My grandfather came to the US, as an immigrant, from Czechoslovakia. In his young life, that region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He grew up as part of a marginalized ethnic community, in an economically poor rural area, and knew hunger. Tending and turning the soil, to grow food, was part of survival. After coming to Chicago, this still stayed with him. He saved money for years, until he could buy a small plot of land. There, he again turned the soil so the roots could grow strong, and be nourished. Then, he sowed and cared for the seed so it could take root.
This Sunday, we return to the Parable of the Sower (based on Mark 4:1-20). New Testament scholar, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine reminds us that parables do not only have one meaning. Rather “they evoke numerous meanings; our job is to sort them out.” What might this parable evoke in us today, as we reflect on stewardship and, specifically, Putting Faith Into Action? The sermon title is “Putting Faith into Action: Turning the Soil”.
On Sunday, we will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. The Chancel Choir will share an anthem. Andy Cron and Kevin Theile will offer a Stewardship Moment: Putting Faith Into Action. Laura Baich will read our scripture passage.
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.