St. Mark's Stories

The Cost of Indifference

Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. In these lay many invalids—blind, lame, and paralysed. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be made well?’ The sick man answered him, ‘Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Stand up, take your mat and walk.’ At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk.

John 5: 1-9

Rev. Judy noted in her Sunday May 22 sermon that the man in this gospel story had been ill for 38 years. By first century Palestine standards that was almost a lifetime. In all these years, in his entire lifetime he had been ignored. When I teach the children about Jesus's miracles I always tell them that perhaps the real miracle was that Jesus looked at people. Jesus turned his attention to those who were ignored, shunned by society. You see in the first century no one understood germs and ailments we commonly treat and forget. Conjunctivitis blinded people, a broken leg unset lamed people, epilepsy resulted in being labeled as demon-possessed. And all these conditions were believed to have been caused not by illness or injury but by sin. You must have sinned and sinned badly to be in such a state. Or your family had. So this man was passed by, ignored in his need for simple comfort and care. Blocked perhaps from enjoying the waters of the spring as he was not worthy.

Or perhaps it was simpler. Perhaps it was not active behavior on the part of the passerby. Perhaps is was indifference. The cost of indifference for this man was any hope of restoration to life's fullness. The cost of indifference for this man was life.

As it has been for too long and too many in this country. I'm picking one example out of a bouquet of social injustices: mass shootings. How long have we cried out, yelled and screamed, grieved and prayed, marched and lobbied to address the needless death caused by gun violence in our neighborhoods? Years, decades, longer than many of the victims were alive. A lifetime.

And still the violence persists. The disease endemic. And the math is deadly: hate+guns=death. Let us not be so numbed that we cease to see and feel the pain these deaths inflict on family, community, and nation. Let us not be inured to the terror left in the wake of gunfire and ignorance. Let us honor and remember and vindicate the victims. Let not the indifference of empire erase the humanity of lives lost. Say their names.

The Washington Post recently updated (updated!) a powerful litany of the cost of mass shootings in America. It begins in April 1999 with Columbine. It continues year after year with accounts of those killed in schools, stores, places of worship, offices, restaurants, entertainment venues, and in everywhere and anywhere of our daily lives. It ends with Buffalo.

I am embarrassed to say I had forgotten some of them.

It is a brutal read. And this list does not include the domestic violence, neighborhood violence, and police violence (this is the second anniversary of George Floyd's death) too common in our shared lives. There are those in this community who have fought and fought hard - fought themselves to exhaustion for change yet change seems so elusive. Why? Does indifference make it easier to pass by? Does labeling it sin allow us to walk away? Does it just feel like there are too many people blocking our way to make the changes that end this tragic litany?

I don't know. I wish I did.

It has been a lifetime.

Malinda

Photo from the Washington Post

Sadly, after I wrote this on Monday - on Tuesday another school shooting - more lives lost to senseless gun violence at Robb Elementary in Uvalde Texas. Another 18-year-old shooter. Another update for the Post litany. Another call to action.

Our website has a page, Conversations to Help End Gun Violencewith links to some of the organizations active in the efforts to end gun violence.

Please give it a look and use the resources to advocate for change.

Why can’t we have complex things?

A reflection following the leaking of information suggesting the pending overturn of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe vs. Wade

For the past 25 years of my professional life, I have been a professional social worker, grief counselor, professor and priest. Most of my work, along with my clinical and academic expertise, has focused on reproductive health and mental health. I’ve heard stories that are beautiful and gut-wrenching, I have held confidences shared behind closed doors and companioned people through some of the most difficult and complex situations and decisions of their lives. I’m someone who reads, thinks, ponders and holds nuanced ethical positions on a host of issues because I understand the complexity of life through the experiences of others.

These recent days have been trying times for my soul.

Covid Updates April 2022

Covid Update: As the number of COVID cases continues to decline in Richmond and the surrounding counties, St. Mark’s vestry, clergy and staff are deeply grateful for your patience and grace in our shared response to this pandemic. As we have followed the CDC guidelines and our Bishop’s guidance, Richmond is now in the “green” or LOW transmissions, and we are able to make decisions about masking, distancing and singing. (If you are interested in learning more about this new guidance, please visit the CDC’s Data Tracker)

We have made the decision to re-incorporate congregational singing into our worship. As of April 24 masks are optional however we do still practice social distancing. Unless there is any change in direction from the Bishop's office, or increase in COVID risks as evaluated by our Vestry, we will continue as it is safe to incorporate other aspects of our shared worship.

St. Mark’s will continue to encourage participation in our Zoom service, Whether we are in-person or in the Zoom “pews” we love seeing each other and sharing worship. We welcome any feedback that would help us better meet your worship needs, especially as we walk through this period of transition.

We have much to be grateful for and much to hold close.

The Vestry & Interim Rector

Masks are optional
Social distancing and minimal physical contact (three feet minimum between unrelated persons)
Childrens' Worship this Sunday at 10:45am (ages 4-11)
Nursery is open at 10:15 (limit of three children under 4)

Broken Glass and Broken Lives

Early one December morning a sadly befuddled soul took a brick and beat a hole in our side door glass. The police responded to the alarm to find this man attempting to go to sleep on my office floor - no matter that the siren was blasting across the neighborhood. When I arrived, I saw the two pillows and my knitted shawl he had pulled down off a chair to make his bed. It was a pitiful scene. I was grateful to hear from the police officer that this man now in custody would go the mental health sector of our justice system, not the criminal courts. For while indeed he did damage to our door and enter our building, he had made no effort to steal or vandalize. Having been released from the hospital, he told the officers he just wanted to get in out of the cold. Clearly, he is in need more of care than jail time.

There are so many broken human beings in our city. People who for various reasons find themselves alone and cold, desperate, and irrational - not able to reason through behavior and its consequences. I ask you to pray for this person and all like him who are in need of help our current health and justice systems seem hard pressed to deliver.

Our wound will be repaired – a temporary repair already in place and the Church Insurance Company alerted to the damage. It is for us just glass and inconvenience.

For this person though it is more trauma upon whatever already clouds his mind and reason. Please pray that this man’s wounds be healed and that his life be made whole. And when you have prayed - advocate for better access to mental health care, shelter and affordable housing, and support for those broken in our city.

Malinda

NAMI Virginia (National Alliance on Mental Health) is the local affiliate of the national organization providing support, education and advocacy around mental health issues. Their Advocacy page lists upcoming hearings and public policy issues around mental health.

Richmond Behavioral Health is our city service and advocacy organization. This page lists some of their services.

Stewardship - Church Speed Dating

October 31^st 2017 I moved back to Richmond after about 25 years away and found myself settled into the Fan. Though a vastly different city than I remembered; I was fortunate to still have some family friends here but looking to grow additional roots and a support network; I was looking for a new Episcopal church in Richmond. Shouldn’t be too hard until you realize there are 19 Episcopal churches with a Richmond Address. Only 19.

So I had in mind this approach of “church speed dating” and a quick google search pulled 4 Episcopal churches within walking distance of my apartment. I figured I’d start with the closest and December 3^rd 2017 I walked through those red doors for the first time. After the service Father David said hello and invited me to a new members dinner at his house a few days later. So I’m on my first date with St Marks and already getting a second dinner date invitation at the priests house! Smooth move Father David, Smooth move. So blind faith I went over to his house that evening (Paul Shane was there) and the warm hospitality and inclusiveness I felt was so special; I realized that this was going to be my first and last speed date. And in the four years since, not only have I gained a church family; had Sarah officiate our wedding last year but found a home through those red doors that have become our doors.

Everyone that walks through our red doors is greeted and made to feel like family. And nobody does a social hour, sorry I mean “the peace” like St Marks ok. It can be a bit overwhelming your first service but quickly becomes the thing I know I look forward to every Sunday.

Inclusiveness: St Marks’s is hands down the most diverse and accepting congregation in the city of Richmond. The differences that divide the outside world are invisible through our red doors. And through our red doors you’ll find the kindness, love and support no matter who you are and where you come from.

Spiritual Connection: I found myself placing a higher priority on spiritual guidance and wanting that deeper relationship with God when I moved back to Richmond. At St Marks I found that connection through the collective clergy, their approachable personalities and the way they shared the gospel and message each Sunday that kept you paying attention (Which if you ask my wife is a huge win; she’ll tell you I have the attention span of a toddler) so go figure.

Outreach & Ministry: As an inner-city congregation, we sit on the front lines of this community; giving back to those outside our red doors. And I think its important to note the additional responsibility we have as an inner-city church. We answer the call to those who need it most in this city. I’ve been part of several (suburban) Episcopal churches that financially fund many worthy causes and programs. But anyone can write a check and I always felt a disconnect without the personal goodwill gained by volunteering. St Marks does this this better than anyone else hands down. The countless service hours we provide to support programs like CARITAS, Food Pantry or ACTS – getting involved and participating will nourish your soul greater than a bowl of Campbell’s Chicken Soup ever will.

So Why St Marks? Through our red doors is Hospitality, through our red doors is Family, through our red doors is Inclusiveness, Outreach, Spiritual Connection; God’s Peace - that’s what makes St Marks so much more than 4 walls and a new roof. Its our home 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And after 18 months away, it feels absolutely wonderful to be back home.

Stewardship - Our Love for God

Stewardship Month: October 17th 2021 - Tara Peyton-Burgess

Good morning! My name is Tara Peyton-Burgess.

I was so excited when Howard Pugh called and asked me if I’d share my

story about what brought me to St. Mark’s. I have shared my love of this

church with my family and many friends, and I am grateful to be

standing here to share it with each of you.

When we moved to the Museum District five years ago, one of my

priorities was to find an Episcopal church to attend. My family and I

were members of Christ and Grace Episcopal Church in Petersburg for

20 years. While it was difficult to change our membership, my mission

was to find a church close to our new home.

The first service I attended was at an Episcopal church where the

Rector of Christ and Grace had been a former Assistant Rector. This

church had a very large congregation, and I just felt lost. I knew I’d have

to seek out small group activities to become a part of things. While the

church itself and the music were beautiful, I didn’t feel it was a good fit.

The following Sunday I decided to attend St. Mark’s. I remember it

being a beautiful morning, so I walked from our house. As I made my

way through the parking lot, at least 5 people greeted me, before I’d

even stepped through the front doors. Upon entering, I observed lots of

conversation amongst the parishioners, which was something I was not

accustomed to seeing take place prior to the service. I loved seeing this

interaction and witnessed it again during the 5 minute Peace.

Something that was definitely a first for me!

As I sat down before the service began, I started reading the mission

statement “Love is Our Tradition” that was printed on the front of the

bulletin.

Three of the parts aligned with most church’s beliefs:

To love God

To serve the community and

to love your faith.

It was the fourth one that jumped out at me:

Our love for God compels us to love and welcome others with open

arms ----- regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or social

status.

As I read these words, I knew God had led me to the right place.

Growing up in many different churches, I had never seen the words

actually written in a bulletin of how Jesus wants us to treat one

another. I was ELATED!

I continue to share my joy of being a member of St. Mark’s with my

friends and family. I’ve posted my feelings several times on Facebook. I

scrolled back yesterday and found a post from August of 2017. I had

made a collage with a photo of the church’s steeple, our flag which

states, “Love is Our Tradition”, a photo of two children of different

races loving one another and the fourth part of our mission statement

that I read earlier.

These are the hash tags that were under my collage:

#lovenothate #weareallGodschildren #loveourchurch

#keepingthefaithinhumanity #beautifulviewonmywalk

#GodBlessAmerica

I am so blessed to be a member of Saint Mark’s. How awesome is it to

attend a church that loves and accepts EVERYONE. Thank you for

listening to my story. May God bless each of you.