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.

Sunday, September 10, 2023

In a story line from the television program, The West Wing, Chief of staff Leo McGarry is a recovering and closeted alcohol and drug addict. A junior staff member discovered his secret and leaked the story. Senior staffers loyal to Leo learned of this and fired her on the spot. As she was leaving the West Wing, with her box of possessions in hand, Leo asked to see her in his office. He talked to her honestly about his addictions and disclosed her that he hadn’t had a drink or taken a pill in six and a half years. Leo then said, “When you saw my personnel file, when you saw I'd been through treatment, what when through your mind?” She replied, “My father used to...You have all these important decisions to make in your job, every day, all the time, decisions I can't even...people's lives.” Leo responded, “Karen, what you did caused a lot of problems…but I’m not sure it wasn’t a little brave. Did you like working at the White House?” “Yes sir,”, she said. “Okay, why don’t you go unpack your carton, and you and I will give each other a second chance?”

Forgiveness changes stories and writes new ones. Or as poet David Whyte would say it, when we forgive, we “allow ourselves to be gifted by a story larger than the story that first hurt us.” Faith communities are called to be doing this creating of larger, more sacred stories.

Jesus invited us to approach a clear strategy when working for forgiveness. First, if someone offends us, we are to visit with them and discuss the matter. Second, if that doesn’t resolve things, we are to bring along two or three trusted others. And then, if that does not bring about healing, we may take the matter to the larger community. And finally, if that does not work, we are to regard this erring one as a tax collector or gentile, and Jesus always treated these with love. When we read these words in context, it is clear Jesus is not giving us a way to kick people out. This is instead a way to encourage the community to tell the truth, and to find new ways of loving, including loving those who can make it tricky to love them.

We’ll chat about this in worship at St. Mark’s this Sunday. The sermon is titled “Forgiveness: A Story Larger than the Story that First Hurt Us.” The sermon arises from Psalm 32, which will be read by Pam Vanzant and Matthew 18:10-20, to be read by Leigh Richey. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs and directed by Gerry Sousa, will sing “Song of Assurance”, composed by Mark Patterson. Ken Beckley and Charlie Matson bring a mission moment concerning an initiative regarding memorial trees and plaques on sanctuary chairs. We’ll have a moment for children, sing hymns and share prayers together.

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.

Sunday, August 27, 2023

What are you called to do in this world? How does one decide? Scott Neeson was the president of Twentieth Century Fox from 2000-2003. Before leaving to take a new position with Sony Pictures, he decided to do some backpacking in Cambodia. While there, he was startled to see children begging for food and scouring the dumps for anything to eat. About the same time, he received a phone call from an actor who was angrily refusing to board a private jet because the amenities were not up to his standards. The actor said, “Life is not meant to be this difficult.” Given what hunger and poverty he had seen, the petulant demands of the privileged actor were more than he could handle. He thought to himself, “I don’t want this to be my life.” Scott initiated changes in his personal and professional life and, in 2004 he began to work fulltime for the Cambodian Children’s Fund. He said “I get up in the morning and can’t wait to get to work. How many people can say that?”

“Calling” matters a great deal, but it is not simply about the career we choose. James Fowler would say, “Vocation is bigger than job or occupation or career. Vocation refers to the centering commitments and vision that shape what our lives are about.” In this large sense, in career and in personal life, what are we called to do and be in the world?

At a time of great change for Israel, a young boy heard God say, “Before you were born, I consecrated you to be a prophet to the nations.” The child, Jeremiah, initially resisted, saying, “I am not up to this. I am only a boy.” But God responded, “Do not be afraid…I am with you to deliver you.”

This Sunday at St. Mark’s, we’ll have a chance to engage the invitation to service that comes to us all. Tom Heaton, who served as a pastor at our church from 1998-2002, will preach the sermon, “Called, Equipped, and Fearless”. The sermon arises from Jeremiah 1: 4-10, which will be read by Legene White. Janice Arvesen will read the Gospel passage, which is Matthew 4: 18-22. We will be led musically by the Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, as they sing the anthem, “Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal.” We will have a moment for children, the prayers of the people and Amy Thomas will bring a Mission Moment about the work of Thriving Connections.

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.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Into our contentious world comes one of the most often cited of the teachings of Jesus: “Do not judge.” How does that impact the way we build community? Studies show that attitudes toward perpetrators of various ill deeds vary greatly depending on whether they are “in my group” or “not in my group”. Imagine you are driving down the street and are cut off by the person in another vehicle. You initially respond angrily, but then notice that the offending car carries a bumper sticker of your favorite sports team. Time and again, drivers in this situation soften their response to the other driver. They are “like us”, and therefore, easier to forgive. We “see” them differently.

In his book, The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis described “hell” as a vast, grey city, a city inhabited only at its outer edges, with rows and rows of empty houses in the middle. These houses are empty because everyone who once lived in them has feuded with neighbors and moved. Then they quarreled the new neighbors and moved again, leaving empty streets full of empty houses behind them. That, says Lewis, is how hell got so large—empty at the center and inhabited only on the fringes—because everyone in it choose to leave instead of turning towards one another in truth and love. The call of Jesus is to return to the center of our community.

In Matthew 7, we read Jesus say, in the context of judging others, “Why do you look at the speck that is in the eyes of your kindred, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” In his reflection on this passage, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.” Loving faith helps us see the world, ourselves, and others as God would have us see.

Let’s talk about this in worship at St. Mark’s this Sunday. The sermon is titled, “The Opening of Eyes and the Grace of the Beloved Community.” The sermon arises from texts in the sermon on the mount, namely, Matthew 6:22-23; 7:1-7, to be read by Chuck Foster. Lisa Hamilton will read Psalm 19. We will be led musically by the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. There will be a moment for children, prayers, and we will sing together.

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.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

I was recently reading a blog by Libby Spears, who told a story about a conversation with her daughter, Trinity. Libby said that once when Trinity was ten years old, she said something that to her mom ears that sounded deeply unkind. Libby said, “Trinity, you are being disrespectful.” Trinity responded, “Mom, if you want respect, you have to give respect.” Libby said she resisted the inner temptation to overreact, and said, “Excuse me?” Trinity explained, “We get in trouble for being sassy and loud, but you are sassy and loud all the time. It’s not fair.”

This little snippet exposed a generationally different view of “justice”. The parent believed that respect came with age and status. The younger thought it must be earned. This is but one example of relational tension between “the generations.” Since August Comte, social scientists have been working on the puzzle of generational difference. In the ‘western world’, those who write about generations tend to speak of six or seven distinct ones. What seems constant is that each of these generations develop their own ways of acting, speaking and understanding. When we fail to learn and value the patterns of the other, communities can go quickly off the rails.

In the Scriptures, there are many stories of generational relationships and transition. One is the story of Elijah and Elisha, found in II Kings. Elijah was a powerful and charismatic prophet in Israel, but the time had come for him to “depart”. But there was work to do, and he went about the process of recruiting a successor, namely, Elisha. Before Elijah leaves in a fiery chariot, Elisha asks Elijah for a double portion of his spirit. Viewed from a standpoint of generational tension, this could have seemed presumptuous. “Give to me by immediate decree what you have earned over decades.” However, from a standpoint of generational abundance, we see this as a blessing that an older prophet lovingly and prayerfully offers a younger and gifted one who will have many great tasks to accomplish.

We’ll crack open this can of worms on Sunday in worship at St. Mark’s, as the sermon is titled, “Double Portions of Spirit: the Power of Generational Abundance.” The sermon flows from II Kings 2: 1-14, which will be read by Stephanie Conklin. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs and directed by Gerry Sousa, will lead us musically. We will have a moment for children, offer prayers and sing hymns.

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.

Sunday, August 6, 2023

In the months leading up to my renewal leave, I spoke often about a planned backpacking trip in Maine. In late June, my travel companions and I were slated to hike the 100 Mile Wilderness, the northern most and arguably the most rugged section of the Appalachian Trail. But in very late May, after three years of dodging it, I contracted COVID. I “recovered” in time to make the trip to Maine, but after a grueling day on the trail, I realized that the stamina I had built up in months of training had been zapped by the virus, and sadly, I left my companions to finish the wilderness hike without me. Spiritually speaking, my disappointment and embarrassment led me to a different trailhead - a “hike” of spiritual wrestling and inner struggle.

In the book of Genesis, we find passage in which the spiritual forebear, Jacob, comes to his own dark night of wrestling. Fearful of the revenge of his brother, Esau, Jacob undertakes a journey intended to buy time to escape, and eventually, to placate his sibling. But in the middle of one night, Jacob finds himself in an hours long wrestling match with a “man”. The scene ends, ironically, with Jacob refusing to release his grip on his opponent only when the latter blesses him by changing his name...to “Israel”.

Many of us have known long seasons of struggle, and during those times, are not sure what the outcome will be. Like Jacob, as we move through those experiences we realize that whatever else has been going on, we have been wrestling with God. Even at that, like Jacob, we leave with a wounding that helps define who we are and who we are going to be. As Belden Lane says it, like Jacob, all of us are wounded, where we are most vulnerable, where we have failed and been failed by others.

Let’s chat about this on Sunday. The sermon is titled “Slippery Stones and Winding Roots: Getting Tripped Up On Life’s Trail,” arising from Genesis 32: 22-31. Musically, we will be led by the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. The choir will offer H.L. Hassler's Agnus Dei and Soprano Stephanie Conklin will offer Dan Forrest's Cry No More. In the children’s moment, we’ll mark the beginning of the school year by having a time of blessing backpacks. We’ll also celebrate Holy Communion.

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.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

The news reminds us that maintaining healthy relationships, with countries and people across the world, is complicated. This Sunday, at St. Mark’s, we are fortunate to lean into the experience of nurturing international friendships, one relationship at a time. We welcome our Operation Friendship (OF) youth and adult guests from France and Hungary, and look forward to learning from one other. The youth and families of St. Mark’s OF Chapter are hosting our new friends from Europe. Our youth will be hosted by others, as they travel abroad next summer.

Operation Friendship has a strong connection to St. Mark’s. It began in 1964 by Rev. Wallace A. Shaw, an American minister in Scotland, who was the brother of, longtime St. Mark’s member, the late Tully Shaw, and sister-in-law, Trudy Shaw who has been an active member of St. Mark’s for over 60 years. It was Rev. Shaw’s desire to develop a youth exchange enabling the youth of one country to learn the different cultures of other countries and develop friendships around the world. Youth and adults from St. Mark’s have been blessed to form deep friendships as part of these experiences, for over 50 years.

The scripture passage this week (based on Luke 10:38-42) shares a story of Jesus with some of his friends, sharing a meal, engaging in conversation, and spending unhurried time with one another. Jesus reminds us to welcome the stranger- who may become a new friend, to travel and sit at table with those we meet in new places, and to share sacred hospitality.

Our OF hosts and guests will be with us on Sunday, with a number participating in worship leadership. All are encouraged to greet our OF guests and hosts in Garton Hall, following worship, for a light reception. Contact Mary Beth Morgan is you can bring an item to share for the reception (no nuts or nut-products, please). OF Alumni are encouraged to stop by the table in Garton Hall and make a nametag. We will recognize you during worship.

After we gather and greet one another on Sunday morning, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will be leading us in music. We will pray and reflect. One of our OF participants will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “The Grace and Possibilities of Friendship.”

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.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Sunday, July 16, we will explore the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau, and what we might learn about Christian discipleship from their tale. While pastors Jimmy and Mary Beth are both away this week, Brenda Bailey Hughes will share her thoughts on finding a balance of hope and reality. Brenda has been worshiping at St. Mark’s for over two decades and is a Certified Lay Speaker with the UMC. She is a teaching professor at Indiana University where she specializes in communication, empathy, and leadership. Brenda lives in Bloomington where she enjoys yoga, hiking, and hanging out with her two darling grandchildren.

We are grateful to Annette Lemond who will be also participating in worship leadership, including guiding us in our liturgy. After we gather and greet one another on Sunday morning, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. There will also be a Children’s Moment, led by Brenda. We will sing hymns, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. Theo Harrah will also offer a solo. We will pray and reflect. Mary Wheeler will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “A Both-And Kind of God”.

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.

Sunday, July 9, 2023

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “grace”? Perhaps, words of thanks shared before a meal; the way someone moves through the world or in dance or swimming; what we hope for when we have made a mistake; or a gift of self for another. The Message version of this passage, in verse 28, translates Jesus’ words as “Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” Our world could use a little more grace. How might we be ambassadors of these unforced rhythms of grace, so that God’s love flows seamlessly to us, and through us to others? We will explore this together in worship.

After we gather 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 Sunday we will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion, where all are welcome to the table. Dan Hughes, one of our Lay Leaders, will be part of leading the liturgy. We are grateful for those who prepare and serve communion. Patti Wright will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “Leaning into the Rhythms of Grace”.

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.

Sunday, July 2, 2023

This Sunday, we will spend time with only three verses from the Gospel according to Matthew (10:40-42). They speak of what it means to be a disciple, including our call to be welcoming, and the importance of giving even a cup of water to a little one. On the surface, that may seem simple. However, this scripture invites us to go deeper, and be open to perspectives other than our own.

Bonnie Pattison helps us consider this from the context in which Jesus lived. “Jesus mentions a “cup of cold water” to indicate not only hospitality but sacrifice: to offer cold water required drawing water from a deep well and often carrying it uphill in a heavy jar to the family home.” (1) How might Jesus be calling us to be welcoming as individuals, church, community, a nation and a world? Are we willing to both embrace sacred hospitality and sacrifice, even if it turns our world a bit upside down?

We will explore this together in worship. After we 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. Lisa Miller Maidi will offer our congregational prayer this week. Dian Ludlow will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “What Cup of Water are We Willing to Share?"

Just a note: We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion next Sunday, July 9. 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.

1 Bonnie L. Pattison, “Matthew 10:40-42, Theological Perspective” in Cynthia A. Jarvis and E. Elizabeth Johnson, Eds., Feasting on the Gospels, Matthew, Volume 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013).

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.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

This was Vacation Bible School week at St. Mark’s. This year’s theme was “You are the Light of the World!” (based on Matthew 5:13-16). Children and youth & adult leaders spent a great four days building community, caring for others, and learning from the stories of Jesus. They open us up to ways each of us can be the “Light of the World.” As Biblical scholar, Karoline Lewis reminds us, “It is not enough to know about God. As disciples, we have to be the activity of God in the world. We are called to live out our identity as salt and light.“

The children (if they were part of VBS or not) are all invited to ring us into worship, with the bells, after the time of greeting. Following the Children’s Moment, they will also lead us in singing “This Little Light of Mine”, along with instruments. Craig Stewart will be sharing the sermon this Sunday, as well as the Children’s Moment and other parts of our worship service. Eric Metzler will lead our Gathering Prayer and read our scripture passages, Mark Cox will also be leading us in liturgy and our Call to Giving. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will offer an anthem and lead us in hymns. The sermon is titled “You are the Light of the World!"

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.

Sunday, June 11, 2023

This Sunday, Reverend John McFarland will return to our pulpit to lead us in worship. John shares the following about this Sunday's theme and the subject of his sermon, titled "The Strange Calling" and based on Romans 8:31-39.  “If you trust and never doubt, he will surely bring you out…” That’s a hymn line from the great Charles Alfred Tindley. But who can trust without doubting? Sometimes it seems like God isn’t there, doesn’t even care. What are we to do? Well, the hymn continues: “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” For not even our doubts will separate us from the love of God. [Romans 8:31-39.]

In worship this Sunday, we will pray and reflect, and have a Children’s Moment led by Holly Nedelkov and Annette Lemond. Dan Hughes will share a report from this year's Annual Conference and Lisa Kurz will read our Scripture. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will offer an anthem and lead us in hymns.

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.

Sunday, June 4, 2023

This Sunday, June 4, our friends at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center will be recognizing their most important holy day of the year. They pray and strive to live with compassion and peace with all peoples, and whole of creation. The Dalai Lama says “Each one of us is responsible for the whole of humankind. My dedication is to serve the 7 billion human beings on this planet and the other creatures with whom we share it. If you can, help and serve others, but if you can’t, at least don’t harm them.”

This week, we will spend some time with Psalm 8. Biblical scholar, Rolf Jacobson notes that this psalm reminds us that "God may hold the whole world in God's hands, but God has entrusted everything under our feet to our care." How are we living out that call to us as individuals and as a community of faith? To help us reflect on this, we welcome, Lesley Levin this Sunday. Lesley is a Para Rabbinic, and has served as the President of the Board of Directors at Congregation Beth Shalom. Guided by her Jewish faith, Leslie has been active in community throughout her life. This included being part of the March to Selma, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when she was only 18.

In worship this Sunday, we will also recognize graduates! We will have a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Matthew Gemmill, will offer an anthem and lead us in hymns. Mary Beth Morgan and Lesley Levin will share the sermon, which is titled “Sacred Connections and Wisdom Shared”. If you are able, stay after worship for some light refreshments, in Garton Hall, and to congratulate and sign cards for our graduates.

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.

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Have you ever tried to hold your breath longer than anyone else can, just to show you can do it? We used to have contests to see who would have to exhale, and then gasp for air first. It was just a fun little harmless game and no one passed out from it, so we were all good. There’s another way to breathe and I love doing it. Just breathe. That’s all, just breathe. In and out, in and out, feeling each breath of life as it enters your body and fuels your soul. Once you start mastering breathing (not like we don’t breathe everyday) and can control each breath, in and out, in the release of each breath, there’s freedom in knowing you can do it! That’s called meditation: breath meditation. I meditate and pray like this multiple times a day. Sometimes it’s a quick breath or two to calm myself. Other times it’s 20 minutes or more of focusing on my breath, praying to God and speaking to the Universe. Mighty things happen when we focus, breath and pray!

That’s what happened on the day of Pentecost. The disciples had been primed that the Holy Spirit would come to them, empowering them, and they weren’t disappointed! Flames, a dove, and the breath of the Spirit engulfed them! They were doing things they never dreamed possible, speaking in all the languages represented there and people understood them!

As we worship this Sunday, I invite you to reflect on how the breath of life has reached your heart. I’ll be sharing my own perspective.

Blessings, Peggy Good Hoyle

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Rev. Peggy Good Hoyle will be leading us in worship this Sunday, and will share the sermon. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music, accompanied by the Wind Ensemble. Rev. Mary Beth Morgan will share a Children’s Moment and the Pastoral Prayer. Stephanie Conklin will read our first scripture passage (based on Acts 2:1-21). Eric Metzler will read our second scripture passage (based on 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13). The sermon is titled “Breathe, Just Breathe: because you’re free now”.

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 connect to our livestream worship Sunday morning, click the link on our website www.smumc.church.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

As you read this, where would you say your focus is today? It may be about something deeply personal, or connected to your place as part of a larger community. Either way, it is important that we step back, from time to time, and reflect on what is capturing our attention. In this week's scripture passage (based on Acts 1:6-14) tells the story of Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Even after Jesus is out of the sight, his followers continue to stare up into the sky. Two individuals, in white robes, appear, and ask them “Why do you stand here looking up toward heaven?” They are called to be Jesus’ disciples here on earth, as are we, in the time and place in which we find ourselves.

On this Sunday, which is also “Heritage Sunday,”we will also consider where our focus has been as a community of faith in the past, and where we are being called to focus today. What is capturing our attention now? We are grateful to Gloria Emerson who is going to be part of the Children’s Moment, followed by a brief conversation with Maria Schmidt about the early days of St. Mark’s. Gloria’s husband, Rev. Joe Emerson, was the second pastor of St. Mark’s, and we are fortunate they are back here, and help guide us from their history and experiences here.

In our time of worship, we will also pray and reflect (including sharing a Pastoral Prayer written by Rev. Joe Emerson), sing hymns, and share a Children’s Moment. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music. Lisa Miller Maidi will read our scripture passage. The sermon is titled “Where is Our Focus?”  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.