This Week at Clyde Park
A Note from Pastor Ryan
Prior to seminary, I had been familiar with this passage.See here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2022%3A15-22&version=NIV)
I thought it was about properly dividing my loyalties. Once in seminary, however, I learned that Jesus is actually striking much harder at the Pharisees.
They ask him about paying taxes, but Jesus doesn't even own a coin. He gets one from them and asks whose image that is. They say Ceasar. Already just in possessing this coin, they have revealed themselves to be idolaters. The Bible clearly tells us that we are to make no graven images- yet they carry around those images and even do commerce with them!
When Jesus says give to Caesar whatever bears Caesar's image, he is in effect saying "all the idolatrous coins should be sent back to Caesar where they belong." This challenge to the Pharisees reveals the truth that no one can serve two masters. All too often the leaders of Israel were willing to abandon fidelity to God in order to serve mammon.
Then Jesus tells them to give to God whatever bears God's image. And that is instructive to us, all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. We will never meet someone who is not made in God's image. We will never find someone beyond God's grace. And we are to give to God all people- so however we treat anyone is how we would treat God. That includes ourselves. We are to be completely given over to the Lord. When we do, we find abundant life.
So what about you? Have you given to God that which bears God's image? How are you doing do today?
Community Dinner: Chili
Sunday Open Choir (This Sunday this month)
We are starting an open choir on the last Sunday of the month! Anyone and everyone is invited to the platform to sing the 2 hymns…the only requirement is you make a joyful noise to the Lord and you smile. The 2 hymns this month are Blessed Assurance and How Great Thou Art.
Fellowship Feast
Our next Fellowship Feast is October 18th! You are encouraged to bring your favorite soup. Also you will need to bring a bag for treats. Hopefully you have a trick or treat bag at home. Who can resist treats! Come and enjoy a meal with your church family!
Youth Ministry
10/18/26 Teen Sunday –Robinette’s – 2:00 p.m.
10/23/26-10/24/26 - Friday/Saturday,
$20.00 Michigan District 3 Mile Project
10/28/26 Spaghetti Dinner
Please join us for our annual Harvest Festival & Trunk or Treat Community Outreach
October 24th from 2-4PM!
This is a great time for outreach in showing love to our neighbors, how great our church community is and see some really cute kids in costumes. Please donate candy so we can serve between 200-2,000 kids. We are in need of a lot more candy. If you are able to help out with this, it would be greatly appreciated! We can use everyone that can help out! See Pastor Chrissy with any questions!
Women’s Ministry
We will be having a Christmas Craft Day on Saturday, November 7th, 1:00 p.m. We will be painting lighted wooden Christmas Village buildings. You are also welcome to bring your own craft to work on and join the group for a nice afternoon.
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