Rev. Phil Amerson, who will be preaching the sermon for St. Mark’s this Sunday, writes, “A photograph hangs in my study of Elizabeth Eckford and Hazel Massery as they stand together outside Little Rock Central High School. It was taken by Will Counts, a distinguished photo journalist. He was friend to many of us. This is not the first photo Will took of Elizabeth and Hazel. Forty years earlier, in 1957, Will photographed the ugly scene. An angry crowd is yelling abuses toward a young African American woman (Elizabeth). Another young white woman (Hazel), is pictured screaming hateful invectives toward Elizabeth. Will died in 2001 but his two photographs continue to give witness to Will's faith and commitment. Will never lost contact with these two and forty years later helped bring them together. The relationship of Elizabeth and Hazel would never be an easy one... but there was a relationship restored. Shortly after the 1997 photograph, Will and I talked about the struggles, grace and restoration that took decades to begin to unfold.
“Our nation, our church and our families are passing through a time of brokenness, pain and violence. Political and cultural divisions tear at the fabric of our society. Many of us are estranged from others, even in our families. Long simmering damages, bigotries and grievance have risen to the surface. Each of us, and all of us, are challenged now with the difficult questions. "Who is beyond God's care?" If you are like me, you have "unfriended" persons on Facebook, or avoided contacts with certain others. Perhaps, like me you have had painful exchanges. Is there a way forward? Can we remain true to our core beliefs and still find ways to seek a common good? "Who is beyond God's Care?" begs the question, "Who is beyond our care?" The story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17 speaks of an everlasting covenant throughout future generations. And for Jesus' followers, what might we learn this Lenten Season? What suggestions do you have? How can we find ways to address such troubling questions?”
We will work with these powerful questions in the service at St. Mark’s on Sunday. Phil’s sermon is titled, “Photoshopping the Family Portrait,” arising from Genesis 17: 1-7, 15-16. We will have an anthem presented by the Sanctuary Singers, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Nara Lee. There will be a children’s moment, hymns and prayers. We hope you join us online for this service.
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with you. Visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner at 10:30 AM.