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Adult Christian Education Class Continues
Join us this week as we continue with week 6 of our 6 week study of the book, "Hungry For God" by Margaret Feinberg. You can purchase a copy of the book in the church office for $10 or you can purchase online as a download for your e-reader of choice. The six-week study is for teens and adults.
In your heart you feel the longing--an emptiness that can't be satisfied by food or friendships or entertainment or success or anything this world can offer. Only God can fill the void. More than you know, you hunger for God.
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New Adult Christian Education Class
On Sunday, October 23rd, the adult class will begin a new study called Transforming Scripture by Frank Wade. This comes from the Episcopal Church's series Transformation: The Episcopal Church in the 21st Century. Learn how we can better study and use scripture to transform our church and our own spiritual life.
Books will be ordered for your purchase. You may find a good deal on half.com or put it on your Kindle. Charles Smith will be the facilitator. The class begins at 10:45 AM in the Parish Hall.
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The Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Proper 24
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Prelude "Sonata I" Lento Rick Land
Dedicated to Mother Linda Kelly
Processional Hymn 537 Christ For The World We Sing
Glory To You S 236
Psalm 99
Sequence Hymn 391 Before The Lord's Eternal Throne
Offertory "Before The Throne Of God Above" arr. Land
The Doxology
Sanctus S 129
Fraction Anthem - Seed Scattered And Sown
Communion Hymn 318 Here, O My Lord I See Thee Face To Face
Recessional Hymn 607 O God Of Every Nation
Closing Organ Improvisation
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 Liturgical Support for October 16, 2011
Thanks to those who will be serving us during this Sunday's service: (You can also view the Liturgical Support Calendar by clicking on this link for future reference.)
LECTORS
Charles Smith
Mary Niccum
CHALICE SERVERS
Karen Lang
Diana McGarr
ACOLYTES
Karen Lang - Crucifer
Jojo R. - Torchbearer
Sarah Smith. - Torchbearer
GREETER Iris Ragsdale USHERS Charles Smith G. Niccum Altar Guild
Valerie H.
Cindy T.
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 ...commentary on the Lesson
Matthew 22:15-22
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So 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. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, "Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, "Whose head is this, and whose title?" They 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." When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away. Down through human history, humanity has proven itself to be largely "un-redeemable". Recently, we noted that perhaps the creation of humanity is a huge cosmic joke. The sheer unchangeable nature of man appears to be a fact of life. However, there are countless acts of human kindness, patience, tolerance, benevolence and profound self sacrifice.
Where does this kindness come from?
In reading the lesson - Jesus was obviously very shrewd in his response to the "legalists' of his day.
I cannot imagine living a life in constant danger. Jesus put himself in the position of possible physical harm every day. He challenged every human assumption, every human frailty and deviance.
World wars have been fought to confront the deviance of civilizations. There is possibly no more extreme deviant human behavior than the holocaust.
Can we learn anything from history or from the words of Jesus?
Has the church had any positive effect whatsoever on human behavior?
Americans now have more laws and institutions of law enforcement than ever before in history, and there appears to be no end in sight.
The whole "culture" of human protection, healthcare, education, law enforcement ad infinitum have never been more sophisticated and complex, and the "vortex of taxes" to pay for it all has never been so pervasive.
Is it possible that we can actually learn something from Jesus words concerning "whose face was on the coin used for tax" ?
If we do not pay our taxes - we will suffer incarceration - we do not have a choice. But we have another choice...no institution, religion or system can or will ever force us to be "better".
If we give God something far, far more significant - our spiritual consciousness - - our lives will be radically changed, our thinking and behavior will be profoundly affected. Simple acts of prayer and confession in our liturgy should jolt us our of our bad habits, apathy and stupidity.
But, it requires a conscious effort to be "better" - to think wisely and to behave in a way that contradicts everything in society. Unfortunately, it may require more patience than we possess.
It now appears that the church historically, has had very little effect on human behavior and in some ways, made it more corrupt, confused and neurotic.
We can make a proactive, individual choice to rise above institutions, social influence, religious ambiguity and raw human nature.
"...give therefore unto the emperor the things that are the emperor's,
and to God the things that are God's."
There will always be "pharisees" among us who cannot change, who will never comprehend human compassion, tolerance, love, equanimity and patience. That's just the way it is...
We may be authentically disciplined and truly loving in our personal behavior, but we still have to pay our taxes to protect us from the "nut" next door.
Institutions can "adjust" human behavior, but only God can change the "human heart".
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 Visit St. Matthew's Website
Our website is finally up to date and current with all the information you need to stay informed of all the happenings at St. Matt's! For those who serve as acolytes and readers please consult the Liturgical Support Calendar online by clicking here.  Also you can view our
Monthly Newsletter online by clicking on the button on the left!
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