13th Sunday After Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
Wisdom prepares a feast, sets her table, and invites all to come and eat her bread and drink her wine. The first chapter of John’s gospel owes much to the biblical tradition that imagined Wisdom as existing before anything was created and having a role in the work of creation. Christ, the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24), today invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. John’s gospel includes no account of the institution of the Lord’s supper, but here we can't help hearing the words of Jesus as an invitation to the meal of bread and wine we share.
FIRST READING: Proverbs 9: 1-6
Wisdom is portrayed as a woman who invites people to partake of her banquet. Just as ordinary food is necessary for physical life, Wisdom’s food—insight and understanding—is necessary for fullness of life with God. Partaking of Wisdom’s banquet is the way to life.
PSALM: Psalm 34: 8-14
SECOND READING: Ephesians 5: 15-21
True wisdom integrates our new reality in Christ with our Christian fellowship and daily conduct. Because we are filled with the Spirit, Christians regularly rejoice together, give thanks to God for one another, and care for one another. In this way we revere our Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL: John 6: 51-58
In John’s Gospel, the feeding of the five thousand leads to extended teachings in which Jesus identifies himself as the true “Bread of Life.” Finally, in these verses, he makes a connection that would not be understood until after his death, in light of the Church’s celebration of Holy Communion.
Announcements
SCHOOL STARTS
West Jefferson students start school on Monday, August 20th. If you are out and about, please watch for children walking to and from school. What an exciting time.
LABOR DAY
Labor Day Weekend is August 31st through September 3rd. Watch traffic around the Community Center during this weekend and the lack of access on Saturday during the parade. Don’t forget the Ox Roast on Monday the 3rd.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Don Brooks, Dortha Feddern, Bernie Brister, George Wendel, Carol Schiff, and the family of Susan Maggard. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick. (Also, pray for the families and caretakers of those on the prayer list.)
THE BREAKFAST BUNCH
“The Breakfast Bunch” meets the first Saturday of every month at Der Dutchman in Plain City, at 8:30 a.m. “Come one, Come all” for a great breakfast, fellowship and more!
SIGN-UPS
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.
