Fermata Sept 17, 2021: Receiving Ministry from Others and Self

Fermata is the weekly newsletter describing some of the past week’s highlights from Notes of Rest, which is my spiritual retreat ministry that interweaves text, music, and questions for the sake of cultivating stillness, introspection, and creativity in communities so that all may rest. I'd love to host a Notes of Rest for your church, seminary, or affinity group. Feel free to reply to this email to start the conversation!

Mark 1:29-39

This week's Fermata is on Notes of Rest for Healthcare Workers, held last week. We sat with Jesus the Great Physician, who healed and tended to many at the onset of his ministry. Of notice was Simon Peter's mother-in-law who, after being healed by Jesus, began to minister to them. The healthcare workers on the call - challenged and tired from all kinds of issues, from COVID surges to Afghan refugee resettlement - found comfort in reflecting on how their patients minister to them too (be it with their mere presence or with donuts!). We also meditated on how Jesus' ministry was ultimately about the Kingdom, not his own fame, such that he was able to steal away when he needed to spend time in prayer. This encouraged the attendees to continue finding ways to rest despite the onslaught of need. Jesus models how to receive ministry from others and from self.

How is The Lord calling you to receive ministry from those you serve? And equally important, how is The Lord calling you to receive ministry from yourself?

May we take a cue from Jesus and receive; that's a powerful mark of the Kingdom springing forth. To that end, here is a song for the journey: My Help.

abundantly,
Julian