Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, January 21, 2024.
In today’s message, I am inviting us to explore the transformative call of Jesus and the arrival of God’s Kingdom. In a world driven by earthly pursuits, Jesus invites us to align our goals with God’s intended order, fostering harmony, justice, and peace.
Today’s Opening Sentence
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. – Mark 1.15
Today’s Reading – Mark 1:14-20
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- How can I identify aspects of my life where I may need transformation in alignment with God’s kingdom?
- In what specific ways can I adjust my daily choices—be it in consumption, communication, or actions—to better reflect the values of God’s intended order?
- How might I reframe my intentions and goals to be more in line with the transformative message of Jesus, moving away from self-serving pursuits towards contributing to the well-being of others?
- What practical steps can I take to actively contribute to the restoration of God’s perfect order in my community and beyond? How can I be an agent of positive change in the world?
This week music is again provided by Ryan Van Dijk, our Music Director. Thank you to Ryan for his ministry of music!
A continued reminder that if you are at all uncomfortable being in-person for worship, or if you are not feeling well, please join us here online.
Thank you again for joining with your parish family in our online worship today.
Find out how you can support our ministry and good work in the community here.
God Bless you and have a blessed week. Be well!
Peace,
The Rev’d Canon Rob Park
- Scripture quotation is from the 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.