October 28, 2024
Dr. John Gladstone, an English Canadian Baptist minister, told a story about a fellow English clergyman who was serving a very small church. Each week, at the end of the service, he would offer communion for those who stayed. Week after week, only a handful of people would stay for the sacrament. One Sunday, even less stayed. The minister even questioned if he should have it because there were just a few. Eventually, he went on with what was promised. He got to the part of the liturgy where it said, āAnd so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymnā¦ā He stopped, looked up towards heaven, and said, āGod forgive me. I didnāt realize I was in such company.ā
This coming Sunday is All Saintsā Sunday. This Sunday reminds us that we are in a community above and beyond time and space. In a mystical union, held together by Christ, we are connected to all those who have gone before us. Frankly, Iām comforted by this connection. I hope you are as well.
This Week’s Readings:
- MondayĀ – Numbers 4
- TuesdayĀ – NumbersĀ 5
- Wednesday – Numbers 6
- Thursday – Numbers 7
- Friday – Numbers 8
We are reading the Bible in just a little over a year! We are now reading Numbers. You may join anytime. Just mark your Bible on the chapter you started and keep up with the weekly readings.
Things to Pray About:
- Pray for our country and the 2024 Presidential Election
- Pray for spiritual maturity.
- Our unwillingly absent members and shut-ins.
- Pray for comfort for those who are grieving.
- Wisdom for our church leaders, local leaders, and world leaders.Ā
- Family restoration through forgiveness.
- Continued growth of the faith of the people.
- Pray for understanding.
āDonāt worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā – Philippians 4:6