Sunday, September 17, 2023

Regardless of the year in which you were born, it is likely that your generation had/has “superheroes” of some kind. A number of those may have had epic origin stories. The Bible has more than a few accounts of unlikely and/or miraculous births, including Isaac, John the Baptist and, of course, Jesus. In Children’s Sunday School this month, the theme is “Creativity” with a focus on God creating the earth, living things, people and helpers. All of this is under the umbrella of Celebrating Wonder. This Sunday, they are focusing on “God Creates People”.

There is a familiar story of a child who asks his parent where he came from. Not having prepared for this question, the parent nervously replies with a disjointed response. The child, looking confused, says “Oh, my friend Pat says he comes from New Jersey.” Creation itself (of nature, animals, and people) is both ordinary and extraordinary.

This Sunday, we are going to explore the same scripture passage as our children will be in Sunday School. It is based on Genesis 1:26-2:4. We will be guided by the wisdom of Christian scholars, Jewish Rabbis and others across ages and life stories. How might we more fully embrace and care for the gift of the whole of God’s creation? Let’s wonder together.

After we gather for worship and greet one another, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. We will pray and reflect. This weeks scripture passage comes from Genesis 1:26 - 2:4. The sermon is titled, “What’s Your Story?”, “What’s Our Story?”

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.