Worship Bulletin for 9/8/24

Sunday, September 8, 2024 – 16^th Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday is God’s Work Our Hands Sunday. We will be collecting nonperishables to help restock the food shelf. Please put them in the grocery cart in the narthex.

The bulletin may be accessed by clicking “Read More” below and looking under "downloads" at the bottom of the page.

God Is Partial

Again and again throughout biblical history, God is partial to caring for the poor, the weak, and the outcast. Which is why, perhaps, Jesus’ response to the Syrophoenician woman takes us by surprise: “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (Mark 7:27).

The Syrophoenician woman acts in faith. She engages Jesus with what she believes to be true about him: that through him God’s mercy will extend even to her. Despite the distinctions that separate them (including race, gender, and religion), she believes Jesus is a Savior who has the power to heal all people and that she, although not a Jew, is a member of the household of God.

The second reading, from James, reminds hearers then and now that the Christian community’s actions are to be shaped by God’s partiality. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith. While the world values the rich, the poor are God’s own treasure, made honored guests and royal heirs through baptism. The community is called to a partiality based on God’s values, not the world’s.

The waters of baptism wash away all distinctions. Like streams breaking forth in the desert, these waters surprise us with mercy in unexpected places. These waters open our eyes, unstop our ears, and loose our tongues to see, hear, and speak God’s partiality for the poor, the weak, and the outcast. Baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, the Spirit fills us with faith—a faith active in showing mercy that knows no limits.

Around the table, rich and poor, haughty and humble, all who gather receive a feast fit for the family of God. All are honored and all are fed, because the Lord is the maker of them all.

How to watch via livestream or on demand:

Join us Sunday mornings at 10am as we broadcast live directly on our website: clcathens.org/live. (Note: If you don’t hear audio, make sure that it is not muted.) 
Sign into the chat and participate with others who are watching. 

If you miss the livestream or want to watch something again, you can find the video on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/clcathens and our Facebook page: facebook.com/clcathens.

Thank you for your partnership and your generosity.  Please know that your financial support for the ministry of Christ Lutheran is greatly appreciated. Consider giving in one of the following ways:

• Mail your Sunday offerings to: Christ Lutheran Church, Attn Wanda Weinberg, 69 Mill St., Athens, OH 45701
• Donate on our website, click on "Give" on the top right and follow the prompts.