June 2nd Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Peace! Be Still!
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
[Reading Above - Mark 4:35-41]
As Mark tells the story, Jesus’ life is fast-paced and sometimes even chaotic—needy crowds press in upon him so that he must have an escape plan (see Mark 3:9-10). Jesus retreated from the crowds for rest and renewal, as in today’s story, Jesus rests while traveling across the Sea of Galilee. But even on this trip, a storm arises that prompts his disciples to awaken Jesus for help. Jesus brings calm by commanding the wind and waves, Peace! Be Still! The fear of the Lord comes upon the disciples, and they wonder, who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?
Questions for Reflection:
Can you relate to the hectic pace and many demands Jesus faced? How do you make space for rest and renewal?
What is the storm brewing in your life? How might you seek help from Jesus?
In the calm after the storm, the disciples were filled with great awe—they sensed the presence of the Divine. How do you answer the question: Who then is Jesus?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Listen for Jesus speaking peace and stillness to your life by adding to your calendar time for rest and renewal. If we only schedule appointments, activities, and tasks to do, we will always be on the move. This week try scheduling some blocks of time for peace and quiet.
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures, respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes, make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons, create a to-do list of discipleship actions, list questions you want to explore, write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.