St. Timothy Lutheran Church

                              

                                                                October 15, 2020

                                             

                                                   Matthew 22:15-22

                                                    

                         

Scripture readings

for Sunday, Oct. 18

Isaiah 45:1-7

Psalm 96:1-9

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22

REFLECTION

Pr. Ivy Gauvin


Jesus certainly does not give clear answers to his questioners, does he? Of course, what we are told in this story that Jesus knew their insincerity. Their flattery got them nowhere with him. Should he sincerely answer an insincere question?

 

This story may remind us of the onerous duty of paying taxes in our day, however, it is not remotely like it. The Jewish people were not living in a democratic society, but rather under the crushing dominion of the Roman empire. Are they to pay taxes to help support the occupation of their own land?

 

Knowing these questioners’ motives, Jesus asks for one of the coins with which the tax would be paid. They had one on hand. Jesus might as well have said, “Gotcha!” On the coin was the head of Caesar, with the inscription “Tiberius Caesar, august son of the divine Augustus, high priest." This would have been blasphemous for both Jews and Christians. Even possessing such coins raised both political and religious issues. Although Jesus didn’t really answer his opponents’ question, they were amazed by his words and left.

 

How does this apply to us? I like the idea of comparing our lives, our hearts to the coins stamped with Caesar’s image. What is stamped on our hearts? Is it Christ and his cross or is it the things of this world? The image in our lives declares to whom we belong.

 

Let us pray.

On my heart imprint your image, blessed Jesus, king of grace,

that life’s troubles nor its pleasures ever may your work erase.

Let the clear inscription be: Jesus crucified for me,

Is my life, my hope’s foundation, all my glory and salvation! Amen.

(ELW.

15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” 21They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.

 

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

 

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

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! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com.

 

***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.

 








***Sunday, November 1 is All Saints' Day, when we remember our loved ones who have joined the church triumphant since last year's All Saints' Day. Please contact Pastor Ivy or Kathy Korcyl in the church office with the names of those you want remembered. 









As of Sept. 13, we returned to worshiping in the sanctuary as well as worshiping in our cars.

Time:  10:00 a.m.

Place:  3748 Rt. 430

Length:  30 minutes

 

WEAR YOUR MASKS

 

Coming inside? COME EARLY

 




Anyone have any pictures or stories that they would like to share?  Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.com


 




 






































************* Last Chance *************

Eat Healthy • Be Active

SHINE Community Workshops

 


Seniors Health Improvement and Nutrition Education (SHINE) Community Workshops will guide you in making small changes in food choices and physical activity that make a large difference in overall health and maintaining a healthy weight.

 


Topics

Workshop 1:

Enjoy Healthy Food that Tastes Great

Workshop 2:

Quick, Healthy Meals and Snacks

Workshop 3:

Eating Healthy on a Budget

 


FREE!

Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Dates:

Wednesdays in October

October 9th, 2019

October 16th, 2019

October 23rd, 2019

Location:

St. Timothy Lutheran Church

Following Healthy Bones

3748 NY-430, Bemus Point NY

All are Welcome!

Pre-registration is encouraged.

Call NY Connects: 716-661-7582

 


Workshops are

Interactive and include taste-testing and

simple physical activities for hands-on learning that will lead to lasting lifestyle changes.

 


This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet.

To find out more, contact 1-800-352-8401

 


Chautauqua County

Office For Aging

 

        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 people affected by coronavirus, essential workers, doctors, nurses, aides, those working in nursing homes, etc.

          For victims of wildfires, flooding and earthquakes.

          For Sandy Carlson, Ron Simpson, Karen Johnson, Roy Pihl, George and Janet Balcom, Maj-Britt Traynor, Beverly Klang, Trudy Fetzner, Thom Shagla, Matt Isaacson, Mabel Tranum, Gloria Fitzpatrick, Sarah Van Staalduinen, John Gingrass, Carol Anderson, Sandy Whitford and Dick Starks,  those serving in the military and law enforcement and their families, including Ben Wickerham, Jeffrey Clauson, David Bentley and Kris Peterson,  those caught up in violence and war who have no safe home in which to live.

          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.