Continuing Presence of Christ

The Scripture reading is John 14:23-29.

Father Mark explains God’s will for us, that we are to embody Christ each in our own unique way. We are expressions of the continuing presence of Christ in our world.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Fifth Sunday of Easter 2022: Your Divine DNA

The Scripture reading is John 13:31-35

On this fifth Sunday of Easter, Father Mark discusses the last supper, and Jesus’ fond admonition to “love one another as I have loved you.” He points out that the context is important: he knows he will be betrayed and crucified, yet offers his vulnerable love so that we may love as He does. We human beings have animal DNA, yet we also have “Divine DNA”  and we can practice feeding our divine qualities as we learn to be known by our love.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Fourth Sunday of Easter 2022: The Temple of Your Heart

The Scripture reading is John 10:22-30

On this fourth Sunday of Easter, Father Mark discusses modern equivalents of the temple in this week's Scripture reading. He reminds us that the word translated as “believe” in the New Testament could be translated as “trust,” and that what is asked of us is not to live up to a checklist of beliefs and behaviors, but to trust in God. Father Mark concludes by emphasizing that we are the temple of God, and that the true temple of God in in our hearts.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Third Sunday of Easter 2022: Beloved Child of God

The Scripture reading is John 21:1-19

On this third Sunday of Easter, Father Mark invites us to a sacramental breakfast from the risen Christ, at the dawn of a new day, and prays that our every act in the coming week will emanate from the place where we know we are a beloved child of God.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Second Sunday of Easter 2022: When Your World is Rocked

The Scripture reading is John 20:19-31

Reverend Wendy discusses how Jesus responded to “Doubting Thomas,” not with criticism, not with anger, but with love. Jesus was there with Thomas, ready to meet him where he was. She also talks about her “spiritual autobiography”and how she dealt with the personal challenges of how a loving God permits evil in the world, leaving church during her own personal “season in the desert,” and coming back to find God and Jesus waiting for her with open arms.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Scripture reading is Luke 24:1-12

On this Easter Sunday, Father Mark discusses what we have learned with Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and today. Life is full of suffering, and yet are saved by a love so powerful that darkness, suffering and death cannot overcome it. We can count on that.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Scripture reading is John 18:1-19:42

On this Good Friday, Father Mark discusses the true meaning of who God is, the God of self-giving love, and how Jesus empowered us to sing God’s song.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Scripture reading is John 13:1-17 

On this Maundy Thursday, Father Mark explains the humble love of Jesus even for those who betray him and let him down, and how in our lives we can offer this cherishing, nonjudgmental love to support others.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday 2022

The Scripture reading is Luke 22:14-23:56

On this Palm Sunday, Father Mark and members of the congregation together read aloud the Scripture.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this final episode of Father Mark's Lenten 2022 series, he summarizes the many things we might fruitfully let go of, and explains why we do this. He concludes that for Christians, the story doesn't end with Good Friday, but with Easter.