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Summer in Truchas Village with the Truchas Peaks in the distance.
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20th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday Home Worship for October 18, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Melt me; mold me; fill me; use me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
To’mame, ca’mbiame, lle’name, u’same. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
Prayer: O Lord, we thank you that you fill the whole earth with your presence and are present with us now as we worship you. May we worship you in reverence, gratitude and love. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity..
All: Extol the Lord our God…Holy is God! (from Psalm 99:4&5)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
We trust people who have authority over us, such as parents, teachers. One thing that is important to remember is that God loves us and has given us people to direct us. We can know that they are helping us when they treat us with love and care, because God treats us with love and care.
Scripture: Matthew 22: 15-22 (Other texts to be read in the Reflection)
Reflection – “In Whose Image?” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson These are politically crazy and intense times. I’m tired of commercials for whatever candidates are running for whatever office, who hurl insults back and forth and claim the other party is lying. How should a Christian respond in these disturbing times? I believe our Matthew text, along with other forthcoming texts, addresses this.
You are probably familiar with the story. Two groups of enemies Herodians and Pharisees got together to try to entrap Jesus. As a group they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” What a loaded question! There seemed no way that Jesus could answer the question without getting in hot water with one group of the populace or another, those who supported the Roman occupation, or Jews who didn’t. Jesus response was not what they expected. He asked to be shown the coin used for the tax. They brought him a denarius. He asked, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They responded, The emperor’s.”
“Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Isn’t that a somewhat strange and enigmatic response for Jesus to make? His adversaries had no response and left. What are we as Christians to do with this statement? As Christians we are caught between two worlds, two sets of responsibilities: God’s and our civic responsibilities. How do we juggle these worlds? How do we respond to living under God’s authority and under the Civil government’s? Are these really two different worlds? Are some things under God’s and some things the government’s? Should we not even talk in church about these matters?
Christians answer this question in a number of ways: some say we shouldn’t even vote; some say we should vote but do it only in a certain way; some, including myself, say Christians have a variety of positions on civic responsibility and we should respect this fact as we seek to follow Biblical guidelines, whatever our positions are, as we seek to be faithful to God’s call. The separation of church and state means among other things the institution of the church should not support a given candidate. However, we should talk about Biblical principles to guide our lives. Here are two principles Jesus's words suggest toguide us through these troubling times.
First, all things are under God’s domain (Ephesians 4:4-6). “There is… one God and (Parent) of us all, who is above all and through all and in all (vs. 6).” As crazy as things can get, as disruptive as things may seem, God is ultimately with us and for us, and God will have the last word. “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s. I don’t believe he is saying that some things are God’s and God doesn’t have to do with anything else. I think he is more likely pushing us to remember that however we work out our civic responsibilities all things are in God’s realm. This still leaves crucial questions: Does God’s realm have national boundaries? How do human leaders use their power? (We each have our own answers. Are they built on the Biblical assertion that all things are under God’s domain?)
Second, we are all made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26a). “Then God said, ’Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…” There’s a bit of irony in Jesus asking his adversaries whose head was on the coin. “Likeness” is the Greek word (ikon) translated from Genesis 1:26a that Matthew uses in verse 20. Jesus is actually asking, “Whose likeness is this, and whose title?” (David Lose, “Image, Likeness, and Identity,” In the Meantime, 2017) The coin may bear the emperor’s image, but we all bear God’s image and are in God’s likeness! Of what immeasurable value is every person on the face of the earth! We bear the image and likeness of the living God. Furthermore, Scripture tells us “God is love (I John 4:8c).” Love is an integral part of God’s image and likeness! We are all loved, “they” (those “others”) are loved! Do we reflect God’s image in our lives? Do we seek to reflect God’s image in how we live and treat others? Are all equally valuable? As we consider the candidates in the upcoming election do we choose those we think most nearly reflect (all of us fall short) God’s image? God’s Good News is that all things are under God’s domain and we are all made in God’s image and likeness. Carry this with you wherever you go; in whatever you do! However, you work to sort out your civic responsibilities and your responsibilities to God remember it’s God’s domain and we are in God’s image – love.
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #318 (In Christ There Is No East or West)
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.
Join hands disciples of the faith, what-e’er your race may be. All children of the living God are surely kin to me.
Confession of Sin & Statement of Forgiveness: Let us confess where we have failed to trust God.
Dear God, thank you for your love that reaches to all parts of your domain. Forgive us when we fail to reflect your image in us. Give us wisdom as we follow you. Thank you that you do forgive us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Responding to God’s Word Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas, NM 87578 or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM 87522.
Prayers of Joys and Concern -
- Thanksgiving that God has created us in love and in God’s image
- Thanks that all things are under God domain.
- For what else are you thankful?
- Prayers for our nation with its divisions and prejudices
- Prayers for those at risk of illness because of poverty
- Prayers for Frutoza Lopez’s family in her passing away.
- Prayers for David Bass and Anthony Ruiz -
- For what other concerns do you wish to pray?
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #300 “We Are One in the Spirit”
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord; And we pray that all unity may one day be restored; And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Benediction: The God of hope give us joy and peace in believing as we share our hope. through Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507
Sunday Home Worship for October 18, 2020
Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Truchas; El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Chimayo
Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Assoc.
We encourage you to conduct this worship with your family, or if alone, with a friend on the phone.
Centering On God
Sing or Speak Together: Glory to God #288 “Spirit of the Living God”
Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Melt me; mold me; fill me; use me. Spirit of the living God, fall a-fresh on me.
Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
To’mame, ca’mbiame, lle’name, u’same. Santo Espi’ritu de Dios, ven sobre mi’.
Prayer: O Lord, we thank you that you fill the whole earth with your presence and are present with us now as we worship you. May we worship you in reverence, gratitude and love. Through Christ. Amen
Praising God
One: Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity..
All: Extol the Lord our God…Holy is God! (from Psalm 99:4&5)
Reflecting On God’s Word
Children’s Time – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson
We trust people who have authority over us, such as parents, teachers. One thing that is important to remember is that God loves us and has given us people to direct us. We can know that they are helping us when they treat us with love and care, because God treats us with love and care.
Scripture: Matthew 22: 15-22 (Other texts to be read in the Reflection)
Reflection – “In Whose Image?” – Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson These are politically crazy and intense times. I’m tired of commercials for whatever candidates are running for whatever office, who hurl insults back and forth and claim the other party is lying. How should a Christian respond in these disturbing times? I believe our Matthew text, along with other forthcoming texts, addresses this.
You are probably familiar with the story. Two groups of enemies Herodians and Pharisees got together to try to entrap Jesus. As a group they asked Jesus, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” What a loaded question! There seemed no way that Jesus could answer the question without getting in hot water with one group of the populace or another, those who supported the Roman occupation, or Jews who didn’t. Jesus response was not what they expected. He asked to be shown the coin used for the tax. They brought him a denarius. He asked, “Whose head is this and whose title?” They responded, The emperor’s.”
“Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Isn’t that a somewhat strange and enigmatic response for Jesus to make? His adversaries had no response and left. What are we as Christians to do with this statement? As Christians we are caught between two worlds, two sets of responsibilities: God’s and our civic responsibilities. How do we juggle these worlds? How do we respond to living under God’s authority and under the Civil government’s? Are these really two different worlds? Are some things under God’s and some things the government’s? Should we not even talk in church about these matters?
Christians answer this question in a number of ways: some say we shouldn’t even vote; some say we should vote but do it only in a certain way; some, including myself, say Christians have a variety of positions on civic responsibility and we should respect this fact as we seek to follow Biblical guidelines, whatever our positions are, as we seek to be faithful to God’s call. The separation of church and state means among other things the institution of the church should not support a given candidate. However, we should talk about Biblical principles to guide our lives. Here are two principles Jesus's words suggest toguide us through these troubling times.
First, all things are under God’s domain (Ephesians 4:4-6). “There is… one God and (Parent) of us all, who is above all and through all and in all (vs. 6).” As crazy as things can get, as disruptive as things may seem, God is ultimately with us and for us, and God will have the last word. “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s and to God the things that are God’s. I don’t believe he is saying that some things are God’s and God doesn’t have to do with anything else. I think he is more likely pushing us to remember that however we work out our civic responsibilities all things are in God’s realm. This still leaves crucial questions: Does God’s realm have national boundaries? How do human leaders use their power? (We each have our own answers. Are they built on the Biblical assertion that all things are under God’s domain?)
Second, we are all made in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26a). “Then God said, ’Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…” There’s a bit of irony in Jesus asking his adversaries whose head was on the coin. “Likeness” is the Greek word (ikon) translated from Genesis 1:26a that Matthew uses in verse 20. Jesus is actually asking, “Whose likeness is this, and whose title?” (David Lose, “Image, Likeness, and Identity,” In the Meantime, 2017) The coin may bear the emperor’s image, but we all bear God’s image and are in God’s likeness! Of what immeasurable value is every person on the face of the earth! We bear the image and likeness of the living God. Furthermore, Scripture tells us “God is love (I John 4:8c).” Love is an integral part of God’s image and likeness! We are all loved, “they” (those “others”) are loved! Do we reflect God’s image in our lives? Do we seek to reflect God’s image in how we live and treat others? Are all equally valuable? As we consider the candidates in the upcoming election do we choose those we think most nearly reflect (all of us fall short) God’s image? God’s Good News is that all things are under God’s domain and we are all made in God’s image and likeness. Carry this with you wherever you go; in whatever you do! However, you work to sort out your civic responsibilities and your responsibilities to God remember it’s God’s domain and we are in God’s image – love.
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #318 (In Christ There Is No East or West)
In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north,
but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.
Join hands disciples of the faith, what-e’er your race may be. All children of the living God are surely kin to me.
Confession of Sin & Statement of Forgiveness: Let us confess where we have failed to trust God.
Dear God, thank you for your love that reaches to all parts of your domain. Forgive us when we fail to reflect your image in us. Give us wisdom as we follow you. Thank you that you do forgive us through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Responding to God’s Word Offering: You may send your monetary offering to Smith Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 340, Truchas, NM 87578 or El Buen Pastor Presbyterian Church, Box 185, Chimayo, NM 87522.
Prayers of Joys and Concern -
- Thanksgiving that God has created us in love and in God’s image
- Thanks that all things are under God domain.
- For what else are you thankful?
- Prayers for our nation with its divisions and prejudices
- Prayers for those at risk of illness because of poverty
- Prayers for Frutoza Lopez’s family in her passing away.
- Prayers for David Bass and Anthony Ruiz -
- For what other concerns do you wish to pray?
Concluding In Peace
Sing or Speak: Glory to God #300 “We Are One in the Spirit”
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord; we are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord; And we pray that all unity may one day be restored; And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Benediction: The God of hope give us joy and peace in believing as we share our hope. through Christ. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
+ Rev. Ann Graham-Johnson, Pastor; annfgj@gmail.com; Rev. Larry Graham-Johnson, Parish Associate; larrycgj@gmail.com. Ann’s cell – (520) 730-8943; Larry’s cell - (520) 730-2932. Ann & Larry’s mailing address: 3201 Zafarano Dr., Suite C, #343, Santa Fe, NM 87507