Upcoming Sunday Morning Information

Sunday, September 8^th Information
Worship Musicians (Ardor)

The musicians for worship can find the service orders and music in the crate on the back pew in the sanctuary for each week of the month. The musicians rehearse from 9:00 – 9:45 am every Sunday morning. All are welcome! Contact the office if you plan to help lead worship.

Worship Information

Join us in-person or via Facebook live for the Worship Service at 10 am on Sunday where we will celebrate the 16^th Sunday after Pentecost.

If you would like the words for the worship service, contact the office (office@allsaintsdavenport.org) to request the information.

Pentecost Autumn/November Theme (2^nd half of Pentecost)

Living out the Kingdom with a generous spirit

Theme Write-up written by Matthew Reece, Director of Music Ministries

As we conclude the Pentecost season, we are reminded that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom. “Living out the Kingdom with a generous spirit” calls us to embody the generosity of God in our daily lives, reflecting the abundance of His love and grace. The Kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality, manifest in our willingness to give freely—of our time, resources, and compassion. Just as the early church shared everything in common and no one was in need, we are invited to continue this legacy of selfless giving, ensuring that our communities are marked by care, kindness, and mutual support.

This theme challenges us to see generosity not as a mere act of giving, but as a lifestyle rooted in the Kingdom values of justice, mercy, and humility. When we live with a generous spirit, we mirror the heart of Christ, who gave His all for us. This generosity transcends material wealth; it includes offering forgiveness, extending grace, and providing encouragement. As we live out the Kingdom in this way, we become living testimonies of God’s love, drawing others into the transformative power of His Kingdom. Let us, therefore, embrace this call to generosity, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in building a world that reflects the generosity of our Savior.

Altarscape

Julie, Thank you for the beautiful altarscape for the season. Let it remind us all that the Holy Spirit is living within all of us and we should spread the good news to all.

James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.

Prayer of the Day

Gracious God, throughout the ages you transform sickness into health and death into life. Open us to the power of your presence, and make us a people ready to proclaim your promises to the whole world, through Jesus Christ, our healer and Lord. Amen

Isaiah 35:4-7a

These verses are a word of hope to the exiles in Babylon. Isaiah 34 portrays God’s vengeance on Edom, Israel’s age-old enemy, which makes the path from Babylon to Zion safe for the exiles’ return. The desert itself will flow with water to give drink to the returning exiles.

Psalm 146

I will praise the Lord as long as I live. (Ps. 146:2)

James 2:1-10, 14-17

Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip service to God’s will. Instead, a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.

Mark 7:24-37

In Mark’s gospel, encounters with women usually signify turning points in Jesus’ ministry. Here, a conversation with a Syrophoenician woman marks the beginning of his mission to the Gentiles.

Fellowship Time

You are invited to stay after worship for refreshments and fellowship time in the gathering space.