Advent Dreams; Advent Actions: Stories in a Quilt
Rev. Mary Beth Morgan, preaching with Ed Brandon and Mark Cox
Isaiah 2:1-5
A woman, surrounded by squares of fabric, was asked what she was quilting. She responded “I am quilting a story that continues to unfold even as I sew these pieces together.” We are blessed again, this Sunday, to have a collection of panels from the AIDS Quilt here at St. Mark’s that represents an unfolding story. We are grateful to Ed Brandon who made this possible, and created one of these panels.
The National AIDS Memorial reminds us that the AIDS Quilt commemorates over 105,000 people who have died of AIDS. The “panels serve as both a memorial and a storyteller. Each panel visually documents the evolution of one of the nation’s ongoing civil rights struggles.” They invite us to remember, repent, honor the life of each person, and to advocate for and support those living with HIV/AIDS and their loved ones, around the globe. Ed Brandon and Mark Cox will share a few stories and important insights with us on this first Sunday in Advent.
The scripture passage for this week is Isaiah 2:1-5. The prophet envisions the nations (all peoples) “streaming” to learn to live by God’s Law, Rather than responding to a quest for power and wealth, or reacting to fear and prejudice, they will be moved by and internal quest and drive for peace. “They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks.” The sermon title is Advent Dreams and Advent Actions: Stories in a Quilt . We will celebrate Communion together, and collect items for Backpack Buddies.
All are invited, on Sunday morning, to get some breakfast anytime between 9:00-10:15am, which is provided this week by the Reconciling Ministries Team. Donations are appreciated, and will go to the United Methodist Church Global AIDS Fund. Plan to come back at 5pm for Advent Night and Hanging of the Greens, including a turkey-free meal. (See details in the article included here.) If this will be your first Sunday at St. Mark’s, or you have been here for decades, we look forward to sharing this time together on Sunday!