Welcome to the Gospel of Mark! As Winnipeg Covenant Churches we journey with one of the gospel accounts each year from Christmas through Easter. Julia is going to introduce our Mark reading challenge. It is a fun way to push a communal reading of the gospel but the best reason to read is it will change you!

Mark Reading Challenge

For more on the Mark Reading Challenge click here.

Mark For Kids

We want all ages to be engaged by an encounter with Jesus in the gospel according to Mark. There is a kids reading guide which highlights an abridged reading of the gospel and we encourage you as parents and families to engage as a whole family. There are also Mark activities packages that correspond to each Sunday of our series. You can print from the link below or you can contact your church office to get the copies you need for your kids.

Prayer for Change

Lord,
A voice came crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight.”
We too prefer a straight path but we work our hardest to prepare our own way.
Change us! Turn our eyes to Jesus.
A voice came from the heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with whom I am well pleased.”
We like affirmation but mostly when it is us being affirmed.
Change us! Turn our eyes to Jesus.
A voice calls to us, “Follow me…”
We like having followers but following feels uncomfortable. We like our control.
Change us! Help us say yes to you! In your name, Jesus, we pray.
Amen.

Take My Life

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for thee
Swift and beautiful for thee

Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Every power as thou shalt choose
Every power as thou shalt choose

Take my will and make it thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is thine own
It shall be thy royal throne
It shall be thy royal throne

Take my love my Lord I pour
At thy feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only all for thee
Ever, only all for thee

Take my love my Lord I pour
At thy feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only all for thee
Ever, only all for thee

Message – Part 1 (Mark 1:1-8)

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:9-20

Read this portion of Mark aloud. If you’re with others take turns reading, switching at the paragraph breaks.

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Message – Part 2 (Mark 1:9-20)

Offering

Today’s text ends with Jesus inviting disciples to join in the inbreaking Kingdom. We do this in many ways. We do this with our heads, hearts, hands and yes bank accounts. Maybe giving to God’s work is something that you have done for as long as you can remember. We are grateful for your partnership. Maybe giving to God’s work is something brand new to you or something you have never even thought was for you. We would be so bold to challenge you to give. Give something, give regularly from now until Easter and see what God does to you in this practice.

God, we return to you these gifts that came from your hand. It is you who gives us minds and hands and bodies that are able to help us earn a living. We thank you for this! We want to be a part of what you are doing in this world. Use our gifts join in the new creating you are doing in the world.
Amen.

He Knows My Name

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
And before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

I have a Father
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call

Benediction

As God is at work, may we have eyes to see and hearts and hands ready to partner. As God calls may we say, “yes”! Jesus, give us strength and courage, by your Spirit to join you. Amen.

Announcements

Don’t forget to check out the Mark Reading Challenge material here. Read Mark! Encounter Jesus!