Part 1

Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn NY

Focusing on the Gospel of Mark, Dr. Younger discusses how Jesus’ ministry informs our call to ministry today.

In Part 1, Dr. Younger offers an overview of Mark’s gospel, then focuses on Mark 1:14-20, challenging us to consider the way in which we share our faith, and our call to “get out of the boat.” He asks, “What would it take for us to live like the church, instead of talk like the church?”

Part 2

Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn NY

Focusing on the Gospel of Mark, Dr. Younger discusses how Jesus’ ministry informs our call to ministry today.

In Part 2, Dr. Younger focuses on Mark 1:1-12, suggesting that the message of forgiveness can offer a fresh start for everyone who hears it. He also draws meaning out of Mark 2:23-3:6, asking if we, at times, might be a bit more like the Pharisees than we are comfortable admitting. He says, “This story doesn’t really bother us, because we think we know which side we’re on.”

Part 3

Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Brett Younger, Plymouth Congregational Church, Brooklyn NY

Focusing on the Gospel of Mark, Dr. Younger discusses how Jesus’ ministry informs our call to ministry today.

In Part 3, Dr. Younger focuses on Mark 8:27-38 and Mark 16:1-8. In speaking of the way Jesus challenges our deeply ingrained notions of who God is, he says those who want a peaceful life would do well to steer clear of Jesus. “Jesus disturbs our selfishness, challenges our prejudices, reorders our priorities,” he said. “Jesus wants to change us.” He suggests that Mark’s abrupt ending perhaps means that the Gospel is still being written through us.