St. Timothy Lutheran Church

                              

                                                                          July 25, 2020

                                                     Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Scripture readings

for Sunday, July 26

1 Kings 3:5-12

Psalm 119:129-136

Romans 8:26-39

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

REFLECTION

Pastor Ivy


In the movies, haven’t we seen people hiding money in their mattresses? When Jesus physically lived on the earth, it was not unusual for people to hide valuables in “safe” places, like the ground. We see an example of this in the third parable. That hidden treasure was so important and precious that when someone found it, he sold all he had to purchase the entire field.

 

The next parable, that of the pearl, is paired with the hidden treasure parable. It too was about finding one thing of value—something for which one would give up everything.

 

“The kingdom of heaven is like…” We cannot see in these parables exact correlations between the images in the parables and life in the reign of God, but it is the entire story in a parable that is like the kingdom of heaven—not just the hidden treasure or pearl, but those things and the finding of them and the sacrifices made in order to possess them. They are parables of discovery.

 

The sacrifices are what we may call the way of the cross. In each of these parables, those who have found the treasure or the pearl have in essence, traded up. Nothing they may sacrifice can compare to the awesome value of the treasure or pearl they have gained.

 

Isn’t it like that when we follow Jesus? There is sacrifice and giving of ourselves. But what we may give up pales in comparison to Jesus’ sacrifice for us and it’s nothing compared to what we receive; not just in the life to come, but in this life. Personally, I don’t know how I would manage in these stressful days if it wasn’t for the Lord Jesus and his life in me by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, in uncertain times such as these, help us to hear your voice guiding us, showing us the way, and whispering to us your words of love and care. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

31[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field;32it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

33He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

44“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; 46on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

47“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; 48when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. 49So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51“Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

 

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.

·         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 Gale Svenson-Campbell, 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, and John Gingrass.  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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS




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

 



























***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


Dear Church ,

 

God has recently been sharing with me from John 10:10 how the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I recently saw Satan in action.

A volunteer reached out to a neighbor in need, the neighbor became impatient and short with the volunteer. When staff contacted the neighbor in need a short time later, we learned the reasoning behind a neighbor’s impatience and shortness with the volunteer. She was just very frustrated with the “system.” We had been asking for financial documentation in the form of paystubs and the family is having trouble in obtaining the records from their employer. This repeated request from other agencies as well as Love INC had created difficulties with her husband’s employer and frustration on the part on the part of the spouse. Satan can kill, steal and destroy a families livelihood, emotional strength and confidence to carry on. We are seeing more and more neighbors in need expressing frustration and anger towards those who are trying to help, as a result of greater anxiety and depression as their lives are complicated by COVID-19.  By listening to this neighbor’s story and their struggles, an understanding was gained, encouragement was offered, and a solution was found. We are called to show the love of Christ, there is no better way than listening and understanding the struggles of someone experiencing difficulties, and deter Satan's plans at the same time.

 

Thank you for your prayer and support of our neighbors in need.

 

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 07/20/2020

A gentleman who lost his lower legs due to diabetes has requested a wheelchair ramp.  Praise God, his landlord has given permission for the ramp to be built. We are now are seeking funds for the project (approximately $700 to $1200)

 

We have received many donations this week for baby items such as shoes, clothes, a stroller, blankets.  This family from Lady of Lourdes Church is showing God’s love through their donations.  We are so thankful for generous families!

 

We also received many kitchen items from a woman from Lakewood Baptist Church and she will be blessing us with more household items.  More of God’s love demonstrated.

 

 

An older lady owns her own home and needs to move but also needs transportation to medical appointments.  Pray that God provides a buyer for her home.

 

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

 

A young couple with 5 children needs beds and beddings.  The father was laid off due to COVID.  Pray that God will show them the way and church attending will become more of a way in their lives

 

  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 Gap Baby 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


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