What are you doing today to prepare for worship tomorrow?  I've been asking that question in various ways over the past month or so now, because I believe it's important for us to prepare for worship every day, and especially to prepare for corporate worship with our brothers and sisters in Jesus! (and those who may become brothers and sisters in Him!)  Please pray for a special opportunity we have tomorrow--Pastor Brand and I will both be preaching.  Pastor Brad will be preaching at New Heights Church in Franklin Park, filling in for his mother who's the pastor there and is on vacation tomorrow.  I'll be preaching at New Life.  That gives me the opportunity to remind you that part of your preparation for worship includes praying for those who will be leading--the worship team, nursery and children's ministry staff, greeters, hospitality folks, media shout and sound team and pastors. 

Maybe you didn't realize so many folks were involved in preparing for worship for all of us.  I'm always so grateful when i see the folks who work behind the scenes and in front of them early on Sunday morning so that the coffee's hot, the worship center's ready to go, as well as the nursery, the children's ministry areas, and even the bathrooms!  Since we're a "portable" congregation, a lot goes into preparing for worship, and that doesn't include each of us preparing ourselves, through prayer, rest and whatever else goes into getting ready for Sunday.

One more reminder--if you have some free time this afternoon (and the only way you will is to TAKE the time out of whatever you have scheduled, and pray for Pastor Brad and me and for at least one other pastor you know who will be preparing to lead worship tomorrow.  Your prayers are so vital, and I thank you in advance for praying.  See you at New Life tomorrow at 8:45 or 10:15 a.m.!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for all Your blessings in our lives!  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we  may worship You in Spirit and in truth today and with all who gather at New Life tomorrow.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.