21st Sunday after Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s Gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
FIRST READING: Amos 5: 6-15
Amos was a herdsman by profession and a prophet by God’s call. During a time of great prosperity in the northern kingdom of Israel, the prophet speaks to the wealthy upper class. He warns his listeners that fulfilling God’s demand for justice brings blessing, while corruption and oppression incur God’s wrath.
PSALM: Psalm 90: 12-17
SECOND READING: Hebrews 4: 12-16
We cannot hide our thoughts, desires, and actions from God, to whom we are completely accountable. Nevertheless, Jesus understands our human weakness and temptations, because he also experienced them. Therefore, we can approach the throne of Grace to receive divine mercy from Christ.
GOSPEL: Mark 10: 17-31
Jesus has been teaching his disciples about what is most valued in God’s eyes. Now, a conversation with a rich man brings his message home to the disciples in a way that is surprising but unforgettable.
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.
ON THE AGENDA
OCTOBER 20th , 27th we will be worshipping at the Senior Center due to the Fall Festival. If you have not seen how the Community Center is transformed you should check it out. They spend 6 months planning and prepping for this extravaganza.
OCTOBER 27th Is Dedication Sunday. We will be decorating in red. I hope that you all can find a little red to wear as well. We will be remembering Martin Luther’s brave stand against the Catholic Church.
OCTOBER 31st is Halloween. It was originally a Christian day to remember those who died. It was mostly a reminder to prepare for the next day, All Saints Day, which we will celebrate on November 3rd.
NOVEMBER 3rd is the last Sunday before the National Election. It will also be All Saints Sunday, I hope that we are all prayerfully considering all of the candidates and who will be the best for our country. Daylight Savings Time also ends at 2 a.m. Nov. 3. Be sure to turn your clocks back one hour.
NOVEMBER 10th we will celebrate Veterans’ Day. It would be lovely if all of our veterans could all bring a picture of yourself or a family member to place on the altar for the service. In my opinion the greatest God moments are the ones that our veterans might share. Think of a story about yourself or someone you know to share with us.
NOVEMBER 17th we will celebrate Holy Communion. We are so lucky to have the Lord be willing to sacrifice his life that we may live in eternal happiness with the Father.
NOVEMBER 24th we will celebrate Thankoffering Sunday. Traditionally it has been a service that was done by the women of the congregation. Since we are small but mighty, I would invite all of our congregation to contribute to this collection. It will go to the Lutheran agencies to be used to help others.
November 24th is also the last Sunday of the Church year. The next week we will start Advent. I hope that you are all getting ready to receive the special gift of the birth of our Lord.
PRAYERS
We are praying for Michael Koch, who has been fighting for a lifetime; Nicole Biler Robinette is on the transplant list for a new heart. We pray that this will happen soon. Tim says that she is in good spirits. Keep her; her husband, Stephen; and her parents and family in your prayers.
Please keep these people in your prayers as well: Michael Koch; Mike and Donna Toy, and all of those who are suffering from diseases or other health issues and their families. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick, especially Arlene Castor. Maybe send a card or something to let them know they are being remembered.
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.
