Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Faith Lessons From Nature

 

It was a chilly, windy, cloudy, December day in Kansas when I decided that I needed to get out of the farmhouse. I hiked through the pasture, around a farm pond, and started walking along a fence back toward the farmhouse. My wife’s stepfather (Harold) had really strong tightly wired fences, and this fence transitioned into a hedge row of Osage orange trees, which made the barbed wire even tighter, with especially small openings between the strands of barbed wire.

I reached a patch of tall dead sunflower stalks that were mixed in with a variety of other tall plants, (i.e., weeds). I walked to the right of this patch of tall dead plants that extended out about 50 yards from the fence. As I walked around the patch of tall weeds and headed back toward the fence, I saw what appeared to be a deer buck at the fence looking directly toward me. However, there was something wrong. I was confused by its appearance.

As I walked directly toward the buck, I began to realize that the buck’s antlers were stuck in the small openings of the tight fence wire strung through the hedge trees. As I walked closer, I could see that the buck was motionless, hanging limp on the other side of the fence with only its antlers holding it up. Still closer, it became obvious that the buck was dead. Its open eyes looking directly toward me were glazed over in a death stare.

I continued my hike along the fence walking away from the buck. I was thinking what a sad and gruesome sight it was, and how that buck must have suffered for hours or days before dying. As I continued walking a short distance, something began to draw me back to that buck. I’m not sure what it was. Perhaps it was curiosity. I remember thinking as to whether the buck been wounded and whether that somehow caused it to get caught in the fence.

I crossed over to the other side of the fence and walked back to the buck, but this time I was on its back side. I looked carefully at the buck just a few feet away, and I could not see any evidence that it had been wounded. However, I noticed that its right ear moved a little, which I quickly concluded was caused by the strong wind. I moved one or two steps closer to the buck.

Suddenly, to my absolute surprise and shock, that buck came to life pushing forward with all its strength to escape from me! The fence hardly flexed, and after just a few unsuccessful pushes the buck gave up, completely exhausted and weakened from similar previous efforts. The buck looked at me from the corner of its right eye in fear.

I was still in shock, as I stood in disbelief as to what had just occurred. I could not believe that my initial conclusion that the buck was dead was so grossly incorrect. At the same time, I realized that I had a dilemma. I couldn’t walk away leaving the buck to continue suffering until it died. Should I get my rifle and put it out of its misery? Should I call a game warden, who might not come for hours? As I was pondering these options, I had another thought.

I climbed back over the fence to the same side that I was on when I first saw the buck. I went around that same patch of weeks and walked directly toward the buck, who was looking at me. However, this time the buck instinctively attempted to move backward. After pulling on its antlers a couple of times, it was able to break free from the fence! It immediately ran several yards away, but in its weakened condition, it did not run very far. I watched it for a few minutes until I was convinced that it would be okay.

As I walked away, I was pleased with myself. I had saved a buck’s life! I decided that when I told this story to others, I would name the deer The Lazarus Buck.

My thoughts then turned to some faith and life lessons from this event, and over the years, those thoughts have expanded. I have wondered if this was God’s way, through nature, of leading me in my faith. I have placed those faith lessons into two categories.

First, the buck nearly died because it kept pushing forward on the fence without trying any other options, such as pulling back from the fence. It is so important in our faith to not get so set in our thinking that we aren’t willing to consider some changes in our beliefs and way of thinking. We need to be open to new faith ideas, to be willing to consider and accept different ideas as to how God wants us to live, and to broaden our acceptance of others that have different faith and morality beliefs.

Secondly, my role in saving the buck’s life was a faith lesson on how I could, and should, make a greater effort to help others in their times of need. Sometimes situations can unexpectedly develop where we can help others in life and faith. We need to be ready to recognize such opportunities and be willing to help others through words or actions. At the same time, we need to be open to accepting help from others. It isn’t a sign of weakness to accept help, or constructive criticism. Sometimes, we don’t recognize how others can help us in our lives and in

Loren Polak

August 2023


We hope you are inspired, not only by the faith we express, but by the

challenge to write your own faith story. We are re-posting the stories from last summer hoping you will be inspired to share your faith story with us.

 

If you write a faith story you would like to share with the congregation, send

it to Bill Tucker for feedback and publication. Only with your permission, we

will publish it on the St. Mark Blog. 


Monday, March 18, 2024

LENTEN WATER CHALLENGE


Pastor Dave has encouraged his congregations for the past to drink only clean tap water for the 40 days of Lent and donate the money not spent on other beverages to support the building of clean water wells in Africa. Giving up the morning trip to our favorite coffee spot, or the beverage with our drive through meal, or the evening adult beverage, will help us comprehend how much money we spend on beverages. We are blessed to have clean water in our community, and this challenge helps us to understand the needs of those who have less, and support groups who are working to provide living water for all God’s children.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Worship Prayers March 17






CENTERING PRAYER 

Holy God, by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, you lift the suffering world toward hope and transformation and open the way to eternal salvation. As we move ever closer to the passion of Christ, may you write your law of love on our hearts. Draw us closer to your way, to your cross, and to your love for the world. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Happy are those whose way is blameless,

who walk in the law of the LORD.

Happy are those who keep his decrees,

who seek him with their whole heart.

We will praise you with upright hearts,

when we learn your righteous ordinances.

We delight in your statutes;

We will not forget your word.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Redeeming God, we confess we do not love you with our whole heart, and we do not love our neighbors as we ought; we stray so far from your commandments. Do not remember our sins, but forgive our iniquities, that we may fix our eyes on you and stumble no more. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. (Silent Confession)


Photo credit:  Dave Burgess

 

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Scripture for March 17

 John 12:20-33

Jesus Predicts His Death
Crucifix veiled for Passiontide in the 
Parish Church of St. Martin, 
TannheimBaden Württemberg, Germany.

20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man[a] to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

Read full chapter

Friday, March 15, 2024

Daily Prayer March 15



My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.

Daily Readings for Friday, March 15, 2024

God of our forebears, as your chosen servant Abraham was given faith to obey your call and go out into the unknown, so may your church be granted such faith that we may follow you with courage for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. God of love, as you have given your life to us, so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws; the President of the United States and others in authority among us; that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

(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.)


Thursday, March 14, 2024

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

2023 has been a busy year for the Fellowship Committee: 

 

• We continue to provide coffee service from 9 am to about 10:15 am every Sunday. 

• The All-Church Picnic was held in June and coincided with Dave’s sabbatical send off. It was a large gathering held outside on the church grounds, with simple food offerings and was well attended. We included a new treat this year, Kona Ice for dessert! There was corn hole and other activities for the children. 

• The committee hosted a hot dog lunch for the ABC Sale workers on the first day of donation drop offs. 

• Fellowship participated in Discover St. Mark Sunday, with coffee, donut holes and lots of information about our committee! 

• Pastor Dave’s 6th Anniversary and Pastor MP’s 4th Anniversary celebrations were combined in October for one big pie Sunday. The committee and church members baked pies and shared them with our church family! It was such a blessing to be able to gather with our church family in gratitude for our pastors and their tireless work! 

• Giving Thanks continues to be a highlight of the fall season and was held the Sunday before Thanksgiving in November. We hosted a great turnout using our traditional recipes for casseroles, turkey and gravy. Plenty of delicious desserts were also shared and leftovers were encouraged to be taken home. 

• The Jingle Mingle was once again combined with the Children’s Christmas musical and was held immediately after the program. Lots of families and friends attended the musical and then joined in the fellowship afterward at the Jingle with appetizers, desserts and punch. 

• As the Saturday evening service was ending in December, we provided a cookie cake to recognize and appreciate Mark Reynosa’s musical contributions to St. Mark. 

• The committee has been busy keeping the kitchen clean and organized. We have also lent a helping hand to other committees as needed.

If you have an interest in joining the Fellowship Committee please contact Lisa Marsh, Fellowship Chair as of 2024. We are a busy committee, but we have a lot of fun and we would love to share your ideas and helping hands!

 Respectfully submitted, Nina Collier - (Retired) Fellowship Chair 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Children's Ministry---Spring Events

 ST. MARK CHILDREN’S MUSICAL - JOY RIDE The St. Mark Children’s choirs meet each week -
Pre-K (ages 3-4) from 5 - 5:25 pm and Elementary choir (grades K-5) from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall every Wednesday. We will share our journey with you on April 21st at 4:00 pm followed by a beach "hangout" reception for all. Contact Latisha Gilliland for more information.


Jerusalem Festival may be my favorite event during the Easter season. While I love the joy of the kids in a competitive egg hunt, there is something about transporting back in time to what it might have been like to live in the time of Jesus: walking through the town of Jerusalem, hearing the merchants and the chatter of the community, listening to music. As we reflect together on Palm Sunday, for a couple of hours, we will glimpse what it was like for Jesus as he triumphantly entered the town as Savior and King.

The children will be dressed for the times, walk through halls decorated to look a bit like Jerusalem, pet animals, purchase goods from merchants, make pottery, and plant herbs. But Most of all, they will hear the story of Jesus’ love for us. This is a time of reflection.

The Children’s Ministry committee invites St. Mark’s entire church family and guests from the community to join the children at Jerusalem Festival. As you enter the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, we will hand you a shekel to bring to Gleason Hall after the service. You can use the ancient coin to partake in the feast of breads and fruit. You can also take a turn to stomp grapes. The Jerusalem Festival is truly an event for all ages and all in our community from 9 to 12:30

This is an excellent way to begin Holy Week as we prepare for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Click here for photos from the past.

We hope you can join us for this outside event! The egg hunt times are as follows: Ages 3 & under – 9:30, Preschool to Kindergarten – 9:50, 1st & 2nd Graders – 10:10, all ages – 10:30.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Faith Statement of Sharon Joyce


I was nine (9) years old when I decided I wanted to be a Christian and follow Christ’s teachings for the rest of my life. I actually remember the date: March 27, 1957. I had a diary then (which I’ve kept) and it was noted with BiG letters!

I went to a “Children’s Crusade” at my neighbor’s church. At the end of the program they talked about dedicating your life to Christ, and I went forward. I had been going to church with another neighbor, but didn’t really apply what I was hearing until I went to the Children’s Crusade.

My parents didn’t go to church. My dad said he was excommunicated from the Catholic church when he was divorced, and subsequently had a low opinion of the church. Nevertheless, when I got home the night of my decision, he was sitting in the living room and I told him what I had done. He wasn’t sure what to say but mumbled something like “that’s nice”.

My other neighbor though (“Ma” Kopp and her daughter Betty), the ones I had been going to church with, were very happy when I told them. They encouraged me to read the Bible and to follow God’s teachings all my life. They became the ones I went to when I had questions.

I remember once when I was nearing my teens the kids at school were talking about the world coming to an end on a certain day. This freaked me out, but when I asked Betty about it she sat me down and showed me in the Bible that “Neither the day or hour” would be known to man when the world would end. She said whoever had said that was a false prophet and should be ignored.

Wonderful news! I continued to go to their church through my Junior High years--I was even baptized there. This church was an Assemblies of God, evangelical church. Although I made friends and played in their band with my clarinet and flute, I didn’t feel comfortable with their strong focus on “speaking in tongues.”

When I was in high school I joined a non-denominational church for its great youth program. I was very involved with this group--they had many activities that I enjoyed. Some of my best friends were part of it. My first boyfriend was even part of this group. I met him on one of their hayrides. I remember Betty and her Mom saying it was important to hang out with other believers. They even told me to be sure I married a believer!

When I met Rob in college, I found out that he too was a Christian. Part of our dating involved Bible study. I thought back to what my neighbors taught me, to “marry a believer”. This definitely was one of the reasons I felt safe with him and our relationship grew. We both felt God meant for us to be together. We ended up getting married in the church where I had originally made my decision to follow Christ!

We faithfully went to church and Sunday School, and raised our children in the church. When we moved to Missouri one of the first things we felt we needed was to find a church that fit us. Moving had presented a challenge in many ways—I missed my longtime California friends, but knew I could find good friends in church.

I believe God led us to the Presbyterian church we eventually joined. We became part of a small group—in that Bible study we not only made friends, but our faith grew. God helped get us through multiple rough spots.

By following God’s teachings I have had a good “map” for leading a good life. I feel blessed. God is important in my life. I believe it’s important to stay grounded in God’s word by continuing to learn. Doing regular Bible studies, going to church, getting involved with others who need a friend, and hearing God’s word through our pastors and teachers is important.

I have been involved in various ways with the running of church programs, from Stephen’s Ministry to being an Elder, Deacon, an adult Sunday School teacher, as well as in leadership of Presbyterian Women. I believe that my faith helps me to be kind, patient, loving, and encouraging. God needs workers. I believe God wants me to use my talents to further God’s work. This is what I have tried to do. 

Sharon Joyce Cardwell 8-9-2023 

We hope you are inspired, not only by the faith we express, but by the

challenge to write your own faith story. We are re-posting the stories from last summer hoping you will be inspired to share your faith story with us.

 

If you write a faith story you would like to share with the congregation, send

it to Bill Tucker for feedback and publication. Only with your permission, we

will publish it on the St. Mark Blog. 


Monday, March 11, 2024

LAFAYETTE WORK CENTERS

 


In 2023, we saw the remaining contingent of our employees who were at home during the pandemic, return to work, and we were able to hire 24 new fulltime workers! Combined with our STEPUP program, we again provided our unique program service to over 400 different  individuals the past year. We continue to be very blessed. Once again, as I have stated over and over, what a pleasure it is to work with people who love having a job! 

We again received great financial support from our sponsors throughout the year which enabled us to not only employ those new folks, but conduct: free flu vaccination shots; our 3 times/week Glee Club; attendance and anniversary awards for every individual; 1-1 specialized training as needed; Safety and Respect recognition awards; art therapy; and served over 4,000 individual free healthy lunches.

 In September we celebrated our 48th anniversary, and held our Employee family celebration and picnic in person, this year with over 450 attending! At the end of the year we awarded 3 more gold watches (for 25 years of service), bringing the total to 109 that we have given out in the last 17 years. Is that not something special! 

On the business side of our operation, we again produced 10 million packages. The partnership with McArthur’s bakery in Kirkwood, the “Pioneer Café”, expanded to 17 participants learning social skills and the hospitality business, and we have now expanded into Jefferson County at the Wicked Chicken and Cool Beans café with 12 new participants. 

I again would like to convey my personal thanks for your continuous support and constant prayers as well as thank those St. Mark private donors who made contributions, as well as the St. Mark Spinnakers, and the St. Mark Presbyterian Women and the Deacons who support us every year. There would be no Lafayette Industries were it not for the Bob and Ethel McLuen, as well as a handful of other families who, back in 1976, were looking for a post-schooling work opportunity for their adult children with disabilities. With funding from the state of Missouri, they opened a modest, one room warehouse with an oil- and grease-filled floor in Valley Park, Missouri. There were 16 workers originally, including the McLuen’s son, Kenny, who retired to Nashville—but came to visit us twice this past year! 

As we enter our 48th year, we now provide opportunities for over 400 individuals. Wow. The vision that founded Lafayette continues to hold true today as it did in 1976---to provide employment to deserving folks that gives them Dignity through work and the opportunity to use their God-given talents and abilities, just like the rest of us. To Bob and Ethel, Boots and Bob Berry, Rev. and Rosella Gleason, Bev and Bob Hanson, and to the St. Mark’s community----we are forever indebted to you. Thank you once again, may God continue to bless you all very much, and looking forward to Mission Sunday in February! Happy New Year! 

Respectfully submitted, Rob Libera, CEO & Executive Director

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Worship Prayers for March 10

 CENTERING PRAYER Guided by your revelation, we are compelled to seek your wisdom as we


continue the Lenten journey. We are filled with awesome wonder that you would love us so, trust us so, and move within us. Now fill our spirits with hope, humility, and resolve, that we might be your will in the world. Open our hearts to accept this call upon our lives. May our sacred service be pleasing in your sight. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP We enter into worship together, reflections of God’s glory. Inspired by God’s presence, we gather to join in praise. In joy, we lift our voices. With adoration, we express our gratitude.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess the folly of our sin and the hypocrisy of our complaints. We grumble about the evils in our world, even as we commit injustices and profit through deceit. We fret about the scarcity of resources while hoarding earth’s goods and cheating the poor. We protest the problems of our world, but we do not actively work to address them. Merciful God, expose our sins before the light of your grace. Heal our sin and free us from our foolish ways that we me know the joy of eternal life in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. (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.