Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer-at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
The first Tagalog phrase I learned was surprisingly not from my husband but from my first congregation at First United Methodist in Glendale. As the Associate Minister, I was the preacher and celebrant for the contemporary service which had a large Filipino presence. Quite often during the offering, some of the sillier members would wave away the ushers while saying, “walang pera” which means “no money”. The ushers, who were either family members or close friends, knew better. They would stand patiently, shaking the plate until the congregant sighed dramatically, pulled out their wallets and dropped in their donation. It was a production. One day during the collection, I passed one of the elders on my way to my pew. He was a beloved member who was also quite successful. “Walang pera” he said to the usher and pointed to his daughters in blame. He then turned his pockets inside out to provide for further proof. Unfortunately for him, as he did this, the keys to his brand-new Mercedes feel to the floor. I quickly scooped them up and announced to the congregation this very sacrificial gift Raoul had just made and then placed them in the offering plate. I don’t think he stopped sweating until I tossed his keys back to him during the Benediction.
“Walang pera” is what I often find myself saying in the car as I flip between KUSC and NPR, trying to dodge a pledge drive. I think this as I look at the church budget, letters from my son’s school or my calendar with its list of birthdays and other gift- required celebrations. As I drive the streets near my house, particularly those closest to Lake Ave church, every corner has a person holding a sign asking for money. Sometimes it seems like there is no escape. We have so much, we have so much and yet this one, singular item seems to be the only thing people want or feel they need. This isn’t something new. One day as Jesus’ disciples went to the temple to pray they were confronted by a man who was born without use of his legs. Every morning his friends would carry him to the Temple so he could beg for money. When he sees Peter and James coming he begins his request for a coin or two. “Walang pera” is Peter’s reply, “…silver or gold I do not have” but what he has is better than money. Impossible. Acts says that Peter calls upon Jesus and takes the beggar “…by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.”It’s easy to mock this, it’s easy to think that money is the universal solver of all issues when we know that despite our best efforts and investments, money and stuff can disappear instantly. Jesus, however unsexy and simple, will always be with us. That companionship, that presence, that guidance and protection is irreplaceable and eternal.
~ New Email Address ~
We are working to update and streamline the email addresses for everyone in the office.
Please note that Heather’s email is now
youth@saintedmunds.org and
Antonio’s is
sundayschool@saintedmunds.org
~ Youth Group ~
Sunday night at youth group we watched two clips from Queer Eye, a show where five men make over a guy who has been nominated by friends and family. The first clip shows the Fab 5 on their way to meeting the next nominee Cori when they get pulled over by a police officer. Karamo, an African American man, is driving and the officer quickly tells Karamo he needs to step out of the car. When he steps out of the car the officer reveals that he is messing around and he is actually the one who nominated Cori for the make-over. The second clip we watched was Karamo and Cori talking about that event and Karamo explaining to Cori why, as a black man, that joke wasn’t funny.
If you would like to see the clips or watch the whole episode it can be found on Netflix. It was episode 3.
~ Upcoming Events ~
Sunday, April 15
Team 3 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Teaching: Antonio & Heather
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Sunday, April 22
Team 4 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Teaching: Rebecca, Antonio & Heather
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Wednesday, April 25
SENS Fundraiser at Blaze Pizza
4:30 pm – 8 pm
1100 S. Fair Oaks
South Pasadena, 91030
Please present this flyer to your server.
Hard copies are available in the narthex.
~
Sunday, April 29
Celebration of Father George
Team 5 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
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Sunday, May 6
Team 1 Acolyting
Children’s Liturgy
10 am | Chapel
Sunday School
10:30 am | Sunday School Classrooms
Please feel free to contact Heather if you have questions.
