Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This Sunday is the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. We have returned to our regular schedule with Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:00 am, and our choir leads the music at the 10:00 Eucharist.

Adult Forum returns this Sunday. We continue a four-week series called "God's Biography." We will look at the evolution of divine understanding before and during the Monotheistic Tradition, best helping to understand how we came from a "God of vengeance" to a "God of love." This week we will look at the practice of henotheism, which can be described as loyalty to one god in the midst of other gods. On the road to what we know as monotheism, the Hebrew Scriptures chronicle how difficult loyalty to the Lord God was because of competing belief in other gods. Join us at 11:45 in the Loring Room. 

In the Hebrew Scriptures, we read from the prophet Jeremiah. Our reading takes us to the final harvest before the destruction of Jerusalem. Hoping for a different outcome, a failed harvest points to the unhappy reality that salvation is going to have to come from somewhere (or Someone) else, and that Jerusalem is left with desolate prospects in the near term.   

In the New Testament, we continue reading I Timothy. Paul's first letter to Timothy has a "father to son" or "mentor to mentee" quality to it. Timothy was a part of the second, post-Apostolic, generation of Christianity, and he was molded in order to lead the Christian community. In this week's passage, Paul encourages prayers for leaders so that the church can accomplish its mission in peace and quietness.

In Luke's gospel, Jesus offers a parable about a dishonest steward. The parable of this unreliable manager tells the story of a first-century salesman who struggles to regain the confidence of his boss. His struggle could be compared to a modern-day person, though the lessons in the parable are confusing. Through his shrewd and questionable action, he saves the day and wins the praise of Jesus, but the lessons here are not so clear.

The Rev'd Louise Conant will preach this Sunday, and I know you join me in looking forward to hearing her wise and witty exposition. Before coming to Good Shepherd, Louise served as a priest for many years, both at St. Paul's in Brookline and Christ Church in Cambridge.

We are excited to announce new leadership in our music ministry. Kristina Jackson, a member of our choir for over three years and a talented Soprano, will begin this Sunday as our Acting Choirmaster. Suzanne McAllister, an experienced church musician and Wellesley alumna, will begin next Sunday as our Acting Organist. More news about leadership in music will be announced in the coming week. Please see the biographical information about Kristina and Suzanne below.

Meet Suzanne McAllister, our Acting Organist. This Sunday during Coffee Hour, we will take a moment to introduce you to Suzanne. She has a storied career of musical service in the Episcopal Church, and you will enjoy meeting her. 

We are 93% in our fundraising goal Building on the Sure Foundation. If you have not yet given, please consider your contribution soon so that we can complete the effort and celebrate the improvements that your generosity has brought.

See you Sunday!


peace, Jay+