September 24, 2022

Dear Road Church Friends,

Tomorrow during worship, we will welcome the Stanton family members who have come to Stonington from near and far to celebrate their roots by participating in a family reunion. The beginnings of the Road Church, almost 350 years ago, goes back to Thomas Stanton who moved his family to Pawcatuck in 1657 and is listed among its founders when this church was officially gathered in 1674. Our church history says of him:

“No man in New England possessed so accurate a knowledge of the Indian character and language as Mr. Stanton. He exerted a wonderful influence over them and they reposed unlimited confidence in him. He was employed by the colony of Connecticut as an interpreter in all public transactions with the Indians. “

Tomorrow’s service will include some special music including a guest celloist, Tom Huston, to mark this occasion. There will also be a social time afterwards where coffee and refreshments will be served in our Parish Parlor. Come gather with us tomorrow at 10 am when we join our voices in song and our hearts in prayer.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 16:13-15, 19-31        SERMON:  Rich Man, Beggar Man

Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and Money.” The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard this, and they ridiculed him. So, Jesus said, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.” Then he told them this story:

      “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor, leprous man named Lazarus, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried...”

                            HYMN:    Faith of Our Fathers    #530 

POEM:  THE WAY by Henry van Dyke

Who seeks heaven alone to save his soul, may keep the path but will not reach the goal;

While he who walks in love may wander far, but God will bring him where the blessed are.

PRAYER

   O God Eternal in whom is calmness and peace. Reconcile the differences which divide us from one another and bring us back into the unity of love which bears the image of your divine nature. Grant that we may be spiritually one both within ourselves and with one another. Amen. 

REMINDERS

1)    Donations by check must be written to “The Road Church.”

2)    There will be an important Board meeting to which all church members and friends are invited, Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 5:30 pm in the Parish Parlor.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

This service can be found on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/cVd8fJ5ffb8