Welcome to Zion Lutheran Church

16th Sunday After Pentecost

INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY

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.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35: 4-7

These verses are a word of hope to the exiles in Babyo9n. Isaiah 34 portrays God’s vengeance on Edom. Israel’s age-old enemy which makes the path from Babylon to Zion safe for the exiles’ return. The desert itself will flow with water to give drink to the returning exiles.

PSALM: Psalm 146

SECOND READING: James 2: 1-10 [11-13] 14-17

Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip service to God’s will. Instead a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.

GOSPEL: Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15: 21-28

In Mark’s gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in the ministry of Jesus. Here, a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles. The Matthew gospel tells the same story. Do you see similarities and/or differences?

Announcements!

CHURCH EVENTS

SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS BEFORE CHURCH We meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings to have discussions before the service each week. We are beginning a discussion of the Holy Trinity based upon a paper written by Alex Meister. Be sure to get in on the ground floor.

ON THE AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 29TH will be the next time that we serve breakfast at First English. Lately we have contributed to a few other projects and served the meal. Be sure to mark your calendar for 7:15 AM in the church parking lot to carpool downtown.

PRAYERS

Please keep these people in your prayers: Michael Koch, Nicole Biler Robinette, Mike and Donna Toy, and all of those who are still suffering from illness or other health issues, as well as their families.

Please remember all of our shut ins and sick: Arlene Castor. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)

FUNDS FOR ZION

Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!

You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.