2026-03-22 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

# [[2026-03-22]] ![[2026-03-22.svg]] # Back of Card ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Calendar - **Season:** Lent - **Week:** Fifth Sunday in Lent — "True Allegiance" - **Liturgical Year:** Year A (Matthew) - **Liturgical Color:** Purple — penitence, preparation, and royalty ### Hebrew Calendar - **Date:** 4 Nisan 5786 - **Observances:** Approaching Passover (15 Nisan / April 1, 2026). The month of Nisan marks the season of liberation — Israel's exodus from Egypt. Shabbat HaGadol (the "Great Sabbath" before Passover) falls on March 28. ### Ecumenical Observances - World Water Day (UN) — March 22. While not a church observance, the baptism of Makayla and Thomas during this service creates a resonant connection between water as a global justice concern and water as the sign of God's grace. ### Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Lent 5A) - **Old Testament:** Ezekiel 37:1-14 — [[Ezekiel 37#1]] - **Psalm:** Psalm 130 — [[Psalm 130#1]] - **Epistle:** Romans 8:6-11 — [[Romans 8#6]] - **Gospel:** John 11:1-45 — [[John 11#1]] ### Narrative Lectionary Reading - **Year:** 4 (John) - **Code:** NL 435 - **Reading:** John 18:28-40 — [[John 18#28]] - **Companion:** John 19:1-16a — [[John 19#1]] - **Theme:** "My kingdom is not from this world" — Jesus before Pilate; the question of true allegiance and the nature of Christ's authority > [!info] Lectionary Note > St. John's UCC follows the Narrative Lectionary. Today's readings (Titus 3:1-8 and Mark 12:13-17) align thematically with NL 435's focus on allegiance and authority — the "render unto Caesar" episode and Paul's instruction on civic life and God's mercy. The NL reading (John 18:28-40) asks the same question from Pilate's courtroom: whose kingdom do you serve? The RCL Lent 5A readings (Ezekiel 37, John 11) go a different direction, focusing on resurrection and life. --- ## Service Information - **Church:** St. John's United Church of Christ - **Date:** Sunday, March 22, 2026 - **Time:** 10:00 am - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Denomination:** United Church of Christ (UCC) --- ## Order of Worship ### Gathering #### [Gathering Song: "This is the Day"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=0s) **Author:** Les Garrett, 1967 **Based on:** Psalm 118:24 **Copyright:** Public domain > Verse 1 > This is the day, this is the day > that the Lord has made, that the Lord has made. > We will rejoice, we will rejoice > and be glad in it, and be glad in it. > This is the day that the Lord has made, > we will rejoice and be glad in it. > This is the day, this is the day > that the Lord has made. #### [Unison Welcome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=1406s) "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### [Announcements and Mission Moment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=1432s) **Announcements (from live service):** - Sticky buns available after worship: take-home ready-to-bake orders for pickup; individually priced fresh-baked buns at $2 each, proceeds benefit camp - Artistic Showcase & Silent Auction — new items added since last week; anything with a number can be bid on - Smith's Chicken BBQ confirmed for Saturday 3/28 — enter at the light, through parking lot, exit on Route 30; Mr. Smith always makes a few extra **Peace Pole Testimony — Jim Wood:** Jim Wood presented a new peace pole, a gift from Marilyn Kate and himself to the congregation. The 8-ft white resin pole from the World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic, NY bears "May peace prevail on earth" in eight languages: English, Japanese (honoring founder Masahisa Goi, 1916–1980, who was deeply affected by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki), Arabic, Lakota (connection to St. John's mission work in South Dakota), Swahili (connection to St. John's missions in Africa), Hebrew, Spanish, and Ukrainian ("because of the struggle they're having"). The pole features a rainbow symbol for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, a labyrinth decal (echoing the labyrinth on church grounds), and a world map decal. When weather permits, it will be installed near the south entrance sidewalks. The peace pole project also certifies that 10 trees are being planted on the African continent in honor of St. John's. Jim closed with: "Please let it begin with me. Peace. Peace. God's peace. Free from all cares and love to share." **Lenten Offering Mission Moment — Third Recipient: UCC Disaster Emergency Fund:** Presenter highlighted the UCC Disaster Emergency Fund, which focuses on long-term recovery after other organizations move on. Works through UCC churches, associations, and conferences. In 2024, UCC Disaster Ministries provided 35 disaster assistance programs totaling over $442,000. Partners with ecumenical colleagues, the Hope Network, and Church World Service. The three 2026 Lenten offering recipients: Adopt-a-School Project in Peru, pediatric services through African Healthcare Ministries, and the UCC Disaster Emergency Fund. #### [Chiming of the Trinity and Prelude](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2207s) #### [Call to Worship — from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2346s) Come into God's presence, you who imagine and you who seek, you who disrupt and you who repair. **By the Spirit, we gather in hope.** Come into God's embrace, you who bear the divine image, you who are in this world but not of it, you who feel tested or tried. **In Christ, we gather and we belong.** Come into God's presence, singing for joy and for justice; bringing prayer and worship, your most faithful acts of resistance. **To God be the glory! We gather to praise!** #### [Opening Hymn: "God of Grace and God of Glory" (NCH #285)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2392s) **Hymnal:** New Century Hymnal #285 **Author:** Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930 **Tune:** CWM RHONDDA (8.7.8.7.8.7) **Composer:** John Hughes, 1907 **Copyright:** Public domain > Verse 1 > God of grace and God of glory, > on Thy people pour Thy power; > crown Thine ancient church's story, > bring her bud to glorious flower. > Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, > for the facing of this hour, > for the facing of this hour. > > Verse 2 > Lo! the hosts of evil round us > scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways! > Fears and doubts too long have bound us, > free our hearts to work and praise. > Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, > for the living of these days, > for the living of these days. > > Verse 3 > Save us from weak resignation > to the evils we deplore; > let the search for Thy salvation > be our glory evermore. > Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, > serving Thee whom we adore, > serving Thee whom we adore. > > Verse 4 > Set our feet on lofty places; > gird our lives that they may be > armored with all Christlike graces > in the fight to set all free. > Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, > that we fail not man nor Thee! > That we fail not man nor Thee! #### [Opening Prayer — from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2575s) **God of discernment, you send your Spirit to guide us when the questions seem too difficult or the possibilities seem too limited. Bless us with curiosity and creativity. Show us pathways beyond the binaries of "either/or" and "yes/no." Give us the strength to live your will, and dedicate our lives to your holy callings of love, mercy, humility, and grace. We do this following the way of Jesus Christ, our leader and our guide. Amen.** #### [Passing of the Peace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2623s) As we walk through the wild wilderness of Lent, we imagine a world where all creation is at peace. We imagine a world without war, where creation flourishes and children are safe. Let these dreams of peace begin here as we share the peace of Christ with one another. May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** ### Word #### [Prayer for Illumination — from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2717s) **God who breathes meaning and inspiration into our sacred scriptures, who crafts stories of redemption, liberation, and love, may these words help us imagine the world you intended. May we receive the challenge to join you in this holy work, bringing heaven to earth as we follow Jesus in love and justice. Amen.** #### [Scripture Reading: Titus 3:1-8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2763s) ![[Titus 3#1]] ![[Titus 3#2]] ![[Titus 3#3]] ![[Titus 3#4]] ![[Titus 3#5]] ![[Titus 3#6]] ![[Titus 3#7]] ![[Titus 3#8]] #### [Responsive Reading: "St. John the Baptist: 2 Baptism" by Malcolm Guite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2863s) Love's hidden thread has drawn us to the font, **A wide womb floating on the breath of God,** Feathered with seraph wings, lift with the swift **Lightning of praise, with thunder over-spread,** And under-girded with an unheard song, **Calling through water, fire, darkness, pain,** Calling us to the life for which we long, **Yearning to bring us to our birth again.** Again the breath of God is on the waters **In whose reflecting face our candles shine,** Again he draws from death the sons and daughters **For whom he bid the elements combine.** As living stones around a font today, **Rejoice with those who roll the stone away.** #### [Sacrament of Baptism](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2933s) **Baptized:** Makayla Grace Sheele and Thomas Joseph Sheele III **Parents:** Sabrina Sollenberger and Thomas J. Sheele II **Sponsors:** Dwight and Cheryl Sollenberger ##### [Welcome](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2933s) Members and friends in Christ, we gather now to celebrate the gift of grace in the sacrament of baptism. **There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in God's call to us.** There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of us all. ##### [Address](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=2956s) The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Inasmuch as the promise of the gospel is not only to us but also to our children, baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of their participation in God's forgiveness, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and fellowship. **This is the water of baptism. Out of this water we rise with new life, forgiven of sin and one in Christ, members of Christ's body.** ##### [Questions of the Parents and Sponsors](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3051s) Do you desire to have these children baptized into the faith and family of Jesus Christ? **We do.** Will you encourage these children to renounce the powers of evil and to receive the freedom of new life in Christ? **We will, with the help of God.** Will you teach these children that they may be led to profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? **We will, with the help of God.** Do you promise, by the grace of God, to be Christ's disciples, to follow in the way of our Savior, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ as best you are able? **We do, with the help of God.** Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to grow with these children in the Christian faith, to help these children to be faithful members of the church of Jesus Christ, by celebrating Christ's presence, by furthering Christ's mission in all the world, and by offering the nurture of the Christian church so that they may affirm their baptism? **We do, with the help of God.** ##### [Congregational Assent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3127s) Jesus Christ calls us to make disciples of all nations and to offer them the gift of grace in baptism. Do you, who witness and celebrate this sacrament, promise your love, support, and care to the ones about to be baptized, as they live and grow in Christ? **We promise our love, support, and care.** ##### [Affirmation of Faith](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3151s) Let us unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God. Do you believe in God? **I believe in God.** Do you believe in Jesus Christ? **I believe in Jesus Christ.** Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? **I believe in the Holy Spirit.** ##### [Prayer of Baptism](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3164s) Christ be with you. **And also with you.** Let us pray. ##### [Act of Baptism](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3254s) By what name shall this child be called? **Makayla Grace Sheele.** Makayla, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. **Amen.** By what name shall this child be called? **Thomas Joseph Sheele III.** Thomas, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. **Amen.** ##### [Prayer for the Baptized](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3339s) ##### [Presentation of the Child](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3380s) ##### [Benediction (Baptism)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3420s) Go in the peace of Christ. **Thanks be to God.** #### [Anthem](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3451s) #### [Children's Message — Roxanne Davenport](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3598s) _Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message_ #### [Scripture Reading: Mark 12:13-17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=3967s) ![[Mark 12#13]] ![[Mark 12#14]] ![[Mark 12#15]] ![[Mark 12#16]] ![[Mark 12#17]] #### [Sermon — Rev. Caroline E. Saxton](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4075s) **Scripture Text:** Mark 12:13-17 ### Response #### [Sharing of Joys and Concerns](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4798s) #### [Prayers of the People and The Lord's Prayer (Debts)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5215s) #### [Invitation to Giving](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5337s) #### [Offertory](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5350s) #### [Offertory Response: "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" v. 4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5402s) **Author:** Isaac Watts, 1707 **Tune:** HAMBURG **Composer:** Lowell Mason, 1824 **Copyright:** Public domain > Were the whole realm of nature mine, > that were a present far too small; > love so amazing, so divine, > demands my soul, my life, my all. #### [Prayer of Dedication — from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5509s) **Generous God, we bring our gifts before you and your church like tiny seeds from a dandelion. Send out these gifts on the mighty wind of your Spirit, bringing growth, bearing fruit, and nourishing both our faith community and our neighbors. May each gift of every size bloom with your holy imagination. Amen.** ### Sending #### [Closing Hymn: "God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending" (NCH #671)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5542s) **Hymnal:** New Century Hymnal #671 **Author:** Robert L. Edwards, 1961 **Tune:** BEACH SPRING (8.7.8.7 D) **Composer:** Attr. B. F. White, 1844; harm. Benjamin Briggs, 2009 **Copyright:** Words (c) 1961, Ren. 1989 The Hymn Society (Admin. by Hope Publishing Company). Harm. (c) 2010 Celebrating Grace, Inc. > Verse 1 > God, whose giving knows no ending, > from Your rich and endless store: > nature's wonder, Jesus' wisdom, > costly cross, grave's shattered door, > gifted by You, we turn to You, > offering up ourselves in praise; > thankful song shall rise forever, > gracious donor of our days. > > Verse 2 > Skills and time are ours for pressing > toward the goals of Christ, Your Son: > all at peace in health and freedom, > races joined, the church made one. > Now direct our daily labor, > lest we strive for self alone; > born with talents, make us servants > fit to answer at Your throne. > > Verse 3 > Treasure, too, You have entrusted, > gain through powers Your grace conferred; > ours to use for home and kindred, > and to spread the gospel Word. > Open wide our hands in sharing, > as we heed Christ's ageless call, > healing, teaching, and reclaiming, > serving You by loving all. #### [Affirmation of Faith — adapted from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5710s) Let us affirm our faith as we participate in the holy work of imagination. **We believe there is no other object of our allegiance or devotion that compares to the Way of Jesus. This devotion supremely outmatches any allegiance to country, team, or people group. We believe that when we divide our allegiances among other powers, our faith is diluted by lesser ambitions. We lose sight of our calling, and we compromise our values. We believe our allegiance to Christ's way of love and justice informs all other promises, contracts, covenants, and relationships. When forced to choose between Caesar's way and Christ's way, we choose Christ because Christ chose us. Amen.** #### [Charge and Benediction — from The Work of Imagination](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5772s) #### [Postlude (seated)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=5803s) --- ## Sermon Notes ### [Sermon Title](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4075s) **"True Allegiance"** ### [Introduction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4075s) Pastor Caroline opened with a personal story from 2017 when she worked as a receptionist at an H&R Block during tax season. She described the range of preparedness among clients and the celebratory dinner the team planned after April 15th. She noted the stress of tax season and expressed gratitude for her own CPA, Natalie Layman of SEK, "because clergy taxes are typically not as easy as a 1040." This relatable, warm opening transitioned naturally into the sermon's core question: "The challenge of how we relate to our money and our taxes isn't new." ### Main Points #### [Point 1: The Trap — Taxes as Allegiance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4164s) The question about paying taxes to Caesar was not simply about money. Citing Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden, Pastor Caroline explained that in the first century, paying taxes was "a sign of submission showing obedience and loyalty to the empire." Refusing was condemned as rebellion. The Pharisees and Herodians (powerful elite leadership in Jerusalem) designed a trap: either Jesus endorses Roman taxation (traitor to his people) or rejects it (rebel against the state). "What is Jesus supposed to do? How should he answer?" #### [Point 2: Flipping the Script — *Apodidōmi*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4280s) Jesus refuses to play their game. He asks for a coin — notably, he doesn't possess one himself. The Greek verb *apodidōmi* means "to give back or return," not simply "to give." This shifts the meaning: "Jesus implies the only things properly owed to Caesar are his own coins, his own instruments of imperial ideology." Jesus unmasks imperial claims: "Empire's claims are not final. God's claims are." #### [Point 3: The Tension of Titus — Accommodation Is Not the Only Way](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4378s) Titus 3:1-8 represents one early Christian approach to empire: accommodation. Paul urges submission to governing authorities (see also [[Romans 13#1]] and [[1 Peter 2#13]]). But the New Testament contains a range of stances: moderate (prayer for rulers without honor language — [[1 Timothy 2#1]]) and openly critical (resistance, protest, imagination). Dr. Bowden: "We can choose to accommodate the empire, but that is not the only way to be when questions of faith and allegiance are inextricably entangled with structures of domination." #### [Point 4: Privilege, Citizenship, and the Bible's Perspective](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4485s) Paul was a Roman citizen who used that privilege to his advantage throughout Acts. But many Jesus-followers "were not citizens but subjects." Citizenship could be purchased — it was a privilege of wealth. "Paul has a privilege that Jesus does not." Pastor Caroline stated plainly: "The Bible is primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people." #### [Point 5: True Allegiance in Our Context](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM5cTzdsbj4&t=4581s) Connecting to the American context, Pastor Caroline cited the Declaration of Independence and quoted Angelica Schuyler from *Hamilton*: "And when I meet Thomas Jefferson, I compel him to include women in the sequel." She named the tension directly: "This is hard and holy work, especially in the age of Christian nationalism. Sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman." The sermon closed with: "What belongs to Caesar is stamped on coins. What belongs to God is formed in us." ### Illustrations and Stories - **H&R Block receptionist (2017):** Personal story grounding the tax theme in everyday experience; warm, self-deprecating humor about clergy taxes - **The coin Jesus doesn't carry:** Emphasized that Jesus has to ask for a coin — he doesn't possess one — highlighting his non-participation in imperial systems - **Paul's "Roman citizen card":** Connected to the congregation's own scripture study of Acts, showing how Paul leveraged privilege that Jesus and most early followers lacked - **Hamilton musical:** Angelica Schuyler's line about compelling Jefferson to include women — brought the Declaration of Independence into conversation with the sermon's themes of incomplete justice - **Children's message (Roxanne Davenport):** Used actual coins with children, had them identify whose faces are on them (presidents), then held up a mirror asking "whose face do you see?" — connecting to being made in God's image. Beautifully tied the baptism to "giving to God what is his because we are all his" ### Scripture Connections - [[Mark 12#13]] — Primary text (the "render unto Caesar" passage) - [[Titus 3#1]] — Paired text on submission to authorities and God's mercy - [[Mark 12#12]] — Context: the parable that angered the chief priests just before our passage - [[Romans 13#1]] — Cross-reference: Paul on governing authorities - [[1 Peter 2#13]] — Cross-reference: submission to authority - [[1 Timothy 2#1]] — Moderate stance: prayer for rulers without language of honor - The book of Acts (general) — Paul's use of Roman citizenship ### Key Quotes > "The verb Jesus uses, *apodidōmi*, means to give back or return. This is a significant shift." > "Jesus is not in the business of imperial propaganda. You notice he has to ask for a coin. He doesn't possess one." > "Empire's claims are not final. God's claims are." > "The Bible is primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people." > "Yes, we can choose to accommodate the empire, but that is not the only way to be." — Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden > "Sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman." > "What belongs to Caesar is stamped on coins. What belongs to God is formed in us." > "We are made in the divine image, God's image, and we are called beloved." > "Faithful resistance does not always look like open revolts. But neither does it submit blindly." --- ## Personal Reflections ### What Spoke to Me - The Greek exegesis of *apodidōmi* ("give back/return" rather than "give") completely reframes the passage. Jesus isn't endorsing a 50/50 split between Caesar and God — he's saying Caesar can have his propaganda coins back; everything else already belongs to God. - "The Bible is primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people" — a sentence that deserves to sit with me for a while. It recontextualizes how I read accommodation texts like Titus. - The children's message was quietly powerful. Roxanne holding up a mirror and asking "whose face do you see?" then connecting it immediately to the baptism — that's the sermon in miniature. - Jim Wood's peace pole testimony was deeply moving, especially the careful thought behind each language choice and the last-minute addition of Ukrainian. ### Questions Raised - How do we practically discern when to accommodate and when to resist? The sermon named the tension beautifully but (rightly) didn't resolve it — that's the ongoing work. - The Titus passage and Mark passage pull in different directions. What does it look like to hold both in a congregation where people land in very different places on that spectrum? - Pastor Caroline referenced "our scripture study" noting Paul's use of citizenship — connection to the Esther study? Both involve navigating foreign power structures while maintaining faith identity. ### Challenges to My Thinking - "Sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman" — this is a confrontational statement delivered gently. It pushes against the civic religion tendency to conflate patriotism with faith. - The observation that Paul had privilege Jesus didn't — Roman citizenship as a class/wealth marker — adds a layer of complexity to how we read Paul's instructions about submission to authorities. Was Paul speaking from a position of relative safety that most early Christians didn't share? ### Liturgical Context Reflections The "render unto Caesar" question (Mark 12:13-17) paired with baptism created a profound liturgical resonance. Dedicating Makayla and Tommy to God in baptism is itself an act of allegiance — claiming these children for God's kingdom, not Caesar's. The proximity to Passover (11 days away) adds another layer: liberation from empire is woven into the DNA of this season. The custom Affirmation of Faith drove this home: "When forced to choose between Caesar's way and Christ's way, we choose Christ because Christ chose us." --- ## Applications ### Action Items - [ ] Study the Greek verb *apodidōmi* further — look at other NT uses and how translators have handled it - [ ] Read Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden's commentary on Mark 12:13-17 (cited by Pastor Caroline) - [ ] Reflect on where accommodation vs. resistance shows up in my own life and work this week - [ ] Attend Brilan's viewing (Tuesday evening, Sellers Funeral Home) or funeral (Wednesday 11:00 am) if possible — hold the family in prayer - [ ] Continue praying for Jenny Kairens at Hershey Medical Center ### Prayer List - **Amin Butler** (Anne Aldrich's grandson) — Navy, stationed in Pensacola, FL, still in IT training - **Sailor Jason Bado** — Amin's best friend from boot camp, just deployed to Iran; he's a mechanic. Both graduated boot camp in August — very new to service - **Virginia's friend's husband** — transferred from ICU to hospital near Philadelphia; improving, has more answers now (praise) - **Virginia's friend** — in ICU in Chambersburg with sepsis; was intubated, now extubated but experiencing delirium; not yet out of the woods - **Joey and Jossie** (Virginia's former foster kids) — earned Eagle Scout (praise/celebration). Jossie received hers last Thursday - **Brilan** (friend of the Caras family) — passed away; organ donor. Viewing Tuesday evening at Sellers Funeral Home; funeral Wednesday at 11:00 am. Pray for the family and organ recipients - **Jenny and Scott Kairens** — Jenny at Hershey Medical Center Cancer Clinic meeting with oncology specialist; admitted for new treatments. Three weeks of decline; praying for improvement toward remission - **David** (Allan and Lisa's report) — up to two 20-minute walks a day following open heart surgery (praise/celebration) - **Allison's prayer:** "Stop the killing. Amen." ### Follow-Up Study - The relationship between [[Titus 3#1]] (obedience to rulers / God's mercy) and [[Mark 12#13]] (what belongs to Caesar vs. God) — how do these two texts hold tension with each other? Pastor Caroline's framework of accommodation / moderate / resistant stances within the NT is worth mapping out more fully. - Explore the three NT stances toward empire: accommodation (Titus 3, Romans 13, 1 Peter 2), moderate (1 Timothy 2), and resistant/prophetic (Revelation, parts of the Gospels). Where does Esther fit in this framework? - Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden — find her published work on this passage - The *apodidōmi* word study: compare Mark 12:17 with Matthew 22:21 and Luke 20:25 — do they use the same verb? --- ## Connections ### Related Notes - [[Masahisa Goi]] — Founder of the Peace Pole Project (1916–1980), referenced in Jim Wood's testimony - [[Christian Nationalism]] — Pastor Caroline named this directly: "This is hard and holy work, especially in the age of Christian nationalism" - [[Hamilton (Musical)]] — Angelica Schuyler quoted re: Declaration of Independence and inclusion ### Related Bible Studies - The Book of Esther study continues — connection: Esther navigated allegiance to a foreign king while remaining faithful to her people and God. Pastor Caroline explicitly referenced "our scripture study" and how Paul used his Roman citizenship, paralleling Esther's navigation of Persian power. - The three NT stances toward empire (accommodation / moderate / resistant) map onto different characters in Esther: Mordecai's initial refusal to bow, Esther's strategic accommodation, the resistance of the Jewish community. ### Previous Sermon Notes - [[2026-03-15]] --- ## Announcements and Church Life ### This Week at St. John's **TODAY:** Camp Sticky Bun orders — freshly baked sticky buns ($2.00 each) available for pick up and purchase after service. St. John's Artistic Showcase & Silent Auction continues until March 29 in the lobby. Bible Study on the Book of Esther, Chapter 5, 8 pm, Zoom (link in Friday e-blast). ### Upcoming Events | Date | Event | Details | | -------- | ----------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Mon 3/23 | Monday Afternoon Book Study | 1:30 pm, Conference Room 111 (Chapter 5 of Norman Wirzba's "Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis") | | Mon 3/23 | Boy Scouts | 7:00 pm, Fellowship Hall | | Tue 3/24 | Yoga | 5:30 pm, Room 202 | | Tue 3/24 | Ladies' Bible Study | 6:00 pm, Zoom | | Tue 3/24 | Cub Scouts | 6:00 pm, Fellowship Hall (then break into smaller groups) | | Wed 3/25 | CMC Lenten Service | 7:00 pm, Calvary United Methodist Church (150 Norlo Drive, Fayetteville) | | Thu 3/26 | NETwork Ministries Meal Prep | 11:00 am, Kitchen | | Thu 3/26 | Bell Choir Practice | 6:00 pm, Bell Room 117 | | Thu 3/26 | Girl Scouts | 6:15 pm, Room 116 | | Thu 3/26 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:15 pm, Choir Room 103 | | Sat 3/28 | Smith's Chicken BBQ Fundraiser (Nursery School) | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Enter on St. John's Drive, Pick Up and Exit through Lot A) | | Sun 3/29 | Sunday Morning Classes | 8:45 am (Caffeine Church School-Parlor 104, Godly Play-119, SPARK! Elementary-115, Teen Discussion-206, Wired Word-116, Upper Room-Conference 111) | | Sun 3/29 | Sunday Worship | 10:00 am, Sanctuary | | Sun 3/29 | Bible Study on the Book of Esther | 8:00 pm, Zoom | | Mon 3/30 | St. John's Craft Night | 6 pm, Room 202, $15 (painting/decorating gourd birdhouses, sign up by 3/23) | | Sat 4/4 | Pancake Breakfast & Easter Egg Hunt | 9-11 am, Fellowship Hall. $8 adults, $2 children under 12. Egg hunt at 10 am (free). Proceeds support SCCAP. | | Sat 4/25 | Blueberry Bliss Spring Tea | 1:30 pm, Fellowship Hall. VIP Tickets on sale. $35 cash or check. | ### Additional Announcements - **Monday Afternoon Book Study:** Reading chapter 5 of Norman Wirzba's "Love's Braided Dance: Hope in a Time of Crisis" on Monday, March 22, 1:30 pm, Conference Room 111. - **Bible and a Beer:** Talk about faith in public at the Trojan Diner, 6:30 pm, 3rd Monday of the month. Next gathering: April 20. - **CVAS Collection:** Youth are helping St. John's Nursery School collect items for the CVAS by creating animal displays and signs. Delivery on April 11. - **Photo Directory:** Final steps — all photos must be submitted by March 31. Drop off at the church office or email to [email protected] or [email protected]. - **Holy Week at St. John's:** Maundy Thursday worship April 2 at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. UCCA Community Good Friday Service April 3 at 12 pm at Central Presbyterian Church. Easter Sunday April 5 at 9:15 am. Children and Youth egg hunt at 10:00 am. - **2025 SJUCC Year End Financial Report:** Available upon request from the Church Office. - **March/April Upper Room devotionals:** Available at the Welcome Center. $1 small print / $2 large print. Contact church office for mailed copies. - **March First Fruits:** Supporting Lenten Projects — African Mission Healthcare, Peru School Project, United Church of Christ Disaster Emergency Fund. ### Birthdays This Week - 03/23: Donna Harrison, Emily Stull - 03/24: Lloyd Beers Jr., Lavonna Wadel, Nina Widmann - 03/28: Richard Foerster ### Flowers at the Cross Given in memory of our parents and in honor of our 5 grandchildren by Ray and MaryLee Yaukey. ### Nursery and Children The "Nursery Nook" in the Narthex quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. --- ## Worship Participants | Role | Name | | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------- | | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Choir Director | Gary Crum | | Deacon in Charge | Peter A'Zary | | Lector | Chris Willman-Bunge | | Children's Corner | Roxanne Davenport | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz & Neath Ham | | Bulletin Cover | "Coin Bearer" (c) 2026 Illustrated Ministry | --- ## Church Information - **Church:** St. John's United Church of Christ - **Address:** Chambersburg, PA - **Phone:** (717) 263-8593 (office) - **Pastor Cell:** (641) 260-1868 - **Email:** [email protected] / [email protected] - **Pastor:** Rev. Caroline E. Saxton - **Office Administrator:** Tonya Schwartz - **Music Director:** Gary Crum - **Organist:** Barbara Motichka - **Director of Children & Youth:** Roxanne Davenport - **Pastor Emeritus:** The Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman ## Comprehensive Sermon Analysis ### Sermon Summary - **Central Message:** Our true allegiance belongs to God alone — not to empire, nation, or any earthly power. Jesus models how to resist binary traps by reframing the question entirely. Both personal transformation (recognizing we bear God's image) and communal responsibility (discerning together how to live faithfully within unjust systems). - **Liturgical/Thematic Focus:** Strongly integrated with Lent 5 and the approach to Holy Week. The theme of allegiance connects to Jesus' journey toward the cross — the ultimate confrontation with imperial power. The baptism of Makayla and Tommy reinforced the sermon's core claim: we belong to God. The custom Affirmation of Faith ("we choose Christ because Christ chose us") sealed the liturgical arc. - **Score: 5/5** ### Preaching Style Assessment - **Primary Styles:** Prophetic (justice-oriented) blended with Textual (single passage, deep dive) and Inductive (building tension through the trap before arriving at resolution) - The prophetic voice was strong but pastoral — not hectoring. Pastor Caroline built carefully from personal story to exegesis to contemporary application. The inductive movement (laying out the trap, sitting in the tension, then revealing Jesus' reframing) was effective. - Appropriate for both the text (which is itself a story of rhetorical maneuvering) and this congregation (UCC, progressive, justice-aware, navigating political tensions) - **Score: 5/5** ### Storytelling and Illustration - **Stories used:** H&R Block receptionist experience (relatable, warm); Paul's "Roman citizen card" (connecting to congregation's own Acts study); Hamilton musical (Angelica Schuyler); Declaration of Independence - **Inclusivity:** Strong. Women's voices included (Angelica Schuyler, Dr. Bowden). Oppressed peoples centered ("the Bible is primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people"). Citizenship as wealth/privilege marker acknowledged. The children's message (Roxanne) included all ages beautifully. - **Diverse voices:** Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden cited as primary scholarly voice. The peace pole testimony (Jim Wood) brought global languages and cultures into the service. LGBTQIA+ community acknowledged through the peace pole's rainbow symbol. - **Balance:** Stories served the scripture rather than replacing it. Each illustration illuminated a facet of the text. - **Score: 5/5** ### Intonation and Delivery - **Note:** Transcript is AI-generated from a YouTube recording, which limits precise assessment of vocal delivery. However, the text reveals clear rhetorical craft: short punchy sentences at key moments ("By flipping the script. By refusing to play their game."), rhetorical questions that build tension ("What is Jesus supposed to do? How should he answer?"), and a measured build toward the prophetic climax. - The tone was welcoming throughout. The H&R Block opening established warmth and humor. The shift to prophetic voice ("Sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman") felt earned rather than abrupt. - Pastor Caroline's comment "It's a big day. It's a big big day" at the baptism showed genuine pastoral warmth. - **Score: 4/5** (limited by transcript format; likely higher in person) ### Content Structure - **Introduction:** Personal story (H&R Block) → bridge to taxes and money → "Jesus models another way" - **Body:** (1) Historical context of the trap; (2) Greek exegesis of *apodidōmi*; (3) Titus as accommodation text + range of NT stances; (4) Paul's privilege vs. Jesus' position; (5) Contemporary application - **Conclusion:** "What belongs to Caesar is stamped on coins. What belongs to God is formed in us" → connection to baptism → call to practice true allegiance - Transitions were smooth; each section built on the previous. The Titus material was woven in naturally rather than feeling like a second sermon. - **Score: 5/5** ### Engagement and Application - The congregation was engaged as participants through responsive liturgy, the custom Affirmation of Faith, and the baptism itself — all reinforcing the sermon's themes. - Marginalized groups explicitly included: oppressed peoples, non-citizens of empire, LGBTQIA+ community (peace pole), women (Hamilton reference, Dr. Bowden). - Applications were both personal ("discern with courage, patience, and kindness") and systemic ("there is work to be done in culture and government and church"). - The baptism functioned as a kinesthetic/experiential engagement with the theme — the congregation physically witnessed and participated in an act of allegiance to God. - Allison's prayer ("Stop the killing. Amen.") demonstrated the congregation's willingness to bring prophetic witness into worship. - **Score: 5/5** ### Scripture Handling - **Scriptures referenced:** Mark 12:13-17 (primary), Titus 3:1-8 (paired), Mark 12:12 (context), Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Book of Acts (general) - **Depth of exegesis:** Excellent. Greek word study (*apodidōmi*), historical context (taxes as submission/loyalty in first-century Rome), literary context (Mark 12:12 — the parable that preceded the trap), sociological context (citizenship as purchased privilege), canonical breadth (mapping three NT stances toward empire) - Scripture functioned as foundation — the exegesis drove the sermon rather than being decorative. - Justice-aware use: the observation that the Bible is "primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people" reframes how we read accommodation texts like Titus. - **Score: 5/5** ### Logical Reasoning - **Strong reasoning throughout:** - *Inductive logic:* Built the historical context of the trap before revealing Jesus' response, allowing the congregation to feel the weight of the dilemma - *Counterargument engagement:* Didn't dismiss the Titus accommodation stance but presented it as one valid approach among several, then showed why it's insufficient alone - *Ethical reasoning:* "Paul has a privilege that Jesus does not" — a careful observation about how social location shapes one's advice about engaging with power - *Valid distinction:* "Give back/return" (*apodidōmi*) vs. "give" — this is a real and well-attested Greek distinction, not an overreach - **No significant fallacies identified.** The sermon avoided false dilemmas (explicitly named the range of stances), didn't appeal to emotion without substance, and maintained logical coherence across its argument. - The one area for deeper development: the "sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman" line could be unpacked further — what does that look like concretely? But this may be intentional — leaving the congregation to wrestle with it. - **Score: 5/5** ### References - **Dr. Anna M.V. Bowden** — cited twice as primary scholarly voice on Mark 12:13-17 and the range of NT stances toward empire - **Masahisa Goi** (1916–1980) — referenced in Jim Wood's peace pole testimony; Japanese peace activist affected by WWII atomic bombings - **Hamilton musical** (Lin-Manuel Miranda) — Angelica Schuyler's line about Jefferson and women's inclusion - **Declaration of Independence** — used to illustrate the gap between stated ideals and lived reality - Marginalized voices present through the centering of oppressed peoples' perspectives and the explicit naming of Christian nationalism as a challenge. - **Score: 4/5** (strong references but could include more diverse theological voices — e.g., liberation theology, womanist theology, postcolonial readings) ### Quotes and Illustrative Stories - "Empire's claims are not final. God's claims are." — Concise, memorable thesis statement - "Jesus is not in the business of imperial propaganda" — Sharp, contemporary phrasing - "The Bible is primarily written by oppressed people for oppressed people" — Reframing statement that lingers - "Sometimes being a good Christian means being a bad Roman" — The sermon's most provocative and quotable line - "What belongs to Caesar is stamped on coins. What belongs to God is formed in us" — Beautiful closing parallelism - The children's mirror moment — "Whose face do you see? Yours. Because we are made in God's image" — the sermon distilled for all ages - **Score: 5/5** ### Calls to Action - **Personal:** Discern with courage, patience, and kindness how to live by God's ways; remember "whose we are" when times get tough; extend grace to those we meet - **Communal:** Practice true allegiance together as a congregation; support one another in the journey of discernment; the baptism itself as communal commitment - **Systemic:** Recognize and resist Christian nationalism; do "the work to be done in culture and government and church"; refuse to let unjust systems define us - The Affirmation of Faith functioned as a spoken call to action: "When forced to choose between Caesar's way and Christ's way, we choose Christ" - The Benediction reinforced: "You were not created for the systems of this world. You were created for the kingdom of God." - **Score: 5/5** ### Style Effectiveness Analysis - The prophetic-textual-inductive blend was well-chosen. The inductive build created genuine tension before the resolution; the textual depth (Greek exegesis) gave the prophetic claims scholarly grounding; the prophetic voice felt earned rather than imposed. - **Fully expository** would have provided more verse-by-verse detail but might have lost the contemporary urgency. - **Fully prophetic** without the exegetical grounding could feel like political commentary dressed in religious language — the Greek word study and historical context prevented this. - **Narrative-first-person** (e.g., from the perspective of a first-century Jew facing the tax question) could be powerful but would sacrifice the direct contemporary application. - **Learning styles served:** Auditory (strong), Intrapersonal (reflection questions), Interpersonal (baptism participation, passing of the peace), Visual (children's coins and mirror). Kinesthetic somewhat through baptism and the peace pole as physical object. - **Score: 5/5** ### Scoring Summary | Category | Score | |----------|-------| | Sermon Summary | 5/5 | | Preaching Style | 5/5 | | Storytelling & Illustration | 5/5 | | Intonation & Delivery | 4/5 | | Content Structure | 5/5 | | Engagement & Application | 5/5 | | Scripture Handling | 5/5 | | Logical Reasoning | 5/5 | | References | 4/5 | | Quotes & Illustrative Stories | 5/5 | | Calls to Action | 5/5 | | Style Effectiveness | 5/5 | **Total Score: 58/60** > [!summary] Assessment > An exceptional sermon that wove together rigorous exegesis, pastoral warmth, prophetic courage, and liturgical coherence. The pairing of Mark 12:13-17 with Titus 3:1-8 created a productive tension that Pastor Caroline navigated with scholarly care and pastoral sensitivity. The baptism of Makayla and Tommy provided embodied, liturgical reinforcement of the sermon's central claim: we belong to God. The *apodidōmi* word study was the sermon's exegetical anchor — a genuine insight that reframes the familiar "render unto Caesar" passage. The direct naming of Christian nationalism, grounded in careful biblical scholarship rather than partisan rhetoric, demonstrated prophetic preaching at its best. ### Side-by-Side Comparison: This Sermon vs. Fully Exegetical | Aspect | This Sermon's Style | Fully Exegetical Version | |--------|---------------------|--------------------------| | Primary Style | Prophetic-Textual-Inductive | Expository verse-by-verse | | Opening | Personal story (H&R Block) bridging to theme | Likely open with Mark 12:12 context, walking through the literary setting | | Stories | H&R Block, Hamilton, Paul's citizenship | Fewer personal stories; more time on Pharisee/Herodian political dynamics, denarius imagery, Tiberius inscription | | Scripture Depth | *Apodidōmi* word study + three NT stances toward empire | Deeper treatment of each Titus verse; comparison of all three synoptic accounts (Mark, Matthew, Luke); discussion of the denarius inscription ("Tiberius Caesar, son of the divine Augustus") | | Contemporary Application | Christian nationalism named directly; Declaration of Independence; "good Christian / bad Roman" | Application drawn more implicitly from exegetical observations; less direct political engagement | | Emotional Arc | Tension → insight → prophetic challenge → pastoral hope | Intellectual satisfaction of deep textual understanding; less emotional range | | Strength | Prophetic courage grounded in scholarship | Scholarly depth grounded in the text itself | | Risk | Could feel too political without the exegetical grounding (which this sermon avoided) | Could feel academic and detached from lived experience | --- # Excalidraw Data ## Text Elements ## Embedded Files %% ## Drawing {"type":"excalidraw","version":2,"source":"https://github.com/zsviczian/obsidian-excalidraw-plugin","elements":[],"appState":{"gridSize":null,"viewBackgroundColor":"#ffffff"}} %%