Weekly Greeting - August 14, 2026

This Sunday’s worship service will include what I think is one of the most difficult texts in the New Testament. 

This week, and for the next several months, our worship texts will follow the Revised Common Lectionary. The lectionary provides a set of prescribed texts that are read each Sunday (there are usually four) in a three-year cycle. Each of the three years focuses on a different gospel. Matthew is the gospel for Year A. Mark is the gospel for Year B. Luke is the Gospel for Year C. John doesn’t have his own year but we often read from his gospel during Lent, Holy Week, and the Easter season. 

We are currently in Year A, so this week we will begin a journey in Matthew’s gospel.  This Sunday’s text is Matthew 15:21-28. (The lectionary also gives the option to include verses 10-20.  Our liturgist won’t read those verses, but we will revisit them during the sermon). 

I say all this to say that I hope that you will read at least Matthew 15, verses 21-28. If you want to do a little extra, read all of Matthew 15. And eventually, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, perhaps consider reading the whole gospel of Matthew. 

Before Sunday, however, wrestle a bit with Matthew 15:21-28. Does it leave you with any unresolved questions? 

On Sunday we’ll gather in worship to see what God’s invitation to us might be from this text! 

Grateful for Bethlehem,

Mary Beth