In this sermon, Rachel explores how slowing down isn't about passivity—it's about presence. Through Mary of Bethany's intimate act of anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, we discover what it really means to be attentive to God's presence in our lives.

CHAPTERS

[00:00] - Summer Slowdown Series Opening

[02:11] - Leslye's Family Road Trip Stories

[13:23] - Opening Prayer for Journeys

[14:36] - Poem References

[15:50] - Church Announcements

[16:51] - Setting Up Scripture Context

[17:16] - John 12 Scripture Reading

[19:13] - Mary's Unique Slowdown

[21:31] - The Dinner Party Scene

[26:07] - Fragrance & Presence

[27:38] - Plant Bending Toward Sun

[35:37] - Judas as Foil Character

[36:54] - Titanic Necklace Reflection

[40:27] - Personal Identification & Practicality

[41:26] - Point of Slowing Down

[42:29] - What Fragrance Are You?

[43:03] - Jesus Transforms Death to Life

[43:53] - Closing Prayer & Blessing

REFERENCES

[08:19] - Elijah and the Still Small Voice (https://www.str.org/w/first-kings-19-and-the-still-small-voice-of-god)[09:18] - "Patient Trust" by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (https://alifesworkmovie.com/2015/05/patient-trust-a-poem-by-pierre-teilhard-de-chardin/)[15:05] - "A Blessing for a Gentle Summer" by Kate Bowler (https://katebowler.com/blessings/a-blessing-for-a-gentle-summer/)[36:36] - Titanic (1997 Film) - Heart of the Ocean (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film))