July 19 is Pentecost 7B

Sun Jul 12 16:44:41 EDT 2009

Dear Gulf Coast Leaders,

July 19 – Pentecost 7B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam7b.htm> 2 Samuel 7:1-14a – David wants to build God’s house, but God will establish David’s house, his offspring.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer23a.htm> Jeremiah 23:1-6 – Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! The days are coming when I will raise up from David a righteous branch.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm89.htm> Psalm 89:20-37 – I anointed my servant David, and my hand will always be with him.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm23.htm> Psalm 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)
  <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph2b.htm> Ephesians 2:11-22  – You uncircumcized were once strangers to the covenant, without hope, without God. You who were far off have been brought near. He has abolished the law with its commands and ordinances, that he might create one humanity out of two. No longer strangers. 
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark6c.htm> Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 – Jesus to his disciples: “Come away to a deserted place and rest for a while.” 

Hymns: No Longer Strangers (David Haas, from Gather) fits the Epistle text to a tee.

St. Martin’s Sugarland Targeted by Vandals

St. Martin’s where we held our synod assembly opening worship, has been hit a couple of times. Memorial Day weekend $8,000 of equipment was stolen from the storage shed. And two weekends ago the church was sprayed with graffiti. Read about it at http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2009/07/07/sugar_land_sun/news/swssl_local_church_vandalized_62.txt. St. Martin’s web page: http://www.stmartinslc.org. If you want to send a concern to Pastor Steve Kelly: kelly.stephen at sbcglobal.net. 

swssl_local_church_vandalized_621.jpg swssl_local_church_vandalized_62.jpg

Bread Tweet

I’m experimenting with Twitter, a new networking technologies. I’m particularly interested in new ways to connect with young people. I’m using it to send out one Bible passage or Christian quote a day. I started this past week. I’ve not even advertised and I already have 10 followers: 3 staff, 1 bishop and 6 people I don’t know. Perhaps a strange new way to do evangelism? If you’re interested in checking it out, send a text from your cell phone to 40404, that says “follow breadtweet.” You can stop any time by texting “stop breadtweet.” Or go to www.twitter.com/breadtweet. Twitter is how news in Iran got out when the press were kicked out. Texting is rapidly catching up to email. If you don’t have a texting package you’ll pay 10-20 cents per text, depending on your mobile service provider. One of the strengths, and also challenges, is the messages have to be 140 characters or less. 

Immigration Event Yesterday

Yesterday Congressman Gene Green (of the 29th Congressional District) held an event in Houston called the “Family Unity Event,” emphasizing the basic problem with our current immigration situation: families torn apart. I was surprised when I arrived to find protesters from some anti-immigration group blocking, or trying to block entrance to the church. Police were clearing the way. There were angry people waving unfriendly signs and shouting. Congressman Green (http://www.house.gov/green/) invited Congressman Luis Gutierrez (http://luisgutierrez.house.gov) from Chicago to be the keynote speaker. A few religious leaders were asked to speak. My comments can be found at http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/bishopsermons.htm. Several people gave their personal stories. You’ve heard them before. A U.S. citizen marries a non-U.S. citizen on a visa. Their children are born U.S. citizens. Something goes wrong with the visa and the non-citizen gets deported. The family is torn apart. The only option is for the U.S. citizen and children to leave the country. So we effectively end up deporting U.S. citizens too. The stories are heart-wrenching time and time again. Just talk with Reyna in our office, who went through this. Finally Congressman Gutierrez spoke. He helped clarify what comprehensive immigration reform means. Those with immediate family stay. Those who have committed any crime are immediately deported, no questions asked. Everyone has to take an English class, and pass a test.  New up-to-date Social Security cards with a magnetic strip that tell all (rather than the antique, low-tech paper things we’ve had since I was born). Stricter laws crack down on those who hire (and exploit) illegal immigrants. ABC covered some of the fireworks: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/video?id=6909950 

Luther Decade

LWF has declared the coming decade the Luther Decade, as we approach the 500th anniversary of the posting of the 95 Theses that sparked the Reformation. I’d like to begin thinking about ways to lift up the contributions of the Reformation and clearly “brand” Lutheran identity in the communities of our synod. I envision a new section of our web page on Luther and the Reformation. I envision television commercials. Seminal events, like lectures, worship services and the like. I envision a resurgence of Luther studies by clergy and congregational small groups. I bet there are many more ideas out there. I’m also interested in finding a way to talk about the Lutheran contribution in a way that acknowledges the excesses and corruption of the 16th century church, but doesn’t “put down” our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters with vitriolic rhetoric.  If you’re passionate about something like this, let me know. Let’s put together a team to begin thinking about this and working on it.

Calvin

Speaking of reformers, just a note that this past week was Calvin’s 500th birthday (July 10, 1509). Influenced by Luther, he became a leading voice of the Reformation in Europe. Due to persecution he fled France for Switzerland. Calvin’s teachings shaped America’s colonial experiments in self-government. His thought was the backbone of the Puritan ministers who backed the American Revolution. But his theology became a problem for Lutherans, especially predestination, which established those “elected” to salvation and damnation. And sadly, as so often happens, the persecuted became the persecutor. Calvin’s infamous role in the burning execution of Michael Servetus in Geneva in 1553 is as repugnant as Luther’s late anti-Semitic writings. Luther and Calvin were ironically both simultaneously Medieval and modern. Yet both flawed individuals helped create both a church and a government of the people.

Seasonal Overview

The survey now has 24 responses, roughly 20$ of our congregations. 92% are interested. Two respondents were uninterested. 100% say the first week in November was good. 15 want to do it in Houston, 6 in LaGrange, 3 in New Orleans. Based on this, we’ll move forward. I’ll leave the survey open in case others want to weigh in: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dvyTBIUT9rAk4M7mByYBPA_3d_3d.

Pray for Jesus+Justice+Jazz

In less than one month, 36,000 high school students and adults from all over the country will gather together to serve in New Orleans in the name of Jesus Christ at Jesus+Justice+Jazz:  ELCA Youth Gathering.  Groups will spend 3 days learning about the realities of life after the storm, serving the real needs of the community in areas like wealth and poverty, literacy, arts and culture, environment.  Groups are also and challenged to discover how this experience in New Orleans reflects the needs in their own communities and how they might address those needs when they get home.  During the month of July, please pray for the city of New Orleans as it prepares to received 36,000 people during the week of July 20th, pray for the leaders who are hard at work planning the gathering, and for the students and adults who will come to New Orleans.

50-days of Prayer before the Churchwide Assembly – www.elca.org/50days 

Churchwide Assembly begins August 17. You are invited to pray for wisdom in discernment for the ELCA and voting members. The above website has daily prayers, the Scriptures being used at churchwide assembly with commentary, and Intercessory Prayers for worship to be used leading up to the assembly, during and after. Presiding <http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Schedule/Prayer/Bishops-Call.aspx>  Bishop's call to prayer

1.	Daily <http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Schedule/Prayer.aspx#daily>  prayer starting June 29.
2.	 <http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Schedule/Prayer.aspx#weekly> Weekly prayer with scripture readings taken from the daily lectionary of the assembly with reflection questions, a prayer and a refection hymn.
3.	 <http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Schedule/Prayer.aspx#sunday> Sunday prayers with a petition for the Prayers of Intercession for the Sundays from June 28 - Aug. 6 and one for each Aug. 16 and Aug. 23.

Renewal

He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ 

For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Mark 6:31

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:29

I’ve been at a continuing education event this month. I dreaded going. Extroverts don’t like to reflect. But reflect we must, or be consumed by our own drive. By the second day I could feel the stress dissipating, and the familiar feeling of creativity seeping back in – new ideas emerging. It’s a fertile time, and a dangerous time. One can generate more ideas than one could ever implement. And each new idea risks diverting energy from important plans already in place. But equally dangerous is the rut of doing the same things over and over again. Someone once said a rut is just a grave with the ends kicked out. The trick is to bring the shiny new tools to bear on the important tasks already outlined. 

In Mark 6 Jesus encourages his disciples to come away for a time and rest. He understands the importance of rest for the spiritual life. The concept of Sabbath is central to Jewish faith. If you don’t find rest for your soul, you will become a child of hell. I speak from experience. We become spiritually dried up. After a time, one day of rest a week isn’t enough. 

The Bible doesn’t talk about vacation per se, but it does talk about religious festivals. Jesus family went “up” to Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover. Family time. Long trip. Time away from chores and work. These were blessed times. Some of my best childhood memories are of family trips. I remember the five of us loading up in our yellow Volkswagon Beetle (I’m not kidding) and driving to the ocean. I remember camping and cooking pancakes on a Coleman grill. I remember standing on a mountain top in the Great Smoky Mountains national park awestruck as I looked down upon purple mountains poking up through a sea of clouds, memories of school and homework melting away. These images will stay with me for the rest of my life. (Unless Alzheimer’s is hereditary, in which case I’m toast.)

Some of it’s just being with your family, who drive you nuts, but also are your longest-term companions in this journey. Some of it’s not having to do homework, or mow the lawn. But some of it is space. Someone once said evangelism is making space in people’s lives for God to act. At times I was bored on vacation. Long hours in the car. Sitting on the beach wondering what’s for dinner. These are times of renewal. They are indispensable. If you’re irritable, it’s probably time for a vacation. Go to a deserted place and rest for a while.

If you wait until your burned out to rest, it’s too late. You’ll need months. I have to program rest, even when I don’t want it. Even when I think I don’t need it. I have learned the hard way. I have paid the price, and so have those around me. So schedule your time off. Take it even if you think you don’t need it. Take it even if you don’t have money to go anywhere. Just stop for a while. Your congregation will thank you.

And talk to your president about a Sabbatical. Make a proposal. The congregation will need to plan ahead. Do it now, before you desperately need it. Pastors who are fried leave. Many could retool and start over for another seven years with a second wind if they had some time to chill. There are resources to help pay for it. Lilly offers grants. The Louisville Institute offers grants of $10K for eight-week sabbaticals and $15K for 12-week sabbaticals. http://www.louisville-institute.org/Grants/programs/sgpldetail.aspx

Our synod’s compensation guidelines say:

A sabbatical leave is recommended for rostered persons after the first seven years of service in a congregation/agency, and every five years thereafter in conjunction with congregational/agency mission planning. The recommended time for sabbatical leave is three months. For further information, contact the synod office for the document Policy and Guidelines for Sabbatical Leave for Rostered Persons, adopted by the Synod Assembly in June 1998.

I’m thinking this might be that policy: http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/sabbatical.htm. 

Retired Pastor Calder Gibson writes:

After serving… Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Los Alamos, New Mexico since 1983, I embarked on a sabbatical during the summer of 1993.  It was the first time this parish had provided such an experience.  (Although in a previous parish -- Incarnation Lutheran Church, Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York -- the parish granted me a six week leave to participate in the on-going archaeological digs at Gezer, Israel in the summer of 1969.  In a similar vacation period I participated in the summer program of the Ecumenical Institute at Tantur, Israel.)…

Each congregation which provided an official or unofficial sabbatical funded a good deal of the cost, beginning to set aside funds annually from the start of my pastorate.  I was aided in the Gezer jaunt by a grant from the New York Synod.  Each parish was very generous in generating supply pastors to cover for me… I would encourage any congregation to consider helping to provide a sabbatical for its clergy.

Pastor Tim Christ writes:

Tim Christ responds: I just came back from 2-1/2 months…

I was not as intentional in long-range planning and scheduling as I could have (or perhaps even should have) been. My primary goal for Sabbatical was time to recharge. And bluntly, I knew I was tired, but I didn’t realize how tired (emotionally, physically and spiritually) until 3 or 4 weeks into the sabbatical…

Concurrent with my time away, the congregation engaged Pr. George Brookover to do a congregational health assessment… Funding for both was built into our 2008 spending guide… I’m aware that several colleagues have applied for and utilized foundation and grant money. 

Frankly, congregations that aren’t excited about sabbaticals simply need to be told that it is a standard part of the call they issue to a Pastor (I believe the current time frame is after 6-years of service with an expectation of the Pastor remaining a minimum 3-years beyond the sabbatical) and some good solid education as to the value of a long-term Pastorate (which is the reality if a Sabbatical indeed happens) and preparation (including financial set aside) right from the beginning of Pastor’s ministry. That would give many of them more than adequate time to mentally adjust and financially prepare for a sabbatical. Of course money is always the big sticking point…the big elephant in the room with Lutherans, isn’t it? 

Herb Palmer writes:

My Sabbatical was funded by Lilly. I would love to help someone try to access that support. There are a number of other sources as well. Persons who are interested can Google clergy continuing education or clergy sabbatical and that would be a beginning.

I knew a pastor close to retirement who used to scoff at taking a day off, and brag that he hadn’t taken a vacation in years. 

Thing is, you could tell.

שלומ سلام Peace,

Mike Rinehart 

Michael Rinehart, bishop

The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

12707 I-45 North Frwy, Suite 580

Houston, TX 77060-1239                

281-873-5665

www.GulfCoastSynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/> 

cid:image011.jpg at 01C9E257.E2D08BC0

Time after Pentecost 2009

July 26 – Pentecost 8B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam11.htm> 2 Samuel 11:1-15 – David and Bathsheba

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/2kgs4.htm> 2 Kings 4:42-44 – Elisha feeds the people with 20 loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm14.htm> Psalm 14 – There is no one who does good, no not one

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm145.htm> Psalm 145:10-18 – You open wide your hand and satisfy the needs of every living creature. (Ps. 145:17) <http://www.textweek.com/history/2kgs4.htm> 
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph3b.htm> Ephesians 3:14-21 – I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn6a.htm> John 6:1-21 – Feeding of the 5,000. Jesus walks on water. 

August 2 – Pentecost 9B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam11_12a.htm> 2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a – The prophet Nathan comes to David to declare God’s judgment on him for killing Uriah: “You are the man.”

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/ex16.htm> Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15 – Manna from heaven.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm51.htm> Psalm 51:1-12 – Create in me a clean heart O God…

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm78.htm> Psalm 78:23-29 – The LORD rained down manna upon them to eat. (Ps. 78:24)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph4.htm> Ephesians 4:1-16 – Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers are to equip the saints for ministry until we all arrive at unity of faith and spiritual maturity. 

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn6b.htm> John 6:24-35 – I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never be hungry. 

August 9 – Pentecost 10B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam18.htm> 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 – The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/1kgs19a.htm> 1 Kings 19:4-8 – Angels feed Elijah in the wilderness.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm130.htm> Psalm 130 – Out of the depths I cry to you.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm34.htm> Psalm 34:1-8 – Taste and see that the LORD is good. (Ps. 34:8)

 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph4_5.htm> Ephesians 4:25 - 5:2 – Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger… Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up… And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God… be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn6c.htm> John 6:35, 41-51 – I am the bread of life, the living bread which comes down from heaven. No one comes unless the Father draws, and I will raise you up on the last day.

August 16 – Pentecost 11B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1kgs2_3.htm> 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 – David dies. God offers Solomon anything. Solomon asks for wisdom.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov9.htm> Proverbs 9:1-6 – Wisdom has built her house.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm111.htm> Psalm 111 – The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm34.htm> Psalm 34:9-14 – Taste and see that the Lord is good.
  <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph5b.htm> Ephesians 5:15-20  – Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn6d.htm> John 6:51-58 – Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me and I in them. The one who eats this bread will live forever.

August 23 – Pentecost 12B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1kgs8a.htm> 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 – Solomon’s temple.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/josh24b.htm> Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 – Choose this day whom you shall serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm84.htm> Psalm 84 – How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm34.htm> Psalm 34:15-22 – The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous. (Ps. 34:15)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph6.htm> Ephesians 6:10-20  – Put on the full armor of God.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn6e.htm> John 6:56-69  – Eat my flesh for eternal life. This is a difficult teaching; who can accept it? Does this bother you? Do you also wish to go away? Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life…

August 30 – Pentecost 13B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/songs2.htm> Song of Solomon 2:8-13 – My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/deut4.htm> Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 – Observe my statutes/ordinances as you enter the land. Teach it to your children. 
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm45.htm> Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 – Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm15.htm> Psalm 15 – Do not lend money at interest. LORD, who may dwell in your tabernacle? (Ps. 15:1)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james1.htm> James 1:17-27 – Be quick to listen, slow to speak. Giving. Slow to anger. Be doers of the word, not just hearers. Pure religion: Care for orphans and widows.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark7a.htm> Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23  – Jesus: It is not what goes in, but what comes out that defiles. Jesus eats with unwashed hands.

September 6 – Pentecost 14B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov22.htm> Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 – 9Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah35.htm> Isaiah 35:4-7 – Say to those of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not be afraid.” He will come and save you.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm125.htm> Psalm 125 – Do good, O Lord, to those who are good.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm146.htm> Psalm 146 – I will praise the LORD as long as I live. (Ps. 146:1)
  <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james2.htm> James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 – Don’t show favoritism to the rich. Faith without works is dead.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark7b.htm> Mark 7:24-37 – Syrophoenecian woman’s daughter.

September 13 – Pentecost 15B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov1.htm> Proverbs 1:20-33 – Wisdom cries out in the street. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah50.htm> Isaiah 50:4-9 – The Lord has given me the tongue of a teacher.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm19.htm> Psalm 19 – The heavens are telling the glory of God.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom7_8.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 7:26-8:1 – Wisdom is a reflection of eternal light. She is more beautiful than the sun.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm116.htm> Psalm 116:1-9 – I will walk in the presence of the LORD. (Ps. 116:8)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james3.htm> James 3:1-12 – Not many of you should become teachers. Tame the tongue.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark8.htm> Mark 8:27-38 – Who do people say I am? Messiah. Get behind me Satan. If you would follow me take up your cross.

September 20 – Pentecost 16B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/prov31.htm> Proverbs 31:10-31 – A capable wife who can find? She is more precious than jewels.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom1_2.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 1:16 - 2:1, 12-22 – 20Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected.’
or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer11.htm> Jeremiah 11:18-20  — But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I did not know it was against me that they devised schemes, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name will no longer be remembered!”
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm1.htm> Psalm 1 – How blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked… he will be like a tree planted by streams of water.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm54.htm> Psalm 54 – God is my helper; it is the LORD who sustains my life. (Ps. 54:4)
  <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james3_4.htm> James 3:13 - 4:3, 7-8a – Why do conflicts arise among you?
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark9b.htm> Mark 9:30-37 – Who is the greatest? Be a servant.

September 27 – Pentecost 17B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/est7.htm> Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 – Haman is hung on the gallows prepared for Mordecai. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/num11a.htm> Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 – Murmuring motif. Manna whining.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm124.htm> Psalm 124 – Had the Lord not been on our side, when our enemies attacked us, we would have been swallowed up.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm19.htm> Psalm 19:7-14 – The law is perfect, pure, better than gold. The commandment of the LORD gives light to the eyes. (Ps. 19:8)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/james5b.htm> James 5:13-20 – Healing text. Are any of you sick? Elders should pray and lay hands on you.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark9c.htm> Mark 9:38-50 – Whoever is not against us is for us. 

October 4 – Pentecost 18B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job1_2.htm> Job 1:1; 2:1-10 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/gen2_3.htm> Genesis 2:18-24
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm26.htm> Psalm 26 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm8.htm> Psalm 8 - You adorn us with glory and honor. (Ps. 8:6) <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/gen2_3.htm> 
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews1_2.htm> Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 - In many and various ways God spoke to the people of old by the prophets, but in these last days…
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10a.htm> Mark 10:2-16 - Legal to divorce? Little children come to Jesus. Accept the Kingdom of God as a child…

October 11 – Pentecost 19B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job23.htm> Job 23:1-9, 16-17 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/amos5a.htm> Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm22.htm> Psalm 22:1-15 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm90.htm> Psalm 90:12-17 - So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Ps. 90:12)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews4.htm> Hebrews 4:12-16
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10b.htm> Mark 10:17-31 - Rich young ruler. Eye of the needle. For God all things are possible.

October 18 – Pentecost 20B

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job38b.htm> Job 38:1-7, (34-41) 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah52_53.htm> Isaiah 53:4-12
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm104.htm> Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm91.htm> Psalm 91:9-16 - You have made the LORD your refuge, and the Most High your habitation. (Ps. 91:9)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews5.htm> Hebrews 5:1-10   - More great high priest stuff
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark10c.htm> Mark 10:35-45 - Make us to sit at your right and left in the kingdom of heaven.

October 25 – REFORMATION SUNDAY 

Jeremiah 31:31-34
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm46.htm> Psalm 46 - The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Ps. 46:4)
Romans 3:19-28  

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn8b.htm> John 8:31-36

November 1 – ALL SAINTS

 <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom3.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 - The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah25.htm> Isaiah 25:6-9 - On this mt God will swallow up death. No more tears.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm24.htm> Psalm 24 - The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it. They shall receive a blessing from the God of their salvation. (Ps. 24:5)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/rev21.htm> Revelation 21:1-6a - Holy city coming down. No more tears.
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn11.htm> John 11:32-44 - The raising of Lazarus  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah25.htm> 

November 8 – Pentecost 23B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/ruth3.htm> Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/1kgs17.htm> 1 Kings 17:8-16 - The widow of Zarephath
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm127.htm> Psalm 127 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm146.htm> Psalm 146  - The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:7)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews9b.htm> Hebrews 9:24-28 - More high priest stuff

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark12b.htm> Mark 12:38-44 - Widow’s mite

November 15 – Pentecost 24B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam1.htm> 1 Samuel 1:4-20 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/dan12.htm> Daniel 12:1-3 – Michael, the great protector of the people is coming. Everyone whose name is written in the book shall be delivered.
 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam2a.htm> 1 Samuel 2:1-10 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm16.htm> Psalm 16 - My heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body shall rest in hope. (Ps. 16:9)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews10b.htm> Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25 – We have confidence to enter God’s sanctuary through the blood of Jesus.

  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark13a.htm> Mark 13:1-8 - The end is coming. Not one stone will be left upon another.

November 22 - CHRIST THE KING?

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam23.htm> 2 Samuel 23:1-7 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/dan7.htm> Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm132.htm> Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm93.htm> Psalm 93  - Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:3)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/rev1.htm> Revelation 1:4b-8
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn18_19.htm> John 18:33-37

Wednesday or Thursday November 25/26 – THANKSGIVING

 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/joel2b.htm> Joel 2:21-27 - Don’t fear O SOIL. Your threshing floors will be full. Your vats will be full with wine and oil.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm126.htm> Psalm 126 - The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed. (Ps. 126:4)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/1tim2.htm> 1 Timothy 2:1-7 - Pray for public leaders.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/matt6b.htm> Matthew 6:25-33 - Don’t worry about your life… God will provide.

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