WORSHIP ARTICLE

One day, a farmer spied a little sparrow lying on its back in the middle of the field. The farmer stopped his plowing, looked down at the frail bird and asked, “Why are you lying upside down like that?” “I heard the sky is going to fall today.” replied the bird. The old farmer chuckled. “And I suppose your spindly little legs can hold up the sky?” “One does what one can,” replied the sparrow. This little story evokes some questions as we approach Creation Care Sunday at St. Mark’s: What is our role as people of faith called to be stewards of creation? Can we do enough to make a difference in our world?

Let’s first acknowledge that biblical interpretation matters. In Genesis 1:26-28, where we read that we are created in the image of God, the word to describe human relationship to creation is “dominion,” For centuries, this was understood to mean that humanity could exploit creation in any way it chose. More recent and more wise translation sees the relationship as being more a matter of stewardship. We cultivate and responsibly care for creation, and we thereby realize its vast ability to nurture and sustain human existence. We are still learning what this stewardship will really mean for all of us.

After the birth of his son in April 2020, Bill Weir began writing a series of Earth Day letters for his child to read in 2050, weaving concern and wonder into a resource for other parents. This conversation with his child inspired his book, Life As We Know It (Can Be). He especially wants his son to know that opinion polls that show people do not care about the environment are wrong. In fact, there are many allies “out there.” They just do not know how to start conversations or evoke change. That sounds familiar.

In 1991, New Zealander Shirley Erena Murray wrote the hymn “Touch the Earth Lightly”, in part, to address the negative environmental impact that French nuclear testing in the Pacific would have in the region. The hymn’s title, taken from an Aboriginal phrase, speaks to the way native people viewed creation as being in partnership with humanity. We’ll take this phrase as a titled to the sermon Sunday in the service which witnesses to the call to be good stewards of creation. The sermon arises from Genesis 1: 26-31, which will be read by Charlie Matson. Charlie will also tell the congregation about a budding project for solar power at St. Mark’s. We’ll be led musically by the Chancel Choir, which is led by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong. We’ll have a moment for children, hymns and prayers.

If you are new to St. Mark’s, or have connected with us for a long time, we look forward to having you join on Sunday. Worship starts at 10:30 in the sanctuary. To connect online, visit www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream banner.

As we commemorate seven decades of cherished memories, we invite you to be part of this milestone celebration! Your experiences have shaped our journey, and we’d love to hear about your favorite moments at St. Mark’s.

Take Our Short Survey: Share your stories, anecdotes, and treasured recollections. Whether it’s a heartwarming service, a riveting classroom discussion, or a fun moment with others, every memory counts.

Why Participate? By participating in the survey, you contribute to our collective tapestry of St. Mark’s history. Your insights will guide us as we continue to foster a vibrant and nurturing environment for generations to come.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the next 70 years together!

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 21 - 11:30 AM

LEMONADE ON THE (INSIDE) LAWN

Spring is fully here, so wouldn’t a glass of lemonade be just delightful! 

On Sunday, April 21, after the service, please join us for lemonade, snacks, cookies, and good conversation. We had originally planned to meet outside, but let’s instead meet in Garton Hall. Chat it up with your besties, and make some new friends.

We look forward to connecting with you this Sunday.

St. Mark’s Library invites you to Adopt a Book (or several!) 

Sunday April 21st – Sunday April 28th

The Library and Archives Committee has been hard at work sorting, tidying, and dreaming in our beautiful St. Mark’s Library. During this process, we have identified FOUR bookshelves of books that had multiple copies or had not been checked out in many years. To make room for new books we are pleased to announce a weeklong Adopt a Book Event! Starting after church this week, Sunday April 21st, bring your reusable shopping bags and your treasure hunter’s spirit and peruse our shelves of Adoptable Books! We will also provide an opportunity for a donation to help us with new purchases. The event will run all week during Church Office hours (from 9am-3pm M-F), and conclude at 12:30 on Sunday April 28th.  

BE A LITURGIST/READER IN WORSHIP

Would you like to participate in worship by reading one of the scriptural lessons or another part of the liturgy. We would love for you to volunteer to do so.

All are invited to take part. We look forward to having a deeply diverse and multigenerational roster of readers. If you wish to practice the reading ahead of time, one of our pastors or staff members would be very happy to work with you. Our ramp system makes the chancel area more accessible, and allows those who use a walker or wheelchair to participate as well. We look forward hearing from you. 

DONATE YOUR ECLIPSE GLASSES

The eclipse was a wonderful event, but what do you plan to do with your eclipse glasses? There are better alternatives than sending them to the county landfill. Many organizations are working to send eclipse glasses in good condition to future solar eclipse locations, including the next solar eclipse that will pass over southern Chile and southern Argentina. Chief among these groups is Astronomers Without Borders, who will be distributing glasses to many in underserved communities.

We would like to help. Bring your eclipse glasses to St. Mark’s and put them in one of the receptacles, located at the entrance to the sanctuary or near the greeting station in Garton Hall. We’ll take it from there. 

RECONCILING MINISTRIES

APRIL NEWSLETTER

Keep up to date with Reconciling Ministries by reading their monthly Newsletter. To read the full Newsletter click the button below.

If you prefer to talk to someone in a smaller setting about what Reconciling Ministries is or how to be a part of the group: representatives from the Reconciling Ministries Committee will be in the St. Mark’s library before church from 9:30-10:15 on April 28, 2024. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 7:30 PM

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH

Lux: A Concert Exploring the Wonder of Light is the next presentation of the Bloomington Chamber Singers for the 2023-24 season.

Lux or light conjures diverse visions. Running the gamut from Morten Lauridsen’s “Lux Aeterna” (eternal light) to Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” (hopeful light), the vocal images of light will weave together to provide the listener a variety of aural delight. Visions of summer fireflies (Julia Klatt Singer’s “soft blink of amber light”) and a Renaissance homage to Christ, the eternal light, (Thomas Tallis’ “O nata lux de lumine”) provide a range of musical styles that will delight patrons both young and old.

Light, ancient and modern, merges with music, ancient and modern, to bring a new sense of wonder and energy to all who hear. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 11:45 AM

CREATION CARE LUNCH AND CALL OUT MEETING

You are invited to join us on Sunday, April 28, for a light lunch and conversation about Creation Care at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. We’ll especially seek to have conversations about ways to invest energy in projects of education, advocacy, and sustainability practices at home and on the church campus. To indicate your interest in attending, let us know on Realm, or contact the church office. 

Upcoming Events for All Sponsored by United Women in Faith

      Thanks for the overwhelming response to the call for shoeboxes. Right now we have enough shoeboxes to get us through July. Please hold onto any extra shoeboxes until after June! It's not that we don't appreciate them--we've run out of storage space!

Monday, May 6th, 9:30–in Garton Hall—Fill decorated shoeboxes with personal hygiene products and “fun” items for children. Current needs include crayons and bars of soap.

May 16th at 1:00 - Food for Thought will meet in the Sun Room at Bell Trace. The current book is The Book of Rosy. This emotional narrative by a Guatemalan mother describes the separation from her two sons at the border and the support she received from an unlikely group of women.

May 20th - 1:30 - 3:00pm. Crafting Adventures will meet in room 1. Bring a project that you're working on, or come to work on making fabric bags that hold personal hygiene items for patrons of MCUM.

NOMADS - Room 8

The Nomads class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. The class is a diverse group which shares ideas about world religions, social justice & creation care with the help of articles, books & videos. In connection with the upcoming Earth Day the Nomads will watch & discuss on Sunday, April 21st, a video on the life & impact of John Muir, the famous environmental scientist & philosopher whose writings were a significant factor in our nation's first steps to preserve some of God's greatest creations for future generations.

CONVERSATIONS ON LIFE MEN'S DISCUSSION GROUP - Room 8

Conversations on Life is an opportunity for men to discuss topics of spiritual, religious, and social issues of interest. Their meetings are typically held on Fridays at 1:00pm. For more information contact the church office. On April 19th the group will watch & discuss a video on the what the Bible & archeologists tell us about King Solomon & the ancient Temple of Jerusalem.

WOMEN OF WONDER AND FAITH - Room 8

Women of Wonder and Faith is a group of journeying disciples sharing conversation with each other around a book study and topics of life. The group meets on Thursdays at 11:00am. Contact the church office for the meeting location. Starting in late March we will be reading "Poverty, by America" by Matthew Desmond. If you have any questions contact the church office. 

St. Mark's United Methodist Church | www.smumc.church

Published Thursday, April 18, 2024