This Sunday at Orrick UMC the symbol will be the cross, specifically in reference to our calling as Christians. Think the Gospel of Mark reading something like this...
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:27-38
Last week as we talked about the peace of Christ the congregation prepared for communion and receiving a dove (the symbol of peace) by remembering their baptism. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas about what creative and tangible outlet could help prepare people to take communion and receive a cross (the symbol of calling?) What would actually make you think about being called?
Any and all suggestions are welcomed, please. And, thanks in advance.
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- Emily Lorraine
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DISCLAIMER
Welcome and please know that these words are only mine. I take full responsibility for everything written. They are not words of The United Methodist Church, the MO Annual Conference, or Orrick UMC. Enjoy and comment if you stop by!
1 comment:
This isn't really something tangible to take with them, but I find it meaningful when going up for communion. At Saint Paul, David, the senior pastor, always described the process and encouraged people to come forward with their hands in the sign of the cross and receive the bread that way. I have done that ever since and it makes me recognize the significance of why I'm there as a child of God, and how we are all at the table because of the cross.
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