July 16, 2017 is Pentecost 6A

Lessons-at-a-glance

Dear Leaders,    

Genesis 25:19-34 - Jacob and Esau, the twins are born, two nations contending. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob.
OR
Isaiah 55:10-13 - For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven... so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty...

Psalm 119:105-112 - Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.
OR
Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13 - You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have prepared it.

Romans 8:1-11 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 - THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. Listen! A sower went out to sow... and some seed fell on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns and some on good soil.

Path, Rocks, Thorns, Good Soil

Isaiah 55 reminds us that the Word of God has incredible power. It accomplishes what it sets out to do with or without our help. We are only invited to get on board.

Romans 8 is a powerhouse gospel message. Christ appeared in sinful flesh. The Spirit of life in Christ therefore sets us free from sin and death.

As has been pointed out previously, Matthew is divided into five sections like the Pentateuch. Each section has a narrative in a discourse. The Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5 through 7 was a discourse. Matthew 10 held the Missionary Discourse. Matthew 13 would best be described as Parables of the Kingdom.


Yours in Christ, 

Bishop Michael Rinehart


July 15
Gathering volunteer application deadline

Gathering financial assistance application opens

July 30
Installation of Pastor Jay Grave
3:00 pm
Hosanna in Mandeville

August 5

August 13

September 10

September 15
Youth Gathering registration opens

September 24

October 8

October 15

October 16 - 17
Interim Pastors Retreat

October 23
Catholics & Protestants praying together for the 500th
St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans
7:00 pm

October 25
Catholics & Protestants praying together for the 500th
Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Houston
7:30 pm

October 29 - November 7

December 18 - 19
Candidacy Retreat

January 19 - 20
Ethiopia with Acts of Wisdom

April 3 - 19


GETTING TO KNOW
BISHOP MICHAEL RINEHART

Michael Rinehart is Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a community of over a hundred congregations, campus ministries, retreat centers, and other agencies.

Serving as bishop of this synod since 2007 is an honor, a challenge, and a joy. It has given him the opportunity to work with many gifted pastors and committed people of faith. We are creating communities that make disciples who serve the world in Jesus' name.