Readings for Sunday, July 15, 2012

To my Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This Sunday is the Annual Island Worship Service at Hammarsten Island on Big Birch Lake. Service begins at 11:00 AM with a potluck dinner following. Pontoon shuttle service to the island is located at John and Janet Roe’s place at 11057 County Rd 47.

This also means that Peace United Church will be worshipping at 9:00 AM.

A quick rundown of our readings:

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 – David brings the ark (or tabernacle or chest) to Jerusalem. This reading makes it seem like the story happened all on one day. However, read the verses that are skipped. Who dies and why? Who prospers and why? Read verses 20-23. Who gets mad at David and why?

Psalm 24 – A psalm in praise of God and God’s creation.

Amos 7:7-15 – The plumb line has been set and no one measures up and the Lord will never ever forgive them again. Really?

Psalm 85:8-13 – This psalm in its entirety seems to be the antidote to the stern declaration of Amos.

Ephesians 1:3-14 – Now, take a deep breath and read this passage out loud as if it had no punctuation; like it was one long run-on sentence. Well, that what it is in Greek: one sentence. Check out the Trinitarian movement of this sentence from God to Jesus to the Holy Spirit.

Mark 6:24-29 – The execution of John the Baptist. What a bummer for the Island Worship. Instead, I will be reading . . .

(Mark 6:30-43) – The feeding of the 5,000. Actually, these two stories go together. Compare the feast of King Herod that culminates in the execution and the feast with next to nothing that feeds the multitudes. Mimetic rivalry verses abundant giving. The sermon almost writes itself.

Peace be with you as you feast on the word of God.