Sunday, December 18, 2022

“The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes. But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.” It is one of the most famous and sweetest verses in that lullaby Christmas carol, “Away in A Manger.” An uncertain tradition has it that the German Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, composed this song for his children. What is easier to say is that the sentiment is likely not accurate. The healthiest of babies cry when they are hungry, when they are needing a diaper change, when they are sleepy, and sometimes, it seems, just because it feels good. I’ve often thought what might have happened if Baby Jesus’ family had just gotten him to sleep, finally, when some cow let go with a good and loud, “Mooooo!” I doubt they would have spoken poetic language about the lowing of the livestock.

Such “no crying infant” language rests on an assumption that Jesus lacked the traits of being fully human. But the beginning of John’s Gospel, which has no infancy narrative, says, “In the beginning was the Word….and the Word became flesh.” Theologians have called this “incarnation”, meaning that in Jesus, the Divine expression came with the fullest of human qualities. Jesus grew weary, became angry, got hungry, wanted both companionship and alone time. And in this season, in which we are leaning into Advent practices, one of those practices is the act of embracing humanity, Jesus’ and our own.

Let’s chat about this in worship this Sunday. The sermon is titled, “The Spiritual Practice of Embracing our Humanity: Incarnation”, and arises from John 1: 1-5, 14. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. There will be a moment for children, prayers and we will sing Christmas carols together.

Sunday, December 11, 2022

It’s no secret this season is full of music. The malls and stores have been playing Christmas music for weeks now. Schools, community organizations and faith communities are having special performances of seasonal music, new and old. And while we don’t see it as often, this is one of the only times of the year that it is customary to have groups of roving singers caroling in hospitals, retirement communities, and even in our neighborhoods. The Advent/Christmas season is, for some, as the song says, the “most wonderful time of the year.” Could it be that the significant emotional power in these days resides largely in the collection of wonderful music that we sing together?

Some of those songs, like Mary’s song in Luke 1: 46-55, speak prophetically of the way the world will change to embrace the way of the Christ. Mary Beth will offer a reflection on this song, and its role in the story of the church. Others are basically lullabies, telling the story of Luke 2: 1-20 in lyrical form. They are sung as if to help an infant or a struggling world find a peaceful silence. Jimmy will reflect on these carols.

On Sunday at St. Mark’s, as we continue our Advent Theme of the “Spiritual Practices of Advent”, we concentrate on the practice of singing together. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Ackerbergs, will sing “Sweet Was the Song” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” from Bob Chilcott’s, “On Christmas Night”. Jenna Kuchar and Joseph Canter will present solos in those pieces. The Chancel Ringers will present “Carol of the Bells”. As noted, Mary Beth and Jimmy will each do a reflection on the power of the sacred found in the carols. And we will all sing some of those beloved carols together. There will be a moment for children, and prayers for the congregation and our 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.

December, 4, 2022

On a Black Friday eve, a number of years back, my oldest son and a group of his friends camped out in a Best Buy parking lot. The goal was to get an incredible deal on a big screen TV, when the doors opened at 5am. The many folks gathered there needed to maintain their place, or be sent to the back of the line. One person who did not stay in line was a guy, with his Bible, who walked up and down the line loudly “preaching” to this captive audience about sin and damnation.

The scripture passage for this Sunday (based on Matthew 3:1-12) takes us into the wilderness with John the Baptist. He could also be a fiery preacher, speaking of wrath and referring to some as a brood of vipers. Yet, as John baptized many, he focused on repentance and growing in right relationship with God and one another. As we are focusing on spiritual practices this Advent season, this week we reflect on “the Spiritual Practice of Hospitality.”

In our time of worship, we will also sing hymns, pray and reflect, and share a Children’s Moment. Lisa and Torry Hamilton will light the Advent Candle. Brenda Bailey Hughes will read our scripture passage, and will share an update from St. Mark’s Refugee Task Force. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music and will share an anthem. We will also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion together. The sermon is titled “The Practice of Hospitality: the Grace of Reflection, Repentance & Reconciliation”.

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. The service starts at 10:30am. Livestream starts at 10:25am.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

You may have noticed that there has been just a tad of election talk in these last days, weeks, and months. In the midst of watching election results one evening, a memory came back to me of the one time I won an election. It was in the late 1970’s, and I ran for a student council office. In the days of rotary phones, campaigning was homemade posters on lockers, slogans and a speech before the student body of the Catholic School I attended. I also remember one of the teachers sitting us down, and talking with us about what our faith teaches us about being good leaders.

This Sunday is called Reign of Christ Sunday, and the scripture readings invite us to reflect on how each of us is called to embrace servant leadership. Jesus lived this, and modeled this as the Good Shepherd. That image of shepherd is prominently featured in the Hebrew scriptures, including the reading for this week (based on Jeremiah 23:1-6). In our time of worship, we will also sing hymns, pray and reflect, and share a Children’s Moment. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music and will share an anthem. Annette Lemond will share our scripture reading. The sermon is titled “Shepherd Leadership”.

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. Visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 on Sunday morning, and click on the Livestream banner.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Clarence Darrow, who in 1925 famously defended in court a Tennessee teacher who had taught Darwin’s evolutionary theory, once testified before congress. He sardonically said, “I’ve never killed anyone, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction.”

As aggressive as Darrow’s statement sounds, it is actually possible to read obituary notices with deep satisfaction. Some are so well written, and some lives so well lived, that these eulogies virtually “sing”. They call to us with the invitation to remember the passion, the creativity, the humility, and the love of those that we are remembering. To deeply recall a life which embraced those virtues, and more, changes who we are, and what we believe about our world.

Sunday at St. Mark’s, we will commemorate All Saint’s Day, a time to remember both those members of the St. Mark’s community we have lost this past year, and those we lovingly remember, whenever we lost them. In the deeper understanding of faith and community, all are saints, which means “holy ones”. All bring their gifts to the world, and all share in the larger story of the life of faith.

The sermon this Sunday is titled “A Call to Remember How to Praise,” arising from Matthew 5: 1-12. The sermon title recalls the line in the hymn, “Rejoice in God’s Saints”, which reads, “A world without saints forgets how to praise.” During the service, we will recite the names of those in the St. Mark’s community whom we have this past year, and light a candle in their memory. We’ll also invite all present to come forward and light a candle in honor of anyone they are remembering. Also during the service the choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will present selections from Gabriel Faure’s Requiem. Jenna Kuchar and Patrick Conklin will present solos. There will be a moment for children, prayers, and 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, October 30, 2022

When I served as a consultant at the Indiana Department of Education, I had opportunities to facilitate retreats with teachers and administrators. One of the connecting activities we sometimes did, early on, is called “Build a Better Bathtub”. In smaller teams, each group would have the task of designing a better bathtub. As none of the educators were bathtub manufactures, they easily embraced many different, creative and even radical ideas. It was an opportunity to envision something new and flex our visioning muscles. This helped pave the way for more important, and sometimes challenging, conversations ahead.

The scripture readings for this Sunday invite us challenge ourselves and envision, in new ways, what it might mean for us to “Put Faith Into Action.” Visioning moves us out of our comfort zones, and may open to us new possibilities of ways we may be called to live as Jesus’ disciples in the world today.

We will be guided by two scripture readings. The first is from the Hebrew scriptures (based on Habakkuk 2:1-3), which will be read by Charlie Nelms. The Gospel passage tells the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus (based on Luke 19:1-10) and will be read by Mark Cox. The sermon title is “Putting Faith Into Action: Expanding our Vision”.

On Sunday, we will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. The Chancel Choir will lead us in music. Reverend Peggy Good Hoyle will offer our Pastoral Prayer. Charlie Nelms will share a Stewardship Moment.

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 at 10:25am.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

“Then God said, ‘Let’s make humans in our image, according to our likeness, and let them have ‘dominion.’" This has long been the way Genesis 1:26 has been translated. But many have noted that through the generations, dominion over creation has come to be viewed as a “despotism.” Frankly, in this time of climate crisis, given viruses, earthquakes and weather catastrophes, no one can argue that we really are “in charge” of the created order.

More recently, biblical scholars suggest that the word for “dominion” is better understood as “stewardship". Peter Block would say, “Stewardship questions the belief that accountability and control go hand in hand.” We are not in control, but we are accountable. In this season of stewardship at church, we see that to care for creation is the first call for humans to be stewards. We are to know that the responsibility for the care of creation, and the ability to be nurtured by creation, are primary realities for us.

In the Letter of James, we read that if we offer blessings for those in need, but do nothing to actively care for them, our faith is dead. And while that may mean doing something as simple as giving a cup of water to a thirsty soul, it may mean much more. We are presently seeing that the climate crisis places an even greater burden on those with little economic resource.

Katharine Hayhoe, who is both an evangelical Christian and an environmental scientist, says that most people agree that the climate is in crisis, and that humans have contributed to that, and that it will negatively effect “others”. But, she continues, the majority are not convinced that it will affect them. They have, as she says, created a psychological distance from what they see. But stewardship cannot happen at a distance.  We’ll talk about this in service on Sunday, as the sermon is titled “Stewarding the Gifts of the God of Dirt.” The sermon arises from Genesis 1: 26-31, to be read by Claire Carney, and James 2: 8-17, to be read by Cathy McFarland. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us in music, and we will sing hymns, pray and have a moment for children.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, October 9, 2022

My grandfather came to the US, as an immigrant, from Czechoslovakia. In his young life, that region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He grew up as part of a marginalized ethnic community, in an economically poor rural area, and knew hunger. Tending and turning the soil, to grow food, was part of survival. After coming to Chicago, this still stayed with him. He saved money for years, until he could buy a small plot of land. There, he again turned the soil so the roots could grow strong, and be nourished. Then, he sowed and cared for the seed so it could take root.

This Sunday, we return to the Parable of the Sower (based on Mark 4:1-20). New Testament scholar, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine reminds us that parables do not only have one meaning. Rather “they evoke numerous meanings; our job is to sort them out.” What might this parable evoke in us today, as we reflect on stewardship and, specifically, Putting Faith Into Action? The sermon title is “Putting Faith into Action: Turning the Soil”.

On Sunday, we will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs. The Chancel Choir will share an anthem. Andy Cron and Kevin Theile will offer a Stewardship Moment: Putting Faith Into Action. Laura Baich will read our scripture passage.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Have you ever seen a meal transform a community, help to create hope, and lead to a deep sense of wellbeing for all who partook? Perhaps you have heard of the Enemy Kitchen mobile food project and restaurant, the brainchild of Chicago-based artist, Michael Rakowitz. Rakowitz is an Iraqi-American artist who says he works at the “intersection of problem solving and trouble making.” On his food truck, he flies an Iraqi flag and serves Iraqi food. The chefs are Iraqi as well. The four servers on the truck, on the other hand, are all U.S. veterans of the Iraq war. Through this Enemy Kitchen project, Rakowitz has been using Iraqi food and culture to break down cultural barriers for many years. Never underestimate the power of sharing table with another.

In the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, sacred meals are unique ways that God is experienced. But they are also simple meals in which people gather to nourish their bodies and find community together. In the Passover meal the disciples shared with Jesus the night before he was crucified, all the best and worst of human relationships were made plain. And at the center of our faith, is a meal in which we believe that Jesus is present.

Once, during a conversation with the disciples, several of them tried to ask Jesus who would be sitting in the seats of power in his reign. It is as though they wanted to be those who would be served first during the great banquets. But Jesus lets them know that in the reign of God, greatness is determined by a willingness to be servant to all. Notions of hierarchy would be shredded, and the table would be wide, and welcoming to all.

We’ll talk about this in Worship on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “The Table Will Be Wide.” The sermon arises from Psalm 133 and Mark 10: 35-45, which will be read by Eleanor Lahr. There will be prayers and a moment for children. The Chancel Choir will lead us in hymns, and Stephanie and Patrick Conklin will sing a duet, accompanied by llze Akerbergs. And we will celebrate Holy Communion, as we will observe World Communion Sunday.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

What have you learned from your engagement with fear? Many know the line, “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” It was spoken by President Franklin Roosevelt in his 1933 inauguration, as the nation was struggling to emerge from the Great Depression. The longer quote is “…let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” One could dicker a bit with President Roosevelt, noting that some fears are more “justified” than other fears. Still, it is evident that fear left unaddressed will hurt rather than heal, and stifle rather than nurture the energy and flow of spiritual growth.

The call to address fear in a faithful way is a deep and persistent theme in Holy Scripture. I can still remember the story that my mother told me about my father, and their train trips from South Mississippi to Chicago for his cancer surgeries and treatments. She said that on every trip, he would ask her to read Psalm 34, especially verse 4, which reads, “I sought the Lord, who answered me, and delivered me from all of my fears.” As a child, when I heard that story, I was glad my father found comfort in those words. But I was also shaken to learn that my father, the man who seemed as solid as a rock to me, needed to be assured in the face of something frightening.

What does fear have to teach us in this world that knows both real and imagined terror? In Psalm 91, we read that the people of God are sheltered in the shadow of the Almighty, and are not to fear the terrifying things of the night or of the day. And, in his farewell to his disciples, Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

What, then, are we to do when we are afraid? Let’s chat about this on Sunday morning, as the sermon is titled, “Staring Fear in the Face”. The sermon arises from Psalm 91, and John 14: 15-17 and 25-27, which will be read by Donna Richardson. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, will lead us musically. We will also have a moment for children, and a time of prayer.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Can you recall a time when you were on a journey (short or long), and received gift of unexpected grace from someone who crossed your path? The scripture reading, for this Sunday, is often referred to as the Emmaus passage (based on Luke 24:13-23, 27-35). Not long after Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples are walking somewhere between Jerusalem and a place named Emmaus. They are uncertain of their next steps, when they are joined by a fellow traveler, but do not recognize it is Jesus. They offer hospitality to Jesus in sharing a meal, and he gives them an incredible gift of unexpected grace.

The photo on the bulletin is from a journey in 1972. Operation Friendship, a youth travel exchange program (which has been part of St. Mark’s for many decades), made it possible for this first group to travel from here to Scotland. This Sunday, 50 years later, youth from our local OF chapter will share a bit about their travels abroad this past summer, likely with new glimpses of unexpected grace.

In worship, we will also welcome New Members, grateful for the gifts and graces they bring. We will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns, the Chancel Choir will sing Gustav Holst I Vow To Thee My Country in memory of Queen Elizabeth II, whose funeral is this coming Monday. Steve Hoyle will read the scripture passage. The sermon title is Unexpected Grace From Journeys Shared . After worship, we hope you can stay for Lemonade on the Lawn.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, September 11, 2022

I wonder if you have ever felt, or seen the effect, of a significant earthquake. On January 12 of 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 quake rattled the small island country of Haiti, killing over one hundred thousand, and causing untold damage. In the fall of that year, I went with a team from the Greensburg United Methodist Church to this country that was deeply shaken, and has incredible economic insecurity . To see the collapsed presidential palace, the destroyed infrastructure, and to hear the stories of the noble people who lived there was overwhelming. Earthquakes reveal the fault lines in the planet, and can bring the inhabited world to its knees.

A different kind of earthquake shook the foundations of this country, and indeed, the world, on September 11, 2001. On that day, a terror attack occurred as two commercial jets toppled the twin World Trade Center towers in New York, and a third did considerable damage to the Pentagon in Washington, DC. A fourth airliner crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, unable to hit a presumed fourth target. This episode exposed a fault line of a different kind. It revealed the depths of a divide in the human community in such a way that many in this country could no longer ignore. It is a challenge we are still grappling to understand. That event shook many of us, and as we approach the anniversary this Sunday, it prompts to ask some necessary questions. And those questions have to include, “How severe is the fault line within our own country? Can we manage the shaky connection that seeks to hold us together?”

We’ll talk about this in worship on Sunday, the sermon is titled, “Shaking Foundations and Deplorable Words: How Shall We Respond?” The sermon title draws on language from C. S. Lewis, and the sermon itself flows arises from Isaiah 24: 18-23, and from Acts 16: 25-31. Patrick Conklin, accompanied by Matthew Wachtman, will offer a solo. And we should note that this is Matthew’s final Sunday with us. We’ll sing together, have a moment for children, and share in a time of prayer.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Late in his life, Henri Nouwen, the great Catholic writer on matters of spiritual life, befriended a group of South African Trapeze artists called, “The Flying Rodleighs.” Once when discussing the role between the “flyer” and the “catcher”, the troop leader said to him, “The worst thing the flyer can do is to try to catch the catcher. I am not supposed to catch Joe. It’s Joe’s task to catch me.” It is this experience of utter surrender that is the deeply necessary act of trust that made trapeze flying work.

Deep surrender is an ever present and vital part of life and faith. We give ourselves up to certain inevitabilities, such as aging. We surrender our sense that we can keep our children young, even when we wish we could. We surrender our sense that we can control the events of our lives, and lean into the flow of life as it is presented to us.

In the Gospels, we read that Jesus taught his disciples that following him would mean counting the cost of things they would need to surrender. In the Epistles, we read that the Apostle Paul urged a slaveowner named Philemon to surrender his legal right to punish a runaway slave. Rather, Paul said, he could welcome him back, and embrace the refuge as a beloved sibling. Surrender, it turns out, is not always a term describing the giving up to a higher power, but relinquishing something only to receive something more empowering.

We’ll talk about this in church on Sunday, as the sermon is titled, “Powerful Surrender: Giving What You Cannot Keep.” The sermon arises from Philemon 1: 1-21, and Luke 14: 25-33. We will have a solo by Joseph Canter, accompanied by Ilze Akerbergs, a moment for children, prayers and 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 28, 2022

Can you remember a time when someone offered you a simple act of welcome, affirmation, kindness or hospitality during a difficult time? My memory went back to the 1970’s and a moment in junior high. For a variety of family reasons, I switched schools a lot, and was experienced at being the “new kid.” However, I was not prepared for one move. A small group of students would befriend “new kids” for a time, and then suddenly “unfriend” them. I was one of those and, in an instant, I found myself ostracized and alone in the lunchroom. But, then I heard a voice asking me “Would you like to sit with us?” In that simple act of kindness and welcome, I met dear friends.

In the scripture passage this Sunday (based on Matthew 10:40-42), Jesus is teaching the disciples about the mission on which he is sending them. It is one of sacred hospitality, which is often lived out in simple acts of kindness, welcome and affirmation. For them to experience this, Jesus sends them out without money or other such means of support. The disciples and those in the communities they enter rely on the hospitality of each other, even if it is for a cup of water. As Jesus says, in this scripture passage, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (vs. 40).

This week, I have been looking at this photo from August 28, 2016, the day the St. Mark’s community voted to become a Reconciling Congregation. (A Reconciling Congregation is one committed to full LGBTQI justice and inclusion in the life of the United Methodist Church). I am moved by the number of wonderful people, including those who are no longer with us, who teach us still how we might offer simple acts of sacred hospitality. Each of us is a beloved child of God, and we are to live in that knowing, as individuals and as a community of faith.

We will explore this together this Sunday, in worship. We will also share a Children’s Moment, pray and reflect, and sing hymns accompanied by Matthew Wachtman. The Chancel Choir will share an anthem. Sheri Walter will offer a Moment of Sharing. Annette Lemond will help lead us in liturgy, and Eric Metzler will read our scripture passage. Please see the article below about Reaffirming our Commitment as a Reconciling Congregation. We hope you can stay after worship, for a few minutes, so we can take a new picture of those here on August 28, 2022. If you cannot be physically here, send us your picture, so we can include it. All are welcome and affirmed.

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 31, 2022

These are difficult days, and there is one necessary thing for Christians to understand. Unfortunately, John Robert McFarland (JRMcF) does not know what that is, but he thinks he can have it figured out by Sunday morning. Something to do with Who’s Your Daddy? and Who’s Your Savior? and Who’s Your Sib? It might be good to think about these questions yourself in case JRMcF is still working on it come Sunday. At least we know that the service will be well-led, since Craig Stewart is doing that, and we know that the Scriptures , Colossians 3: 1-11, and Luke 12: 13-21, will be well-read, since Marsha & Tom Huberty are doing that. And we know that through music with Gerry Sousa and Matthew Wachtman and the choir we will spiritually fed.We even know that the anthem is titled “You Do Not Walk Alone,” composed by Elaine Hagenberg.

So, be ye in the building or be ye on livestream, be ye ready for the service at 10:30 this Sunday morning.

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 join online, visit www.smumc.church at 10:30 AM, and click on the Live Stream banner.