Love and Concern Come in All Sizes
By Pastor Kim Ogle
Is there anything sweeter than kids’ art? Little kids don’t know whether their drawings are good or not-so-good. They just choose colors and create something. I’m pretty sure that what adults see is not half as great as what the little artists see in their minds – usually. That is unless you’re the lucky adult who receives a large manila envelope full of hand-made get-well cards from our St. Mark’s Sunday School classes. (Thank you to our teachers, Julie, Kathy, Barb, Cathy, Pam and others who help.)
Many of you know I was on my way to a Covenant Council meeting on Aug. 15 when I was in a car accident. Fortunately, I was the only one who was hurt. My injuries are bad enough that I spent eight days in the hospital. The reason I say “fortunately” is because I was at fault. I’d rather deal with my own injuries than be responsible for another person’s pain. And, yet, that barely comforted my guilt.
Then, a wonderful thing happened. In the midst of physical pain and that horrible “what if” scenario that kept playing in my head, God sent angels of mercy and compassion. My husband, Mike, and the two of our kids who live in Tucson were at the emergency room, along with Snickerdoodle (Susan Putt’s service dog). Pastor Lynn visited several times, and I received texts of “get well” wishes.
When I got home, there were dozens of cards waiting for me, including the Sunday School masterpieces. I’ve received calls, texts, Facebook comments and a few visits. No one has asked who was at fault in the accident. You have just cared for me and loved me as part of your church family, and you’ve done it from two campuses. (I know this because Mike is currently attending the Sanctuary Campus.)
In John 13:34, Jesus tells us to “love one another as I have loved you.” You angels of the St. Mark’s community are masters at loving one another. I treasure your prayers and your kindness.
Blessings,
Pastor Kim
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
• 8:30 and 10 a.m. Traditional service in Magee Campus sanctuary and child care in Rm 15
• 10 a.m. Modern service at Sanctuary Campus
• 10 a.m. Magee Campus youth and children’s Sunday School (except fifth Sundays) and child care
• 10 a.m. Traditional service livestream premieres on YouTube and Website
Worship online at 10 a.m. on Sundays at umcstmarks.org/live-worship or YouTube UMC St. Mark’s AZ. You can also watch the service at a later time.
The church office will be CLOSED Monday, Sept. 4, in observance of Labor Day.
New Office Hours begin Tuesday, Sept. 5 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. to noon Friday.