Trinity XIII

This Sunday, the Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity, is sometimes called Good Samaritan Sunday. Throughout his ministry, Jesus used many parables to teach his listeners about the Kingdom of God. One of the most well-known is the parable of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke.  The parable of the Good Samaritan forces some of Jesus’ followers to confront their pre-conceived notions of a conditional faith and what it means to be a neighbor. Jesus is preaching about a New Covenant; one that asks for unconditional faith, hope and charity.  It reinforces the importance of faith in our lives as Christians.

This Sunday’s Collect speaks of good service in this life.  But as Fr. Roddy has told us many times, there are no good works in this life without faith.  They go hand in hand.  Have faith and good works will follow.  The Collect also recognizes that no matter what good we do in this life, it is only through our Faith in Christ that we will attain those heavenly promises.  This day’s Epistle from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians ends with these words:

“…that the promise of faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.”

If I were to boil this down to one thought or phrase we can take with us into the world, it would be this:

“The pursuit of true faith is not easy, but the reward is great.”

Sometimes we must accept faith at face value – a mystery – and not try to break it down to understand it through the limitations of this world. We must accept the Mystery of Faith and act accordingly.  There are many things in this world that can test our faith. We must heed what Jesus is teaching with the Good Samaritan parable – maintain our unconditional faith, hope and charity  – and He will take care of us.

“The pursuit of true faith is not easy, but the reward is great.”

--Fr. Deacon Chris

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

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Upcoming Events

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland/ )

Sunday School resumes September 10

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing (for online participation, check info under Sunday Services)

Men's Group Breakfast & Bible Study, Saturday September 16, 8:30 AM, church undercroft. breakfast prepared by Claude Crump and Bible Study conducted by Bob Boyd.  All men of the parish are cordially invited.

Next Vestry meeting, Monday September 25, 7:30 PM, all parishioners are invited

Annual Parish Picnic, Sunday October 8 at Fort Hunt Park off George Washington Parkway, following a 10 AM combined service (no 9:00 AM or 11:15 AM services that day)
 
Food Donations 
Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Christ House is very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).  Current needs include the following:
• canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
• peanut butter
• jelly
• tuna
• canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
• individual fruit cups (low sugar)
• canned fruit (low sugar)
• cereal (low sugar)
• pasta (regular and gluten-free)
• instant potatoes
• Macaroni & cheese kits
• Coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar 

 
Just Updated List of Needs for MaRIH Center (crisis pregnancy center)
MaRIH Center with its all volunteer staff provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  If you can provide some of the items that are needed, please do so. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 Items marked with  * are a critical need.

Diapers (sizes newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4*, 5*, & 6*)
Lovies
Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Summer clothing: Newborn, 3-6 mo.,6-9 mo., 9-12 mo.,12-18 mo,, 18-24, 2T*
Fall/Winter Clothing:0-3 mo*, 3-6 mo*, 12-18 mo*, 2T*
Baby shampoo
Baby blankets*
Sleeping -- Pack-n-Play*
Formula: Simulac Advance Formula*
Formula: other but not recalled
Wash clothes
Hooded towels
Grocery gift cards*
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625