NOTES ON THE SCRIPTURE
Lamentations 1:1-6 - The destruction prophesied has come. Jerusalem and the temple are in ruins. Exile from Jerusalem and Judah has begun. The prophet gives voice to the people’s lament: "Her foes have become her masters… because the Lord has made her suffer for the multitude of her transgressions."

Psalm 137 - This psalm was written in the time when the Israelites were being exiled from their land and taken into Babylonia. These soldiers were attempting to strip God's people of their familiar land, familiar life, and familiar praise. In fact, these soldiers taunted the Israelites, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion" as they marched in incredible numbers out of their land. Feeling completely stripped of their lives, they replied, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in this strange land?"  (A Strange Land)

2 Timothy 1:1-14 - Paul's greeting and opening exhortation in the second letter: Remember who you are, rekindle the gift in you, don't be afraid. There is no shame in suffering when it comes from trusting and obeying the Lord.

Luke 17:5-10 - Jesus teaches on faith and status. The disciples ask for more faith; Jesus says they need a different kind. They appear to want to be treated as equals of powerful persons; Jesus tells them to regard themselves as slaves who can’t be sold for profit. Their one task is obedience. 

Except where noted prayers, scripture notes and World Communion notes are from Discipleship Ministries

PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Jesus, don’t give up on me when I fall short of having the same mind as you. Forgive me, correct me, and challenge me to strive to have the same mind as you. Amen.
(adapted from BWC Adventure Guide, Sept. 2011-Aug. 2012)
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NOTES ON THE SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 - Jeremiah buys land in Jerusalem during the siege while he was imprisoned. This was a pledge and prophetic sign that "houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land."

​Psalm 91:9-16 - This psalm offers the reader a straightforward and thorough expression of trust in the providence and protection of God, even and especially under trying or dangerous conditions, and does so using as rich and powerful a set of images as are found anywhere in the Bible. (Matthew Smith)
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1 Timothy 6:6-19 - Paul calls on Timothy not to pursue riches but to be content with the abundant grace and supply of God, whatever that may be. What he should pursue is "righteousness, godliness, endurance, faith, love and gentleness," and to teach the rich in the Christian communities around Ephesus to do likewise.
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Luke 16:19-31 -  Jesus tells the story of a nameless rich man and beggar named Lazarus.

SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING - WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, October 1, 2016
This offering supports World Communion Scholarships, the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program; in calling the church to be universal and inclusive. Envelopes are available in the church entryway. Remember: We are blessed to be a blessing. Please give generously.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK
​Your will be done in my life and church, O God. Amen.
(adapted from BWC Adventure Guide, Sept. 2011-Aug. 2012)

PRAYER OF THE WEEK
​Jesus, let me do more unbinding than binding. Become greater in my life so that I will be an encourager for others.  Amen.
(adapted from BWC Adventure Guide, Sept. 2011-Aug. 2012)

REMEMBERING SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9/11
by the Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon

O God, our hope and refuge,
in our distress we come quickly to you.
Shock and horror of that tragic day have subsided,
replaced now with an emptiness,
a longing for an innocence lost.

We come remembering those who lost their lives
in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

We are mindful of the sacrifice of public servants
who demonstrated the greatest love of all
by laying down their lives for friends.
We commit their souls to your eternal care
and celebrate their gifts to a fallen humanity.

We come remembering
and we come in hope,
not in ourselves, but in you.

As foundations we once thought secure have been shaken,
we are reminded of the illusion of security.

In commemorating this tragedy,
we give you thanks for your presence
in our time of need
and we seek to worship you in Spirit and in truth,
our guide and our guardian. Amen.

from Discipleship Ministries

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NOTES ON THE SCRIPTURES
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 - The coming conquest of Judah by Babylon will be like powerful hot wind that destroys everything in its path.


Psalm 14 -  This psalm was not addressing atheism, which would have been anon sequitur in the ancient world, but rather anti-Yahwism. The first line can be more accurately translated "Fools say in their hearts, 'There is nothing to [your] God.'"  Or even, “Your God is nothing!” It is an example of “trash talk” by an invading army. 


1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Paul begins this first letter to Timothy by identifying himself — and all followers of Jesus — as recipients of incredible mercy to show that God in Christ is out to save sinners.


Luke 15:1-10 - Lost sheep, lost coins, and celebration over one sinner who repents — Jesus' stories in response to criticism that he receives "sinners" and shares meals with them.
(From Discipleship Ministry)