Worship Info and Bulletin for July 30, 2023

Worship July 30, 2023 – The 9^th Sunday after Pentecost

Overview – The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…

A string of parables describe the kingdom of heaven, and then we hear Jesus’ question: “Have you understood all this?” The mustard seed, yeast, hidden treasure, pearls—these bring good news of growth and joy and riches. Then come the fish, the furnace of fire, and the weeping and gnashing of teeth. Once again this week we hear of a God of mercy and justice. Once again there is good news to be heard in Paul’s letter to the church at Rome—nothing will ever separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. How will we reconcile these two images of God?

“Kingdoms” are not common in our world. When most of us think about kingdoms, we call up images of British royalty—Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, jeweled crowns, a palace. At the time the Gospel of Matthew was written, the people were subject to the empire, or kingdom, of Rome. Perhaps the writer wants us to contrast the oppressive rule of Rome with a vision of heaven’s kingdom of love and mercy. The translation of the Greek basileia, a feminine word, usually rendered in English as “kingdom” is difficult. The writer of Matthew may have used the expression “kingdom of heaven” instead of “kingdom of God” in order not to offend Jewish Christ-believers who honored the word for God by avoiding its use.

King Solomon asks God for the wisdom to discern between good and evil, for the understanding to live out both justice and mercy as a ruler of God’s people. God was pleased with Solomon’s request. The wisdom Solomon seeks to rule his earthly kingdom reflects the wisdom of the kingdom of heaven. King Solomon was variously successful in his discernment of good and evil, as are we.

The bulletin for this week may be found by looking under "downloads" at the bottom of this post. 

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 on our Facebook page (facebook.com/clcathens).

Patricia Cambridge has a new improvisation for us this week. Please check it out on her personal YouTube Channel.

Thank you for joining our worship today and thank you for 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 through the prompts.