Writer and pastor Ferrell Mason tells of attending a book signing with Barbara Brown Taylor at the publication of her book, Home by Another Way. As Ferrell tells it, Barbara is one of her faith heroes, and during the question and answer time, she summoned the courage to ask Barbara a question. Ferrell asked, “What is your definition of hope?” Barbara gave it back to Ferrell, saying, “Yes. Tell me, what is hope?” Ferrell said she froze for a moment, being in a sudden limelight, and with three of her seminary professors sitting in the front row. Finally she said, “God has me, whatever happens. Ultimately, all will be well. God is making all things new.” Barbara smiled and said quietly, “Yes. Thank you.”
“God is making all things new.” That may not be received as unqualified good news by those who like the way things are. But these words speak the truth that faith is always a dance between the old and familiar, on the one hand, and the new and emerging, on the other. They help us understand that creation is not a one-time event, but that the God who created is still creating. They also point to the reality that the God who redeems is always looking for ways to nudge us to deeper and more broad transformation.
We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “Making All Things New: Easter Hope for this Day.” The sermon arises from Revelation 20: 1-6, which will be read by Kathy Scheid, and John 13: 31-35, read by Laura Baich. Dan Hughes will also present a Mission Moment about Stephen Ministers, a group that serves through the spiritual practice of deep, prayerful listening and caring. The Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will share the anthem. We’ll have a moment for children, hymns and prayers.
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.