11/14 & 15/2020 – 24th Sunday after Pentecost
November 22, 2020
Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church,
Anyone with me in saying; “Ok, 2020-ENOUGH!” I am laughing here but it does seem as if a lot has been throw into our laps over these months. Right??? I won’t rehash it all but suffice it to say that it was no surprise to see a hurricane warning crop up two weeks after the END of hurricane season-it just kind of fits, doesn’t it?
Someone with insight posted the following:
Don’t give up on this year
Keep fighting for the good.
Keep showing up.
Keep loving.
Keep giving back.
Keep being kind.
Keep being brave.
Keep caring.
Keep trying new things.
Keep showing grace.
Keep forgiving.
Keep on.
This world needs you to believe in the good.
Because of our Lord Jesus, in spite of all the stuff we have seen and endured over these months, we can still be of good courage, continuing to keep our faith and our joy in Jesus intact. We can keep working in the world in Jesus’ name as we see the hurt, the anger, the hunger, the homelessness, the financial instability, the fear, the loneliness, the anxiety in the lives of those around us. When we show up and share the love of Jesus with others, we are, as Luther often said, being Christ to one another. We believe in the good because we believe in Jesus who is the best good there is. (The good-est??) What an amazing privilege that is! My friends, it doesn’t get better than that!
I love each of you and pray for you! Pr. Jen+
PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray. Righteous God, our merciful master, you own the earth and all its peoples, and you give us all that we have. Inspire us to serve you with justice and wisdom, and prepare us for the joy of the day of your coming, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
READING Gospel: Matthew 25:14-303 A reading from Matthew. (And Jesus said; ) 14 “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; 15 to one he gave five talents, [ a ] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. 17 In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. 18 But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 22 And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24 Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29 For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 30 As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HOMILY: Alexander Solzhenitsyn was a prisoner in Russia. He was on a program of hard labor and slow starvation. One day he felt like giving up. He felt his life could not make a difference. He sat down on a bench knowing that when he was spotted by a guard he would be ordered back to work, but when he failed to respond the guard would bludgeon him to death. As he sat waiting, head down, he felt a presence. Slowly he lifted his eyes. Next to him sat an old man with a wrinkled, utterly expressionless face. Hunched over, the old man drew a stick through the sand at Solzhenitsyn’s feet deliberately tracing out the sign of the cross. As Solzhenitsyn stared at the rough outline his entire perspective shifted. In that moment, he knew that the hope of all humanity was represented by that simple cross – and through its power anything was possible. Solzhenitsyn slowly got up, picked up his shovel and went back to work – not knowing that his writings on truth and freedom would one day enflame the whole world.
~~~Many of us can attest to the power of a perspective change. When we see the world differently, we live differently. It has been said that perception is reality. A rollercoaster can be either scary or thrilling—it depends on how you perceive it.
~~~~With this Parable of the Talents, Jesus invites his followers to see life from a different perspective. Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, a ragtag group of men, and women, too, who would soon experience life without Jesus’ physical presence. They would soon be tempted to view life from the perspective of scarcity. They wouldn’t have Jesus. They would have to wait for the Spirit. They would suffer persecution for the faith.
~~~Matthew records the words of Jesus and includes them in his Gospel in order to speak to the early Christians. Life was not easy for them, nor was it easy for the Church. In order to be Christians people had to endure separation from their families and from society. They often experienced persecution from the authorities. The Church was struggling, too, with divisions between the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. Certainly, the early Christians could view life as a wilderness—hot, dry, uncomfortable, with not much to offer as comfort.
~~~I believe that we are quite similar to the early Christians. It is very tempting for us to view the life around us and see only scarcity. Between pandemic and the isolation and fear it has caused, the possibility of facing holidays without gatherings with our loved ones, with financial instability for too many in our country, we see the scarcity, we feel the scarcity. This is happening in a land of abundance, with incredible wealth and resources. To the rest of the world, we Americans are the 1% and they are the 99% who think life is unfair because we enjoy our wealth while they struggle to survive. It’s a matter of perspective.
~~~Even though we are aware of these two perspectives, we often fall into the temptation of seeing the scarcity of life rather than the abundance. Will we have enough to retire-and will it last? Should we risk going to a restaurant, or get take out or cook at home? Should we engage in gatherings with people-what if no one wears a mask? We place the emphasis on scarcity rather than abundance. We feel the scarcity and see it. HOWEVER, Jesus give us a different perspective on life with this parable. ~~~The talents of the parable are really about God’s life and power shared with us through baptism into Jesus and his cross, not about our natural abilities. Our response is to allow God’s hand to use our abilities, to use US, to build up his kingdom. ~~~The servants who obeyed the Master used their talents wisely and increased them, and are invited to experience the joy of the master. The joy of the master is the joy of sharing, living life with love for others, gifts being distributed into the world. In this sense the interest gained on the talents is like the hundred-fold that we, as followers of Jesus receive when we give out talents, our gifts to others as we follow Jesus. When we follow our purpose to be led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all, it is a blessing to the world and to us. However, one of the servants didn’t see the abundance that was his.
~~~The third servant is not able to hear or accept the invitation. The third servant has not only hidden the talent, he has buried himself. The third servant is not so much condemned as he condemns himself to a place – a life – that knows not joy but knows only darkness and wailing and grinding of teeth. This place, as such a life, is self-created-selfish-focusing on self..
~~~ For those who believe God to be gracious, loving, giving, and forgiving; to them God IS gracious, loving, giving and forgiving. For those who believe God to be hard, demanding, and judgmental; to them God is that.
~~~We might interpret the talents as the Gospel- the good news of God’s saving love for us through Jesus and his cross-the great treasure God has given the church. By trying to protect it, or save it only for ourselves, we risk losing it. We know something about limited wealth in our country, but there are also examples of things that when given away do not diminish. One such idea is a candle lighting in worship. When one person shares the light of a candle with another person, the first person’s light isn’t diminished in any way; and there is now twice as much light for all.
~~~The same thing can be said of sharing love. And sharing the Gospel. Our ability to love doesn’t diminish by sharing it; and there will be more love in the world. The power of the Gospel is not diminished by sharing it; and there could be more believers in the world. Rather than moan about our scarcity-we see it and we feel it and we acknowledge it, but that’s not all. Together, let us celebrate and bear witness to our abundance! Share the light and saving love of Jesus -the world is counting on us to do that !!! Amen
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Longing for Christ’s reign to come among us, we pray for the outpouring of God’s power on the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
Lord of the church, ignite your people with the passion of your love. By the fire of your Holy Spirit, unify us with all people of faith and refine us to participate in your activity throughout the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of creation, we stand in awe at the works of your hands and praise you for the beauty of nature. Bless the earth for your glory and restore its integrity where exploitation has caused ruin. Be with all who suffer from natural disasters. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of the nations, send your justice to all corners of the earth. Rise us up to stand for all people and work to end human rights abuse. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lod of all in need, search out all who cry to you in distress. Scatter the gloom of depression, chronic illness, unemployment, and loneliness with your radiant light. Send us as signs of your encouragement and healing love, especially to….. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Lord of the living and the dead, we give you thanks for all the saints at rest from their labors. Raise us up to follow their examples that we may also be signs of your love in our world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Receive our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, until that day when you gather all creation around your throne where you will reign forever and ever. Amen.
OUR FATHER…
BLESSING Almighty God, the Father, + the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with us now and always. Amen.
DISMISSAL We go in peace with grateful hearts for all God has done for us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all! Thanks be to God!!!
HOPE HAPPENINGS
We welcome all who worship with us today. Please complete one of the visitor cards at our guest table. If you would like to make Hope your church home, please speak to Pastor Jen. Everyone is welcome at Hope Lutheran Church.
Next Week’s Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46
The October thru December Word in Season Devotionals are available on the narthex table.
LAY SERVANTS
Altar Guild -Gail Zahs and Delores Hall Ushers- Pr. Cheryll A-K and Karl Kaukis
PRAYER LIST Please call the church office or email Pr. Jen with any prayer requests you may have so they may be shared with the congregation.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Kathy’s friend for healing and love
Carol for healing, hope, and God’s Will
Bob Kostrowsky for healing
Anna and David Fretz for healing.
Laura Everill, daughter of Phyllis and Tom Agness, residing in a healthcare facility
Walter Crowley, husband of Kathryn and father of Ginger Toomire recovering from pneumonia
Joyce, sister in law of Elaine Dougan, recovering from brain cancer surgery
John Greene, Millie’s husband, for strength and healing
Cheryl Burke who is in need of healing
Larry and Barbara Brady, as they focus on healing
Pr. Pat for healing
Sandy for healing
Jean and David for healing
Ian, nephew of Barbara Johnson, as he goes through testing
Susan for healing
Jason for healing
Pr. Marilyn for healing
Bobby Toomire and Ginger for healing
Healing for all those infected by Covid 19
For all people to remain safe and show wisdom and love to all
NEW AT HOPE
HOPE’S LOVE PANTRY UPDATE Many of our neighbors have become aware of Hope’s Love Pantry and are using it regularly. In these hard times where there are many layoffs due to the virus, help is needed for food & supplies. Hope Lutheran Church’s Love Pantry is open to anyone in need and it is refilled twice weekly. Donations may be left in the pantry or containers located to the left of the main entrance of the church.
BIBLES AND BAGELS Please join us Mondays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for Bible Study and sharing in the Fellowship Hall. Physical Distancing and sharing in Scripture and discussion are blessings we can share together!! All are welcome
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT HOPE!! Wednesdays at 10:00 AM there will be worship in the parking lot for all those who wish to join us for prayer, a brief homily and study of Scripture and sharing in the Eucharist. Prayer is always a good thing, but considering how things are in our community, our country, and our world right now, our calling as Christians is to be even more fervent and vigilant in our payers, focusing our attention on God’s Word and sharing in the life-giving and hope-filled gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood in Holy Communion. ALL ARE WELCOME! Spread the Word!!
BIBLE STUDY ON THE ACT OF THE APOSTLES ONLINE!!!! Pr. Cheryll Armstrong-Kaukis is hosting a new Bible Study based on the amazing book of Acts. If you would like to be a part of this group, please contact either the church office or Pr Cheryll directly at cheryll.kaukis@gmail.com and let her know to sign you up! Please join us as we discover anew the growth of the church in the earliest days and how that impacts our faith today!!
NEW FM RADIO STATION. Anyone can now listen to worship in their vehicles by tuning into FM Radio station 88.3. All services will be broadcast on radio station FM 88.3.
HYMN REQUESTS If there are any particular hymns that you would like to hear at worship, please submit the names to Pastor Jen at hopeluthern1@comcast.net . If our licensing agreement permits, look forward to hearing them soon.
HOPES AND DREAMS FOR HOPE – If you have a suggestion for a Hope or Dream for Hope Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen and your council would love to hear it. Please feel free to place any Hope or Dream in the mailbox in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. All requests will be kept confidential and you will receive a timely response.
NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETING will be held on November 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM.
BLOOD DRIVE Save the Date – November 22, 2020 in the parking lot.
ADVENT WEDNESDAY SERVICES will be held on December 2nd, 9th, 16th at 6:30 PM. Look for more details soon.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLING – Save the date – Sunday, December 20, 2020 time to be determined.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP will be held at 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. Christmas Day will be held at 10:00 AM.
Thanksgiving Eve worship on Wed. Nov. 25 at 4pm in the parking lot. All are welcome!
New Year’s Eve Dec 31 at 4pm in the parking lot.
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