from Pastor Jessica Litwiller
Inspiration for choosing this Sunday’s scripture passage comes from the children’s Sunday school material which they will learn more about following worship. It’s one of those stories that we aren’t very familiar with but will be worth our time reading. To help us understand 1 & 2 Kings a little more, I want to share with you a few thoughts from the beginning of the Believer’s Bible Commentary on the book, written by Lynn Jost:
The thesis of this commentary is that the purpose of 1-2 Kings is to refocus the human vocation… 1-2 Kings offers hope that the human vocation is even greater than Israelite identity or prosperity. God renews the call to practice justice.
Lynn Jost, 1 & 2 Kings Believer’s Bible Commentary
…Kings demonstrates that the future of God’s people does not depend on monarchy, priesthood, temple, life in the land, or even the Torah. Rather, God calls all humanity to live in covenant by practicing justice for the marginalized. (25)
The scripture passage on Sunday will be shortened but you are highly encouraged to read 2 Kings, chapters 22 and 23 in preparation.
Announcements:
Join Christ Community Mennonite Church in person or on Zoom Saturday, October 11 from 1-3 PM to hear from AMBS Professor Drew Strait as he presents on Challenging Christian Nationalism. In his talk Drew will draw on on some tangible steps for resisting political idolatry, violent extremism, dominion theology, threats to democracy, and the personal isolation and loneliness that lead to radicalization that he describes in his recent book, Strange Worship. A recording will be available after the event. More information is available here. Join the Zoom Meeting with the following link or meeting ID and passcode.
Illinois Mennonite Historical and Genealogical Society will host its fall meeting on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 10 AM. Elizabeth Miller, director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism and assistant professor of history at Goshen College will present “Anabaptism Goes Global”. There will be a short business meeting, Elizabeth’s presentation, and a fellowship lunch. The flyer for the event is available here.
We look forward to hosting Roanoke Mennonite Church for worship and a meal on Sunday, October 19. To accommodate our guests from Roanoke we will have Sunday school from 9:30-10:15 and worship will begin at 10:30AM. There will not be a fellowship time between Sunday school and worship. All are invited to stay for the taco salad meal which will begin at 12:00. We are asking for desserts and fruit to be donated for the meal. Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board if you are able to bring dessert or fruit.
