In our Gospel lesson for this Sunday (Mark 10:32-45) we find two of the disciples jockeying for power and glory, and the other ten are “angry.” Jesus, as only Jesus can, sees this as a teachable moment: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” 

Following the Christ, we too are called to cease our constant and futile power grab, driven by our ego. As we humbly seek to serve rather than be served, we experience an anointing of divine power that propels us into the world, like a pebble into a pond, participating in the transformative ripple effect of God’s new creation.

At Christ Church we value the unique giftedness of all God’s beloved, and the part God calls each of us to play in God’s acts of new creation. Therefore, it is a priority for our faith community to be provided opportunity to use our gifts in service, so that others may experience the transforming power of God’s light and love! This Sunday, you have the opportunity to make your service commitment to God and receive the power of God through communion at the Lord’s supper. (Throughout the month of October, you can complete your service commitment on the website.) 

You are encouraged to complete the service commitment form by clicking the following link: christchurchfl.org/called-to-serve. Explore the many ways available to use your gifts in service through Christ Church. Identify how you would like to serve, then complete the service commitment form. Using your gifts in service you become part of the ripple effect of God’s love!

Mother Teresa said it well: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” I look forward to 2026 as we come together and cast our stones across the waters, creating ripples of God’s light and love! May God’s blessings abound!

Through Christ,

Pastor Doug