I remember when. . . I remember where I was when I heard/learned that . . .
How might you complete one of those sentences? It may come from a memory that is personal, or one that is communal. The images, sounds and feelings you recall may make you smile and your heart warm, or may bring you back to a deep ache. Our collective memories are shaped by age, where we’ve lived, cultural and life experiences, etc. These are passed down to the generations that follow.
This week, as we remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11, many of us recall when and where we were on that day. There is also a growing number of young people who have no living memory of that day, but are shaped through ours, and learn from them.
This Sunday, in worship, we spend some time in the Book of Genesis with the story of Joseph, his brothers and their father. To say this was a complicated relationship would be an understatement. There was great harm and tragedy, but also opportunity for reconnecting. This week and next, our Jewish siblings celebrate the High Holy Days. This includes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is recognized as the holiest day of the year. We all are invited to consider the importance of remembering, repenting and approaching forgiveness and reconciliation as entering into new relationship.
In our time of worship, we will also share inspiring music including hymns and musical offerings from our Sanctuary Singers (accompanied by Matthew Wachtman), a children’s moment (with Mary Beth and Rodney Long), prayer and reflection (led by Brenda Bailey-Hughes), and a sharing of the scripture passage from Cooper Tucker and Rodney Long, based on based on Genesis 50:15-21. The sermon title is “Living Into and Beyond our Remembering”.
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 those of you here in-person or joining on the live stream at 10:30am this Sunday!