On Sunday, September 11, 2022, we gather for a Worship Service in-person at the Chapel (2700 W 14th Street) and via the Zoom platform (online and by phone) at 11:00 A.M.

To join us at the Chapel, buzz Zion Church (Bob Bucklew) from the Directory at the front of the 2700 Building on the campus of San Sofia Apartments or enter from the accessible ramp from the rear parking lot. When you arrive, call Bob at 216-375-5323 to open the parking lot gate.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the rise in COVID cases, we again request the wearing of a face mask regardless of vaccination and booster status while in the Chapel common areas.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, BEVERLY WURM

Beverly began a part-time position… She will be keeping some limited Office Hours at church/home. The days and hours are:

Monday – 9am – 1pm
Wednesday – 11am – 4pm
Thursday – 9am – 1pm

Beverly can be reached at: [email protected] or by phone at: 216-273-7561 (church) or 216-310-6810 (mobile).

The bulletin is attached. You may use it to follow along with us in the worship service or as a Devotional this week.

The Scripture Readings are:

FIRST READING: Jeremiah 4-12, 22-28

Today’s Hebrew Scripture reading speaks of Jeremiah’s prophesy of destruction. The people have turned away from God and turned to evil. The consequences of their actions result in utter desolation, of the land, the cities, the people, all of creation. Yet God’s promise of creation will break through. There will be a remnant, and there will be restoration. God is the God of life, not destruction, and life will always prevail.

PSALM RESPONSE – Psalm 14

Psalm 14 is another Wisdom song. The wisdom of God is found in following the commandments and teachings of God, but those who are foolish say there is no God. They turn to their own ways and do not do good. Those who take advantage of others, including committing acts of violence to others have followed other gods. However, God is with those who are faithful, the ones who stay true to God’s ways. The psalmist concludes that the people who trust in God will find salvation.

SECOND READING: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

The Epistle readings follow 1 Timothy into 2 Timothy over the next few weeks. The apostle Paul confesses in 1 Timothy that his former actions were not godly actions. He committed violence and persecuted others, and in doing so, was blasphemous against God. However, through Christ, Paul received mercy, and Paul sees himself as an example of the transformation possible through Jesus Christ, who came to save those who sin.

GOSPEL – Luke 15:1-10

The Gospel lesson is Luke 15. The remainder of this chapter is the parable known as the Prodigal Son, but it is not included in the Revised Common Lectionary this year. Instead, the focus is on these two smaller parables. After tax collectors and other “sinners” come to listen to Jesus, some of the Pharisees grumble that Jesus includes them and eats with them. Jesus was in actuality close to the Pharisees in belief and practice, including the belief of the resurrection of the dead. There were times when Jesus and the Pharisees bumped heads on differences, and this is one of those times where Jesus’ practice diverges from the others. In response, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. The truth is that a good shepherd would not  leave ninety-nine others to find one lost sheep. To go after that one lost sheep is the opposite of what the world teaches, but Jesus teaches us that the lost one is just as important. In the story of the lost silver coin, the story is a bit different. The protagonist is a woman with power, which is unusual, and one coin would be worth a lot and worthy of searching and finding. However, the cost of celebrating with neighbors and friends would be extravagant. God’s grace and love is extravagant (and this leads into the father’s celebration of his son returning in the next parable). God’s love and grace does not make sense in a world where we want people to be punished for their wrongdoing. Even when they realize they have done wrong and wish to turn back, as a society we often want people to pay their dues. Christ erases those dues, embracing those who are lost, and celebrating their return to the way of God. God is both like a shepherd who goes after the lost sheep, and like a woman who finds a lost silver piece and celebrates with extravagant grace and mercy.

The Sermon/Reflection is “The Spiritual Practice of Lostness” by the Rev. Scott Rosenstein based on Luke 15:1-10.

Pastor Scott
216.273.7561 – church (new phone number)
216.577.1514 (mobile)