On July 4, 1999, I gathered with church families, children and the ‘young at heart’ who were excited to be part of the City of Bloomington Parade. Connected to our “Habitat for Humanity” Vacation Bible School, just weeks before, we built a float for the parade complete with a “house”. Those there were anxiously awaiting the chance ride on the float, or walk alongside.
Then everything changed. Rumors started weaving through the crowd. Not long afterwards, someone from the city came and told me that a Korean IU student was shot outside the Korean United Methodist Church in Bloomington. There was very little information, but we would not be risking having anyone on the float that day. We were to learn that a 21-year-old, with ties to white supremacist and anti-Semitic groups, had engaged in a string of drive by shootings in Illinois and Indiana. A number of Black and Asian individuals were injured. IU student Won-Joon Yoon and former Northwestern University basketball coach Ricky Byrdsong were killed. That tragic memory lives in many of us, and reminds us of our call to choose paths on which we will commit to speaking out and working to dismantle systemic racism and all forms of discrimination and hate.
On this Palm Sunday, we look back to those who gathered to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he sat upon a donkey. Some put branches and their cloaks upon his path, shouting “Hosanna!” Yet, that path ahead would lead to the arrest, crucifixion and death of Jesus. This upcoming Holy Week invites us to enter into the whole of the stories of Jesus’ last days on earth. How may our reflection over these sacred days help us to choose our next steps?
In our time of worship, we will share inspiring music including hymns and musical offerings from our singers (accompanied by Nara Lee), a virtual Palm Sunday parade, a children’s moment, prayer and reflection, and the reading of the scripture passage based on Mark 11:1-11 by Jason Endris. We will also celebrate the Welcoming of New Members. The sermon title is “The Paths We Choose.”
If you have been part of the St. Mark’s community for decades, or will be joining us for the first time, we look forward to connecting with you on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday.