for prayers for her daughter Tara and their whole family. She had to go to the ER yesterday for a truly severe headache (worse than a migraine); an MRI exam was scheduled for today. Claudia said the whole family is struggling, and prayers for everyone would help; as Jud and Tara prepare for mission commitments, pray for them to overcome discouragement, heal and hold firm.
Josh Wiggins asked for prayers; he recently lost his job, and he realized today he is dealing with a lot of anger. Listening to pastor's sermon this morning he was overwhelmed with the message seemingly directed exactly at him, not to return evil for evil. He realizes he doesn't want to be this way, and asks for prayers and guidance to change his heart.
John Flowers mentioned the church's nomination committee, preparing to bring nominations for two pastor search committees forward to the church; also the employer handbook will come up for a vote on April 14th. Pray for the church to do the Lord's will and pray for His guidance as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..
And also keep praying for Doug and Deb Duty, as they separate from us and prepare to move to Nashville. Just remember, this is not any easier for them than it is for all of us. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 3/11/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Travel mercies for Jim and Claudia McManamey, visiting their son in Northern Neck; and Dee Stayner, still in Iowa. Also for Phil and Sue Ridgway.
We welcome Raven Ryder (Gail's daughter), home on leave before going to her first posting on the Eisenhower, out of Newport News. We thank her for her service!
John Clement offered praises for his son Jay, still clean and sober.

Prayers:
Cathy Clement asked for prayers for her daughter Veronica and Veronica's boyfriend Jody; Jody's best friend George died this past week in a car wreck.

Iian Fairley mentioned his stepfather, fallen into a deep depression at the loss of his wife. We are still praying for Iian -- his court appearance on a DWI was postponed for ten days; and also Josh Wiggins. Also for John Flowers, for his work situation to resolve; and for John's colleague Mark, whom John continues to counsel. John also mentioned his colleague Beau, who John says is 'recovering from a very dark place.' We pray for Valerie Dinwiddie, for health concerns; and Larry's wife Nora, still struggling with mental illness.

And now, more than ever: please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. And also pray for Doug and Deb Duty, as they separate from us and prepare to move to Nashville. Just remember, this is not any easier for them than it is for all of us. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:

Sunday 3/11: John Flowers
Sunday 3/18: Gary and Lillian Warkentin
Sunday 3/25:
Sunday 4/1:

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 3/4/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
Travel mercies for Dee Stayner, visiting family in Iowa this week. Praises for Mary Dunlap -- her ex-husband Jim moved out of Mary and Brianna's house, after several years.
We welcome Gary and Lillian Warkentin, joining us in Sunday school class for a second week.

Prayers:
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his brother, now in jail in Maricopa County, Arizona, and for Phil's family in trying to provide the right support to help him move forward without enabling him to avoid the consequences of his actions. Phil also mentioned his nephew Josh Ridgway and his girlfriend Crystal; she is expecting twins, is beginning her third trimester, and has just been taken to the hospital with contractions. We pray for mother and children.

Claudia McManamey asked for prayers for both her older sisters. Marjorie, who is 80 and who has fallen before; she fell again, in her shower, and was not found until the next morning. Taken to the hospital, she is anemic and has long-term esophageal erosion. She has been put in a rehabilitation facility for a month, but her daughters are worried about long-term care; she insists on going back home and needs 24-hour care that her daughters cannot provide or afford. Meanwhile Christine (the other sister) is 81 and in general good health, except that she has developed some balance problems and is going for an MRI to check on inner-ear problems. Finally, she asked for prayers for Jim, who has a very intense work situation that has had him going to work every day for the last 7 days, and he probably will have to continue this level of effort for a while. We pray for inner peace and endurance and for both Jim and Claudia's continued good health.

We are still praying for Iian Fairley; he goes to court on March 9 on a DWI, and is asking the Lord's help with work and cash flow issues; and also Josh Wiggins, who is praying for the Lord's will in his job situation, and for long-term guidance and a way forward to address his children's needs and his own search. Also for John Flowers, for his work situation to resolve; and for his colleague Mark, mourning the loss of his daughter and trying to find God and his balance in life. John will continue counseling Mark.

And now, more than ever: please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community.. And also pray for Doug and Deb Duty, as they separate from us and prepare to move to Nashville. Just remember, this is not any easier for them than it is for all of us. Let us all find joy in their obedience to God and their service to our church.

Current Snack list for the class:
Sunday 2/12: Dwayne and Rhonda Pierce
Sunday 2/19: Phillip and Sue Ridgway
Sunday 2/26: Jim and Claudia McManamey
Sunday 3/4: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 3/11: John Flowers
Sunday 3/18: Gary and Lillian Warkentin
Sunday 3/25:
Sunday 4/1:

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 2/26/2012

The BIG NEWS, of course, is that Pastor Doug Duty has announced at today's business meeting that he will be leaving Potomac Crest Baptist Church at the end of March, called to take up the senior pastor position at a Baptist church in Nashville, TN. Very mixed feelings: this is sad for every member of our church, losing our much-loved Deb and Doug; but we are joyful that the Lord has opened a door for them to a new challenge. We are sending our very best to Nashville, and we pray for them, for their family, for their new church family, and for guidance for ourselves as we begin the process of healing and work toward selecting a new pastor for our church.

Praises, travel mercies:
Dee Stayner offered praises for a successful resolution to her sister Nancy's traffic case in South Dakota. She still has to have a judge's approval, but this will avoid a costly trial and will allow her record to be expunged after a year.
We praise the Lord's generosity in giving us a spate of 60+ degree days in February... there have been some grumblings about having at least one snow day in the remainder of this winter, but we are mostly grateful for the gift we have been given.

Prayers:
John Flowers asked for continuing prayers for his situation at work. The new position he had interviewed for did not materialize, and he is left unsure about his future with his company. But he is confident that the Lord will show him the doors that are opening and the ones that are closing, and he puts his faith in the Lord's guidance. Please pray for guidance and wisdom in seeing the path forward. Also, John mentioned his colleague Mark, whom he will be counseling this coming week; his daughter died after a struggle with hemophilia, and Mark has struggled to find acceptance and be at peace with this loss.

We are praying for Iian, who is asking the Lord's help with work and cash flow issues; also Josh, who is looking for guidance and a way forward to address his children's needs and his own search for a better work situation.

And now, more than ever: please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..

Current Snack list for the class:
Sunday 2/12: Dwayne and Rhonda Pierce
Sunday 2/19: Phillip and Sue Ridgway
Sunday 2/26: Jim and Claudia McManamey
Sunday 3/4: Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce
Sunday 3/11: Cathy and John Clement
Sunday 3/18:
Sunday 3/25:
Sunday 4/1:

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 2/5/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
We welcomed two visitors this Sunday -- Gary and Lillian.
Josh Wiggins offered praises for the Men's Ministry breakfast on Saturday 2/4. A great devotional by Gadget Williams, and much fellowship, and of course nothing but healthy food... NOT! [Gives me a chance to say to all recipients of this message: if you know of men I should add to the Men's Ministry mailing list, please let John C. know, so we can invite them to our events.]
IIan and Josh have now been with us three weeks, so you're veteran members of the class. It's great to see us grow!
Phil Ridgway will be traveling again this coming week...
Don't forget to sign up for Miss Winnie's 90th birthday bash this coming Sunday after the 11 a.m. service!

Prayers:
John Flowers asked for continuing prayers for his colleague Julie Lobdell. Her mother passed away after a battle with cancer. John also mentioned that he has what may be a very significant (possibly career-changing) interview this coming Wednesday. Please keep him in your prayers.
Josh Wiggins reported back on his friend Sean Middleton. He is recovering from a bout of pneumonia, and Josh says he sounds a lot better this week; but he still needs another kidney transplant, for the long term.
Claudia McManamey has been suffering from pain in both wrists, and also some balance issues that have led to falls. We pray for recovery and help. Jim mentioned he has an old car to get rid of. It needs repairs that cost more than the car is worth to the McManameys... if there is a mechanic out there that can triage and decide to repair or recycle, Jim will donate it.

Still praying for: Neva Mohle and her family; she's the widowed friend of Sue Ridgway, from their former church. Also, Cathy Clement's uncle Harry, recovering from triple bypass surgery, and also his wife, Cathy's aunt Brenda. And Dee Stayner's mother, being considered for back surgery.
Please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 1/29/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
John Clement's son Jay is back in Florida, safe and sound. Please keep praying and stay in touch with him. Also, Phil Ridgway, back safely from his travels.
Larry Springer offered a praise: his daughter Kara and her husband Robb had been trying to move into a bigger house and living temporarily with Robb's parents. They had an offer pending on a short-sale house, and just heard that the bank had released the paperwork, and they will be moved in in about a month. Larry offered a bit ruefully that both grandparents (Kara gave birth to Larry's third grandchild last year) will be doing a fair amount of carpentry in the new house...


Prayers:
Sue RIdgway asked for continuing prayers for Neva Mohle, widowed friend from Riverside church. If you recall, the husband passed away, and the wife has Alzheimer's. The family is now planning to move her to an adult senior living center, and they will need to fix up the family home for sale.
Cathy Clement asked for continued prayers for her uncle Harry; he is now home after triple bypass surgery and continuing his recovery. Please pray for his wife, Cathy's aunt Brenda.
Claudia McManamey mentioned their grandson, Oliver, now 2 1/2 years old. He has bronchial pneumonia (had been to the hospital recently for a respiratory virus and an ear infection). Their son pastors a church, and church members have rallied around to help care for their other three children. We pray for all the family. Claudia also mentioned her sister Marjory, who had pain in her side, and her daughter visited and took her to the hospital, where she was found to have three broken ribs. She has no recollection of how that might have happened. The family will need to make some difficult decisions about Marjory continuing to live alone.
Claudia also mentioned her granddaughter Tori Howry, and her parents. Tori's coach and physical trainer for gymnastics have decided not to let her compete, due to incomplete recovery of her wrists and now back pain. We hope she can keep practicing this year and be healed and able to compete next year.
John Flowers asked for prayers for his colleague Julie Lovedale.
Dee Stayner mentioned her mother, Alice Stayner. She has been suffering for years with chronic back pain. Now, at 83, doctors are trying to decide if she is strong enough for back surgery to fuse some vertebrae. She will take a stress test this week. Dee has promised to go and stay with her if she ends up having the surgery; she asked for prayers for Kristy, her daughter, who will need help that Dee has been giving her to get around (she doesn't drive).
Josh Wiggins asked for prayers for his friend Sean Middleton. He had a kidney transplant from his sister several years ago, and the kidney has failed and had to be removed; now he is back looking for a compatible donor for another transplant.


For the folks who asked about the 'Five Wishes' end-of-life materials, here is the Web site: http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php . If anyone wants to discuss the materials, please contact John or Cathy Clement; we have filled them out. If we think of it, we'll bring materials with us next week.

Please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 1/22/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
John Clement's son Jay was here for a visit, came to Sunday School class. Every one loved on him, many hugs. Please keep praying for him; he's going on six months sober and clean, holding a job. Looks healthy and strong. The church deserves a lot of credit for continually lifting him up in prayer and letting him know he is loved. We thank the Lord for our church... Travel mercies as he returns to Florida.
Sue Ridgway asked for travel mercies and prayers for Phil, off overseas again. He'll be back in about a week.
We welcomed a new guest to our church and Sunday school class: Iian (yes, two ies in a row; it's not a typo) Fairley. Look forward to seeing him again.


Prayers:
Sue RIdgway asked for continuing prayers for her friends from Riverside church: the Mohle family. If you recall, the husband passed away, and the wife has Alzheimer's.
Cathy Clement asked for prayers for her uncle Harry; he ended up having triple bypass surgery; he seems to be doing alright, but Aunt Brenda is worried about his recovery.
Jim McManamey mentioned his brother Don, who is suffering from melanoma (just had surgery on his neck) and just found out his prostate cancer is recurring. Also, his nephew and niece, who are thinking of adopting, and just beginning the process.
John Flowers asked for prayers for his brother-in-law, Lydia's sister's husband. He is being prepared for a bone marrow transplant. John also mentioned his niece, Amber, on travel this week.
For the folks who asked about the 'Five Wishes' end-of-life materials, here is the Web site: http://www.agingwithdignity.org/five-wishes.php . If anyone wants to discuss the materials, please contact John or Cathy Clement; we have filled them out.

Please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..

By the Book Prayer Requests Sunday 1/15/2012

Praises, travel mercies:
It's really all pretty much travel mercies and praises this time.
Cathy Clement is down in Fairhope, Alabama, visiting her daughter Veronica. No particular reason except motherhood and the weather is better. Safe return tomorrow.
Rhonda Pierce -- praise: last December, her dad had been told bypass surgery would be needed, and tests in January would be definitive. Tests just had, and doctors have decided to wait a few months. Surgery may not be needed after all.
Larry Springer said there have been some encouraging signs in his wife Nora's interactions with him -- remember, we are praying for the Holy Spirit and God's hand to bring a cure; human doctors have not been able to help. Praise for any positive signs in her mental state, and prayers for it to continue.
Visitor to our class today: Josh Wiggins, friend of the Clements. Came with John to early service, stayed for Sunday School. Welcome, and hope he comes back.
Praises and travel mercies: Jay of the Clements (John's son) is coming up for a visit next week. Hope to bring him to church as well.

Prayers:
Please keep praying for the Lord's guidance to the church as we struggle to grow and serve our congregation and our community..

PCBC By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 11/13/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
We celebrate Gail and Charles' upcoming wedding, 11/26.
John Flowers traveling to Houston this weekend to help his mother celebrate her 90th birthday.

Prayer requests:

Please pray for Cathy Clement. A prescription change reduced her antidepressant dosage, and she has been battling severe depression for a couple of weeks. She has now doubled her dosage, and we pray for her overcoming the disease.

Larry asked for continuing prayers for his wife Nora. He tried to get her admitted for mental health treatment, but the therapist who reviewed the case refused to commit her. He will be looking for other ways to get her help.

We're also praying for Jerry Pruitt, going into quadruple bypass surgery on Tuesday; and for his wife Tamara, for putting her burdens in the hands of the Great Physician; and for discernment and steady hands for the surgeons...

...And for Bill and April King, still grieving the sudden death last week of Bill's father Bill Sr., for comfort and peace in the certain knowledge that he is with the Father and they will see him again.

Dee Stayner asked for continuing prayers for her sister Nancy, still hoping to have someone (besides her lawyer) to go with her at her court appearance in late December.

Claudia McManamey asked for prayers for a niece (nephew's ex-wife), Becky; her son (Alex, in his early twenties) has told her he no longer wants to associate with her or have her visit him; she is very distraught. The son has been diagnosed as bipolar, and his actions are affecting both of them.

Phil Ridgway asked for continuing prayers for his mom, trying to get into an assisted living facility.

Please keep praying for our church. With growth come organizational and space/facilities problems, and we need prayer and discernment in the church body to hear God's will for us.

PCBC By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 11/6/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
John Flowers offered praises... this week (facing a new boss at his job) things went well, better than he had expected. Pray this continues. He also requested travel mercies: traveling to Houston this coming weekend to help his mother celebrate her 90th birthday.

Prayer requests:
Larry Springer's car has passed inspection (new exhaust, worked hard to put it in), and now he will take on getting his wife Nora to treatment. Please pray for recovery for her. Larry also mentioned his son's sister-in-law and her husband (Glenn and Christine Pruitt), going to Wycliffe Bible Translators before setting out on mission; please pray for them, since these projects go on for years. Also John (son) and wife Dawn, getting training in church planting and hoping next year to plant a Vineyard church near Gainesville.

Dee Stayner asked for continuing prayers for her sister Nancy, a long-haul trucker battling a traffic charge in the Dakotas, something she is totally innocent of... she goes to trial on December 29; she hopes to have someone (besides her lawyer) to go with her. Dee also asked for prayers for her neighbor Steven, in need of full-time employment. She is hoping to be approved for a place at a senior-living housing group, which would reduce her costs; the Senior Acceptance Committee meets this week.

Dee also mentioned those people in the northeast of the U.S., still without power from last week's storm.

Jim and Claudia McManamey mentioned Judd and Tara Howry, trying to round up resources to go on mission: Judd to Africa, and Tara, her sister and her daughter trying to go to Honduras.

Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his mom, trying to get into an assisted living facility.

Please keep praying for our church. With growth come organizational and space/facilities problems, and we need prayer and discernment in the church body to hear God's will for us. Specifically, today and tomorrow: the business meeting and the church council meeting. Pray for cool heads and logical thinking, Christian grace and charity, and for Don Carmichael as he presents the draft staff handbook. [It went well, by the way.]

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 10/30/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Thanks to all who helped with We Love Woodbridge Fall Festival yesterday!!! In spite of the weather, we had a great time, lots of people came... The balloon dart board was a great success, matched only by the hamster ball. Thanks to John F. who cooked some 380 hot dogs, and to Phil who set up the firepit and Pastor Jay who put up an awning to keep the rain off, and to everyone else (too many to mention)... The kids (and grownups) all seemed to be having fun; there were only two minor injuries (someone fell out of the hamster ball).
Dee read a letter from Jay Clement. He's doing well, sober and working, grateful for all the mail he has received from PCBC folks, and looking for opportunities to volunteer and a church to attend in Florida... He credits the church for loving on him and praying for him. Please keep it up.

Prayer requests:
Larry Springer's new granddaughter (the 11th grandchild!) born 10/23, doing better but still in the hospital for a couple more days. Her name is Rowan. We pray for her full health. Larry also mentioned trying to get his car to pass inspection (new exhaust, he will try to put it in), and continuing efforts to help his wife take her medicine and recover her mental health.

Dee Stayner asked for prayers for her sister Nancy, a long-haul trucker battling a traffic charge in the Dakotas, something she is totally innocent of... she goes to trial on December 29.

Jim and Claudia McManamey again mentioned their granddaughter Tori, suffering from ongoing soreness in her wrist (she's a gymnast, and this seriously interferes with her participation in the sport). He also mentioned work concerns.
John Flowers also mentioned work concerns. A reorganization at his job may mean he has to retire; he'll find out this week.

Please keep praying for our church. With growth come organizational and space/facilities problems, and we need prayer and discernment in the church body to hear God's will for us.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 9/18/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
On travel: our pastor, facing the heat in Ghana. We pray for him and Deb to be safe, work hard and successfully in the pastoral field, and come back to us.
The church was very active this past week in working to serve the folks who are homeless following the recent storms. We praise God for the service of pastors Doug and Jay (actually both Dougs and Deb as well as Jay, until they left for Ghana), and Donna our secretary who was tireless in communicating with everyone, and all the church member volunteers who worked very hard to find resources, solicit donations, sort clothes and other stuff and get it to the hurting families in the shelters. The church also helped the Schaeffer family move into another trailer, and church members donated furniture and other stuff to furnish the new place.

Prayer requests:
Phillip RIdgway's dad is back home in California. He is doing better after his misadventures with diabetes on their Alaska cruise (including having to be MedEvac'ed to Juneau from the cruise ship).
Phillip also asked for prayers for his mom, living in Newport News; she is on a waiting list for a good assisted living facility.

Claudia McManamey's son-in-law Judd Howry is in training for his prison ministry service at the end of October. There is still time to help out for meals and other resources. Contact the McManameys or John Clement. Also, Claudia mentioned their grandson Ryan Howry, who had labored over a paper he had to present in one of his classes; he had prayed and worried about presenting it from a Christian viewpoint, but it was well received by his teacher and most of his classmates.

Cathy Clement is going back to school! Well, to Liberty University more specifically; she has started a course of study leading to a master's degree in counseling, an offshoot of her dedication to the DivorceCare ministry. Please pray for her as she explores this vocation of service.

Please keep praying for our church, our ethic of service, and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 8/14/2011

Also don't forget: the We Love Woodbridge festival, Saturday, August 27th, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday school classes have been asked to each contribute a game; we're going to do a balloon dart throw. John C. has committed to cooking the hot dogs. Help is welcomed, both with the both and the cooking, and you can ask pastors Doug Shank or Jay Holliday where else help is needed. Please jump in; we hope all the Potomac Crest family will participate and show our neighbors what PCBC is all about!

Praises, travel mercies:
On travel: the McManameys, in Michigan; Dee Stayner, heading out to Iowa Tuesday of next week. We wish them (and all the folks taking sons and daughters to college) safe travels and God speed. Praises for Gail Ryder, back from a family trip to Cancun. Daughter Raven is getting into shape to enter Navy basic training in September. Also, Larry Springer is back from a week in Wisconsin, including his 50th high school reunion.

Prayer requests:
Phillip RIdgway's dad is still struggling with diabetes issues, as well as his chest pains and blood pressure fluctuations. Having difficulty moving and feeling weak makes him depressed. We pray for the doctors' discernment and for help in healing. Please keep praying for him.
Larry Springer asked for prayers for Nora, his wife. Her paranoid symptoms have returned.
We're also praying for Jerry Ellis, who had a minor heart attack this past week and is still not feeling 100%; he goes to his cardiologist this week. Please pray for relief, and also for Jacquie (wife) and Jeremi (son).

Also pray for Mike Alberry (in the Divorce Care class)'s mom; she is in an intensive-care unit where she lives in upstate New York, and suffering from diabetes and kidney failure. He has gone up to be with her.

Please pray for our church and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains. As he said in today's sermon, we need to be viral disciples -- disciples of Christ that everyone who comes in contact with wants to know better and tell others about us. Our church will become viral with God's Word when we are viral talmidim...

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 8/7/2011

Also don't forget: the We Love Woodbridge festival, August 27th. Sunday school classes have been asked to each contribute a game. We still have time to come up with something. All of Potomac Crest needs to participate and show our neighbors what PCBC is all about!

Praises, travel mercies:
We remember, pray for, and ask travel mercies for all our college students, starting to go back to school for the fall term. School starts won't be far behind.
Becky Bolton finished her nurse's training, with a 3.9 GPA! Now she has to take her licensing exam.
Jay Clement is doing well at the Florida sober living program. He has two jobs, and is trying to decide which one to keep; he has a sponsor and a couple of accountability partners, and is going on sixty days sober. We thank everyone who has written him; knowing he has PCBC behind him has been a powerful motivator.
The McManameys will be traveling to Michigan for a couple of weeks, visiting with Jim's family. We wish them safe travels.

Prayer requests:
Phillip's dad was in church and class today. Doctors still don't know what to do with his chest pains and blood pressure fluctuations. We pray for the doctors' discernment and for help in healing. Please keep praying for him.
Our good friend and church member "Gadget" Williams will be going in for prostate surgery on Monday, after which he will be laid up for several weeks. We pray for a good outcome and quick healing.
Mary Dunlap asked for prayers for her brother Richard and his wife Sheryl. They will be facing a major life change, and Mary asked that we pray for a successful outcome.
Judd Howry (McManamey son-in-law) visited class today. He asked for prayers for healing for his daughter Tory, who broke her wrist in gymnastics over a month ago and kept exercising, not realizing it was broken... she now has it splinted. He also mentioned the Kairos prison ministry in which he is active. His group will be at the Eastern Correctional Institute in Maury, NC in October, working with prisoners doing very long, hard time, bringing the Word, cooking for the prisoners, staying for several days. He asked for prayers during the period they are at the prison (October 27-30); there is a sign-up sheet to pray, and they hope to decorate the ECI gym with a chain of prayer promises... email John Clement if you want to sign up. One can also contribute for meals and home-baked cookies for the prisoners...

Claudia McM. also mentioned Judd and Tara's son Ryan, about to give a talk to his 10th-grade class reviewing the book Lord of the Flies from a Biblical perspective. He has been challenged for his Christian views before, but he refuses to back down. We pray for his message to be heard...

We're still keeping the Bolton family in our prayers.
Please pray for our church and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains.

We're all out of contributors to the snack list! Anyone want to restart it?

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 7/17/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
The Ryder family will be travelling to Cancun, Mexico this coming week. Raven will be going to her Military Entrance Processing on Monday, and the family will be off on vacation right after that. We wish them all the best, and Raven (and the whole family) will be in our prayers from now on.
Phillip Ridgway, Phil Edney and Kim Glasoe are 'gone fishin' '. We hope they're having a great time, and a safe return.
Sue Ridgway also mentioned her daughter Stacey, who for the first time has car payments in her own name. She has a couple of jobs, including teaching kickboxing and, of course, finishing college.
A big praise: Jay Clement (John's son) is at a sober healing program in Boca Raton, Florida. He completed his 28-day program, passed with sober colors, and is settling in. He reports it is hot and boring (it's slow season, and it's hard to find a job; he's thinking of volunteering somewhere until he finds a job) but he's happy to be staying clean in a structured environment. If you want to write him, it's Jay Clement, c/o Boca House, 321 West Camino Real, Boca Raton FL 33432. He thanks everyone for the support and prayers, and promises to write back to all writers -- as he says, that's about all there is to do.
The McManamey's offered a praise. Their daughter Dawn and her husband John are seeing better times; he is happy at his new job, and they have found a house to rent. [We have been praying for them, as they've faced a couple of very hard years as his income was severely reduced in the economic downturn. And their only child is now heading off to college at Radford...]
Jim McManamey offered praises -- Claudia continues to improve, as Jim says approaching complete recovery asymptotically.
Visitor to our class this week: Zan Sellers. Welcome, Zan!


Prayer requests:
Phillip's dad, Randy, is at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington with chest pains and very irregular heartbeat and blood pressure fluctuations. He has not yet been seen by a cardiologist. We pray for the doctors' discernment and for help in healing.
Larry Springer has been showing some abnormally high numbers on a liver function test. We pray for medical discernment and healing.
Sue Ridgway's mom is home, recovering from surgery (really, reconstruction) of her shoulder.
Cathy Clement asks for prayers for her mom, Jean Smith. Jean likely suffered a small stroke about ten days ago, and has been battling some memory loss and confusion. We worry about her recovery and about her control of her diabetes under these conditions. She saw her primary-care physician on Friday; we pray she can recover fully. She's not used to being helped; she's always been the one to help everyone else.
We're still keeping the Bolton family in our prayers.
Please pray for our church and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains.

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list. We're all out of contributors!

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 5/29/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Cathy Clement offered a praise for her daughter, finished with the eleventh grade this weekend. She will be staying with us for a month between late June and July.
Travel mercies for all (PCBC family and everyone else) traveling this weekend. Return home safe. We also ask for travel mercies and recognition for everyone in the Rolling Thunder march.
Let's remember what this weekend, this holiday, is about: the people who have sacrificed lives and grievous wounds for this nation, in our dedication to freedom and democracy. We may not always agree with our leaders, but we recognize the heart and spirit of our defenders. Take a moment to meditate, remember, pray, and thank our veterans.

Prayer requests:
We continue to pray for the victims of the floods in the Mississippi, and of the disastrous tornado in Joplin, Mo.
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his dad -- he has diabetes and has issues with the complications of the disease.
John Flowers asked for prayers for a brother-in-law, Greg. He's battling cancer, and so far has been doing well with the medication. Please pray for healing. John also asked for prayers for daughter Candace, looking for a job while continuing to go to college.
The McManameys asked for prayers for comfort for the Blecka family, friends of theirs. The father passed away some months ago, from cancer. The family had felt recovered from their grief enough to go on a cruise (mother, daughters, sons-in-law together), only to have one of the sons-in-law die suddenly during the cruise. The family is suffering grief anew.
Jim and Claudia's daughter Tara visited our class, with her son. She asked for prayers for her husband Judd, on a medical mission trip in Honduras; he is leading music and evening prayer services.
Keep Phil and Sue in your prayers, as they prepare for their wedding!
Please keep the Bolton family in your prayers.
Please pray for our church and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains.

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list. We're all out of contributors!

Reminder: next Sunday, June 5th, is Potomac Crest's 25th anniversary! There will only be a 10:30 a.m. service, and then a giant potluck. and musical festivities. Do plan to attend! There won't be any evening events afterward. Evening classes will resume on June 12th.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 5/22/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Dwayne and Rhonda Perce will be on travel, to visit their grandson (and daughter) next weekend.
Travel mercies, now that I think of it, for all those on the road this coming weekend. Drive safely, and come back to us!
Gina McDonald is praising the Lord -- she had a much better week.
John Flowers and family are down in Norfolk, visiting son JK and Chrystal.

Prayer requests:
We pray for the victims of the floods in the Mississippi, and of the disastrous tornado in Joplin, Mo.
Rhonda Pierce has been having chest pains, and will have to wear a heart monitor so doctors can figure out what's going on. We pray for discernment and curing.
The Pierces also asked for prayers for his cousin's family -- they had a trailer destroyed in a tornado.
We are praying for Doug Duty's fellow pastor, Dave Williamson. Due to dissonance at his church, he has been forced to resign. He has been a friend and accountability partner to Doug, and has come to the Men's Retreat and been a great support. We pray for the Lord to show him His plan for the path forward.
Cathy and John are battling sinus infections, persistent coughing... yecch. Pray for healing.
Keep Phil and Sue in your prayers, as they prepare for their wedding!
Please pray for our church and our pastor's message... with growth come growing pains.

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list. We're all out of contributions!

Reminder: all Sunday evening activities are cancelled for the next two weeks -- Memorial Day Sunday and June 5th, Potomac Crest's anniversary! There will only be a 10:30 a.m. service, and then a giant potluck. Do plan to attend!

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 5/15/2011

Apologies for not doing the prayer request list last week... Still recovering, much busyness.

Praises, travel mercies:
Travel mercies for Cathy Clement -- traveling to Alabama/West Fla. for mother's birthday, nephew's graduation, visit with daughter Veronica... also the Flowers family travels to Hampton, VA next weekend to visit son JK. JK and Crystal will be spending a year in Italy, studying for a pair of Master's degrees!
Praises -- Larry Springer had been battling lower back pain, and his back is much better.


Prayer requests:
John Flowers and Cathy Clement asked for prayers; both are facing office reorganization issues, and are having a hard time. Cathy will have a telephone job interview tomorrow.
We pray for all the people in the path of Mississippi river floodwaters... pray for safety, caution.
Other people in our prayers, having a bad week: Gina McDonald, Jay Clement.
Keep Phil and Sue in your prayers, as they prepare for their wedding!
Please pray for our church and our pastor... with growth come growing pains.

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list. We're all out of contributions!

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 4/17/2011

We will definitely have Sunday School class next week, Easter Sunday.

Praises, travel mercies:
Many praises this week -- seem to be outweighing the prayer requests. We like it that way!
Pastor preached an awesome sermon for today, Palm Sunday, on the theme of Jesus' victorious entry into Jerusalem. We thank the Lord for these words and the inspiration.
Rhonda Pierce said she gives praises for having a wonderful husband. Dwayne was blushing, but neither of them would tell us what specifically (if anything in particular) she is praising the Lord for.
The McManameys gave praises: their son John got the job he had been waiting these months for -- at a bank in Falls Church. He starts April 29th. On the same front, Gail Ryder said her son Jason got a promotion at his job. These are tough times for job seekers: we thank the Lord for good job news.
Sue Fitzhugh gave praises for Phil's mother's quick recovery from a bout of pneumonia. She was in the hospital for a short time, came out feeling much better than she had for a long time; Phil had gone to take care of her and they ended up spending time together.
Dee Stayner said a praise for the Easter cantata the choir has been preparing for today's 11 a.m. service.
Claudia gave a strong testimony of praise for the ladies' retreat this past weekend. Much sharing of experiences, with people stepping out in faith to give their testimony and much love and support and fellowship. We thank the Holy Spirit for being present throughout, and also the organizers: Lisa Qualls, Rochelle Carlson, Tina Heiby, Deb Duty, Lillian Shank, for putting together a great event.
Travel mercies for Cathy Clement's daughter Veronica, coming to Virginia for a visit this coming Tuesday through Saturday.


Prayer requests:
Cathy Clement has a second job interview on Monday afternoon, at a different part of the Education Department. Pray for the Lord to make clear His will for her... she still doesn't know what she'll do if they offer her the job.
Prayers for Lisa Qualls, suffering from severe pain in her hip joint. She will need surgery; we pray for recovery and relief from pain.
We pray for Jay Clement, going through pain and depression as he deals with divorce issues.
Susan Fitzhugh asked for prayers for a coworker, Rick; his daughter (25) was found dead in her apartment this past week. We also pray for a coworker of John Flowers', whose daughter (7) died suddenly this past week.
Also, Sue mentioned their friends Bernard and Donna. Their dog was badly bitten by another dog, and has needed a couple of surgeries; their daughter Shelby has had to go to the hospital with ruptured ovarian cysts. Pray for relief for all concerned, and grace under pressure for them.
We continue to pray for Deb Talbot's grandmother; for Larry Springer's dental issues, and for Phil Ridgway and Sue Fitzhugh as they prepare for their wedding; for the Bolton family as they struggle; and for our church members and leaders.

Snack list for our class:

4/24: John Flowers

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 4/10/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
The ladies' retreat, by all accounts, was a great success -- marred only by Jacquie Ellis' vehicle being rear-ended at a stop light. No one was injured, thank the Lord; she had a full car. They were able to continue on the trip. Otherwise, much joy and fellowship, prayer and fun and sharing.
John and Lydia are back from Houston, after the funeral of her father and, the next week, of a close cousin. We continue to pray for comfort for the family. Meanwhile, John (with Lydia's help and urging) found a much better nursing home situation for his mother. This takes a huge weight off the family's heart. He also reports his sister is finally going to go through a probate process for her late husband's estate this month, and (whatever happens) it will be a relief to get this long awaited ordeal over with.
We ask for safe travels for Veronica, Cathy Clement's daughter, coming up for a week's visit next week.
Gail Ryder offered praises -- her two foster children (she's had them for several months) will be going to a family placement soon. Gail will be able to devote her full attention to Raven's senior year, proms and events.
We offer praises to the Lord for influencing our politician's thoughts away from a government shutdown this past weekend.

Prayer requests:
John Flowers offered praises and asked for prayers for the ongoing Truth Project class. We also continue to pray for Lydia and the Flowers family -- she is busy with Easter and VBS preparations.
Larry has a sore jaw and trouble opening his mouth fully. TMJ. We pray for recovery.
Cathy Clement's job interview seemed to go well; let's see now what happens next. She is praying over what decision she will have to make.
We continue to pray for Phil Ridgway and Sue Fitzhugh as they prepare for their wedding; for the Bolton family as they struggle; and for our church members and leaders.

Snack list for our class:
4/10: John and Cathy Clement
4/17:
4/24: John Flowers

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 4/3/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
We ask for safe travels for all the PCBC women traveling to Camp Crossroads next weekend. They leave Friday and return Sunday; we offer praise that 42 ladies are planning to attend!
Also, travel mercies and prayers for the Flowers family; John and Lydia are in Houston for the funeral of her father. We pray for comfort for the family.
Pastor Doug (the senior) is back with us this Sunday. He is still not 100% recovered from a viral infection; he has lost weight and his appetite has not returned, and he is not sleeping well. But he is in good spirits. We pray for his continued recovery.

Prayer requests:
Dee Stayner asked for prayers for peace of mind for herself and her daughter Kristy, who is still battling separation and divorce issues. Kristy is on the verge of moving into a place of her own.
Cathy Clement mentioned she has a job interview this coming Friday; at the same agency, but a different division.
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for Sue and himself, as they prepare for their wedding June 4th. Patience and accord for them as a couple.
Claudia McManamey mentioned that Jim will be seeing a specialist this week, to get a second opinion on his medical issues. We pray for discernment by the doctors.
We continue to ask for prayers for the Bolton family.

Snack list for our class:
4/10: John and Cathy Clement
4/17:
4/24: John Flowers

Please send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 3/6/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
We give praise to the lord for the ordination of Reverend Doug Shank (aka 'pastor TOD') Sunday evening. It was a beautiful ceremony, and we had a great turnout.
Rhonda Pierce is back from a visit with her daughter and grandson; had a very good visit. Her daughter is still in school, and grandson is beautiful and growing. Dwayne is also back safe from travels.
Phil Ridgway is full of praise. His house is almost finished with remodeling and fixups, and he has renters: Phil and Brendalee Edney, of our church.
Jim McManamey asked for travel-related prayers. He has to go out of town, but he asks for prayers for Claudia, who he hates to leave alone.
The Clements will be away for two Sundays; we have to travel to points South, in part to visit family, in part for work. We leave prayer requests in the capable hands of our class colleagues.

Prayer requests:
John Flowers has been in touch with Gene Cox, who used to lead the Men's Ministry at Potomac Crest. He is doing OK, but he worries that the brain aneurysm (with which he has been diagnosed) is affecting his memory. John and Gene are going to meet up some time next week. We ask for prayers for recovery.
Sue Fitzhugh asked for prayers for a longtime friend, Becky. She has been a victim of spousal abuse for a long time, and finally asked Sue for the name of a divorce lawyer. We pray she may find peace and improve her situation; Sue also is praying for her friend to find Christ and be saved.
Cathy Clement asks for continued prayers for her daughter Veronica. She is still in transition with a tough divorce, but her father and stepmother have signed papers and there is (at least for the moment) peace in their household. We will be going to Fairhope, AL to visit with her this coming weekend.
Cathy also asked for prayers for Marie, a colleague at work. She is wrestling with a difficult work situation, and having to face that some of these issues are of her own making and will have consequences.
Dee Stayner asked for continuing prayers for her daughter Kristy, wrestling with money issues in her divorce.
John Flowers mentioned a colleague at work, Elijah, who is facing brain surgery this week. He also mentioned his parents, with health and nursing-home issues.
John also asked that we keep the Boltons in our prayers. Jason is back in jail, and will be there at least until April. Becky is doing well enough, but times are tough.
The children's ministry is looking for someone to help with advertising and public-service announcements for Vacation Bible School this summer. Planning and design are getting under way, and it's not too soon to begin planning ads. If anyone can help, please see Heather Zerkle.
We ask, as always, for prayers for our church. We are growing, and with growth comes pressure, from a possible van ministry to the need for more church facilities.

Snack list for our class:

3/13: Phil Ridgway and Sue Fitzhugh
3/20:
3/27: Mary Dunlap
4/3: Claudia and Jim McManamey
4/10:
4/17:
4/24: John Flowers

Send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 2/27/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Thanks to John Flowers for taking prayer requests and praises this week.
Susan Fitzhugh and Phil Ridgway gave praises for an outstanding vacation at his sister's rental. They report their wedding plans are progressing.
Cathy Clement is back from visiting her daughter Veronica this weekend. We ask for continued prayers for Veronica, in a difficult family situation with her father and stepmother.
Dee Stayner offered a praise -- she had misplaced a camera and found it.
Larry Springer said Nora, his wife, continues to do well. Their daughter and her family came over for a visit.

Prayer requests:
Jim McManamey asked for prayers for his office situation: "things are just crazy." There is concern about a possible Federal government shutdown. Jim and Claudia also asked for prayers for their daughter, as she travels in Europe and Asia for the next 3 1/2 weeks.
John Flowers mentioned a prayerful concern for Rhonda and Dwayne Pierce. She is no longer in the choir, and we have not seen them in class for a few weeks.
Please keep the Bolton family in your prayers. Continued prayer is needed.
The church choir is rehearsing the Easter music program. We look forward to hearing them!

Snack list for our class:
3/6: John and Cathy Clement
3/13: Phil Ridgway and Sue Fitzhugh
3/20:
3/27: Mary Dunlap
4/3: Claudia and Jim McManamey
4/10:
4/17:
4/24: John Flowers

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 2/20/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Cathy Clement will be traveling to visit her daughter Veronica this coming weekend. We pray for safe travels, and continued prayers for Veronica, in a difficult family situation with her father and stepmother.
Deb Duty is back and recovered from the flu; we give thanks.
Gail Ryder said things are going better with her family; the foster children are doing well, and she has had fresh thoughts about her daughter Raven deciding to join the Navy.
Rachelle Carson brought us two guests to Sunday School class: Anthony and Paul, from the Community for Creative Nonviolence (CCNV) homeless shelter ministry in the District. Anthony is looking to start a street ministry; Paul is a patient at CCNV, recovering from being run over in a hit-and-run, having required multiple surgeries. We welcome them and will pray for Anthony's ministry and Paul's recovery.
Claudia and Jim McManamey gave praises: this week she has been able to recover walking with a heel-and-toe motion, another sign of her recovery.
Larry Springer said Nora, his wife, continues to do well.

Prayer requests:
Cathy Clement asked for prayers for her brother R.L. Smith and his family, especially Dee, his wife. Her mother, Ann Hollenbeck, passed away this week after a renewed struggle with cancer. Dee and her mother were very close; this is very hard for the two families.
We ask for continued prayers for the Rickard and Cramer families; especially Sherry and also Bill's mother. Sherry will be carrying the burdens of the family going forward. Don't forget to help with support for the Youth Hike, which they are doing to make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Bill's name.
Please keep the Bolton family in your prayers. Prayer is needed now.
Dee Stayner asked for prayers for her daughter Kristy, who is struggling with roller-coaster ups and downs in her divorce.
Claudia McManamey mentioned her daughter Dawn and Dawn's husband. They are still struggling with financial issues, waiting for a job that he's applied for. On the positive side, a temporary job for Dawn has been extended; it will involve travel to several countries, and Claudia asks prayers for her safety.
Please keep the Clements in prayer for the DivorceCare and GriefShare classes. Cathy needs to find someone who can help as a co-facilitator with the DivorceCare ministry.
Claudia also mentioned a person at her sister-in-law's church who has just been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Claudia asks for prayer: she knows personally the struggle that faces this person on the road to recovery.
Larry Springer asked for prayer for a semi-retired minister from Grace Baptist Church and the Grace Filipino church, Charlie Chilton. He's had a recurrence of the prostate cancer that was in remission. Please pray for Charlie and his wife.

Snack list for our class:
2/20: Dee Stayner
2/27:
3/6: John and Cathy Clement
3/13: Phil Ridgway and Sue Fitzhugh
3/20:
3/27: Mary Dunlap
4/3: Claudia and Jim McManamey
4/10:
4/17:
4/24: John Flowers

Send John C. a message if you want to add your name to the snack list.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 2/13/2011

Our friend Bill Rickard passed away on Monday 2/14. We know he's healed and in Heaven; we pray for comfort for Sherry, their daughter Christina, his sister Eileen Kramer and her husband Craig and their children. Our whole church is shaken -- we had all shared in Bill and his family's struggle. We pray for all of us to feel Christ's loving arms around us and be able to support the family.

Praises, travel mercies:
Dee Stayner offered praises -- her daughter Kristy has found a place to rent for herself, her daughter and the family pets. Prayers as she goes through her divorce. Also, Dee had asked last week for prayers for her mother's back pain and inflammation. A visit to a specialist has almost completely reduced the inflammation, and she is feeling enormously better.
The Valentine's banquet at the church Saturday night was a lovely event: beautifully decorated (thanks, Lydia and the team!), great food and well attended. Larry Springer and his wife Nora were there! We thank everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success.
Jim and Claudia McManamey -- 46 wonderful years together! Happy Valentine's day to them -- and to all our happy couples.
John Flowers gave a praise -- work is going almost unbelievably well.


Prayer requests:
Cathy Clement asks for prayers for her daughter Veronica, in a difficult family situation. Her father and stepmother are fighting and talking about separation.
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his dad, Randy. He goes in for eye surgery on March 2nd. We also continue to pray for Phil Ridgway's sister, Candy. She is worried about Donnie, her husband.
Mary Dunlap asks for prayers for her daughter Brianna -- teen issues. The driving is, however, going well. Mary also mentioned her sister-in-law's grandmother (near 80): back broken from a fall downstairs.
Claudia McManamey mentioned that Jim's visit to the specialist had at least eliminated cancer or kidney stones as possible causes of his symptoms, but that causes are still unknown; he will be looking for a second opinion. We continue to pray for discernment and healing.
Gail Ryder asked for prayers. No, it's not the foster children; they're fine. Raven, her daughter, has decided she wants to volunteer for the Navy.
Deb Duty is sick with what seems to be a serious case of the flu. She was briefly taken to hospital for high fever and dehydration, and is now back home with her daughter in Tennessee. We pray for her prompt recovery.
Dee Stayner mentioned her sister Nancy Weide, a long-haul trucker. She has discovered she was suffering from long-term exposure to carbon monoxide, and is back home and not working. Her recovery is not at all certain.
John also mentioned that Kim Glasoe and John are beginning (next Sunday) to go through the Truth Project class. This is a 13-week series; if you have heard about the Truth Project and want more information, contact either person.
We continue to lift up in prayer Cathy Clement's sister-in-law's mother, Ann Hollenbeck, for lung cancer. Also, Lydia Flowers' dad, at a nursing home and still not responding strongly. John also asked for prayers for his mother's nursing home situation.
Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday 2/6/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Rhonda Pierce asked for travel mercies for Dwayne, on travel through the week until next Saturday.
Larry Springer offered praises to the Lord; his wife Nora is continuing on a good course; she has agreed to come to the Valentine's Day church dinner! We hope her path toward healing continues...
John Flowers said his niece is settling in well at the house; she is looking for a church to attend.

Prayer requests:
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his sister, Candy. She is worried about Donnie, her husband; they have been looking to work on deepening their religious involvement, and he is having trouble facing the changes they are moved to make...
Eileen Kramer reported on her brother, Bill Rickard. This coming week is the end of his engraftment. He has been on a roller coaster of discomfort and pain as his body adjusts to the new cells. We are in prayer for his white cell count to go up as a result. Please keep Sherry and Bill (and the Rickard and Kramer families) in your prayers; this is a hard time for them.
We continue to pray for Keith Holloman of our church. Neal Smith says "I spoke with Keith he made it home safely and his mother (Peggy) is doing well.. Peggy had a small set back her first night at the rehabilitation center. She fell and broke her left wrist. Please pray for continuing healing and guidance for both Keith and Peggy."
Dee Stayner asks us to pray for her mother, Alice Stayner. She has been suffering from severe back pain; she finally saw a specialist and had some pictures taken. She has three herniated disks. They are talking about surgery (she is near 80 years old). She asks that we also continue praying for her daughter Kristy. She is seeing a divorce lawyer on Monday.
John Flowers asked for prayers for his family; Lydia's father had to go to the emergency room this week. He appears to have had a series of small strokes, and has difficulty understanding what is happening, and also walking and talking. Also, his brother-in-law is in recovery from surgery.
John also mentioned that Kim Glasoe and John are beginning (next Sunday) to go through the Truth Project class. This is a 13-week series; if you have heard about the Truth Project and want more information, contact either person.
We continue to lift up in prayer Cathy Clement's sister-in-law's mother, Ann Hollenbeck, for lung cancer.
Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday1/30/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
We thank the Lord that everyone made it safely through last week's storm, even if aggravated. We pray for those who have lost power; not everyone has had it restored, even tonight (Monday night). Larry Springer was out of power for two days, but he had much backup.

Prayer requests:
Sue Fitzhugh asked for continued prayers for her coworker, Raquel. She had tests, and the results showed she has a liver disease known as TSGS; her liver is not filtering as it should. She is too weak to work, worried about caring for her 4-year-old daughter (Margo). On the good side, Sue reports her long-term boyfriend is finally talking about marriage.
Sue and Phil Ridgway asked for prayers as they work out their own marriage arrangements. A praise: his house is almost ready to rent.
We continue to pray for Keith Holloman of our church. His mother suffered a stroke, and he traveled down last Sunday to see her. She was sent home; Keith has now found a rehabilitation facility for her. Pray for travel mercies as he returns to Woodbridge and for his mother (Peggy)'s recovery.
Dee Stayner asks us to continue praying for her daughter Kristy. She is going through divorce including issues with the husband and her daughter.
Gail Ryder says she still has the two foster children, but they may soon be returning to their family (though not to the parents). She is coping and the children are doing better, but it's hard.
Larry Springer asked for prayers for the family of a friend from his former church's Bible study group. Stan Post was 94 when he fell; he broke his hip, and they tried for a full replacement. He died two days after the surgery.
We continue to pray for Clementina Zelaya, a cancer victim; she needs to find a home for herself and her daughter. [See Bill King if you have any ideas to help.] We also continue to pray for the Bolton family (Jason passed his CDL exam, is on probation, and has a job). We pray for the family to continue healing.
John Flowers asked for prayers for his family as they work on the family's home/work/church balance.
Sue Fitzhugh asked for prayers for guidance for her older daughter Stacy. She is trying to decide between finishing her Bachelor's degree program and going on to graduate school, or going into a different program that leads to two Bachelor's degrees (and takes a year longer).
We continue to lift up in prayer Cathy Clement's sister-in-law's mother, Ann Hollenbeck, for lung cancer. Also Gina McDonald's friend Misty and her family (house fire). Phil Ridgway -- continued prayers for comfort for his friend James, on the loss of his wife; and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia. He is reacting strongly to his treatment and is in much pain and discomfort.
Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday1/23/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Rhonda Pierce offered praises to the Lord for her daughter Brittney, who has changed her major to computer programming and is much happier and doing much better.
Claudia and Jim McManamey offered praises for Claudia's continued recovery. She visited her neurologist, who said there had been 'dramatic improvement.' Their grandson Ryan Howry has been in a poetry recital and won the county prize; he now moves on to the state competition.
Mary Dunlap (recovering from a cold and much YEC chaperoning): praises -- her sister-in-law had a baby, Mason. Mother and child are doing well. Also, her ex-husband found a part-time job, and his unemployment payment situation resolved in his favor. She has lots of praises for a very successful YEC -- the youth worked hard, worshipped well and had a wonderful time.

Prayer requests:
Please pray for the following church members and families: Olthea Croom's sister is battling cancer, which appears to have metastasized. Keith Holloman traveled urgently to visit his mother, Peggy Hampton, who suffered a stroke. Susan and Beth Aluise have a prayer request '...for my friend's father-in law -- Mike Brown. He was diagnosed over the holidays with terminal lung cancer. No one in either of the families knows Christ, although we have been praying for, and witnessing to, my friend for more than 20 years. My friend said he would very much appreciate our prayers and the prayers of the church. Pray for God's healing and for the salvation of this whole family through such a mighty work of God.' Also we pray for a family that Mike Durham and his family have been ministering to. This is a mother with terminal cancer (Clementina Zelaya) and her daughter. Bill King writes: 'Needs God. Mike has been praying about doing a bible study to teach her. They have no money and may be evicted.We are praying for a family or member who is willing to open up their home, who will do it for no money. The mother is praying that she will be able to live long enough to see her daughter graduate.'
Susan Fitzhugh asked for prayers for a former coworker, Raquel. She suffered a miscarriage in December, and has had a lot of pain since then; she has been admitted to Prince William Hospital. It is feared she has an autoimmune disorder. She is single and has a 4-year-old child.
Jim McManamey has ongoing tests to figure out what is going on with him. We pray for doctors' discernment. Also their daughter and son-in-law (Dawn and John) continue to have financial issues; he has not found a better-paying job, and she had the classes she is teaching severely cut, but she also has received another travel job. Their daughter (Claudia and Jim's granddaughter) has missed a lot of school due to illness, and is now a senior struggling to graduate with her class.
Dee Stayner asked for prayers for her younger sister. The Stotts family is going through family issues; please pray for harmony. Dee also asked for continued prayers for her daughter Kristy, who is going through divorce and having a hard time with it.
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for his sister, Candy, and her husband Donnie -- he is a Christian, but he is struggling with his faith.
We continue to lift up in prayer Cathy Clement's sister-in-law's mother, Ann Hollenbeck, for lung cancer. Also Gina McDonald's friend Misty and her family (house fire). Phil Ridgway -- continued prayers for comfort for his friend James, on the loss of his wife. We continue to pray for the Bolton family (Jason passed his CDL exam and has a job); and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia. He is reacting strongly to his treatment and is in much pain.
Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday1/9/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
Travel mercies for Rhonda Pierce's daughter Brittney, driving back home to North Carolina ahead of the storm. And also for everyone coming back from vacation.
Gail Ryder said her foster children are doing better; the four-year-old still has some anger issues, but the baby is a delight.
Claudia McManamey gave praises for her continued recovery toward a normal life; she has decided to ignore the frowns of her neurologist, who thinks her lower-body nerve conduction is not yet fully recovered.
Stacie Barker, a missionary in South Africa adopted by the Faith Builders Sunday School class, came and talked to both services on Sunday, and they organized a potluck after the 11 a.m. service. Much fellowship, and much food. We thank the Lord for Stacie and her dedication to spreading the Good Word.

Prayer requests:
We lift up in prayer the families of those killed and the wounded victims of the shooting this past Saturday in Tucson, Arizona.
Claudia McManamey asked for continued prayers for her husband, Jim. His doctors so far say he doesn't have kidney problems; but he needs more blood work, and there is no diagnosis yet.
John Flowers asked for prayers for the family living next door to them -- the Hickses, battling relationship issues.
Susan Fitzhugh asked for prayers for her friend Donna; she is recovering from back surgery, now at home and doing better, but going stir crazy from not being able to go out.
Larry Springer asked for prayers for a friend from his Bible study group (at a former church): Stan Post is 94, and his body's systems are basically shutting down. He asks for comfort for Stan and his family.
Gina McDonald asked for prayers for her stepfather. He has had back surgery, fused disks and a steel rod. He is recovering, but he is worried about his livelihood -- he paints cars for a living, and he may not have the freedom of motion he would need to keep that job.
Phil Ridgway asked for continued prayer for his father in California. He sees a specialist this Monday.
We continue to pray for the Bolton family (Jason is now back home); and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia.

Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday1/2/2011

Praises, travel mercies:
A joyful and fulfilling 2011 to everyone receiving this message and to all our Potomac Crest congregation! May the spirit of our Lord infuse all of us.
Travel mercies for pastor Doug (Duty) and their family, on their way back from Orlando this week. One hopes Mickey was a genial host. Also, Dee Stayner and her daughter Kristy are going to Orlando for a week, leaving on Sunday.
Claudia McManamey gave praises for her continuing recovery.
Cathy Clement had asked for prayers for her father Ron Smith, who had been diagnosed with an aneurysm and a growth on his neck that appeared to be cancerous. Well, a contrast CT scan showed there was no aneurysm, and the growth turned out to be benign. If Ron were given to jumping in the air and clicking his heels, he would be doing so. We praise the Lord for this good report.
Rhonda Pierce said her daughter was up from North Carolina for a visit.
Larry Springer reports his wife Nora is still doing well and continuing to take her medication.

Prayer requests:
Claudia McManamey asked for prayers for her husband, Jim. He has been having some health problems, and suffering considerable pain. He had a sonogram, and should be hearing the results this week. The medication he's taking seems to be helping; please pray for healing and relief from pain.
Gina McDonald asked for prayers for her friend Misty; her parents' home burned down to the ground this past week. No one was hurt; Gina hopes that this may serve as a warning call and bring these folks to put their faith in Christ and not in material things.
Phil Ridgway asked for prayers for a lifelong friend. James Kaplan's wife passed away on December 18, from complications related to breast cancer. James is distraught over the loss; please pray for him to find peace and comfort.
Phil also mentioned his father, now back in California. He went in for some tests, and doctors found a very high level of protein in his urine. If it cannot be controlled, he will need to have dialysis.
We continue to pray for the Bolton family; and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia. We're also praying for Cheryl Hartung (Jerry and Tamara Pruitt's daughter) who had surgery on the 28th.
Also, please continue to pray for our neighbors with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County as well as the people suffering the cholera epidemic in Haiti.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday12/26/2010

Praises, travel mercies:
The big praise, of course: the birthday of our Lord and Savior.
John Flowers offered praises for safe travel: his son JK and daughter-in-law Crystal arrived safely in Atlanta to spend Christmas with her family.
We ask also for travel mercies for everyone returning home today, with the threat of a snow storm in the area and points south. Dee Heyden's niece Julia is on her way to visit her, passing through Kentucky yesterday.

Prayer requests:
The Zerkle family (very active in the children's ministry) are home sick today; we pray for a quick general recovery.
John asked for prayers for the Flowers family, beginning preparations for the annual Valentine's day dinner at PCBC.
Mike Benfield was visiting our class today, since their Couples class was all away; he asked for prayers for a colleague, Nick Khazal, laid off recently. We pray that he may find his way spiritually, and we pray he may find Jesus; and we also pray that he may find work.
Larry Springer reports that his wife Nora continues to do well; that they visited family for Christmas dinner and things went smoothly. They are both battling colds.
We continue to pray for the Bolton family; for Cathy's dad, Ron Smith; and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia. We're also praying for Diana Heyden and her daughter Kristin, and for Cheryl Hartung (Jerry and Tamara Pruitt's daughter) going in for surgery on the 28th.
Also, please pray for those with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County as well as the people suffering the cholera epidemic in Haiti.

By the Book Prayer Requests for Sunday12/19/2010

Praises, travel mercies:
We welcomed two guests to class: Diane Heyden and her daughter, Kristin. A special-call (short) business meeting was held at the beginning of the 11 a.m. service for the purpose of voting on inviting Jay Holladay to be our new youth pastor. The vote was unanimous in favor. Jay and his family are expected at Potomac Crest around 9 January.
We had a good visit at the Flowers' home on Saturday -- a smaller crowd than we would have preferred, but we had a good time and ate extremely well. John adds praises (and relief) for being done with the big proposal at work; they are now in the negotiation phase.

Prayer requests:
Cathy Clement asked for prayers for a work situation -- a couple of colleagues fighting at her workplace.
Our visitors, Diane and Kristin, asked for prayers. They are both, mother and daughter, going through a difficult situation related to divorces. Please pray for endurance and for the ability to let go of anger, and trust in God to help them find their way.
John Clement asked for prayers for his son Jay: he is battling depression again, and has come down with strep throat -- and he can't take his antidepressants and his antibiotics at the same time. We ask that he find his way forward; the holidays are hard -- there is a lot of separation going on in his life.
Jerry Pruitt (greeter at the 8:30 services, deacon candidate) asked that we put his daughter Cheryl Hartung on our prayer list . She is going to have surgery on December 28; Jerry said it was a touchy operation.
Also, Harry Stickley (a deacon) asked for prayers for a coworker, Samantha. He writes: "My co-worker Samantha was contacted by her doctor earlier this week while she was on travel to come in immediately because of test results. Samantha was overseas so could not go. She is reluctant to hear bad news so decided not to see the doctor even after she returned from the trip. Apparently the doctor called again today urging her to come in to discuss the test results and “options”. Samantha says that she does not want to hear bad news so will wait and see the doctor next week. I told her that we would pray for her but I’m not exactly sure what to pray, except that her condition is not life-threatening."
Becky Bolton said things with her family are good, but issues are still difficult (some financial). Becky finished her second semester of nursing school with great grades; Jason is doing well at CDL training, and hopes he can find a job at the end of training, in mid-January. She asked that we continue to pray for the family's needs, financial and otherwise. We pray that Becky and Jason will find their way forward, with God's help.
We continue to pray for Cathy's dad, Ron Smith; and for Bill Rickard, battling leukemia. He's back home and doing better.
Also, please pray for those with money or job troubles in Woodbridge and Prince William County as well as the people suffering the cholera epidemic in Haiti.