August 6, 2020

                                                       Matthew 14:22-23

Scripture readings

for Sunday, August 9

1 Kings 19:9-18

Psalm 85:8-13

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

REFLECTION

Pastor Ivy

This week, we have another miracle story, which follows the feeding of the 5,000+. The crowd that had experienced healing and feeding didn’t want to leave Jesus, not after the wonderful things he had done for them that day. Would you want to?

Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat to go ahead of him “while he dismissed the crowds.” Darkness falls quickly in the Holy Land. Dismissals and good-byes are not short, so Jesus shows his concern for his disciples long before the miracle.

Even so, while Jesus was praying, the disciples were getting beaten up pretty badly. I’m sure that those who experienced Hurricane Isaias’ wrath can identify with the disciples’ situation.

I find it interesting that Jesus had taken a short-cut to the battered disciples via walking on the water. I’d be pretty frightened too in the pitch blackness, with a storm rocking the boat. What would you think if a figure was approaching you in the dark? Everything changes, however, when Jesus identifies himself, telling them not to be afraid.

Some have criticized Peter’s words, “Lord, if it is you…,” seeing them as Peter challenging Jesus to prove himself. However, a better translation is, “Lord, SINCE it is you…” Impetuous Peter is all in. It’s Jesus, so into the water he goes, only he doesn’t sink…until he is distracted from Jesus, paying more attention to the circumstances surrounding him than to his Lord. But at the same time, he had enough trust in Jesus to cry out “Lord, save me!” The disciples recognized that Jesus was no ordinary man. “Truly you are the Son of God.” This was just one more way that the identity and character of Jesus were revealed to the disciples.

We have our own storms we're experiencing these days: COVID 19, joblessness, emotional upheavals. We too can cry out, "Lord, save [us]!" and he does. Amid the heartbreak and disappointments and difficulties of these days, Jesus is with us through it all.

22[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee], while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

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

Drive In Service

continues every Sunday at 10:00

on FM 98.3

***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!

***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.

No in person services in the building until further notice.  Interactive bulletins will still be available until we return to regular worship services.  Your input is greatly appreciated.

Follow the link below each Sunday at 10:00 to Worship in Spirit .

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

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

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

Dear Church,

An older woman at church asked me if I was mad at her the other day. I looked at her in surprise, as I was not mad at her and wondered why she would ask such a question. She informed me that I never say hello to her.

Over the last few weeks, God has been speaking to me regarding the body having many members and many giftings. He has also been speaking to me about loving my neighbor as myself. We are seeing more dissension as friends, family members and neighbors are on opposing sides. Dissatisfaction is on the rise with everything from government policies to store policies. The realization that those expressing anger, frustration and hurt like the woman at my church. are all part of the family of God got my attention? We are each His creation with unique and special gifts here for a purpose. Some just do not know the love of Christ or the forgiveness of sins yet. and some just want to be loved or forgiven.  It can be as simple as a "hello!"

When I think of a loved one who does not know Christ, I know that as long as there is another day there is an opportunity for that to change. What will I do to make the most of every opportunity I am given as in Ephesians 5:15-16?  We each have unique gifts and talents are we using them? Are we loving well, those God has placed in our path?

Love INC serves as a bridge between neighbors in need and the Church.

We strive to provide opportunities to share your faith and show the love of Christ.

Love INC currently needs volunteers to serve as:

Church Ministry Coordinators (liaison between Love INC and your church) Connection Center Intake workers Resource Coordinators (in-office position refer to resources or organize donations located at storage) Home repair Coordinator/ Team Members Yard Work/ Snow Removal Coordinator/Team Members Furniture Ministry Team Members A Connection Companion Coordinator/Team members (visitation team) Budgeting Team Coordinator/Team members Creative Arts Coordinator/Team members (make cards, knit, crochet, quilt) Prayer Ministry Coordinator/ Team Members Fundraising Team Member Office SUpport/Data Entry Hands and Feet Coordinator/ Team members (willing to serve as needed for fundraising/ resource delivery, household chores etc.) If you are interested in learning more, please contact Susan

716/338-9828 or susan.loveinc@gmail.com

I have attached our prayer newsletter and a bulletin insert regarding our volunteer needs. Please share the information.

Thank you for your prayer 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 08/3/2020

A young mother has suffered abuse and is moving to an apartment and needs a full or queen size bed.    Pray that she is able to feel God’s Love through the Church.

A young mother living with her 5-year-old daughter needs a refrigerator and has been doing online training to better herself.  Pray that she will feel love and encouragement in her endeavors.

Love your Neighbor Campaign-   a new fundraising campaign that will replace the Annual Purse Auction fundraiser. Our goal is to bring recognition to the ministry of Love INC, raise funds and love our neighbors. We are seeking volunteers to assist with sign placement, data entry, social media and fundraising team members. Please contact Susan if interested 338-9828 or susan.loveinc@gmail.com ASAP

A daybed was delivered to a dad who has his 15-year-old daughter on weekend visits.  He is very happy and grateful for the bed. We are praising God for the Church and showing the Love of Christ in this way!  Praise God for being able to refer this dad to Community Helping Hands to get clothing for his 15-year-old daughter.

A young couple with 5 children needs beds and beddings.  The father was laid off to COVID.  Pray that God will show was called back to work. They are still in need the beds (twin- size.)  Another praise that was able to refer this family to Community Helping Hands for the children’s clothing needs.

An older lady owns her own home and must move; needs transportation to medical appointments.  Pray that God provides a buyer for her home as she is struggling financially. 

A middle-aged lady needs to move but COVID has presented many difficulties to be able to do this. 

Family of 5 who is 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 through Gap Baby Ministry at Jamestown Free Methodist.  Pray for all the families who are going through a similar struggle.

A young man needs furniture and transportation to work.  

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

Love INC needs a volunteer accountant/bookkeeper

Hello, friends. 

I have offered to take over the Zoom Virtual Coffee Hour (VCH) until we are able to begin fellowship in person again at St. Timothy.

I have a Zoom Pro account, so it will not shut down automatically at 45 minutes. This will allow us to have a little more time, and accommodate more people to join us. 

I will be sending out an email VCH invitation to everyone we have an email for.

However, all you have to do is join my meeting at 11:00 am on Sunday by going to the ZOOM app, and putting in the following ID and Password numbers:

ID: 571-743-2555

Password: 050787

If you are not yet using ZOOM, feel free to call me and I can walk you through downloading the free app. It's pretty easy, even for me!

Keep on keeping on.  We will go forward together!

In Christ,

Sarah

goebel.sarah3@gmail.com

716-450-2986