Do you hold memories of moving to a different location, or to a new place, that you would later call home? I believe my family moved around ten times, in my growing up years. This included four different states with moves to apartments, flats, military housing, staying with grandparents, and then our own family homes. Anticipating a move can bring a myriad of emotions: excitement, anxiousness, wonder, fear, sadness, curiosity and hope. It may be taking a leap of faith. Yet, in the midst of this kind of change, there are often unexpected blessings we receive from those we meet along the way, or in the new place we call home.
This Sunday, we will spend some time in the Book of Genesis, which our Children’s Sunday School classes have been exploring. We enter into the story of Abram (Abraham). The translation from “The Commentary on the Torah” (based on Genesis 12:1, 2b) reads “And YHWH said to Abram, ‘Go from your land and from your birthplace and from your father’s house to the land that I’ll show you . . . I’ll bless you and make your name great. And be a blessing!” As with many journeys, it was not without challenges, but also one that brought great blessings. We’ll explore this together in worship.
After we gather and greet one another, the children are invited to ring us into worship, with the bells. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music, accompanied by Lois Leong. There will also be a Children’s Moment. We will pray and reflect. We will also be offering a Sending Forth blessing for friends in our St. Mark’s family who are moving to other places. Mark Cox will offer a moment of sharing, and read our scripture passage (Genesis 12:1-9). The sermon is titled “Taking a Leap of Faith, Blessed by Circles of Care & Generosity”.
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.