Reflections of St. Mark
As I enter in to St. Mark on a Sunday Morning, I am always pleased with the smiling faces I am encircled by. Most of them I know by name. Some faces I know, but am unsure of their name. I am terrible with names, and do tend to say the wrong name, or confuse names. Just ask Joani; she knows. I look forward to chatting with the faces sometime before, during or after the service. Sometimes there are new faces, I can be shy and do find it hard to talk to those I don't know. You would think that after all of my moves - 11 to be exact - I would get over this, but I haven't. I am working on trying to talk to new faces; or to at least smile or to "share the peace" . My favorite parts of the service are the Sharing of the Peace and Communion. During the Sharing of the Peace I enjoy the hugs, greetings and special handshakes shared with friends. I also enjoy watching the faces of the people as they greet others. Most faces are smiling happy faces. Sometimes someone, who face has looked sad upon entering the church in the morning, is suddenly transformed when they receive that much needed hug showing that someone cares. They too then have a happy smiling face - if just for a moment. No other church I have gone to has shared some much love during the "Sharing of the Peace". In other churches I have attended, their members are reserved and usually uncomfortable with reaching out to others. My other favorite part is Communion. I like it because people do chat at bit during Communion as they walk up to receive it. In most churches their is silence between their members during this time; but not St. Mark. There is smiling, whispering, not so silent laughter, or gentle touches shared between friends. I can't help but believe that God is smiling on us at this time. In fact I know he is, I can feel it. I also like this time because Pastor says the name of the person receiving Communion (when the name is known) - but what makes it extra special is Pastor's smile. Each of us received our own smile. This year is a very special year. It is our Year of Jubilee, where we celebrate 50 years of St. Mark. Plans have been made to celebrate the whole year long. In January we had a Pot Luck, many attended and the food was wonderful. We recently had a dance on Valentine's Day night. There was hot dogs, cookies, punch and popcorn. And wonderful music from the early days of Rock'n Roll; back when the music was fun. I love Rock'n Roll. Many more activities are planned. We will have camping trips, picnics, photo sessions and quilt making. This will be a fun year, this Year of Jubilee. I will enjoy watching the smiling faces and the hugs; hearing the talking and the laughter; and joining in the fun. That is what Family is all about.
by Denise Ferber
