26th Sunday after Pentecost
INTRODUCTION TO THE DAY
November begins with All Saints Day and ends in or near Advent, when we anticipate Christ’s coming again. It is fitting, then, that the readings today tell of the final resurrection and the end time. In the turmoil of hope, fear, and disbelief that these predictions provoke in us, Hebrews sounds a note of confident trust. Christ makes a way for us where there is no way, and we walk it confidently, our hearts and bodies washed in baptismal water, trusting the one who has promised forgiveness. The more we see the last day approaching, the more important it is to meet together to provoke one another to love.
FIRST READING: Daniel 12: 1-3
The book of Daniel is an example of apocalyptic literature, which is full of strange visions and symbolism. Arising during times of great persecution, apocalyptic literature is concerned with God’s revelation about the end time and coming kingdom of God when God will vindicate the righteous who have bee persecuted.
PSALM: Psalm 16
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10: 11-25
Images of worship and sacrifice are used throughout Hebrews to highlight what Christ has uniquely accomplished through his death. Because we have received forgiveness through Christ’s death, we live wiwth sincere hearts by trusting in God’s love and good works from each other.
GOSPEL: Mark 13: 1-11
In the last week of his life, Jesus warned his disciples concerning trials that were to come upon the world. He exhorts the listener; Do not be alarmed.
Announcements!
CHURCH EVENTS
SUNDAY DISCUSSIONS BEFORE CHURCH We meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings to have discussions before the service each week. We are beginning a discussion on Genesis.
ON THE AGENDA
NOVEMBER 17th we will celebrate Holy Communion. We are so lucky to have the Lord be willing to sacrifice his life that we may live in eternal happiness with the Father.
NOVEMBER 24th we will celebrate Thankoffering Sunday. Traditionally it has been a service that was done by the women of the congregation. Since we are small but mighty, I would invite all of our congregation to contribute to this collection. It will go to the Lutheran agencies to be used to help others.
November 24th is also the last Sunday of the Church year. The next week we will start Advent. I hope that you are all getting ready to receive the special gift of the birth of our Lord.
DECEMBER 1ST This will be the first Sunday of Advent. Get ready to prepare. I will have times and dates of local churches and midweek services.
PRAYERS
We are praying for Michael Koch, who has been fighting for a lifetime; Nicole Biler Robinette is on the transplant list for a new heart. We pray that this will happen soon. Tim says that she is in good spirits. Keep her; her husband, Stephen; and her parents and family in your prayers.
Please keep these people in your prayers as well: Michael Koch; Mike and Donna Toy, and all of those who are suffering from diseases or other health issues and their families. Please remember all of our shut-ins and sick, especially Arlene Castor. Maybe send a card or something to let them know they are being remembered.
FUNDS FOR ZION
Please check the bulletin board behind the office door for all of the sign-up sheets for this year. Communion, birthday Sundays, and Worship Assistants/helpers. Thank you so much!
You can also remember special occasions or special people by contributing money that would normally be used for altar flowers. Instead the donation goes to our local food pantry.
