St. Timothy Lutheran Church

                              

                                                               November 25, 2020

                                             

                                                    Matthew 13:24-37

                                                    

                         

Scripture readings

for Sunday, Nov.29

Isaiah 64:1-9

Psalm 80:1-7,17-19

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Mark 13:24-37

REFLECTION

The Rev. Lori Kochanski, Assistant to the Bishop for Faith Formation


What do this week's gospel and Thanksgiving menu planning have in common? Answer: figs

 

Plants and animals, food and drink continue to link us to our Biblical roots and God's intention for Creation as a place where we learn from all the elements of earth and each other. 

 

This text is full of references to the natural rhythms of the earth and how they are integral for being able to know when God will return. Jesus talks of wind and figs, the sun, the moon and the stars.  He references the cock crow and the sunrise at dawn.

 

Taking time to be rooted in creation allows space and opportunity to keep waking up to new visions of heaven and earth.

 

 

(I hope you will take the time to follow the link in this email and wonder with me about figs and what they have to teach us about God's return to earth.

 

My favorite fact: Some fig trees actually begin on the tops of trees, close to the sun, making their leaves green quickly. The trees start out being rooted in the air and working their way toward the soil. "The strangler figs are awesome plants that grow from seeds dropped high on other trees by passing birds and mammals. By starting out high in the forest canopy instead of on its gloomy floor, the strangler seedlings get the light they need to grow with vigour. As they do, they send down aerial roots that become thick and woody, encasing their host trees in a living mesh. They can even smother and kill giant trees, growing into colossal forms."

Source: 

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170116-the-tree-that-shaped-human-history.” 


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


 

Pastor Ivy had back surgery on 11/17 and a second procedure is scheduled on 12/1. While she is out, you can contact Pastor Heather Allport-Cohoon if there is a need for pastoral care. She can be reached at 716-708-6466.

Synodically Authorized Minister Ned Lindstrom will be leading worship and preaching on Sundays. He can be reached at 716-490-3820.



Will We or Will We Not…

During the Holiday Season

 

The Holiday season is upon us and although we would all like to see our holiday traditions remain as they always have been, things just can’t be the same.  St. Timothy is no different. 

Here’s a rundown of what we, as a church body, will be able to do this very special season and what we are postponing until next year.

 

Advent FestNo.  Postponed until 2021

Ordering Poinsettias No.  There will be a few plants donated for the altar to beautify the sanctuary, but in lieu of asking for poinsettia orders, we are suggesting donations to St. Susan’s instead.

Decorating the churchYes.  We’ll put up one tree, the creche and a few other decorations.

Christmas Eve ServiceYes.  It will be a 30 minute service with communion and lighting of candles. We’re starting at 4:30 p.m.  so that it will be dark when we light candles.   Depending on the pandemic situation in our area, we are hoping to have both the Drive In Service and indoor participation for this very  special service.

Lessons and Carols ServiceYes.


Christmas Tree Gift Giving for our Bemus Point familyNo. Postponed until 2021

Christmas Tree Gift Giving for the GA Home – No.  The GA Home has been closed.

 

Christmas is and always has been the celebration of the birth of

our Lord and Savior.  That will never change and something we will

always celebrate!!

 

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***Thanks to the many folks who have made contributions for our Honduras Promise Children Mission. We have received over $5,500.00 so far, and we are very grateful!



***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!

***5 & 2 Ministry Food Bins Donated to Date:  87


***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.









***Help benefit St. Timothy Lutheran Church when you shop at smile.amazon.com:


















  •     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 Pastor Ivy Gauvin, 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, Rick Duzick, The People of God at Zion Lutheran Church in Cobbleskill, Bishop John Macholz, Kay Mattern, Emerson Allaby, Sarah Van Staalduinen, John Gingrass, 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.

24"But in those days, after that suffering,

the sun will be darkened,

and the moon will not give its light,

25and the stars will be falling from heaven,

and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

26Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. 27Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

 

28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

32"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. 34It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35Therefore, keep awake-for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, 36or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."