Caring and Sharing the Warmth Coat Drive: The weather is changing, so this is a good time to review cold weather items in our closets and share with others in need. Please bring clean, gently-used coats, jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves AND/OR donate money to help purchase items needed and put them in the box in the narthex. We welcome both adult and children’s sizes. We will work with key contacts in schools to help identify recipients. DEADLINE: OCTOBER 27. Outreach contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.
Team World Vision: Pastor and Gina’s daughter, Courtney, is in the process of training for a half marathon with Team World Vision on October 20. Courtney is not a runner, however, she has a heart for people, especially children, and is compelled to help in any way possible. In Courtney’s words, “My ultimate goal in running this is to help provide clean water to kids and communities in need around the world. Through World Vision, just $50 provides clean water to 1 person. If you would consider donating to support me in this mission, that would be amazing!” Her goal is $3,000. If you feel moved to help, here is the link to her donation page.
Helping Our NC Neighbors impacted by Hurricanes: Since 2017, we have been working to help our neighbors in the Lumberton NC area who were affected by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Check out the Outreach page of our website for details about everything we have been doing.
Adult Bible Class Leaders: Oct. 20 – Bob Serpas, Oct. 27 – John Cangelosi, Nov. 3 – Joe Schradie, Nov. 10 – John Stow
Readings for Sunday, Oct. 20 (Prop. 24), 19th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 32:22–30, Psalm 121, 2 Tim. 3:14—4:5, Luke 18:1–8
Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer: “Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times, we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).