John Mark's Blog

Friends and Neighbors, Snow and ice caused us to postpone our Ministry Marathon until February 9. On that day you will find folks in different spots sharing about the various ministries here at St. James. This will be a good day to see the church, learn about ways to serve, and connect with friends old and new. You may be surprised at all the various opportunities to serve, pray, and study together.

Friends and Neighbors, Our church calendar has many feasts and fast days. These days remind us of the stories and faithful people they commemorate and encourage us to live our faith today. This Sunday is the first Sunday after the Epiphany and is the day we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. It is fitting that we are having our Ministry Marathon as we remember this event. Baptism is our initiation into the Body of Christ. All members of the body are empowered to serve as ministers. The Ministry Marathon can help us discern ways we can use our gifts in God's service.

Friends and Neighbors, A new year dawns and voices all around call us to make resolutions, be more productive, and to change our bodies. Sure, some good messages are there, but they often get covered with blame, shame, and exhaustion. I appreciate that a call to be a faithful follower of Christ isn't a call to be perfect. Following Christ is a journey. Sometimes we take a wrong turn or need to stop and rest. The metaphors of scripture and tradition speak of being made well, growth, bearing fruit, and death that leads to resurrection. Faith is an ongoing process in which God's grace is working in us.

Merry Christmas! Yes, the Church continues to celebrate Christmas beyond the one day. Even with 12 days of Christmas, the mystery of incarnation continues to unfold in our world. I see us living out that mystery at St. James by the way we seek to feed the hungry, do justice, and nurture our souls in prayer and worship together. We become those who bear Christ to the world.

Friends and Neighbors, As Advent moves towards Christmas, we are currently in Ember Days (12/18, 12/20, 12/21). These days of prayer and fasting correspond closely to the change of seasons. You will see them indicated on liturgical calendars, but I will confess that even many of us clergy have to look up what they mean. The Episcopal Church uses those days as times that people in the ordination process are to write letters to their bishop. Can a fast that has fallen out of practice mean anything for us in the present time? I am exploring that as I think about the approaching solstice, holiday festivities, and the onslaught of information in our time.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The weather and the world seem to be changing day to day. I know how I have joined in the common lament that I don't like change. The truth is that change is the norm, the constant through creation. Advent calls us to look for some change. Christ coming into our world isn't an endorsement of the status quo. Christ comes calling us to repentance. My favorite translation of the word repent is "change your minds and hearts". A transformation of our hearts and minds changes how we see the world and each other.

Friends and Neighbors, Advent has me thinking about time. Maybe you have noticed that the birthday blessing I use on Sundays goes something like this: "We thank you for the gift of time and that you have come to us in time in Jesus, your son." We confess that God enters into time and the material world to be with us and work through us. Advent calls us to consider how Christ shows up and to be awake to the surprising places we might meet Christ.

Friends and Neighbors, Happy Thanksgiving! The call to gratitude shows up in many scriptures, psychological studies, and popular culture. Apparently it is good for us to give thanks. I have found that to be true. We can be thankful for the grace we know without ignoring personal problems, doubts, and injustices. I am grateful to be part of a community that invites us to express joy and gratitude while also sharing grief and calling for change.

Friends and Neighbors, We are approaching the end of the church year. I hope that as Thanksgiving and Advent approach we can all prepare ourselves for the anxiety so common in this time. Yes, your priest is telling you to take time to pray, be still, and center yourself. From a centered place, we are better prepared to respond rather than react. Even a deep breath can calm us when that comment at the dinner table annoys us or we feel the rush of seasonal obligations.