Pentecost +18 – Working in Jesus’ Name

In Mark 9:38-50 the disciples—at least John—are upset because they saw somebody, not a disciple, “casting out demons” in Jesus’ name. Here John sounds strikingly similar to the Pharisees, who became upset when someone out of their control, Jesus, healed a person on the sabbath (Mark 3:1-6). A common tendency among religious leaders seems to be uneasiness with God acting in ways that are outside of the expected channels and outside of their control.

There was a sense in Jesus’ time that God could or would only be present in the temple, and that God’s activity was determined by the actions of the religious leaders. We have the same temptation today. We often think of what happens in the church building as God’s activity, but forget that God is also present and acting in the world outside the church. Jesus’ response to his disciple’s concern is an important instruction to us as well. We shouldn’t stop someone who is doing God’s will and bringing God’s kingdom near, just because they aren’t a part of our group. In fact, we may even want to learn more about what they are doing, and join them!

This week we welcome folks formally into the family of Shepherd of the Hills. Please introduce yourselves to them!

We also ask that you return the purple Time & Talents Commitment form distributed the last two weeks. We will offer them as part of our offering this week. There are links in the email for those forms should you not have them.

No matter where you are or however you find yourself in your faith journey, know that you are most welcome here.

Join us at 8 AM or 10:15 AM on Sunday for worship. Visit our website or Facebook page for information and announcements.

Thanks – to Amy Pennenga who brought us news of the continued recovery effort in NJ after Hurricane Sandy. The work continues – even if you don’t see it in the news.

Discipleship Academy: Part two of “telling your story” will be held this Saturday September 26 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Please email Pastor Tina if you plan to attend.

School Kits for LWR: We started an outreach project last Sunday to benefit students living in refugee camps served by the Lutheran World Federation. Each family will be given a nylon backpack and a set of instruction on what to put in it. There are still bags to be filled! If you have one,pease return these to SOTH by October 11.

Membership Books/Time & Talents: If you haven’t picked up your family’s copy of the membership book, please do so.

Inside, there is a Time and Talents booklet and two commitment forms. We cannot complete our mission of welcome, equip, and sent out without your commitment. We encourage you to share your talents and skills where you are able. Please read through the purple booklet and coordinating form. We are collecting the Purple sheets on Sunday September 27.
Time and Talent Booklet
Time and Talent Form

Faith Formation: We’re off and running this year beginning at the beginning – with the early stories of God and God’s people. We start at 9AM and end at 10 AM. All youth between 3 yrs and 8th grade are welcome.