In person and online
This week’s Theme: Sacrifice
The word is used in every part of the world to talk about the pain it takes to achieve something. Be it sports, business, politics, or life itself we are told we must sacrifice everything to succeed. Does God ask the same from us? Is it possible we take the concept beyond what God asks of us?
This week’s Gospel lesson – Luke: 14:25-33
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:25-33
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Questions to guide your reading
- What does Jesus mean by “hate” in the context of family and self? How does this relate to ultimate loyalty and priorities?
- What does it mean to “count the cost” of discipleship, as illustrated by the parables of the tower builder and the king going to war?
- What are some ways that modern culture’s definition of “success” might compete with the call to discipleship?
- What are some practical, daily ways to prioritize Jesus above all other relationships, possessions, and desires?
Communion at St. Andrew’s
Throughout the school year we celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month – which is this week!
It is the tradition in our congregation to pass a common plate from which everyone takes a small piece of bread. You have the option to take a pre-cut cube, or to tear a piece off the loaf which the minister has broken. (There are also some gluten free wafers on the plate). We then wait until everyone has been served, including the minister and elders up front, and then partake together.
Following the bread, in the same manner, we pass a common tray containing individual glasses of grape juice. Since the precautions of Covid however, if you prefer, we welcome you to bring your own elements from home and use them as we commune. Likewise, if you are worshipping via the livestream, we encourage you to take a moment before the service to prepare some bread and a cup so that you too can participate in Communion along with us.
This week’s bulletin