12th Sunday after Pentecost

August 27, 2017
Holy Communion at 8:30 and 11am
The annual Church-School Picnic follows the 11am service. 

Prayer of the Day
O God, with all your faithful followers of every age, we praise you, the rock of our life. Be our strong foundation and form us into the body of your Son, that we may gladly minister to all the world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Scripture readings
Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon 

"More than Meets the Eye"
Matthew 16:13-20
My boys have already been through their Transformers phase, playing with the same line of toys I enjoyed as a child. I still can’t pick one up one of these toys without humming the line from the theme song, “more than meets the eye - robots in disguise!” Themes of transformation are rife in this Sunday's readings, and things are more than they appear at first glance. In a pivotal scene, Peter is able to see that Jesus is not simply another teacher; he is the Son of the living God. In him, we are also gifted with transformation. Indeed, in his incarnation, Jesus does not simply become human; he makes us truly human for the first time.
Pastor Lyle

In our prayers we remember Hope for Grieving Children—Africa which equips pastors, leaders and caregivers in Africa and elsewhere with the knowledge and skills needed to address the grief and suffering of children traumatized by parental loss.

Between services, at 9:45am

The Bible study group meets in the conference room.

Adult Education, Sunday School and Confirmation classes resume in the fall.

The Grace Church Library is open and staffed on Sundays from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Look for books related to Adult Ed topics as well as many other subjects. The library is also open for self-service during the week.