Grace and peace to you friends.
Yes, we are approaching Holy Week and Easter when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus! That is something to celebrate each and every day of our lives, not just one day.
During a recent meeting about St. Mark’s anniversary celebration, one person suggested that the celebratory weekend in July also should be a time for people to know that St. Mark continues to be an active and alive congregation and is looking toward its future. We are celebrating the past, but not the story doesn’t end there. That is Easter! The story doesn’t end with the empty tomb. It continued after, it continues today, and it continues forever.
With that in mind and because this is a historical year for St. Mark, in the coming months I plan to write about some of the behind-the-scenes work that is done by many of you in serving God, the church, and our neighbors near and far. Maybe you aren’t aware of some of this work, and perhaps you can see yourself being part of this effort, if you aren’t already.
Since we are in a season when there are several worship services beyond Sunday morning that are happening this month, I thought I would start with the Worship and Music Committee. The committee plans out all worship services, whether Sunday morning or special services. This includes hymns and scripture readings and more. I don’t think anyone would disagree that St. Mark has an incredible music team. We have five wonderful “Sunday” musicians — including one who hasn’t been able to come to St. Mark for many months but is active in the committee and is even recording some music for our April 9 midweek worship (thank you, Lee Kolos)! We have others who play special music as well as record music for midweek services. We have a choir that sings anthems that resonate for each season of the church. Choir director Judy Seymour also directs the community choir, Christians with Rhythm Choir, which performs an annual Christmas Cantata and a summer concert. Who doesn’t love Karen Barner singing sing-a-long songs during the time with kids? And it’s not just music. This includes people who read scripture, acolyte, help with communion, and more. I personally work with the musicians and committee members to try and make each worship service one that gives glory to God and is meaningful to those who attend. Thank you to everyone who helps with worship!
Since we are thinking about the church’s history, here are just a few historical facts about worship and music. The choir used to sing from the balcony before moving to its current location sometime between 1884 and 1929. The Belles of St. Mark made its debut on Easter Sunday 1983. The all-female group included Beth Barner (Seal), Karen Barner, Judy Seymour, Cheryl Strouse, and Mary Troup. The group changed its name to Unity, and it still sings occasionally today! You can hear Unity sing during St. Mark’s Good Friday service on April 18.
The committee and I hope worship is meaningful for each of you, and we pray that the services point to God’s glory and all that God has done for us, especially as we move toward Easter!
Go in peace with the sweet and powerful words of “Christ Is Risen” singing in your hearts!
Pastor David