Sunday 18 September 2022 | The most difficult text to preach on.

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Theme: God united to humanity through Christ who redeems COLLECT God of all life, you entrust the world into our care: alert us to the perils of our time so that we will act with urgency to serve only the purposes of your reign; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. READING Jeremiah 8: 18-9: 1 19 Listen! Throughout the land I hear my people crying out, “Is the Lord no longer in Zion? Is Zion's king no longer there?” The Lord, their king, replies, “Why have you made me angry by worshiping your idols and by bowing down to your useless foreign gods?” READING 1 Timothy 2: 1-7 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; 2 for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. 3 This is good and it pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. . GOSPEL according to Luke 15: 1-10 10 "Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11 If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13 No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” PRAYER for Africa God, refresh Africa and all the world, Protect and grow our children. Convict with justice and truth, all our leaders And fill all hearts with your peace. For Jesus Christ sake. Amen. BENEDICTION & COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go now and continue to offer prayers and thanksgiving for everyone. Be shrewd in dealing with the world around you but do not be seduced into serving wealth. Weep for those who suffer and share faith and truth with all.