Sermon: “Crumb(l)y Grace”
Scripture: Mark 7:24-30
There are things to be gathered from this passage about grace falling from the table (i.e. the communion table) that is at the heart of our status before God. In this and many related passages, the focus is on being “satisfied” (see notes below) by God’s “bread”. How does God feed us this bread? Do we receive it every day? At all times? How are we sustained by God’s bread?
Text and Context Notes: In preparation for this week’s sermon, it is good to note that this passage marks the beginning of a “gentile/greek ministry cycle” (7:24 to 8:9) in the gospel, whereby Jesus reaches out to non-Jews in a direct way. The passage occurs in what we would call Lebanon today, and then Jesus and the disciples travel around the northern part of Galilee to reach the region of the Decapolis (a gentile area on the other side of where Jesus’ ministry has occurred to this point). The “second” feeding of the multitudes in this Gospel is to a large crowd of Gentiles. The direct parallels in the preceding Jewish Galilean ministry cycle are 5:21-43; 6:30-44. The healings of the daughter of Jairus and the “daughter” suffering from hemorrhaging are instructive to the healing of the Syro-Phoenecian’s daughter. Also note how Jesus affirms the rights of women in these passages.
Join us for Worship at 10:30 a.m., and for coffee and fellowship after the service. All are welcome!
Pastor Allen Regular Office Hours
He will be in the church office during the following times unless called away:
Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
1st, 3rd and 5th Monday evenings: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday afternoons: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Please note that Rev. Fairfax is generally available for pastoral concerns or other church business at most other times as well, so don’t hesitate to contact him outside of these office hours. Please drop by the church or contact him: 508-801-7294 (cell)/617-625-4823 (office), pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org.
– – – Upcoming Events – – –
CHPC Bible Study
Bible study meets at Porter Square Panera Bread every other Wednesday. For details on dates, time, place, and more information, please contact Kevin. (kevin.sungwon@gmail.com)
Prayer Group Meeting
Sunday, September 20th: We will meet in the Green Room after coffee hour. Jesus said, ‘When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Bring your prayers about whatever joys or concerns you may have on your mind and in your heart. All are welcome to attend.
Fellowship Event: Apple Picking
Our next fellowship event will be apple picking, with a tentative date of Saturday, October 3rd. Everyone is invited! Save the date, and look for details to follow.
World Communion Sunday
On Sunday, October 4th, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday. The collection of the Peacemaking Offering takes place on that day also.
– – – Deacons News – – –
Deacon Meeting
The next Deacons meeting will be on Sunday, October 4th, after coffee hour, in the Green Room.
Prayer Request Email
The Deacons are in the process of setting up an online prayer request list. This will be a closed group (to insure privacy.) If you would like to be a member of the group so that you can ask for prayers, and have others pray for you, please send an email to Ellen (ellends1313@gmail.com). Once we have everything set up, we will share information about the group with the congregation, so that others can join.
– – – Community News – – –
Embracing Differences: Mending the Isms and Schisms
Here’s more information about the art show, curated by members of the congregation, as part of Clarendon Hill’s Learn to Talk Series, this coming fall. We encourage anyone who is interested to submit artwork for this show!
We want artists whose work speaks to: racism, sexism, LGTB,environment, homelessness, or poverty, and so much more!
DEADLINE:September 8, 2015
EXHIBITION DATES: October 4-31, 2015
LOCATION: Nave Gallery, 155 Powder House Blvd, Somerville, MA
CURATED BY: Claire Roll, Craig Milanesi
Is inequality the defining issue of our time? How does injustice show its face in our community? What impossible heights can we achieve as a society by embracing difference as strength? Racism, sexism and economic inequality are still systemic and deeply personal in America today, both influencing and influenced by global inequities. What does it take to mend the things that divide us? How do we let in the light?
The Nave Gallery seeks submissions that express an appreciation of the complexities of our differences, expose societies isms/schisms, and reflects the dreams for peace with justice in this world. We will consider works in the following media: painting, sculpture, photography, digital, mixed media, installation and performance.
For more information see: http://navegallery.org/…/embracing-differences-mending-the…/