|
|
 Marilyn Meeker-Williams, Senior Pastor
How about some Joy in July?
The people of St. Mark’s are invited to set aside July, 2010, as a month for stepping out of our usual ministry roles and celebrating the joy we share as brothers and sisters in Christ. Leaders are encouraged to claim July as Sabbath time, a break from the usual monthly ministry meetings for the sake of coming together for special times of celebration and fellowship with members and friends of St. Mark’s.
![](http://www.clipartguide.com/_pages/0512-0801-1418-2742.html"><img border=0 src="http://www.clipartguide.com/_thumbs/0512-0801-1418-2742.jpg") Recommended by Staff Parish Relations ministry and approved by Church Council, Joy in July begins Sunday, July 4th, immediately after worship with a Patriotic Pot Luck and Sing-a-Long in the fellowship hall. We will sing all our favorites that honor our country, remembering and giving thanks for our 1776 Declaration of Independence, and for those who have sacrificed their years, even their lives, for the freedom we enjoy. We will conclude our singing with “This Is My Song,” sung to God of all the nations, God who desires that all may live in the peace that comes from living with justice and ENOUGH.
Sabbath time…: what does it mean? And how will we know if/when we find it? Donna Schaper claims that we have lost the sense of Sabbath time in our need to do more and more, faster and faster, at home, at work, and yes, even at church. She claims, “When we lost Sabbath, we lost the sacredness of time.” Everything becomes work and obligation, even family gatherings or ministry meetings. “Since Sabbath is no longer clearly defined by society’s or religion’s rules, Sabbath is a discipline we have to make and do ourselves.” It helps to remember that Sabbath comes from the word “to separate,” as in sabbatical where scholars still separate “teaching time” from “study time.” (That is why last October was Spiritual Renewal Leave, not Sabbatical for our pastor, Marilyn.) As Sabbath is being redefined it is not easy to grasp its meaning. It means various things at various times. These suggestions may help:
- Sabbath is the separation of time into different parts, neither rest nor labor but the separation.
- Sabbath is a time to let go of the past, to receive a blessing, to be reminded that it is possible to go on.
- Sabbath is a time of being rather than doing.
- Sabbath is a time of turning not-enough-time into ENOUGH.
If Sabbath is often related to a time of decluttering, the people of St. Mark’s are already on our way, led by the Trustees and other organizers who have cleaned out the attic, the area behind the stage, and countless other areas in our church facilities. We are thankful. Be looking for details of the other 3 weekly celebrations during Joy in July.
In Joy,
Kevin Dubose, Church Council Chair
Janet Allen, Staff Parish Relations Chair
Marilyn Meeker-Williams, Pastor
|
|
