Natalie's Grace Notes

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church April 25, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: O God, We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass. We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers. Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thorn bush is aflame with your glory. For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church April 18, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Lord Jesus Christ, the light of your love shines on, illuminating the places where you are present. As the bewildered disciples pondered the stories of your appearance, you penetrated the darkness of their fear and doubt with your word of peace. You showed them the appalling marks of evil pierced on your hands and feet. You opened their minds to understand why you had to die to defeat such evil and death. Increase our understanding, we pray, and open our minds and hearts to receive you . . . Lord, hear our prayer . . . Bring to us O God, the sense of your living presence as we go into this new week. Renew in us the faith you want us to have, the faith that is not afraid to reach out in your name and to share the treasure you have given us, that treasure which is greater than silver and gold . . . Lord – you know our hearts, you know our needs, and y

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church April 11, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Holy God, we confess our doubts. When our childhood understandings fall away, we feel naked. When our long-held beliefs seem to crumble, we feel lost. When our convictions are questioned, we feel ashamed. Guide us into right paths, O God. Guide our feet into the way of peace. guide our hands to care for others. guide our hearts to love our neighbors. Call us back to You, O Christ, and renew our faith. When the ground is unsteady, loving God, put us back on right paths by doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with You. Amen. Assurance The Lord is our chosen portion and our cup. God binds us in, counsels our minds and instructs our hearts. God helps us to stand firm for justice, mercy, and peace. When we fall, God lifts us up, forgives us, and remembers our sins no more. Amen. John 20: 19-31 Jesus Appears to the Dis

  Service of Worship Eastern Parkway United Methodist Church Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 Rev. Natalie Bowerman, Pastor   Let us pray: Sing aloud, O mothers and sons! Fathers and daughters, sisters and brothers, folx and friends, rejoice and exult with all your hearts! Let us offer our prayers and thanksgivings with one voice, calling out the good news — The tomb stands empty! We look for our Savior among the living. Jesus Christ is alive and in our midst today. We pray for all faithful people — for every human soul that turns to God in longing and in love. Today and every day, pull us out of our graves and into your life. The tomb stands empty. We look for our Redeemer among the living. Jesus Christ is alive and among us today. We pray for the nations of the earth — for those in authority, and for those under authority. Come from the four winds, O Breath of Life, and we shall live together in peace. The tomb stands empty. We look for our Mediat