Good Morning,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday, October 29, 2023.
At our services this Sunday morning we will be including a short service of “Remembrance with Thanksgiving” for the lives of all who have died in the last year. Family members of those who died have been invited to attend and light a candle during that part of ceremony and also other members of the church attending in person will have the opportunity to light a votive candle in the memorial any and all others whom they love, but see no longer.
We also will be marking and remembering the lives of 24 loved ones from our Parish family by dedicating 24 new Book of Alternatives Services service books. These books have been purchased through St. Mark’s Memorial Fund and are given to the glory of God and in their loving memory of those from our parish family lost to us during the COVID 19 pandemic from March 1, 2020 to Ash Wednesday March 2, 2022 and whose lives could not be properly celebrated and honoured by our community due to the pandemic’s social restrictions.
At our 10:30am serve we also welcome Su McLeod, Youth Engagement Consultant at Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, and members of the PRWDF Youth Council, who will be worshiping with us, while the meet for their council meeting at a nearby retreat centre.
Next Sunday, St. Mark’s will be marking Remembrance Sunday.
Today’s Opening Sentence
They are before the throne of God, and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. – Revelation 7.15
Today’s Reading – Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.1
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- What aspects of the lives of your loved ones have had a profound impact on your own life? How can you carry forward their examples in your own journey of faith and life?
- In moments of grief and sorrow, how do you personally find comfort and solace in your relationship with God? What personal prayers or rituals bring you a sense of peace and connection during difficult times?
- Reflect on the importance of community and support mentioned in our prayers today. How has being part of a supportive community helped you navigate your grief? How can you, in turn, support others who are grieving?
- Considering the promise of eternal life and the gift of our faith in times of darkness, how does your faith provide you with hope and assurance during moments of loss? What are some specific aspects of your faith that bring you comfort in times of grief?
This week music is again provided by Ryan Van Dijk, our Music Director, and our guest organist Roger Bayley. Thank you to them both for their 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.