Do you believe in the power of stories? If so, how should a good story end? Arthur Frank, author of The Wounded Storyteller, believes that seriously ill individuals are wounded in body and soul, and need to become storytellers to recover the voices deep challenge can take away. He names three different types of stories we tell when in crisis. Restitution stories anticipate getting better, concentrating on the techniques and practices that help us improve. In chaos narratives, the problem seems to go on indefinitely, with little respite or resolution. Quest stories are about finding whatever insight allows for us to become new people in light of our new circumstances. The “ending” of each of the stories can vary greatly, but are influenced by the overall hope of the story.
In Mark 16, there is a different ending following the resurrection of Jesus than is found in the other three gospels. Mark’s ending is so abrupt that later manuscripts, sometimes incorporated into translations, show several different attempts to “finish the story.” But in the best manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel, the passage ends in verse 8, with the earliest witnesses to the empty tomb running away in excitement and fear. What are we to make of such a sudden ending that includes none of the “follow up” material of the other gospels? Could it be that we, the church are to compose our own ending of the story?
We’ll talk about this in Worship Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “After All, Tomorrow is Another Day.” It arises from Psalm 15: 1-9, to be read by Deb Smith. Mark 16: 1-8, to be read by Eric Metzler. We’ll have a moment for mission about an Eagle Scout project intended to support a local food pantry. The Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We’ll sing together, pray and have a moment for children.
If this will be your first time at St. Mark’s, or you have long been connected to our church, we look forward to connecting with you. Join us in the sanctuary at 10:30, or online by visiting www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream Banner.