Can you remember a time when you surprised yourself, by saying “Yes” to something you had not considered before? Perhaps, it was changing careers, raising children, moving to another state or country, learning a new skill, or embracing a leadership role as a volunteer. Was there someone who helped open you to a new possibility?
In his book, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Invocations and Blessings, John O’Donohue writes “The Greeks believed that time had secret structure. There was the moment of Epiphany when time suddenly opened and something was revealed in luminous clarity… Part of the art of living wisely is to learn to recognize and attend to such profound openings in one’s life.”
In the scripture reading this Sunday (based on Matthew 4: 12-23), Jesus comes upon four fishers by the Sea of Galilee and says to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Something opened inside of them, and they said “Yes”, likely even surprising themselves. What might be opening in our individual lives, or for us as a community of faith? And, how might we attend to that? We will consider that this Sunday. In our time of worship, we will also sing hymns, pray and reflect, and share a Children’s Moment. Kim Van Lue will read our scripture passage. We will also have the blessing of receiving New Members and celebrating a baptism. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music. The sermon is titled “Attending to Profound and Sacred Openings in our Lives”.
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!