Sunday, February 13, 2022

I remember the first time someone asked me to bless their home. I was a pastor at a Baptist church, and a young couple was just moving into a new house. We Baptists did not bless houses very much or, for that matter, any other inanimate thing. As one of my pastoral colleagues said to me when I asked for advice, “That sounds like a pretty Catholic thing to do.” He didn’t intend that as a compliment. But in fact, one of the partners did come from a Catholic background, and it was clear this blessing would be deeply meaningful to them. I prepared as best I could, but when I got to the house, my senses took over. You could smell the new woods. You could hear the sounds as new doors would open and close. One could see the cleanliness and care that had gone into the décor and arrangement of every space. And so I blessed those things, and the potential they had for welcoming in friends and family. I blessed the good that would enter that space, and blessed the power that would keep evil away. As we went from room to room, you could see this couple live into the grace that their shared space was blessed.

The power to bless does not just belong to ministers. As honored as pastors are when asked to pray at meetings or in homes, it is delightful to us when someone other than the pastor pronounces blessings. And when deep blessings are pronounced, it becomes clear that the act of blessing has the power to change the circumstances in the space. An old urban legend has it that when someone would sneeze, their hearts would stop. And the “God bless you” that followed was a prayer that one’s heartbeat would be revived. Blessing allows us to find our heart, in individuals, in homes and in community.

This was at least some of what Jesus intended when in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus pronounces “beatitudes”. “Blessed are the poor.” “Blessed are the hungry.” “Blessed are those who weep.” The blessings Jesus offers both describe a way of seeing the world that counters prevailing wisdom, and open channels for hope and goodness to flow. Blessings change us.

We’ll talk about this in the service on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Called to Bless the World”, and arises from Luke 6:17-26. The passage will be read by Ken Beckley, and the pastoral prayer will be offered by Rev. Peggy Good. We will be led musically by the Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman. There will be a moment for children, prayers and hymns.

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.

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Every pastor knows what to expect when the service runs a little long. But what about the church in the Netherlands that had a service last for 96 days? In October of that year, a family of refugees from Armenia began hiding in a church in the Hague. The church had relied on an obscure Dutch law that forbad the government from entering a church during worship services. So the church decided that it would maintain a continuous liturgy to provide safety for the Tamrazyan family, which feared for their safety if they returned to Armenia. Over 1000 people from many congregations kept the service going, to keep the family safe. Eventually the church secured a commitment from the government that they would be allowed to stay in the Netherlands in freedom. This was a Jubilee moment.

In Luke 4, we read that Gospel’s account of Jesus’ first sermon, which he preached in his hometown of Nazareth. In this sermon, Jesus draws both a passage from Isaiah, as well as the Jubilee tradition, to frame his vision for the reign of God. The Book of Leviticus states that every 50th year was to be a Jubilee year. In that year, prisoners and slaves were to be freed, debts forgiven, and ownership of land surrendered in financial crisis would revert to the original land owners. Jesus says that this grand vision for a world set straight, for this great reversal to happen, is a fitting way to describe the reign of God he proclaims.

While initially received well, the crowd started to take offense at the sermon when Jesus said that the Isaiah passage was being fulfilled in their hearing. Apparently, it was fine to preach of a grand view of the reign of God, as long as it was in the distant future, keeping the current structures and ways of life intact. But Jesus’ great offense was to say that the Jubilee happens now, if we are open enough to see it, and faithful enough to help bring it about.

What are Jubilee moments? How can we note them? How can we participate? We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “It’s Going to be a Very Good Year: Jubilee in Christian faith.” The sermon arises from Luke 4: 14-20 which will be read by Dan Hughes. The Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will lead us in music. We’ll have a moment for children and prayers.

We will also shift our COVID protocols this week, with music to be sung only by the Sanctuary Singers and by urging parishioners to use N95 or KN95 masks, or to double mask. We also will not have children of youth Sunday School the next two weeks, or until we are past this latest spike in cases. We do encourage the use of Live Stream, especially for those who are not fully vaccinated, or who have underlying health concerns.

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. Visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream Banner at 10:30 AM on Sunday morning.

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Dear St. Mark’s Family and Friends,

Can you remember a moment when someone seemed to have faith in you, in a way you did not see in yourself? Perhaps, they recognized an ability, or gift emerging in you, that could grace the world. Or, they nudged you to consider an opportunity, small or large, that opened paths you hadn’t imagined or believed you were ready to embrace.

Our scripture passage this Sunday (John 2:1-11) is often titled the Wedding at Cana. Jesus (likely around 30 years old) is a guest at this wedding, along with his disciples and his mother. The wine had run out, with the guests still there. Jesus’ mother simply tells her son “They have no wine”. Jesus’ response to her is that his hour has not yet come. So, she goes to the servants and tells them to do whatever Jesus tells them. They did, and there was wine. It was Jesus’ first sign (miracle) in this Gospel.

This weekend, we recognize the birthdate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and recall his words and actions, and so many others, in a non-violent movement against segregation and for civil rights. Along with Dr. King, many of those who spoke at the 1963 March on Washington were in their 20’s and 30’s (Myrlie Evers, John Lewis, Diane Nash…). They were supported and nudged by others, and did the same for those younger and those older, in a shared journey. We too share in this ongoing journey in faith and our call to embrace, in words and actions, peace with justice for all of God’s children. Are we still willing to be nudged?

We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Nudges of Grace”. The scripture passage will be read by Glenda Murray. Our Sanctuary Singers will lead us in singing, with Matthew Wachtman and Rodney Long on organ and piano. There will be a video reflection, a moment for children, prayers, great hymns, and the gift of community.

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.

Sunday, January 9, 2022

One of the great stories of Baptism comes from John Buchanan, who was for many years the pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. It was Epiphany Sunday, one of the days that church had designated to perform baptisms. Many small children can feel overwhelmed by the experience of baptism, but one toddler named Christopher looked to be quite at peace with the whole event. He was not fussing or crying, and was easily contented going into the pastor’s arms. He did not flinch when John touched his head with the water, and pronounced the name of the Trinity over him. But, as was John’s practice, immediately after touching the child with water, he said, “Christopher, you are a child of God, and you belong to Jesus Christ forever.” At that moment, the child looked the pastor in the eye and said, clearly and articulately, “Uh-oh.”

Who said children do not understand what we are doing in church? Oh, it’s true there are many “Oh, yes” moments in Baptism, when we are assured that Christ is with us, and that we are held in God’s arms. But there are also “Uh-oh” moments, when the implications of what we have done, collectively and individually, in Baptism, come home to us. We see both the assurance and the challenge of the waters of Baptism.

This Sunday is the First Sunday after Epiphany, and is also called “Baptism of the Lord” Sunday. It is customary on this Sunday to remember the Baptism of Jesus by John in the Jordan River. This event marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, and comes near the end of the ministry of John the Baptist. John would soon be imprisoned and executed by King Herod who was angered that John had rebuked him for his bad behavior. Truly sacred moments can include “Uh-oh” moments as well.

We’ll talk about this on Sunday in worship. The sermon is titled “What the Water Says”, and arises from Luke 3: 15-22. During the service, we will have a time of remembering our own baptism. The Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will lead us in music. We will have hymns, prayers and a moment for children.

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 (masks required. If you are joining online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner Sunday morning at 10:30 AM.

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Channeling the ancient Magi (the wise men), W. H Auden wrote in his great poem, “Christmas Oratorio”:

At least we know for certain that we are three old sinners, that this journey is much too long, that we want our dinners, and miss our wives, our books, our dogs, but have only the vaguest idea why we are what we are. To discover how to be human now Is the reason we follow this star.

Often, long journeys are worth the trouble. Of course, some people just love to travel. The thought of going somewhere, anywhere, fills them with a sense of adventure. As the poet Edna St. Vincent Milay wrote, “…there isn’t a train I wouldn’t take, no matter where it’s going.” Others travel because there is someone they really want to see, or have a spot they long to visit. And some travel out of necessity, as work or personal or family crisis has made it critical to hit the road. Literally or metaphorically, long journeys are especially challenging for the traveler, but as the poet said, they help us discover how to be human.

It seems fitting during the season of Christmastide, moving into the season of Epiphany, that travel is on our minds. The Magi, these mysterious travelers whose faith and vocation included the observation of the stars, had undertaken a long journey from “the East” to search for a promised ruler. Song, poetry and legend have embellished the story of the Magi, but it is clear that the scriptural witness is that their journey was long, and full of both danger and wonder. Some journeys are just like that.

Faith, and life, are like that, too. Sometimes we know where we are going, and sometimes we don’t. But things rarely resolve as quickly as we had hoped, so genuine faith is always in motion. We’ll talk about this in this service as the sermon is titled “A Blessing for Those Who Have Far to Travel,” arising from Matthew 2: 1-12. This is the last Sunday of the Christmas season, and we will sing carols, share in a time of prayer, and have a moment for children.

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 (masks required) or joining on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM.

Sunday, Decmber 19, 2021

Jan Richardson has a poem in which she speaks of a blessing of sanctuary...of being welcomed in, but that this blessing will not "leave you alone, or let you linger in safety." That is, this blessing, full of grace and love, will eventually ask something risky of you. Even during this season of peace and goodwill, and in the Biblical story of the nativity, there is the presence of danger, calling for the family of Jesus to make difficult decisions. That is what love must do.

In the Advent biblical text for Sunday, John the Baptist appears once more, calling for his hearers to take specific actions of repentance. Everyone is to be generous with their discretionary funding. Roman soldiers were told not to extort others by threat, and tax collectors were to not to collect more than required. Repentance is shaped by the life experience of the one repenting. Those who do so are to “risk” arranging life differently. In every case, the costly action opens the way for a deeper experience of the Spirit.

This is what we will be talking about this Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent, the last Sunday before Christmas. The sermon is titled, “The Advent Practice of Faithful Action,” arising from Luke 3: 7-18. Claire Tafoya, Lisa Kurz, and Stephanie Conklin, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will sing John Rutter’s “Nativity Carol”. We will sing carols, pray and have a moment for children, and we will light the Advent Candle.

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 (Please wear masks) or joining on the live stream at www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, Decmber 12, 2021

Anne Lamott writes of her early days of attending a small Presbyterian church, the one that helped facilitate her embrace of faith, or perhaps better said, God’s embrace of her. Even as she struggled with her own addictions, she was particularly drawn to the singing of that little congregation. She writes in Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith, “Then the singing enveloped me. It was furry and resonant, coming from everyone’s very heart. There was no sense of performance or judgment, only that the music was breath and food.”

Have you ever been part of an experience of group singing that had a powerful impact on you? A growing body of research affirms that singing in groups has significant benefits for health and for our inner well-being. But we also know that singing together strengthens the connection and energy of the singing community. This is one of the reasons people are drawn to choirs, and why during the pandemic, many developed online choral experiences. It was not simply a love of music. It was a reflection of the deep longing for and profound delight in community.

Sunday at St. Mark’s, we’ll sing together some of the carols of the season. The Sanctuary Singers will present a choral version of Mary’s Magnificat composed by Alan Bullard, as well as an arrangement by Anthony Pitts of “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Patrick Conklin will sing “Gifts for the Child of Winter” and Anthony Josep will sing, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”. Organist Matthew Wachtman and harpist Aubrey Shumway will accompany them. We will read a selection of Biblical lessons, and sing carols as a congregation, offer prayers and have a moment for children. Mary Beth and Jimmy will each offer brief reflections.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, December 5, 2021

On the day you were born, and perhaps when you turned 18, who was the President (or other leader if outside of the US)? Who were local leaders (i.e., governor, mayor…)? Who were the religious authorities? And, how did their presence, and the culture of the time, help shape your vision of the world and your dreams now of what it can be?

As we approach the second Sunday of Advent, our minds might be drifting to stories of shepherds, angels and magi. However, our scripture reading (based on Luke 3:1-6) begins with a listing of political and religious leaders in a repressive Roman regime. We then encounter John the Baptist, who is living in the wilderness, baptizing and preaching repentance.

Episcopal Vicar Judith Jones writes that “repentance (Greek metanoia) is not mere regret for past misdeeds. It means far more than saying, ‘I’m sorry. Please forgive me.’ Metanoia means a change of mind and heart, the kind of inner transformation that bears visible fruit.” How might we nurture that kind of Advent dreaming together in this season?

We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “The Practice of Advent Dreaming”. The scripture passage will be read by Suzie Rimstidt. Our Sanctuary Singers will lead us in singing, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying. We will have the lighting of the Advent Candle by Dana, Nathan, Dean, Cam and Maia Thomas, a moment for children, prayers and reflections, hymns, and the gift of community.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

(Jones, J. (2015, December 6). Commentary on Luke3:1-6. Working Preacher. https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-of-advent-3/commentary-on-luke-31-6-3)

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Blogger Rita Kowats once reflected on a famous painting by Paul Gauguin titled, “Vision After the Sermon.” The work is Gauguin’s interpretation of the Biblical story from Genesis of Jacob wrestling with an angel. Gauguin depicts a congregation of twelve watching the contest. Kowats says that when she first viewed it, she felt angry at the “viewers” in the painting for watching and doing nothing. But in a later reflection, she had an epiphany. “They are not spectators. They hold vigil for Jacob.”

Perhaps you can relate. Have you ever kept vigil? Have you ever waited attentively while someone you love was having a surgery? Having a baby? Entering their last hours? Perhaps you have attended a vigil that was a prelude to a worship event. Or maybe you have been a part of a community candlelight vigil following an act of senseless violence.”

Advent invites us to the important spiritual practice of holding vigil. To engage in vigil allows us to transform our inaction or voyeurism, our sense of avoidance or fear, into a prayerful attentiveness to what is about to happen. Vigil opens us to the possibility of seeing the presence of God as our lives unfold. And the Church, in its wisdom, has encouraged us to enter into this deep attentiveness as we enter Advent.

We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday morning. The sermon is titled “The Advent Practice of Keeping Vigil”, arising from Luke 21: 25-36. In the service, we will light the first candle on the Advent wreath. We will celebrate communion together for the first time since we have returned to in person worship. We will also welcome children to come forward for the children’s moment. We ask that an adult accompany very young children, and that all children age three or older be masked.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, November 21, 2021

In just a very few days, many will gather at tables with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Normally, and nostalgically, we expect this event to be centered around a great meal, rich conversation, and warm connection. Increasingly, we are realizing that this Norman Rockwell like hope does not always translate into reality. In America, many will not be traveling due to concerns about COVID. Also, however, political disputes, tensions vaccines, and an uneasy discussion about race hang like a cloud over the table. Many families choose to avoid these topics, and in some cases the family gathering, altogether. It is both ironic and sad that this day that promises to help us bond and share gratitude is now, for many, a symbol of our broken connection. We are in danger of becoming strangers to each other.

Fortunately, our faith has much to teach us about the “stranger.” The ancient people of faith were specifically taught to welcome and love the stranger, or sojourner, because they too had once been sojourners. The well-known text in the letter to the Hebrews (13:3) encourages showing such hospitality, because some had entertained angels without knowing it. And in the Biblical text for the day, Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, the story offers a surprise when religious leaders fail to help a wounded traveler, but a member of disliked ethnic group does offer aid.

So, we’ll reflect on this in worship on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, which is also the “Reign of Christ” Sunday, the last day of the liturgical year. The sermon is titled, “A Stranger Came to Town”, and arises from Luke 10: 25-37, which will be read by Claire Carney. We will receive new members during this service, and have prayers, hymns and a moment for children. The Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will lead us in worship.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, November 7, 2021

We live in a world created by stories, and there are so many stories that still wait to be told. In her book, Cloister Walk, Kathleen Norris tells about a conversation with a monk that showed her something remarkable. After he had introduced her to other monks at the monastery, he said, “It’s time for you to meet the rest of the community.” She said he walked her over to the cemetery, and as they passed each grave, her host would tell her stories about the deceased. He had lived there for sixty years, and he knew them all.

Into such a world strides All Saints Day, and not a moment too soon. Some of us have forgotten the power of an openhearted tribute, and feel overwhelmed at the rancor and impatience we see all too frequently in our culture. And we may even feel that our saints have left us too early, and without adequate resources. But they have bequeathed us these qualities and stories, things that are just waiting to be named in the world, so that they might bless us all. As the writer of the letter to the Hebrews said, “By faith they still speak.”

Jesus modeled this in a story we read in the Gospel of Mark. He was watching people of great wealth leave large sums during the public worship. But he called the attention of the disciples to a “poor widow” who is putting two small copper coins in the treasury. Jesus wants his disciples to know that while the others gave from their abundant wealth, she gave all that she had to live on. Her story must be told, for in the telling, the community can be changed.

This is what we celebrate this Sunday in our worship. During the service, we will read the names of those in the St. Mark’s community who have died in the past year. We will also invite anyone to come to light a candle in honor of someone they are remembering. Those watching online will be invited to light a candle at home. The sermon is titled “The Power of Sacred Tribute.” Kathryn Holden will read the Gospel Lesson, which is Mark 12: 38-44. The Sanctuary Singers, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will present an anthem. We will have hymns, prayers and a moment for children.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, October 31, 2021

This Sunday is St. Mark’s 67th birthday! October 31, 1954 was the date of first worship service of this new congregation. In those early days, relationship with neighbors was essential. As there was no church building, Day Funeral Home welcomed St. Mark’s to hold worship in one of their rooms at no cost. Other local businesses reached out, as well.

In the first 7 months, Rev. Dick Hamilton, knocked on 398 doors of neighboring homes to invite people to join. First Methodist provided some financial help, and a few families from there came to St. Mark’s for a time to help get this new church started. The St. Mark’s community also partnered with neighbors in addressing needs in our local and global community, and advocating for peace with justice for all.

As people of faith, we again challenge ourselves to discern some of our next steps to live out Jesus’ call to us “to love our neighbors as ourselves”. That includes being open to the wisdom and diversity of those across generations and life experiences.

We will explore this together on Sunday. The sermon is titled, “Take the Next Step: Embracing the Wisdom of Generations” (including reflections from a conversation with John & Helen McFarland and Arianna Ray). The scripture passage is based on Mark 12:28-34, which will be read by Yena Park. Amy and James Thomas will share a Stewardship Reflection. Stephanie Conklin will lead us in singing, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying. We will have a moment for children, prayers and reflections, hymns, and the gift of community.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Writer Anne Lamott has some interesting friends. One of her very bright friends experiences God as a low seated easy chair with very long and upholstered arms that will actually hold her. Another friend is a Ph.D. who goes to a church based on Star Wars, and says, “May the Force be with you” to everyone. And when one of her friends found sobriety, he began praying to a local mountain. She adds, “But you know what? When he and my other friends and I have run out of good ideas on how to fix the unfixable, when we finally stop trying to heal our own sick, stressed minds with our sick, stressed minds, when we are truly at the end of our rope and just done, we say the same prayer. We say, “Help.”

They ask for help. They ask. As Jesus says, “Ask and you shall receive.” There may be all sorts of reasons why asking is difficult for us. Perhaps we think we should be able to fix things all on our own. Maybe we have asked and don’t think we have gotten results. Maybe we are not sure what to ask. But one of the core competencies of Christian faith is learning to practice the art of the ask.

The Gospel of Mark tells a story about a man named Bartimaeus who could not see, and who sat on the outskirts of Jericho asking for money. But when Jesus walked by one day, Bartimaeus shouted out, asking for mercy. Jesus then asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And Bartimaeus said, “Let me see again.” And Jesus responded, “Your faith has made you well.” Or perhaps better, “Your faith has saved you.”

We’ll talk about this “art of the ask” in the sermon on Sunday, which is titled, “Take the Next Step: Bartimaeus, a Failed Stewardship Campaign, and the Big Ask.” The sermon arises from Mark 10:36-42, which will be read by Gene McClain. The Sanctuary Singers, with Matthew Wachtman accompanying, will present, “I Will Go On My Way.” We will have a moment for children, a stewardship moment, prayers and hymns.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am Sunday morning!

Sunday, October 17, 2021

What would you take with you if you had to quickly leave home in the event of an emergency? With hurricanes and wildfires in this country, and earthquakes and unrest internationally, many have had to make these kinds of decisions. Emergency officials can offer us lists of suggestions for what to take: water, food, clothing, food, photographs and important documents. When we have to make these decisions, we are in essence deciding what is of utmost importance to us. We are deciding what matters.

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a rich landowner whose crops produced abundantly, so much so that his produce exceeded his capacity to store it. So, this person had a decision to make, and opts to build bigger barns to store the excess grains and goods. This leads to a great deal of complacency and self-satisfaction for the landowner. But, as the story goes, the landowner dies in the middle of the night, and loses any ability to benefit from the wealth. So Jesus adds the tagline, “So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.” The story invites us to consider what really matters most to us as people of God.

This season of stewardship at church provides us with a framework for asking some penetrating and spiritually redemptive questions: What matters most to us? What do our possessions mean to us? Which ones are most valuable and why? Do the things we own help us develop a sense of gratitude toward life, and an openness to things of Spirit? Do the things we own help us connect with others in deep community? As Wendell Berry would have it, a real community is a commonwealth, where the values and gifts of the community are commonly shared. The community is a place where deep human needs are honored: practical, social and spiritual needs, chief among them is the need to need one another.

We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday morning. The sermon is titled, “Take the Next Step: Choosing What Really Matters.” The sermon arises from Luke 12: 13-21, which will be ready by Cissy Mooney. There will also be a stewardship moment from Sheri Walter. The Sanctuary Singers will present the anthem, “The Road Not Taken.” There will also be a children’s moment, as well as prayers and hymns.

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 www.smumc.church at 10:30am this Sunday!

Sunday October 10, 2021

Dear St. Mark’s Family and Friends, I suspect that many of us, at some point, have gone to see a trusted doctor, exercise trainer, therapist, friend or mentor for guidance. They may ask challenging questions to ponder, or suggest important next steps for us to become healthier in our bodies, minds, relationships or in discerning God’s call to us. We may embrace their guidance, or choose other guides who don’t nudge us out of our comfort zone.

This week, we reflect on the scripture passage (from Mark 10:17-31), in which a man of faith, with wealth and status, comes to Jesus for guidance. Jesus doesn’t chastise him but looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ The man left grieving. New Testament scholar, David Lose, suggests that perhaps this may also be a story of one who is heartsick, because he knows he is still missing something, something important, and seeks healing.

This may guide us, as individuals and as a community of faith, to embrace this time when we focus on stewardship. What might be our next steps as people of faith and love, in the sharing of our time, talents, care and resources? Where are the places that we may still be missing something, something important, and can grow together in wisdom, healing, courage and generosity and to partner together as stewards of the whole of God’s creation.

In our time of worship, we will share inspiring music including hymns and musical offerings from our Sanctuary Singers and a solo from Brianna Murray (accompanied by Matthew Wachtman). We will also share a children’s moment, prayer and reflection, a Stewardship Reflection from Charlie Nelms and Andy Cron, and a reading of the scripture passage from Eleanor Lahr, based on Mark 10:17-31. The sermon title is “Embracing the Vision of the Beloved Community: Taking the Next Step”.

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!