Happenings September 27, 2019

Our gospel lesson this week is the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:19-31.

19 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.* The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.* 24He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.” 25But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” 27He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” 29Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” 30He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’

One of the ways we expand on the meaning of the scripture, beyond a sermon, are hymns.  I am offering two hymns written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, the first of which was completed in the last month. 

Outside My Gate, Outside My Door
O WALY WALY 8.8.8.8 ("Though I May Speak")

Outside my gate, outside my door,
is someone there who’s lost or poor?
Is someone there I do not see—
that I walk by— who has a need?

Is there a child who longs for care?
An older friend who needs a prayer?
Someone who seeks a helping hand?
A refugee new to this land?

Outside our church, is someone near
who cries in pain, who lives in fear?
Is someone close who has no way
to buy the food she needs this day?

Some gates are made of wood or stone,
And some are made of sin alone.
Some doors are made of greed and pride;
they also keep the poor outside.

As we look out, Christ, may we see
our common, shared humanity.
May we kneel down and serve you more
outside our gate, outside our door.

If Only I Had Known
LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise")  

"If only I had known the cost of human greed,
Perhaps I would have reached out more to those in need.
But now I see the truth across the great divide!
If only I had known and changed," the rich man cried.

If only we could see which bargains in the store
Are made in dismal sweatshops that oppress the poor.
For each subsistence wage — each tiny, crippling stitch —
Makes wider the divide between the poor and rich.

And, too, if we could hear a mother's lullaby;
She's singing now to calm her hungry toddler's cry.
For rich ones came one day, took land and water rights,
And left the poor with hopeless days and hungry nights.

If only we could learn what keeps us wanting more:
We build our bigger barns so we'll feel more secure.
But you alone, O God, give true security;
Possessed by our possessions, we cannot be free.

O Christ, if we could know God's will for all the earth!
And yet, by your own Spirit, you have shown God's truth:
"Do justice, help the poor, share life and love and land,
And when you see the hungry, open wide your hand."

More of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymns can be found on her Facebook page or on her web page:  https://www.carolynshymns.com/ 

Scripture

    Amos 6:1a, 4-7

    I Timothy 6:6-19

    Luke 16:19-31

THIS SUNDAY’S LEADERSHIP TEAM:

    Presiding:  The Rev. Dale Krotee

    Music Director and Organist: J. Curtis White

    Immanuel Church Chancel Choir

    Pianist:   Lynne Breil, Tina Lyte        

    Acolyte:  Amanda Bair

    Ushers:  Wallace Dodson, Terry Melius, John Adkins, Barry Adkins

    Nursery Staff:  Stephanie Dixon

    Nursery Assistant: Kim Bair

    Sound System:  Jack Breil, Keith Malkus, Tom Wilkison

This Week at Immanuel:  (Office hours  M-F, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

    Sunday            9:00 am           Sunday School           

                            9:15-11:30am   Nursery Care

                            10:00am          Worship 

                            11:00m            Fellowship in the Narthex

   Tuesday           12-1 pm           Bible Study

   Thursday         6:30pm            Choir Practice

   Saturday          2:00pm            Fellowship Hall in Use- Pat Creighton

PRE-PAID FUEL 2019-2020: This is just a reminder that cold weather is just around the corner and the need to keep our church building warm this winter is always a challenge.   Getting help with this expense via our pre-paid fuel account is a big help in meeting our financial obligations.  Our goal this year is $10,000.  Can you help?

OKTOBERFEST:  Saturday, October 19th 4:30-7pm   Helpers and bakers will be needed.   Sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex.

TRUNK OR TREAT:  Sunday, October 27, 5-6pm.  Rain or Shine.  Set up 4:30pm.  Trunk or Treaters at 5:00pm.  To reserve a spot, call Kristina 443-521-4147, Robin 443-521-7869 or Tammy 410-463-0822.

Janice Haller, Church Secretary