The Weekly View

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Sunday September 9, 2018

This Sunday 

Dear St Luke Community,

This Sunday we continue with James, looking at what it means to be “doers of the word.” James speaks much of the law. (James 2:1-17) Some translations call it law of love, while others say law of liberty. James also speaks much of justice as coming directly from God. Sounds like James could have come up with the phrase, “with liberty and justice for all.” The word justice is central to our country and also our Bible, and yet we could discuss for days what that word means for both. My hope is to unpack some of the biblical understanding of justice this Sunday.

Alan Brehm, who writes a weekly column, puts it this way;

Justice is a concept that is at the heart of the Hebrew Bible. The very essence of what God expects from the people who claim to practice faith is to “do justly and love mercy and walk humbly with our God” (Mic 6:8).  I’m not sure we know what to do with that.  We think of justice in terms of crime and punishment.  It’s hard for us to reconcile justice with mercy, because in our minds they seem to be opposites.  But in the Hebrew Bible, nothing could be further from the truth.  The practice of justice and the practice of mercy are one and the same.  They go hand-in-hand, like faith and hope and love.  The Hebrew Bible makes it clear over and over again that justice is about ensuring well-being, or shalom, for everyone. It’s about a way of life that makes it possible to everyone to thrive, not just the privileged few. 

The other important point James wants to make is that we should not play favorites. (2:1) Leviticus makes this point as well when God imparts the wisdom of law that Moses should take to God’s people. Our other scripture for Sunday. (Leviticus 19:1-18)

“‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. Do not go about spreading slander among your people…..Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself….” 

How many of us are perverting justice by playing favorites? These are HUGE questions, so plan on staying for a 5 hour service. Yes, I’m kidding, but I will do my best to get us asking questions that will hopefully lead you to take these questions home with you for further reflection.

See you Sunday,
Nicole

Deacon Ministry

5th Annual Pedal for Protein ~ September 16th -21st
Use the green envelope to donate. A ride for a cause! Supports food bank pantries & projects to help feed hungry people in Northern California. 100% of all donations go to food projects and food justice projects, primarily for the provision of lean proteins. The ride is organized by The Hunger Task Force of the Presbytery of the Redwoods. Find information at www.imathlete.com/donate/PedalforProtein5

Announcements & Upcoming Events

All are welcome to attend 

St. Luke Women’s Association Bridge Group ~  They are looking for people to play on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday in the months of September through May.  Interested? Call Elaine 415-454-4851.

New Member Inquiry Gathering ~ THIS SUNDAY after worship
Frequent attendees interested in learning more about St Luke’s history, The Presbyterian Church and the Reformed tradition.

Fall Speaker Series ~ Who do you say that I am? A three-part series 
September 16, 23, 30 after worship in the Bayview Room 

The question of the historical Jesus has been one baffling scholar from the beginning of time. Join us as we look at different theories from leading scholars of just who this man Jesus was.

Was Jesus a Zealot, a militaristic figure looking to overthrow the Roman Empire? Or was he a mystic, in touch with the divine sphere of reality and wisdom of God? Or was he a political figure, prophet, and Messiah who succeeded in defeating evil and beginning the reign of peace?

Dr. Gregory Love, Professor of Systematic Theology at SFTS, will lead us in a discussion as we uncover why Jesus remains such a popular and controversial figure then and today.

Grateful Gatherings ~ Saturday, October 6th, 8:00 AM to Noon
A non-profit, that provides furniture & household goods to people transitioning out of homelessness & poverty. For a list of needs visit https://gratefulgatherings.org/. Bring donations to St. Luke on Saturday, Oct. 6th between 8:30 am and 10:30 am.

For questions email: 

Save The Date

St Luke Annual Fundraiser ~ Sunday, October 7th at 6:00 PM
This year, wear your beads and bangles to St. Luke’s Annual Fundraiser Dinner celebrating New Orleans with Zydeco fillet mignon, shrimp jambalaya, and pecan pie. Not to be missed and invite your friends now!

Continuing Events

All are welcome to attend

Bible Study Series ~ Wednesday, Sept 12th, 9:30 AM  

St. Luke Women’s Association ~ Thursday. Sept. 13th, 1:00 PM
Then every other month on the second Thursday of that month at 1:00 PM.

Committee Meetings ~ Resumes Tuesday, Sept 11th, 6:30 PM
(Deacons, Building and Grounds, New Member)

Morning Women's Spirituality Group ~ Thursday. Sept 13th, 9:00 AM

St. Luke Women’s Association Bridge Group ~ Resumes on Monday, Sept 17th, 10:30 AM  | Then Tuesday, Sept 2510:30 AM (Play is on the third Monday and/or fourth Tuesday, September to May).

Pizza and Theology ~ Resumes Tuesday, Sept 18th, 6:30 PM
Creekside, San Anselmo. Thereafter on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Please email: 

Session ~ Resumes Tuesday, September 25th 6:30pm

St. Luke Men's Group ~ Tues. Nov. 6th, Location TBD

Posted by Nicole Trotter with

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