Grave of John Wesley
On this, the 235th anniversary of the death of John Wesley comes a first-hand account from Wesley's nurse, Eliza Ritchie.
"Miss Elizabeth Ritchie, who in her later womanhood became Mrs. Mortimer, has been described as “one of the saintliest of the many saintly women of early Methodism.” John Wesley had the highest opinion of Miss Ritchie’s graces and talents."
Read more at this link.
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| The Widows Mite (1890) - William T. B. Fletcher |
WASHINGTON, D.C. — We know that our hearts are heavy as we witness the mounting loss of life from the ongoing military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, and from retaliatory strikes by Iran. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones, and entire communities are shaken by the weight of uncertainty, fear, and profound sorrow. Innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire of a widening conflict they did not choose.
Scripture reminds us that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). As bishops of The United Methodist Church, we hold fast to this promise as we pray for all who have been killed, all who are injured, and all who now carry trauma and fear in the wake of this violence. We stand resolute in remembering the uncompromising call of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). This calling is a summons to act with courage and with a steadfast commitment to honoring the dignity and life of every human being.
+Thankful that Cheryl R. and Pat R. are in worship today.
+Praising God for the wonderful celebration reception for Rodger and Judy L. last week – celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.
+Roy and Nancy B. thank God for son Rory’s safe and fun family fishing trip at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota, where the ice was 47 ½ inches thick; and they caught 76 walleye fish.
+Roy B. thanks God for the gift of a variety of weather experiences. Nearby Preston, Minnesota, got 10” of snow.
+Bob S. thanks God for the gift of 10 VA homes in Minnesota. One of them is in Preston.
+Thanking God for the beautiful warm weather we experienced last week (before winter weather returned this weekend).
+Bob S. told joke (since Sid was not there today).
+Thankful to God for carbonated holiness in the form of laughter in church.
+Bob S. thanks God for the joy of attending a “leap-year” baby’s birthday party this afternoon and for the joy of a 14-member family dinner tonight.
+Church family thanks God for Shelley G. who puts “love in action” by creating beautiful handmade prayer shawls which are blessed to be blessings to their recipients.
Concerns:
+Praying that God will grant Craig R. with the comfort and strength he needs during this time of health challenges and that God grants Pat R. the strength she needs to provide the support that Craig needs.
+Praying for Sid T.’s travelling mercies
+Praying for Pastor Charles’ cousin Joe P. who is in Dubai, a professional firefighter who is battling fires around the airport, after missile strikes.
+Praying for Judy C., Donna D., and Karnella S. who are dealing with medical challenges.
+Praying for family and friends of Bev Haugen who died last Friday. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea.
+Prayers continue for Korla S.’ cousin Jessica who recently had a new heart and lung transplanted. A prayer shawl was blessed today for her.
+Prayers for all who are impacted directly and indirectly due to conflict around the world.
