“Render to God what is God’s”
Matthew 22:21
We are glad you are joining us as we learn new ways to worship during this pandemic. We pray that you are healthy and find ways to live into how Jesus taught us to live: strive for justice, love and kindness and walk humbly with God.
Each week we have members from our community read the scripture. This week we thank Dave for reading.
This week Candidate Lisa Mensinger who has served as our intern is providing our message. Please remember to share this link with friends and family members!
We pray that you find peace and hope in the songs and words shared here until we meet again at Elim.
“God Is Here!” ELW #526
keyboard: Diane McDonough; vocals: Pastor Bruce
God is here! As we Your people meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us, all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of the Spirit into open minds and hearts.
Here are symbols to remind us of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table fond, and pulpit; here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching, her sin silence, as in speech,
here, in newness and renewal, God the Spirit comes to each.
Here our children find a welcome in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken, Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living to believe and to adore.
Lord of all, of church and kingdom, in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel; help us work Your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication, all we have to give, receive;
we, who cannot live without You, we adore You! We believe!
Reading:
Genesis 1:26-27 read by Dave Thomas.
26 Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.”
27 So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them;
Psalm 96: 1-9
Read by Lisa Mensinger.
Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!
Sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, bless His name;
Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.
3 Declare His glory among the nations,
His wonders among all peoples.
4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;
He is to be feared above all gods.
5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,
But the Lord made the heavens.
6 Honor and majesty are before Him;
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come into His courts.
9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 22:15-22 read by Lisa Mensinger.
15Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap [Jesus] in what he said. 16So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. 17Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” 18But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? 19Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. 20Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” 21They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
Homily
“What’s in Your Wallet?” by Lisa Mensinger. (Matthew 22:15-22)
“You Servants of God” ELW #825
keyboard: Diane McDonough; vocals: Pastor Bruce
You servants of God, Your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad His wonderful name;
the name, all victorious, of Jesus extol;
His kingdom is glorious and rules over all!
Ascended on high, almighty to save,
yet still He is nigh, His presence we have.
The great congregation His triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus, our King!
Salvation to God who sits on the throne!
Let all cry aloud and honor the Son.
The praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces, and worship the Lamb.
Then let us adore and give Him His right,
all glory and power and wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing, with angels above,
and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love!