Come, Ye Faithful People, Come

Please read Mark 4: 26-34

Sunday, I will be preaching the funeral of a family friend in Illinois who died in 2020 but the pandemic made it impossible for family and friends to gather. This date was selected with safety in mind.

I will be using Mark’s text for the sermon, which is the Gospel reading for June 13. I am reminded of the connection to the hymnody and theology of the church.  This scripture is the basis for the great hymn Come, Ye Thankful People, Come [1], which is traditionally used as a Thanksgiving hymn. In many communities where I have served, this hymn has been one of the touchstones of ecumenical services each November...continue reading