The Scripture Lessons for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost are:
 
Exodus 14:19-31 and Psalm 114 or
Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
Genesis 50:15-21 and Psalm 103:(1-7), 8-13
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 18:21-35
 
This week’s readings trace how God transforms us. In Exodus, through the rescue mission that moved heaven and earth, God freed the people of Israel from slavery and bestowed on them a new identity. The psalm echoes the supernatural events that took place during that rescue and issues a stunning declaration whereby a people who had no homeland become God’s chosen place of dwelling. The passage from Romans illustrates how the change of status before God leads to an internal transformation, which in turn changes how we see others and ourselves. Finally, in Matthew, a parable outlines the root of forgiveness to show the weight of God’s transformation and invites us to model God’s grace.
 
This Sunday at Pilgrim Church, the Rev. Paul Nickerson will be preaching, and Rev. Amie will be the liturgist. Rev. Paul will preach on John 1:35-51 and 1 Peter 3:13-16. His sermon is entitled “Come and See.”
 
This is the season of Ordinary Time. “Ordinary” doesn’t mean typical or humdrum. Rather, it comes from the word “ordinal,” meaning “related to a series.” Think of Ordinary Time as an ordered, deliberate, six-month step-by-step pilgrimage through the story of Jesus’ life. This year, Matthew is our guide. The liturgical color for the pastor's stole and paraments (cloth hanging from the pulpit and lectern) is green. This symbolizes growth in the church.

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May we continue to be God’s covenant people,
Rev. Amie