Our Persistent, Negotiating Prayer Life
Today’s readings incorporate several themes: negotiation, commands, persistence, and expectation. And surrounding all these themes is a bigger theme: boldness. The disciples speak with boldness. They don’t ask Jesus to teach them how to pray, they tell him to teach them how to pray. The theme continues as persistence is encouraged, even to the extent of being able to ask, search, and knock, knowing that the Lord says we will receive what we ask for. And God wants to give to those who ask God. We are to ask in boldness, which comes from being “rooted and built up in [Christ]” (Col. 2:7). Strengthened by the Lord’s supper, we are filled with God’s Spirit to speak boldly and to be persistent in our prayers, and to be ready to receive the things for which we ask. The question becomes, then, what is it we want and need?

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

MONDAY: July 29
PASTOR SALLY WILL BE on vacation out of state through July 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 30

WEDNESDAY: July 31

THURSDAY: August 1
7 pm – Slavic Worship

FRIDAY: August 2
Office Closed

SATURDAY: August 3

NEXT SUNDAY:  August 4
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship

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