SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, September 24, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ –

Have any of you ever worked temp? You know, part of a pool of folks with particular skills who would be engaged as needed for a day’s work. In New York I had a company, Casual Labor. I booked actors/waiters for formal occasions from people’s homes to the Metropolitan Museum - men and women who had a tux, knew French service, and were eager to work without long-term commitments, which allowed flexibility for auditions and acting jobs. It may sound "casual", but it was essential for coaching, classes and paying rent.

Think of the men standing idly in the marketplace there for one reason - they needed work. We can imagine the best were chosen first, then second tier, and for three more ‘cullings’ before the end of the day. And they all got paid the same no matter how long they worked or didn’t.

So what was the point Jesus was making in "The Laborers in the Vineyard" to those gathered 2000 years ago and for us who will gather on Sunday? It’s not as simple as you may think! It has to do with fairness and judgement and need and… grace.

Let’s engage this text together – call up someone you haven’t seen in a while, or with whom you may have been having a hard time, or with whom you want to share the greatest love – yep, invite them, too.

In great anticipation –