Read Sunday's Scriptures here:

Icon of  Mary Magdalene

Teacher. What a powerful term that is when we stop and think about it. Teacher.

It seems like I'm often supposed to be the teacher when I am actually the student.  I have trained and studied to learn how to preach, teach, lead and pray with people about Christianity. Whatever those roles are I often view myself like Mary Magdelene in Easter Sunday's garden.  I don't recognize the Risen Christ until God speaks to me in a way and at a time that only I may be able to hear it. Such resurrection moments become the spark for me to join Mary Magdalene in announcing. I have seen The Lord!

It's in such announcements and programs that I then wonder about what I should be teaching people about Jesus the Christ. I especially am interested in this topic this week as I share what I believe about Jesus with the campers, teachers, and staff that are involved in St. James' first Music Camp. What do Jesus' teachings about "talents" and being the "say" to these teenagers and youngsters? Is there something, some prayer, some gift of new life that I and the others here at camp would be able to share with our campers in such ways that they would return to their families and friends and declare "I have seen The Lord." Maybe that's too high of a goal to reach. I don't think so as I ponder all of these questions.  Teaching seems to be at the core of Jesus' lifework.

Music Camp with Isaac, Leah, Angelina, and Dominic

light  of the worldIt appears to be something that I and others are responsible for as well in our earthly lives, especially when we invite younger guests to spend time with us in new and adventurous ways. I will tell you that the quality of teaching that Alex and his camp staff of pianists, guitarists, and vocalists is stunningly inspiring.

Camp will finish up with a shared meal and some time to share gifts with one another, much as Jesus and his disciples did at The Last Supper.  Please join us for that dinner and recital on Friday evening, beginning with supper @ 6:15 and the music @ 7:30. Come and get to know these terrific young people and wonderfully talented teachers and musicians.  RSVP to Gayle & let us know that you plan on being part of this learning and recreational experience. 

Then, make sure to come back on Sunday Morning as we continue to celebrate the presence of children in our church. We'll recall Mary Magdalene's example as we open our hearts to Jesus the Christ's resurrection and study how such Easter-like moments influence our lives to proclaim the Gospel in ways we don't possess the answers for yet but are called to teach anyway. 

People often presume that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. (perhaps because of the story of the woman who was a sinner story in Luke 7). However, the scriptures do not portray Mary Magdalene in that manner.  Rather, she is better known for her faithfulness to Jesus in the worst of days in his human life and for tending to his mortal body following the crucifixion.

The Rev. Becca Stevens has used Mary Magdalene's sainthood as a basis for creating the Magdalene and Thistle Farms residential and social enterprise programs  women who have survived lives of prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets in Nashville, TN. This amazing video documentary tells how Becca, program participants, volunteers, and supporters are transforming the lives of women from being outcasts of society to a place where "love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets."