St. Mark's mission is to be a beacon of racial justice and compassion. We celebrate each of the heritage month and provide educational opportunities and activities to further our mission.
Learn more about how you can stand against racism below.
Monthly Devotional
*Names for Jesus within Asian American and Pacific Islander contexts often combine biblical titles with cultural, linguistic, and theological nuances that emphasize relationships, respect, and communal identity.
Based on insights from AAPI theological perspectives and language translations, here are some ways that Jesus is referred to: Jesus, the Alpha and Omega of Filial Piety: This perspective reframes Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of familial honor and responsibility. Ancestor/Elder Brother: In many Asian cultures, honoring ancestors is paramount. Placing Jesus as the “First Ancestor” or “Elder Brother” (connecting to Hebrew 2:11) resonates with a desire to honor one’s heritage while following Christ. Teacher/Rabbi: Reflecting the high value placed on education and mentorship in many Asian cultures.
AAPI theologians often highlight the following aspects of Jesus: The Suffering Servant: which resonates with the experiences of immigrants and the “model minority” myth which paints all Asians as high achievers. The Reconciler: bridges cultural gaps between generations and honoring parents without compromising faith.
These names and titles emphasize that Jesus is understood within the unique, lived experiences of AAPI Christians, blending cultural identity with faith.
Let us pray:
Great Provider, we give you thanks for our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters.
Loving God, we praise you for your endless creativity made manifest in the diversity of all people… For the security and peace of their homes, businesses, and places of worship, we ask your protection.
We pray for those who persevered through generations of xenophobia, racism, bias, and violence to contribute their skills and talents in the areas of science and medicine, literature and art, government and law.
We ask your Spirit for the healing of the wounds of those who experienced hatred and violence. May they find support and shelter in their communities they deem safe.
God of our elders, Creator of sacred bodies, we pray for a, “colorful and just society” that embraces all, rather than viewing them as “other”.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, the “First Ancestor” or “Elder Brother”, Teacher, Rabbi. *
Our initial focus as a church is deepening our understanding through education.
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Statement on Racial Justice from the United Methodist Church Constitution (Article V):
The United Methodist Church proclaims the value of each person as a unique child of God and commits itself to the healing and wholeness of all persons. The United Methodist Church recognizes that the sin of racism has been destructive to its unity throughout its history. Racism continues to cause painful division and marginalization. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate racism, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of racial justice at all times and in all places.