Happy Thanksgiving,
Welcome to your online worship from St. Mark’s for Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday, October 8, 2023.
We have so much to be thankful for at St. Mark’s, including the your ongoing support of our community of faith. I am also grateful for the support of the all who donated food stuffs (that will be ultimately shared with the Brantford Food Bank) and for the Chancel Guild who helped display that bounty around the church this Sunday.
This week in my reflection on the reading, we explore the themes of themes of healing, gratitude, and hope. All of us across the globe have weathered the storms of isolation and uncertainty that resonate deeply with our own experiences during the pandemic and connect us with the biblical story of Jesus and the Ten Lepers. In the message and prayers today we reflect on the power of gratitude and the enduring hope that has carried us through challenging times.
Today’s Opening Sentence
“Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126.6
Today’s Reading – Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”1
Your Online Message and Prayers
Click on the above image to view our online worship on YouTube.
Reflection questions for the week:
- What are some experiences in your life that have shaped the way you view gratitude and hope? How have these experiences influenced your faith journey?
- In what ways can you incorporate a daily practice of gratitude into your life, acknowledging both the challenges and blessings you encounter?
- As we continue to navigate the transition out of challenging times, what steps can you take to appreciate the journey and pause to give thanks for the progress, just like the Samaritan did?
- Who are the unsung heroes in your life, the ordinary people who have shown extraordinary courage and support during difficult times? How can you express your gratitude to them and celebrate their contributions?
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.