May 14, 2020

                                                                 John 14:15-21

Scripture readings

for Sunday, May 17

Acts 17:22-31

Psalm 66:8-20

1 Peter 3:13-22

John 14:15-21

REFLECTION

Pastor Ivy Gauvin

I’ve highlighted a few verses in Sunday’s gospel to visually demonstrate how this reading is completely bookended by love. Reread this text and as you do so, think about how everything Jesus is talking about is surrounded by love.

This is a continuation of last Sunday’s gospel text, with Jesus comforting his disciples in light of his upcoming crucifixion. Jesus promises that the presence of the Holy Spirit will be with us forever, unlike the physical Jesus who remained on this earth for only 33 years.

But does it sound a bit like a quid pro quo, “If you love me…keep my commandments…They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and…will be loved by my Father, and I will love them…”?  The thing is, God does in us and for us what we are unable to do ourselves. God’s Spirit works in us to love Jesus. Out of that love for Jesus, we will naturally keep Jesus’ commandments. What are they in John’s gospel? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (13:34).

And it’s not just that the Spirit is with Jesus’ followers, but is in them—in us. It’s a great love fest that Jesus tells us about, just like that of the relationship of the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is the relationship into which we are invited. Let us love one another as we have been loved by Christ.

[Jesus said to the disciples:] 15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.

  18“I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

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.

ANNOUNCMENTS

***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.

***5 & 2 Ministry Food Bins Donated to Date:  85

We are having a  Family Pick Up  EVERY FRIDAY from 2-4 pm for ALL of our district students and families.  We are handing out bags of food to any families in need, no questions asked.  This is held at St Timothy’s.  Please use the side entrance of the church. 

We continuously collect food items for the 5 & 2 Ministry.  Bring your donations and place in the black bin in church narthex.  Lists detailing items needed are also available in the narthex.  Monetary donations welcome!

                   Spring Work Day at St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Saturday, June 6th         Rain Date  June 13th

9:00 a.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Weeds don't take a break during the pandemic.  Bring your tools and masks as we practice social distancing and spruce up the church for our official in person opening SOON.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Upcoming Commemorations

Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, died 1160

Monday, May 18, 2020

Erik is considered the patron saint of Sweden. As king of that nation, he tried to bring peace in the region, and to spread Christianity in Scandinavia. He was also known for his attempts to make fair laws and to protect those who were poor or sick.

Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Influenced by her son to become Christian, Helena (or Helen) lived an exemplary life of faith. She is also remembered for traveling through Palestine building churches on the sites she believed to be associated with Christ's life.

Dear Church, 

Scripture tells us in James 1 that we are to consider it pure joy when we face trials of all kinds. Some trials bring sadness as Love INC faces the latest trial. Kristy, our Clearinghouse Coordinator has tendered her resignation. This resignation brings with it great sadness as we see Kristy go, knowing she will not be the cheerful voice on the other end of the phone for our neighbors in need. We wish her well and rejoice in knowing God has other plans for her.

The trial of seeking a replacement during a difficult time in our community with the Covid "Pause" has us seeking God's joy as we believe God has the right person in mind and has been preparing them in advance for the work they will be doing. The position requires 17 hr/wk, 3-4 days a week. We are seeking someone with a heart for God and our neighbors in need with administration skills. We will post a more detailed job description as it becomes available. 

We are blessed to have someone willing to serve as an interim until we find a replacement. Please pray for our future Clearinghouse Coordinator and our interim, Laura, who is willing to serve God by filling in the gap.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

In Christ

Susan L. Justham | Executive Director

Love In the Name of Christ of SCC

Helping Churches to Help People 

Phone: 716.338.9828

loveincscc.org

Love INC Prayer Requests 05/11/2020

Praise - the Furniture Ministry was able to make some deliveries.  Pray for the safety & protection of the volunteers

The Clearinghouse Coordinator has resigned. We currently have some one to serve as an interim but are looking for a replacement. Please pray for God to bring the right person forward who has a heart for the ministry and the skills to assist in moving the ministry forward.

Updates and Continued Prayer

Family of 5 who are struggling financially. The husband’s work hours were cut because of the Covid-19 “Pause’ and the wife is a stay-at home mom.  They needed some diapers that were provided them through Baby Gap Ministry at Jamestown Free Methodist.  Pray for all the families who are going through a similar struggle.

Love INC needs a Board Member with Social Media Expertise to assist with better Social Media Communication 

Love INC needs a volunteer accountant/bookkeeper. Our current bookkeeper will be retiring in May and we are looking for a replacement.  Praise – One of our current board members has stepped up to take on the treasurer position.  

The Board and staff at Love INC to see where God is calling us to help during this crisis

Love INC is collecting toiletries, cleaning products, diapers & wipes to assist this in need in the days to come.

Praise – Donations have started to come in.

A young mom escaping domestic violence is moving into her own apartment needs essential household items and furnishings.  Pray for discernment to make good choices for her and her daughter.  Through our Gap ministry at Bethel Baptist - Toiletries and cleaning products have been provided

A single woman fleeing domestic violence is moving into her own apartment at the beginning of April. Needing to reestablish her household needs everything.   Some small kitchen items, cleaning supplies and toiletries have been provided. *Praise – needed furniture was delivered

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. 

An older gentleman, moving from the mission into his own apartment, needs furnishings. Pray for his health and family relationships.   Praise - Needed furniture was delivered

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 Praise – need furniture, cleaning products and personal items have been delivered

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

Toasters, Pots & Pans, Towels, washcloths, 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 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. Update- Busti Children are hosted a Mother’s Day Math Detective Scavenger Hunt to benefit Love INC. It was a great success!

LCLC Camp Store

Introducing our 2020 Canteen items and our sort-of-virtual store.  Click here for the complete inventory.  With the NY State Stay at Home Order still in effect, this allows you to support LCLC from the safety of your own home.  Please email or call your order in and we'll make arrangements for shipping and payment.  Thanks very much!

Phone: 716-386-4125

Email: contact@lclcenter.org