The Reality of Division
Really? Really? Today both congregations are gathering outside for worship. Music and liturgy will be informal and relaxed.
In that setting, together we will consider what the prophet Jeremiah, and Luke, our gospel story teller until December, have to say about fire and turning from anxious self-preservation to faithful self-giving. But this goes against our nature, so we see how conflict replaces Jesus’ peace-filled activity. In today’s gospel, Jesus speaks to the reality of division. It may be hard to hear. Jesus’ words are fiery and speak of broken relationships. He is telling the people to lay aside anxiety and greed. He is inviting them to turn their hearts to the true treasures of God’s promised kingdom.
And then, through God’s trusted prophet, Jeremiah, God challenges the false prophets who lie and deceive others. God’s compassion and yearning for a restored relationship with us, and among us, shows through.
While fully aware of the realities of conflict and division, we get to live as hopeful people, praying fervently for God’s compassion and for the restoration of right relationships.
SUNDAY: August 18
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship
The services on August 18 will be held
outside on the church grounds at each location.
You might want to bring your lawn chairs!
* At First Lutheran, worship will be followed by brunch. Please bring a main course or side dish to share (see note below regarding pie.)
* At Christ the Servant, worship will be followed by refreshments and a time of fellowship as usual.
THERE WERE 84 PIECES OF PIE LEFTOVER AND FROZEN FROM THE RAGBRAI PROJECT. We will enjoy it as a congregation at First Lutheran on Sunday, August 18, at the brunch following our outdoor worship service. Please consider bringing a main course or side dishes instead of desserts.
MONDAY: August 19
7 pm – Quilt Guild in Fireside Room
TUESDAY: August 20
Noon – CTS Women’s Bible Study
at Christ the Servant
3:30 pm – CTS Worship Committee
4:30 pm – CTS Task Force
6:30 pm – Southgate Service
WEDNESDAY: August 21
PASTOR SALLY WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE FROM AUGUST 21-24. In case of an emergency, please call Wendy during office hours (641-774-4875). After hours, please call Gayle Bortz (641-203-0677).
THURSDAY: August 22
Noon – Wayne Co. Ministers meet at LaBota’s
7 pm – Slavic Worship
FRIDAY: August 23
Office Closed
SATURDAY: August 24
NEXT SUNDAY: August 25
Holy Communion
9 am – First, Chariton
11 am – Christ the Servant, Corydon
1 pm – Slavic Worship
2 pm – Homestead Service
3 pm – Chariton Specialty Care Service
PASTOR SALLY WILL BE on vacation out of state from AUGUST 25-31. In case of an emergency, please call Wendy during office hours (641-774-4875). After hours, please call Gayle Bortz (641-203-0677).