Return of the Ark  Sebastien Bourdon 1659.  National Gallery, London

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. Luke 17: 15

As Christians we are stewards of hope. We bear hope out into the world, hope of restoration, renewal, reconciliation, healing, etc, The hope that we have is delivered to us through the church in the word and the healing sacraments. The sacraments of baptism and communion are hope events. They redeem our lives by offering us forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The community in which they are administered exists to promise more of the same.

So, who are we as Christians? We are hopeful people. Therefore we are thankful, and our lives are marked by regular rounds of praise and thanksgiving. On Sunday we will listen to the gospel and consider the place of thanks-giving in our lives. Last week I spoke about laments and petitions. Imagine these two as one side of a coin. Praise and thanksgiving are the other side.

The choir practices at 8:45 am.

Sunday school at 11 am.

Parents, as a courtesy to the teachers please let them know–or let Kim Canning know–when your children will be absent on Sunday morning. Same with the singers: let Kathryn know when you plan to be away.

Confirmation instruction 7 pm Sunday.

Bring in names of friends of Peace, as many as you can think of. Put the names and addresses on gold cards and drop them in the fish bowl. The name gathering is the beginning of our 50th anniversary celebration.

Bring in canned goods for the Wayland Food Pantry.

Senior lunch Thursday at 12 noon.

Divinity school intern Anna Mullen will come out from Cambridge on Monday and Friday of the coming week. You are invited to walk with her and other members of Peace in the Sedge Meadow conservation area, Friday, October 18 at 1 pm.