If you read the texts for last week, you may have been horrified—and even depressed—as I was. I shared about this in last Sunday’s sermon. The Prophet Jeremiah was listing the terrible things that had happened to the people. And we heard God’s words of mourning about them. Happily, the next chapter (32) of the story is not nearly as bleak. Last week, he asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” This week, we find out that there is!

At the Monday evening Bible study, we were joking about the week’s selection of readings—alternately moaning about the grim first reading and psalm, and scratching our heads over the Gospel passage. Some of us suggested that perhaps periodically the designers of the Lectionary got bored with their work, and just put a bunch of random readings in a paper bag, pulling out four for a random Sunday. See what connections you can make among the readings each week. Interesting puzzle.

In this week’s Reflection Letter we learn through Paul the change that can occur when we follow the way of Jesus. Read how he was once a blasphemer turned servant of Christ.

Today’s reading from the Epistle to Philemon contains some unusual features. In a world that all too often doesn’t seem to be interested in anything except what benefits the self, Paul is praising Philemon for his love and concern for other people. Second, the message was so important to Paul that he wrote it himself.

This week, we want to share various bits and pieces of news with you and give you some things for your calendars. Look inside: new COVID measures, fall events, The Great Chili-Lovers’ Smack-down Pot-luck Picnic!