This Week at Clyde Park

A Note from Pastor Ryan

The Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday comes to us from Matthew 15:21-28. Some contemporary readers take offense at this story because it seems as tho Jesus is calling a Cannanite woman a dog. There are a variety of explanations for why Jesus might have called her a dog. The scriptures cannot reveal tone, so some suggest that Jesus said this tongue in cheek. He already knows of her great faith, and therefore is willing to press her. Some suggest that it was done to test her faith as was common for converts to a new religion. Still others suggest that since Matthew is intended for a more Jewish audience, the point of the story is to call out the racism which may have been present with early converts to Christianity. Some early Jewish followers of Jesus may have thought themselves superior to Gentile Christians. This Canannite, however has great faith.

That great faith is something that us Gentiles may sometimes forget. The majority of Christians today do not have a Jewish heritage, despite that we can often get into the mindset that we are worthy or that we deserve the salvation God wants to give us. Perhaps some believe they have a right at Jesus table, some even choose the seats of honor thinking so much of themselves. Those who truly understand Jesus have a much different approach. John the Baptist said he was not worthy to untie Jesus' sandal. I doubt he would have deemed himself worthy to sit at the table with Jesus.

This is why some traditions make reference to this story prior to communion. Their liturgy says, "We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy to mush as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table."

This makes me wonder of our own approach to communion. With what attitude do we approach the table?  Do we think we are entitled to it? Do we appropriately humble ourselves before the Lord?  Do we take it for granted? 

Unlike this Canaanite woman, who is tested before she can eat the crumbs from the Lord, I begin our communion ritual by saying, "Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him." I wonder what would happen if instead of inviting people, I made it exclusive.  What if we made it scarce. Would scarcity then make it valuable? Do we only value things if they are scarce? IS that why we struggle with God's "overwhelming, never ending, reckless love?" Do we need God to be less generous, less gracious, less loving? 

No, the testimony of scripture is that God causes it to rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous.(Matthew 5:45) God's kindness is intended to lead to our repentance (Romans 2:4) We would do well to remember that God is full of steadfast love and abounding in grace. God heals even those who society things do not deserve it. God's wondrous "love like this save a sinner such as I? "

Community Dinner: Enchiladas

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All church Annual Mac Wood's Dune Rides

629 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI 49436

- Saturday, 8/22/26

Please sign up in the foyer!! Bring a sack lunch and drink for a picnic. The price for adults and children 12 and up, $25, ages 3-11 years old $15, and 0-2 years are free. We will meet at the church for anyone that would like to carpool and leave at 7:30 a.m. We will all meet at 8:45 a.m. at Mac Wood’s Dune Rides

Michigan Adventure

The Singles ministry is planning an event at Michigan Adventure on Saturday, 8/29/26, to celebrate Pastor John’s 40^th birthday, (group rate if 15 tickets is $40.00 per person) - See Darlene or Chad with questions.

 Cottage Prayer Meeting

 Our Cottage Prayer Meetings meet every other Tuesday at

7:00 p.m. Our next meeting is August 18th. 

We meet at

New Amsterdam Village

7905 Cottonwood

 Jenison, MI 49418.

Enjoy singing, a time of prayer and fellowship!

Hope to see you there!

See our poster in the foyer!

Youth Spaghetti Dinner

Join us Wednesday, August 26^th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for our Youth Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner. The proceeds of the donations help our youth go to this year’s events!

Prime Timers

Prime Time lunch is the first Tuesday of the month. Mark your calendar, September 2, 12:00 Noon at Russ’, 2340 28^th St. Wyoming. Hope to see you there!