Linger with Jesus!

As I was scrolling through Facebook on Easter Monday, I came across a post from the Rev. Traci Blackmon who reminded us to Linger with Jesus.  Rev. Blackmon writes,

“Hey Family! I have Good News to share this morning, just in case you aren’t aware! Easter is not just a Sunday. It is a season in the life of the Church. Easter Season last 50 days and ends with Pentecost.  We always make a big deal of Resurrection Day, as we should…but that’s not the end of the story. The Bible says Jesus hung around earth 40 days making appearances and assurances to those who believed. During those 40 days…Jesus showed his wounds to Thomas (John 20); had a fish fry with his boys (John 21); showed up for a gathering of more than 500 (1 Corinthians 15) …ordinary sightings. In other words, Jesus is not only Savior, but our Sustainer. Jesus did not ascend to the heavens until the 40th day. This is your invitation to linger at Easter….to look for God in the ordinary…to remember God in the mundane…to trust God’s guidance in times of despair…to know God will soon send the Comforter. Don’t rush Easter.  Linger with the Lord.”

As we journey through the Easter season, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your ordinary, everyday activities.  Invite Jesus into the kitchen while you make a meal or while you’re doing the dishes.  Invite Jesus into times of play and rest.  Invite Jesus into your entire day.  As you invite Jesus into your day, did you notice something different?  How did you feel knowing that you have invited Jesus into your day to day activities?  We may be surprised at what changes when we intentionally invite Jesus into our daily life. 

Siblings in Christ, I encourage you to lean into the entire Easter season. Linger at Easter.  Invite Jesus into your daily life, you may be surprised at what Jesus does in the ordinary and mundane.  Don’t rush Easter.  Linger with Jesus.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber  

The Gift of Hospitality!

As I have gotten older, I have come to greatly appreciate hospitality.  When I walk into a place for the first time, it is nice to have someone acknowledge me or often to help.  Whether I’m in a department store, a church, or a restaurant, the hospitality I receive makes a difference. 

I have heard from several folks that have visited St. Mark Lutheran Church say that the people at St. Mark are so nice.  I love that people feel this way.  We as a church need to be a welcoming and show hospitality to all people. Jesus teaches us to care for the poor, welcome the stranger, care for those living with disabilities, and feed the hungry.  Jesus taught us radical hospitality.  

Synonyms for the adjective form of the word radical are awesome, beautiful, divine, and wonderful.  These are amazing descriptive words that are often not thought of when the word radical is heard.  Sadly, I am aware that radical is often thought of as a negative description, but when it comes to radical hospitality it is far from negative.  It is beyond beautiful.

As we prepare to welcome new members, I encourage you to continue to show radical hospitality to folks who visit St. Mark. I encourage you to greet people whom you do not know.  Wear a name tag each Sunday so folks can see your name.  There are extra name tags and markers in the narthex on the tall tables for you to use on Sunday mornings.  Sit at a table with someone you don’t know well and get to know them while enjoying a donut and coffee.  Continue to be the friendly church on the hill.

Thank you for sharing your radical hospitality with others.  You all are the hands and feet of Jesus caring for and loving the people of our community and beyond.  You are a blessing!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Katrina Steingraeber