How good is a big morning tea or a big dinner after church?! I love it! And it sends so many good vibes- that we care about our time together, that fellowship is important, that church is a big event in our weeks. I don’t want it to change.
There is a warning though which we need to heed in the Scriptures. I was reminded of it when a couple of people last year said they didn’t feel like they were doing much here (whereas I thought they were doing a lot. They have certainly encouraged me, by being committed each week to coming, as I see them talking with others, and applying the Bible’s teaching in their lives- their questions about the sermon show they are applying the Word). When I clarified it with them, “doing a lot” meant being on a roster and helping with dinner.
I don’t want to slow down anything that we are doing at St Mark’s, but we need to make sure that we’re not just running around “doing a lot” and neglecting the most important thing- serving our ears and heart! And we certainly must make sure we’re not missing out on the Word in order to get morning tea or dinner ready.
Mary and Martha, two sisters that Jesus knew well are a good warning to us (Luke 10:38- 42). First we see Martha, busy and harried, engaged in getting everything right for Jesus’ visit, and disturbed over Mary’s lack of help. We feel for Martha! Mary needs a stiff rebuke! But Mary is the point of example. We find Mary seated at the feet of Jesus, the position of a disciple, listening to every word. Jesus notes that Mary has chosen well.
Time with Jesus is more important than “doing a lot”. Sometimes activity associated with ministry can prevent us from the most important thing- of caring for our ears and heart. As someone once said “service of the hand cannot supersede service with the ear, since the ear guides the heart and the hand”.

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