2026 Summer Series!
Our Summer Series, “Jesus at the Lakeside” begins this Sunday! You are invited to wear your Hawaiian shirts and shorts for this series to immerse yourself in the theme. I am really excited about this series and the ways that Jesus models crossing boundaries, even when they are potentially dangerous, to reach God's people. I would love to say that at the end of the series that we might go to the lake as a group, but it is just too hot to be outside for the next 8 weeks. This is the season where we appreciate having air conditioning and the ability to sleep inside. But it won’t be too hot to talk about these fascinating stories from the gospel of Mark where Jesus travels across the lake to territory outside the Jewish community. Then he encounters those in the Jewish community that would be labeled “unclean.” Instead of rejecting these folks, he touches them. He heals them. He sees their humanity and recognizes the beloved child of God that is in each of them.
The author of Mark uses this lake crossing as a literary tool to indicate to us these changes of community. I hope to help you see things in these stories that you may have never noticed before. Jesus builds bridges between those who are in the Jewish community and those who would never be allowed within this closed group. For the next three weeks, we will be looking closely at these stories from Mark where Jesus is at the lake.
My daughter indicated that she thought it was funny that I would chose to do this series because I “hate to go to the lake.” But that is not true. I love to look at the beauty and majesty of a lake. I like to ride on a boat on top of the lake or even to kayak or paddle boat around on the lake. I like to fish. I like to hike around a lake. I like to be near the lake but not in it. I don’t like the poisonous snakes near the lake, I am terrified of the creatures in the water that might touch or bite me. The Jenks Aquarium has convinced me that I should never get in the water with the dinosaur looking beasts that lurk under the waters of Oklahoma. I am also not a fan of those people that over indulge on the lake and are noisy and rude. I worry about the safety of those near them and if the kids are being watched. But I do love a good bonfire on the beach of a lake at night and the amazing stars that seem so much closer out in nature.
So now you know my fear. It may not be rational but I own it. Please do not try to change my mind about being in the lake. It is futile. But I am glad that so many of you enjoy them. Being out in nature is good for you.
See you Sunday!
