Word for the Week
Sunday, June 18, 2017 Lectionary 11 Introduction
Moses tells the Israelites that they are called to be a priestly kingdom and a holy people. Jesus sends out the disciples as laborers into the harvest. In baptism we too are anointed for ministry, sharing God’s compassion with our needy world. From the Lord’s table, we go forth to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to share our bread with the hungry.
Prayer of the Day
God of compassion, you have opened the way for us and brought us to yourself. Pour your love into our hearts, that, overflowing with joy, we may freely share the blessings of your realm and faithfully proclaim the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Exodus 19:2-8a
At Sinai God assured Israel, “You shall be my treasured possession,” and commissioned them to serve as mediating priests for the nations. The people commit themselves completely to God’s will.
Psalm: Psalm 100
We are God’s people and the sheep of God’s pasture. (Ps. 100:3)
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-8
We are no longer God’s enemies but have peace with God, because we were brought into a right relationship with God through Christ’s death. A tested character has been forged for us which empowers endurance in the midst of suffering and hope for final salvation.
Gospel: Matthew 9:35–10:8 [9-23]
The mission of Jesus’ followers is to continue the mission of Jesus himself. Here, he instructs his first disciples how they might proclaim the gospel through their words and deeds.
Theme for the Pentecost season (summer) (June 11th – August 27, 2017)
The depth of God’s love, the extent of His abundant grace, and the certainty of His unwavering faithfulness are far bigger than any of us can ever fully comprehend. These freely-given gifts are ours, regardless of our level of faith or understanding.
This Pentecost season is a time for us to grow our faith and immerse ourselves in God’s abundant love. Our weekly worship gathers us together to hear God’s Word, learn through Jesus’ teaching and example, share in God’s Meal, and be sent out to share God’s abundant love with the world.
Listen. Learn. Proclaim.
This is God’s call this Pentecost.
Open our Hands.
Open our Hearts.
Open our Lives.
This is our prayer as we answer His call.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.