Meaning of joy and being sanctified in truth

Today’s gospel reading, John 17:6-19, speaks of Jesus asking his Father in heaven to sanctify in truth and bring joy to His followers and Pastor Eric talked of the meaning of joy and being sanctified in truth.
Pastor compared not noticing what happens within our Synod with not noticing the Rhododendrons in his yard until they burst into bloom.
Our congregation gives money to the national church who in turn gives grants back to local congregations to provide for local ministries.
At the Synod Assembly, which just met this past Friday and Saturday in Vancouver, WA, he learned about the special ministries other congregations have been doing and had a chance to speak about what St Mark has accomplished and some of our future plans.
Click the link below to hear the Gospel & Sermon.