Many know the hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, written by 16th century German theologian and protestant reformer, Martin Luther. It envisions God as a “place” where we can find safety and refuge in times of great challenge. I thought of it this week as I noted responses of many who came to our Stewardship and 70th Anniversary Lunch this Sunday past. In answering the question, “What do you wish others know about St. Mark’s?”, many said that they want others to know what a welcoming community St. Mark’s is. And it is true, in perplexing and difficult seasons, and regardless of who you are or who you love, St. Mark’s has determined to be a place of holy welcome. Our congregation deeply believes, “Whosoever will may come.”
But the Gospel does not just say, “Come.” It also says, “Go!” To know the St. Mark’s seventy year story is to know that we have been called to view the church as something other than an impenetrable fortress. Rather, the church moves beyond walls of safety to undertake the risk of doing good in the world. Jesus made clear that the disciples were to be salt and light in the world, agents of change bringing hope and help in a spirit of faith and courage. Throughout our history, saints in our congregation have shown many the way to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. They have addressed such human realities as doubt, food insecurity, inadequate housing, incarceration, environmental degradation, racial injustice, war, the needs of children, and the rights and needs of the LQBTQI community. In so many ways, these disciples have helped us be salt and light, witnesses of the goodness of Jesus all around us.
Let’s work with this on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Salt and Light: See the Path They Make.” It arises from Isaiah 58: 1-12, to be read by Chris Haynes, and Matthew 5: 13-16, to be read by Jonathan Michaelsen. The Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong, will lead us musically. Stephanie Conklin and Linda Crawford will preview an upcoming family fellowship night, and cheeseball making event. We’ll sing, pray and have a moment for children.
If this is your first time at St. Marks, or whether you have long been a part of our church community, we look forward to connecting with you this Sunday. Join us at 10:30 in the sanctuary, or if you are connecting online, visit www.smumc.church, and click the live stream banner.