Palms
Palms
Can you think of one word to describe our current times? Perhaps frightening or angering or lonely or opportunity or creativity? Our pastors and staff are mustering all their creativity to stay connected to you and give you opportunities to stay connected to God during this time. I’m grateful for the technology that helps us stay in touch via email, Facebook, texts, Zoom and through our website.
Worship for Palm & Passion Sunday, April 5 will be at 9:45 a.m. on our website (umcstmarks.org Live Worship) or YouTube or Facebook live. You don’t have to be on Facebook to join worship on St. Mark’s Facebook page. If you know someone who is having trouble joining these, see if you can help them over the phone. Art and I were able to do that this week with one of our church couples.
Would you like to be able to wave your own palm on April 5? See the “palm” attached to this email for you to print and color. It’s also on the website under Resources…Bulletin.
Offering worship in this way is truly a team effort. Music pieces have been recorded, along with other elements of worship and put together by our Technology Coordinator and his team. We long for your prayers as we work together and learn all about this.
While the church office is closed, you can leave messages at 297-2062 or info@umcstmarks.org. These are checked regularly. Pray for our church staff who are being diligent in doing their work under new circumstances.
Continue to watch Who’s With Me Tonight? at 7:00 p.m. on St. Mark’s Facebook live. Or watch the next day by going to the website and choosing “Latest Update” on the “Home” tab. The only nights we won’t have “Who’s With…” are Good Friday, April 10 and Easter, April 12.
Next week, Holy Week, I’ll be writing a daily devotion, so look for that. I hope those will bring us hope and strength as we walk uncharted paths.
It’s hard for me to pick one word for these times. I’m not usually frightened but I have some moments. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with the task of doing almost everything in a new way. I am awed by the creativity and hope I see every day. I miss seeing, talking and shaking hands with you. Often I’m trusting that God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God!
Prayer: Holy One, be with us today. Give us your guidance and strength. Keep people well. Watch over those who are caring for the sick. Give our leaders wisdom. Help us stay close to you and to one another in new ways. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings, Sharon