the power among us.

Jesus demonstrates crossing perceived barriers to become  the people of God.Listen Now!

Learning together is St. Mark's code for classes this year.

For those planning to attend the first adult education session on immigration (Sunday, Februayr 12 after church), we recommend that you read  "Beyond Hospitality" (<<click that link for the pdf) from Theologizing en Espanglish: Context, Community, and Ministry. If you have any trouble with the link please contact Jay Johnson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . He can email you a copy, or you can pick up a hard copy at church.

This book is written by Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernández, a professor of theology and ministry at the Catholic Theological Union.   A couple of its examples are particular to the Roman Catholic Church, yet the issues discussed have obvious relevance in Episcopal contexts as well.  In the coming year, we can revisit the range of questions and recommendations offered by Nanko-Fernández, as we discuss and plan effective and appropriate Christian responses to immigration-related issues.

There are a few technical theology terms, rendered in Spanish, that merit definition, as they are not defined in this particular chapter:

"Teología y pastoral de conjunto" - These terms refer to theology and pastoral action that are done "in togetherness."  Latino/a understandings of how to do Christian theology and pastoral action are often characterized by this communal approach (in contrast to individual professors writing theology in their offices or lone-ranger ministers engaging in pastoral action).

"lo cotidiano/la cotidiana" - Ordinary or daily life.  In this chapter, the term is used to characterize a theology and pastoral actions that discern and respond to God's activity within daily life amid ordinary social realities (in contrast to more abstract and socially-removed understandings of God and Christian ministry).

"locus theologicus" – The “place” where we encounter and interpret divine realities.  In Latino/a theologies "vida cotidiana" (daily life) is this theological place.

This two part series is a starting point for sustained conversation and action towards a more just society.