February 6 , 2020
Matthew 5:13-20
Scripture readings
for Sunday, February 9
Isaiah 58:1-9a
Psalm 112:1-9
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Matthew 5:13-20
REFLECTION
Pastor Ivy
Many of us have been given descriptive nicknames by family members or friends. As short as my name is, I remember being called “Iv” (all one syllable) by a good friend. Jesus has a name, actually two names for his disciples: salt and light.
I don’t know about you, but the division in our country is well past getting old. We are all sick of it. Such divisions make life in our world that much harder. Sometimes life seems so blah. It’s bland—like soup without salt. Too much salt and food is not edible and too little makes it incredibly tasteless.
God in Christ in us makes life in this world so much more palatable. We can someone who makes such a difference in someone’s day, transforming the tasteless into something brimming with flavor.
Jesus also calls his disciples light. We cannot manage without light. Have you ever tried getting up in the middle of the night without turning on a light because you were so sure you knew the way around your own house and then, “OUCH!” You have bumped into something or stubbed your toe. Thank God you didn’t go falling down the stairs. Even a little light, a nightlight’s amount of light can convert darkness into light.
Jesus calls us to be light in this dark world. The light that shines through us is the light of Christ. You may recognize these words we use in the baptismal liturgy, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
The thing is, God calls us to be who we already are: salt for flavor and light for safety, so God may be glorified.
[Jesus said:] 13“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. 14“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
17“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
· 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: Family and friends of Paul Samuleson, Dan Kelly, Inara Ledder, Ned Lindstrom, Dick Starks, Tim O’Brien, Gretta Kettle, George and Janet Balcom, Maj-Britt Traynor, Pat & Maureen Kibbe, Beverly Klang, Trudy Fetzner, Thom Shagla, Matt Isaacson, Sarah Van Staalduinen, Mabel Tranum, Bryan Brown, Jim Doherty, Karen Brown, and Bonnie Christoferson,
· For people serving in the military, including Ben Wickerham and Jeffrey Clawson, 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.
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.
UPCOMING SYNOD ASSEMBLY - GIVING FROM OUR BOUNTY
JUNE 7-9, 2020 Rochester, NY
Electing a Bishop
Love INC Prayer Requests 02/03/20
Older lady was hospitalized for Pneumonia. Pray for her and her son who was just laid off from his job.
Single mom of 4 in recovery who lost her belongings when she relocated to Jamestown. She battles alcoholism and has been sober for 1 year. She needs beds and dressers for her children.
Continued Prayers and updates
A single mom of 2 teenagers, with no family support, lost her job and became homeless. They are being assisted with rent, while she looks for a job. One child suffers from a mental illness requiring daycare. She needs furniture for her home. Please pray this family, job opportunities for the mom and daycare for her son
Love INC needs a Bilingual (Spanish) volunteer to help translate for neighbors in need.
An elderly gentleman, who our volunteers have been driving to doctor appointments, he was taken to the emergency room with heart problems. Continued prayers - He is back home but must have some more tests done, doctor said his heart is failing
A young mom and her 2-year-old son were able to find shelter at the Anew Center. Pray for her physical and mental healing and she can find the strength to talk about the abuse with her family. Seeking assistance with furniture, beds and kitchen items for their new home. Prayers for her son, he needs surgery to correct a birth defect. They are moving into their new apartment this weekend.
An older lady who had to move because of a bug infestation and lost her furnishings. Changes in her shared custody of her granddaughter and the many life changes have caused much emotional stress. Pray for her and the granddaughter. Praise - Furniture for her living room and kitchen items have been delivered.
A single woman with MS who needs help moving some furniture in her house. She also needs help to organize or thin out all her stuff. Pray for a volunteer to step forward to help her out.
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. Pray for her health and the funds would be available to build the ramp.
A single mom of 2 young children found shelter at the Anew Center after a violent domestic incident at her parents’ home. DSS is assisting her with funds to move into her own apartment. She will need all the household furniture including beds. Pray for this family, that they will be able to mend their differences and live peacefully. Praise-Livingroom furniture, kitchen items, full-size bed, toiletries and baby crib have been provided.
A single man who was staying at UCAN mission after he was released for prison. DSS is assisting him with rent but in need of a bed and some furniture. Pray for his son who is currently in foster care and a job. The job interview went well and is just waiting to hear. He has received a couch and recliner. Praise-we were able to provide a bed for him.
A family of 6 who was infested with bedbugs. The home has been treated and the beds replaced. They are seeking help to purchase the bedbug covers for the mattresses and box springs, to avoid this occurring again. Pray for comfort and protection for them and the needed funds would become available. They were assisted with living room furniture and bed frames. Praise-Bed covers have been provided
Single lady with some medical issues residing in the Allen Park area needs help with some yard work and snow removal. Please pray for her health and a volunteer to meet her need.**
A mother of 5 kids was homeless when her apartment was condemned; lost everything. They were assisted with some living room furniture, table with chairs and 1 full-size bed but she is **still in need of 4 twin beds. Praise-2 Beds have been donated for them
An older couple who are both handicapped need help shoveling their walk as she needs medical transport for dialysis 3 times a week. **Still seeking snow removal assistance Spring Street area Jamestown
Upcoming Commemorations
Cyril, monk, died 869; Methodius, bishop, died 885; missionaries to the Slavs
Friday, February 14, 2020
These two brothers from Thessalonika, Greece, were monks and were sent to bring Christianity to the Slavic people. In the course of their work they created a written language, inventing the Cyrillic alphabet for it, and translated the Bible and the liturgy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
***We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry. Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthe
x. Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex. Monetary donations welcome!
***5 & 2 Ministry Food Bins Donated to Date: 74
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***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, see Kathy Carlson on Sundays or call her at 485-1316
