On a Black Friday eve, a number of years back, my oldest son and a group of his friends camped out in a Best Buy parking lot. The goal was to get an incredible deal on a big screen TV, when the doors opened at 5am. The many folks gathered there needed to maintain their place, or be sent to the back of the line. One person who did not stay in line was a guy, with his Bible, who walked up and down the line loudly “preaching” to this captive audience about sin and damnation.
The scripture passage for this Sunday (based on Matthew 3:1-12) takes us into the wilderness with John the Baptist. He could also be a fiery preacher, speaking of wrath and referring to some as a brood of vipers. Yet, as John baptized many, he focused on repentance and growing in right relationship with God and one another. As we are focusing on spiritual practices this Advent season, this week we reflect on “the Spiritual Practice of Hospitality.”
In our time of worship, we will also sing hymns, pray and reflect, and share a Children’s Moment. Lisa and Torry Hamilton will light the Advent Candle. Brenda Bailey Hughes will read our scripture passage, and will share an update from St. Mark’s Refugee Task Force. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music and will share an anthem. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. The sermon is titled “The Practice of Hospitality: the Grace of Reflection, Repentance & Reconciliation”.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for a long time, a short time, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with those of you here in-person or joining on the livestream.
To connect to our livestream worship Sunday morning, click the link on our website www.smumc.church. The service starts at 10:30am. Livestream starts at 10:25am.