15th Sunday After Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
As we are invited today to consider what it means to be managers (rather than owners) of all that we have, it is crucial to recall that we are bought with a price. “Christ Jesus, himself human, . . . gave himself a ransom for all.” Apart from the generosity of God we have nothing—we are nothing. By God’s gracious favor we have everything we need.
FIRST READING: Amos 8: 4-7
Amos was called by God to prophesy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Peace and prosperity in Israel led to corrupt business practices and oppression of the poor. The prophet declares that God will not tolerate such a situation.
PSALM: Psalm 113
SECOND READING: 1st Timothy 2: 1-7
The Pastoral Epistles offer insight into how early Christians understood many practical matters, such as church administration and worship. The church’s focused prayer for others is an expression of the single minded passion God has toward us in Jesus.
GOSPEL: Luke 16: 1-13
Jesus tells the curious story of a dishonest man who cheats his employer and then is commended by him for having acted so shrewdly. Jesus wonders why his own followers are less creative and diligent in their stewardship given that they are managers of a far more valuable household.
Announcements!
5TH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
A heads’ up, Sept. 29, we will be going to First English again to serve breakfast. We will also stay after breakfast to worship with their congregation and celebrate the Eucharist. We will not be having worship here at Zion that Sunday. Please mark your calendars so that you do not come to church here.
COMMUNITY MOVIE SERIES
The Village Community Center is hosting a Movie Series. If you are looking to get out on a Friday evening, this is a good time to have fellowship with the community. The next movie will be Wonder at the Community Center, October 5, 2019. This movie night will focus on “Bully Prevention Awareness Month”.
COMING TO A LOMO NEAR YOU
There are several events coming to the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Camps. This is a list of those events; for more details go to the LOMO web site. Maybe we could get a group to go to some of these events, I would love to go to the Christmas Bazaar.
FALL 2019
- Camp Boo-ther Family Fall Retreat October 4-6 Camp Luther
- Servant Weekend October 11-13 Camp Luther
- Apple Butter Festival October 13 Lutheran Memorial Camp
- Fall Colors Journey October 15-21 Thousand Islands, Adirondacks, Catskills Loop
- ReNew Youth & Family Ministers Retreat October 28-30 Lutheran Memorial Camp
- Christmas Bazaar December 14 Lutheran Memorial Camp
ELCA ADVOCACY ACTION ALERT
Local Elections Matter
Did you know that Ohio will hold elections this year on Nov. 5? School board, judges, prosecutors, city council, township trustees, local ballot issues, and much more will be presented to voters. Often we forget about these "off-year" elections that have direct impact on our communities.
To be eligible to vote, you need to be registered to vote by Oct. 7 - which is about 3 weeks away.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Arlene Castor, Dortha Feddern, Wesley and JoAnn Porter, Judy Stelz, and George Wendel. 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.
