running the race

Today in our meeting with Doug he talked about the theme of running the race of our faith journey. Perserverance and an extra burst of energy as my time, and the time all of us have left, winds down. Now is not the time to lose sight of the goal, but to push on so that, as Doug says, when we step on a plane we will have more of a sense of satisfaction than if we let these weeks plod on by. Letting go of that which slows us down and pushing on with renewed vigor is something I have personally been pursuing already and hearing it again today reminded me of the importance. So I wanted to share with you some of the projects that are on my mind so that you might join with me in prayer for these things, in the hopes that some of them will meet me at the finish line of my time in Belfast.

At the 174 Trust...
-pray for the director Bill and the other Staff, some are putting together summer programs and securing funding, others are finishing projects and want to see their hard work come to fruition
-give thanks for the completion of the afterschool mural! our children loved the project and our talented artist, Anna Donovan
-pray for the dance project we're hoping to start this month in the afterschool, Aisling and I are going to work cooperatively with the children to create a routine
-pray for the children of the afterschool, that they continue to grow socially and in their respect of one another and confidence in themselves
-pray for the PHAB groups (adult and youth) that they will have enjoyable outings in the spring and that the youth fashion show will be a productive and worthwhile project for our members
-pray for the members of the groups that they will have the support from social workers that they need
-pray for energy for the leaders of the groups and time for them to spend with their families

At Whitehouse Presbyterian...
-pray for the younger youth club that had 7 youth on Sunday night!!! this group is growing and we want to see these youth enjoy their place in the congregation
-pray for the "older" youth gatherings- they are all coming to my house (ahh!) and I hope that we have many other times to meet and share fellowship before July
-pray for one of our youth who has the priviledge of going to the Triennium this summer! what a great opportunity!
-pray for the upcoming General Assembly in Northern Ireland
-pray that I'll be able to use some of the insights I gained on Iona in our prayers for healing service on Tuesdays
-pray for the walking group which is starting today (and it's raining and cold right now)
-pray for the women of our congregation that we may be able to organize a women's group outing in May and luncheon for June
-pray for Bible study groups studying Job (yes, Job...enough said)
-give thanks for Alpha members who have taken the first steps to start an intimate faith journey with God
-pray for the leadership of Whitehouse as they plan a strategy for the next few years after gaining information from the healthy church survey and Presbytery report
-pray for Geoff, Derek, Bethan, James and I as we seek to practice and grow as a "praise group," also pray that a pianist will emerge whose talents we covet :)

Et cetera...
-pray for my roommate Libby as she prepares to lead her youth weekend at Guysmere Camp
-pray for my roommate Alison as the leadership of her community placement changes
-pray for the youth of Northern Ireland
-pray for political leaders in Northern Ireland as they take exciting steps to secure a shared future for Nothern Ireland, pray for their wisdom and discernment
-pray for my family as they are about to be subjected to my return :)
-pray for my church families in Fort Hill and Greer

Please let me know how I can be praying for you as well.