This has been a great Vacation Bible School week, at St. Mark’s. Children, youth and adults have been teaching and learning together, connecting with Bible stories that guide us, and nurturing sacred community. Our theme has been “Who Were the People in our Neighborhood?” If you now have the theme song for Mr.Rogers’ Neighborhood running through your mind, it fits. Fred Rogers, a minister, who lived out his calling in his television show, once said,
“Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors—in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”
As we intentionally reflect on the gifts and wisdom of those whose experiences predate ours, we include all peoples, and our natural world, as well. In the Gospel reading this Sunday, 12-year-old Jesus does not join his parents, after the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. While Mary and Joseph are frantically looking for him, Jesus is in the temple, sitting amongst the teachers, asking questions, and sharing his wisdom and understanding of the scriptures. They were amazed.
What might we learn from those who came before us, and those who share our journey now. Plan to be part of worship this Sunday, as we are led by our children, youth, and the young-at-heart of all ages. There will be great music, led by Rodney Long, our Chancel Choir, with accompaniment by Matthew Wachtman. We will return to having our young ones gather us into worship with a ringing of the bells and shakers.
We will also pray and reflect, and sing hymns. Greta Stephenson will join us in a Children’s Moment. Jack Starr, and family, will read our scripture passage (based on Luke 2:41-52). The sermon is titled “Who Were the People in our Neighborhood?”
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.