Week of Sunday, August 20
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
This Sunday during worship, Erika will be sharing the message with a Godly Play Story. You are going to want to be there!
Readings and Psalm
- Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
A house of prayer for all peoples - Psalm 67
Let all the peoples praise you, O God. (Ps. 67:3) - Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
God’s mercy to all, Jew and Gentile - Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
The healing of the Canaanite woman’s daughter
Upcoming Themed Months
This fall we are exploring some themes to help us to live more deeply into our call to mission. September we will explore themes of stewardship and fellowship. October will be dedicated to reformers, leading upto the 500 year celebration of the reformation. In November we will explore roots of our christian traditions, including a guest sermon from Rabbi Brant Rosen. Please stay tuned for details for all of the upcoming celebrations!
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 