Mark 2:23--3:6 (C, RC)

Mark 2:23-28 (L)

A few years ago, I was asked to serve as the worship leader at a regional church conference for teenagers. The enthusiastic recruiter told me about the wonderful experience I could expect from the gathering. "Every summer," she said, "the conference brings together about a hundred or so young people at a camp that has no swimming pool. We gather during the dog days of August. The conference is so much fun, nobody misses the pool!"

My assignment was to preach sermons, lead some singing, and pray. Upon my arrival, however, I was given a second job by the camp director. She had a smirk on her face as she reminded me of the developmental characteristics of late adolescents. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she said, "It is the worship leader's job to pr…