So the last will be first, and the first last. Matthew 20:16 ESV
Remember what it felt like when you were waiting to be picked for a team? Perhaps you were in your elementary school PE class, forming teams to play volleyball, baseball or soccer. Maybe it was Little League, or a pick-up basketball game. Someone we’ll call the “Chooser in Chief” had the authority to select who he or she wanted on their team. Of course, the Chooser was interested in selecting teammates who were fast, coordinated, talented, hardworking, good looking and ready to play.
Do you remember the emotions running through your mind when waiting to see who the Chooser selected? And, almost as importantly, in what order you would get picked! If you’re like me, there were occasions when you were one of the last ones selected. Do you recall how that made you feel? It isn’t a pleasant memory, is it? Being last is never good.
Or is it?
This weekend at Trinity Downtown, we’re starting a new sermon series titled “Stories of the Kingdom” and we’ll be discussing a story that Matthew, one of Jesus’ biographers, relates that gives us a glimpse of God’s perspective on His team selection process. You can join us either in-person or online Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday at 9:00 am. Reservations are required to attend an in-person worship service; you can see the details at www.trinitydt.org. You may also make a reservation by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684 from 8:30-2:30 each weekday. If you are not comfortable attending an in-person service, you can watch the “live stream” of our Satellite Service at 5:00 pm on Saturday, or our traditional service on Sunday at 9:00 am by clicking here. And, of course, you may also participate by watching either of these services “on demand” by clicking here.
Don’t forget our weekly opportunities to participate in “drive-up” Communion on Wednesday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. You can stay safely in your car while participating in an Order of Confession & Absolution, Communion and Prayer hosted by one of our pastors. If you wish to participate in drive-up Communion, please reserve your preferred time slot by calling Stefanie at 713.224.0684. She’s available to take your call from 8:30am – 2:30 pm each weekday.
We’ve seen yet another hurricane strike the Gulf Coast this week, and it doesn’t take much imagination to realize that Houston could have been their target. We might have seen the devastation that has been brought by Hurricane Laura in Southeast Texas and Louisiana and Hurricane Sandy in Alabama. You can contribute to the Texas District’s relief efforts by clicking here, the LCMS Southern District’s disaster fund by clicking here, donate online through Trinity online giving platform, drop a check in the offering basket in the Narthex, or mail a check marked “Hurricane Relief” to the church office.
During this worrying time, come be encouraged. Come feel the warmth and joy of His Holy Spirit and hear songs that will bring peace to your heart. Come ready to digest His words of truth and be filled with the surprising love of Jesus so you can share that love and peace with everyone!