April 21st Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Fresh Wineskins
Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.”
[Reading above - Mark 2:18-22]
The theme of resistance to Jesus in the second chapter of Mark continues in this week’s passage. In the opening story of the chapter Jesus is questioned about his authority to forgive sins. In the next story Jesus welcomes a tax collector as a disciple and is criticized for the company he keeps. In this week’s story the issue is Jesus’ religious practice, which strikes some as unorthodox. Jesus does not counter the point, he embraces the truth that his way invites new ideas that refresh ancient traditions.
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus does not deny the practice of fasting, he suggests the situation is not right for his disciples to fast in that particular moment. How does your awareness of context guide your behavior? How does mindfulness of others’ needs inform your interaction with others?
Jesus suggests that old and new thinking and practices can co-exist but with care. Neither old nor new should be discarded, they can interact with mutual respect. For example, technology often creates a generation gap. How can mutual respect and mindfulness of the other’s needs bridge the gap?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Be intentional this week about learning from, listening to, and interacting respectfully with someone who is different from you. Let mutuality and care be the guide rails for your conversation. The object is not to be right but to learn and grow together.
A Practice to Deepening Discipleship
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice.
Use the journal as a way to:
1. jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
2. respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
3. make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
4. create a to-do list of discipleship actions
5. list questions you want to explore
6. write prayers, stories, poems, or letters, be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com