I Need Thee O I Need Thee

Thanks to Heidi for posting this on Facebook!  This is a wonderful rendition of "I Need Thee O I Need Thee" sung A Capella by Sam Robson.  Click here for the link, if it doesn't pop up below.

Although this was on Godvine, the Youtube version has links to his other hymns if you would like to hear them also.

Sadly, we don't have the technology at St. Mark Presbyterian to turn one person into nine voices.  Won't you consider joining our musical ministry?  Click here for more information.

Spinnakers with Dr. Ray Arvidson

Dr. and Mrs. Arvidson

 Our Spinnaker group, for Seniors, was fortunate to have Dr. Arvidson present a program on Mars Rovers.  It was educational and entertaining to hear about the history of the program, learning about the difficulties navigating the Rovers from so far away.  It was interesting to see how similar Mars looks to areas on Earth.  As a planetary geologist, Dr. Arvidson explained that we can learn more about the history and the formation of Earth by studying Mars.  Since Earth is still so "active", it is harder to study our geological origins.

Why I Am (Still) A Presbyterian

I recently read a wonderful blog by Christopher Joiner that talks about the blessing of being part of the Presbyterian Church USA. As you read it, if you have questions or would like to discuss it with me, I would love to do so.  Click here for the article.

Because of Christ,

Steve Ranney

Pastor

Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

The new hymnals should be arriving soon.  For a sneak peak as to what they will be like, here are a few links.

This first link is to a pdf which shows you what each page looks like
http://www.presbyterianhymnal.org/Hymnpage.pdf

There will be many new and exciting hymns from Christians all over the world. To hear a sample of some of these, click here.

Finally, here's another pdf on how small groups, Sunday School classes can use the new hymnal as the basis of discussion.

http://www.presbyterianhymnal.org/PDF/Making%20Full%20Use%20of%20Your%20Hymnal.pdf

Bruschetta Chicken Bake at Midweek Dinner

 Where else can you get a nutritious, delicious meal. . .

Corny jokes from Steve and wonderful Fellowship?  Then, following the meal there is worship, guest speakers, youth activities, choir rehearsals---something for everyone.  Click here for more information.

Oh the World You Will Build!

 As part of the PW program "Under Construction", each table built Lego structures which we then, put together into a village.  The program was written by Mary Beth and narrated by Linda and Lynn.

 A parody based on The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

Oh the World You Will Build!

With apologies to Dr. Seuss

 Hip Hip Hooray!

Today is your day.
You're off to start building
You're off and away!

You have hat on your head.
You have on safety shoes
The toolbox is filled
with tools that you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the gal who'll decide where to go.

You'll look over blueprints. Look 'em over with care.
About some you will say, "No that doesn’t go there."
With your eyes safely covered and gloves on your hands,
you're too smart to follow any not-so-good plans.

New Hymnals

According to the denomination web site, The Presbyterian Hymnal Project, the new hymnals will be shipped out soon.  To prepare us for this new event, we have found several articles, blogs and insights into the creation of this (and older) hymnals.  Click here for a pdf on "Hymnals as Scrapbooks" which is a historic look at hymnals and discusses why some hymns are chosen and other aren't.

And, as alway, if you want to write a piece about a favorite hymn or a memory involving a hymn, please contact the Communications Committee, e-mail it to one of us or put it in the Communications mail box.

O sing to the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;

                  let the sea resound, and all that is in it.

Let the fields be jubilant, let the rivers clap their hands,

let the forests and the mountains sing for joy.

Make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing.

With trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn, shout for joy before the Lord who reigns.

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sausage French Toast Bake served at PW Brunch

SAUSAGE FRENCH TOAST BAKE

1 (16OZ) BOB EVANS ORIGINAL SAUSAGE

2 APPLES, CORED AND SLICED THIN

2 T BUTTER

1/2 CUP ORANGE JUICE

1/4 CUP DRIED CRANBERRIES

1 tsp ORANGE ZEST

1 (160Z) LOAF HEARTY WHITE BREAD CUT INTO 1 INCH SLICES

3 CUPS WHOLE MILK

6 EGGS

1 TSP CINNAMON

MAPLE SYRUP

CRUMBLE AND COOK SAUSAGE UNTIL BROWN.  DRAIN AND SET ASIDE. 

 IN SAME SKILLET MELT BUTTER, ADD APPLES AND SAUTE TIL TENDER.  ADD CRANBERRIES. ORANGE JUICE AND ZEST.  SIMMER FOR 3 MINUTES. REMOVE FROM HEAT AND STIR IN SAUSAGE.  SPRAY 9X13 PAN.  OVERLAP BREAD SLICES IN PAN TO FIT.  SPOON SAUSAGE MISTURE ON TOP.  IN LARGE BOWL, WHISK MILK, EGG, AND CINNAMON UNTIL WELL BLENDED.  POUR OVER BREAD AND SAUSAGE MIXTURE.  COVER AND REFRIGERATE OVERNIGHT.  PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES.  UNCOVER PAN AND BAKE 50-60 MINUTES OR UNTIL BROWN AND CUSTARD IS SET.  SERVE WITH MAPLE SYRUP DRIZZLED ON TOP OF SERVING PIECES.

We Will Build the World

 Each year the Presbyterian Women have a Brunch which "kicks off the year" to which all women of the church are invited.   This year's theme "We Will Build the World" started with some socializing, then the welcome by Karen R., the moderator, prayer by Reverend Susan Hayes and a Musical welcome by our "Construction Crew".  In addition to cookies which were later decorated, the centerpieces were toy trucks which later were donated to BRO, a local organization which collects toys for children.

Benefits of Singing in the Choir

When I was a child, I sang in the choir at Bellefontaine Methodist Church.  Before the new sanctuary was built, we worshipped in the old historic church built by slaves.  The choir, at that time, sang in the choir loft, which we were told was where the slaves had sat.  Being out of sight, we had a lot of time and opportunity for hi-jinks, including paper "accidentally" flying out of our hands, over the edge into the congregation.  It was a wonderful, but social occasion. I am still friends with several of my fellow choir members. Occasionally, we had moments of being a part of something big, especially when we marched in with the adults on special Sundays.  I can still sing the alto section to several of our hymns, today, thanks to that wonderful experience.

Spinnakers---Programs and Pecans

SPINNAKERS MEETING

Friday, September 20, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

We are honored to have a very special guest speaker to begin our new year of learning, fellowship and mission. Dr. Raymond Arvidson, a James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor, Washington University in Saint Louis has been instrumental in development and implementation of both orbital and landed missions to the planets. He is the Deputy Principal Investigator for the highly successful Mars Rover Missions. Come and join him in “Exploring Ancient Environments on Mars With the Opportunity and Curiosity Rovers”.

St. Mark members, friends and local planetary enthusiasts are welcome to share this interesting guest speaker with Spinnaker members. As always refreshments will be served. Church members can sign up in the Narthex.

Location: St. Mark Presbyterian Church

Fellowship Hall

601 Claymont Drive

Ballwin, MO 63011

And we should find out more about the pecan sales which would taste really good in this recipe:

For All the Saints

Although written as a processional for All Saints' Day, it is also an appropriate Labor Day song. A St. Mark Presbyterian member wrote this was his favorite hymn because "it reminds me of my father a kind unassuming man."

Here are the first 2 verses of the hymn and the last 2----there is quite a bit of variation on the other verses.  For example, our hymnal only has 6 verses total.

1. For all the saints, who from their labours rest,

Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.

Alleluia, Alleluia!