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..