Luke 7:36 – 8:3

Thoughts:            Four women are prominent in this passage.  Interesting, because women in Biblical times were like today’s mothers of bridegrooms:  Wear beige and keep your mouth shut.
 
Luke does not name the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with a costly ointment and wiped them with her hair.  Luke does say she is a sinner, but Jesus said, “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.”  Since Luke names Mary Magdalene only a few verses later, scholars believe this woman was not Mary Magdalene.
 
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna had all been healed by Jesus from possession by evil spirits and unspecified infirmities.  Apparently, they were women of substance, because they provided Jesus and his disciples with necessities.
 
Mary Magdalene was known by this name because she came from the town of Magdala.  There is noproof that she was ever a woman of ill repute.  Mentioned by name fourteen times in the Bible, Mary Magdalene stayed near Jesus through his crucifixion and his burial, and she came to his tomb on the third day to anoint this body.  She was the first person to see the risen Lord.
 
Joanna was married to Chuza, Herod’s steward.  Like Mary Magdalene, Joanna had been healed by Jesus.  She is named only in Luke and may have been one of Luke’s unique sources.
 
Of Susanna, we know very little.  But she has a famous namesake – Susanna Wesley.
 
Discussion:          What did you first learn about Mary Magdalene?
 

Activity:               Compliment one of the many women in our church who are faithful servants of God.

Remember in prayer this week Francis Corera, Bob and Vivian Grusnick, Vivian Hansard, Bill and Eunice Kraase, and Jeff Olesen.
 
A church family has requested weekly paid help with housekeeping, driving to doctors’ appointments, and down-sizing their household.  If you know of someone, this referral would be most welcome.  If you are this caring Christian, please call the office for more information. 
 
No Fitness 4 U classes today.
 
Today begins our church directory photo sessions.  Please check in 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
 
This Friday is our Blood Drive from 1:00 to 6:45pm.  Walk-ins are always welcome.  Schedule your appointment on-line today at redcross.org code fumctroy.
 
2016 Annual Conference begins tomorrow through Sunday.  Please pray for leaders and lay members.
 
This Saturday is the first UMYF Senior High Worktrip Car Wash.  Bring your dirty car or truck to the church from 9:00am to 2:00pm to get it sparkly clean.  Donations will be accepted for their worktrip.  Another car wash is scheduled for June 18th.
 
This Sunday is Laity Sunday.  Lay members will be leading worship.  We will also celebrate our choir on this last Sunday before their summer break.
 
Remember Connections is selling church t-shirts, vests and fleece jackets.  This Sunday will be your last opportunity to order one of these items until the Fall.
 
The Tidings deadline is Monday, June 20th.  All articles should be sent to Jessica Carl at jessieTFUMC@gmail.com with a copy to Donna at troyfirstumc@gmail.com.