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Church family, are we living into our vision? Are we striving to meet our mission? If not, why not? and how can we reach the goals we have set for ourselves both personally and collectively?
Mission Statement
To love and serve God and our neighbor, by striving to meet the needs of God's people.
Vision Statement
To be a Christian community of faith where love lives, love works, to spread the good news of God's grace and mercy.
| | Get ready, St. Andrew's and Guest! | | |
October 16, 2026, Friday
La Vera Party Center 32200 Chardonnay Road
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
Ticket Cost: $65.00
6:30 PM -11:00 PM
6:30 Cocktails
7:30 Dinner
8:30 Dancing until
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Key Points of the Passage
Matthew 22:15–22 Matthew 22:15–22 describes a famous encounter where religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Rome.
The Setup and the Trap
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An Unlikely Alliance: Disciples of the Pharisees (who opposed Roman rule) and the Herodians (who supported the Roman-backed Herodian dynasty) joined forces. Their shared opposition to Jesus brought them together.
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Flattery Masking Malice: They opened with insincere praise ("Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity...") to catch Jesus off guard.
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The Lose-Lose Question: They asked, "Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?"
- If he said "Yes": He would anger Jewish crowds who hated Roman occupation and appear unfaithful to God's law.
- If he said "No": He would be guilty of sedition against Rome, giving the Herodians grounds to report him to the authorities.
Jesus's Response
- Exposing Hypocrisy: Jesus immediately recognized their malicious intent and called them hypocrites.
- The Denarius: He asked them to produce the coin used for the tax. When they handed him a Roman denarius, he asked whose portrait and inscription were on it. They answered, "Caesar's".
- The Famous Command: Jesus replied, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”
Key Theological Takeaways
- Jurisdiction of Earthly Powers: By noting that the coin bears Caesar's image, Jesus acknowledges that civil governments have a legitimate role and claim in material and civic life.
- The Greater Allegiance to God: The deeper theological point is that while citizens have earthly duties, humans are stamped with the image of God (imago dei, Genesis 1:27). Because human life and everything in creation belong to God, absolute and ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone.
- Silencing the Opposition: Matthew records that his opponents were stunned by his wisdom, left him alone, and went away
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UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS/Anniversaries
See what's happening this month.
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Our history is too much to be contained in one month! Check out the PDF by clicking on the link below. There is a wealth of information for you to expand your knowledge.
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Request for Coffee Hour Supplies
We need coffee, tea, and condiments for our coffee hour. Sugar, creamers, Splenda etc. We would appreciate whatever you can contribute.
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Please continue to support our meal ministry, the Hunger Network, and our neighbors in the Central community who may need a hot meal. Our funds allocated will be paused effective August 1, 2025, due to government budget cuts.
Please go onto the link below for more information:
hungernetwork.org
1. click the learn more button
2. click donate
3. type in St. Andrew
4. scroll or select St. Andrew's Episcopal Church to donate.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Your Meal Ministry Team
Services for those in need
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Find food and other resources: Call the Help Center at (216) 738-2067 or use the interactive map on the Greater Cleveland Food Bank website to find local pantries, hot meal sites, and other programs.
- Apply for government benefits: The Help Center can assist with over-the-phone applications for SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) and other public benefits.
- Visit the Community Resource Center: Located at 15500 S. Waterloo Rd., this center offers a healthy food market with extended hours and serves as a one-stop shop for resources.
- Access senior-specific programs: The Food Bank is committed to improving access to nutritious food for older adults through dedicated programs.
| | 365 AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY 365 | | The Vestry will meet on Tuesday, October 27, at 7:00 PM via ZOOM | | St. Andrew's 2026 Vestry members: Senior Warden- Carmen Wildgoose, Junior Wardens- Darcel Arrington and Dianne Smith, Lois Jackson/clerk, Dr. Giesele Greene, Andrea Appling, Andrea Porter, Dr. Roderick Adams, Will Kessell, and Brenda Shepherd. | |
Thank You For Giving
Your financial assistance is still necessary to meet all of our obligations monthly. Please utilize the QR code on the right for donations.
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PASTORAL TEAM
A Pastoral Team has been put in place, consisting of Will Seifert-Kessel, Brenda Shepherd, Jon Benjamin and Anita Pruitt. You may contact any member of the team for pastoral support.
| | | | The need for volunteers is ongoing as we no longer employ a sexton. Your service in cleaning is always appreciated especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Many thanks to all who consistently help out in all areas. | | | |
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church | |
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