23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

As we step into September this weekend, we hear again from Jeremiah, one of the "major" Old Testament prophets. The witness of this ancient voice, who ministered around the time the Israelite nation was taken into exile in Babylon, proves surprisingly relevant in our own era -- an era when, like Jeremiah's, talking heads "say 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace"; an era when many, including the church itself, feel like they are in exile from all that seemed stable, familiar, and secure.

In this week's selection, Jeremiah visits the potter's house and watches as the potter had the power to rework a spoiled vessel into something new and good. In great grace and mercy, God has that power of renewal and recreation, too -- not rejecting the misshapen 'clay,' but transforming it.   

Also... This Sunday in worship, God's unsatiable love and transforming power will be signed and sealed in our midst as we will share together in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion. If you are joining us online for worship, you will want to prepare some bread -- a slice, a small loaf, even a cracker if that's what you have on hand... any kind of bread -- and also a cup or cups of juice or wine, so that you can partake along with those who will be participating in worship from within the church sanctuary.