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