The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, "Hosanna to the son of David," they were indignant.
"Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him.
  "Yes," replied Jesus, 'have you never read,
   'From the lips of children and infants
   you have ordained praise'?"
(Matthew 21:14-16)


KidLife is a huge outreach event that will take place at Dawson June 1st-5th. Children ages 4 (by Sept. 1, 2009) through Grade 6 (completed) will participate.  Approximately 40% of the children will be visitors to Dawson, so this is a wonderful mission opportunity.

Dawson's Summer Day Camps take place throughout the summer, reaching many children with the love of God.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the cross and the hope of resurrection in Jesus Christ..
2. Thank God for loving us as His children.
3. Intercede for KidLife Week and Summer Day Camps:
   -for many children to be reached with God's love
   -for the children to carry what they learn back to their families and friends 
   -for leaders to be strengthened and blessed 

"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
  all my inmost being praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
  and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
  and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
  and crowns you with love and compassion,
(Psalm 103:1-4)
 
Dawson's TV Ministry records the Sunday morning service each Sunday for it to be televised the next Sunday. You can tune in to watch Dawson services on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on CBS 42. This ministry is especially meaningful for those physically unable to attend church.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His healing power.
2. Thank God for His gracious compassion and forgiveness.
3.  Intercede for Dawson's TV Ministry: 
    -that many would come to know Christ and grow in His love through this ministry
    -that those physically unable to attend church will be encouraged and strengthened
    -for the volunteers to grow in number and be blessed by their humble service

    

"In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus . . . And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God." 
(Philippians 1:4-6, 9-11)

Dawson's Intercessory Prayer Team prays weekly for individuals who have submitted prayer requests and for a variety of prayer concerns.

"Sing to the LORD a new song,
   for he has done marvelous things;
   his right hand and his holy arm
   have worked salvation for him."
(Psalm 98:1)

The Connection Worship Service is a new ministry for persons suffering dementia. It also ministers to caregivers by enabling them to attend the 11:00 a.m. worship service.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for this new day to serve Him.
2. Thank God for His perfect plan of salvation.
3. Intercede for the Connection Worship Service and the lives it will touch:
   -for volunteers with a heart and passion for this ministry
   -for participants and caregivers to be encouraged and impacted
   -for a deeper knowledge of God's love for all involved
  

"Praise the Lord with the harp;
  make music to him on the ten-string lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
  play skillfully and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true;
  he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
  the earth is full of his unfailing love."
(Psalm 33:2-5)

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His generosity and faithfulness.
2. Thank God for the talents He has given you to share with others.
3. Intercede for the Dawson Music Academy and the Dawson Orchestra:
  -for DMA students to continue to grow and use their talents for God's glory
  -for DMA teachers and Orchestra members to be encouraged and strengthened as they serve
  -for people to draw near to God as these groups minister through music

"I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
  with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
  that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself."
(Psalm 89:1-2)

The Dawsonaires rehearse each Thursday morning and sing once a month in nursing homes. The choir is making a ministry trip to Mobile April 19-23.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness through all generations.
2. Thank God for standing with us always. Thank Him for people who have stood by you over the years.
3. Intercede for the Dawsonaires and for those in nursing homes:
    -to gain an ever deeper knowledge of God's love
    -to experience the peace of Christ and enjoy fellowship in His presence
    -to be blessed and be a blessing through the ministry trip to Mobile

Within your temple, O God,
  we meditate on your unfailing love.
Like your name, O God,
  your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;
  your right hand is filled with righteousness. 
(Psalm 48:9-10)

Dawson's Sunday School Ministry provides Christian education for preschool, children, students, and adults. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His righteousness and unfailing love.
2. Thank God for making His Word available to us.
3. Intercede for the Sunday School Ministry:
    -for teachers and students to be attentive to God's Word and empowered by the Spirit
    -for Christ-centered friendships and uplifting fellowship
    -for spiritual growth and boldness in sharing Christ and living out the faith

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

Together for Life is a 13-week marriage preparation course for nearly weds and newlyweds. The class is offered on Sundays at 9:40 a.m. beginning in August and February of each year.

The Dynamic Marriage Seminar is a small group for married and engaged couples that helps couples grow in a fulfilling partnership. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day;
1. Praise God for the mystery of the Trinity and for His desire to be in relationship with us.
2. Thank God for His plan for marriage and for couples in your life who demonstrate His love.
3. Intercede for Together for Life and the Dynamic Marriage Seminar:
    -for couples to grow in love and faithfulness to God and one another
   

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-20)

Downtown Men's Lunch is held on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Summit Club. Dr. Fenton is leading a Bible study entitled "Proverbs: From the Daily Grind to the Grand Design." All men are invited.

The Dawson Men's Retreat is coming up May 1-3. This year's theme is "Red Letter Men - Living the Life Christ Commanded." The cost for the weekend at Children's Harbor is $65 and includes meals and lodging. Activities include teaching time with author Tom Davis, small group meetings, free time, water sports, and more. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His provision protection, and Fatherly love.
2. Thank God for your father.
3. Intercede for the men attending Downtown Men's Lunch and the Dawson Men's Retreat
    -that they would grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ 
    -that they would be strengthened through the Holy Spirit to be Godly leaders
    -for wisdom and guidance in making decisions relating to family, work, and finances

The heavens declare the glory of God;
  the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour fourth speech
  night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
  where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the world
  their words to the ends of the earth. . .
(Psalm 19:1-4a) 

Dawson's Conversational English Ministry offers free classes for Internationals to develop their English skills. This powerful ministry reaches people from a number of countries right here in Birmingham.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His universal glory and truth--the same in every language
2. Thank God for the gift of language and speech.
3. Intercede for the Conversational English Ministry
    -for the hope of Christ to dwell in each student's heart 
    -for empowerment to master the English language
    -for spiritual guidance and discernment for teachers as they seek to share Christ

 

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
(Luke 1:40-45)

Moms & More is a monthly Bible study for young mothers led by Alta Faye Fenton. Groups meet at 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the gift of His Son, born of the virgin Mary. 
2. Thank God for your mother.
3. Intercede for Moms & More:
    -for spiritual growth and uplifting fellowship
    -for wisdom and guidance in parenting
    -for energy and strength for each new day

    

"O God, you are my God,
  earnestly I seek you;
  my soul thirsts for you,
  my body longs for you,
  in a dry and weary land
  where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
  and beheld your power and glory.
Because your love is better than life,
  my lips will glorify you."
(Psalm 63:1-3) 

The Linn Park Ministry serves meals, shares devotions, and spends time visiting with the homeless in Linn Park on the second Friday of each month at 6:00 p.m. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God that everything belongs to Him.
2. Thank Him for the support of a loving community.
3. Intercede for the Linn Park Ministry:
     -for the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless
     -for the body of Christ to unite in service and compassion

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
  your works are wonderful to me,
  I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
  when I was made in the secret place.
  when I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
  All the days ordained for me
  were written in your book
  before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, oh God!
  How vast is the sum of them!"
Psalm 119:14-17

The Hearts and Hands Ministry provides children with special needs (age 3 through 6th grade) assistance in age-appropriate Sunday School and worship classes.  Each child is assigned a team of buddies that rotates on a monthly schedule. The Hearts and Hands Ministry is lay-led and staffed by volunteers who have a heart for ministry.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for the wonderful way He has made you.
2. Thank God for the wonderful people in your life.
3. Intercede for Hearts and Hands:
    -for participants and families to experience God's love
    -for volunteers to gain insight and grow in understanding through this ministry opportunity 
    -for God to continue to raise up servants with a passion for this cause

You guide me with your counsel,
  and afterward you will take me into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
  and earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
  but God is the strength of my heart
  and my portion forever.
(Psalm 73:24-26)

The Samaritan Counseling Center's mission is to offer quality Christian Pastoral Counseling, which will provide clients with the opportunity to move toward emotional, relational, and spiritual healing, wholeness, and personal growth; and to provide educational and related services to congregations as a witness to the love of God, revealed in Jesus Christ.  A branch office is hosted at Dawson, where Licensed Professional Counselors Bart Grooms and Caroline Nichols provide services for individuals, couples, families, children and teenagers.

1. Praise God for His wisdom and understanding. 
2. Thank God for the people in your life who have provided good counsel.
3. Intercede for the Samaritan Counseling Center and those seeking counsel.
     -for wisdom, understanding, guidance, and grace for Samaritan counselors
     -for emotional, relational, and spiritual healing and growth for clients

    

"O LORD, our Lord,
  how majestic is your name in all the earth!
  You have set your glory
  above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
  you have ordained praise . . ."
(Psalm 8:1-2a)

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise the Lord for His majesty and beauty.
2. Thank God for the gift of children.
3.  Intercede for Cradle Care and the Preschool Ministry.
     -for protection and health for infants and preschoolers and eyes to see God  
     -for wisdom and guidance for new and expectant parents
     -for spiritual strength and blessings for volunteers 

    

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress.
  my God, in whom I trust.'
Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
  and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
  and under his wings you will find refuge;
  his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
(Psalm 91:1-4)
 
Dawson's Military Ministry meets monthly to write encouraging notes and pray for the troops. Dawson members are invited to turn in the names of family and friends currently serving to be touched by the Military Ministry. 

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for being our refuge, fortress, and shield.
2. Thank God for all who have served and are serving our country.
3. Intercede for the troops, their families, and for the Military Ministry 
      -for physical and spiritual protection
      -for comfort, strength, and peace in trying circumstances
      -for guidance in ministering to the needs of the troops

    

"Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

Journey Life Groups are small groups that meet for the purpose of helping people live out their faith together. Groups gather to share meals, engage in Bible study and discussion, take the Lord's Supper, and serve the community.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1.  Praise God for His great purposes and for allowing us to serve Him. 2.  Thank Him for Christian fellowship. 3.  Intercede for the leaders and members of Journey Life Groups. 
       -for spiritual growth and deeper relationships with Christ
       -that God would add to their numbers
       -for the unchurched to be reached through their ministry

    

"Praise the LORD, all you nations,
   extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
  and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
  Praise the LORD."
(Psalm 117)

Dawson's Hispanic congregation meets for Sunday School at 9:40 a.m. and for worship at 11:00 a.m. each Sunday. Bible study is held on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. One of the biggest outreaches of the Hispanic Congregation is Vacation Bible School, which touches the lives of hundreds of children each summer.

Prayer Focuses for the Day:
1. Praise God for His love and faithfulness.
2. Thank God for the Hispanic community in Birmingham.
3. Intercede for the Hispanic Ministry at Dawson and the people they are seeking to reach.
    -for a great harvest of believers in Birmingham's Hispanic community
    -for wisdom, guidance, and strength for Pastor Byron Mosquera and other leaders in the congregation
    -for volunteers with hearts to serve in the Hispanic Ministry
    -for children to experience the love of Christ through Vacation Bible School (July 20-24) 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." --2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Ministry Profile:
The Stephen Ministry provides support for persons in crisis and undergoing major transitions.

Prayer focuses for the day: 
1. Praise God our Father for His kindness, compassion, and comfort.
2. Thank God for the comfort He has brought you in difficult times.
3. Intercede for the Stephen Ministry and for those in crisis
    -for wisdom and guidance in sharing God's love
    -for empowerment to comfort others
    -for abundant peace, joy, and hope