Faith Notes for October 19, 2021
First Presbyterian Church of Big Spring
New News:
Rally Day was a hit! Beautiful weather and great fellowship. Thank you to Doug Mays for his leadership on putting the whole thing together and thanks to Paula Farquhar for her active help getting things together. Thanks to Ellen Austin, Jessica Kennemur for bringing tasty baked goodies and thanks to Monika Robinson and Lara Runk and Claudia Jimenez Lopez for the imagination and creativity that went into the scavenger hunt.
This Sunday, October 24th, we’ll read Psalm 126. Then we’ll tackle Job 42:1-9 from the semicontinuous readings. Then we will move into the complimentary readings with Mark 10: 46-52 and Hebrews 7:23-28.
Psalm 126 is a community prayer of restoration sung by returning exiles. It speaks with the voice of a particular exile experience but prays for restoration for all according to God’s promises. This is a hopeful song that voices gladness among those who are redeemed. “Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.”
Job, Oh Job. Job has been afflicted. Job has been poorly counselled by his so-called friends. Job has tried to question God and God has turned the tables on Job’s questioning. Now Job “repents.” Well it’s not that exactly. Job has had his eyes opened to the vision of God and his perspective has been re-oriented. Now that Job’s eyes are open, he begins a whole new relationship with God. This scripture does not proclaim that suffering is redemptive, but Job’s ultimate response to it gives him sacred status.
In the Gospel of Mark we see the story of the healing of the blind man, Bartimaeus. When Jesus asks what Bartimaeus would like Jesus to do for him, unlike the disciples who asked for power and privilege, Bartimaeus asks for sight. But Bart’s eyes didn’t have to be opened for him to know he was speaking with Jesus.
Hebrews continues to exalt the unique nature of Jesus as high priest. This week’s reading is a summary of what has been said in the verses prior. It’s not clear what specific matter the author is addressing, but the author clearly wants it known that Jesus is the perpetual and eternal high priest who offered one sacrifice for us and needs offer no other.
Meetings and Gatherings Calendar:
Lectionary Bible Study - October 20 at 5:00 p.m. in the church library - not moderated.
Lunch Bunch - every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The Service Committee food drive has begun! Please look for blue Walmart bags in the Narthex with lists of items needed. Fill up a bag and fill a need for food!
*Please advise the church secretary or the Pastor of any changes you wish to make to the prayer list.
See you in church!
Allen