June 7, 2026

Our Lectionary readings for next Sunday are Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 50:7-15; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.

An odd thing takes place in Matthew 9. A series of miracles at the hands of Jesus is narrated: a paralytic walks, a woman with a hemorrhage is healed, a dead daughter is returned to her grieving parents, and two blind men have their eyes opened. Those are remarkable events, but not so odd when it comes to Jesus. What is perhaps strange is that in the middle of these stories we learn that Jesus calls a tax-collector to be a disciple. We also see Jesus reclining at table with many tax-collectors and others who were widely viewed as "sinners." Here too is a miracle: Jesus extends the welcome of God's grace and the fellowship of God's kingdom to those seen by many with suspicion and contempt. The best way this miracle can be described is, Jesus says, as "new wine into fresh wine-skins."

We will have a congregational meeting after morning worship on June 7.

We will have a guest speaker fill the pulpit on June 14. Former pastor Sam Wayman will lead in worship while Jeph and Joy head to South Carolina to celebrate Joy's mother's 94th birthday.