PASTOR'S MESSAGE AND HERITAGE HAPPENINGS FOR JULY 21

One of my favorite commentaries of Old Testament lectionary readings was written by Elizabeth Achtemeier who always kept an eye to the New Testament when interpreting the Old.   Many of the stories in the Old Testament can be scary, depressing, and make you wonder if your own life is secure in the hands of the Almighty.  An example is our reading in the book of Amos this Sunday.  Israel has ignored the word of the Lord for too long and Amos is tasked with telling Israel that the time is ripe, judgement is now upon them.  How long is too long to ignore the Lord?   

With an eye to the New we will look at the story of Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary.  One sits and listens to Jesus and the other is too distracted by many things to sit and listen.  Who’s ignoring who in the story?  Is it Mary who doesn’t lift a finger to help her sister serve their guest?  Is it Martha who wants nothing better than to serve Jesus?  

Join me this Sunday as we look at the Old with an eye to the New to be renewed in God’s love to be his disciples in our everyday lives.  

Blessings,

Pastor Karen

 AGUA FRIA FOOD & CLOTHING BANK COLLECTION for the month of June from Heritage included 499 lbs. of water, 132 hygiene items, and $60.00 in cash.  Thank you for sharing with those in need.

ART CONTEST TIME for children and youth continues with Don Harris.  Learn how lightning occurs and how to stay safe during a lightning storm.  Children and youth will create images and messages depicting lightning, its power, and the damage it creates to be entered into a contest sponsored by the Insurance Board.  Age categories are 7 and under, 8 to 12, and 13-17.  Children will join Don in Heritage House after the Congolese choir sings in worship.  This will be the LAST DAY of the contest as entries need to be mailed after this Sunday.

HOMELESS?  NEED TO WORK?  Information cards to help direct those in need are on the table in the narthex compliments of Phoenix Rescue Mission and the City of Glendale.  Take a few to hand out when you encounter someone who is homeless and needs work.  

SIGN-UP TO BE A WORSHIP ASSISTANT!             We have dates available through the summer.  See Kathy Jones this Sunday for the schedule.

SUNDAY SCHOOL, THE WIRED WORD & ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES are on hiatus for the summer and will return in the Fall.

PER CAPITA is the first envelope in your offering box. Per Capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for their Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly operating budgets.   Your contribution to Per Capita helps Heritage to pay it’s per capita apportionment of $5,365.00 in 2019. This year per capita is $36.25 for each member.  To date members have given $2,729.00 towards our per capita payment.  

OUR DAILY BREAD devotionals for June/July/August are available on the information table. 

SERVING OUR CONGREGATION brochures are available in the narthex to inform church members about pastoral services, deacon and other ministries at Heritage that serve one another in love.   

NEW BOOKS for “Take-A-Book, Leave-A-Book are on the top of the members’ mail file cabinet in the narthex.

WHAT’S ON TAP TUESDAY?   Men’s fellowship meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Dubina’s Brewery, 67th Ave., just north of Bell Rd.  Bring your Bible.  Next meeting is August 13th.

BIBLE & BRUNCH meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Next meeting is August 14th at 10:00 a.m. Bring a dish to share.  All are welcome.

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN, a grief support group will begin again in September. If you are in need of a grief group in July or August, please call the church office for referrals

THE PRAYER SHAWL GROUP meets at PuraTea Water, 3515 W. Union Hills Dr. #101 every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to knit, crochet items for those who need to be wrapped in prayer.  Beginners are welcome.

COFFEE sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex to order JUSTO CAFÉ from a coffee farm co-op in Mexico to support workers and their families.  Each bag is $10.00 and includes cost of shipping.  

EYEGLASSES NEEDED for the Lions Club Foundation Eyeglass Program. Look for the box in the Narthex to make your donation.  

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