Beginnings
This Sunday, June 6, we begin with two worship services in the Sanctuary. For 8 a.m. worship you do not need to register. Registration for 10 a.m. for June 6 is closed; watch for the email at 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 7 to register for 10 a.m. the following Sunday, June 13. For both services, masks are recommended but not required for fully vaccinated people. You also need to wear a mask if you want to sing. Recorded worship continues as usual at 9:45 a.m.
As many of you know, I’m retiring from appointed ministry at the end of June. My last Sunday at St. Mark’s will be June 20. I hope to see many of you in worship before I retire and/or at tonight’s parade.
While we’re experiencing many endings right now, new beginnings are already peeking through. As the pandemic (hopefully) comes to some kind of end, we begin with more in-person worship, classes and celebrations. As I end my time at St. Mark’s, I begin with a new season of life and Rev. Lynn Bartlow begins at St. Mark’s on July 1.
Both endings and beginnings are often bittersweet. That seems obvious with endings – my retirement brings sadness for me and probably for many of you, but also opens new possibilities for all of us. Beginnings can be bittersweet, too. I’m a little anxious about retirement, even as I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, resting and traveling. What’s my anxiety? Well, ministry has been my 24/7 life for more than 30 years! What will this next season be like?
In worship, we’re in the midst of a sermon series, “Jesus and Love in the Ten Commandments.” This Sunday’s commandment is the sixth one, “Thou shalt not kill.” Among other things, I’ll be talking about how words and actions can kill someone’s heart and spirit and will then challenge us to think about what we can leave behind to bring about new beginnings – hope and healing.
Here is my prayer today: Gracious God, help us be willing to experience the joys and sorrows of endings and beginnings and trust that you are in the midst of both of those. Fill our hearts with the gladness of your presence. Help us take delight in one another and grow in loving you and each other. Make us be agents of your peace through all our words and actions. Amen.
Blessings,
Sharon
Three ways to access our pre-recorded service:
- From the main menu on our website click WORSHIP
- Go to YouTube and search for UMC St. Mark’s Oro Valley or use this link.
- The YouTube link will also be shared on Facebook St. Mark’s UMC Tucson or use this link.
The service will go live at 9:45 a.m.