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Ian’s Inklings – February 28

The arrival of “Spring Break” next week offers a chance for students,
teachers and families to disengage from some of their regular routines,
relax a bit, and re-charge their batteries. Taking advantage of such
opportunities can be important – especially in challenging times such as these. It’s easy to feel anxious, exhausted and depressed by all the bad news we hear, and it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s happening. So breaks like this can offer us the chance to focus on other things for awhile, and restore our strength and spirits.
To this end, a host of counsellors and theologians encourage us to embrace some healthy practices that can help to reduce stress and improve our well-being.

They include:
Spending time with people who are supportive
Getting some regular exercise
Eating well
Doing what we can to get enough sleep
Engaging in activities that we enjoy
Focusing on life’s positive aspects
Taking time to pray, meditate and be still
Writing down, at the end of each day, three things for which we’re grateful

Of course, each of us will have more need for some of these practices than others. But regardless of our situation or circumstance, disengaging from life’s trials, pressures and concerns for awhile can be helpful. Indeed, even Jesus did this. The gospels repeatedly tell us that, after periods of intense activity, Jesus regularly went off to quiet and secluded
places with his disciples to rest, re-charge and pray. This week’s gospel reading tells of one such occasion – and suggests that it’s at times such as these that God can be present in powerful and even life-changing ways to restore, strengthen and empower us all. So we’ll be focusing on the story of Jesus “transfiguration,” and on the gifts of the Spirit we are offered.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 10:30 am.

Ian’s Inklings – February 20

Occasionally I come across a Biblical text that I really don’t want to preach on.  And this week’s suggested reading from Luke’s gospel is one such passage.  “I say to you, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who abuse you,” Jesus said.  “If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt… Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  

To say the least, I find these to be challenging words, even at the best of times – and these are hardly “the best of times.”  Donald Trump’s plans to impose strict tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the U.S. and to try to turn Canada into “the 51st State” threaten our economy, our values, and our independence. 

Consequently, many of us are coming to view the United States as an “enemy” that “hates” us.  So we’ve become angry.  We feel threatened.  And we’re fighting back.

Given our situation, Jesus’ words seem strange and perhaps even dangerous.  Therefore I’ve been sorely tempted to ignore them and find another text that seems more suitable (the story of David killing Goliath, perhaps?)  But one of the reasons preachers like me follow the Revised Common Lectionary (a three-year cycle of Biblical texts for every Sunday) is that doing so forces us to wrestle with texts we’d rather avoid.  So that’s what we’re going to do this coming Sunday.  What did Jesus mean when he said “love your enemies” and “do good to those who hate you?”  Can these challenging words help us navigate the turbulent waters we now find ourselves in? And if so, how?

I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday morning at 10:30 am. 

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.

Thanksgiving Sunday

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

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