14 th Sunday after Pentecost~~ August 28-29, 2021
August 29, 2021
My dearest Hope Family-
Mr. Fred Rogers wrote: “Imagine what our real neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered , as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.” Mr. Rogers had incredible insight into our human community and our need for kindness, compassion, equality, justice, and love. Let us take his words to heart as we also recall the words of the prophet Micah 6:8 that we are to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This is what God requires of us as faithful members of God’s family.
What a beautiful day it would be in our neighborhood-in every neighborhood- if we could live out our faith in this way! We would act with justice, show mercy and kindness and compassion, and humbly walk in fellowship with God and one another. A beautiful day in the neighborhood indeed!
Please pray for me as I pray for you! In love,
~~~ Pr. Jen Schaefer+
Please be advised – due to a rise of Covid infection in our community and country, masks will be required for everyone entering our building beginning Monday, August 2 until further notice. Thanks for complying with this directive! Be safe!
14 th Sunday after Pentecost~~ August 28-29, 2021
The Prayer of the Day O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.. Amen.
Gospel : Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Mark’s gospel depicts Jesus as challenging traditional ways in which religious people determine what is pure or impure. For Jesus, the observance of religious practices cannot become a substitute for godly words or deeds that spring from a faithful heart.
1Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around [Jesus], 2they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. 3(For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; 4and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) 5So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” 6He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,
‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;
7in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’
8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”
14Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.”
21For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
‘This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me;
7in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines.’
8You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”
14Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: 15there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.”
21For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, 22adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. 23All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY : Sit up straight! Elbows off the table! Napkin in your lap! Wait until everyone has been served before you begin to eat! And close your mouth when you chew! The rituals associated with eating begin early in a child’s life and grow more complex with our journey toward maturity. In every culture these rituals are one of the ways the group holds itself together as a group. Those who are eat the same things and act the same way are a part of the in crowd. ~~~ Perhaps one of the more curious and exciting adventures we ever embark upon is our first awareness of these differences, the very first time we venture away from home to eat dinner with a family other than our own. At their house can one get dessert without eating everything on the plate? What is that stuff on the plate, anyway? Our turkey stuffing or green bean casserole taste so much different than this! So many differences define us: Is belching after dinner an expected compliment for the host or an embarrassment to your mother? Do they eat dinner with a fork, their fingers, or chopsticks? Is cold spaghetti or Cocoa Puffs one of the mainstays of their breakfast diet-or for dinner? ~~~Though we can laugh at the mystery of our differences, when it comes to food, at the time the Gospels were written, food laws were a serious matter for Jews. Enforcing rules and regulations for maintaining purity was one way to maintain a sense of themselves as the people of Israel. It was God’s commandment, after all, not unlike the rules of parents regarding manners and remembering who you are when visiting a friend’s home. ~~~For Jesus the food laws became critical arguing points to challenge the exclusion of Gentiles from the kingdom of God. It required a shift in understanding of the purpose of the law. Table manners are not meant for banishing to the basement those who are not worthy enough to eat. They are meant to help make dining a pleasurable experience for everyone because everyone knows the rules. But the controversy over food laws persisted in the early Church -they reflected tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians that kept them from table fellowship together. ~~~Today, for us, other controversies keep Christians from coming to the table together. Opinions about policies having to do with genetic research, politics, war, immigration,, medical care, education, the environment, and gender give us all the opportunity for violent disagreement, if we let them. Each of these areas of contention represent deeply held convictions about how we are to live. These convictions in part, tell us who we are. When they are challenged, we get scared and angry. It feels as if our very existence is threatened. And it is fear, ultimately, that fuels the evil intentions of the heart. What defines us? Jesus might say it’s not so much what you are eating but what is eating at you. ~~~Jesus reassures us that what we need to reflect upon is how willing we are to reach out to the people across the street who see things and do things differently than we do. We are to be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves by thinking that our way is the only right way. We are all sinners, needing forgiveness. We need to see ourselves clearly. Jesus challenges us to see beyond the differences that threaten to isolate us from each other. He calls us to be together at the table so that we might find we have more in common than our own selfish intentions.
~~~Eucharist, pot-luck suppers, coffee hour, pizza parties, picnics, cookouts, holiday or celebrations meals — we are called together to gather at the table to remember that we all depend upon the grace of the One who loves us. We come together again and again to give thanks and to be sent out once again humbled by that love. How do we show it, not only with our lips but in our lives? The book of James suggests one specific practice: Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; Anger does not produce God’s righteousness The rules and convictions we speak and act are often human-made and not of God. ~~~ The story is told of a family and friends gathered for a special dinner that called for the best china and everyone’s favorite recipes. All were seated at the table, waiting hungrily for the turkey to be served so dinner could begin. The proud cook strode through the doorway, the weight of the platter straining her grip, and she tripped on the carpet’s edge. As she fell, the turkey slid across the floor. There was a moment of dead silence before the hostess declared in a bright voice directed to the cook: “It’s no problem, everything is all right. Just take that one back to the kitchen, and bring in the other one you prepared as back up.” Of course, there was no second turkey. But a turkey appeared, moments later, nevertheless. Dinner was served. The 5 second rule-don’t tell Martha Stewart! 😊 ~~~Jesus challenges the purity laws so fiercely protected by the Pharisees and scribes who have come down from Jerusalem. True faith has to do with caring for others in distress, not stressing over pure religious practices. Life in God, the creator of all, is our common ground, not the source of our differences. What makes us Christian is not ritual or customs, what we eat or what we fear. What defines us ultimately is our faith in the great saving and forgiving love through Jesus that calls us into being and commands that we be reconciled with one another, in UNITY with one another. A common thread runs through the diversity of our response to that command. As the old folk song proclaims: “ We are one in the spirit, we are one in the lord. They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, they will know we are Christians by our love..” Our faith is shown by our love for God as we love others as Jesus calls us to do. Just love. Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Rooted in Christ and sustained by the Spirit, we offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all of creation. A brief silence.
We pray for the church, that it is a safe haven for all who seek your presence. Fill it with pastors, deacons, and leaders who echo your expansive and generous welcome. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the whole of creation, that plants and animals have the habitat and resources to thrive and flourish. Inspire us to protect threatened habitats and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for individuals in positions of authority (national and local leaders may be named). Raise up wise and discerning leaders in federal, state, and local governments and guide them to seek the benefit of every person. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are in need. Support and encourage those who are unemployed, underemployed, or experiencing poverty. Bring food, shelter, clothes, and stability for daily life. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We give thanks for the faithful departed who showed us how to honor God with our heart. Inspire us by their example and renew our faith, trusting that we will be united with them in glory. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We lift these and all our prayers to you, O God, confident in the promise of your saving love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of the living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, surround and sustain us, keep us from harm, and fill us with courage. Amen.
Let us go out into the world in peace, sharing the Good News of Jesus and his love, as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Isaiah 35:4-7a; James 2:1-10 14-17; Mark 7:24-37
The July thru September Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
PRAYER LIST
Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Maxine Linn for healing (Mark Packer’s mom)
Cindy & Danielle for healing and hope
Richard Massey and Rick for healing
Doreen Parkinson for healing
John for healing
Herb Sixbury for healing
Doris Puerner for healing
Helen for healing after surgery
Dawn Seibert for healing
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s will.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, for healing.
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing & healing for all their family
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing.
Pastor Pat for healing
Gini for healing
NEW AT HOPE
UNDIES & SCHOOL SUPPLIES Between now and Sunday Sept. 12, Gods Work Our Hands Sunday, lets collect underwear and school supplies for our local students. Our collection will be blessed the weekend of Sept. 11 and 12 and then shared with or community. Help us as we make a difference in Jesus’ name.
KINDNESS KORNER Following along with Book Club suggestions, this week’s act of kindness will be to pay someone an unexpected (and true) compliment!
HOPE LOVE PANTRY is looking for a volunteer to restock the pantry on Thursday mornings during office hours which are 9:00 AM to Noon. If you can assist, please contact Linda Kraigenow.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness is healing after surgery and could use prayers and good wishes from our Hope family. Her address is Laura Everill, Room 601, Ashton Creek, 4111 Park Place Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46845. Her email address is leverill@comcast.net.
SAVE THE DATE – Hope Lutheran Bazaar scheduled for December 4, 2021.If you know of any vendors that would like to rent space, please contact Fran Kostrowsky.
HOPE LOVE PANTRY – The pantry could use tuna, crackers, pastas, tomato sauce, peanut butter, shampoo, boxed milk (dollar tree has best price), juices and canned fruits. Thank you for your continued support and donations. This is our opportunity to serve God and share Christ’s love with all.
2021 HOPE LUTHERAN COUNCIL MEMBERS
Pr. Jennifer Schaefer 813.391.2027 hopeluthern1@comcast.net
Pres. Jill Mead 941.350.5209 jillmead3059@gmail.com
V.P. Linda Kraigenow 941.623.9188 lindak41549@gmail.com
Sec’y Roberta Balint 941.830.2381 roberta.in.paradise@gmail.com
Treas. Karl Kaukis 405.334.1511 karl@kaukis.com
Fin’l Sec’y Lorraine Maass 540.419.5961 yar0227@ymail.com
Pr. Cheryll A-K 405.762.0564 cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com
Candy Ogden 217.899.7086 roncandyogden92@gmail.com
Donna Turner 941.276.4696 jag01@embarqmail.com
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