St. Timothy Lutheran Church

                              

                                                                              April 2, 2020


                                                       

                                                              Matthew 21:1-11

Scripture readings

for Sunday, April 5

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 26:14-27:66

REFLECTION

Pr. Ivy

 

The Processional Gospel is what we normally read in the fellowship hall as we are all gathered with palm branches at the ready for blessing. We process together to the sanctuary singing All Glory Laud and Honor. Jesus processed into Jerusalem as he approached his death.

 

This year there is no gathering in the fellowship hall. There are no palm branches. There is no singing together in the same place. This is the year of the Coronavirus. And so…is there still Palm Sunday? And what about Easter? There won’t be any Easter or will there?

 

The point of this scripture text is to illustrate and act out who Jesus is. This is Jesus’ messianic, kingly entry into the city of Jerusalem. However, he is unlike other kings who long to hear their names praised, who ride on steeds of war, demanding obedience.

 

Jesus is a king who serves. He serves the Father and he is the humble servant who gives his life for all. He is the servant of Philippians 2 to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

It is this Lord who walks with us, sits with us, cries with us in the middle of all of our troubles associated with COVID 19—lost businesses, lost lives and so much more. “Hosanna” means help. Isn’t this an appropriate time for each of us to cry out to Jesus for help—not only for ourselves, but for so many others? Help, Lord!

1When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

5“Tell the daughter of Zion,

 Look, your king is coming to you,

 humble, and mounted on a donkey,

 and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, 

 “Hosanna to the Son of David!

 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

 Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” 11The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Names will remain of the Prayer List for a month - at which

time it will be taken off unless, or course, there is still a continued need

for our prayers and we’re asked to keep the name on.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

***ONLINE GIVING now available at St. Timothy for Debit/Credit cards.   3 ways to give:

   - Go directly to our website at www.sttimothybemus.com

   - Use our QR code with the QR reader on your smartphone

   - Download the app ‘GivePlus Church’. Create an account.   

 

For further information, contact Kathy Carlson at 485-1316.






Love INC Prayer Requests 03/30/2020

 

A young couple with two young children needs some kitchen items and a dining room table to eat together.  She is currently working; he is looking for work. Their financial situation does not allow for the replacement of these items.

A young mom escaping a domestic is moving into her own apartment is in need of essential household items and furnishings.  Pray for discernment to make good choices for her and her daughter.

Please pray for clarity and direction regarding Love INCs role to our community, the cancellation of the Ministers March Mania basketball fundraiser and the financial need now and in the future.

 

A single woman fleeing domestic violence is moving into her own apartment at the beginning of April. Needing to reestablish her household needs everything.

 

A single older woman, desiring to get off assistance and unable to attend traditional classes because of medical issues is seeking a laptop computer to be able to take on-line classes.  Pray for her mental and physical health, the needed computer and “God-sightings” in her life.

 

Our furniture ministry is in need of twin-size beds.  We currently have 23 children waiting to sleep in their own beds. *** Furniture Ministry is Suspended until further notice

 

An older gentleman, moving from the mission into his own apartment, needs furnishings. Pray for his health and family relationships.

 

A young man whose past lead to homeless is moving into his own apartment. He is currently employed and needs furnishings.  Pray for peace with his past and his faith continues to grow

 

Our household ministry needs some items that are regularly requested by the families assisted

Toasters, Pots & Pans, Towels, wash cloths, bowls and coffee makers   Praise – 2 coffee makers and 2 sets of pots and pans have been donated.   Bedding is currently being collected by our partner Church of the Nazarene

 

A divorced gentleman in need of a mattress and a toaster oven.  Prayers are needed for an upcoming surgery on his neck and issues with a detached retina and possible loss of sight.  Praise – this week a sleeper sofa was brought to him, which he was quite thankful for.  His surgery went well, he is home recovering.  Continued prayers for healing

 

A single mom; with 2 children; is unable to work, needs beds and is currently sleeping on the floor.  Praise – one bed has been donated for him

 

Love INC needs a volunteer accountant/bookkeeper. Our current bookkeeper will be retiring in May and we are looking for a replacement.

 

A single older woman who is need of a ramp for her home.  She has MS and has a lot of difficulties getting in and out of the house.  Ramp-It Up Fun Fair by Busti Church of God has been postponed. Please pray for guidance & direction.

 

Single lady with some medical issues residing in the Allen Park area needs help with some yard work.  Please pray for her health and a volunteer to meet her need.**

 






 





Happy April.  We're happy to report that we're still planning for summer camp! Even as the Coronavirus pandemic moves into April, LCLC continues to prepare for a summer camping season. Whether we're able to offer a full 6-week season as usual, or a shortened season with modified offerings, is yet to be determined. Rest assured though, that unless the State or Federal governments mandate against it, LCLC will be open for camp.

 

Realizing how uncertain the future is, registrations for camp are still being accepted. We've even extended the Early Bird Discount to June 1. If we're forced cancel residential summer camping this year, we'll refund you 100% of whatever you've paid at that point.

 

Your patience is appreciated as we await direction from the NY State Department of Health. As soon as we get confirmation from the State, we'll let you know what our final summer schedule will be. Until then, join us in praying for the health and well-being of all God's children.

 


·         For our community of faith as we seek to do God’s work in the world.

·         For those in our congregation and community who suffer silently with illness, financial burdens, and family obligation.

·         For victims of violence and their families in all places.

·         For victims of wildfires, flooding and earthquakes.

·         For Avis West, Ron Simpson, Dan Kelly, George and Janet Balcom, Maj-Britt Traynor, Beverly Klang, Trudy Fetzner, Thom Shagla, Matt Isaacson,  Beverly Klang, Trudy Fetzner, Thom Shagla, Matt Isaacson, Mabel Tranum, Lori Erickson, John Gingrass, David Johnson, Shirley Meyers,  Inara Ledder,  Dick Starks, Grace Alessi, Tim O’Brien, Gretta Kettle,   Pat & Maureen Kibbe,  Sarah Van Staalduinen,  Bryan Brown, , Jim Doherty, Karen Brown, Norm Platnik and Bonnie Christoferson.

·         For people serving in the military, including Ben Wickerham and Jeffrey Clauson, and their families, those caught up in persecution, violence and war.

·         For all children, that the love of Christ may reach them through all of us who have resources to love, protect, pray and provide for them.

·         For:  The ELCZ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and ELCZa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.


All services and activities cancelled until the end of the month.

Follow the link below each Sunday at 9:30 to Worship in Spirit .

Join us Thursday April 9th, Maundy Thursday via the link.

 

St. Timothy Updates due to Coronavirus Pandemic.  Heres the link:

http://www.sttimothybemus.com/coronavirus-updates.html