Much as a “cold open” draws a viewer in to a TV episode, the beginning of each Gospel is meant to make a statement and draw in the reader.  In Mark, Jesus’s first public act of ministry is this shocking scene of a disturbed man confronting Jesus in the synagogue.  Already, Mark shows us that Jesus not only heals the sick, but he can vanquish evil.  It might have been that the disturbed man was not someone off the street, but someone who worshipped regularly at the synagogue, demonstrating that Jesus can heal the bad and difficult parts of our own lives, the evil that enslaves us.  (NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are livestreaming the early service only, using a chamber choir but having no congregation.  NOTE:  The video begins with the Children’s Moment, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)