(Please note there is no social hour host this Sunday. There are cinnamon rolls and banana bread in the refrigerator for those who venture over to the Parish House.)

Canapés & Conversations

George & Charlotte Kennedy will be hosting at their home at 946 N. Irish Hollow Drive on Friday, September 21st from 5-7pm. Bring a friend, a nibble and a beverage to share. All are welcome!

 

Five Church Program 

I shall be away until our Sunday morning service on September 30.

     In my absence, Linda Packard will preside at the Eucharist on the 16th and 23rd. Linda and our wardens, Pete Stryker and Greg Serwich will be available for pastoral concerns.

Au revoir and see you in church!

Gloria+

The theme that brings all of these readings together can be summed up in one word: integrity. We live with integrity when we embrace God's wisdom and live it out, rather than just speaking words that we do not put into action. We live with integrity when we stay faithful to God's ways, and speak God's message, even though it often results in suffering, struggle and sacrifice. When our words, our thoughts, our attitudes and our actions all align with one another, and with the ways of God that were taught and lived by Jesus, then our lives are lives of integrity and they are lives that add value and make a life-giving contribution to the world.

READINGS

James 3:1-12: The tongue is a small thing, but it has tremendous power for good or ill. Although human beings have tamed all sorts of animals, we struggle to tame the tongue. But, for God's people, blessing and curses should not come out of the same mouth.

Mark 8:27-38: Jesus asks his disciples who the people say he is, and then who they say he is. Peter replies that he is the Christ. Then Jesus predicts his coming death and resurrection, but Peter tries to correct him. Jesus responds by rebuking Peter, and then teaching that all who seek to follow him must take up their crosses, and not be ashamed of him.

Perhaps the greatest threat to our integrity in our homes, churches and personal lives, is the siren call of expediency and consumerism. It's far easier to create "sexy" worship services that make people feel good, but leave their garbage unchallenged, than it is to hold people accountable to the Gospel. It is far easier to "go with the flow" than to stand up for truth, justice and love, especially among our own family members and friends. It is far easier to preach great self-help messages than to call people to allow Christ to change them. Sometimes, rather than ensure our words have integrity, we simply remain silent. Sometimes, rather than holding to values of integrity and justice, we simply turn a blind eye to injustice. Sometimes, rather than get our hands dirty in serving others, it is easier to throw money at the problems we face and hope that someone else will deal with the practicalities. But, we all know the power of lives of integrity. We have all been impacted by people of faith whose lives have embodied what they believe in every part. And we have all seen the positive impact that such integrity can have on relationships, on communities, on our witness for Christ, and on the individuals who are served and saved by people of integrity. May we be known less for our opulent sanctuaries and professional standards of performance in worship, and more for embodying the gracious words of Christ, the bold wisdom of Christ, and the sacrificial love of Christ.

The thumbnails and reflections come from sacredise.com,

Sunday, October 7:  World Communion Sunday at the Galena Arts Center; shared ecumenical worship with Presbyterian, United Methodist, and Lutheran churches.

Thursday, October 11: Bp. Joseph from the Diocese of Renk, Sudan, will be with us. Details to follow.

 

Presiding Bishop Update

Karlyn's Tuscan Sausage and Bean Dip

 

1 lb. sausage

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 c. chicken broth

1/2 t. oregano

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. thyme

1 pkg. 8 oz. cream cheese

1 pkg.(6 oz) fresh baby spinach

1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped grape tomatoes

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet cook sausage, onion, and garlic. drain. Stir in broth and spices. bring to a boil. Add cream cheese. Stir until melted. Stir in spinach, beans and tomatoes, cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Transfer to a 1 1/2 quart dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes. Serve with French baguette slices or crackers.