FROM THE PULPIT; WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY IS THIS WEEK

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be Jan. 19-23. Pastors from the Jackson Ministerial Alliance will lead a time of devotion at 7 a.m. each day at New McKendree United Methodist Church.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, we will gather at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 2 p.m. for worship to celebrate our oneness in Christ.

What is so special about this time we share with our brothers and sisters of the faith in our community? For me, what has been so special is joining with members from our community churches setting aside our differences and praying with one another, studying scripture together and worshipping in the name of Christ who binds us together.

The theme for our Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is from Romans 8:12-17. Paul reminds us that we are all "led by the Spirit of God." The Spirit of God has certainly guided all of us who have been a part of this special week for over five years.

The members of the Jackson Ministerial Alliance invite all those who have been with us before and extend that invitation to many who have not been with us.

We hope that you will want to share in this time of study and prayer. If you are not able to be with us, do remember us in your prayers during this week.

We truly have been blessed by God's spirit. Prayer is so important in our lives these days. We pray for one another each day. What strength we receive when we do this each day for family and friends.

As we gather during this special week, it's strengthening to do so along side our fellow Christians from different faith perspectives.

Come and be "led by the Spirit of God" through prayer, study, singing, fellowship and worship. May God guide you in your own prayer life. Celebrate the good that comes from praying with a brother or sister of the faith in the name of Christ.