Questions for reflection on the Scriptures for the 15^th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

1) Questions on the Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy: What is the situation? How does Moses explain the relevance of the Law? What are the people expected to do?

2) Questions on the Reading from Colossians: How does St. Paul describe Jesus? How would you describe Jesus?

3) Questions on the Gospel: What is the situation? What question does the scholar ask Jesus? How does he answer? What is the point of the parable? How does it apply to us?

DAYTIME BIBLE STUDY: The noon Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 12–1 PM in the Rectory. We will base our study on the Scripture readings for next Sunday. Please bring your Bible and join us.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY: The evening Bible Study will meet this Tuesday, 7-8 PM, in the Rectory. We will be reading Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, Chapters 1-6. Please read the material ahead of time and come prepared to discuss what you have read.

PARISH OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JULY 5.

KEEPING THE COVENANT, Chapter 8: Structuring for Ownership. “The theme of the book is joint ownership of the parish shared by pastor, staff, leaders and people. They are co-workers with God and one another…. Establishing a structure of joint ownership is the key to this covenant becoming reality.” The book suggests we structure “Commissions” in 5 areas: worship, community life, formation, outreach and administration. (St. Matthew does not have a “community life” commission, and divides “administration” into two areas: finance & budget, and stewardship & development.) The role of each commission is to link, assess, vision and funnel information and people in their particular area. The author further suggests that each commission include a staff resource person, co-chairs, meet on a common leadership night (or day), and develop a “Covenant Booklet” to help establish consistent procedures and policies. There is also strong push for training of new people as they join a commission.

Questions: 1. In your parish, who does the oversight and planning for each of the key areas of parish life? 2. What changes would have to take place so that all those in leadership positions are working well together and are connected with all of the ministries and organizations of the parish?

AUCTION RAFFLE: We are now selling raffle tickets for a 40” Samsung flat screen LCD TV (1^st prize) and a Wii with a $50 gift certificate to Best Buy (2^nd prize). The drawing will take place at the Auction on July 24; you need not be present to win. Tickets are $35 each or 2 for $50, and are available in the back of church beginning today.

PROSTATE CANCER WALK: Saturday, August 28, 2010: “Walking to improve the lives of men in our community.” We would like to have a group take part in this event. Isom Williams is the organizer for St. Matt’s group. It is a 2 mile walk, starting at Kiener Plaza and ending at the Missouri Black Expo located at the America’s Center. Registration fee is $20 per person. For more details, talk to Isom and check the parish bulletin.

DAILY READINGS, July 5-10:

Monday: Hosea 2:16-22; Psalm 145; Matthew 9:18-26

Tuesday: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13; Psalm 115; Matthew 9:32-38

Wednesday: Hosea 10:1-12; Psalm 105; Matthew 10:1-7

Thursday: Hosea 11:1-9; Psalm 80; Matthew 10:7-15

Friday: Hosea 14:2-10; Psalm 51; Matthew 10:16-23

Saturday: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 93; Matthew 10:24-33