ST PAUL’S CHURCH IN ENGLEWOOD S UNDAY M ESSENGER WELCOME TO ST PAUL’S CHURCH We are glad you are here, and we invite you to enter fully into worship today, and to receive Communion or a blessing. Feel free to take any information about the parish located at the entrances. Don’t be afraid to tell us more about yourself by filling out one of the cards located in each pew or on information tables. Join us as we strive to make northeast Bergen County a place where God’s grace is freely known and shared by all! THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 7, 2018 The primary theme today in the readings from Genesis and Mark is intimate, essential human relationships. Here we are not to think simplistically of the varied forms of the human institution of marriage found in different periods of history. We are instead focused on the biblical understanding of God’s will for a union between two people, or all relationships even, which creates a new, complex personality out of the two. Jesus’ disapproval of divorce is clear and uncompromising. We may note that, in the words of Prof. Reginald Fuller, “It is often the current institutionalized form of marriage that many people are really rejecting, not marriage as intended by God.” Today’s psalm first contemplates the glory of God manifested in the wonders of the heavens. And yet the psalmist reflects on the minute place of humanity in such a vast universe. The environmental issues for us are vastly different than they were when this psalm was composed. Sadly, by taking the text literally, we have excessively exploited our role as God's vice-regents with "dominion" over nature. In our second reading, we begin reading the Letter to the Hebrews. Few passages in the New Testament contains a higher expression of Christology defining the true role of Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition. Ch. 1:1-4 summarizes the basic message of the gospels. Ch. 2:5-12 gives us a clear definition of God's plan in coming among us in Jesus: to bring us into the glorious presence of God. This early Christian work seems to have been intended particularly for Jewish Christians to assist them in understanding the work of Christ in images familiar to them. In today’s passage the full humanity of Jesus and his suffering and death are explained as essential to his role of redeeming all humanity, as illustrated by quotations from the psalms. We find in our worship that the Christian message is a call to put aside the conventions of human society and to take up the new life of God’s kingdom. That new life calls us to rethink all aspects of our ways of living, even our views of marriage. Those who live in committed lifetime relationships must be certain that what they seek is the relationship God wills and not simply the conventional understanding of the world. Our worship together is the clearest sign that we are responding to God’s call to be different from the world even as we live in it. A gathering of people which welcomes everyone to a common table is not conventional. It is a sign of God’s kingdom. About the Liturgy and Scripture of the Day O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8:10
Transcript
S T P A U L ’ S C H U R C H I N E N G L E W O O D
SUNDAY MESSENGER
WELCOME TO ST PAUL’S CHURCH
We are glad you are here, and we invite you to enter fully into worship today, and to receive
Communion or a blessing. Feel free to take any information about the parish located at the
entrances. Don’t be afraid to tell us more about yourself by filling out one of the cards located
in each pew or on information tables.
Join us as we strive to make northeast Bergen County a place where God’s grace is freely
known and shared by all!
THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST OCTOBER 7, 2018
The primary theme today in the readings from Genesis and Mark is intimate, essential human relationships. Here we are not to think simplistically of the varied forms of the human institution of marriage found in different periods of history. We are instead focused on the biblical understanding of God’s will for a union between two people, or all relationships even, which creates a new, complex personality out of the two. Jesus’ disapproval of divorce is clear and uncompromising. We may note that, in the words of Prof. Reginald Fuller, “It is often the current institutionalized form of marriage that many people are really rejecting, not marriage as intended by God.”
Today’s psalm first contemplates the glory of God manifested in the wonders of the heavens. And yet the psalmist reflects on the minute place of humanity in such a vast universe. The environmental issues for us are vastly different than they were when this psalm was composed. Sadly, by taking the text literally, we have excessively exploited our role as God's vice-regents with "dominion" over nature.
In our second reading, we begin reading the Letter to the Hebrews. Few passages in the New Testament
contains a higher expression of Christology defining the true role of Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition. Ch. 1:1-4 summarizes the basic message of the gospels. Ch. 2:5-12 gives us a clear definition of God's plan in coming among us in Jesus: to bring us into the glorious presence of God. This early Christian work seems to have been intended particularly for Jewish Christians to assist them in understanding the work of Christ in images familiar to them. In today’s passage the full humanity of Jesus and his suffering and death are explained as essential to his role of redeeming all
humanity, as illustrated by quotations from the psalms.
We find in our worship that the Christian message is a call to put aside the conventions of human society and to take up the new life of God’s kingdom. That new life calls us to rethink all aspects of our ways of living, even our views of marriage. Those who live in committed lifetime relationships must be certain that what they seek is the relationship God wills and not simply the conventional understanding of the world. Our worship together is the clearest sign that we are responding to God’s call to be different from the world even as we live in it. A gathering of people which welcomes everyone to a common table is not conventional. It is a sign of God’s kingdom.
About the Liturgy and Scripture of the Day
O Lord our Governor, how exalted is your Name in all the world! Psalm 8:10
Prayers
Holy Doodling, or Your Notes from Today’s Sermon and WorshipTODAY’S SCRIPTURES: Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16
For those in need of immediate prayers: Kathy Johnston, Nicholas Hodges, Maurice Reichmann, Crystal Hunter, Shirley Cooper, Phylicia Cook, Pete McDougal, Luz Rodriguez, Tyrone Brown, Cherylynn Taylor, Jayden Young Woo Kim and Family, Vincent Anthony Martin.
For those in need of continuing prayer support: John Bullough, Nazera Wright, Yvonne Baldwin, David Eversley, Lilliam Gonzalez, Cynthia McDonald, Trey Nelson, Carol Yaner, Sharon Wells, Patti Banks, Rebecca Johnson, Pamella Miller, Crystal Baxter, Johann Mullings, Byron Babb, Deneen Cooper, Sylvia Osborne, Deborah Kelley Moore, Dwight Kelley, Pearl Duncan, Jocelyn Polanco, Scott Banford, Ken Burr, Rev. Alejandro Montes, Debbierose Pernice, Barbara Brown, Bobbie Cubbs, MaBelle Thompson.
For those serving in the military or in harm’s way: Austin Herbert, Nicholas C. Basile, Justin Sheldon and Nagelia Harrison Sheldon, Ken Lambert, Nadi Kassem, Justin Coca, Antonio Ramirez, Marc McDonald, Gregory Halstead.
For those celebrating birthdays this week: Rev. Bob Shearer, Julia Utz, Maggie Allport, Dorothy Campoli, Juanita Harris, Enyinna Iwuagwu, Tina Perkins.
Cycle of Prayer, Anglican Communion: The Episcopal Church; in the Diocese of Newark: Grace Van Vorst and St. Paul’s, Jersey City; All Saints’, Leonia.
Our partners in faith: St. Michael Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahado Church, Church of the Good Shepherd, Fort Lee; Congregation Kol HaNeshama.
For those who have died, and those who mourn them: John Vanvelthoven, Pierce Wheeler, Sivert Hagen.
EGIVING AT ST PAUL’SPlease feel free to make a gift and offering in
thanksgiving to God. To take advantage of our electronic giving options, please visit online through your electronic device: stpaulsenglewood.org/egiving.htmlor follow the qr code to the left with your capable electronic device.Scan here
STEWARDSHIP IS
COMMITT ING OURSELVES AND OUR
RESOURCES TO JOIN GOD’S MISS ION
Coffee Hour: Please join us after the 10:30 am service in the Parish Hall for fellowship and refreshments. Thanks to Nicole McAllister for hosting today. If you are interested in being part of this important ministry of hospitality and fellowship, contact: Marian Acquah at [email protected].
Next Sunday’s Scriptures: Amos 5:6-7,10-15; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31
Kids’ Mass: Invite a kid you know to our weekly 30-minute Mass for Children, called Awake My Soul, 9:45 am Sundays in the Historic Sanctuary—it’s only 30 minutes.
Hurricane Relief: Special collection envelopes for victims of Hurricane Florence are available in the front of the Historic Sanctuary or Atrium.
Choir School Snacks: Can you provide a healthy snack for our choristers every Monday and Wednesday? Many of our schools serve lunch before noon, and it's important for the chorister to have a snack and juice when they arrive at church. Please contact Mark Trautman at [email protected] or use the sign-up sheet on the board in the Atrium.
Blessing of the Animals: Please join us this evening at 5 pm at our annual commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi with the Blessing of the Animals in the Historic Sanctuary. Invite your neighbors and your veterinarian to come and receive a blessing. Join the Choir School as they lead us in song. Everyone is welcome!
The Second Sunday Youth Event: The next event will be Saturday, October 13 from 6-9 pm. Please contact Kai at [email protected] or 201.923.4615 by Thursday, October 11 to RSVP . Feel free to bring your friends for a Kids’ Night Out! Please bring $5 to contribute to dinner and snacks.
Feeding Sunday: St Paul’s has been volunteering for more than 30 years with the help of cooks and drivers to take and serve warm meals to the homeless in Hoboken. We are always looking for volunteers to help drive and serve the dinners on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Speak with Gary Mason with your interest or questions, [email protected].
Annual All Souls’ Observance: If you wish to have the name of a loved one read at the service on Sunday, November 4 at 5pm please let the Parish Office know by Wednesday, October 31. Envelopes for thanksgiving offerings in remembrance are welcome and available in the front of the Historic Sanctuary or Atrium.
Do you want the latest news and updates? Be sure to register for the Parish electronic news and updates by following the link at the bottom of the Parish website or fill out one of the contact forms available on the information tables.
Upcoming Events:Oct 7 Food Sunday Blessing of Animals, 5 pmOct 8 Columbus Day, Parish Office ClosedOct 13 Nearly Second Saturday Youth Event, 6 pmOct 14 Blessing of Health Professionals Hoboken Soup Kitchen, 5 pmOct 21 Healing Sunday Choral Evensong, 5 pmOct 27 Choir School Trebles travel to
St Luke’s, Darien, CT to sing EvensongNov 3 Festive Stewardship Celebration, 5 pmNov 4 All Saints’ Sunday, Baptisms All Souls’ Vespers, 5 pmNov 10 Nearly Second Saturday Youth Event, 6 pm Nov 12 Veterans Day, Parish Office ClosedNov 22 Thanksgiving Day Community Meal, 12 pmDec 1 International Dinner (Rescheduled Date), 6 pmDec 2 St Paul’s Choirs present Handel’s Messiah, 5 pmDec 8 Nearly Second Saturday Youth Event (Caroling) Dec 9 153rd Annual Meeting of the Parish, 9:15 am
113 Engle Street | Englewood, NJ 07631www.stpaulsenglewood.org
Serving this Sunday8 am: Mary Johnston (Lessons); Pat O’Neil (EM); Coralius Noble
(Vestry Host)
10:30 am: Jonathan Stevens, Kai Alston (EM); Abigail Allport (Cross); Christine McDonald (Gospel)
Fellowship: Nicole McAllister
Altar Guild: Daphne Hall, Dolores Murray
Ushers: Kay Hammond, Pam Abner, Beverley Lannaman
Counters: Marian Acquah, Pam Abner
Responding to God Stewardship and Neighborliness
GOD'S GENEROSIT Y
God is a god of abundance, not a god of scarcity.
Jesus reveals to us God's abundance when he offers so much bread to the people that there are twelve large baskets with leftover scraps (see John 6:5-15), and when he makes his disciples catch so many fish that their boat nearly sinks (Luke 5:1-7).
God doesn't give us just enough. God gives us more than enough: more bread and fish than we can eat, more love than we dared to ask for.
God is a generous giver, but we can only see and enjoy God's generosity when we love God with all of our hearts, minds, and strength. As long as we say, "I will love you, God, but first show me your generosity," we will remain distant from God and unable to experience what God truly wants to give us, which is life and life in abundance.
THE TEMPTATION TO HOARD
As fearful people we are inclined to develop a mind-set that makes us say, "There's not enough food for everyone, so I better be sure I save enough for myself in case of emergency," or "There's not enough knowledge for everyone to enjoy, so I'd better keep my knowledge to myself so no one else will use it," or "There's not enough love to give to everybody, so I'd better keep my friends for myself to prevent others from taking them away from me." This is a scarcity mentality.
It involves hoarding whatever we have, fearful that we won't have enough to survive. The tragedy, however, is that what you cling to ends up rotting in your hands.
~ from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith (1997), May 5 & May 6.
