Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43
In Matthew 13, Jesus tells a story that speaks directly to us as a church family. He describes a farmer who plants good seed in his field, but while everyone is asleep, an enemy quietly plants weeds among the wheat. The seeds grow side by side, almost indistinguishable at first, until the fruit reveals the truth.
This parable reminds us that evil rarely announces itself. It works quietly, subtly, and often undetected. Some of the most dangerous attacks in our lives don’t come through storms; they come through subtle seeds, quiet compromises, small distractions, things that look close enough to truth to confuse us.
And Jesus teaches that the same is true in the church. The enemy doesn’t always try to destroy God’s people outright. Instead, he tries to complicate the harvest, mixing what God intends to keep pure, blurring what God intends to make clear, and exhausting the people of God with confusion.
But here is the good news: God sees the field clearly. God knows the wheat. God knows the weeds. And God will make the final distinction in His time.
Until then, Jesus calls us to be awake, alert, and faithful.
Living as Wheat in a World of Weeds
As a church, we are doing well. We are focused. We are growing. We are becoming the kind of community God can trust with a harvest. But we must also remember that the enemy is real and fully aware of what God is doing among us.
So, when new people join us, let us be who we are: loving, caring, welcoming, warm. But let us also be wise. Let us be alert. Let us be discerning.
When negativity arises… When seeds of discord are sown… When drama or confusion tries to take root…
Let us have the courage to stop it in its tracks, not with anger or arrogance, but with truth, love, and the boldness of people who know who they are in Christ.
We are the wheat. We are the good seed. We are the people God planted in this field.
Reflection
o Stay awake: Where might subtle distractions be pulling your attention away from God?
o Stay rooted: How can you strengthen your spiritual foundation this week?
o Stay loving: Who needs encouragement, clarity, or truth spoken in love?
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Eddie
(From Sunday’s sermon, July 19, 2026)
Weekly Prayer
Lord, keep us awake and aware. Help us to recognize what You planted and what the enemy tries to plant beside it. Make us faithful, loving, and courageous as we grow together in Your field. Amen.
Weekly Prayer Request
Greg Barger, The Family of Michael Cade, Winne Gill, and Jane Ziehmke.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 7/30/26, 8/13/26, 8/27/26, 9/10/26, 9/24/26, 10/8/26, 10/29/26, 11/12/25, 12/3/26 and 12/17/26.
Interested in Visiting the Ark Encounter?:
(UPDATE) The following is the pricing for our trip to the Ark Encounter on September 11–12:
· Hotel rooms are $99.99 per night plus tax, which includes free hot breakfast, pool access, and Wi‑Fi.
· Ark Encounter tickets will be $25.00 per person.
Trip Details: We will arrive in Kentucky on Friday night (Sept. 11), spend Saturday (Sept. 12) exploring the Ark, and return home Saturday evening after dinner. If you have any questions, please see Pam M. or Tammy O.
🎉 Grace Tuxedo Park Block Club Party: The Grace Tuxedo Park Neighborhood Association is hosting a Block Club Party on August 8, 2026, from 6–8 p.m.
Our church will be hosting this event at our Community Park, and everyone is welcome to join. Come out for an evening of connection, fun, and neighborhood fellowship!
Do you have an idea for our monthly church Fellowship event?: Whether it’s places to go, trips to take, or a fun activity our church family would enjoy, we’d love to hear your suggestions. Please share your ideas with Harold H., Pam M., or Tammy O. A sign‑up sheet is also available at the Fellowship Desk if you’d like to get involved.
Monthly Fellowship Calendar
- ⚾ 🧢 Indians Baseball Outing: Friday, August 21, 2026.
- 🦁🛶 Noah’s Ark & the Creation Museum: September 11-13, 2026.
- 🎓🎉Doctoral Achievement & Pastor Appreciation Luncheon: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- 🦃 🍂 Thanksgiving w/ the Smiths Sunday, November 22, 2026.
- 🎄 ✨ Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m.
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Children’s Summer Clothes
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Women’s T-Shirts (size: Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
Sweat Pants
