June Edition
From Peter
Memorial Day, 2025
We remember with deep gratitude those members of our families, church, community and nation who have served in the armed forces. Their unselfish devotion to our country will never be forgotten. My grandfather, father, uncle, father-in-law, best friend and many other family members served. My father’s best childhood friend, after whom I am named, died in training for WWII. And, sadly, wars continue, and the men and women of our country continue to offer their lives. We are indeed grateful and proud!
In our scriptures the past few weeks, we have been considering the vision St. John has about the Heavenly Jerusalem, and that longed-for time when wars cease (anticipated in Isaiah 40:2), and when sorrow and sighing are no more. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, whose kingdom will have no end. As servants of Jesus we ponder, wonder, pray, and weep as we wait for this kingdom to come. This we live out in various ministries of our church and in our worship.
One ministry I am drawn to is located in that land that never seems to be at peace. The ministry is called Shevet Achim. The name in Hebrew literally means “A Tribe of Brothers” and it comes from Psalm 133, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity”. The ministry brings infants and children to Israel’s best heart hospitals for heart surgeries not available in their own countries. These are children from Gaza, from the West Bank, from Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Kurdistan and elsewhere. The surgeons and staff are Jews and Arabs, who work together to save the lives of these children. There is no debating about “good guys and bad guys” in this ministry. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, especially the little children. You can read about this ministry HERE.
In the next few weeks we’ll celebrate the Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. The first two are core events in the story of our redemption. Jesus ascends to heaven to prepare a place for us. He sends the Holy Spirit to be with us, guide us, advocate for us to the Father, as we await Jesus’ return. And on Trinity Sunday we are reminded of the complicated, and crucial Trinitarian nature of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
And in the midst of these, on Pentecost actually, we’ll have our next Parish Meeting (following the 9:30 service). We’ll have refreshments, prayer, and discussion. Our goal will be to end by noon at the latest. If you are not able to join us please pray for this gathering, that God would give us a fresh vision for His calling to the Parish of St. Mark’s.
God’s rich blessing on all those near and far who read this and pray for God’s work at St. Mark’s.
Yours in Christ,
Peter
In the meantime…
Thrift Store:
June - Wednesdays 2 - 5 and Saturdays 10 - 2
Hoosick Falls Senior Center
June Menu June Calendar
June St. Mark’s Dates:
June 1 - Sunday after the Ascension
June 8 - Pentecost and Parish Meeting after service
June 15 - Trinity Sunday - Peter at All Saints 10:00am
June 22 - Morning Prayer at St. Mark’s - Peter away
June 29 - regular 9:30 service with sermon and music at St. Mark’s
