Matthew 25: “Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; 25so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26But 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? 27Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. 28So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. 29For 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. 30As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Our faithful giving reveals an eternal perspective. Saving and investing reflect wisdom, but hoarding reflects selfishness and fear.
In the above story, the last of the three servants reflects all of the characteristics of a hoarder (and these can often be seen as well, in the church of Jesus Christ):
- A belief that God is to be feared and not trusted.
- Financial anxiety, pessimism, and self-protection.
- Risk-avoidant and risk-intolerant.
- Lonely, empty, and resentful
However, these are not the characteristics of the disciple of Jesus Christ. We know that our God IS good, that He can be trusted, and that He does love us. Anything we have is given to us to manage not consume for our selfish desires on our timetables. Thus, our approach to using our money as a church together, and as individuals in our particular acts of giving and worship, can be instructive for us if we have Lenten eyes to see.
Please pray regularly for your Priest, Vestry, and our Landscaping Committee as we try to make thoughtful and meaningful decisions in mission for the Love of God and our neighbors. We believe that the Lord is at work among us. Let us continually seek paths and applications reflective of His character and ways.
See you Sunday!
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Choir Meet/Practice
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM, in the choir/organ loft
Home Sweet Home Project
Saturday, March 23, fundraising dinner, 5:30 PM
Palm Sunday, March 24th
One service at 9:30 AM
Maundy Thursday, March 28th, 6 PM
Good Friday, March 29th
Noon: Stations of the Cross
6 PM: Good Friday Service (no Eucharist)
Holy Saturday, March 30th
Great Easter Vigil service 7 PM
Easter Sunday, March 31th
One service at 10 AM. Easter Celebration Dinner-potluck after
AMORE’ FOR HOME SWEET HOME (update)
A huge thank-you to all who have registered to attend St. Matt’s HSH fundraiser on March 23rd – and to members who have pledged donations of wine, raffle items, gift cards, cakes/casseroles, table items, and more!
For members who haven’t done so, please reserve seats today through Tuesday (we are nearing the quota)! Suggested donations are $25 for adults / $10 for children under ten. See Rose Adams after services on Sunday or contact Linda T. at 309-242-7160. Make checks payable to St Matthew’s and note HSH on the memo line. The “will call” option is also available on the night of the benefit. Note, importantly: include the names and phone numbers (if possible) of each guest with your reservation. Plans are to text a welcome and reminder to all on Wednesday or Thursday. Also, every guest will receive a program and table assignment by name, along with a free raffle ticket upon arrival. Registration is at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:00 PM.
Finally, please deliver raffle items and frozen casseroles to the church Sunday through Friday mornings if possible. Questions, concerns? Don’t hesitate to call or text Linda Thomas at 309-242-7160. —Committee, Linda T (chair), Linda S, the Pitts, the St Peters.
CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter morning immediately following worship there will be an egg hunt for all youth.
UPCOMING INQUIRER”S CLASS
We are suggesting the beginning of a Membership Inquirer’s Class starting on Wednesday April 17th at 6:00 PM. The classes would be offered on successive Wednesdays through June 12th (9 Sessions in total). If you are interested, please sign-up on the posted sheet on the board just outside of the church office. Please communicate with Father Tom if you would prefer a different day/time during the week, need childcare, or if you may need a ride. In the past, we have had a dinner at 5:30 PM before the start of the class, but this would need to be decided by the group. Joining the Inquirer’s Class is not a pledge to join St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. However, following the class anyone desiring to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (and St. Matt’s) will have the option to do so.