Sep 82 min read

From the Pastor - September 8, 2024

Greetings in the Name of Jesus! Years ago, I remember an ongoing

debate among our congregation's Confirmation Committee. It was our

tradition that we would conclude our three-year program with a retreat that

would often prove to be quite inspirational for our prospective

confirmands. Here's the gist of the debate: what if a young person who has

not completed all three years of confirmation goes on the retreat and, as a

result, expressed a desire to be confirmed? Half the committee said, "if the

student hasn't completed the classes they cannot be confirmed with the rest

of their class." The other half suggested that the student should be

confirmed but encouraged to complete the classes afterwards at some

point. Which side would you be on? Better yet, which side do you think

Jesus would support?

This leads to the theme of our lessons for this Sunday. James tells us to

stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more

honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first

response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing

her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s

children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended

those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the

story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to

Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir. We will think about

this together in our worship this Sunday.

Remember that next Sunday (September 15th) is our church picnic and

worship for both congregations at Smith Mountain Lake. We will send

detailed directions next week in your email. Copies are now available on

the table. The service will begin at 10:30 and it takes me about 35 minutes

in travel time. Living Grace folks should bring their own drinks, plus a side

dish. Bethlehem people are bringing desserts, and fruit. We will provide

disposable plates and plastic silverware, so if you want a real plate, fork and

knife, you will need to bring your own as well. The main dish is fried

chicken and will be provided by the church. I'm looking forward to seeing

you all. Plan to stay if you want to swim or go boating afterwards.

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