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MarkScott

Writings by Mark Scott…”In a Mirror Dimly…”

Here are the collection of writings by Mark Scott

As he chronicles his journey with cancer…

four articles to date:

In a Mirror Dimly. . .Forward with Faith and Humor

(Article # 1, March 14, 2014)

 

(This article is the first in a series that I intend to write chronicling my journey with cancer in hopes that it might demystify another’s journey and by writing about it, I hope to better understand my own trek. . .Mark Scott)

      Six letters, 2 syllables. . .a word, just a word, until it isn’t just a word: C-a-n-c-e-r.  How many times have I rehearsed the scene; perhaps in a routine physical exam, or, as in my case, extreme pain with no outward explanation, an ache so deep that it remained untouched by conventional pain killers.

      I have not felt particularly well for several months–nothing specific, just a sort of general, mild malaise, unlike my usual high-energy, self-motivated self.  From the beginning of December, I began to experience pelvic (back) pain at night.  Early on it was more annoying than debilitating but it was increasing in intensity every night but only at night.  However, as it grew more acute I was unable to sleep.  It is amazing how enterprising one can be in the middle of the night.  My parents would be proud that I did not “waste the time!”  Of course, there is wisdom behind the sentiment.  When you are busy, you are not thinking about yourself.

      There are so many things for which I am thankful: a loving, diverse, intelligent, outspoken church family; that I live in 2014 when there is greater hope than ever for living with cancer; for parents and a sister who always dealt with adversity head-on but with a self-deprecating humor that  can transform the most serious problem into a manageable goal.

      Then there is my gratitude for my primary care physician who would not like to be mentioned by name but she was in the first youth choir I directed at St. Stephen in 1975!  She has been ‘called’ to her vocation by a desire to help ill people find healing and wholeness.  With a quiet, straight-forward, manner and a keen sense of humor, her compassion and attention to detail assure me that  she is the right person to help me map my future. “Mr. Scott, you have stage 4 prostate cancer.  Now here is what we are going to do. . .”Read More »Writings by Mark Scott…”In a Mirror Dimly…”

Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

Sunday, December 1, 2013, marks the First Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of a new Church (Ecclesiastical) Year.

The services during Advent are not intended to celebrate Christmas but to help each of us prepare ourselves for, and expect the coming of, Christ. The word “Advent” is a derivation of the Latin word, “advenio,” meaning coming or arrival. Early observances of this festival are recorded prior to the seventh century, and through the ensuing ages it has evolved into the form familiar to us today. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30th and lasts four Sundays. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.Read More »Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

The Ecclesiastical Calendar (part 1)

ADVENT

(The Ecclesiastical Year begins with Advent, a season to recollect the hope of (1) the coming Christ (his birth), and to look forward to (2) the Lord’s coming again:  the Parousia.)

1. First season of the Ecclesiastical Year

2. Begins with the Sunday falling upon or nearest St. Andrew’s Day (Nov. 30th), however an easier way to calculate the beginning of Advent: Advent begins 4 Sundays before Christmas Day, not counting Christmas Day if it falls on a Sunday.  There are always four Sundays in Advent.

3. Originated out of early Christian practice having to do with a fasting period for candidates who were to be received into the fellowship on January 6th (Epiphany Day) when it served as a time for study and preparation.

4. Often called, “Winter Lent,” Advent is considered a period of penitence in preparation for the coming of the Savior: (1) the human Incarnation of Christ ; (2) the “Second Coming” of Christ in glory at the end of time (Parousia).

5. Liturgical color is purple or violet (less often, blue) which represents penitence as well as the “royal” color (Kingship of Christ).

6. Key Words and Phrases: Prepare, Watch, Wait, Darkness, Anticipation; Humility; Expectation; Hope; Listen; Evening;Read More »The Ecclesiastical Calendar (part 1)

WORSHIP: Music and the Choreography of the Service for the Lord’s Day

Synopsis of the Class (September 1, 2013)

Basic Biblical Pattern of Reformed Worship:  God’s INITIATION to humankind; humankind’s RESPONSE to God

Earliest Records of music in worship music in the Jewish Temple and Synagogue

Temple – heart of worship was the sacrifice; highly trained professional musicians (Levites); conservative worship; strict guidelines for music; proscribed forms; little spontaneity; singing, dancing, playing instruments including percussion instruments; highly ritualized; Psalms sung; Temple worshipers viewed Synagogue worshipers as crude, ill-educatedRead More »WORSHIP: Music and the Choreography of the Service for the Lord’s Day

But Where Are the Color Pictures?

(Recent reads by Mark Scott, Summer 2013)

1. “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls” – David Sedaris (2013, Little, Brown and Company) Sedaris is one of my favorite writers.  He is a frequent contributor to “The New Yorker,” and a skillful wordsmith as well as a wonderful humorist.  The title is an example of his humor.

2. “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” – Mark Haddon adapted Simon Stephens (Methuen Drama)

The author speaks through the voice of the main character, a child, verbalizing the thoughts of that child.  It becomes apparent that the child suffers from some kind of autism.  The author has spent his career studying these conditions and working with  adults and children so afflicted.  He is cleverly able to give the reader a look into the inner workings of this particular child, “Christopher.”  It is a great, informative read.  Although the subject matter is quite serious, you will laugh out loud at the predicaments in which Christopher, his family and friends find themselves.  It immediately draws the reader into a world of extreme logic, often perilous to a given situation.  I think any teacher would benefit from reading this book that maps the thought process of people with autism.Read More »But Where Are the Color Pictures?