Greetings on the first day of October and the beginning of the last quarter of the year. It was a surprising service today: celebrations, remembrances, and unexpected announcements. We enjoyed the day as it was a welcome relief from the last week or so of drizzle and wet weather. There was a nice gathering today and we had anniversary cake too. We pray that you are well, especially those who have been afflicted by things beyond our control like rain and drought. I offer a prayer for all pets and animals in our lives who make our lives better and more enjoyable.

In worship we began by remembering that God’s greatest gifts for all creation are mercy and pity. God gives grace for all who trust God to be gracious. Our reading from the Paul’s letter to the Philippians describes the devotion of God through Christ’s presence and the compassion God showed in the works of Christ and his followers on earth. Paul also reminds us that our salvation is worked out with God, but not as lone rangers but as people in community. Our Psalmist sang the song which tells the truth of God: that we can only relate God in stories, that we have goodness in our life provided by God’s grace, and that we can work for our salvation in the works of Christ. The Gospel from Matthew was two stories about authority and who is saved and how they are saved. That God alone is the one who gives wise guidance.

Our sermon today was based on the Hebrew Scripture and the Exodus story of Massah and Meribah. In that story we are reminded that it is okay to ask for what we think we need – God will provide as God needs to provide. We also need to understand and realize that God continues to lead and provide for us as we work toward the final place God has in mind for us. How are you challenged to remember your place in God’s kingdom and future.

I invite your comments,
Les+

Readings: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Listen at: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-1/song/18-pentecost-sermon

Video of worship: https://youtu.be/XQeonqWlPX4

Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/V_Bf3hmprRI