“How Much Baggage Do We Need?” - Sermon for February 9, 2020

Good project managers don't plan a project without know they have the proper resources of people, materials and time. But as Rev. Tom describes today, Jesus also knows what his followers need to NOT have. The baggage that we all carry around with us can weight us down, keeping us from our true calling in Christ. Jesus helps us with holding on to the unshakable faith that truly sustains us, and also removes those parts of our lives that burden us with pain and anxiety. Like Auguste Rodin, who created sculptures like The Thinker and Danaid by removing the parts of the stone that don't belong, Jesus removes the unnecessary parts of us, until only the necessary remains - love and true faith that God will work goodness in this world, whatever we might have to set aside. As Christians, we are called to follow our Lord, who gave up everything - humbling himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

(Bible reading - Mark 6:1-13, RSVCE)

Lenten Devotional Contributors Wanted - Second's Christian Nurture Council, in charge of coordinating education and fellowship, has organized Advent and Lenten devotionals for several years. We're hoping to attract a wider variety of contributors this Lenten season so we're issuing an open invitation. Anyone in the congregation who feels moved is encouraged to contribute. You will be provided with instructions, Bible verses, and a due date. We are open to personal and heartfelt expressions of your faith during Lent - a prayer, a reflection, a picture, etc. What a wonderful way to contribute your talents to our faith community during this holiest of seasons! Please sign up with Shay Herman at [email protected] or 410-591-4594.

Sisters Circle College Care Package Project - Second is collecting items for Sisters Circle College Care Packages till February 24th. Sisters Circle is a long-term mentoring program beginning in elementary school and continuing to offer support to young women as they pursue college education or post-high school vocational training. We would like to provide each of their 25 young women with care packages as they prepare for spring semester finals. The suggested NEW items we would like to include in the package are:

• Post-It Notes

• Pens/Pencils/highlighters

• Erasers

• Fun Socks

• Chapstick/lip balm

• Herbal Tea and Hot chocolate packets

• Granola bars, microwave popcorn and other small non-perishable snacks

• Individually wrapped hard candies and chocolate

• Travel Size toiletries

• Stress Ball

• Playing Cards/Uno Cards

Please drop off items in the mission corner in the basket labelled “College Care Packages”.