Bible Study – 8:15 a.m.
Worship – 9:30 a.m.
Childcare is available for infants through preschool age, downstairs in Rooms 4 and 5 for morning and evening services
Fellowship Time – after worship
Sunday School for all Ages – after worship
Scout Christmas Wreaths for sale – after worship
Sunday Seminar – 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Fun & Fellowship Lunch & Movie – 12:15 p.m.
Theology Discussion Group – 6:30 p.m.
“Healing of a Blind Man” painting by Brian Jekel.
From the Pastor/Head of Staff
It’s a little less than two weeks from the election and we can feel the anxiety. How will the vote turn out? Will there be a good turnout? Will our national conversation finally take a turn for the better? Such concerns put us in a good position for hearing the Gospel reading from Mark on Sunday. Maybe we will be able to hear the passage from the perspective of Bartimaeus. He was on the margins, ignored, something of an outcast, powerless. He embodied desperation. His desperation made him care not at all for decorum. So when Jesus walked by one day, Bartimaeus began to call out, loudly, causing the healthy, those who had some power, those who had all they needed, to feel uncomfortable. They scolded him and told him to keep quiet. It was a lovely day, after all. Wait for a better time. Don’t disturb the peace. But Bartimaeus called out all the louder. And that is how it is with the marginalized. They are impatient. Bartimaeus wanted healing, now. The good news is that he is heard by Jesus, who stops the procession and makes the crowd pay attention. Jesus doesn’t go to the margin. He calls Bartimaeus in. He gives him what he seeks, healing, and invites him to join the parade. Join us on Sunday as we hear and contemplate this beautiful passage.
Pastor David