“God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32).
After the Ascension, the original church, the early church, was formed by those who were full of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. They were those who underwent the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. They overcame the fear of death and the Jewish threat. They began to shout to the people, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). The image of the first Christians and church is very spiritual and courageous and brave. They also said without hesitation, “We are all witnesses of it.” I feel their passionate and burning hearts.
We follow Jesus with them despite a two-thousand-year gap because we are also baptized with the Holy Spirit of Jesus. We have also received the spiritual authority of Jesus. We can call people and shout to the people with the authority of Jesus: Come to Jesus for the most excellent way of life. Come to and meet Jesus in St. Mark’s church and worship services. St. Mark’s is the living body of Jesus Christ. I pray that all of you are brave and courageous with the Holy Spirit of Jesus. You have the authority of Jesus because you are the church.
I received a report about attendance in St. Mark’s worship service from the worship coordinator, Katerina Scott. In 2022, the average attendance at our weekly worship service increased by 12% from 2021. The number of members with attendance rates at 70% or above increased by 10% from 2021. This year, we plan to share our love and fellowship through St. Mark’s potluck every month. I can feel St. Mark’s becoming more courageous and stronger than before because we walk with, work with and follow Jesus Christ together. I pray that St. Mark’s worship service becomes more powerful with your participation and as you call your neighbors this year, 2023. This year, let us build up St. Mark’s worship service, including class meetings. “Continue worshiping together!”
– Rev. Yong Sub Sim
Image by Luisella Planeta Leoni from Pixabay.
