Grace Notes
July 17, 2025
How poor we would be if the only story we had of Martha was our gospel reading for this Sunday! She would be a one-dimensional cipher for an anxious, bitter woman who asked Jesus to compel her sister, Mary, to assist with the duties of hospitality. Thankfully we have a much more expansive portrayal of her in the gospel of John that not only forces our attention but places her as one of Jesus’ most faithful and important disciples. From Luke we know that she is a homeowner with a sister, Mary, who entertains Jesus in her house. In John’s gospel, we learn that along with her sister Mary she has a brother, Lazarus, who, in John 11, is ill to the point of death. Martha and Mary send for Jesus to let him know of Lazarus’ condition but Jesus, who dearly loves all three of them, does not come immediately. Lazarus dies and is buried. Four days later Jesus and his disciples headed toward Bethany and Martha went to meet him. Martha, in her grief told Jesus that if he had come earlier Lazarus would not have died. Jesus and Martha conversed about Jesus’ identity, resurrection and the last day when Martha made the remarkable profession: “I believe you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” We know of one other person in the gospels who made such a pronouncement: Peter, the chief apostle and the one who would become a leader in the nascent Christian community. When Jesus calls on the people to roll away the stone to Lazarus’ tomb Martha is the one who warned Jesus that advanced decomposition would have taken place by then and is told by Jesus that if they believed they would see the glory of God. They do believe and Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
In Luke Martha may have been gently chided for “being distracted by her many tasks” but she stands with the other disciples- especially with Peter who confessed Jesus as the Messiah – none of whom escaped his judging eye. There is a legend that Martha went to southern France where she tamed a dragon, lived a life of piety, and there, eventually died. A church there contains her relics. A proper legend for one’s whose faith, proclaimed while Jesus was alive, continued after his death and resurrection.
O God, heavenly Father, your Son Jesus Christ enjoyed rest and refreshment in the home of Mary and Martha of Bethany: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others for his sake; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Jim Jeffery
Calendar
Thursday, July 17, 2025, 12 Noon, Holy Eucharist, Rev. Jerry O’Neal presiding
Thursday, July 17, 2025, 10 A.M. Yarn Group
Thursday, July 17, 2025, 6: 30 P.M. Vestry meeting, Please let Connie know if you would like to join on Zoom.
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 9 A.M. Adult Education in the Parish Hall.
Sunday, July 20, 2025, 10 A.M. Liturgy of the Word
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 12 Noon, Holy Eucharist, Rev. Jerry O’Neal presiding
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6:30 P.M. DOK meeting at the church or on Zoom
Announcements:
Sunday services through August
The Vestry has voted that we will have a “Service of the Word” twice a month, with supply priests being utilized on the other Sundays. We will continue to follow the bulletin for these services but will, of course, exclude the Holy Eucharist. The sermon can be a brief homily, with the topic being any of the readings of the day, or experiences and thoughts that relate to the readings. This table shows the open dates through August. If you are interested in participating in any of the services, please let Connie know.
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Our new website
Jenni Sanderfer, our office administrator, has developed two forms to assist us with day-to-day operations. The first is a snapshot of information you would like to be included on our master calendar, which is on the website. There is another form that is to be utilized if you have someone, or something, you would like for Grace members to remember in prayer. Both forms can be found on the Parish Hall bulletin board, and on the office door. Completed forms should be placed in the office drop box by the side door.
Morning and Evening Prayer via Zoom
Morning Prayer is said Tuesday and Saturday mornings at 9 A.M. Evening Prayer is said Wednesday evenings at 8 P.M. Please contact Andy Bonnell at [email protected] if you would like to join these Zoom meetings.
Gathering Grace
Thanks to all of you who helped with yesterday’s Gathering Grace. We served 144 meals of quiche, bran muffins, fruit cocktail, and cake! We ran out before 3:30, and could have served more meals had we had food on hand….we passed out what we could.
The month of August is now added to the signup sheet. Please consider noting your availabilities when you know your schedules to help us in our planning.
Thank you!
A Better Way. Needs for July.
Thank you to everyone who donated summer items last month. Currently there are 25 individuals, adults and children, being cared for in The Better Way facility so the need continues. Donations needed as follows – sidewalk chalk, ankle skippers, activity books, flip flops (all sizes), bubble wands, jump ropes, frisbees, balls, yo-yos, nerf footballs. Don’t have time to shop? Jo Ann is open to a monetary donation and will do your shopping for you.
Daughters of the King
On July 24 we will meet at the church or on Zoom for our monthly meeting beginning with a bring your own dinner at 6:30 and a short meeting beginning at 7.
Adult Education
Next Sunday, July 20, there will be a study of the lessons appointed for that day. Bring your favorite Bible and concordance. No lectures, just respectful questions and discussions of meanings and applications for today. These study sessions will begin at 9:00 A.M. on Sunday mornings in the parish hall.
Christian Ministries. Needs for July.
Pillows, blankets, cereal, hamburger, peanut butter, shampoo, body soap, laundry soap, toilet paper. If you donate hamburger, please place it on the bottom shelf of the hospitality refrigerator.
Yarn Group
The Yarn Group will meet every first and third Thursday of the month at 10 A.M.
Kitchen Needs
Blue Recycling Bags – Have any lying around you don’t need? We use them in various rooms at church and our supply is almost gone. Place any you can share in the Church kitchen.
Diocesan News:
- See the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis website for news and upcoming events. Home – The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis
Episcopal Church Links
Celebrations!
Birthdays
Reed Akolgo
Guidelines for Grace Notes
Please submit items for Grace Notes by 8 P.M. Tuesday for Thursday publication