March 5, 2020

                                                                  John 3:1-17

Scripture readings

for Sunday, March 8

Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17

REFLECTION

Pastor Ivy

Are there any more familiar words than those of John 3:16? We even see them on banners in sports stadiums. And aren’t we all familiar with the story of Nicodemus? In these verses, it is obvious that Nicodemus just doesn’t get it, but this is not the end of the story.

In John 7, the Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus. At a gathering of Pharisees, it was Nicodemus who stuck up for Jesus, much to the chagrin of the other Pharisees.

In chapter 19, we see Nicodemus a third time, this time after Jesus’ crucifixion. He helped Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus body and prepare it for burial.

What made the change? “8The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” It is the work of the Spirit of God in Nicodemus’ life that made the difference. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives that enables momentous changes.

Let us pray:

Mighty God make us windblown and free in the power of your Spirit that our lives and those around us might be made new. Amen.

1Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” 3Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” 4Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” 5Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. 6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ 8The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

  11“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. 12If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

  16“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

  17“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

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

***REMINDER – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS THIS SUNDAY AT 2:00 AM; CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED SATURDAY NIGHT... YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS CHURCH!

We will be visioning and discerning God's future for us over the five Wednesdays of Lent.  To actualize, sustain and grow a vision, it is critical to discern what help you need at various stages in a church's lifestyle.  The Five Steps to church vitality and turn around are below.  Please join us and bring a friend.

Wed., 3/4: 6 pm-Dinner Church, See It!

Wed., 3/11: 6 pm-Dinner Church, Own It!

Wed., 3/18: 6 pm-Dinner Church, Work It!

Wed., 3/25: 6 pm-Dinner Church, Pray It!

Wed., 4/1:   6 pm-Dinner Church, Help It!

***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, contact Kathy Carlson at 485-1316.

***76 bins of food have been collected for the 5 Loaves and 2 Fish Ministry (referred to as the 5 & 2 Ministry, http://www.5and2minisry.com).  Thank you to everyone who is supporting this ministry.  The donation process is not limited to the church but open to everyone in the community.  Information cards about the ministry are available in the church narthex to make it easy to share this project with your friends and co-workers – talk it up!   

***Healthy Bones Exercise Class continues to meet Monday and Wednesday at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall of St. Timothy.  This is a bone-strengthening, low impact class for men and women.   All are welcome!

***Upcoming Commemorations

Harriet Tubman, died 1913; Sojourner Truth, died 1883; renewers of society

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Harriet Tubman, born into slavery, helped about 300 others to escape slavery until the institution was abolished. Sojourner Truth, whose birth name was Isabella, was freed after slavery was abolished, and discerned a call to be a preacher. Taking the name Sojourner Truth, she set out on an evangelistic journey, where people found her testimony to be deeply moving.

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, died 604

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Born into wealth and power, Gregory was for a time the chief administrator of the city of Rome. Giving this up for a life in the church, he was elected pope in 590. He influenced public worship through the establishment of a lectionary and prayers to correlate with the readings. Gregorian chant is named in his honor.

Love INC Prayer Requests 03/2/2020

A woman, adult son & 3 grandchildren had to relocate due to bed bugs and lost their furniture. Drifting away from her faith, they would love to get involved with a church with a strong children’s ministry.

Single woman fleeing family abuse needs assistance with furniture and other household items.  Pray for healing, direction, her return to church and a believer to come along-side of her.

Updates and Praise

A couple moving at the end of the month by a team from Panama United Methodist Church. Pray for them as they pack and look forward to their new home and the team of volunteers that are schedule to help.

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

Toasters, Pots & Pans, Towels, wash cloths, bowls and coffee makers

A divorced gentleman in need of a mattress and a toaster oven.  Prayers are needed for an upcoming surgery on his neck and issues with a detached retina and possible loss of sight.

A single mom; expecting a third child with 2 children in foster care; needs a couch and a lamp. After being sober for over a year she is hoping her children will be returned after she completes parenting classes and obtains her CNA license to provide for her family.  Praise – the needed furniture has been delivered and a healthy baby boy is here.  Mom is doing well & hoping to get her other children soon

A single mom; with 2 children; is unable to work, needs beds and are currently sleeping on the floor.

Love INC needs a Bilingual (Spanish) volunteer to help translate for neighbors in need.  Praise-we have a possible volunteer who can help us with this need

Love INC needs a volunteer accountant/bookkeeper. Our current bookkeeper will be retiring in May and we are looking for a replacement.

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.  Praise The children of Busti Church of God are hosting a Ramp-It Up Fun Fair on April 1st from 5:30- 8:30 at the Busti Church of God gym to help raise funds for this ramp

Single lady with some medical issues residing in the Allen Park area needs help with some yard work and snow removal.  Please pray for her health and a volunteer to meet her need.**