With nightfall, our Lenten observance comes to an end. We gather with Christians around the world to begin the Three Days during which we participate once again in the saving power of Jesus’ passing over from death to life. At the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ “mandate” or command, to love one…
Please join us for Holy Week worship! April 17th – Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion – 7 pm. April 18th – Good Friday services – noon and 7pm April 20th – Easter Morning Services – 8:30am and 11:00am Breakfast between services with free-will offering to benefit High School Youth Group. Please bring a fresh…
Many members of the congregation helped bring the dramatic message of Palm Sunday alive at St. Mark. The Passion Narrative, according to the Gospel of Matthew, was presented through responsive readings, special instrumental and vocal music, and our choir singing rounds of “Hosanna, Hosanna!” We all waved palm leaves commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.…
There was an eager and energetic group Saturday April 5th in the Community Garden. Ten rows of potatoes were planted (thanks to SMOGS for pre-digging the trenches). Cardboard was placed and chips were spread for a new picnic area right by the Community Garden. The lovely cedar picnic table built by Mike D.…
For the last several weeks the sanctuary has displayed a rugged cross and purple banners symbolizing our time of reflection. We see a road to the cross starting at our baptismal font. On Palm Sunday, palms were added to symbolize Jesus entering Jerusalem as the King and then shortly after arrested and sent to the…
Tonight we heard Jesus’ command to love one another and were introduced to Simon Peter. Bob B. offered a reflection that Pastor Beth wrote based on the perspective of Peter’s father, Jona. The hatred brewing among the religious authorities is in sharp contrast to the love Jesus commands. Who is right? Who is wrong? Where…
Come celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as we wave palm branches and sing “Hosanna!” this Palm/Passion Sunday, April 13 at 8:30 and 11:00. After the rejoicing with “Hosannas,” the tone of worship changes as we listen and participate in the Passion narrative according to the Gospel of Matthew and feast on the bread of…
The gospel for this Fifth Sunday in Lent, John 11:1-45, reveals Jesus’s power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with…
This evening we listened to a homily prepared by Pastor Beth and recited by Jenny. We met Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Martha described the friendship they shared with Jesus and how painful it was when Lazarus died and Jesus was not there for them. After four days, Jesus came and proclaimed that…
The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. I was blind, but now I see, declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are. Pastor Eric asked us “What is the first question?” Is it “Who Sins”? He told…