Harmonious Community
Harmonious Community

Harmonious Community

Good Morning,

Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Sunday September 10, 2023.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of St. Mark’s, a cherished place of faith, community, and generosity. To celebrate “70 Years of Generosity,” we are hosting an Open House event next Sunday, September 17th following our worship services from 12pm to 3pm.

We would be honoured to have you join us for this momentous day. It’s not just an anniversary; it’s a celebration of the love and support we’ve received from wonderful individuals like you over the years. Your presence would mean the world to us as we reflect on our journey, share stories and music, and look forward to a future filled with faith and community spirit. Together, we’ll make this day even more memorable.

Today’s Opening Sentence

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5.19

Today’s Reading – Matthew 18:15-20

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”1

Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.

Reflection questions for the week: 

  • In what ways can I actively contribute to building a harmonious and loving community, following Jesus’ teachings, and fostering unity among its members?
  • How do I personally experience the presence of God’s power within my community, and how does this influence my sense of belonging and purpose?
  • How can I relate the symbolism of group singing and harmony to the dynamics of my own community, and how might I contribute to creating a more harmonious atmosphere?
  • Reflecting on the power of faith-based communities for positive change, what specific actions or initiatives can I engage in to address challenges and make a meaningful impact within my community and the broader world?

This week music is again provided by Ryan Van Dijk, our Music Director, and the choir. Thank you to them all 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

  1. 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.