This week our focus is called "Take Up" as we center around Psalm 22 and Mark 8: 31-36. Jesus was very clear that following him might not be a smooth ride. He was bound to choose the just way, through life. To take up the cross was to lose one's life--to let go of certain expectations of safety and acceptance in order to stand for the Gospel message of love. How are we to take up the causes of Jesus--justice, righteousness, and mercy in our day?