July 20th scripture text

"The Gleaners" by Jean-François Millet

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

13:24 He put before them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field;

13:25 but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away.

13:26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well.

13:27 And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?'

13:28 He answered, 'An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?'

13:29 But he replied, 'No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them.

13:30 Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

13:36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field."

13:37 He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man;

13:38 the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one,

13:39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.

13:40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.

13:41 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers,

13:42 and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13:43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

UMCOR Health Kits

18,000 UMCOR Health Kits were delivered last week for use at the refugee/immigration centers in Laredo (6,000), McAllen and Brownsville (12,000).

UMCOR continues to request your generous response to this humanitarian emergency. If you would like to contribute, please go to: http://tinyurl.com/UMCOR901670

Prayers

JOYS:  Thanks be to God for …

Those who serve our country.
Our local missionary Samantha B. who safely arrived in Brazil for mission work.
Visitors in church:  Bill G.’s sister Gerry, Dave and Janice K.’s grandson Everett, Dave and Connie R.’s son Isaac, Heather T.’s mother Linda, Mary C.’s daughter and grandchildren.
Family pews in worship.
Cheryl Z. is back with us.
Wonderful United Methodist Women’s (UMW’s) annual picnic yesterday at Bonita Z.’s home.
Reunion visits with family and friends.
Sonja H.’s 2^nd place award at the Sapphire Quilt Guild’s quilt show at the Stevensville High School this weekend.
Joy of camping.
Great intra-generational camp at Flathead Lake last week.
United Methodist Men’s (UMM’s) – Their ½ of church rummage sale proceeds – have been sent to support the ministry of Flathead Lake UMC camp:  @ $1,150.
Boy Scouts and their leaders.
Birthday blessings for all whose birthdays are this time of year:  Sharon W.
All enjoying better health.
All serving in various capacities for the betterment of the church.
Wonderful Sunday school classes – every Sunday, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Safe travels.
Good health.
Healing.
Traveling mercies.
All those who journey.
The company of loving folks.

CONCERNS:  Oh, Lord, we humbly pray for … 
All our military Veterans and their families, especially those who are dealing with “the loss of body, mind and/or spirit.”
Samantha B.’s mission work in Brazil.
Healing mercies for Anne H., Hattie H., Les S., Judy W., Judy I., Shelby, Sue in west Texas, Carol’s cousin, George C., daughter Elaine, Aunt Marie, sister Barb, sister Jerry and “sister.”
Humane treatment/effective problem resolution – concerning the minor immigrant children flooding the U.S. borders.
Those away from home.

All those who mourn this day.

All who are in pain this day.
All who suffer from depression and anxiety.
All in search of hope.
Area children – that they have safe, encouraging places “to be” this summer.
Travelling mercies and for those not with us today.
Those who are dealing with life’s transitions.
Family members who are near and far from one another.
All who need the peace of God.
Unspoken prayers.

Today at SUMC

Angela H. shares the morning's special music

Flowers from Carol G.

The Wired Word Class

Today was a blessing as the Stevi UMC members and guests were on hand for study, worship, and fellowship! 

Today's musical offering, provided by Angela H. and Julie L., and today's sermon are on our YouTube channel.

Thanks to -
+Judy F. and (nurse) Linda for serving as hostesses during fellowship time.
+Belinda A. and Clay F. for leading the morning classes.
+Rich & Bonnie G. for serving as ushers.
+Ben L. for stepping in as liturgist.
+Paul L. for leading the praise music, Angela H. for this morning's special music and to Julie L. for providing the instrumental accompianment.

UMW picnic!

Trudy F. invites the attendees to eat

Sue P. asks for volunteers to make dumplings

Judy I. encourages the group to sign up to sell dumplings

The annual UMW picnic was held today with forty on hand to share food, fun, and fellowship!  We were tickled to have guests join us today from the Corvallis UMC and from the Hamilton Federated Church.

Thanks to Bonita Z. for opening her home to the UMW unit for the second year.

UMM in July

The UMM met this morning with a twelve men and guests on hand for lively time of fellowship.  Donuts were provided by Don N. 

It was announced that the group had sent its share of the rummage sale proceeds, $1,148, to the Flathead Lake UM Camp for its water treatment project. 

Next month's gathering will be held at the Frontier Cafe` on August 9th. 

No bus trip on Saturday

Scheduling conflicts led to a lower than needed sign-up for the bus trip to the Montana Folk Festival in Butte resulting in the trip being canceled.

Those still interested in going to the festival are encouraged to come to the church on Saturday morning for refreshments with the UMM (at 8:30 am) and then car-pooling to Butte at 9 am.