Veterans' Day
25th Sunday after Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance.
Today is also a day set aside to honor the Veterans of our Armed Forces who have served to protect the rights and liberties that we enjoy today. Some of our prayers today have been replaced with prayers from the ELCA Armed Forces Prayer Book. If you have an opportunity today, thank a Veteran or an active member of the military for their service.
FIRST READING: 1st Kings 17: 8-16
This chapter begins the story of Elijah. God sends a drought on Israel because of the sins of King Ahab. This passage depicts God’s saving acts not only on behalf of Elijah, but also on behalf of those who are associated with the prophet, even a foreigner, the widow of Zarephath.
PSALM: Psalm 146
SECOND READING: Hebrews 9: 24-28
The letter to the Hebrews describes Christ as a high priest who offers himself as a sacrifice for our sin. Christ does not die again and again each year. He died once, is alive with God, and will reveal himself on the last day.
GOSPEL: Mark 12: 38-44
After engaging in a series of public arguments with religious leaders in the temple, Jesus contrasts the proud and oppressive ways of those leaders with the sacrificial humility and poverty of the widow.
Announcements
GOOD SAMARITAN FOOD PANTRY
The food pantry has again asked us to supply the corn and beans for the Thanksgiving Dinner boxes that are put together every year. We will need around 100 to 120 cans of each vegetable. We will be collecting money to purchase these cans as we no longer have the facilities to store the food as we gather it. Please make your donation with your regular offering and be sure to mark it so that Tim knows that you have donated. Remember the 3 Ps. Pray, Participate, and Pay.
POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
Once again this year we will be getting poinsettias for the Altar for Christmas Eve. This year we are getting red blooms and they will, be $12 per pot for 8.5” pots. Please take a moment to stop by the bulletin board behind the office door and sign up for one (or more). Place your money in an envelope and put it in an offering plate. We appreciate your help in making our Altar even more festive for this special night.
VETERANS’ DAY
This year is the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day (which later became Veterans’ Day) and comes on Sunday this year. We will have special prayers during the service as well as some special surprises (we hope). Please try to join us as we honor all of the Veterans. If you and/or members of your family are Veterans, please let me know so that they can be included in prayers during the service.
ZION ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
PLEASE REMAIN AFTER THE SERVICE FOR THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. The topics will be the 2019 budget, general church business and discussions about the future missions of the church.
DECKING THE HALL
Mark your calendar, December 2nd, will be the day that we will be putting up the Christmas tree after church this year. We are planning a potluck that day as well. We are inviting everyone to bring a covered dish (Carol and Tom Mahon will provide the main course) and stay and help decorate and eat. Come join in the fun! We hope to see many of you here, many hands make light work. Let’s kick off the Advent Season with a little work and a lot of fellowship, good food, and merriment. Celebrate the Season.
ELCA Advocacy, Washington D.C.
RESPONDING TO GUN VIOLENCE AND HATE
Our nation is still in mourning this week following the tragic deaths of 11 worshipers and the wounding of law enforcement and others at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. This act was quickly identified as a hate crime, committed by a gunman espousing anti-Semitic vitriol and carrying an AR-15 and other weapons intending to take the lives of people because of their Jewish faith.
The same weekend, two African American shoppers were gunned down by a white man in Kentucky, an act also being investigated as a hate crime.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cannot become numb to mass shooting tragedies. We are called as God’s own people to promote peace and the dignity of persons all by engaging in prayer, addressing community violence, and vigorously opposing anti-Semitism, white supremacy and all form of hate through our words and deeds.
Lutheran bishops in Pennsylvania joined in a shared statement in response to this tragedy. As Pennsylvania Lutherans reflect on recent events, read more about actions taken by ELCA bishops and faith leaders in the full state update. And, when Congress returns to work following the November elections, it is also imperative that we address the gun violence in our nation. An Advocacy Alert facilitating your faithful action is available at http://elca.org/advocacy/actioncenter.
PRAYERS
Please keep these people in your prayers: Esther Mae Baker, Al Bausch, Don Brooks, Dortha Feddern, George Wendel and Carol Schiff. 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.
