Can you remember a time when someone offered you a simple act of welcome, affirmation, kindness or hospitality during a difficult time? My memory went back to the 1970’s and a moment in junior high. For a variety of family reasons, I switched schools a lot, and was experienced at being the “new kid.” However, I was not prepared for one move. A small group of students would befriend “new kids” for a time, and then suddenly “unfriend” them. I was one of those and, in an instant, I found myself ostracized and alone in the lunchroom. But, then I heard a voice asking me “Would you like to sit with us?” In that simple act of kindness and welcome, I met dear friends.
In the scripture passage this Sunday (based on Matthew 10:40-42), Jesus is teaching the disciples about the mission on which he is sending them. It is one of sacred hospitality, which is often lived out in simple acts of kindness, welcome and affirmation. For them to experience this, Jesus sends them out without money or other such means of support. The disciples and those in the communities they enter rely on the hospitality of each other, even if it is for a cup of water. As Jesus says, in this scripture passage, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (vs. 40).
This week, I have been looking at this photo from August 28, 2016, the day the St. Mark’s community voted to become a Reconciling Congregation. (A Reconciling Congregation is one committed to full LGBTQI justice and inclusion in the life of the United Methodist Church). I am moved by the number of wonderful people, including those who are no longer with us, who teach us still how we might offer simple acts of sacred hospitality. Each of us is a beloved child of God, and we are to live in that knowing, as individuals and as a community of faith.
We will explore this together this Sunday, in worship. We will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns accompanied by Matthew Wachtman. The Chancel Choir will share an anthem. Sheri Walter will offer a Moment of Sharing. Annette Lemond will help lead us in liturgy, and Eric Metzler will read our scripture passage. Please see the article below about Reaffirming our Commitment as a Reconciling Congregation. We hope you can stay after worship, for a few minutes, so we can take a new picture of those here on August 28, 2022. If you cannot be physically here, send us your picture, so we can include it. All are welcome and affirmed.
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.