October 18, 2020 - Pentecost Season Devotion - Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
Join us for worship this Sunday, 9:30 a.m., "Signs of Love ... All Is God’s!"
Thanks be to God for those who have given their time and leadership as we now worship again in our sanctuary!
You will find more details below, including, signing up for worship, signing up to volunteer, what to expect, and children's activity sheets. You can also access these details on our website and on our Facebook page!
Worship each Sunday will be a 30-minute service including live music by our worship leaders, a children's message and a message from Pastor Jamie. Holy Communion will be offered as the service ends. If you prefer, if your timing is better, from 10:15-10:30 a.m., you are invited to drive up to the curb of the sidewalk in front of the building, and receive Holy Communion in your vehicle.
Each Sunday we will make every attempt to live stream the service for you at 9:30 a.m.
We hope you join us for worship this Sunday! We look forward to seeing you soon!
You can access the bulletin for this Sunday, October 11, here.
You can access a printable version of the bulletin for this Sunday, October 11, here.
You can access children's activity sheets for this Sunday here.
You can sign up to attend worship this Sunday here.
You can access details and what to expect as we share indoor worship here.
You can access the signupgenius and ways to assist our indoor service here.
vs. 1
This is my Father’s world,
And to my list’ning ears,
All nature sings,
And round me rings,
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world;
I rest me in the thought,
Of rocks and trees,
Of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.vs. 2
This is my Father’s world;
The birds their carols raise;
The morning light,
The lily white,
Declare their maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world;
He shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass,
I hear him pass;
He speaks to me ev’rywhere.vs. 3
This is my Father’s world;
Oh, let me not forget,
That, though the wrong
Seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world;
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King,
let the heavens ring;
God reigns,
Let the earth be glad!
“Then Jesus said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor
the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Matthew 22:21-22”
What kinds of things do you put your name? What things belong to you?
“It’s mine, mine, mine!” Our world, our lives, often tell us to put our name on our possessions. At times, we can get caught up comparing what we have with what other people have.
This Is My Father’s World!
Once we have something, we usually try to protect it. Sometimes there is a fine line between protecting and sharing, or keeping it all for ourselves. Names and identifying marks tell us what belongs to who.
This Is My Father’s World!
The Pharisees ask, `Is it right to pay taxes?' Jesus replies, `Show me the coin. Whose head is this. Give to those what belongs to them.' What Jesus teaches here is radically different from the world - `Everything comes from heaven. It is created there and originates there! Everything is God's, God's, God's!'
This Is My Father’s World!
When we want everything to be ours, ours, ours; we fall short. As the Holy Spirit fills us to trust every sign of love is entrusted to us, further trust the Holy Spirit is revealing to us what belongs to God: Everything!
This Is My Father’s World!
Look for God’s identifying mark on everything! As individuals and as a congregation, as the people of God, as Lord of Life, we are God’s:
Signs of love, His chosen ones! 1 Thessalonians 1:4
People, given Word and Power! 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Imitators, in spite of persecution! 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Examples! 1 Thessalonians 1:7
Blessings, filled with faith! 1 Thessalonians 1:8
Messengers, to welcome others! 1 Thessalonians 1:9
Witnesses, waiting for Christ's return! 1 Thessalonians 1:10
This Is My Father’s World!
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring; God reigns, let the earth be glad!
Celebrate and trust all God is doing with every sign of love, for God’s identifying mark is on it all, God's name and grace are on us, one and all!
Let us pray: Loving God, today, we thank you that you love us and want us and long for us so very much, that you put your name on each one of us! We are yours forever! By your Spirit, quiet that desire in us and in the world, for us to see everything as ours, and to compare what we have with others have. All good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above, and originate with you; truly your name is on every sign of love that comes our way, and you entrust them into our care. Increase our faith to believe anew and to make know for one and all: This Is My Father’s World; you are the Perfect Sign of Love; my heart, and the earth are forever so glad. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.