Mark's Holy Adventure: Preaching Mark's Gospel for Year B

Every project is a team effort. No doubt the writing of Marks Gospel was the result of many storytellers and a few writers before the emergence of the final text attributed to an unknown Mark. This is certainly true of this lectionary commentary. I give thanks for my parents Everett and Loretta Epperly from whom I learned to love scripture and One whose love gave birth to Jesus of Nazareth and the early Christian movement. I give thanks to my spiritual and theological teachers: John Akers George (Shorty) Collins John Cobb David Ray Griffin Bernard Loomer Jack Verheyden Richard Keady and Ben White. I have learned much about scripture from courses Ive taught at congregations: First Christian Church Tucson Arizona; Palisades Community Church Washington D.C.; and Falls Church Christian Church Falls Church Virginia. I give great thanks to South Congregational Church United Church of Christ whose generosity of spirit has allowed me to be not only pastor teacher and spiritual leader but also a writer. The beauty of our Cape Cod village with its ponds beaches streams and beaches has inspired my writing preaching and teaching. It is a daily joy to be part of a community that seeks to learn love and live the word of God. I am grateful to Deborah Arca of Patheos (patheos.com) who encouraged me to write a weekly lectionary commentary for this forward-thinking spiritual website. As always I give thanks for my companion of over 35 years Kate whose partnership in ministry parenting grand parenting and family life has been at heart of my spiritual journey. Finally I give thanks for you and your quest for faithful excellence in preaching. May these words be an inspiration and creativity in responding to Gods word and wisdom in your life.