The Wheat and the Weeds
Lessons July 19
• Isaiah 44:6-8
• Psalm 86:11-17
• Romans 8:12-25
• Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
It was good to be back with you on Sunday, talking about the generosity of God in casting the
seed of the Word of God far and wide. The Sower in Matthew 13: 1-9 does not seem
concerned about the good seed being lost: Good soil, Rocky soil, Roads, Thorny areas. You just
keep throwing it out there. Rejoicing starts when a heart opens and the harvest comes in at
30, 60 or even 100-fold.
As we continue our reading of Matthew 13, Jesus again focuses on planting. This time just
planting in Good Soil. The householder plants good seeds in good soil, but when the seeds
start to sprout the field workers notice that weeds are growing as well. How can this be?
When God created the universe, God stopped each day to proclaim: “It is good”.
How did evil invade that which is good?
Where do weeds come from and what should we do about it?
The parable is clear there are enemies of the Word of God in the world. It does not say why.
I am not much of a gardener. Our HOA takes care of the front yard. Connie takes care of the
landscaping in the back, where we put down weed barrier and ground cover. How do weeds
find a way to poke through? The one thing I help with is bending over the pluck up a weed or
two or spraying them with weed killer. My life would be easier without that effort.
Jesus makes clear that our life here will involve challenges and push back. Matthew 12 is filled
with people pushing back against Jesus, even his family comes to visit him out of concern. The
point is: Be aware; Life is not always easy.
A common response to “push back” is to push back. I remember a parishioner years ago
suggesting that we bomb Afghanistan back to the stone age. Russia had tried that for 10 years
already by then. We tried for another 20. There are those that want to try it again now in Iran.
Our parable suggests that we should be cautious about thinking that we can eliminate all of
life’s weeds.
Back in the 1970’s we were pouring Agent Orange down on the vegetation in Viet Nam to
expose the Viet Cong. The method did little to change the course of the war. Instead, it was
our soldiers who suffered from their exposure. I was playing golf with a Viet Nam veteran who
had been exposed. As result he started losing strength in his legs after the front nine. His lungs
have been compromised, and his legs were not getting the oxygen they needed. In trying to
take out the “weeds”, the wheat was exposed.
The disciples have “follow up” questions. Jesus tells them that the Son of Man is the one
sowing good seed, but the forces of evil also sow weeds. The Son of Man suggests patience
and caution. If we act too early, we may pull up the wheat with the weeds. You never know
what might sprout up.
Many of our soldiers have returned to Viet Nam. What have they found? Have old enemies
become sympathetic fellow soldiers? What do the relatives of the people named on the Viet
Nam memorial in Washington, DC. think?
My niece, as part of her Master’s education, is in Viet Nam studying public health there. I can
buy shirts made in Viet Nam. Are the people, is the government wheat or weeds now?
Jesus assures the disciples that the Son of Man will be the judge. He oversees the angels who
will come to collect up all the causes of sin and all evildoers. Evil will not endure forever.
I have a few planting boxes for mint, cilantro and tomatoes. Not much to care for really. Last
year, the tomatoes had worms the size of Sharpie pens eating on them. In past years, cilantro
has been eaten by rabbits who find a gap in the fence and get into our yard. The mint is
suffering from the heat and has been attacked by small hopping bugs.
I keep working in my little garden despite challenges. Interestingly, the tomatoes have come
back on their own. Cilantro this year is thriving, we plugged up the hole in the fence. I brought
shade to the mint so we will see.
What do we do in God’s garden?
• Hold on to Faith
• Resist the role of being the final judge over others
• Be patient, trusting in the ultimate justice of God.
• Keep connected to the Son of Man, growing as “wheat” bring forth a harvest even in a
world where good and evil coexist.
PRAYER Lord Jesus, you are the extravagant Sower sowing good seed. In a world with both
wheat and weeds may we not grow discouraged or judgmental but rather connected to you
may we bear the fruits of the Spirit.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John Bunge
Coming celebrations:
• July 14 – 16 — 9 – Noon Drama Camp Thank you Michelle Mureaux
UPDATE ON OUR SUMMER OF GENEROSITY – Thank you – two projects down one to go.
We sent $6,000 off to the San Bernadino Wellness Center, formerly the Central City Lutheran
Mission, which was doubled to make it $12,000.
$2,500 was sent to the Synod and again doubled to make it $5,000.
Our final summer appeal is for the church in Choma, Tanzania. So far $2,295 has been
donated. Bishop Nagler gave a substantial gift through our website which now accepts debit
and credit cards. These gifts will be matched by
our general fund. So, we are getting close to
our goal of $6,000 which will provide for railing
for the balcony
area and for the
stairway up
there.
The current
pastor has been
there for years
and is doing
excellent work, and the church is overflowing, even with
multiple services; when that happens people must listen from
outside. Blessing this growing congregation is our way of casting
good seeds in good soil.
Pastor Bunge will be in the office Monday and Tuesday this week and next.
PANTRY – Next pantry July 11 and 25. We could use bags (paper or plastic) for distributing
food. Thanks for the response thus far.
DRIVE BY PRAYER – Paula and Nancy have begun this ministry. They coincide with the Pantry
dates. Please join them.
QUILTING – The quilting group made and we presented nine quilts for our San Bernardino
Wellness Center to Claire Sekafetz. Eight quilts have been completed for Lutheran World
Relief. We have made over 250 prayer quilts and Connie made over 50 prayer quilts to be
taken by Bennie to Tanzania.
Special Thanks
Craig Baker and Logan brought over rock from Sunshine Growers to replenish the riverbed
area out front.
Tim and Patrick Drom worked with Pastor on the sound and lighting in the sanctuary. We hope
we have mystery of the silent mics solved.
Tim, Lou, Dana and Kyle have recommended a contractor to repair the broken concrete on the
entrance to the parking lot. Do keep up your general fund contributions, this will cost $15,000.
Lou fixed the drawers in the Fireside kitchen and took down the swing set in the toddler area.
Kyle and Dana are working with JB Hunt for an insurance claim for the back fence.
Kyle is also fixing the area damaged by a leak in the Sacristy.
Thanks to all who continue to give shoes for Soles 4 Souls. We had an
anonymous donation of new shoes this week. The box was full and so
was taken for its good use but filling up again. THANKS. The box is in
the Narthex. Thanks to David Strack for coordinating. Thanks to Holly from Family
Assistance Center in Yucaipa for making donations as well.
PLEASE PRAY FOR
• Laura, the daughter of Bonnie Strack. Her car overturned, rolling down an embankment.
Miraculously she is now home. She was wonderful help to Bonnie in her recovery.
• The family of Heather Lewis as they mourn the death of her mother Rosalind Lara. She
passed away on Saturday, July 4 at 3 am.
• Kyle Hadley has been experiencing mobility issues as the result of a torn meniscus but able
to get around with a brace.
• Tom Ziech’s hip surgery has been postponed due to swelling in his right leg. It was nice to
have him with us at services on June 28.
• Pat Motschall would like us to pray for newborn second cousin, Conner.
• Members of St. Alban’s have asked us to pray for Father David Caffey.
• Barbara Kuerzinger’s son, Ian, is still working through radiation and chemotherapy.
• Lauren Shaffer’s surgery has not happened yet. Her bone biopsy indicated cancer.
• Bonnie Hallberg is ready for surgery but is not suffering as badly and is wait and see.
• Nelson Hall continues to have health concerns. They are checking on his heart function
with a new monitor. He was looking well.
• Kim Guevara appreciates your prayers for Stephanie, the daughter of her friend and
granddaughter, Kayla.
• Continued prayers for Jacque Kottmeier; she was able to visit her daughter but is no longer
able to drive. She suffered a stroke that is affecting her vision.
OUTREACH
PRAYER BLANKETS/SHAWLS
We have prayer blankets to deliver to those who have encountered limited mobility or
received a challenging diagnosis. Let Connie or Karen know if you know a need.
SMALL PRAYER QUILTS – Thank you for taking the prayer quilts to people. New ones are
added weekly. Thank you to the quilting group and Connie.
HANDMADE CARDS – We still mail about 37 BIRTHDAY CARDS AND
ANNIVERSARY CARDS AND CARDS TO THOSE ON THE PRAYER LIST monthly. And
we provide CARDS IN THE NARTHEX for members to mail. There are Monthly
Seasonal cards and generic Thinking of You & Get-Well cards. Thanks to Holly,
Kim, Alec, Sharon, Barbara, Pat T., Heather, Izzie, Jenny, Maria, Elaine, Robyn &
Connie for their fabulous creations. Thanks to Linda D. for her marvelous fabric
creations.
PRAYER/FRIENDSHIP ROCKS –
Karen, Sharon C., Carol Hamre & Connie B., continue to paint prayer/friendship rocks for you
to keep, give to someone, surprise someone, or put them in your garden, etc.
Rocks are available in the Narthex, Chapel and Fireside Room for members, friends and
the AA, NA, Al-anon, pantry etc. groups.
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP HOUR
JULY
19 JAN-JULY BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
TACOS, ETC. Thank you to Kim and Connie. And to Karen for making the
Birthday Cakes.
26 “PICNIC AT THE BEACH” POTLUCK –
THANK YOU FOR SIGNING UP FOR A FUN DAY
Thank you to: Hot Dogs/Brats Provided by Pastor John;
Bonnie & Dave for Chips and Buns; Sharon & Steve, Buns;
Karen, Macaroni Salad; Jerry, Potato Salad; Dessert/Fruit; Paula, Jenny &
Richard
AUGUST
2 WELCA
9 TREATS IN NARTHEX
16 BACK TO SCHOOL FUN DAY – PIZZA AND GAMES AND SCHOOL SUPPLY PRIZES
23 BINGO – You asked; it’s returned
30 POTLUCK – PIE DAY – MEAT OR SWEET
