"More Than Meets the Eye" - Sermon for March 8, 2020

For ages, people have referred to those without awareness or discernment as blind - metaphorically speaking. Whether the blindness is physical, intellectual or spiritual, all types of blindness separate us from others and from good gifts that could be right in front of us. Today, Rev. Tom describes the story of Jesus meeting the blind beggar, Bartimaeus. Although it's short, the story has an important detail - that Bartimaeus left behind his only possession - his cloak - to reach Jesus. This cloak was more than a garment to Bartimaeus; it was the only way the blind beggar would be able to catch and hold onto the money given to him. But now that Jesus was healing his sight, that tool would no longer be needed. Rev. Tom reflects on what it is that we need to let go of, things that no longer do us any good, in order to receive God's blessings too. (Bible reading - Mark 10:46-52, NIV)
"MARKed by Christ" Lenten Bible Study, Mondays through April 6, 7:30 PM via Zoom and Thursdays through April 9, 9 AM, Westcott Room. Our weekly Lenten Bible Studies on the Gospel of Mark began this week. We had a nice turnout online though Zoom on Monday. if you would like to receive a link to join this Monday, click here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-OI03PquOxORITvrEFE8nAH7wosDRLSHgxCD2ReSncd6rag/viewform) to opt in. For those who prefer to meet in person we will also be offering a Bible Study at 9 AM on Thursday mornings. Through the study of scripture we will open our hearts to recognize how we have been MARKED by Christ and called to be disciples.
Habitat for Humanity Spring Build Days - Saturdays, March 21, May 2, May 30; and Fridays, April 17, June 12. New Habitat for Humanity build days in the Woodbourne-McCabe neighborhood will start up in March and are currently scheduled through November. We are looking for volunteers. If interested, sign up online here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094ba8a922a3fb6-habitat. Rev. Jenn DiFrancesco at [email protected] can also answer your questions.
Mission Book Group - Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour, Wednesday, March 18, 7 PM, Westcott Room. As a child, Elias Chacour lived in a small Palestinian village in Galilee. When tens of thousands of Palestinians were killed and nearly one million forced into refugee camps in 1948, Elias began a long struggle with how to respond. In Blood Brothers, he blends his riveting life story with historical research to reveal a little-known side of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This book offers hope and insight that can help each of us learn to live at peace in a world of tension and terror.