18th Sunday After Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of Holy Baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in Holy Communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.
FIRST READING: 2nd Kings 5: 1-3, 7-15c
Naaman, a Syrian general, suffers from leprosy. In his passage Elisha miraculously cures his illness, but only after Naaman realizes, with the help of his servants, that he also needs healing for his pride. This foreign general then acknowledges the sovereignty of the God of Israel.
PSALM: Psalm 111
SECOND READING: 2nd Timothy 2: 8-15
Though Paul is chained as a prisoner, he reminds Timothy that the word of God is never shackled or confined. He encourages his young friend to proclaim that word of freedom in an honest and upright life as well as in his teaching and preaching.
GOSPEL: Luke 17: 11-19
The mission of Jesus includes making the unclean clean again. Unexpectedly, a cleansed Samaritan leper becomes a model for those who would praise and worship God and give thanks for God’s mercy.
Announcements!
CHURCH EVENTS
OCTOBER 19TH/OCTOBER 26TH we will be meeting at the Senior Center. These two weeks are set aside for the Community Fall Festival. This will include Reformation Sunday. Find your RED. We meet at 9:40 on Sunday mornings to have discussions before the service each week.
NOVEMBER Many things come in November but I want to tell you early that we will be serving breakfast again at First English. Mark your calendars for November Sundays. It is a busy month.
NOVEMBER 1st should be Daylight Savings Time according to my calculations We will fall forward. Please remember.
NOVEMBER 2nd will be All Saints’ Day. We will celebrate anyone who has passed on this year. I have a couple of names but if you can help me, I would really appreciate it. Drop them off in a text or an email or write them down and bring them to church by the Sunday before.
NOVEMBER 4th should also be election day. I know we are not electing any major candidates but every elected official on the ballot affects us. There may also be issues that might affect us. It is a right that we have, that lives have been sacrificed for, so please consider voting in this election.
NOVEMBER 23rd will be Thankoffering Sunday. Reach into our pockets and contribute to this offering that will be sent to our national church. It will be collected during the Hymn of the Day.
NOVEMBER 30th is also the first Sunday of Advent. Yes, Christmas is coming. Get your shopping done early so that we can properly celebrate the birthday of our King.
PRAYERS
We are praying for Nicole Biler Robinette, her husband, Stephen; and her parents and family. Please remember all of those who are suffering from health issues. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick. 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.
