The Pharisee and the Publican
Texts for this coming Sunday…
| ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY Genesis 4:1–15 Ephesians 2:1–10 or 1 Corinthians 15:1–10 Luke 18:9–14 The Lord Lifts Up the Lowly “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard” (Gen. 4:1–15). For unlike Abel, Cain’s offering did not proceed from a heart that revered and trusted in the Lord. Thus, the lowly tax collector who prayed, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” was the one who went down to his house justified before God, not the respectable, outwardly righteous Pharisee who trusted in himself and his own good living (Luke 18:9–14). “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:1–10). The one who penitently despairs of his own righteousness and relies completely on the atoning mercy of God in Christ is the one who is declared righteous. For Christ died for our sins and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1–10). Therefore, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| Coming Soon… |
Church Cleanup this Saturday 8/19 Beginning at 8am (come when you are able). Preparing for the Anniversary, we will be deep cleaning and tidying. Please come out and assist us, we have a lot to do to and “many hands make light work”. |
Death, Dying, and the Christian Tradition – Monday 9/11, 7pm Part One will examine the dominant teaching of the Sciptures and Christian Tradition on the “whats, hows, whys, and wheretos” of bodily and spiritual death and what lies beyond. This will consist of a number of classes. Questions and discussion will be welcome and, hopefully, provoked. Part Two will consider the practical side of death: burial customs, ceremonies, and preparations regarding family and church. Probably two or three classes: material from local Funeral Homes will be used and we may have a special guest to answer questions. |
175th Anniversary Celebration! September 24: Service at 10am, Luncheon at 12:30pm at the Community Center. Members, friends, and any others who would like to help celebrate this milestone of God’s faithfulness are welcome. Our newly re-elected Bishop of the North American Lutheran Church, Dan Selbo, will be present to preach and preside at the Service. Commemorative gifts will be available for free and for purchase. Thank you in advance to all members and especially to members of the Anniversary Committee for working to make this a reality. |
