At worship in September and October, we’ll be hearing from Mark’s gospel about people who are small in status, powerless, seemingly unimportant – lowly. While the world is focused on major figures in a big presidential election, we’ll come Sunday by Sunday to hear about:
- a deaf man in need of healing,
- a foreign woman with a sick daughter
- a terribly confused disciple,
- little children who come to Jesus only to be shoed away,
- women divorced and left without any means of support,
- a blind beggar by the side of the road, crying for mercy.
To these “little ones” (as he puts it, Sept 29) Jesus says “whoever welcomes you, welcomes me. Whoever offers you a cup of water in my name will not lose the reward.” It’s nothing big; just to be noticed and shown compassion. Jesus says “those who want to be great must be last of all and servant to all.”
We’ll use a fitting liturgy in worship, the warm and uplifting “Now the Feast and Celebration,” composed with inclusive language for the Pacific Lutheran University congregation. Everything from the opening “In peace, in peace” to “lift up your hearts” to closing “raising high the weak and lowly” rolls together musically.
Some related opportunities: beginning this Sunday (September 1) pick up a copy of Jesus and the Disinherited, a slim book for people “with their back against the wall” and inspiration for the civil rights movement. Discussion time TBA.
The following Sunday (September 8) is our Rally Day – the festive beginning to our church programming year. We’ll be making care kits for children who are experiencing homelessness in our area, including cards that we’ll be crafting. There will be special treats and lunch.
Choir starts Thursday (September 12) with a rehearsal from 7-8:30pm – a wonderful way to participate in leading the Sunday liturgy. September 15 we’ll begin our 9am Conversation series. The focus will be an introduction to the Bible including what’s in it and how we interpret it (hint: it’s about God’s concern for lowly people). A few sessions introducing the Bible to kids will be offered after worship; stay tuned for dates and details.
On September 29 after worship, council is organizing an opportunity to hear more about our service to the lowly of the world and how we can be involved. And around that time we’ll be hearing about our stewardship theme for 2025 pledges: “Come to the Water.” God’s gift is the compassion shown in a glass of water offered to us in our thirst. It’s also the river of life promised to all people and all creation.
