This Saturday October 4, Annual Pet Blessing, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Bring your pets and invite your friends and neighbors to bring theirs too

The Collect. 
O LORD, we beseech thee, let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle. Ephesians iii. 13  - 21 
 
The Gospel. St. Luke vii. 11 - 17  

Bringing God’s Light Into the World
The Right Reverend Jeffrey Johnson, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic States; Rector, All Saints, Saluda, VA
 
The gospel reading for Trinity 16, from St. Luke 7:11-17, gives us a vivid picture of life and light colliding with death and darkness. Jesus enters the town of Nain, surrounded by a crowd still buzzing with excitement—many have seen Him set people free from demons and heal countless sick in Capernaum (Luke 4). Some in that crowd are the very lepers and paralytics He restored (Luke 5), and others had walked with Him from Judea and Jerusalem, having heard His words of life and seen Him bring hope to many more (Luke 6).

Just as Jesus and His expectant crowd approach Nain, they encounter another crowd—a funeral procession, led by a heartbroken widow mourning her only son. The contrast between the groups could not be starker: one alive with hope and light, the other bowed in sorrow and darkness. If you’ve ever seen images of Middle Eastern mourners, you can imagine the deep wailing, the palpable sense of loss.

Into that moment steps Jesus, the Light of the World. He goes to the widow and, with compassion, touches her son and restores him to life. In the direct clash between light and darkness, Christ’s light prevails.

As His followers, we are called to do more than admire Jesus’s example—we are to imitate it. We are bearers of His powerful light in a world still weary with darkness. But what keeps us from sharing that light and love? Sometimes, our understanding of God’s love is too narrow or too shallow, as St. Paul hints in Ephesians 3:13-21. He prays that we would be “rooted and grounded in love,” able to grasp “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, and “be filled with all the fullness of God.”

If we imagine God’s love is reserved only for times of worship or is limited to listening to sermons, we have missed its fullness. God’s love is meant to overflow into every part of life—at home, at work, while shopping, or while doing chores.

Practical Ways to Share God’s Love

Living as light-bearers does not need to be dramatic. Simple, consistent acts make the difference:

  • Offer compassion in everyday moments—listen deeply when someone needs to talk, and let them feel truly heard.
  • Help without waiting to be asked—carry groceries, hold a door, or reach out to someone lonely.
    Choose encouragement over complaint—speak words that build up those around you at work and at home.
  • Pray each day for God’s love to flow through your actions and words, especially in ordinary routines.
  • Look for one person each day to whom you can intentionally show kindness—a small gesture can be a beam of light in someone’s darkness.

May we all be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit, so Christ may fill our hearts with His fullness. Let us carry His bright torch of love into the darkness, confident that God is “able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” through us as bearers of His light. One act of love at a time, one person at a time, His light will prevail—to the glory of God Almighty.

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
 
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Services & Events

This Saturday October 4, Annual Pet Blessing, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  Bring your pets and invite your friends and neighbors to bring theirs too – To volunteer, please email Fr. Chris at scotlandsaints@gmail.com
 
Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland)  

Nursery, 9:00 & 11:15 AM services (lower level)

Sunday School, this Sunday, 10:30 AM

Saturday, October 18, 8:30 AM, Men's Group Breakfast, undercroft

Visit by Bishop Andrew of Pakistan – Following the Provincial Synod in Charleston, S.C., Bishop Andrew will be visiting our Parish from October 17-21., Special coffee hours on Sunday October 19 after 9:00 AM & 11:15 AM Services. To make  a special contribution to Bishop Andrew's work in Pakistan, please use the donate button in this newsletter and then click on the drop-down menu and choose ACC Pakistan/ Bishop Andrew.

Ladies’ Brunch and Tea Potluck – Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. in the church undercroft – delightful company, food, coffee/tea, crafting, and chatting! Bring a fun and easy craft, such as cross-stitch, and/or an item for the potluck. Plan to attend and bring a friend or relative. Contact samantha.a.champagne@gmail.com with questions or RSVP.

Monday October 27, 7:30 PM, Vestry meeting, church undercroft, all parishioners welcome

RECENTLY UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRiH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

 MaRiH Center has made some changes and additions in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and additional items.

*Diapers ( newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies, Rattles, Teethers
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
Bibs: infant, *toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Diaper rash ointment
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 0-3 mo, 3-6 mo, 9-12mo, 18-24 mo, 2T
Fall/winter clothing: 6-9 mo, 9-12 mo, 12-18 mo, 18-24 mo
Winter coats: all sizes up to and including 2T
*Grocery gift cards
Baby Food (make sure not expired)
Shoes: toddler

Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are 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)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland
1607 Dewitt Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301-1625