Then he called his disciples and said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.  Mark 12:43

 

This week's gospel reading from Mark reminds me of the 10 Commandments. I know it is strange, because it is about the widow giving out of her abundance, which is not very much in the grand scheme. The 10 Commandments are the rules that God gave us to help us take care of one another. And while they often seem burdensome for the extra work we have to do for our neighbor, it makes me grateful for all the help I have received from neighbors along the way. In fact, looking at it this way, makes a lot of sense. We are not isolated individuals, but rather a community, a group of people gathered and bound together by mutual need and caring.

 

Because of this reality, we should read this passage - the whole passage, which is all of Mark 12. Sometimes this could be read as a tale about how easy it is to cave in to our insecurity and cultural messages of scarcity and be seduced to "look out for number one." Other times when we read this passage, it is an invitation to remember the gift of community and fellowship we have been given in our households, communities, and congregations. Ultimately, we are here for each other - created and blessed with so many abilities and assets and drawn together to care for each other and the world.

 

Have a blessed week,

 

Billy+

 

Join us beginning Oct. 25th for special guest preachers in this year's Stewardship season as we look at the gifts we offer to God during Holy Eucharist and in service to one another 

• Oct 25    The Rev Dr. Nathan Jennings Introduction
• Nov 1     Dr. Stephen Bishop        
• Nov 8     The Rev. Kelly Jennings  Wine
• Nov 15    The Rev. Billy Tweedie   Prayer
• Nov 22    Dr. Anthony Baker        Alms Basin 

Fr. Billy has alerted us that our supply of gift cards for the needy is getting low and needs to be replenished. He requests cards from HEB, preferably in the $10 denomination. Please place them in the alms basins. They enable us to help those who come to us in need. We are pleased to report that, with your help we have given over 30 gift cards to neighbors in need. Thank you for your generosity in God's Name.  

 

Please join The Episcopal Church Women and the Church Women United on Friday, November 6,2015 for a morning of service for World Community Day -- Our Journey Together.

Fellowship and registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Narthex, followed by the prayer service beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the church.

ECW is the host for Church Women United and will be providing refreshments for this event. Please consider providing pastries, fruits, etc. The ECW will arrive at 8:00 a.m. to set up for this service and provide any assistance to Church Women United as needed. If you are willing to donate your time and resources, your assistance would be gratefully appreciated.

For additional information, or if you have any questions, please contact Pat Starkie at [email protected] or 512-523-8144.  

Miss Ella Tweedie, on the right,  has now joined Vitaly Jennings and Liam Tweedie as an acolyte, assisting in the 10:30 Holy Eucharist Service. She served ably with her brother on her very first Sunday to serve.  

Continue to watch as more of our young folk join in acolyting and taking their places of service. It adds to the service and to their spiritual lives and development, by making the worship uniquely their own.  

Wednesday morning Bible Study continues from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Genuine Joe's Coffee House at 2001 W. Anderson Lane.  The Bible students have studied a lot of the scripture so far, and will continue on. The Bible students are now well into the Maccabees, but there is room for more interested students.

Team Leader:  Tina Prikryl

Ursula Pike

Jim Ryan