Midweek Reminders from Pastor Joel ‘Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” St Luke 15.1-2 Jesus’opponents told the truth, even though in a negative,scornful way. Nevertheless, it was true: Jesus didn’t just tolerate being around the dregs of human society.He welcomed them.Jesus not only welcomed them, but he shared meals with them.Pretty shocking stuff for his day. How does the church that names itself after Christ follow his example today? Consider the tens of millions of Americans alone who fall through the social welfare cracks, those to whom church-related social service agencies offer food, shelter, safety, medical care, job training, clothes, counseling, and a large variety of other basic services. Consider the vast network of caring organizations all over the world that take the love and compassion of Jesus as their motivation and example for serving the needs of refugees,prisoners, those who are oppressed and stripped of their human rights, the mentally ill, the homeless, those who have lost everything in war and sectarian violence. Consider the Christian congregation, whose highest calling is to give itself for the life of the world, as Jesus gave himself. Consider the many individuals within congregations who quietly live their lives doing what Jesus would do, generously sacrificing time and money and energy for the sheer joy of giving someone a little bit of help…and hope. Consider…and give thanks. It will stop the grumbling and open our hearts. FOOD DRIVE:“This one’s for Bev!” September 30 is our goal for collecting food for Marion Polk Food Share, and our current food drive is done in gratitude to God for the witness and example of Bev Stueven, who took such joy in inspiring us to give to the hungry and poor.What do you think our goal should be? Our previous high was 783 pounds of food. What should it be this time:; 800? 900?? 1,000??? Let’s just not set a goal, and see how surprised we are when we’re done!Consult the poster over the food barrel for the “10 Most Wanted Food Items”, then bring what you can to create a mountain of food at church. Thanks! NEW ADULT SUNDAY CLASS:“Jesus and the Gospels”is the title of a new discussion class just underway.Each Sunday, I’ll show a 30-minute presentation by Prof. Luke Timothy Johnson, followed by discussion and sharing.Challenging stuff, and a good way to grow in understanding and knowledge of Jesus and the gospels that tell his story! Grab some coffee and goodies and join us in the Commons Room each Sunday morning at 8:45am sharp. WINDOW WASHING DAY, THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 15, AT CHURCH: All hands on board for the job no one likes, but everyone needs to do—wash the acres of windows at church. “Many hands make light work”, so the saying goes. And enjoyable work, too! Give us a hand, please! CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, RIGHT AFTER WORSHIP SAYING THANK YOU!Many of you help out with the weekly job of cleaning the church. And you do a great job!Generally, the facilities and grounds are clean and welcoming, providing another key component of hospitality to all who come here to worship and learn.It’s another way to witness to the community when we care for and maintain clean, attractive buildings and grounds. Thank you! For those who shirk their duties and rarely help out, how about re-thinking your excuses?