16th Sunday After Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
We sin against one another, and the challenge of Jesus is that we forgive seventy-seven times to reveal God’s boundless mercy. When we hear the words of forgiveness in worship and sign ourselves with the cross, we are renewed in baptism to be signs of reconciliation in the world. Paul reminds us that love is the fulfilling of the law. We gather in the name of Christ, assured that he is present among us with gifts of peace and reconciliation.
FIRST READING: Genesis 50: 15-21
After Jacob’s death, the brothers of Joseph begged for forgiveness for the crime they had done against him. You intended to do me harm, Joseph said, but God used this as an opportunity to do good and save many lives.
PSALM: Psalm 103: 1-13
SECOND READING: Romans 13: 8-14
The obligation of Christians is to love one another and so fulfill the heart and goal of the law. Clothes make the person as we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and live today in light of the future God has in store for us.
GOSPEL: Matthew 18: 21-35
When Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus responds with a parable that suggests human forgiveness should mirror the unlimited mercy of God.
Announcements!
CHURCH EVENTS
SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS BEFORE CHURCH – We meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings to have discussions about important things. Please bring your Bible and your favorite morning beverage with you.
OCTOBER 22nd we will not have church in the Community Center. This will be the day that we will meet at the Senior Center because of the Community Fall Festival. Located next to the Certified Station and across from Circle K.
OCTOBER 29th we will be serving breakfast at First English.
We will celebrate Reformation Sunday with the First English congregation. It is a wonderful experience to worship in this historic building with this wonderful group of people who love the Lord.
NOVEMBER 5th is All Saints’ Sunday. We will remember all of our members who have joined God’s table. It is also the Sunday we Fall Back and leave Daylight Savings Time behind for another year.
NOVEMBER 7th is Election Day. We are electing a Mayor and other village and county officials. I am sure there will be some issues from the state or local as well.
VILLAGE EVENTS
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 9-10 a.m. at the Community Center. Instrucrtor-led workouts. Want some exercise? This is where to find it.
OCTOBER 21st as previously mentioned is the VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL. It is a fun time for everyone. There is something for everyone. They have a haunted Center for everyone to visit, hayrides, roasting marshmallows, you name it they will have it.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Michael Koch, Margret Phillips' 1-year-old granddaughter Aurora Lander, Wesley and JoAnn Porter, Nicole Biler Robinette, Mike and Donna Toy, and all of those who are still suffering from diseases and 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.