Looking into the lectionary - Two new grant opportunities for churches

Jeremiah 31:27-34 Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost October 19, 2025 In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry once again finds himself in trouble — though this time it isn’t his fault. At the end of the previous book, he witnessed Voldemort’s return and told the truth, even when many refused to believe him. Because he won’t take back his words, a new Hogwarts teacher reprimands him with detention. During his punishment, Harry is told to write the sentence: “I must not tell lies.” But as he writes, he feels pain in his hand. Each word he writes on the paper appears carved into the back of his hand, leaving the words cut into his skin, bleeding, and eventually scarring. The teacher insists this cruel punishment will ensure Harry never forgets the “lesson.” I was reminded of that scene as I read Jeremiah 31:27-34. The opening verses indicate that a new day is dawning. After years of a liminal existence in exile, God now announces that the time is coming to build and to plant. The future includes a new covenant that God will “cut” with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. At the time, covenants were made and recorded in stone, much like the tablets of the Ten Commandments, with the covenant literally cut into the rock. But here God has something more in store. Not just stone commandments or a visual reminder that you might see from time to time if you happen to be in the right place. No, God is going to write, to cut, to carve, or even better, to engrave this covenant on the hearts of God’s people. And this new covenant is one they will never forget. It’s a powerful image: God’s promise and covenant engraved on our hearts – not painfully as in Harry Potter – but lovingly. Hearts transformed by the love of God seem especially appropriate and vital for this moment in the church and the world. Our faith in Jesus Christ is so much more than just knowledge in our heads, or words that we speak, or a checklist of things to which we approve. Our faith is embodied; it is lived. God’s intention and law permeate our lives through our actions. As theologian Lee Camp describes in Mere Discipleship: Radical Christianity in a Rebellious World, we are set apart from the world by a radical discipleship. ... Thank you to this week's writer, Matthew A. Rich. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Order of worship — October 19, 2025 by Matthew A. Rich How two small Kansas churches serve their towns by Catherine Neelly Burton The mother, the officer, the gun by Merideth Hite Estevez A prayer for all who suffer in the wake of October 7 by Teri McDowell Ott Special committee works on drafting new confession by Layton Williams Berkes New Columbia Seminary center equips faith leaders for public dialogue by CTS Want the worship resources for October 12, 2025? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Editorial & digital media intern Presbyterian Outlook is hiring! How a small New Jersey church connects with migrant workers Hammonton Presbyterians join with local partners to put their faith in action. — Lydia Griffiths Wisconsin Churches offered new path to transform land into affordable housing and community spaces RootedGood launches $1.1 million Good Next Step Grant Program to turn vision into action. — RootedGood Partners for Sacred Places launches Pennsylvania’s Faithful Fund The grant will support rural congregations as they preserve their buildings and invest in their communities. — Partners for Sacred Places How a youth minister became a lifeline for young athletes Pastor and track coach Essie Koenig-Reinke supports Menaul School students through ministry, mentorship and meeting real-world needs. — Cindy Shania Eken Sobtafo Presbyterian Hunger Program approves over $1 million in grants Funding will support projects in nearly 30 countries, including the US. — Darla Carter Why theological education matters As seminaries and religious studies programs shrink, the responsibility to nurture theological imagination is shifting to our congregations. Are our churches ready, asks Teri McDowell Ott?