May 21, 2026

Deep Breath

Scripture readings

for Sunday, May 24

Acts 2:1-21

Psalm 104:24, 35b

1 Corinthians 12:3b-13

John 7:37-39

In the world of the Bible, the word breath is synonymous with “life.” Breath is necessary for a creature to be considered alive; where there isn’t breath, there isn’t life. Breath from God animates—brings to life—the creature formed from dust, the first human. When Jesus dies on the cross, three of the four gospels describe the moment using the phrase “breathed his last.”

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection and offers his body to them for inspection. His scarred hands and side reveal that he is, in fact, Jesus, who was crucified. He is not an impostor. The disciples rejoice at the recognition. Next, Jesus breathes on them, a clear physical and symbolic assurance that he is not just a body but a living body. The breath that was once spent and gone has returned. He is not reanimated; he is resurrected. He has life in him again!

When Jesus breathes on his disciples, he also invites them to receive the Holy Spirit. This moment is extraordinary. Jesus animates the disciples in the same way God animated Adam: by bestowing divine breath, which brings not only physical life but spiritual life as well. Moreover, Jesus reveals that the Holy Spirit he promised to the disciples is, in fact, his own animating Spirit.

The earth-shaking wind of the Spirit at Pentecost is also an intimate breath of life. Through this divine exhale, there is the gift of life—body and spirit—and the enduring promise of resurrection.

Spend a few moments today doing some deep breathing as you give thanks for God’s gift of breath and for the Holy Spirit.

From sundaysandseasons.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 Ann Saar, Judy Kelly, Kay Marker Magneson, Thom Shagla, Jan Nelson, Jenny Theo, Macey Lundmark, Michael Prall, Brenda Wagner, Dawn Arnet, Mark Kiendl, Tyler LaChapelle, Heather Miller, Nick Johnson, and those serving in the military and law enforcement and their families, including Sean Pecuch, Ben Wickerham, Paul Hebert, and Nicholas Hebert.

• For the ELCZ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe and ELCZa Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia.

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

Calendar

May 24

May 28

May 29

WE WELCOME OUR SUPPLY PASTOR LAURA CSELLAK.

This Sunday we are baptizing Wyatt James Clark. The Parents are Devon and Jessica Clark and the sponsors are Jason Larson and Gabriella Lockwood. Many blessings to you all!

Our Transition Pastor is Pastor Timothy Hoyer.

His Cell Phone is (716) 490-5731 in case of an emergency. His office hours are Thursday 1-3.

Good News

We share the peace of Christ during church. We do it very easily. How easy is it to say the same thing at home on a Tuesday? How easy is it to say to a friend at work?

Jesus gave power to his disciples so they could talk of Jesus. Jesus commissioned them to speak his forgiveness to all nations. On Pentecost, the power to do that--the Holy Spirit--was given to the disciples. And on that day, with people from around the world gathered in Jerusalem, the disciples spoke of Jesus to all nations. They said that God had made Jesus the savior, the one who had been crucified. God did that by raising Jesus from the dead.

Three thousand people were baptized on that day. That was the beginning of the church. The people devoted themselves to hearing the stories of Jesus, to fellowship, the breaking of the bread (Communion), and praying.

That is what we do still, all so that forgiveness--being made right with God--can be given to us and anyone we tell it to. You have the power to tell people they are forgiven. You have the Holy Spirit.

Peace,

Pastor Hoyer

Change in Spring Work Day: Please join us for our

annual Spring Work Day, Saturday, May 23rd from 9-12

am. Many hands make light work.

OUR PACKING IS DONE FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED IN

MAKING 5 LOAVES AND 2 FISH BACKPACKS POSSIBLE:

School administrators

School teachers

Custodial staff

Teachers and students who set up for pack night

Those doing the ordering and shelving

Teacher, parent and community volunteers

Our Board who coordinates it all

Our board treasurer who secures area grants

Our hundreds of donors and supporters

of our annual fundraising events.

Yes, this takes a village.....THANK YOU!

We can't thank our volunteers enough for all you do to make this happen! If you're looking for a wonderful way to give back to your community, please consider volunteering 1 time a month packing bags of food for area students. We're done by 8:00 pm!

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! Contact Gale-Svenson-Campbell for details gales1949@gmail.com

Fun Fact: During the 25/26 school year, St. Timothy packed

6332 bags of food for our students!!!

If you can volunteer, please contact

Gale Svenson-Campbell at the link above. Thank you!!

St. Timothy Church

Pancake Breakfast

June 7th, 2026

(In the fellowship hall right after the 10 am Worship Service)

Bring a Friend/Family Member!

Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage,

Homefries, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit,

Coffee, and Juice

Hope to see you there!

The Lutheran House in Chautauqua is again asking St. Timothy to provide cookies and snacks for their afternoon tea on August 11. Please contact Sarah Goebel if you are willing to make/provide some refreshments. Please call or text Sarah at 716 450-2986.

As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, let’s remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Anyone that has any pictures or stories that they would like to share?

Send them to sttimothy2015@gmail.com

Worship with Pastor Laura Csellak

Tai Chi 10 am and 12 pm

Choir

Tai Chi 10 am

Transition Pastor

Pastor Timothy Hoyer