Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2025: Sept. 7, 2025

If you are unable to attend in person, you can still participate with us through our live stream, replay video, or podcast.

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Join Us Electronically for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2025

We understand that while you may enjoy worshiping with us at church, it isn’t always possible. Don’t worry, we have several ways for you to join us!

Live Stream & Playback

Join us for our live stream on September 7, 2025, at 9 AM Central Time. If you are unable to attend the live event, the stream will be available for playback immediately after the service ends, and you can access it at the same link.

Podcast

We have a podcast that is released as soon as possible. The St. John the Divine Podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube. While it doesn’t include the entire service, it features the opening hymn and the sharing of the Peace.

Collect of the Day for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2025

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Readings for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2025: (Proper 18C) Track II

Here is a quick look at the reading for this Sunday.

• Old Testament: Deuteronomy 30:15–20
  • Moses urges the people to choose between life and death, encouraging them to love the LORD wholeheartedly, obey His commands, and thereby live and prosper.
• Psalm: Psalm 1
  • A concise yet powerful depiction of the righteous: grounded in God’s law, thriving like a well-watered tree, in stark contrast to the transient fate of the wicked.
• Epistle: Philemon 1–21
  • Paul writes to Philemon, encouraging the Christian acceptance of Onesimus not merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother, reflecting the essence of gospel reconciliation.
• Gospel: Luke 14:25–33
  • Jesus speaks openly about the cost of being his disciple: one must bear one’s cross, assess the cost, and prioritize following him above all else.

Reflection for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 2025 – “True Discipleship: Counting the Cost”

These readings weave together a compelling invitation:

• Deuteronomy emphasizes the importance of choosing life through a wholehearted commitment to God’s ways.
• Psalm 1 illustrates the abundant life that comes from being rooted in God.
• The book of Philemon illustrates how living according to the gospel encourages us to engage in courageous reconciliation and to build new relationships.
• Luke reminds us that following Jesus is costly, but it leads to eternal gain.

As we gather for Eucharist, may our worship renew our courage, deepen our commitments, and inspire us to live fully for Christ, with humility, love, and faith.

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Welcome to All
Join us in person or online to share in the sacrament, prayers, and fellowship as we grow together in faith and service.