In today's sermon, I explored the profound concept of the Ministry of Presence, drawing from the poignant narrative of the women at the cross during Jesus' crucifixion. I shared a personal story from my early days in ministry, reflecting on the time when I was called to comfort a parishioner whose son had tragically taken his own life. In that moment of deep sorrow and uncertainty, I realized that sometimes the most powerful ministry we can offer is simply being present with those who are suffering.

The women at the cross, mentioned in Mark's Gospel, exemplify this ministry. They had no spoken lines, no grand gestures, but their steadfast presence at the foot of the cross during Jesus' darkest hour was a testament to their unwavering devotion. They had followed Jesus from Galilee, caring for his needs, and their presence at the crucifixion was the culmination of a long journey of faithful companionship.

This narrative invites us to consider the importance of being present in the lives of others, not only in times of crisis but throughout all seasons of life. The relationships we build and the support we offer in the good times lay the foundation for the moments when we are called to stand alongside someone in their darkest hour.

As we continue to journey through the season of Lent, we are reminded of the sacrifices made and the example set by those who were witnesses at the cross. We are called to reflect on our own witness and the ways in which we can embody the Ministry of Presence in our community and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

- The Ministry of Presence is a powerful form of ministry that emphasizes the importance of simply being with someone in their time of need. It is not about having the right words or actions, but about offering the gift of presence and companionship. This ministry is a reflection of God's own presence with us, a reminder that we are never alone in our suffering. [01:08:19]

- The women at the cross demonstrate that faithful discipleship is not measured by the visibility of our actions but by the consistency of our presence. Their silent witness at the crucifixion serves as a model for how we can support others without fanfare or recognition, simply by being there. [01:09:02]

- Building relationships within our Christian community is essential for a robust Ministry of Presence. The bonds we form during times of joy and fellowship strengthen us to be present for one another during times of sorrow and trial. Our shared experiences create a network of support that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. [01:09:59]

- The act of giving, as reflected in our offerings, is an extension of the Ministry of Presence. When we give not out of obligation but as an act of discipleship, we are participating in a form of ministry that draws us closer to God and to one another, fostering a spirit of generosity and service. [47:38]

- The diverse accounts of the women at the cross in the Gospels highlight the varied ways in which we can bear witness to Christ's love and sacrifice. Each Gospel writer presents the story with different details, reminding us that our unique perspectives and contributions are valuable in the collective narrative of faith. [55:06]

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. **Mark 15:37-41 (NRSV)**
> "Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, 'Truly this man was God’s Son!' There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem."

2. **Mark 14:32-42 (NRSV)**
> "They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.' He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, 'I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.' And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, 'Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.' He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, 'Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.' And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, 'Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. **What actions did the women at the cross take according to Mark 15:40-41?**
2. **In Mark 14:32-42, what were the disciples Peter, James, and John asked to do, and how did they respond?**
3. **What is the significance of the women being present at the crucifixion and the resurrection according to the sermon?** ([48:40])
4. **How does the pastor describe the Ministry of Presence in his personal story?** ([01:08:19])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. **Why do you think the women’s presence at the cross was significant, even though they did not speak or perform any actions?** ([48:40])
2. **What does the pastor mean by the Ministry of Presence, and how does it relate to the women at the cross?** ([01:08:19])
3. **How does the pastor’s personal story of comforting a parishioner illustrate the concept of the Ministry of Presence?** ([01:08:19])
4. **In what ways do the relationships we build in times of joy prepare us for being present in times of sorrow, according to the sermon?** ([01:09:02])

#### Application Questions
1. **Reflect on a time when someone’s presence made a significant difference in your life during a difficult moment. How did their presence impact you?**
2. **How can you practice the Ministry of Presence in your own community? Identify a specific person or situation where you can be present this week.** ([01:08:19])
3. **Consider the relationships you have built within your church community. How can you strengthen these bonds to better support each other in times of need?** ([01:09:02])
4. **The pastor mentioned that the Ministry of Presence is not about having the right words or actions but about being there. How can you overcome the fear of not knowing what to say or do in such situations?** ([01:08:19])
5. **Think about the women at the cross who were present without fanfare or recognition. How can you apply this humble approach to your acts of service and support for others?** ([48:40])
6. **Identify one way you can contribute to building a supportive network within your church that reflects the love and compassion of Christ. What steps will you take to make this happen?** ([01:09:59])
7. **Reflect on the diverse accounts of the women at the cross in the Gospels. How can you appreciate and value the unique perspectives and contributions of others in your faith community?** ([55:06])

Day 1: Presence Over Words
In moments of grief and despair, the most profound comfort often comes not from eloquent words or grand gestures, but from the silent solidarity of someone who chooses to simply be there. The Ministry of Presence is about embodying the silent strength and unwavering support that the women at the cross provided to Jesus. It is a ministry that does not rely on the perfect phrase or solution but instead offers the powerful gift of companionship in suffering. This form of ministry mirrors the way God is with us, a constant presence that does not waver, even when we face the darkest of times. It is a reminder that in the midst of our own trials, we are called to be a living testament to God's love by being present for others, offering our presence as a sanctuary of comfort and hope. [01:08:19]

"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." - Romans 12:15 (ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community is experiencing a difficult time, and how can you offer them your presence this week without the need for words?

Day 2: Silent Witness of Faithfulness
The women at the cross serve as a profound example of faithfulness through their silent witness. Their presence was a powerful statement of loyalty and devotion, despite the absence of recorded words or actions. This teaches us that the true measure of discipleship is not always found in the visibility of our actions but in the quiet consistency of our presence. Being there for someone can be a deeply spiritual act, one that honors the sacredness of their experience without the need for recognition or applause. It is a humble service that echoes the selfless love Christ has for us, a love that is present in silence and in speech, in action and in stillness. [01:09:02]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice being a silent witness of faithfulness in someone's life this week, offering support without seeking acknowledgment?

Day 3: Building Bonds of Support
The Ministry of Presence is deeply rooted in the relationships we build within our community. The bonds formed during times of joy and fellowship are the very fibers that hold us together when we face sorrow and trials. These connections are not incidental; they are intentional acts of discipleship that prepare us to be present for one another in meaningful ways. As we share in each other's lives, we create a network of support that reflects the love and compassion of Christ, enabling us to embody His presence in the lives of others. This interconnectedness is a testament to the strength and resilience of a community bound by shared faith and mutual care. [01:09:59]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

Reflection: What are some ways you can strengthen your relationships within your faith community to build a more robust network of support?

Day 4: Generosity as Presence
The act of giving, whether it be our time, resources, or attention, is an extension of the Ministry of Presence. When we give selflessly, we are participating in a form of ministry that draws us closer to God and to one another. This spirit of generosity is not about fulfilling an obligation but about living out our discipleship in tangible ways. It is a reflection of God's generosity towards us, and it fosters a culture of service within our community. As we give, we are reminded that our offerings are more than just material gifts; they are expressions of our commitment to be present in the lives of others, sharing in both their joys and their struggles. [47:38]

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38 (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you extend your presence through acts of generosity this week, and how might this deepen your connections with others?

Day 5: Valuing Diverse Perspectives
The varied accounts of the women at the cross in the Gospels remind us that there are many ways to bear witness to Christ's love and sacrifice. Each Gospel writer presents the story with different details, highlighting the importance of our unique perspectives and contributions. Our individual experiences and insights are valuable in the collective narrative of faith. By valuing the diversity within our community, we can learn from one another and grow in our understanding of what it means to follow Christ. This appreciation for different viewpoints enriches our shared journey and helps us to see the multifaceted ways in which God is at work in our lives and in the world. [55:06]

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." - Romans 12:4-5 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you embrace and learn from the diverse perspectives within your faith community, and how might this enhance your collective witness?

I think many of you know that I had a little brother who was killed. Now, I didn't even know that term at the time, Ministry of Presence. I learned that later, people that have taken Stephen Ministry presence, Stephen Ministry training, know all about the Ministry of Presence. But it is one of the most important things that we can do for someone is just to be there with them. [01:07:31](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

Notice that the women in this story, they have no lines. They stood at a distance. But they were there with Jesus. And I can't help but think as Jesus was looking down from the cross and saw them that at least it brought them some comfort. Just like when I showed up at that woman's house after her son had taken his life. [01:08:19](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

The Ministry of Presence. That is some of the most important work that we can do for one another. But here's the thing, it just doesn't start with being with somebody at the most dark time of their life. That's part of it for sure. But there's a way to get there. I think this passage tells us that these women had followed Jesus from Galilee and cared for his needs. [01:09:02](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

Our Ministry of Presence is not confined to moments of crisis. It is built upon a foundation of relationship and investment. We walk alongside others in their daily lives. We offer support and encouragement. We prepare ourselves to be present when they need us most. [01:09:59](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

Oh God, this morning we bring our gifts not out of pride, not out of a sense of trying to have control, not out of a sense of being a part of some grand fundraiser, Lord, but we bring these gifts, Lord, as an act of discipleship, realizing that as we come with our hands and our hearts open, Lord, presenting to you what you have so graciously given to us, Lord, that somehow in that an act of stewardship prevails in which we are drawn closer into your service and into your following. [47:38](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

Each of the Gospels tell the story in slightly different ways. For example, the resurrection in John's Gospel, the only person that's mentioned being there is Mary Magdalene. In one of the other Gospels, it mentions that there were, it just says women. And then there's another Gospel where there's only two named women, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and it says the other Mary. [55:06](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

And so as we look at those that were there at the crucifixion, those witnesses at the cross, we need to ask ourselves, what is our witness going to be? What are we going to learn from those, from the good and the bad? You know, the cautionary tales of the scoffers and the bystanders to those who were led and came to Christ, professed Christ at the cross, the thief who professed Jesus and asked him to remember him in paradise, the centurion who said, surely it's the Son of God. [01:11:04](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

And so let's continue to work within this body here at Hickory Flat to form those close relationships so that we may be a support one another in the good and in the bad. Go now in God's peace and may God's peace be with you. Amen. [01:15:12](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

And so it's at this point in the story that Mark mentions that there were women there. A.J. Levine who wrote the book said, well thanks a lot Mark. It's almost kind of like as an afterthought. But knowing that there were women present throughout Jesus' ministry, you begin to look at those gospel stories differently, right? [52:17](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

The truth is, as you look at the gospel, you see that Jesus interacted with women all the time. And think about what we've mentioned, Mary Magdalene. But think about the woman that was healed of the bleeding condition of hemorrhage. Jesus chose, she was the one who touched the hem. She said, if I could just touch the hem of his garment, then I'll be healed. [53:14](Make clip | Crop for social media | Crop + Caption)

Thank you, Laura. That was the funnest day at the office. When the cats showed up, it was a lot of fun. When you get to my age, you really try to keep the birthdays on the down low. But I do appreciate that. And it's also St. Patrick's Day. That's a great holiday. I thought about it earlier in the week. This morning I got up early and got dressed and forgot. But thankfully, Nicole bailed me out with a little pen here. So I do have a little green on.

But I'm glad that you all are here with us, worshipping this morning as we continue during the season of Lent. And so I invite you to stand as you are able and join with me in this responsive reading. As I read the white words, you respond with the gold words.

In this season of Lent, we make our way to the cross.

In this season of Lent, as we make our way to the cross, we strive to follow Christ's example, admit betrayal and fear that are part of life.

Let's continue worshiping as we sing together.

One of the things I love about worship, you know, Monday through Saturday as we are going through life, we can have ups and downs, but lots of times we can go through discouragement and heartache and loss and failure. But when we come together as a body, as we come together as brothers and sisters in Christ and unite our voices in song like we've been doing, we can be reminded that God is so good and that we are redeemed, we are highly favored, that God does love us, God calls us and forgives us and brings us through.

So as we gather now to affirm our faith together in the Apostles' Creed, we realize that through the week we may have doubts; we may have come here with doubts here this morning. But there are other people standing right next to you, and their faith is strong right now. You know, maybe your faith was strong last week, and maybe it's not so much this week. And maybe the person sitting next to you, they weren't so much this week, but they are this week.

And so as we unite together, it's this ideal that we are ascending to—this ideal of our belief and our faith in God. So join me now as we unite our voices in the Apostles' Creed.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day he arose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Oh God, this morning we bring our gifts not out of pride, not out of a sense of trying to have control, not out of a sense of being a part of some grand fundraiser, Lord, but we bring these gifts, Lord, as an act of discipleship, realizing that as we come with our hands and our hearts open, Lord, presenting to you what you have so graciously given to us, Lord, that somehow in that an act of stewardship prevails in which we are drawn closer into your service and into your following. We pray this in Jesus' most holy name. Amen.

For the last several weeks, we have been considering the events of Good Friday, the day that Jesus was crucified, and looking at those people, those characters who were there who were witnesses at the cross. And this week we are looking at the women at the cross.

Now all four gospels talk about the women being there present at the cross. But this morning we're going to be looking at Mark's gospel, and we're going to be picking up right after where we left off a couple of weeks ago when we were talking about the Roman centurion.

And so let's take a look at that from Mark's gospel. Mark 15, we'll start with 37.

Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was God's son."

So that was two weeks ago. And we stopped with verse 39, and so we're going to pick up with verse 40 this week. And it says there were also women looking on from a distance, among—notice that word, among—so there are others, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the younger, and of Joses and Salome.

And so Mary Magdalene you probably have heard of before. Jesus healed her early in the gospels of being possessed by six demons. And then she became really one of those pivotal figures in the New Testament. She was at the tomb and was the first to see Jesus and the first to really go and preach the good news of the resurrection.

And so Mary Magdalene you may be familiar with. And then notice Mary the mother of James the younger, and Mark gets kind of specific here because there's another James as well. And so just saying this wasn't the mother of James and John. This was the mother of James the younger and Joses, but they were all disciples of Jesus or followers of Jesus.

And then Salome, who was in fact the mother of James and John, she was the wife of Zebedee; they were the sons of Zebedee. And so those were among the women that were there. And last week I think we looked in John's gospel and we talked about Mary, his mother, being there. And so there were others as well.

But for some reason, Mark is choosing to name these three specifically. And we'll talk about why in a second. But then it continues.

Okay, so Jesus has died. He has been crucified. He has died; the centurion has recognized him as the son of God. And there you hear about the women. And here there are some very important details in this verse.

When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

And so it's at this point in the story that Mark mentions that there were women there. A.J. Levine, who wrote the book, said, "Well thanks a lot, Mark." It's almost kind of like as an afterthought. But knowing that there were women present throughout Jesus' ministry, you begin to look at those gospel stories differently, right? Because you begin to realize that all the highs, all the lows, all the controversies, all the healings, there weren't just the twelve disciples present; there were other disciples, and among them women who were serving and ministering right alongside them.

The truth is, as you look at the gospel, you see that Jesus interacted with women all the time. And think about what we've mentioned, Mary Magdalene. But think about the woman that was healed of the bleeding condition of hemorrhage. Jesus chose—she was the one who touched the hem. She said, "If I could just touch the hem of his garment, then I'll be healed."

There's a story of Jarius' daughter who Jesus brings back to life. There's so many other stories. There's the story of the woman who was caught in adultery, and she was the one who said, you know, "Go and sin no more," you know, said to the others, you know, "He without sin, cast the first stone."

And so this is a very pivotal, important passage where Jesus is interacting with women. There is the woman who came in during that last week and broke open this very expensive jar of perfume and anointed his feet. And, you know, Jesus said her story will continue to be told because she, you know, is preparing him actually for his death.

And so I could go on and on just in the gospels of women and their importance in the gospel story. But if you get into the letters in the rest of the New Testament, you see how incredibly important women were in their early years and their early foundations of the church.

There was Peter's mother-in-law who Jesus also healed, and then it says she got up and immediately served him. And if you've been to the Galilee region in Jerusalem, you may have been to their house because from archaeology we know that that was one of the first early churches, house churches that they had that was there at her house. She was important, and we can go on, Aquila and Priscilla and others in the New Testament.

And I will tell you and give testimony to you this morning that having spent my entire adult life working at the church, the church would not function. We would have to close the doors without women. Amen? And me, and we should be saying that the loudest, but I'm telling you it would absolutely fall apart without women.

And so it is kind of interesting that it's at this point—I'm not picking on Mark, but it is interesting that in this story, this is where we began to hear about the women. Women there at the crucifixion, women there at the resurrection. And why was that? Why was that? You can say it out loud. Most of the men were gone, right? Maybe John was there. The rest of them have deserted.

I ran across this quote. It's a really old quote. This comes from, I think, the seventh century maybe. Theophilac of Orid—I don't know who that is, but I just had to say his name. He was apparently a writer and historian of that time. But he said, "So the order is inverted, for the Jew kills and the Gentile confesses." He's talking about this centurion. "The disciples fly; they run off in fear, and the women remain. The women remain."

Now, if you've read the book—and it's okay if you haven't because I'll tell you now—but you might have noticed A.J. spends a lot of time showing this parallel that's there in Mark's Gospel between Peter, James, and John, and these three named women that are there at the cross. And Joan, this parallel there, and I think it's very interesting. Her point is well taken.

Each of the Gospels tell the story in slightly different ways. For example, the resurrection in John's Gospel, the only person that's mentioned being there is Mary Magdalene. In one of the other Gospels, it mentions that there were—it just says women. And then there's another Gospel where there's only two named women, Mary, Mary Magdalene, and it says the other Mary.

And so why are they different? Now, it's not for contradiction necessarily. It's because the Gospel writers are trying to convey something important, and so it could be very well that here in Mark, he is trying to draw this parallel.

Let's read it and see for ourselves. In Mark 14, we pick up the story a little bit earlier. This is after the Maundy Thursday service, after their Passover meal together, and Jesus is going into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. And he has taken with him three disciples, Peter, James, and John.

Now, they're named a lot. They're kind of the inner circle of Jesus' men. But those three come with him. They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." He took Peter, James, and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.

"My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them, he said to the disciples. "Man, I am hurting right now, guys. I am hurting. I need you to be here with me. So stay here and keep watch."

Going a little farther, he fell to his ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me, yet not what I will, but what you will."

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Couldn't you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Ever wondered where that phrase came from? It's right here in the Bible.

Once more, he went away and prayed the same thing. When he came back, he again found them sleeping because their eyes were heavy, and they didn't know what to say to him. They didn't know what to say.

They're failing Jesus right now, folks. Jesus wanted them to stay awake and be with him through this hard time. They keep falling asleep.

Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough. The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise. Let us go. Here comes my betrayer."

And from there, we walk into the scene that becomes the crucifixion, which we've probably already read through some of those verses before.

And so then I read you that part right after the centurion of the women who were there with Jesus at the cross. And so as it continues, here's what we read about Easter Sunday morning.

It said, "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices." These are the same three that are mentioned as being among the women who were there at the cross.

These three are mentioned. We have three mentioned disciples, Peter, James, and John. And so they might go and anoint him very early on the first day of the week when the sun had also risen.

And so you see this parallel that the Gospel writer Mark is making. And so what A.J. Levine points out, she said these are the three named male disciples, the three named female disciples. They were all followers of Jesus, and they are all equally named, but they all equally fail him.

Because as they come, they've come because they had to bury him so quickly that he wasn't properly anointed with the spices and things that they do in Jewish funerals to prepare him. And so they had gone to do that.

It says that they had bought the spices after they had gone out. Sunday was the first day of the week. Commerce was back in. And you know why? Because he had been arrested so quickly, they didn't have these spices, so they had bought those, and then they had come there to the tomb.

But they were kind of unprepared because there's this big stone there, or they were expecting there to be a big stone there, thinking to themselves, "Why, how am I going to get rid of the stone?"

They get there, and the stone is already rolled away, and that's Easter Sunday, so we won't get into that this morning.

But A.J. is making this point, and I get it, I get it. And I think it's a good one, and particularly if you're kind of looking at this from a literary device that you've got three, and you've got three, they're all named, and they equally fail.

Except this is where I take issue and divide with A.J. because I don't think they failed. I don't think they failed. I get the point. It's a good one, and I can meditate upon that, but I don't think these women failed.

Now, I'm sure they'd failed in the past. We all fail. But in this case, they didn't. And here's the reason—something that I've learned and experienced myself and been a part of in my ministry, and that is the ministry of presence, the ministry of presence.

I'll tell you a story about that. It has been 30 years ago, I think, almost exactly 30 years ago, I was in seminary. I was at a church in Johns Creek as a youth pastor. I'd been there for a couple of years, and I'd started my seminary work. I had become a candidate for ministry and gone through all of that, and I got a call from my district superintendent with this very interesting opportunity for me, although I don't know if it was an opportunity or this was just what he was telling me I was going to do.

But the opportunity was this, and that was to become the pastor of Holly Springs United Methodist Church, the student pastor. While I was still in seminary, student pastor right up here on the road. You guys probably know where that is.

And I thought, what a great opportunity because I will have an opportunity for—because I've been working with youth ministry for a few years, I'll have a chance now to preach every Sunday and to work with the adults, and this will be really good in my last year; it was going to be a year and a half of seminary.

And so we moved to Holly Springs. We moved into a house which was in a neighborhood that was right behind that hotel where they filmed Ozark, part of the stuff of Ozark. We lived back in that area.

And so we moved over, and I had my first Sunday, preached my first Sunday there. It was great, you know, about 40 people there in a little church. And then they had a big covered dish and welcomed me as their pastor.

Felt so good to be there, you know. This is going to be a new time in my life. You know, it was my first appointment as the head, the lead pastor, even though I was the only employee in the church. I was the lead pastor in that church.

And so I was feeling really good, and I was thinking about, what am I going to preach on next week? You know, I'd preached two or three times before in my last church when I was a youth pastor, but, you know, only had like one or two sermons because, like, I'd used my best one. It was time to start working on another one.

And so I was thinking about that as that week started. And then I got a horrible phone call. And it has happened throughout my ministry, those calls that just break your heart. I got a phone call from one of my parishioners, and she said that another woman in the church who I'd met on that Sunday, who had been at that meal, her son had committed suicide.

And I knew I needed to go. And I got in my car, and I was going, "What am I going to say? What Bible verses can I possibly say to her? What prayer can I offer this poor woman in this moment?" And I'm praying to God, and I'm not trying to be funny; I was going like, "You know, God, I haven't had that class in seminary yet. I don't know what to say in this moment."

And what came to mind was when I was in one of my darkest nights. And I think I might have even mentioned—I think many of you know that I had a little brother who was killed.

Now, I didn't even know that term at the time, "Ministry of Presence." I learned that later; people that have taken Stephen Ministry training know all about the Ministry of Presence. But it is one of the most important things that we possibly can do for someone is just to be there with them.

Notice that the women in this story, they have no lines. They stood at a distance. But they were there with Jesus. And I can't help but think as Jesus was looking down from the cross and saw them that at least it brought them some comfort. Just like when I showed up at that woman's house after her son had taken his life.

You know, my prayer is that maybe even in some small ways that it brought some comfort as Mack Tribble did for us on that night. The Ministry of Presence. That is some of the most important work that we can do for one another.

But here's the thing: it just doesn't start with being with somebody at the most dark time of their life. That's part of it for sure. But there's a way to get there.

I think this passage tells us that these women had followed Jesus from Galilee and cared for his needs. They had been there throughout his ministry—the highs and the lows, the controversies, all of those things—they had been there. They had been with him through the highs and lows in the ministry, and their presence in the darkest hour was the culmination of their unwavering devotion.

Those of us who make our community here at Hickory Flat, but in any Christian community, the relationships that are formed, the bonds that are made in the good times prepare us to be there in the bad times.

Our Ministry of Presence is not confined to moments of crisis. It is built upon a foundation of relationship and investment. We walk alongside others in their daily lives. We offer support and encouragement. We prepare ourselves to be present when they need us most.

So as we get to the end of this sermon, I'm going to come back to a question that I've asked a couple of times already, but I want us to ponder this each week. As we look at those that were there at the crucifixion, those witnesses at the cross, we need to ask ourselves, what is our witness going to be?

What are we going to learn from those, from the good and the bad? You know, the cautionary tales of the scoffers and the bystanders to those who were led and came to Christ, professed Christ at the cross, the thief who professed Jesus and asked him to remember him in paradise, the centurion who said, "Surely it's the Son of God."

Those who came to Christ as a result of just being there at the crucifixion and those who were there like the women with their ministry of presence. I want to encourage you that is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to another. That is one of the greatest things I believe we can learn from the witness at the cross.

In the name of the Father and of the Son, the Holy Spirit. Let's pray.

You know, as they stood there and saw their son crucified upon the cross, this person who they loved and they had followed, this person in which they had put their hope and their faith and their trust, and they had seen him so abused, they had seen him wronged and abused, they had seen him wrongly convicted.

And just the horror and the confusion as we each think back, you know, some of this is too real to so many of us, on a night when the person that we loved the most died. Just that confusion, what they must have been feeling, but yet they were faithful. They were there, Lord. They were there.

And even on that Easter Sunday morning, not even really knowing what to do, they just, you know, gathered up and did what they were supposed to do, just as an act of faith to go to make sure that he had a proper burial.

Oh, Lord, the good news that awaited for them. We thank you for the women in the gospel, and we thank you for these faithful women. Lord, and it's not lost on us that the first to preach the good news of the resurrection were those women. For that, we are grateful and thankful.

You know, if you're like me, when somebody sings Happy Birthday to you, sometimes it can embarrass us, you know, right? But it still feels good. It still feels good to hear that.

And so as you're leaving this, and if you come out by this way and you hear the applause, and somebody's about to go across there right now, "Yay!" Hope that gives you a lift. That gives you a lift as a high time and high moment.

So because we will go through those times of tears together as well. And so let's continue to work within this body here at Hickory Flat to form those close relationships so that we may be a support to one another in the good and in the bad.

Go now in God's peace, and may God's peace be with you. Amen.