Who are those individuals have made a difference in your life, or in our world? What was it about them, and their way of being in the world, that was impactful? How did they carry faith, hope and love in ways that created change, sometimes even in the face of insurmountable odds?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and pastor who lived during Hitler’s rise to power. Earlier than many, Bonhoeffer saw the Fuhrer’s autocratic leadership style, his hatred of others who were unlike him, and his willingness to use the Church to further his aims. He also saw the stranglehold on the German national psyche that only became tighter the longer he was in power. Bonhoeffer’s response to this was to lead of life of concrete Christian discipleship, and to call others in the Church to follow that path. Though his opposition to Hitler and the pursuit of this discipleship cost him his life, his influence on the Church far beyond Germany and for decades beyond his own era continues to grow.
In the midst of his ministry, Jesus sent seventy-two of his disciples out on a mission to proclaim the good news in towns in advance of his coming. He told them that there was a readiness for this mission, but also told them that their work could prove costly to them. Specifically, he said, “I send you as sheep into the midst of wolves.” But when these returned from this daunting venture, they reported their surprise, that even evil powers submitted before them. They had discovered a power to influence others they had never known before.
We ask ourselves, “Can our discipleship in this faith make a difference in our conflicted world?” We’ll work with this in the worship service on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “And To Their Great Surprise: Finding A Way to Make a Difference.” The sermon arises from Luke 10: 1-11; 16-20, which will be read by Dian Ludlow. Stephanie Conklin, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will sing “American Anthem.” We will celebrate Holy Communion, have a moment for children, sing and pray together. We hope you join us.
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. To join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.