Reflection

John Okerman

Why Have You Treated Your Servant So Badly?

The rabble among them had a strong craving; and the Israelites also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, all at the entrances of their tents. Then the Lord became very angry, and Moses was displeased. So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? (Numbers 11:4-6)

Have you ever been frustrated and hopeless? You may have been a member of a group and in spite of all your work and effort no end was in sight. Perhaps you were the leader and not only frustrated but tired. In spite of all of your efforts and leadership, you and your group appeared to be going down an endless path of failure and frustration.

We tend to think of the ancient Hebrews as different from us, perhaps less enlightened and overacting. However, the Hebrews are like us because their response is a human response. A common phrase is “it’s all about us”! They have forgotten about God’s blessing and think they know better than God. Like the ancient Hebrews, we often follow the human response because we believe we know better than God what’s best for us.

In the Old Testament reading from Numbers the Hebrews are tired from wandering in the wilderness and still not arriving in the “promised land”. They are viewing their time in Egypt when they were slaves through rose-colored glasses. The people have forgotten why they left Egypt and how God has blessed their lives. They have decided they know better than God what is best for them.

In addition, Moses is frustrated and exasperated. He is experiencing “burn-out”. Moses cries out to God, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all these people on me?....Where am I to get meat to give to all these people?

Moses is at his wits end. He is tired of leading this group of people and is experiencing burnout. Many leaders, including ministers, teachers, and managers have experienced similar feelings. It’s a feeling of no matter what I do the group just complains.

Have you ever been a member of a group or in a leadership position and experienced the same frustration that Moses is experienced with the Hebrews? What did you do to resolve your frustration? Did your perspective change when something you have thought of as a burden turned out to be a gift?

In frustration and exasperation, Moses turned to God for help. Eventually, the Hebrews also turned to God because they reached the promised land and became God’s children, the Israelites.

When you are frustrated, turn to God for help and guidance. Remember God will provide that guidance and help in God’s way.

Thank be to God.

Sunday Services

Sunday, 29 September 2024
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Year B Proper 21

Chandler’s Square Morning Prayer
9:30 am
Chandler’s Square Retirement Community
1300 “O” Avenue, Anacortes
Presider: June Cook

Christ Church Holy Eucharist

10:30 am
Christ Church Sanctuary
1216 Seventh Street, Anacortes
The service is also available on YouTube.

Season of Creation
Our celebration of Season of Creation continues through October 6.

Servers
Presider: The Rev. Keith Axberg
Homilist: Maggie Collinge
Eucharistic Minister: Ed Barton
Readers: Todd Fifield, Carleton Manning
Ushers: Jerlyn Caba, Geoff Holmes
Altar Guild: Judith Render, Lorne Render
Bread Ministry: Jim Minton
Musicians: The Banjo Band
Eucharistic Visitor: June Cook
No Host Coffee Hour

Readings
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Readings may be found in the Episcopal Lectionary.
We are currently using Track 2.

Hymns
Music will be provided by The Banjo Band.
Blest Are They
Spirit of the Living God
Christ Be Our Light!
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Bring Forth the Kingdom

Bulletin link 9/29/2024
YouTube Sunday Service Link

Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour follows the service.
Please join in. All are welcome.

Announcements

Memorial Service

The congregation is invited to a Memorial Service for Larry Collinge.
Friday, October 4
2pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
A Reception in the Parish Hall will follow.

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 6
Following the 10:30 am service

Please bring your beloved pet to Christ Church for a Blessing! You may also bring a photo of your pet to be blessed.
Presider: The Rev. Courtney Jones

Blessing Certificates & Treats!

All are welcome.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

Summer has officially come to an end and the Hospitality Committee is actively seeking volunteers as well as hosts for our Sunday morning coffee hours. The sign-up poster is just inside the door of the Parish Hall Gathering Room. The Committee makes the coffee, sets the table, and does the clean-up so your only responsibility is to bring treats! Please help by taking part in the hosting of this weekly event.
Many thanks,
Grace, Judy and Jerlyn

Fall Discernment Series:
Who Are the Ministers of the Church?

Our Fall Discernment series continues on October 20.
Following the 10:30 am service
Parish Hall Conference Room
Facilitator: The Rev. Courtney Jones

Find all the information at
Who Are the Ministers of the Church?

Community Support Meeting

Friday, November 1
11am
Parish Hall Gathering Room & Zoom

Church congregants and Red Door Thrift Shop volunteers are invited to join Community Support Chair Deacon Eric Johnson in developing a recommendation for distribution of funds through Christ Church’s Community Support Program. This recommendation will be passed on to the Bishop’s Committee who will, at their November meeting, vote to provide funding to various community organizations.

Funding for Christ Church’s Community Support Program is provided entirely by the profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop.

Centering Prayer

Weekly on Wednesdays
1:15 – 1:45 pm
Christ Church Sanctuary
All are welcome to join in this short, simple service: a Scripture reading, twenty minutes of silence, an intercessory prayer, and the Lord’s Prayer.
Questions? Please contact Maggie Collinge.

Men’s Group

The Men’s Group meets weekly on Fridays.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Parish Hall Gathering Room
Questions? Please contact Deacon Eric Johnson.

The Red Door Thrift Shop

Christ Church’s Red Door Thrift Shop is located at 1019 Seventh Street in Anacortes.
Red Door Thrift Shop
360.293.8027

Red Door Shopping Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm

Red Door Donation Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: 10am – 1pm
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 10am – 3pm

Profits generated at the Red Door Thrift Shop fund Christ Church’s Community Support program.
Shoppers, Volunteers, & Donations are always welcome!

Day by Day

Day by Day daily devotions may be accessed at the following link:
Day by Day Daily Devotion.

Prayer List

Karen
Carolyn, friend of Sandy
Sally K.
Leslie
Diana
Val
John
John & Mary
Tony & family, & Brendan, family & friends of Mary

Weekly Update 27 September 2024