Bobby Dean Blackburn is Gonna ‘Take Us to Church!’

What a beautiful few days I had out west hangin’ with my five-month-old grandson, my daughter and my daughter-in-law while my son is away in Australia. There is nothing like the pure joy of a baby as an antidote to pessimism and worry. Over and over again, as I observed the delight, curiosity and wonder with which my grandson greets the world, I thought of how Jesus said that one must become like a child to enter the kingdom of God. It makes total sense now. It was good to get away, but it’s also good to be home.

This week at Tobermory United, we’ve been mourning the loss of George Adams, who passed away July 11, and whose life was celebrated at TUC on July 16. George was a vital force at Tobermory United, assisting with the Thrift Shop, the building of the new church and many other things. You can view George’s obituary here.

This Sunday, we welcome Bobby Dean Blackburn as guest musician! Bobby is a legendary Rhythm and Blues artist who has played with many of the greats, including Bo Diddley. I love this quote by Rob Green from a Toronto City News article: “When Bobby plays the blues it goes right through you, when he plays gospel he takes you to church.” So Bobby Dean Blackburn is going to take us to church this Sunday!

We’ll do our own singing too, as we ponder the Mary and Martha conundrum, the age-old controversy of ‘who’s doing more work.’ Does Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus really have “the better part?” Or is Jesus just blind to Martha’s work in the kitchen and the preparation and care required to offer a meal for guests. Stay tuned…

To prepare, read Luke 10:38-42 and ponder the following:

1. Do you identify as a “Martha” or a “Mary?”

2. How would you create a satisfying outcome to this story?

JESUS MAFA. Martha and Mary, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.