In this week’s lectionary gospel text, the Pharisees scheme to trap Jesus with what in journalistic parlance is known as a “gotcha” question -- asking him if it is lawful for religious folk to pay taxes to the emperor. After lashing out at them for “putting me to the test,” Jesus responds with his famous dictum that we should give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s. In this installment of The Immediate Word, team member Dean Feldmeyer points out how this is a timely question to consider with all of the ongoing controversy over how we ought to honor our civic icons and rituals like the flag and the national anthem.

“...give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperors and to God the things that are Gods.” (v. 21b)

Good morning boys and girls,

Welcome to worship today. So wonderful to see you.  Thanks for joining me for this children's message. How are you? How am I? Fantastic!

I want to show you two things:  An offering plate and a picture of Uncle Sam. Why Uncle Sam? Uncle Sam is America, and for this morning, Uncle Sam represents government.

The question today is: should we place our money in the offering plate for church missions or give taxes to Uncle Sam?

Contents
"What We Give to God" by Peter Andrew Smith
"Praise The Lord!" by John Fitzgerald

What We Give to God
by Peter Andrew Smith
Matthew 22:15-22

Vince flipped the burgers on the barbeque. “So how is married life treating you?”

“Pretty good.” Dave looked back at the house. “Although, I suspect Tina is getting the real scoop from Barb as we sit out here in the cold.”

Vince laughed. “Are you following the advice I gave you in the summer?”

Exodus 33:12-23
Augustus Toplady wrote many hymns in his life, but “Rock of Ages” is by far his most famous. There was a time, in the early 1900s, when this hymn was in more English hymnals than any other. Not only is it well known among churchgoers, it is also recognizable in popular culture. A 2006 Broadway musical about rock ’n roll (and a corresponding Hollywood film in 2012) adopted the name Rock of Ages.

The lessons for this Sunday share common themes regarding knowing God (how he is correctly known) and also that he receives all the credit due him for what he does for us. 

Exodus 33:12-23

"Are you coming?" shouted Tim breathlessly.

Ben bit his lip and frowned. "I'm not sure," he muttered.

Tim stared at him in amazement. Ben was considered to be the best football player in the class, and the game without him was unthinkable. "What do you mean?" asked Tim.

C. B. "Cleve" Bishop

They say you can't go home again, but I thought I'd try anyway. I went back to Seattle to visit my stepfather for a couple of weeks, after having been away for over twenty years. We really did have a good visit and enjoyed one another's company immensely.