D-V's Desk

  I have here a quarter.  Obviously, this is a fake quarter.  That makes it easier to see.  What does it say on the back of the quarter?  Anyone remember?  E pluribus unum.  One out of many.  That’s America’s motto.  Unity, however, does not equal uniformity.  Nor is unity about glossing over differences. Unity is about going beyond what divides us.  Unity is about being able to find the common ground and focusing on those things we all share.  For example, we all want some of the same things.  We want safe communities in which to raise families.  All of us want adequate access to food, shelter, and health care. Some of us may be rejoicing.  The election has “gone their way.”  Others are in mourning.  The election left them in despair.  That makes this a very tender time for our nation and our communities.  Emotions are running high this past week, on both sides.  I want you to know that it is okay.  That we feel those feelings is natural.  You and I are human, after all.  It’s also ok

             Do you know what your name means?   Dawn, of course, means “break of day.”   Matthew means “gift of God.”   Linda means “beautiful” or “pretty.”   William means “resolute protector; will, desire; helmet, protection.”   I hated my name growing up.   I was the only Dawn in a sea of Jennifers and Michelles. You may recall in the Biblical world that names mean things.   Names are given to emphasize character traits or to recall circumstances surrounding the birth.   Esau is born hairy, hence his name.   Names also change in response to an encounter with God.   Jacob becomes Israel.   Simon is called Peter. Perhaps you also remember that to name something is to have power over the named.   Like when Adam names the creatures in Genesis 2.   The naming process gives Adam control over God’s creatures.   When I worked at Burger King college, I hated that people called me by my name.   That felt too personal, too intimate. Today we hear about a man of no name.   Even his paren

 In just a month we have a crucial day. Millions of us will go to the polls and vote. That is a great  privilege that we have as Americans. There was a woman in my first parish, Liz, who taught me the  value and importance of making my voice heard. Her example inspires me to  ensure that I show up and be counted in elections. You may recall that I don’t believe it is my place to tell you HOW to vote. That  is beyond my role as your pastor and priest. I do, however, encourage you to  get to know the people and any proposed legislation that will be on the ballot  for Tuesday, 5 November. I also encourage you to prayerfully examine your values and beliefs. What  matters most to you? Which candidate holds the values closest to yours? Please, please look at the  full picture. Do not just cherry pick one or two items. Then VOTE. Stand up and be counted. Let your voice be heard. Your vote matters.

             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