Offering Meditation for Proper 25a – 29-October-23

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29-October-23 (Matthew 27:34-46)

"The two Great Commandments are guidelines for all we do in our lives of faith as individuals and as the Church. As such they are appropriate for this time of offering as well. When we consider what we will give back to God for the work of the Church, there are no better guidelines than, support that which embodies our love for God and communicates our love for all people, all our neighbors.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 25a – 29-October-23”

Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 29-October-23

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29-October-23 (Matthew 27:34-46)

Jesus tells us, in the gospel passage for today, that the focus of our life with God and each other is to love.  Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.  … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 29-October-23”

Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 29-October-23

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29-Oct-23 (Matthew 27:34-46)

Of all the things you should do, what do you think is the most important? What should you do first, most, and all the time?
[wait for answers]
When Jesus was asked that question, he said there were two things: First, love God with all your heart, soul, and strength.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 29-October-23”

Offering Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23

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22-October-23 (Matthew 22:15-22)

You probably can't find a more appropriate verse to enter into a time of offering than our gospel passage for today. I could simply say Jesus' own words, "Give to God what is God's." and end there... but I won't.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”

Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 24a – 22-October-23

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22-Oct-23 (Matthew 22:15-22)

In today's story from the Gospel, some folks asked Jesus about paying taxes. Now, just as it is now, in Jesus' day, people didn't really like paying taxes. These folks were trying to catch Jesus because, no matter what Jesus said, they could make him seem wrong.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”

Table Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23

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22-October-23 (Matthew 22:15-22)

We often think of giving to God what is God's during the time of the offering, but it's also appropriate at the Table.  Here Jesus asks only one thing from us: "Do this to remember me." And so, we come to the table to remember the Christ who gave up his life that we might have life with God.  … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”

Offering Meditation for Proper 23a – 15-October-23

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15-October-23 (Matthew 22:1-14)

Jesus' warning in the gospel reading for today is that it's not about who we know or who we associate with that opens up the Realm of God for us. We should also say that it's not about doing good things either, like contributing to the offering.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”

Table Meditation (Epistle) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23

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15-October-23 (Philippians 4:1-9)

At the end of Paul's comments in Philippians 4 for today, he says, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Epistle) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”

Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23

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15-Oct-23 (Matthew 22:1-14)

What would you do if you were able to have a big party for your birthday, you invited all your friends, and every one of them came up with some excuse for not coming. How would that make you feel?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”

Offering Meditation for Proper 22a – 8-October-23

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8-October-23 (Matthew 21:33-46)

In the story for today, Jesus talks about people who selfishly try to keep the blessings and love of God to themselves. That's the one thing we can't afford to do as the church.
There are a lot of things going on in the church, but all of them have one thing in common: They're all ways that we demonstrate the love of God, freely given to all people.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 22a – 8-October-23”