Seeing that God never gives up on us, Objective Seeing that God never gives up on us, but he does not force a positive response from us, either.

Scripture Passages Isaiah 5:1-7 – The Song of the Vineyard Psalm 80 – A Prayer for the Nation’s Restoration Philippians 4:6-9 - Instructions Matthew 21:33-43 – The Parable of the Tenants in the Vineyard

Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, through these words help me understand the things you wish to teach me. Dear Jesus, through these words let me feel the love you have for me as you feel your Father’s love for you. Holy Spirit, through these words inspire me to live as a follower of Jesus and bring your love to everyone I meet today. Amen

Section Split The following small groups will stay here for our Presentation: 6A – Elizabeth Martin 6C – Robert Woolley 7B – Joan Gutermuth 8B – Diane Pelzek The remaining groups will go to Classroom 6/7 for Small Group: 6B – Laura Schwartz 7A – Chris Groh 8A – Jim Murray 8C – Sheila Waters We will switch rooms at 7:15. ALL groups will meet back here at 7:45 for Reflection and Closing Prayer.

Video The Wicked Tenants (3:29)

The Fruitful Shall Inherit the Kingdom Presentation The Fruitful Shall Inherit the Kingdom When something is leased, something is expected in return. Many reject the Word of God. They also reject those who are being sent by God. While rejecting the Holy Spirit, they still expect to receive the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. They ignore that faith without works is dead! "Therefore, I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that produces the fruits of the Kingdom." The fruits of the Kingdom are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are "love, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Activity Closer to God

Verse of the Day The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. (Matthew 21:42)

The Stone – Jars of Clay (4:04) Video The Stone – Jars of Clay (4:04)

Think About It What is a cornerstone?

Cornerstone The cornerstone (or foundation stone) concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. A cornerstone will sometimes be referred to as a "foundation-stone", and is symbolic of Christ, whom the Apostle Paul referred to as the "head of the corner" and is the "Chief Cornerstone of the Church" (Ephesians 2:20). Many of the more ancient churches will place relics of the saints, especially martyrs, in the foundation stone. According to the pre-Vatican II rite of the Roman Catholic Church: Before the construction of a new church begins, the foundations of the building are clearly marked out and a wooden cross is set up to indicate where the altar will stand. Cornerstone at St. Vincent De Paul Roman Catholic Church, New Orleans, Louisiana (1866). Cornerstone of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Macau (1602).

Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the Catholic Church Spiritually, Jesus was prophesying about this age and the standard that we must meet to inherit the Kingdom of God. The landowner is Jesus Himself. He has established His Holy Catholic Church on earth. He has left this world to sit at the right hand of the Father. In charge of His Church, He left tenants to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The tenants are those who have been admitted into the Body of Christ, having been baptized. They are the holy priesthood, the children of God who will inherit the eternal Kingdom. Those who are saved are those who do not reject the cornerstone, Jesus Himself, our Divine Redeemer. They walk in the grace of God, joyfully allowing the Holy Spirit to sanctify them in Christ. Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of the Catholic Church

Prayer Petitions You have called us to labor for the harvest: make us faithful and loving servants of the Gospel. R: Lord, Hear our Prayer   You have made us heirs of your kingdom in Jesus Christ: let us treasure our inheritance always. You have promised us eternal life: let us work enthusiastically to bring your life to all people. [Prayer Intentions] For these and all our personal intentions, we pray to the Lord.

Closing Prayer O God, Maker of all things and people, your greatest gift is to share your life and love. Make us worthy of that gift by our kindness and our help to our family and friends, always considering their needs before our own. With all this, help us to believe more and more that Jesus is your Son and lives with you, forever and ever. Amen

Coming Attractions Next week: Session #7 - The Chosen Few Permission slips for Scary Movie Night due October 23 Permission slips for 8th Grade Retreat due November 6 Next Girls Mentoring Night November 12