D-V's Desk

             Last week we talked about Witness, about sharing the great news of what God has done in and for us in Jesus Christ.   During the service 12 -16 cards were completed. 0 – 1 said they were not yet ready to commit. 0 – 1 indicated that we were not ready yet to witness, but maybe we would someday 0 – 3 of us said “not now, but we want to with all our heart” 5 – 6 responded that they will share their faith sometimes 7 – 6 said they will witness frequently 4 – 9 committed themselves to look for daily opportunities to share their faith daily 6 – 3 of us determined to make witness a priority in their lives, and that they would pray for those who are seeking and look for opportunities to invite others to join us in church Today we are going to talk about financial giving.   Financial giving is the fifth aspect of growing and dedicated followers of Jesus.   Pastor and author Bob Crossman believes that our checkbooks should reflect our faith.   Crossman goes o

 I pray that you had a wonderful summer with lots of fun and time with loved ones.  Hopefully we all come back to the school year routine all ready and refreshed. As things start to fall into a new pattern, it is also important to not get so busy that you and I do not take time out for what truly matters.   Spending time with family and friends.   Deepening our relationship with God and with others at St. Mark’s.   Loving our neighbors through CHOW, Canteen, and other outreach ministries. If it has been a while, we’d love to see you again at St. Mark’s this fall.   Nursery and Sunday School will start back up on September 8 th .   We’ll also have our monthly youth group gathering that afternoon from 4p-6p.   A new Bible study will begin on Tuesday, September 10 th with our friends at All Saints’.   Our women’s brunch bunch will also kick off on the 10 th at 8:30a in the Undercroft. If you have only been attending occasionally, this might be the perfect time to increase your att

The Revised Common Lectionary is in what my friend, the Reverend Tim Schenck, calls "breadtide."  That is to say that for the past few weeks, and for the next two weeks, the readings find us in John 6.  This is one of Jesus' extended "I am" dialogues in John's Gospel. Bread is a near universal. Almost every time and culture has some form of bread.  There is Greek Pita.  There is the Indian Naan bread.  There is First Nations fry bread.  There is Italian Scali bread.  And the list goes on and on and on.  Bread is a key part of the Western diet especially. The commonplaceness of bread makes it easy to visualize and to understand Jesus' words.  Jesus is telling us that He is as important and as nourishing to us as a slice of Wonder bread.  Wonder, however, can only take care of our physical needs.  Jesus, as the living and true bread, can also meet our spiritual need for belonging, healing, and forgiveness. Jesus promises that those who are united to Him in

             Luke 6:37-38 from The Rhyming Gospels             Jesus is talking about love, judgment, and forgiveness.   The more we give away, the more we end up having.   But, as is often the case with Jesus, Jesus’ wisdom can also apply to how you and I give of our time, our talents, and treasure.               Monday, July 29 started out like any other day.   The liturgical calendar noted it was the Feast of Saints Mary and Martha.   Jesus’ two dear friends from Bethany.   A three hour service at The Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia would for ever change the course of history. Several hundred people gathered to witness the historic ordination of 11 brave women to the Episcopal priesthood.   The ordinands were Merrill Bittner ,  Alla Bozarth-Campbell ,  Alison Cheek ,  Emily Hewitt ,  Carter Heyward ,  Suzanne Hiatt ,  Marie Moorefield ,  Jeannette Piccard ,  Betty Bone Schiess ,  Katrina Swanson , and  Nancy Wittig . Three Bishops were on hand to ordain what has now

II Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 + Psalm 24 + Ephesians 1:3-14 + Mark 6:14-9             What gets you singing and dancing?   You know?   You get so caught up in the moment and let yourself get carried away?   Perhaps it is listening to music as you do laundry or housework.   Maybe it is when your favorite song comes on in the car.   Next thing you know, there you are, singing and beebopping.             My oldest nephew, Michael, loved to dance in his car seat when he was little.   There was one song especially that would get him going.   Michael knew one song in particular.   Just the first few notes would be enough.   He knew THE song was on.   And he’d start moving and beebopping.   " Middle of the Nigh!” he’d call from the back seat.             King David gets dancing and grooving in the Hebrew Scripture lesson this morning.   I mean, David is totally in the zone and cutting loose!   He is dancing like no one is watching!   This is the celebration of all celebrations.   The Ark

           The 81 st   General Convention’s theme was “Together in Love.”  This theme combines Presiding Bishop (PB) Curry’s call for us to follow “The Way of Love” and the President of the House of Deputies (PHoD) emphasis on togetherness.  The HoD considered a whopping 392 of 395 resolutions put before us.  And, for the most part, the discussions were civil and respectful.  Even when we disagreed or were tired. Resolution A160 changes the words of the catechism in the Prayer Book.  Under “What is Holy Matrimony?” the Answer will now read that Holy Matrimony is “a covenant between two persons.”  The updated wording reflects the current practice and laws that allow for same-sex marriages within the United States. Resolution A101 concerned health insurance parity.  Those in rural or indigenous areas pay more for health insurance.  Or they are left with the HIS, which is less than desirable.  A101 will help ensure that clergy and church serving laity will receive affordable health care c