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

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

Doug Thiel is leading worship today at Christ the Servant. Don’t think this is a good time to stay home. He needs people to assist with the worship and provide support. Doug is a natural leader. The theme for the day is “Follow me.” Love is the whole of the law and we are called to follow Jesus and live the love he shows.
The annual 4^th of July ecumenical worship on the square in Chariton will be held today at 2 p.m. (It was too late to change our plans at First Lutheran by the time we discovered it would not be a morning service.) Don’t know the theme, but you will worship, and…………enjoy ice cream after the service.

SUNDAY:  June 30
11 am – Worship at Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship
2 pm – Chariton Community Worship on the square
followed by ice cream social
(Please note: there will not be a service at the First
Lutheran Church on June 30.)

MONDAY: July 1

TUESDAY: July 2
1:30 pm – CTS Women’s Bible Study at CTS

WEDNESDAY: July 3

THURSDAY: July 4
4th of July Holiday
Office Closed

FRIDAY: July 5
Office Closed

SATURDAY: July 6

NEXT 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