Luke 15:1-10

​Thoughts:         Four groups of people have gathered to listen to Jesus:  publicans, sinners, Pharisees, and scribes.
 
The publicans were often tax collectors, who were despised – often with reason.  Many of them collected more than was authorized, and they kept the extra money.  Zaccheus is named as the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
 
The sinners include all of us.
 
The Pharisees saw themselves as “the kingdom of priests” and claimed to be the definitive exponents of the Law (first five books of the Bible). Because they wished to destroy Jesus’ subversive new teaching, they have become the stereotype for opponents of Jesus.
 
The scribes were highly educated, their chief activity being undistracted study of the Torah (again, the first five books of the Bible).  They served as judges in the Sanhedrin, the highest court of the Jews.  Like the Pharisees, most of the scribes opposed Jesus.
 
The Pharisees and the scribes condemned Jesus because he ate with sinners.  Well, most of us do – even if we eat alone.
 
Discussion:      What religious leader have you known who seemed to you to be most like Jesus?
 
Activity:            Read Luke 18:10-13.
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Remember in prayer this week Audrey Cowsert, Bob & Vivian Grusnick, Vivian Hansard and Elizabeth Stevens, daughter-in-law of Tom and Ann.
 
This Saturday from 9:00am until 1:00pm is a car wash to support our youth and their worktrip.
 
Sunday starts our Fall schedule with the choir, Sunday School classes for all ages (check the back of the bulletin to find a class for you), and UMYF.
 
Check your Tidings for your Spiritual Gifts Assessment.  Complete before Sunday and bring to worship.  Those who do not bring a completed form will be asked to fill it out during the Postlude.  Those who bring the completed form will be able to leave early for coffee time.
 
Cass Community Social Services golf outing is September 19th.  They are looking for teams of golfers for this charity event.  Information is in the office.  Deadline is soon.