Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
(Psalm 100)

There have been several reasons to make a joyful noise to the LORD at Abiding Presence in the past two weeks. First there was the 50th anniversary celebration. Then this past weekend was the installation of Bishop Bartholomew. All reasons to celebrate God’s faithfulness and make a joyful noise.

In the middle of Psalm 100, which is all about praising God, comes this central line: Know that the LORD is God, the one who made us, for we belong to God. This, too, has been central to the back to back weekends of celebration.

In between the celebratory worship services 3rd graders were given Bibles and confirmation students were welcomed into the affirmation of baptism process and Sunday School Classes were held and adults come together to study the prophets and. In many and various ways we have been reminded: We belong to God who made us. And that is surely reason to celebrate!

Contributed by Kristin
Monday September 30, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 44
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 21
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost