Dear Friends,
This upcoming Sunday, we delve into another profound parable shared by Jesus, specifically the one about the workers in the vineyard, as narrated in Matthew 20:1–16. This parable serves as a powerful reminder that comprehending God’s grace is not always straightforward, and it underscores the boundless nature of God’s love, which transcends our human comprehension. We warmly invite you to join us and partake in the celebration of God’s grace, which defies our human knowledge and exceeds our expectations.
Matthew 20:1–16
20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius for the day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around, and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Upcoming Events and Gatherings
Wednesday, Sept 27
Our monthly quiet Prayer and Communion Services resume at 7:30 PM. Currently, our dates are Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29, 2023, Dec 21 (Longest Night Service), Mar 27, Apr 24, May 29, and Jun 26, 2024. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and engaging in these upcoming opportunities.
Sunday, Oct 1
World Communion Sunday
We will join many Christians around the globe in celebrating our unity in Jesus Christ. We also welcome new members Lorelee Sankarlal (Madisen and Samuel) to our church family.
Congregational Meeting
The congregational meeting to answer questions and receive feedback on the Future Directions Committee report will be held following the worship service
If possible, the Committee would like to receive questions in advance — these can be e-mailed to the Clerk of Session at [email protected], or speak to Bruce Morrison. That same e-mail address can be used to request a copy of the report.
All members and adherents are welcome to attend the meeting on Sunday, October 1.
Sunday, Oct 15
Memorial Service
Memorial Service to remember and celebrate our loved ones no longer with us. This year, we remember those who died this past year. If you have lost loved ones this past year and/or if you would like us to remember the name of your loved ones in the service, please send the name and the picture of your loved ones to Chuck at [email protected].
Virtual Book Club
The Virtual Book Club will take place at 1 PM.
Friday, October 20
Our Prayer and Faith Study Group meets at 1 PM. The group is open to anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of prayer and faith. We will study and pray through Joan Chittister’s The Breath of the Soul; to learn more, please email Chuck at [email protected].
Thank you for being an integral part of our community and engaging in these upcoming opportunities.
—Rev. Chuck Moon
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, September 23, 2023 edition of Tidbits.