What are you called to do in this world? How does one decide? Scott Neeson was the president of Twentieth Century Fox from 2000-2003. Before leaving to take a new position with Sony Pictures, he decided to do some backpacking in Cambodia. While there, he was startled to see children begging for food and scouring the dumps for anything to eat. About the same time, he received a phone call from an actor who was angrily refusing to board a private jet because the amenities were not up to his standards. The actor said, “Life is not meant to be this difficult.” Given what hunger and poverty he had seen, the petulant demands of the privileged actor were more than he could handle. He thought to himself, “I don’t want this to be my life.” Scott initiated changes in his personal and professional life and, in 2004 he began to work fulltime for the Cambodian Children’s Fund. He said “I get up in the morning and can’t wait to get to work. How many people can say that?”
“Calling” matters a great deal, but it is not simply about the career we choose. James Fowler would say, “Vocation is bigger than job or occupation or career. Vocation refers to the centering commitments and vision that shape what our lives are about.” In this large sense, in career and in personal life, what are we called to do and be in the world?
At a time of great change for Israel, a young boy heard God say, “Before you were born, I consecrated you to be a prophet to the nations.” The child, Jeremiah, initially resisted, saying, “I am not up to this. I am only a boy.” But God responded, “Do not be afraid…I am with you to deliver you.”
This Sunday at St. Mark’s, we’ll have a chance to engage the invitation to service that comes to us all. Tom Heaton, who served as a pastor at our church from 1998-2002, will preach the sermon, “Called, Equipped, and Fearless”. The sermon arises from Jeremiah 1: 4-10, which will be read by Legene White. Janice Arvesen will read the Gospel passage, which is Matthew 4: 18-22. We will be led musically by the Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, as they sing the anthem, “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal.” We will have a moment for children, the prayers of the people and Amy Thomas will bring a Mission Moment about the work of Thriving Connections.
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.