Hi everyone,
Among the most divisive words in the English language are third person plural pronouns, “they, them, their.” Every time we use these pronouns we set up a division. “They” are always not “us.” Sometimes we use the words merely as a convenience to refer back to a group we have already named. “The Stewardship Committee met a Dave’s place. ‘They’ decided on ideas for a Fall Campaign.” But many times we use these words to set people apart. As soon as we refer to a group as “they”, we are not a part of it. We have seen much of this sort of thing recently in the United States around the GOP and Democratic Conventions, and we have also see it in the election campaign in Quebec. Sentences and questions like, “What do ‘they’ really want?” “’Their’ plan will not...” “If the voters give ‘them’ a mandate, who know what will happen.” All point to a separation between us and this other group. When we regularly use these words when talking about groups of people in our society, there can be problems. “I have heard that ‘they’...! People lumped in groups lose their identity as individuals, their belonging to a particular part of society defines who “they” are. In the Gospel reading this Sunday, Jesus encounters one of “them.” In fact the Samaritan women is one of “them” on two counts. She is a Samaritan. Jews in Jesus’ day did not associate with “them.” She is also a unrelated women, not part of the family of Jesus, meeting Jesus in public. Men of Jesus’ day would avoid any public association with “them.” Jesus response to the women is a bit shocking for us, as he appears to uphold the standard of the day and responds to her quite rudely. But she has a response to Jesus that changes things. We will have a look at how we relate to “them” in our own world. For us, who are “they?”
From the Scriptures we will hear Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-17 and Mark 7:24-37
I have titled my Sermon, “Who is ‘They’?”
Free Books
There are still books on the bookshelf at the back of the sanctuary. They are free for the taking. If you see something you like, it’s yours. If you see something that you think should be in the church library set it aside. I will leave them out for a few weeks more and then what is left will probably be recycled and the shelf will find a home elsewhere in the church
See you Sunday,
Blessings,
Larry Wright
As well, please note the Important Dates below. If you have any questions about any of the events, please contact the church.
Important Dates
Saturday, September 15 – Men’s Breakfast, Lower Hall, 8:00 am
Sunday, September 16 – Baptism and Start of Sunday School Classes
Sunday, September 23, 10:30 – FIRE DRILL SUNDAY. In response to recommendation from the Edmonton Fire Department, we will be having a Fire Drill at the end of the Service. This will be a training fire drill so that we all know what to do.
Sunday, September 23, 7:00 pm – COVENANTING SERVICE for Rev. Larry Wright and Spirit West United Church. This is the formal service that marks the pastoral relationship that began July 1.
Sunday, September 29 – BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Bring your pet(s) to church and give thanks for all God’s creation. Those of you who have been here for this service in the past know what a wonderful time it is for all present. If it is awkward to bring your pet(s), because it’s hard to move the 100 gallon aquarium or for any other reason, bring a picture of them.
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