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A Word…
Dear Friends,
The last couple days, I’ve taken to prayer walking my neighborhood. Our neighborhood “loop” is about a mile. So, I take one of our pocket crosses, walk through the neighborhood, and as I pass each house whisper, “Lord God, bless this household.” Sometimes, I come across a neighbor out walking their dog, or pushing a stroller, or just out for some exercise. At the very least, we say “hello;” and sometimes, we stop and talk.
It seems a good thing to do at this time.
I know some of the people in the households… the neighbors closest to us, and a few scattered around the neighborhood. But there are 100 homes in our neighborhood, and so I don’t know everyone.
But I remember that whether I know them or not, God does know them, and love them; knows the desires of their heart, and the struggles and fears they face, big and small. God knows their souls. And so, I beseech on their behalf; and in doing so, I beseech on my own behalf.
I am one who believes I don’t need to know “what to pray for” to pray for someone. God already knows another’s need. I’ve never told the Lord something God doesn’t already know. But I know that the act of remembering another before God… even if I don’t know their name… lifts them into the presence of the divine, whether they know it or not.
This is the neighborhood in which God has placed me. These are the neighbors God has given me. These are the one God has placed me next to. And so I lift them to the Lord.
It is a small way I can love my neighborhood. It is a small way I can place my neighbors in the arms of a loving God; a way that maybe I can be on the side of healing, renewal, and restoration; and a gracious reminder that the love and grace and mercy of God given to us has been granted primarily to be given away.
If you choose to prayer walk your neighborhood, it’s pretty easy: you walk, you pray, you smile and talk with your neighbors. And if you’d like some company, give me a call. I’d enjoy walking your neighborhood with you, and lifting up your neighbors in prayer. And then, we’ll see what kind of blessing God creates…
Grace and peace to you, friends.
Paul
Monday, January 18th Mobile Loaves and Fishes
Meet at the Spur Building of Lake Hills Church at 5:45 PM. A gathering for youth of the ECC
We’ll be taking out a Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck on Monday, January 18th. This gathering is for the youth of Church of the Cross, and is an opportunity to mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in service. Please plan to meet at the Spur Building of Lake Hills Church at 5:45PM. We are generally back between 7:15 and 7:30PM. Please be in touch with Paul Johnson at paul@ecclt.org to let us know you’ll be part of this fun ministry of sharing and fellowship.
Tuesday, January 19th Church of the Cross goes before the Bee Cave Commission on Planning and Zoning
This coming Tuesday evening, the ECC goes before the Bee Cave City Commission on Planning and Zoning (P & Z) to receive a hearing on our request for a Planned Development District (PDD) for the land on Highway 71. A Planned Developoment District gives us process flexibility in the development of the land. To receive a PDD, we need to show the city the maximum expected build-out for the property; what it will look like well into the future. We have submitted that plan to the city, received feedback, and now present it to the Commission on Planning and Zoning. Should we receive approval from P & Z, the request will then be forwarded to the Bee Cave City Council. Please keep this effort in your prayers.
Wednesday, January 20th Morning Prayers for the Nation 8:30 AM via Zoom
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To join via home phone, please call: +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston); +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma);
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose); +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C); +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago); +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
To find your local call-in number, please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kZfGd3c4r
Saturday, January 23rd Partners in Hope Workday 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Partners in Hope is a local ministry helping neighbors to be neighbors. On Saturday, January 23rd we’ll gather at the home of neighbor in the community to do some recreative restorative work. To sign-up to help, please go to www.partnersinhopelaketravis.org, and click the “volunteer” tab.
Daily Scriptures for the Week "The scriptures are our letter from home…" -St. Augustine
Sunday, January 17:
Morning Psalms: 148, 149, 150 Evening Psalms: 114, 115
Isaiah 43:14-44:5; Hebrews 6:17-7:10; John 4:27-42
Monday, January 18:
Morning Psalm: 25 Evening Psalms: 9, 15
Isaiah 44:6-8, 21, 23; Ephesians 4:1-16; Mark 3:7-19
Tuesday, January 19:
Morning Psalms: 26, 28 Evening Psalms: 36, 39
Isaiah 44:9-20; Ephesians 4:17-32; Mark 3:19-35
Wednesday, January 20:
Morning Psalm: 38 Evening Psalm: 119:25-48
Isaiah 44:24-45:7; Ephesians 5:1-14; Mark 4:21-34
Thursday, January 21:
Morning Psalm: 37:1-18 Evening Psalm: 37:19-42
Isaiah 45:5-17; Ephesians 5:15-33; Mark 4:21-34
Friday, January 22
Morning Psalm: 31 Evening Psalm: 35
Isaiah 45:18-25; Ephesians 6:1-9; Mark 4:35-41
Saturday, January 23:
Morning Psalms: 30, 32 Evening Psalms: 42, 43
Isaiah 46:1-13; Ephesians 6:10-24; Mark 5:1-20
The ministry of Church of the Cross is supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the tithes and offerings of the community and friends. Gifts in support of Church of the Cross can be set up online, through text messaging or checks/cash. Click here for more information and links.
