Rev. Mary Beth Morgan, preaching
John 20:1-18
Messengers, Prophets and Helpers
This is a challenging time to be in the hospital, or other healthcare facility, due to COVID-19 or another illness or injury. It is also hard to have a loved one there, when there can be no visiting. There was a story, in the news, of an 88-year-old man desperate to see his wife, who is in a nursing facility. His family arranged the use of a bucket truck so he could reach his wife’s third floor window to see her. It is a great story, knowing few have those creative options.
When I talk with loved ones of those hospitalized these days, I hear the pain and anxiety of being separated. I also often hear gratitude for those healthcare workers who, even in the busyness, have gotten to know their loved ones and call them by name. Phone calls, or messages, from these caregivers are often a gift of grace to families.
This Sunday, we enter into the account of the resurrection of Jesus from the Gospel of John (20:1-18). In the second part of the passage, Mary Magdalene is weeping at the tomb, where Jesus’ body had been. She notices someone is behind her, but does not recognize that it is Jesus, and she assumes he is the gardener. It is not until Jesus says her name, “Mary” that she recognizes him and goes to tell the disciples. We are reminded, again, that God calls each of us by name, and in our own unique ways, to be Messengers, Prophets and Helpers.
On this 2nd Sunday of Easter, we will share Easter Sunday pictures from our community, during the prelude. We also look forward to a children’s moment, prayer, word and reflection, and are fortunate to have, in music leadership, Stephanie and Patrick Conklin and Heather Orvek. We are also especially lifting up, in gratitude and prayer, all those who serve in health care, We will have names of those you send on the screen during the closing hymn.
HELP US TO HONOR THOSE WORKING IN HEALTH CARE
THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2020
We continue to be inspired by the dedication and courage of all those working in health care during this pandemic. This includes nurses, doctors, aides, lab techs, first responders, chaplains, those who clean and prepare rooms, cook and deliver meals, and all who support patients, families, and the countless other essential workers on the front lines of this crisis. This Sunday in worship, we want to honor these dedicated people by lifting them up in prayer and gratitude.
We invite you to recognize those in healthcare you know by sending us the first name and first letter of their last name: for example, “David R.” Please send these names to Mary Beth Morgan marybethmorgan@smumc.church by 5pm on Friday. Sunday morning, during the hymn that closes our livestream service, we will display the collected names as a testimony to the many brave souls who are modeling love and faith for us all.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community or are joining us for the first time, we look forward to worshipping together, via live stream, on Sunday!