We are coming into the third message in the “God, Self and Neighbor” sermon series. October 5th is World Communion Sunday. On World Communion Sunday, we receive the offering that supports ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries. The remaining two-thirds supports UCC justice ministries. During this 2025 calendar year, the Neighbors in Need Offering has supported 26 grant requests across the United Church of Christ. These grants are made for efforts engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy.
I plan to join some of you at the Help by Phone Charity Luncheon at Riderwood on Saturday, October 4th.
This week’s bulletin:
We are trying a different format for this week’s bulletin for World Communion Sunday. Some updates in participation will be announced at the top of the worship service. Our scheduled scripture reader, Mike Crompton shared with us last Sunday that they will be traveling on a family matter. Let us keep the Cromptons in our prayers of traveling mercies.
Prayer List, with Joys and Concerns:
Dana C., in the process of transitioning and husband, Danny, for peace during this all the life changes and adjustments.
Jane C’s neighbor who has been evicted.
Donna G. for Isaiah and Jared as they navigate the joys, challenges and responsibilities of adulting.
Kirby for Dana F. and health issues.
Anne for Dan J. in Ohio with chronic health concerns.
Butch and Beth N. (extra prayers for Beth, who is having minor surgery on Wednesday); I spoke at length with Beth, last week, who shared that she is the first surgery scheduled for Wednesday morning at Georgetown…We will keep her in our prayers.
We are praying for both (Teera P.) Thyra P.; and Kenny P.;
For Rhonda (who has been in the hospital for a week with pneumonia and a hematoma); For Christine S.; –Marty F.; –Ken C.; –Gil L.; –Anne G.; –Jim T.; –Gwen V.; –Joyce P.; –Larry V.; –William and Phyllis S.; –Nancy G.; –Sue N. (who is challenged by symptoms after suffering a stroke);
We also pray for all mental health warriors (those struggling and those helping). We lift up prayers for the starving people of Gaza caught in a genocidal conflict. We pray for all young persons who have been made homeless due to gender identity and/or expression. We pray for the women and children who are made homeless due to intimate partner violence. We pray for veterans of war and the formerly incarcerated who have returned to communities without a place to shelter or experience a circle of love. We pray for all who are dying of starvation; those suffering with AIDs related conditions due to the closure of USAID. We pray for a reign of peace and healing for Ukraine. O God, we pray for those all who live in fear of losing their jobs. We ask for protection for all whose freedoms are being taken by our government. We offer prayers for the Seventh Day Adventist congregation who share our space at the Greenbelt Community Church.
Lectionary Readings for Upcoming Sunday, October 5th:
Lamentations 1:1-6 * Lamentations 3:19-26 or Psalm 137 * Habakkuk 1:1-4 * 2:1-4 and Psalm 37:1-9 * 2 Timothy 1:1-14 * Luke 17:5-10
Next worship service:
Please join us in worship for World Communion Sunday. We will share our initial feast, together, at the Welcome Table of Holy Communion. This offering is designated to support the Neighbors in Need funding. Karen Jones will be returning and serving as Lay Reader for the Call to Worship, Unison Prayer and The Epistle Reading. Our hymns include “Holy, Holy, Holy” #277 New Century Hymnal, “Guide My Feet” # 497NCH and #423 “Great Is Your Faithfulness”. The Choir will offer an Anthem. I will preach a brief homily based on 2 Timothy 1:1-14, “The Treasure Entrusted To Us”.
In grace and peace,
-Pastor Aubra
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