The Scripture Lessons for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost are:
 
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 and Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b or
1 Kings 19:9-18 and Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
 
The strange dynamics in the history of Abraham’s family continue in Genesis. We meet Joseph who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. God will ultimately use this for good, as we read in Psalm 105, but in Joseph’s time, there clearly is a significant dysfunction. In the Gospel reading. Peter learns a valuable lesson about trust. He initially shows great faith, but he falters when he allows himself to be distracted by the waves. Paul emphasizes in Romans that every person is welcome to call on the name of the Lord and be saved, but it falls to us to offer the good news. How can they believe if they never hear?
 
This is the season of Ordinary Time. “Ordinary” doesn’t mean typical or humdrum. Rather, it comes from the word “ordinal,” meaning “related to a series.” Think of Ordinary Time as an ordered, deliberate, six-month step-by-step pilgrimage through the story of Jesus’ life. This year, Matthew is our guide. The liturgical color for the pastor's stole and paraments (cloth hanging from the pulpit and lectern) is green. This symbolizes growth in the church.

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May we come together to grow in faith and joyfully share God’s love with all! Rev. Amie