Sunday, July 16, 2023

Sunday, July 16, we will explore the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau, and what we might learn about Christian discipleship from their tale. While pastors Jimmy and Mary Beth are both away this week, Brenda Bailey Hughes will share her thoughts on finding a balance of hope and reality. Brenda has been worshiping at St. Mark’s for over two decades and is a Certified Lay Speaker with the UMC. She is a teaching professor at Indiana University where she specializes in communication, empathy, and leadership. Brenda lives in Bloomington where she enjoys yoga, hiking, and hanging out with her two darling grandchildren.

We are grateful to Annette Lemond who will be also participating in worship leadership, including guiding us in our liturgy. After we gather and greet one another on Sunday morning, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment, led by Brenda. We will sing hymns, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. Theo Harrah will also offer a solo. We will pray and reflect. Mary Wheeler will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “A Both-And Kind of God”.

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.