Pastor's Notes for October 17, 2010

YOUTH SUNDAY, October 31, falls on Halloween this year! We invite you to come to worship on that day dressed like one of your favorite Bible persons. Or you may come as an object, like a burning bush; or as an animal, like Balaam’s donkey! Just let me know so we can work it into our sermon/service.

IF WE WERE ALL HERE for worship on the first Sunday of each month, can you imagine how encouraging that would be! I am convinced from analysis of our role that we would be at least 75 instead of 55 to 60 worshippers.

On First Sunday we could get our new newsletter, bring our tithes, and receive communion. Worship restores our spirit and strengthens our faith. We all need the encouragement. Before the first Sunday of November, please don't forget we will have Fourth Sunday on the 24th and Fifth Sunday on the 31st.

And, as is tradition, Fifth Sunday = Youth Sunday. That will be a very special service. Plan now to be there.

Reflecting on the Scriptures
In the Face of Injustice: God persists!
Jeremiah 31:27-34. In spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice—one who holds us accountable, but also one who renews and restores, empowers and inspires, forgives and forgets!

Psalm119:97-104. Meditate on what God desires of us—wisdom, knowledge, understanding, our avoidance of evil… May we come to savor and enjoy God’s words that teach us and lead us in paths of righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:14—4:5. God’s self-revelation comes to us in the “sacred writings,” scripture inspired by God, useful for teaching and correction, training us in righteousness, equipping us for every good work! Timothy knew these words meant the Hebrew texts that we now call the Old Testament. Christian writings had not yet been put together.


Luke 18:1-8. God’s self-revelation in biblical history calls for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Can we, in spite of the circumstances, trust that God is a God of justice? Can we see God in the cries of those seeking justice? Or are we like the unjust judge who ignores those cries? People of faith will hear the cries that break God’s heart and persist in their efforts for justice. Will Jesus find faith when he returns?