FW: 9/27/09 is Pentecost 17B

Sun Sep 20 21:38:47 EDT 2009

Dear Gulf Coast Leaders,

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. 

In our Prayers

·         Betty Hildebrandt, wife of Pastor Walt Hildebrandt, hospitalized

·         Healing: Pastor Manuel Morales, hospitalized

Grace New Orleans Banner:

Grace JJJ Banner.jpeg

Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Pastors:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyNyHLCppMA

Presbyterian Pastor installed at Trinity, La Marque

http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org 

Magee.jpg

SIGN UP NOW!       2009 ELCA Global Formation Event – October 2 & 3, 2009 at Living Word in Katy, Texas

$35. In only 1-1/2 days, you and your team can

• enhance your connections with the worldwide Lutheran family

• energize your congregation

• gain practical skills for mission

• give, receive, and serve more effectively

Experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location —so congregational leaders can build skills to be an effective part of God’s mission no matter where you are. For more information and to register, visit  <http://www.elca.org/globalevents> www.elca.org/globalevents. Stay Sunday for Living Word’s 6th annual Global Mission Festival on October 4 from 2–6:30 p.m.!

St. Francis of Assisi – October 4

October 4, St. Francis’ Day, falls on a Sunday this year. It’s a great time to use the prayer of St. Francis. Another thing some congregations do is a blessing of the pets. Anyone who has a pet knows how much a part of the family they become, and how much love they share. People love their animals. I’ve only done this two or three times, but each time the turnout was great. I always avoided Sunday mornings, because the pets become the agenda. It’s more of a social, with a prayer of thanks involved. Here’s a more lengthy liturgy, but I’d cut it down: http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/sr-bless-animal.php. Here’s another: http://www.liturgybytlw.com/LessFest/StFrancs.html  I’m surprised they didn’t include the prayer of St. Francis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_of_Saint_Francis.%20Textweek.com>  Textweek.com offers some texts for St. Francis and some other things like blessings, icons, and powerpoint stuff: http://www.textweek.com/festivals/francis.htm. Be sure to tip the press if you do a blessing. They love animal shots. Wear an alb and stole. You’ll get good free press of the church being the church at a time that the press is wanting to show us fighting with one another.

October 4 also kicks of the Bach Society Fall season

For those in the Houston area that love fine classical music, the Bach Society, housed at Christ the King, is a true gem. This is certainly the finest music I’ve heard in Houston. Treat yourself to something soulful:

Bach Vespers Sunday, October 4, 2009  •  6:00 pm
Bach: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,Cantata BWV 147
Schütz: Der Herr ist mein Hirt, SWV 33
Reger: Nachtlied
Bach Choir & Orchestra • Albert LeDoux, director

Serving

Today I had the privilege of preaching at New Life Pearland at their 8 and 10:30 services, with a Meet the Bishop in between. Then, in the afternoon, we installed Pastor Jhon Arroyave as associate pastor at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz at Wirt and Westview. Pastor Arroyave was a Roman Catholic priest who today became a Lutheran pastor. We are excited about this, and so is his wife. J I don’t have pictures yet, but thanks to prolific photographer and HC member Calvin Remmert, I’m sure I will soon. HC/SC has two services, one in English and one in Spanish. Both services have an attendance of about 160. This bilingual arrangement is not without its difficulties, but Pastors Jim Berggren and Jhon Arroyave are learning to surf them. 

At both services at New Life and at the installation at HC/SC I asked, in both languages: If I were to go around here and ask people who don’t go to church what their honest impression of church people was, what would they say? The responses I got were: Hypocrites, self-righteous, meddlers, do-gooders and so on. Friends, this is what the world thinks of us. Not one person said, “Servant.” It would be a good exercise. Maybe I’ll do it for our next assembly.

The general impression is that we Christians think we’re on higher moral ground. Study after study shows people think church people are just like everyone else, just more judgmental. If we are going to be effective at evangelism, we have to turn this around. What if, five years from now, I could go ask the same question, and get answers like: Servants. Those people are always giving of themselves to help others. Those are the folks that step up whenever there’s a crisis. They carry the load. They always put themselves last, and others first. 

I believe this is more than just marketing. I think we actually have to be these things, not just give the impression that we are. “The son of man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 

The same could be said of us as a congregations. What if I asked people in your congregation’s general vicinity: Tell me about those folks at Faith Lutheran. What do they do? What are they about? In many cases people would say they’re not sure. In other cases they might say, “They like to meet a lot in their building.” “I think they sing songs and study the Bible and stuff.” What if the Houston Texans got into the huddle and it lasted 10, 15, 30 minutes. After two hours, I would imagine there would be hell to pay. Sometimes I think the church is like this. We like to huddle. We like to meet. 

Imagine then after two hours of huddle, the coach burst out of the huddle, and grabbed the ball and said, “Hike!” He’d be pulverized by the opposing team. And yet this is how many congregations think of themselves. We’ll hire the pastor to be our minister, to visit the sick for us, and do the work of God. Fortunately there is no such model for the church in the New Testament. The church is the Body of Christ, with Christ as its head. Perhaps the pastor is the body’s personal trainer, called to equip the body for the work of ministry.

When we become a servant church, with the true humility of Christ, evangelism will start to take care of itself.

Then let the servant church arise,
a caring church that longs to be
a partner in Christ's sacrifice,
and clothed in Christ's humanity.

We have no mission but to serve
in full obedience to our Lord:
to care for all, without reserve,
and spread his liberating word.

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

October 4 – Pentecost 18B – (also St. Francis of Assisi: http://www.textweek.com/festivals/francis.htm)

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job1_2.htm> Job 1:1; 2:1-10 – God to Satan: Have you considered my servant Job? God allow Satan to inflict Job with sores.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/pentateuch/gen2_3.htm> Genesis 2:18-24 – Man names the animals. God forms woman from the rib of man to be his helper. For this reason a man…
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm26.htm> Psalm 26 – Prove me O Lord and try me; test my heart and mind.

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 – Job’s lament: If only I could vanish in darkness and thick darkness would cover my face. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/amos5a.htm> Amos 5:6-7, 10-15 – Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the Lord will be with you, as you have said he is.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm22.htm> Psalm 22:1-15 – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

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   - The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. All are naked a laid bare before him. 

 <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) – Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: Gird your loins and I will question you.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah52_53.htm> Isaiah 53:4-12 – Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed him stricken by God and afflicted.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm104.htm> Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c – You stretch out the heavens like a tent. 

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.

Or October 18 – St. Luke

Isaiah 35:5-8 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah35.htm>   - Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped…

Psalm 124 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm124.htm>  – If it had not been the Lord on our side, the flood would have swept us away. 

2 Timothy 4:5-11 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/2tim4.htm>  – Luke is the only one who stays with Paul in his distress.

Luke 1:1-4 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk1.htm> ; 24:44-53 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk24c.htm>  – Luke’s reason for writing for Theophilus. Jesus’ resurrection address to the disciples.

October 25 – REFORMATION SUNDAY 

Jeremiah <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer31c.htm>  31:31-34 – The days are coming when I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah: law on their hearts.
 <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 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom1_3.htm>  3:19-28 – No one will be justified by the law. Now, apart  from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn8b.htm> John 8:31-36 – You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

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 – Ruth and Boaz have a child together.

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 – Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.

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  - Barren Hannah goes to Eli the priest, then returns and conceives Samuel with her husband Elkanah. 

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  - Hannah’s song, source material for the Magnificat.

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 – David’s last words: He has made with me an everlasting covenant.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/dan7.htm> Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14– Daniel’s apocalypse: the son of man comes in the clouds to the Ancient One and is given dominion and glory and kingship.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm132.htm> Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18) – O Lord, remember David’s hardships and his faithfulness.

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 – He is coming on the clouds, and every eye will see him. I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn18_19.htm> John 18:33-37 – Jesus: My kingdom is not of this world. I testify to the truth. Pilate: What is truth?

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.

ADVENT – Year C

November 29 – ADVENT 1
 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer33.htm> Jeremiah 33:14-16

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm25.htm> Psalm 25:1-10
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/1thess3.htm> 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk21b.htm> Luke 21:25-36

December 6 –  ADVENT 2
 <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/baruch5.htm> Baruch 5:1-9 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/mal3.htm> Malachi 3:1-4
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk1c.htm> Luke 1:68-79
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/phil1a.htm> Philippians 1:3-11
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk3a.htm> Luke 3:1-6 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/mal3.htm> 

December 13 – Advent 3 

 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/zeph3.htm> Zephaniah 3:14-20
  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah12.htm> Isaiah 12:2-6
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/phil4.htm> Philippians 4:4-7
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk3b.htm> Luke 3:7-18

December 20 – Advent 4 
 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/micah5.htm> Micah 5:2-5a
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk1b.htm> Luke 1:47-55 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm80.htm> Psalm 80:1-7
  <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/hebrews10a.htm> Hebrews 10:5-10

 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk1b.htm> Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

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