September 17, 2020
Matthew 20:1-16
Scripture readings
for Sunday, Sept. 20
Jonah 3:10-4:11
Psalm 145:1-8
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
REFLECTION
Pastor Ivy
The message of the parable is generosity; God’s generosity toward those others think don’t deserve it. 15 ”Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’” Aren’t we sometimes envious or jealous of what others have, their position in life, how easily things seem to come to them?
Then there’s us. We work and work and work and still do not have the kind of life THAT person has—THAT person who seems to have everything handed to them on a silver platter.
Can we let God be God in our lives? The landowner asks those who had worked longest in the vineyard, “15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”
God asks us the same question. We were made God’s in the waters of baptism. We belong to God. Let God be God for us and in us and we will find that to be enough. We will not need to look enviously at how God has blessed other people.
I’m not saying this is easy, but if we allow our vision of others to be through the lens of God’s grace and love, we’ll be less concerned with their toys and more aware of all the wonderful things God has done in our lives each and every day, how all of life is sheer gift. And we will be able to look at others more charitably, rejoicing with them over God’s generosity.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10Noandd w when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
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.
***5 & 2 Ministry Food Bins Donated to Date: 85
5 Loaves and 2 Fish Backpack Ministry begins packing for the new school year this month. A new grade level has been added to all the schools receiving food, so donations are greatly appreciated. Let's work toward 100 bins donated by our congregation!
***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.
Anyone have any pictures or stories that they would like to share? Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.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 Ron Simpson, 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, John Gingrass, Dick Starks. 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
***Pastor Ivy is resuming visitation with shut-ins incorporating the safety precautions of physical distancing and wearing of masks.
Last Sunday, Sept. 13, we returned to worshiping in the sanctuary as well as worshiping in our cars.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Place: 3748 Rt. 430
Length: 30 minutes
WEAR YOUR MASKS
Coming inside? COME EARLY!