Unexpected and Intentional Distraction
As digital tablets and smart phones keep us busy, today’s gospel reminds us of a struggle: when are we to set aside our busy calendars, duties, and to-do lists and simply rest in God’s presence, listening to what God has to say to us? This tension mounts in our gospel as Jesus addresses Martha’s busyness, worry, and distraction, juxtaposed with Mary’s contemplation, focus, and desire to sit at the feet of the great teacher. But is it even possible to sit quietly in our age of distractions? The reading reminds us how crucial it is to set aside time to spend with God. We might even wonder what did Jesus say as Mary listened. Were they profound words, like to the “mystery” we will hear about in the first reading of the day? Good hymns and songs planned for today too.

SUNDAY:  July 21
Cinnamon Roll Sunday
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship

MONDAY: July 22
PASTOR SALLY WILL BE on vacation out of state from July 22-28.  She will then be in Ohio for continuing education from July 30 – August 3.  In case of an emergency, please call Wendy during office hours (641-774-4875).  After hours, please call Gayle Bortz (641-203-0677).

TUESDAY: July 23
8 am-Noon:  Pie Cutting & Prep in FLC Basement

WEDNESDAY: July 24
7 am – 4 pm:  RAGBRAI in town!
Pie Selling on the Chariton Square

THURSDAY: July 25
9 am – FLC Quilting
7 pm – Slavic Worship

FRIDAY: July 26
Office Closed

SATURDAY: July 27

NEXT SUNDAY:  July 28
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship

Today’s readings invite us into seeing prosperity with the eyes of God. First, we hear how God delights in our fruitfulness and ask God to show us the ways and teach us the paths. The Gospel story of the merciful Samaritan shows us in what kind of fruitfulness God finds delight. Remember: The story of the Samaritan, the priest, and the Levite (uh-oh, sounds like a joke is coming) is a parable and parables are always mysteries. What will the Holy Spirit reveal to you this Sunday in this parable? Will you learn more about God who relentlessly cares for those in need, who embraces us with tender compassion?
Jesus is not just reminding us to be nice, helpful, and generous. He is proclaiming the good news that God’s grace comes to us even—and especially—when we are at our worst, even before we cry out for help.

SUNDAY:  July 14
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship

MONDAY: July 15
10 am – 3 pm: GiF Retreat at Jericho Hills
7 pm – Quilt Guild in Fireside Room

TUESDAY: July 16
Noon: CTS Women’s Bible Study
(location to be announced)
4:30 pm – CTS Task Force

WEDNESDAY: July 17

THURSDAY: July 18
9 am – FLC Quilting
7 pm – Slavic Worship

FRIDAY: July 19
Office Closed
Newsletter Deadline

SATURDAY: July 20

NEXT SUNDAY:  July 21
Cinnamon Roll Sunday
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship

Close your eyes and picture Jesus and his followers together. Most likely people either picture Jesus sitting around with the twelve disciples or standing in the midst of thousands preaching and teaching. Yet in today’s gospel Jesus has seventy followers close enough that he trusts them to be sent out in pairs to heal the sick and announce that God has come near. Seventy trusted preachers. Thirty-five pairs of preachers telling the good news of God. So, telling the story is clearly not to be limited to the twelve disciples. The good news is meant to be shared far and wide by those who trust Jesus and follow him. Today we are reminded that sharing the good news is the calling of everyone who follows Jesus.

SUNDAY:  July 7
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
10:15 am – Executive Committee at FLC
1 pm – Slavic Worship

MONDAY: July 8
2 pm – Laplanders Quilt Guild at CTS
6:30 pm – Council at FLC

TUESDAY: July 9
8 am – Breakfast Gals
9 am-3 pm: Blanket Making at CTS

July 9-11:  Wendy Vacation

WEDNESDAY: July 10

THURSDAY: July 11
9 am – FLC Quilting
1 pm – Women of the ELCA
7 pm – Slavic Worship

FRIDAY: July 12
Office Closed

SATURDAY: July 13

NEXT SUNDAY:  July 14
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship