True Faith -- 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 day’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
 
REMEMBER THE WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS, HOW HE SAID, IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE
Please Click Here to Donate to St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
Saturday, 8:30 AM, Men's Breakfast & Bible Study, Breakfast by breakfast chef extraordinaire Claude Crump and Bible study by Bob Boyd.

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

Sunday, 10:30 AM, Sunday School

Wednesday at Noon – Holy Communion

Sunday September 18, Parish Picnic, Fort Hunt Park (right off GW Parkway toward Mount Vernon) after combined 10 AM Service (7:45 AM Service will be held), parish will provide bbq,mac & cheese, cole slaw, baked beans, potato salad, hamburgers & hot dogs; please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share
 
Monday September 26, 7:30 PM, Vestry Meeting, Undercroft

Saturday, October 1, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Blessing of the Animals (annual pet blessing -- please bring your pet and also invite family, neighbors and friends to bring their pets too)

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 30, 7:00 PM, St. Andrew's Day -- Kirkin of the Tartans with bagpiper and Scottish music followed by festive reception with Scottish foods and beverages
Please pray for everyone on the parish's prayer list that is in the attached bulletins.
 
Donations to the Food Bank and Marih Center are greatly needed.  Across the country, crisis pregnancy centers have been attacked or vandalized.  The needs are great.  Please help with either a goods donation or a monetary donation.  You can give through the donation button in this newsletter and use the drop down menu to choose "Charity & Mercy."   Thank you.
 
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 
 
Updated List of Needs for MaRIH Center (crisis pregnancy center)
MaRIH Center with its all volunteer staff has been providing 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
Baby wipes (an ongoing great need)
Diapers (sizes 1, 4, 5, & 6)

Clothing
Bibs
Clothing for boys and girls (0-6 months)
Sleep Sacks: Girls 0-6 mos.
Socks: Boy/Girl 2T

Others
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
Aldi, Giant, Safeway & Walmart gift cards (for food!)
 
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625