Church of the Present – Rejoice!?!

In today’s gospel (Matthew 22:1-14), Jesus tells another parable as a way of teaching us that receiving God’s grace changes people. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught, God’s grace is not cheap, it comes at a great cost upon the cross. Once we receive this costly grace, our lives are never the same. Wahoo!  This is amazing news. Rejoice!

This grace compels us to act and calls us to bear fruit with our lives. Paul’s encouragement to the congregation in Philippi was just that – to live grace filled lives(Philippians 4:2-9). And both lessons are calls to us – to share this grace with others. To continue to live in the same way after receiving this gracious invitation is not an option. So what are we to do? We simply receive the gracious invitation to the banquet and find a changing room—it’s time to live a new life.  Rejoice in the Lord always!

God is good all the time.

Faith Formation:Theme for October is “Sharing our Abundance”  Parents – you are invited to stay with us for the large group opening!

Adult Forum:
Oct 12 – no class
Oct 19 & 26 TBD
Nov 2, 9, 16 – Important Decisions – Acute Medical Care and You
Through November, Adult Forum will discuss important topics regarding decisions that you and your family make regarding crisis and end of life care.
On Nov 2, Chaplain Randy Parks, Pastoral Care Manager at Newton Hospital, will come and speak about Pastoral Care .
On Nov 9, a discussion on palliative care will be led by Joan Pollner, a palliative care nurse at Newton Hospital.
On Nov 16, a member of Anna’s Angels, a group that educates about end of life decisions, will present information about how to make those decisions and why.  Please mark your calendars to attend on these Sundays.

3rd Yr Confirmation: October 12 – after worship
What is up with the Small Catechism?

Brown Bag Bible Study – October 15 @ noon.  We will pick up our study of the Gospel of Matthew chapters 10-12. Bring your lunch and bible.

The Sparta Kiwanis are again hosting a fun dinner and auction to support the Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry.  The event occurs on Thursday October 9 @6:30 PM at the Lafayette House.  The four course dinner will be paired with wine from Europe.  Cost is $60 per person.  Contact Emery Malasits or purchase tickets at the door.

Upcoming major expenses include ourpre-pay of propane that heats the building, water, and runs our new stove in the kitchen.  While giving has increased, last winter’s snow and cold exceeded our planned expense for snow removal and propane.  Our cash reserve is perilously low.  The cost per gallon of propane increased by $1360 and we had completly depleted last year’s pre-buy amount. Please consider a special offering to utility costs so that we are able to keep our building at it current comfort level.

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 +