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Recalculating

By Vicar Lisa Rygiel

The article below was written by Lisa A. Smith and appeared in the July 2025 issue of Living Lutheran.

Even in the days of GPS, I still sometimes get lost. I miss the cue from my phone’s directional app; I look for a sign that isn’t there. Suddenly, I’ve blown past my exit or turnoff. Many of us will spend time on the road this summer or in other modes of travel. We’ll look for signs along the way, digital or analog, that help us arrive safely at our destination.

Jesus is also on a journey this summer in the lectionary readings from Luke’s Gospel. Scholars call the midsection of Luke the “travel narrative,” as Jesus sets his face (and feet) toward Jerusalem (9:53). Jesus is on the move toward his final earthly destination, and he has a lot of things to teach his disciples along the way. There are things he doesn’t want them to miss, both for the sake of their journey in this world and in the next.

First, Jesus sends out 72 followers on an ultimate road trip (10:1-10). Their travel instructions are to travel light and rely on the hospitality of others. Along the way, the disciples are to speak a word of peace, heal the sick and proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near.

This kingdom-talk is intended to be good news. God’s kingdom, as understood in the New Testament, isn’t created by parliaments or presidents. It’s a realm—both here and in the world to come—where love, mercy and justice reign. God’s kingdom is inclusive and expansive, trusting and forgiving. This kingdom isn’t realized fully here on earth, but there are some signs along the way.

Look then, through this kingdom lens, at the readings from Luke 10 and 11 that immediately follow the story of the sending of the disciples. For those who seek signs of God’s kingdom, Luke has some travel instructions.

  • Help strangers. A lawyer asks Jesus who is a neighbor. Jesus tells a story that makes a hero out of the hated Samaritans. Here is a sign of the kingdom: help those in need, especially the stranger (10:25-37).
  • Listen to God. Jesus visits Mary and Martha, and the latter is distracted by her many tasks. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, which he says is the better part. Here is a sign of the kingdom: listen to Jesus (10:38-42).
  • Pray. The disciples ask Jesus how to pray. He teaches them persistence in prayer and to believe that God hears and answers. Here is a sign of the kingdom: pray with confidence to our generous God (11:1-13).

There are a lot of signs out there on the road. Many advertise a kingdom of power and glory. I’ve taken these exits, which eventually prove to be dead ends. Luckily, God recalculates—a most forgiving GPS. There’s always another way home, with plenty of kingdom signs—and kingdom practices—for those who seek them.

July 27, 7th Sunday After Pentecost

10 a.m. Sunday Worship with Communion

Announcements

  • God’s Work Our Hands Service Project: We are looking for suggestions for a service project for God’s Work Our Hands. Do you know of an organization or an individual that could use an act of caring? If so, please let Vicar Lisa know.
  • Fellowship: Join us after worship Sunday for coffee and conversation.
  • New Hymnals: Zion’s is adding the blue All Creation Sings hymnals to each pew. Thank you to all of the people who already have donated. If you would like to donate one of the new hymnals as well, please use the form available in the back of the Sanctuary or in the Fellowship Hall and place it and your donation in the offering plate, give it to Vicar Lisa, or mail it to Zion’s at 510 Pine Street, Trinidad. We will put a book plate inside the front cover of the new hymnal in recognition of your gift. The recommended donation of $20 per book is appreciated.
  • Five Loaves Assistance Needed: We will deliver lunches for our 5-Loaves food ministry on Saturday, July 26. Volunteers are needed to help with preparation beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 25, and to deliver meals starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 26. If you can help, please let Terri Watson or Norine Hazen know.
  • Zion’s Garage Sale: Zion’s annual garage sale will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. Sign up to volunteer with the sale using the pink sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. Also, donations can be brought for the sale beginning the week of July 27. While Zion’s can accept most items for the sale,we cannot accept electronic items of any kind, and we do not accept clothing. In addition, contributions of individually packaged baked goods are needed for the hotdog and bake sale, which also will be part of this year’s garage sale. Baked items can be brought to the Fellowship Hall even on garage sale day.

Save the Dates:

  • Vicar Lisa’s ordination & installation will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10.
  • God’s Work Our Hands Project: Saturday, Sept. 6
  • God’s Work Our Hands Worship at the Park: Sunday, Sept. 7

E-formation – 7th Sunday After Pentecost, July 27

We, the body of our risen Lord, continue to read through Luke, learning to pray, receiving the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:1-13

Throughout the Bible, God hears the prayers of believers. Our prayers concern our daily needs but also focus on evil in the trials of the end time. God is like a friend who finally gives in to the tenacity of requests, and God is a parent who provides the children with good food. The conclusion of the passage indicates that what we will receive is the Holy Spirit.

Genesis 18:20-32

The storyteller presents a memorable, even comic, picture of the believer begging, even harassing, God to do justice. In setting the story parallel with Luke’s passage about prayer, the lectionary stresses petitions for the good of others and for justice to be done in the world.

Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19]

This section from Colossians enhances Christian understanding of prayer. We give thanks. We address ourselves to God as the body of Christ. We enact our baptism. We live confident that evil has been conquered. We refrain from condemning others concerning their religious practices.

Zion's Lutheran Church

A Reconciling in Christ Community
zionsluth@gmail.com
719-846-7785