Our Scripture reading today, from Mark 1:29-39, continues the story of Jesus and his disciples as they leave the synagogue and make their way to the home of Simon and Andrew. When Jesus sees the ailing woman suffering with fever, he takes her hand and lifts her from her bed.
Scripture does not give much information about the woman. We don’t know her name or how long she had been sick. We are only told that when Jesus helped her up, she immediately began serving the people in her house. By the time evening came, many people had gathered at her door hoping that Jesus would heal them from demons and disease.
Pastor Sarah introduced us today to a woman whose story could easily be overlooked when reading Scripture. Only three sentences are written about a woman who showed her gratitude by serving others and thereby; becoming the first Deacon, following Jesus in caring for others.
We learned today about a woman who taught us that serving is a “testimony to God’s love.”
The first meeting of the Deacons at FPC was held last week. At that meeting, people shared their excitement in the work that they will do in the name of Jesus Christ. These are the people who have heart and stamina to perform important work in helping the poor, hungry, sick, lost and friendless. These are difficult times and the work will be tiring. Deacons are compassionate, loving and their job is not for “the faint hearted.” We live in very difficult times where people are suffering in many ways and our Deacons have been called to become listeners, advisors, friends and prayerful.
Pastor Sarah said, “I give thanks for all our Deacons, past and present. For their ministry of compassion and to God for their source of compassion.”
The song below is an inspiration to us all and a reminder that our Deacons will be there doing all of these things for our congregation.
“Crowded Table”
sung by a virtual choir written by Natalie Hemby, Lori McKenna and Brandi Carlile.
You can hold my hand when you need to let go.
I can be a mountain when your feeling valley-low.
I can be a streetlight showing you the way home.
You can hold my hand when you need to let go.
I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone.
Let us take on the world while we’re young and able.
And bring us back together when the day is done.
If we want a garden, we’re gonna have to sow the seeds.
Plant a little happiness. Let the roots run deep.
If it’s love that we give, then it’s love that we bring.
If we want a garden, we’re gonna have to sow the seeds.
I want a house with a crowded table
And a place by the fire for everyone.
Let us take on the world while we are able.
And bring us back together when the day is done.
The door is always open, your picture is on my wall.
Everyone is a little broken, Everyone belongs.
I want a house with a crowded table.
And a place by the fire for everyone.
Let us take on the world while we’re young and able
And bring us back together when the day is done.
