Privilege
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.
- From Sundays and Seasons
SUNDAY SCHOOL RETURNS SEPTEMBER 8
Our new season of Sunday School starts this Sunday at 9:40 a.m. Please join us!
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 15
We will have a congregational meeting on September 15 to vote on our window repair project. Please make plans to attend.
TAI'S PANTRY
Thank you to everyone who has and continues to bring in food items for our food pantry. Please check on the food pantry to be sure it stays stocked up.
YARD SALE COMING SOON
Our annual yard sale has been scheduled for the first Saturday in October, October 5. You can start bringing in items for sale this Sunday. They will be kept in the youth room until we need more room. Proceeds from the yard sale go toward our
Thanksgiving food box ministry.
BARBECUE TICKETS AVAILABLE SUNDAY!
Our barbecue benefiting Hands of Hope Clinic has also been scheduled for the first Saturday in October, October 5. Tickets are available for pre-sale. Please take some tickets to sell to friends and neighbors!
5TH SUNDAY POTLUCK THIS MONTH
We have 5 Sundays this month! Join us on Sunday September 29th for a 5th Sunday potluck.
The Gathering and St. Luke Guys will meet on Friday, September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Buckner's. The Gathering will then meet at the Joyner's house for their lesson.
Commemorations this week:
Monday September 9
Peter Claver, priest, missionary to Colombia, died 1654
Born into Spanish nobility, Claver became a Jesuit missionary, and served in present-day Colombia. His ministry was focused on the enslaved people who arrived there. He gave them food and medicine, learned their dialects, and taught them Christianity.
Born into Spanish nobility, Claver became a Jesuit missionary, and served in present-day Colombia. His ministry was focused on the enslaved people who arrived there. He gave them food and medicine, learned their dialects, and taught them Christianity.
Friday September 13
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, died 407
John was a priest in Antioch and an outstanding preacher. His eloquence earned him the nickname "Chrysostom" ("golden mouth"). Appointed bishop of Constantinople, seat of the empire, he criticized corruption in the court. As a result, he was exiled by the empress.
John was a priest in Antioch and an outstanding preacher. His eloquence earned him the nickname "Chrysostom" ("golden mouth"). Appointed bishop of Constantinople, seat of the empire, he criticized corruption in the court. As a result, he was exiled by the empress.
Saturday September 14
Holy Cross Day
Helena, mother of Constantine, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and found what may be the actual site of Jesus' crucifixion. Her son built two churches there, and the dedication of one of them gave rise to this celebration of our Lord's victory on the cross.
Holy Cross Day
Helena, mother of Constantine, made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and found what may be the actual site of Jesus' crucifixion. Her son built two churches there, and the dedication of one of them gave rise to this celebration of our Lord's victory on the cross.
Worship This Week
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 8
Prayer of the Day
Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord.
Amen.
Amen.
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Like streams in the desert, God comes with healing
Like streams in the desert, God comes with healing
Psalm 146
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (Ps. 146:2)
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (Ps. 146:2)
James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17
Faith without works is dead
Faith without works is dead
Mark 7:24-37
Christ healing a little girl and a deaf man
Christ healing a little girl and a deaf man
