Worship Prayers for April 21

 CENTERING PRAYER – Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918)

 

O God, we thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the salt sea and the running water, for the everlasting hills and the never-resting winds, for trees and the common grass underfoot.

We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the summer fields, and taste of the autumn fruits, and rejoice in the feel of the snow, and smell the breath of the spring.

Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty; and save our souls from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory, O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

 

CALL TO WORSHIP* 

 

How many are your works, O Lord!

In wisdom you made them all;

the earth is full of your creatures.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,

and let your glory be over all the earth;

for all that is in the heavens

and on the earth is yours.

Let us worship our Creator together.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION*

 

Lord, you call us to till and to keep, to serve and to protect, yet we neglect our responsibilities and your creation suffers. We continue to act in ways that contribute to the disruption of earth’s beauty and integrity. We are distracted by wealth, power, and personal pursuits. We fail to see our abuse of your creation is also an abuse of our relationship with you and with each other. For this we grieve and are sorry. God, grant us forgiveness, fill us with irresistible love, and renew our hearts for your sake and the sake of your creation. (Silent Confession)

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

All that we have and all that we are comes from our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. With thankful hearts and thoughtful minds, let us now return a portion of God’s blessing to the work of the church.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray… Eternal God, the earth is yours and all that is in it. Please accept these tithes, offerings, and gifts and multiply them for the salvation of humanity and the renewal of creation. Amen.

 

Scripture April 21

 1 Corinthians 12:14-26

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

Photo by David Hofmann on Unsplash

Daily Prayers April 19

Daily Readings for Friday, April 19, 2024

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Exodus 24:1-18
• Second Reading Colossians 2:8-23
• Gospel Reading Matthew 4:12-17
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

The Communications Committee has the responsibility to assess communications needs and preferences of the congregation and help St. Mark to respond as technology and communication methods evolve. We have oversight responsibility for updating and maintaining Discover St. Mark and other official Social Media accounts, websites and church presence on community online sites and written media (newsletters, bulletins, etc.). In addition, the committee also monitors, assesses and provides assistance as needed to St. Mark staff, Ministries, Committees and official groups to communicate their mission, ministries and programs to church members and the community by means of written communications (such as websites, newsletters, bulletins and public relations announcements). 

Being such a busy congregation, the need for communication is great. The church website (www.discoverstmark.org) provides a great platform to deliver timely information. A huge thanks to Stacey Caplinger, who keeps the church website updated for the congregation. Stacey also continues to organize and edit the church newsletter – The Messenger – and publishes it by email. Stacey sends out the newsletters each month via email. In addition, printed newsletters are mailed each month to members who could not receive digital copies. Stacey also oversees the bulletin for worship. 

Electronic media continues to play an important and vital role in communications with the church’s blog (www.discoverstmark.blogspot.com) and a presence on Facebook via a public page and private bulletin board. Our public Discover St. Mark Facebook page has over 542 subscribers reaching out to individuals all over the world. Items were also posted to the private St. Mark Congregational Bulletin Board Facebook group by both members and staff. The Congregational Bulletin Board provides a great avenue to share images of church life for those who cannot be there in person. The private page has 183 subscribers within our own congregation.

As this is my last year on session and the committee, I wanted to thank everyone who has served on this  I am also looking forward to the return of John Northrip on session and as the chair of the committee. John’s experience in communications and wealth of St. Mark knowledge are a huge asset to the committee and the congregation as he takes over responsibilities for the committee in 2024. 

Respectfully Submitted, Clayton Douglas – Chair

Worship Prayers April 14

 

CENTERING PRAYER Author of Life, Living Word, Holy Breath, we have stumbled through the week and groped our way back to this place. Illumine the steps before us and write your word on our hearts, for we carry the name of Jesus and would walk in the light of his love. Amen. 

 CALL TO WORSHIP You alone are unutterable, from the time you created all things that can be spoken of. You alone are unknowable, from the time you created all things that can be known. All things cry out about you; those which speak, and those which cannot speak. All things honor you; those which think, and those which cannot think. For there is one longing, one groaning, that all things have for you; all things pray to you that comprehend your plan and offer you a silent hymn. In you, the One, all things abide, and all things endlessly run to you who are the end of all.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord, you named us stewards of this Earth, and we want to tend it and care for it, but again, and again we seek what is good and do what is bad. We stand in the rubble of many bad choices. We have been forgetful and willful tenants since you first put us in the Garden. Give us strength and courage to change our ways, so this Earth may flourish under our care. Teach us to care for your Earth, as you care for us. Fill us with your Spirit now, in our days on this Earth, so we may be fit and ready for the new heaven and the new Earth you promise. (Silent Confession)

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Scripture for April 14

 Mark 4:1-9

Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed

4 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

3 “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” 9 Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

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Daily Prayers April 12

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily

and follow me.

Daily Readings for Friday, April 12, 2024

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Exodus 16:23-36
• Second Reading 1 Peter 3:13-4:6
• Gospel Reading John 16:1-15
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us the desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. God of all joy, fill our souls to overflowing with the fullness of your grace. Lord, remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross, and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death, so that we may reflect your glory as disciples of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer. Both are published by Westminster/John Knox Press.)

PROPERTY AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEES

 

PROPERTY COMMITTEE The Property Committee is responsible for maintaining or replacing, if necessary, all items pertaining to the physical buildings of St. Mark Presbyterian Church. The following was accomplished by the Property Committee in the past year:

 • Routine management of the maintenance for: 

o Furnaces and air conditioners o Roofing and gutter repairs o Snow removal o Parking lot 

o Lawn irrigation o Elevator o Fire/smoke alarm 

o Emergency lights and fire extinguishers 

o Kitchen equipment o Pre-school

o Lawn, trees, and gardens

o Water and sewers 

• Installation of new cabinets in Director of Children’s Ministry office 

• Replacement of electrical outlets in Preschool with tamper-resistant outlets 

• Painting of hallways and replacement of hall lighting fixtures in Preschool 

Numerous other jobs were accomplished through the dedication of the Property Committee members, as there is no paid maintenance person. Many thanks.

. Respectfully submitted, Keith Monteith, Chair

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE The Technology Committee operates, manages, maintains, and purchases: all installed and portable audio systems; all TVs, cameras, and video systems; all desktop, laptop, tablet and server computers; all computer software, and their licenses, for all church devises; the church phone system; all church ethernet and Wi-Fi equipment and cabling; and all specialized equipment for hybrid/Zoom meetings. Additionally, the committee members run the sound board and live stream high-quality, multi-camera, broadcasts of the weekly Sunday Services along with any special events as requested. The committee retains IT contractors for the higher-level technical support of the church’s IT systems and the church website. The committee also sets policy for the use of all these systems and consults with office staff in contract renewal negotiations for the church copiers. 

The highlights for this year include: 

• The addition of the OWL camera system in room 102 for use during Zoom/TEAMS meetings. This system allows remote users, during a hybrid meeting, to have a 360- degree view of the room from the center of the room, and closeups of people as they speak. This makes remote participants feel more a part of a meeting rather than simply an observer. 

• The work in Fellowship Hall was completed early this year to replace the failed projector with a brighter LED model with better resolution and upgrade its connectivity from VGA to HDMI or wireless.

 • Technology consulted with the Security Team to design the specifications for, and select a contractor for, the enhanced security cameras throughout the church and preschool, as well as cameras and electronic door locks for the preschool (Luke) and office (Mark) entry doors. Technology Committee members saved several thousand dollars off this contract by running all the ethernet cable for all of these cameras and door locks. 

The Technology Committee is always interested in new members to assist in any roll, large or small. No experience required! Anyone interested should contact the chair. Additionally, the youth continue to help support our streaming efforts on Sunday mornings. We look forward to their continued support. 

Respectfully submitted, Chuck Livesay, Chair

DEACONS SPONSOR CIRCLE OF CONCERN 18th ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Saint Mark Deacons will once again serve as the Sponsor for the Circle of Concern Golf Tournament to be held May 20, 2024, at the Aberdeen Golf Club, Eureka, Missouri. Enjoy 18 holes of golf on a beautiful links style course with a picturesque backdrop of the Meramec River bluffs. Complete with a light breakfast, assorted beverages, hot dogs, and a catered meal following golf with awards and auction. 

Last year’s tournament raised $35,000 with all proceeds directly benefiting Circle. Orthopedic Specialists is again the Presenting Sponsor. Additionally, other Saint Mark families through the years have been leading financial sponsors. 

Circle of Concern located in Valley Park, Missouri assists 650 low-income families monthly within the footprint of the Parkway, Rockwood and Valley Park school districts and parts of Fenton and Kirkwood. Primarily a food pantry, Circle shares wholesome foods, personal care items, and other necessities, as well as short-term emergency financial assistance to eligible households. Circle also invests in the future of its clients through coaching, counseling, career mentorship programs, college and trade school scholarships, and children’s programs. 

Hopefully, you may be asking, “What can I do to help?” Please consider the following options: • Register to play golf as an individual or organize a group • Become or help identify sponsors (hole sponsors start at $150) • Donate items for the silent auction • Make a direct monetary contribution • Day of Tournament assistance (no golf skills needed): register golfers, serve coffee and breakfast sandwiches, prepare hot dogs, beverage distribution, Hole-in-One monitors, post tournament cleanup, etc. 

Tournament information pamphlets are available in the Narthex and Church Office. For the Deacons: Bob Stewart, Tournament Coordinator

SCOUTING

 

The Cub Scout Pack held the annual Pinewood Derby in January. In February they held the Arrow of Light and Crossover ceremonies. March and April the dens toured the Ballwin Police Station. May brought the combination Spring Campout/Cub Scout Spring BBQ/outdoor Blue and Gold Awards Banquet. In June they had a short Summer Camp at Beaumont’s Camp May. July was STEM CAMP for both Cub and Boy Scouts. September was their Fall Campout at Babler. The Troop has been busy all year. 

Their service projects have become an integral part of St. Mark and include: mulching, helping to break down the ABC sale and this year starting to help set up for the Christmas Boutique. Their outings have included Merit Badge Palooza, Shotgun shooting, Caving, S bar F (S-F) Tree Houses, Summer Camp, STEM, Northern Tier, Low Ropes Challenge Course, Biking on the Katey Trail, Scout Olympics, Mystery Outing. 

Having one of the largest Cub Packs and Scout Troops in the District, our units get the largest area to cover for Scouting for Food. GSLAC on average, the Scouts collect almost 2 million food items each year. 

Other successful annual fundraisers included popcorn sales, the Lawnmower Tune-up, and the annual Spaghetti Supper. August was fishing. 

Plans for 2024 outings, Summer Camp, High Adventure and Fund Raisers are well underway. A healthy group of Cubs is expected to crossover in February, Summer Camp will again be at S-F, and High Adventure Seabase will be a week of sailing in the Florida Keys! It’s been a GREAT year! 

Respectfully submitted, Chuck Livesay, St. Mark Chartered Organization Representative