Phil Amerson, who is preaching at St. Mark's this week, writes the following:
Perhaps, like me, you have heard the words “These are the end-times” recently. I understand. We are in a season of emotional, spiritual and institutional vertigo. For too many, fear has become an everyday expectation. Something seems out of balance: record immigrant detentions, research cancelled, university funding cuts, a sudden air strike, civil rights abridged, withering heatwaves, the almost-champs-Pacers, and the Cubs leading the MLB Central Division. Vertigo indeed! Amid this confusion, perhaps accelerating it and benefitting from it, are a widely dispersed group of “Christian Nationalists.” They claim a common religious ancestry to ours; yet they seek to return our nation to Christian supremacy and dominion in society that differs.
How then shall we live? As people of faith, as Christians with a differing understanding of our nation’s history and what it means to follow Jesus, how?” In Sunday’s Gospel lesson (Luke 9:57-62) Jesus has begun the journey to Jerusalem and the cross. It is a journey of terror. Luke was an itinerant journalist, also known as a physician. So, this Gospel offers 'traveling' and ‘healing’ practices along a troubled way. Jesus’ call is focused, poignant: “follow me.” One younger friend reflecting on our time said, “I think I’ll just stay seated.” Another said, “I’ll watch from the balcony.” Fortunately, St. Marks doesn’t have a balcony.
We’ll talk about this on Sunday, as the sermon to be delivered by Rev. Dr. Phil Amerson is titled, “The Chairs Upon Which we sit.” The Lesson from the Epistles, Galatians 5:1, 13-16, will be read by Claire Tafoya, and the Gospel Lesson, Luke 9:57-62, will be read by Maria Schmidt. There will be a moment for mission brought by United Women in Faith, and will promote the Art-Cycled Showcase and Tea. We will be led musically by the Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. The Children’s Moment will present a review of what has happened this week in Vacation Bible School. We do hope you join us.
To connect to our livestream worship Sunday morning,
click the link on our website www.smumc.church.
The service starts at 10:30am.
Livestream starts 10:25am.