Between Sundays for the Week of October 19, 2026

Engaged in a conversation with those seeking to trap him, Jesus delivers what have have become familiar words – “Give therefore to Ceasar the things that Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

It would be easy to launch into a conversation of parsing the difference between the two and begin making lists: What belongs to the emperor? And what belongs to God?

Yet, that’s not really the point. In this passage from Matthew 22:15-22, Jesus is reminding his followers – coins bear the image of earthly rulers; scripture teaches us that human beings bear God’s image.

In other words, we belong to God. All of our life, our very selves fall within God’s claim. And so the question before us is always: What does a life that bears God’s image look like in our world?

The church gives us different ways to answer this question. It might look like living out our baptismal covenant to live among God’s faithful people, to pray; to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper; to learn the prayers, creeds, and commandments; to open the holy Scriptures; to be nurtured by the faith and prayers of others; so that we learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made and work for justice and peace.

It might look like embracing the freedom we have through Christ to ask in every instance: how will I love God and love my neighbor? How will I steward and care for all that God has given me?

Maybe this week, it could include spending time considering the many things entrusted to us beyond money: our time, relationships, abilities, influence, possessions, and opportunities to serve; and then asking: what has God entrusted to me, and how could I use it in faith, love, and hope?

Church, whether we like it or not, we bear God’s image. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may the image of Christ be visible in all we say and do.

P.S. Listen to the full worship service (including Pastor Amy’s sermon that starts with the gospel reading at 19:06) here. As always, share your presence with us or prayer concerns by completing a contact form on our website! Links to previous worship videos are available on our website.

Faith Connection at Home

Share: What can you name as one (or some) of your gifts or talents? How do you share these with others? If you don’t yet share them, what is a way you could start?

Read: Matthew 22:15‐22

Talk: Take coins out together and look at them. How does our money combine our government and our faith? How do you as a family decide what to do with your gifts, including money? This week make a list of people or agencies or organizations (including church) that matter in your community that need money or other talents as gifts in order to make a difference. Come up with a plan for how you will give to one or more of these. Maybe you will all give part of your allowance, or go together to serve in a food bank, or grocery shop for a family in need. Or you could organize a bake sale to raise money for a need in your community or around the world. Find where your hearts connect with the needs of others and respond.

Pray: Giving God, you have blessed us with so many talents and resources. Be with those who lack. Open our eyes to see those who need and to give from what you have given us. Amen.

Bless: May you know the blessings in life are from God and that you are one of them.

Ponderings

In navigating the complex landscape of elections, the wisdom of Jesus’ response to the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15-22) may be helpful. Just as Jesus astutely discerned the intent behind the question and offered a nuanced answer, we too are called to approach political engagement with thoughtfulness and discernment. We must balance our civic responsibilities with our higher calling as followers of Christ, recognizing that while we participate in earthly systems, our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom. This passage challenges us to be engaged citizens who contribute to the common good, while also maintaining a prophetic voice that speaks truth to power and advocates for justice—values that reflect God’s love for the world. As we approach upcoming elections consider identifying your voting values and reflect on how those are connected to your faith life.