News and Updates – Ian’s Inklings

Ian’s Inklings – October 18, 2024

If you’ve dropped by the church in recent days, you’ll have seen that it’s been a busy place. Part of the reason is that the Returning Office for the Saint John – Lancaster riding has been located in our building since early September, and over 1900 people (1901 actually!) dropped in to vote at the two Advance Polls on Saturday and Tuesday. More will be in the building this coming Monday, so the place will again be busy. This activity is welcome, and the Elections New Brunswick staff have been great to have
around. So thanks to all of you for helping make everyone feel welcome.

Of course, this is only one of many ways that the church is being used by members of the surrounding community. Even when it’s not election season, it’s estimated that about 400 people from the neighbourhood come here every week – to drop their kids off, to sing, or to engage in other activities. In providing space for these endeavours, St. Mark’s is offering a very important service to the community – which I know is appreciated.

These realities have led our Unified Board to authorize the installation of some new
signage around the church. We want to send a clear message that “all are welcome
here,” and also to let people know the time of our Sunday morning worship service. So some signage was designed and ordered. Two new outside signs were put up this past Saturday, along with an inside banner over the doors into the sanctuary. As well, photos of some church activities have been posted in a display cases in the foyer, along with a striking advertisement for the upcoming “Harvest Hoedown.” I think it all looks great – and am most grateful to all those who have worked hard to make these projects happen.
To be sure, all this is a work in progress – and additional signage and advertising possibilities are now being explored. For the goal is to do everything we can to spread the world that St. Mark’s is alive and well, and is a place where all are welcome.

And you can also help to share this message. Church signage is important. But so too is speaking to friends, family members and neighbours about what we’re doing. Indeed, all of us can help to strengthen our church by letting our friends know about an upcoming social event. By sharing the church’s Facebook posts (including my little sermon “teasers”). Or by inviting someone to come to church with us on a Sunday morning. By working together, we can all do our part to ensure that St. Mark’s remains a strong, relevant and welcoming community of faith.

October 18, 2024

At a meeting a few days ago, one of my colleagues, Rev. Kelly Burke in Fredericton, offered a devotional that focused on the following question: “what is making your heart sing these days?” I think it’s a great question. For it encourages us to focus on the elements of life that bring joy, delight and peace to our lives.

Such a focus is important – especially today. Bad news seems to abound. We’ve seen images this week of all the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton. There continues to be too many horrific pictures of shattered bodies and bombed-out buildings in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine, and of heart wrenching stories of loss and sorrow. And then there are the various challenges that all of us must deal with. Sometimes it’s hard not to feel depressed. So it’s important to remember that signs of light and hope can still be seen, and that our hearts can still be made to sing.

Indeed, Jesus’ disciples also needed that same reminder. They too often complained that life wasn’t unfolding the way they’d hoped. So, one day, Jesus offered a few simple pieces of advice. “Do not worry, saying “what will we eat” or “what will we drink” or “what will we wear.” And don’t worry if things don’t turn out the way you’d envisioned. Instead, remember that “if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith?”

Here as elsewhere, Jesus affirms that the world has been created with the intent that we too can flourish. This is God’s desire – for us and everyone. Of course, that doesn’t always happen, and things don’t always turn out the way we want. But this weekend we have the opportunity to reflect on, and give thanks for, the ways our hearts have been made to sing, and for the blessings we have received.

So let’s try and take time to give thanks for the special moments and special people that bring love, joy and peace into our lives. For the opportunities we have to enjoy the fall colours and celebrate the gifts of nature. For family members and friends who offer a listening ear and a caring touch, and who have the knack for speaking just the right word at just the right time. For individuals and organizations that encourage us to share our particular gifts and make a difference. And for all those who bring beauty, joy and peace into our midst.

May you and those you love enjoy a peaceful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Rev. Dr. Ian Manson

Votive Candles and Prayer Requests

Ian’s Inklings – September 27, 2024

Over the last several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with several congregations that have been in times of transition. Every church has its own rituals and routines, so I’ve enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience some new ways of doing things. Consequently, the Search Committee has encouraged me to introduce some different elements into our worship services during this interim period, Therefore, this coming Sunday, you’ll see a couple of new things taking place.

First, you’ll notice a small table in front of the pulpit with a large white candle and some small votive ones around it. This will give you the opportunity, if you wish, to come up before the service begins and silently light a candle in memory of someone, or for a person you care about. I’ve discovered that some people find this little ritual to be very meaningful, and perhaps this will also be the case for you.

Secondly, you’ll see me greeting you before the service with a “prayer request” sheet. You’ll be invited to write down the FIRST name (to protect privacy) of someone you’d like us to pray for, and I’ll mention all these names in the Pastoral Prayers during the service. Once again, sharing a name is entirely optional. But including specific references in our prayers can remind us that all people are important to God, and that, together, we’re asking God’s blessing on these particular individuals.

Therefore, these two new elements will be part of our worship service for the next several weeks. The Worship Committee will then review them and determine whether we want to continue them.

Of course, certain practices resonate more deeply in some churches than in others. So there’s no one “correct” way to do things. But by exploring some different worship possibilities and expanding our horizons, we can continue discerning the Spirit’s presence in our midst – while deepening and enriching our life together.

September 26, 2024

ALL are WELCOME here!

In the same way that Jesus reveals the essence of divine love for the
world, St. Mark’s United Church is seeking to be a place to Believe,
Become, and Belong.

We believe that all people are created in God’s image, and that nothing can separate us from God’s love.

We recognize that the teachings and example of Jesus can help us to become more fully the people we’re created to be.

And we belong to a community that’s committed to offering a welcoming place for all, to supporting one another, and to making a positive difference in our neighbourhood and beyond.

Worship and Sunday School take place every Sunday morning at 10:30, followed by refreshments and conversation. The church office is open Monday to Thursday from 9 – 1 and Friday from 9 – 12.

Please check us out!

September 23, 2024

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