In the first of a series of offerings for Lent 2022, Father Mark explores the theme of "Letting Go" and offers simple practices to support letting go.

The Scripture reading is Luke 9:28-36.

Father Mark recalls his traumatic memories of the Cold War era, and how present events in Ukraine are activating these. He contrasts actions motivated by vengeance with those motivated by love, and once again encourages us not to act according to the ways of the world, not to be among those who “know not what they do” but rather to be guided by the mind of Christ.

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.

Our Life’s Calling

The Scripture reading is Luke 6:27-38

Father Mark explains that our life’s calling is to live from the Kingdom of Heaven within, and not according to the ways of the world. We can become free to embody the loved and loving identity that is our core.

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 6:17-26

Father Mark discusses how prayer works, and how prayer enables us to see the world through “God-colored glasses.” He explains how Jesus emptied himself on the mountaintop, and opened himself to being filled by the Divine life of God. This is the path for us, letting go of our egos, our false selves, and then opening ourselves to being filled with God’s love, power and forgiveness.

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 4:21-30

On this Stewardship Sunday, Father Mark explains what we are pledging financial resource for, and why we pledge.

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 4: 14-21

Father Mark explains Jesus’ “mission statement” and how its realization depends on us both hearing this and acting on it.

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 2:1-11

Father Mark explores the meaning of the word “wine” as used in Scripture, and explains how Jesus provides the “wine” of life.

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 3:15-17, 21-22

Father Mark explores the meaning of John the Baptist’s statement that the Messiah will burn the chaff in unquenchable fire, and explains that this does not suggest that a vengeful and angry God will torment souls for eternity, but rather that Jesus will burn away the chaff, our sins and the shortcomings of our false selves, to refine the gold of our souls. When God told Jesus, "you are my beloved child with whom I am well pleased" God was speaking to us as well.

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 Matthew 2: 1-12.

Father Mark compares the two year journey of the three Magi (“wise men”) to our journey with COVID. We’ve journeyed through COVID, and we journey to Bethlehem with Christmas. How were they changed by their journey, and how are we changed by ours?

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.

This episode, about 13 minutes, is from the Christmas Day 2021 service.

The Scripture reading is the first chapter of the book of John.

Father Mark explains the meaning of Christmas: God found a new way to communicate His love for us. Jesus’ birth as a baby who needs us helps us to feel how much God loves us.

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.