Reflections from your Co-Pastors Monday, February 8, 2021
Mark's Gospel 6: 53-56
For nearly a year now we've been dealing with the constant threats of illness, joblessness, isolation, and a life-threatening virus. At the same time we have been denied our coping methods-- social gatherings, dining out, vacations, going to the movies. This has led to a widespread emotional exhaustion that has been named "Covid fatigue." Like any stressor, Covid-19 causes us to respond with what is known as the fight or flight response. However, most stressors are not long term or permanent. Covid-19 is not giving us a break, and humans are not prepared to handle stress that goes on indefinitely. As a result, many are experiencing "Covid fatigue."
Today in Mark's Gospel we find Jesus disembarking onto the shores of yet another village at Gennesaret. The crowds immediately "recognized Him and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard He was." Entire marketplaces were filled with those who were ill and the people "begged" our compassionate brother that they might "touch even the fringe of his cloak." Now just in Chapter 6 alone, Jesus has been rejected by those in his hometown, has heard of the death of John the Baptist, has been faced with a crowd of 5000 and has fed their bodies and souls, and now he has been transported to another shore hopefully for a time of rest, however those in Gennesaret recognized him immediately and brought their sick before Him.
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We know that Jesus' life, day after day, presented this demand for healing. There was no place he could enter without a line forming at the door, or the seashore, or the mountainside. We also know that before his death and resurrection, Jesus' ministry spanned approximately three years. So Jesus experienced, as we have, a stress that was indefinite, that often prevented him from partaking of his regular meals, limited his sleeping hours, took up many of his waking hours, and precluded his time away for rest and rejuvenation.
Jesus did not have the coping methods of the modern age--movies, theater, restaurants, vacations, bowling, skiing etc. But for three years he ministered continuously to God's people before him. His "go-to" under stress was God. In his free moments scripture tells us that he awakes before sunrise to talk to God by the seashore, he goes up to the mountain to pray, or he teaches his disciples about the love of God and how to pray to this God of love. His connection to God and to God's people are what continues to give him the strength and perseverance to continue his ministry.
Let us turn to God this day and pray that we may be renewed to continue our own personal ministries.
In Jesus' name we pray.
AMEN
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Missed the Annual Meeting?
The annual meeting of the members of Mary of Magdala, ECC was held on February 7th after the Sunday Service. The recording is now available here. Listen to the updates on ministries and recognition of all who contribute to make Mary of Magdala, ECC the wonderful and dynamic community that it is!
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Community Links For Vaccine Information |
Here is information on the locations and ways to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments and the phased roll-out plan for Larimer County. And, if you need transportation to a vaccine appointment, please email us at marymagdalafc@gmail.com - we may be able to assist!
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- If you know someone who does NOT have email or a smartphone and want to be on the vaccine list, have them call this number - 720.462.2255
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Click here for all Larimer County COVID-19 information
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Sunday Services and Recordings |
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Feb 14 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time - 5:00 p.m. Service
**Community Chat Rooms Beginning at 4:30 p.m.**
Our Lady of Lourdes Feast Day
Presider - Co-Pastor Deacon Rosean Amaral
Feb 17 - Ash Wednesday Services - Blessed ashes are available for pick-up. Email St Paul's to arrange a time - Or - pick up from TLC on Wednesday, February 10 from 12-2 pm and Sunday, February 14, from 1-3 pm
Feb 21 - First Sunday of Lent -- 5:00 p.m. Service
**Community Chat Rooms Beginning at 4:30 p.m.**
Theme - 'Call to Metanoia' flooded with God’s love we are gifted with new life.
Presider - Father Michael Nicosia
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Sunday Service Recordings
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Black History Month: Remembering Sojouner Truth
On Sunday we honored Sojourner Truth - born Isabella Bomefree in 1797, a slave in New York. As a child, she was sold 4 times and subjected to harsh physical labor and punishments. As a teen, she “married” another slave, Thomas, whose previous wives had been sold to other estates. She bore 5 children, one a result of rape by owner, John Dumont.
In 1826, she escaped with her infant daughter after Dumont reneged on a promise to free her. She became one of the first Black women to win a court case against a white man when she filed for the return of her illegally sold son.
In 1843, now a devout Christian, she changed her name to Sojourner Truth because she heard the Spirit calling her to preach the truth against slavery and for women’s rights. Though illiterate, she addressed hundreds of audiences in her lifetime. On a lecture tour in 1851, she delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman” speech. As part of her activism, she recruited Black men to fight for the north during the Civil War, and afterwards, helped freed slaves find jobs and build new lives.
Sojourner Truth is certainly a remarkable figure in US Black history and leaves a strong legacy of organizations benefiting victims of homelessness and domestic violence to this day. For more on Sojourner Truth.
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Healing prayers Joanne Gallagher - member, and for her sister, Dr. Barbara Immroth. For Aidan - grandson of Mother Kae. Prayers for Lisa McCann - member, for personal challenges this year.
For Jim Berry - member, for his new journey to chaplain. For Lauren Roob - friend of Rosanna Bateman.
Healing prayers for Dianna Padilla, sister of Lisa Jones, who underwent surgery for cancer. For Liz and Ken Zornes and family, friends of Sandra and Dick Life, whose daughter is struggling with addiction. For Michael Keefe, son of member Yvonne Keefe.
For Dona Bosse - community member and Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother. For Dani - niece of the Cloyds and Mary Crosby – parishioner.
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For Ruth Parker, sister of Dori Carroll. And Leo Six – father of Michael Six, Mike Gudim, Suzanne King, Robert Browell
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For the peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the families.
For Clint Wisdom - brother-in-law of Joan Chapman-Smith. For Leon - father of Mother Cynthia. For Marietta Ricke - sister of Jim DeMuth and for Kristin - daughter of ECC priest Scott Jenkins. For Joan Kneeland - sister-in-law of Bill Kneeland. For Aunt Ilo and Aunt Ginny - Aunts of Jean Christian.
For Rita Ortiz, friend of Deacon Rosean, and for Margie Weitz - member. For Chris Bachman, friend of Lisa Jones.
For Bob, husband of Joyce Dehaven -
friend of Cathy Engel
For David Heyman - member,
Teri Kent - member,
Bill McClellan - Father of Jennifer Pfeister,
Father of Julie Shoenbauer, member, and
Edwin White - brother in law of Pastor Jane
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For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during our hiatus from celebrating together, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry here up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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