A Message from Pastor Kaji
Sunday June 23
What can I say? This Sunday, we’re honored to have our Pride extravaganza at the Park – both in worship and afterwards. Join us as we delve into the resistance movement of expression that is so beautifully encapsulated in the Ballroom community.
Some of you have requested more information on how to learn more about Ballroom. I’m including a few reference links:
I’d encourage groups to watch these together in community. There’s such an incredible richness to the experience that helps to demonstrate just why this is a crucial ministry for us at The Park.
I am incredibly gratified to see how many of you showed up to support C. Anthony and Mika for his Juneteenth concert at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center! The concert was phenomenal, and The Park was beautifully represented at both sets.
For my Juneteenth celebration, I was grateful to witness the phenomenon that is the Broadway show Home by Samm-Art Williams. We have a link to a special discount for *excellent* tickets starting at $5. Please be sure to take advantage of this opportunity – the message is powerful for people who love church and God. And invite your friends! The show deserves to be seen and I know that you’ll be blessed in seeing it.
Our text this week comes from Mark 8. In the context of Pride, I encourage you to take particular notice of verse 30. What was Jesus holding back?
As you can see, there is much happening in the church. Can’t wait to see you on Sunday!
Pax Christi,
Pastor Kaji
SCRIPTURE
Mark 8:27–38 (Year B, p. 223):
27 Now Jesus went with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered, saying, “John the Baptizer and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you all say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30 And he warned them so they would tell no one about him. 31 Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Woman must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scholars, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he boldly said this thing. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, Jesus rebuked Peter and he said, “Get behind me, Satan!—because the mind is not on that which is God’s, rather on that which is mortal.”
34 And Jesus called the crowd along with his disciples, and said to those women and men, “If any want to follow after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For the one who wants to save their life will lose it, and the one who loses their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. 36 For what will it profit a person to gain the whole world and lose their life? 37 What then can a human being give in return for their life? 38 Indeed, the one who is ashamed of me and of my words in this unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of Woman will also be ashamed of that one when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”