June 25, 2020

                                                   Matthew 10:40-42

Scripture readings

for Sunday, June 28

Jeremiah 28:5-9

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

Romans 6:12-23

Matthew 10:40-42

REFLECTION

Pastor Ivy

Yesterday, when Ray and I were reading from 30-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the book we’re reading for our Adult Study session, I came across these words that hit me like a ton of bricks. See what they say to you regarding this gospel passage. “The exclusion of the weak and insignificant, the seemingly useless people, from everyday Christian life in community…may actually mean the exclusion of Christ; for in the poor sister or brother, Christ is knocking at the door.”

Jesus is still speaking to his disciples before he sends them out to proclaim the good news. Rather than the emphasis being on all the awful things they may encounter, as it was earlier in chapter 10, Jesus is talking about the rewards one will receive who welcomes one of God’s messengers. In fact, it’s like the person has welcomed Christ and God the Father.

We don’t know exactly what the rewards will be, except that they will be in the future. And who are the “little ones?” I suspect they are those that others might ignore because of their lack of status in this world, and yet they are messengers of God and God rewards anyone who tends to their needs. I cannot help but think of Matthew 25:31-46, the judgment of the nations. Jesus says, “I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (vv. 35, 40).

We, as God’s church, are the ones being sent into the world, but we are simultaneously those who are being asked to receive the little, insignificant ones who are also messengers of God. It works both ways.

Lord, open our eyes to those around us, those you send to us. Make us welcoming and generous in our dealings with all God’s children. Amen.

[Jesus said to the twelve:] 40“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

***Pastor Ivy will be on vacation Monday, 6/29-Monday, 7/6. She'll be back to work on Tues., 7/7. Synodically Authorized Minister (formerly called deacons) Ned Lindstrom will be covering for her both in case of emergency and on Sunday, 7/5. If you need to contact Ned in case of an emergency, his number is 716-490-3820.

No in person services in the building until further notice.  Interactive bulletins will still be available until we return to regular worship services if you are not attending our Drive-In Service.  Your input is always greatly appreciated.

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

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

***Everyone is welcome to Adult Education. We meet via Zoom (you can phone in) on Tuesday mornings at 10. We are studying and discussing 30-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Join us even if you don't have the book. Here is the Zoom link:

Ivy Gauvin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Ivy Gauvin's Personal Meeting Room

Join Zoom Meeting

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

Keep bringing in items - donations will be collected during summer!

This Friday, June 26, is the last distribution of the bags of food for the summer.  We will continue with the start of school in September.  Thank you everyone for all your support!!!

***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.

LOVE INC.

Dear Church ,

The increased business openings, the unpredictability of our world and the new normal will create increased anxiety levels for our church body and our neighbors in need. A little while back I asked for information regarding what you are doing to take care of yourselves and others. I have attached a list of the compiled answers. Some of them mightbe helpful suggestions for those experiencing anxiety. I have included a link from Bill Graham's website including some scripture verses from https://billygraham.org/story/losing-control-in-the-pandemic/

Please pray for those who may be struggling with anxiety at this time.

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 06/20/2020

A young mother with 5 children and a new baby on the way, has suffered physical abuse.  As a former neighbor in need, she came into the Love INC office crying and at a loss as to what the next step was for her life.  We prayed with her and directed her to Jamestown Free Methodist Church for needed baby items.  Praise she received baby items from Jamestown Free Methodist and toiletries from Bethel Baptist.

A middle age woman moved here in January and feels very fearful during this COVID time. A bed is being delivered for her 15-year-old daughter as she is sleeping on the floor at this current time. This neighbor in need has been on the waiting list for a bed since February.  Praise God, we delivered a bed to this woman so now her daughter has a bed to sleep in.

A young woman has been homeless with a young toddler and another baby is due in September.  She needs furniture for their apartment.

A young mother with three young children (all toddlers) had to leave her home due to an abusive relationship.  She now has her children from Foster care but has no family in the area.  She has her own place to live but needs furniture and kitchen items.  Please continue praying for her needs to be met.

An older woman has suffered domestic violence but is in need of a microwave now that she is living by herself.

A middle-aged man was homeless living in a car but now lives in an apartment.  He has serious health issues and unable to work.  He is requesting a bed.

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

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. 

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.