Claiming Your Identity
Last week, we identified that we are forgiven and are asked to do likewise to others. And on the heels of that message, we are further given more outrageous news – that the kingdom of God is unlike anything we know
Poor Jonah. The guy never could get comfortable. Jonah had a hard time getting comfortable with himself as God’s messenger, and, even more so, Jonah was uneasy embracing the wideness of God’s grace.
The same can be said about the laborers in Jesus’ parable from Matthew 20. They are uncomfortable with the unchecked mercy offered by the landowner/God. God doesn’t play by our rules, and that can be very discomforting for us all.
As we learn to claim our identity as forgiven and grace filled children of God, we also learn that what we think grace and love should be are very different in God’s view. And like Jonah and the laborers, we squirm and try to sidestep the truth – that being open to the God’s love and grace means to transform our lives in ways that are discomforting in our eyes, yet full of mercy in God’s kingdom. God is good all the time.
Please join us – in person or online on our Facebook page, Twitter account (spartapastor) or website (www.sothnj.org). You are all beloved (and forgiven) people of God.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Tina +
Equipping the folks:
Faith Formation:Theme for September is “I am” This week “I am the Vine and you are the Branches”.
Adult Forum: “More than Money Matters”
The class continues on Sept 21, Sept 28, Oct 5 and Oct 19. Meet in Parish Hall at 9:15 AM.
3rd Yr Confirmation: Sept 21 – after worship
What does confirmation mean?
Parish Council Meeting: Sept 22 @7:30 PM
Faith Kitchen Meal Prep: Tuesday September 23. Come and help prepare a meal and make sandwiches for the clients at Trinity in Dover, NJ. 7 PM until its all done!
Brown Bag Bible Study – September 24 @ noon. We will pick up our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Bring your lunch and bible.
1st & 2nd year Confirmation Class: Wed September 24 @ 6:30 PM
BEING SENT OUT!
Toddler Supper Club:
Does your family have a little one under the age of 3? Would you like to meet with other families with little ones about once a month? First ‘supper’ will be Saturday September 20 at 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (or whenever its time to crash). We’ll have pasta and sauce – you bring something to . RSVP to Pastor Tina
Oktoberfest & Blessing of Animals:Sat Oct 4
Join us for our second Oktoberfest! Fesitvities start at 4PM. Animal Blessing at 5PM. Meal $10/person or $35/family. Donations support SOTH Youth Ministry.
Upcoming major expenses include ourpre-pay of propane that heats the building, water, and runs our new stove in the kitchen. Please consider a special offering to utility costs so that we are able to keep our building at it current comfort level.