Welcoming Debbie McLeod

As you may recall, a motion was passed at our Annual Congregational Meeting in March that we establish a new, part-time staff position to develop and coordinate programs for those aged 55+.  After this decision was made, the job was widely advertised, and three qualified applicants were interviewed by a search team.  All were fine candidates, but it was clear that one individual stood out from the others.  That person is Debbie McLeod, and last week our Unified Board officially approved her appointment as our 55+ Project Coordinator for 2025-2026.  We are thrilled that Debbie has agreed to join us, and it was great to welcome her to St. Mark’s last Sunday morning!!

Debbie brings a great deal of experience, ability and enthusiasm to this role.  Before she retired from her position as the Community Involvement Coordinator for Social Development in Saint John, she fostered a number of successful partnerships with local businesses and non-profit groups; recruited volunteers for various educational and recreational programs; and worked with assorted community organizations, social agencies, and government departments to develop and implement some important new programs for our city.  Debbie also comes highly recommended – with one well-respected reference telling me: “Debbie McLeod is one of the best people I know.”

The search team experienced Debbie to be knowledgable, engaging, and highly creative (as you’ll see when you walk in the doors this coming Sunday!).  We believe that there’s a need in West Saint John for programs that can contribute to the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of those aged 55+, and look forward to working with Debbie to see how we can enrich the lives of those in our neighbourhood.  By working together, I believe we can build new relationships, learn new things, and discover new ways for all of us to flourish.

I am truly delighted that Debbie has joined the St. Mark’s staff team, and am really looking forward to the year ahead.  Welcome Debbie!!

Several years ago, I attended a high school graduation ceremony, and heard the principal leave the grads with a strong and pointed message. “Life is hard, so you need to do whatever is necessary to survive and make it in today’s world,” he said. “Things are changing more quickly than ever before, so the competition for good jobs is fierce, opportunities are scarce, and it’s easy to fall by the wayside. So you’ll need to be smart, focused, strategic and diligent to survive in these challenging and difficult times.”

To be sure, that message contained some important truths. But I did find it to be pretty depressing. In particular, I was struck by what wasn’t mentioned. There was no talk of nurturing one’s hopes and dreams for the future and striving to find ways to follow them. There was no encouragement to explore options, take risks, and expand one’s horizons. Nor was there any mention of engaging in activities that bring joy, purpose
and meaning to our days. Those omissions left me feeling that something significant was missing. Important as it is to be smart, focused and strategic, a meaningful and happy life usually has more to it than that.

The Apostle Paul certainly took lots of risks and followed his dreams. This coming Sunday, we’ll look at how he accepted a particular challenge that came his way, and how he adapted to a new milieu. It’s a fascinating story that has implications for all of us – regardless of our age or stage of life. I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday morning at 10:30 – as we celebrate the graduation of three special people.

For many of us, the arrival of the Victoria Day weekend marks the real
beginning of summer. This is the time when cottages are opened, campgrounds are filled, gardens are planted, golf courses are bustling, and yard work is done. Weather permitting, it’s also a time when all of us can enjoy the outdoors – be it going for a walk, sitting in a park, or enjoying sitting out on a balcony, deck or patio. The Victoria Day weekend does mark, at least for me, the real beginning of summer.

Because these days are precious, a numbers of doctors are emphasizing how important it is for all of us to take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time out in nature. According to Harvard Health, “spending regular time outdoors is linked with multiple health benefits: decreased stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, better sleep, and a lower risk of hearty disease, diabetes and cancer.” What’s more, a high level of physical activity isn’t required to reap some of these benefits. Simply being
outside can help us feel better.

For some of us, this is second nature. But if we’ve become used to spending most of our time indoors – or if our bodies are ache and we find it’s not as easy as it once was to get around – it can be easier to sit inside and keep watching TV. To counter this trend, doctors in New Brunswick can now prescribe spending time in nature to patients who might need it for their physical or mental health. Indeed, the act of having this “activity” written down by a doctor can increase the chance that a patient follows through with the advice, rather than if it were just recommended verbally. Having an activity prescribed is sometimes necessary to help achieve the desired results.

Indeed, this is something that Jesus had long recognized. So this coming Sunday we’ll be focusing on one of the prescriptions he gave his disciples – the commandment to love – and how following that advice can also bring significant benefits to us and others. I look forward to seeing many of you then – even though (alas) we’ll be indoors for an hour! But regardless of where you are, I hope you enjoy a restorative and healthy long weekend.

This year, the United Church of Canada is celebrating its 100th Anniversary.  On June 10, 1925, leaders of Canada’s Methodist, Congregationalist, and Presbyterian churches gathered at the Mutual Street arena in Toronto to bring the new denomination into being, and to launch a new chapter in the religious life of the nation.  Since that time, of course, much has changed.  But over the years, our denomination has played an important role in the religious, moral, spiritual and social life of this country.  We continue to offer the world a faithful and important Christian witness – so there is much to celebrate!

To acknowledge this important milestone, special worship services are being held all across the country this spring – including here in Saint John.  On Sunday  June 15 at 10:30 am at the Saint John High School, United Church members from all across southern New Brunswick will gather to celebrate our common heritage, raise our voices in song, give thanks for the faithful witness of those who have gone before us, and reflect on how that the Spirit continues to lead and guide our church.  It should be a very special day.

One of the members of the planning committee for this service is Tracy Friars, and I’m delighted that Tracy will be leading worship at St. Mark’s this coming Sunday, May 4.  She’ll be sharing more details about this important gathering, and will help us reflect on the heritage that is ours, and on the future that awaits.  I know she’s looking forward to being here, and we are blessed to have her – so please offer her a warm and gracious welcome. 

As the world continues to mourn the death and celebrate the life of Pope Francis, our thoughts and prayers go out to our many Roman Catholic sisters and brothers who are feeling this loss most acutely.  For Francis was a seminal figure in the life of the Church, and is remembered as a man with many special gifts.  

In reflecting on his life, American commentator Thomas Reese emphasizes that the Pope’s South American background made him especially sensitive to the impact of globalization on the poor of the world, and on the plight of refugees who’ve had to flee from war zones and places of conflict in search of safety.  Canadian priest Michael Higgins sees Francis as a leader who understood himself to be pastor of the Church rather than its head, and who touched the world with his humanity and humility.  As well, others have emphasized his commitment to embracing a frugal and simple lifestyle – from foregoing life in the opulent Apostolic Palace in favour of a suite in a modest Vatican City guesthouse – to choosing to be chauffeured around in a cheap Fiat rather than a luxurious Mercedes-Benz with blacked-out windows.

Pope Francis was all this, and more.  But as I’ve been reading the Biblical story of “Doubting Thomas” in preparation for this week’s service, I’ve come to think that Francis also can be seen as a teacher who asked some probing and important questions.  Indeed, Francis regularly questioned the Church’s proclivity to see itself as an exclusive gathering place for the obedient and faithful, and wondered if, instead, it was called to be a “field hospital” for those in need of healing.  He questioned the Church’s tendency to judge and exclude those who don’t fully embrace orthodox Catholic teaching, and suggested it was time to offer the world a more inclusive and welcoming message.  And he opened discussion in the Church about whether it was time to change the Church’s traditional teachings on homosexuality and same-sex marriage, and to provide women with greater opportunities to serve.

Of course, some Roman Catholics resented these questions and grew increasingly disenchanted with his provocative musings.  And others were disappointed that Francis didn’t bring about more substantial reforms to the Church.  Nevertheless, like all good teachers, Francis raised important questions and provoked lots of debate discussion.  May we at St. Mark’s continue to learn from his example, and join Christians all around the world in giving thanks for his life and witness.

Back in 1965, Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison starred in a historical drama called “The Agony and the Ecstasy.”  The film deals with the conflicts of Michelangelo and Pope Julian II during the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome between 1508-1512.  And it details the many challenges that Michelangelo faced as he struggled to complete this project.  Indeed, his challenges were so great that, on several occasions, he decided to throw in the towel and walk away.  But he persevered – and completed a masterpiece that has brought joy to many millions of people.

In many ways, the Holy Week story can also be described as a tale of agonies and ecstasies.  For, as we ponder the story of Jesus’ trial, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection, we find a full range of human emotions on display. 

We see Jesus as he’s mocked, convicted, and beaten.  We see the disciples flee in fear that they too will be killed.  We see Mary kneeling beneath the cross as she mourns the death of her son.  And, after three days, we see Mary and the disciples visiting the tomb where Jesus’ had been laid, and experiencing the joy and amazement of that first Easter morning.  So the Holy Week story really is one filled with agonies and ecstasies.  

Of course, the events of Good Friday can be difficult to contemplate – so  it can be tempting to pass over this part of the Biblical story and jump straight to the good news of Easter.  But when we do, some essential pieces of the Easter message are lost.  

So I encourage you to take part in both of our worship services this weekend – on Good Friday, April 18 at 10 am, and on Easter Sunday morning at 10:30.   I look forward to seeing you then.

Along with most churches around the world, we’ll be celebrating Palm Sunday this week, and recalling the day long ago when people waved palm branches in celebration of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. It’s a special day – so we too will be waving our palms, singing “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,” and reflecting on this special and meaningful occasion.

I’ve always enjoyed Palm Sunday parades. But the challenge of this day is to remember what happened after Jesus entered that special city. For all four gospel writers tell us that the crowds quickly disappeared, that Jesus struggled to come to terms with what was likely to happen to him, and that he was soon surrounded by soldiers and officials who had him arrested and brought before Pilate. While we know this part of the story well, it can raise some challenging questions, so we may be tempted to focus exclusively on the joys of Palm Sunday and ignore everything else.

Indeed, many Christians have come to do just that. The writer Barbara Brown Taylor tells of paging through a new story Bible with her four-year- old goddaughter Madeleine. Starting with Adam and Eve, they looked through all the lovely pictures, and Madeleine was fascinated. But when they got to the story of Jesus, Taylor reports that she had to look really hard for any mention of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and death. This part of the story received virtually no attention, because it’s a part that no one likes to read.

Still, it is important. So, this coming Sunday we’ll be celebrating “Palm/Passion” Sunday. In addition to waving our palm branches, we’ll be reflecting on some of the reasons why Jesus was seen to be such a threat. We’ll also ponder some challenging questions that can arise when we follow Jesus, and discuss the importance of trying to make decisions that are consistent with Christ’s Word and Way.

I look forward to sharing this special day with you this coming Sunday at 10:30 am.

For thousands of years, music has played a central role in the lives of countless communities of faith. It did when the people of Israel escaped from the Egyptians, crossed the Red Sea, and sang “a new song to the Lord.” It did when the shepherd boy David found inspiration in the landscapes of Bethlehem, began to play his harp, and went on to compose many of the Old Testament Psalms that give us comfort and strength. It did when John Wesley led the Methodist revival in 18th-century England and featured the hymns of his brother Charles because he knew that music has a special power to soothe souls, inspire hearts, and draw people closer to God and to one another. And it’s played a central role in the religious life of countless other communities. As Cat Stevens once said, “music is part of God’s universe” and has long been central to the life of faith.

Indeed, it’s certainly central to what happens at St. Mark’s every Sunday
morning. Suzanne’s opening preludes create a meditative atmosphere for
prayer and reflection. During the service, we join together to sing hymns
that give thanks for God’s promises to be with us always, and that express
our commitment to be followers of Christ’s word and way. Our choir offers
a range of meaningful anthems that give expression to many of our
deepest hopes, emotions, and beliefs. And on special occasions, we
welcome some musical guests into our midst whose contributions feed our
spirits and touch our hearts in significant ways.
Last Sunday, we were treated to a moving duet by Zachary Boulanger and Jasmine Feicht McKim called Deep Within – which reminded us of God’s promise to plant a new and righteous spirit within us, be our strength and guide, and be with us always. And this coming Sunday, Maureen Paras and Theresa Patterson will be with us to share three moving and powerful pieces: Panis Angelicus, Pie Jesu, and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. I can’t wait to hear them. “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and
philosophy,” Ludwig van Beethoven once stated. Please join us this coming Sunday morning eat 10:30 am for this very special service.

During the current season of Lent, we’re focusing on some important and interesting
stories from Luke’s gospel. Many of them, like Jesus’ parable of the “Prodigal’s Son”
that we’ll delve into this Sunday, point to the centrality of grace and forgiveness to our
faith. But they also remind us that Jesus was constantly supported by a group of
disciples who never strayed far from his side. Of course, he taught them much. But he
also relied on them for companionship, support and assistance.

Consequently, the church has always had a strong communal element to its life and
work. After Christ’s death and resurrection, his followers continued to gather together –
and we still do. Indeed, the sense of community that many of us find in the church is
foundational to our lives. What’s more, others in our neighbourhood may also seek us
out in search of a safe and nurturing community to which they can belong. So we want
to do everything possible to keep creating a welcoming and inclusive community of faith
here at St. Mark’s.
To that end, some members of our Pastoral Care team recently discussed some new
ways that we can keep strengthening the bonds that unite us in this congregation. A
couple of important suggestions arose.

First, let’s remember to wear our name tags on Sunday mornings, both in worship and during coffee hour. Of course, not everyone likes putting them on. But it’s good to remember that it’s not always easy to put names and faces together (especially for newcomers, but even for some of the rest of us!). Calling someone by name helps to foster a sense of belonging – thriving congregations have long recognized this fact – and
therefore use name tags on a regular basis. So wearing them can help us build new
and important relationships with others, and with one another.

As well, we know that healthy communities also provide regular opportunities to celebrate special occasions. So, beginning in a month or two, we’d like to designate the last Sunday of every month as “birthday Sunday,” share a special cake after worship, and acknowledge the birthdays of all those who were born that month. To help make
this happen, we’ll soon be inviting you to indicate the month in which you were born (but
not necessarily the year!) so that all of us can celebrate this special milestone.
In these and other ways, we hope to enhance the strong sense of community that we
already enjoy The Spirit is alive and active at St. Mark’s, so let’s all do our part to keep
it moving and growing.