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Pentecost 16

James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in this weekend’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings her or his need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir.

Worship Schedule

SATURDAY:

5 p.m Celebration Worship (Sanctuary)

SUNDAY:

8 a.m Celebration Worship (Sanctuary)
10:30 a.m Combined Celebration Worship (PLC)

Join our live stream at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Sign-ups for Connect start this weekend!

Events this Weekend

St. John's Ministry Fair
Saturday 6-7 p.m.
Sunday 9-10:15 a.m.
Sunday 12-2 p.m.

Come explore our church ministries as well as local organizations set up around the entire upper level of the church after all of this weekend's worship times. Learn about how we are connecting with our community and sign up to get involved with the ministry that interests you most.

Encounter
Sunday, 6 p.m.

All 9th-12th graders and their friends are invited to Encounter this Sunday night, in the PLC. Live Music provided by Andy Lazarides and friends - Specialty coffee drinks and smoothies provided by Solid Rock Cafe - Best party games ever! - Worship led by Pastor Greg - Small group discussion time. It’s all back! And, it’s NEW and IMPROVED! Don’t miss it!

Fair Trade Coffee Sales
During Ministry Fair Times

Fairtrade coffee, chocolate, and other goods from Equal Exchange will be sold as part of our Global Ministries.

All events and detailed descriptions can be found in this week's messenger.

Messenger

Sunday School Registration / Magic Show
Sunday, 9 a.m.

Our regular programming will resume this week with registration in the parlor from 9:00-10:15 a.m. followed by a magician in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m.!

All-Congregation Meal
Sunday, 12 p.m.

Join us on the lawn after the 10:30 a.m. Celebration Worship for a meal, children's games, and music from The Good Companions!

An Evening of Fun, Food, and the Fruit of the Vine
Friday, 7-8 p.m.

Join the Adult Fellowship Ministry Team as we gather for our annual evening of fellowship and wine tasting. This year’s wine tasting will be hosted by Bob and Sally Borcherding at their home, 2721 Cronin Drive. Couples are asked to bring a bottle of wine and a snack to share. Individuals are asked to bring either a bottle of wine or a snack to share. Please RSVP with Sally at 217.553.5486 for planning purposes.

Pastor's Message

Pastor Greg Busboom
Lead Pastor
pbusboom@stjohns-springfield.org

“A woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately heard about [Jesus], and she came and bowed down at his feet. Now the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter” (Mark 7:25-27).

The woman in today’s gospel reading from Mark knows exactly what she is looking for. She is looking for Jesus. And, more particularly, she is looking for Jesus so that he can heal her daughter of the unclean spirit. After an interesting theological exchange, the woman finds what she was seeking. Jesus heals her daughter. I wonder, “What am I looking for on this Rally Weekend?” “What are you looking for from your participation at St. John’s?” “What is the world looking for from the Christian church in this increasingly complex 21st century?”

Read on→

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