Annual Report: Children's Ministires

 

The congregational support to Children’s Ministry has been a huge blessing to the volunteers and to our children. Our programs would not have been possible without the many dedicated volunteers who supplied time and talent in all areas of the Children’s Ministry. The following programs were successful by all of us working together! 

• Sunday school classes for Pre-K – 5 th grade, continue weekly and online, using Orange 252 Kids curriculum. We are proud to connect church and family to create community and to partner in teaching the next generation to love God and serve others. Nursery care for children 0-2 years is available from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. A special thank you to our dedicated Sunday School teachers and nursery workers. New teachers were recruited throughout the year to teach and assist. 

• Palm Sunday, March 24 was our annual Jerusalem Festival. The event began during the worship service with children and youth processing with animals throughout the sanctuary. After worship, the Gleason Hall became first century Jerusalem filled with interactive and intergenerational activities such as: the petting zoo, shopping at local markets, an archaeological dig, visiting a temple and sukkah. 

• Bunny Breakfast, with donuts, egg hunts, activities and crafts, was March 30, the day before Easter. This also included a photo opportunity with Peter Cottontail. The hundreds of plastic eggs that were filled by PW women and were “hunted” by approximately 250 children and families of preschool age through youth.

 •Children began rehearsals in January for “Joy Ride, The Musical.” It was presented on April 21, followed by a beach “hang-out” reception. Children from Pre-K through 5th grade worked together under the direction of Latisha and the assistance of many volunteers to create this wonderful musical. 

• VBS was for five days, July 15-19, with the theme: “Camp Firelight.” Youth as well as adult volunteers worked together to provide a meaningful VBS for children from preschool through 5 th grade. There was an outpouring from the congregation of items needed for the week. Our numbers grew from 150 children in 2023 to 180. We had 52 youth and adult volunteers. 

• “Blessings of the Backpacks and Bible Sunday” was on August 18. All children entering third grade were presented with Bibles. Backpacks were blessed for the new school year. 

• Several Youth sponsored events that included Children’s Ministry, and were intergenerational, occurred throughout the year such as: tubing at Hidden Valley, apple picking at Eckert’s, cheering for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, and enjoying the Garden Glow’s beautiful displays, hot cocoa and s’mores around firepits at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. 

 • In June, the Mission committee sponsored Rise Against Hunger, a meal packing event that provided the opportunity for children and adults to participate in Packaging 15,000 meals. In 90 minutes, 80 plus people packaged meals that that were sent to the Philippines.

 • The Fall Festival was attended by over 200 children and adults, and 350 hotdogs were served! All ages attended the event, enjoying food, fellowship, crafts, hayrack ride, live band and inflatables. Approximately 80 volunteers, including adults, youth and Scouts made this possible! 

• The Kids and Youth Christmas Program was presented on December 8th. It included the Youth instrumental music Ensemble, Children’s choir, congregation sing-a-long, and was followed by the annual Jingle Mingle hosted by the Fellowship committee. It was a joyous intergenerational event celebrating the birth of Christ! 

• Santa Breakfast on “Candy Cane Lane” was attended by over 200 children and their parents. Santa and the elves welcomed guests, and all enjoyed a delicious breakfast, crafts, cake walk, and a book read aloud by Santa. Music by the St. Mark Youth Ensemble was a special addition this year.

 • We ended the year with the grand finale of the Children’s and Family Christmas Eve service at a new time (4 p.m.) with glow sticks and an impromptu live nativity made up of both St. Mark students and those visiting for the holidays! Also, not to be missed was the Pajama Sunday after Christmas service with lessons in carols, interactive activities, and left-over cookies, hot cocoa and crafts for all ages. 

This completes my third and final year as Chair of the Children’s Ministry Committee. I thank all of you who, when asked to help, enthusiastically said, “yes” and to those who volunteered without being asked! This is how we faithfully fulfill the promise we made when children are baptized. Thank you to Latisha Gilliland, Director of Children’s Ministry. Her love and dedication are an inspiration for all. I have been truly blessed to serve with them.

Lafayette Industries

 

Lafayette Industries is a contract packager offering shrink wrap, blister pack, display assemblies and other business services. Our mission is to exceed the customer’s expectations while employing hundreds of adults with disabilities within our business operations. Through extensive training and support programs employees learn to maximize their abilities to be successful in a productive and professional work environment. The result is high quality products and services at a competitive price on a timely basis.

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.

There would be no Lafayette Industries were it not for 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 49th 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. To Bob and Ethel, Boots and Bob Berry, Rev. Howard and Rosella Gleason, Bev, and Bob Hanson, and to the St. Mark congregation ---- we are forever indebted to you.

Worship Prayers March 29

CENTERING PRAYER Gracious God, seeker of the lost: draw your children back to your loving embrace, restore us to our inheritance as your daughters and sons, and reconcile our hearts to you, that we may become ambassadors of your reconciling love to all the world. We pray this through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 32 Grace and peace in Jesus Christ our LORD. Amen. Blessed are those whose transgression is forgiven. Thanks be to God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess we stray from your ways. Like a prodigal child, we waste our inheritance. You give us the earth for our home, but we squander her resources and hoard her bounty. You give us neighbors to love, but we pursue selfish ambitions. You give us commandments leading to human flourishing, but we break your law and forsake your love. Forgive our sin and bring us to repentance; draw our wandering hearts back to you so that we may find freedom in obedience to your love. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

PRAYER 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 March 30

Luke 15

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

The Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Photo Attributed to Jean Baptiste de Champaigne - [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4502600

Daily Prayer March 28

Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is near.

Exodus 34:1-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20; Matthew 5:21-26

Eternal God, you taught us that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. Keep us awake and alert, watching for your kingdom, and make us strong in faith, so that when Christ comes in glory to judge the earth, we may joyfully give him praise; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. God of holiness and light, cleanse our hearts and give a new spirit to all your people, that your saving grace may be professed and proclaimed to the whole world. How great is your love, Lord God, how wide is your mercy! Never let us board up the narrow gate that leads to life with rules or doctrines that you dismiss; but give us a Spirit to welcome all people with affection, so that your church may never exclude secret friends of yours, who are included in the love of Jesus Christ, who came to save us all. Amen. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord be kind and gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.

(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.)

Near to the Heart of God

 

This week at McCrite at Briarcliff, where I live, we had a program about hymns presented by Donna and Gary Douglas.  Their singing and piano playing were wonderful:  his beautiful rich baritone and her piano with the embellishments were inspiring.

She told us some hymns need to be looked at through a different lens.  The first hymn that we need to look at through a different lens was "Joy To The World", a hymn that was never meant to be a Christmas carol but about the Second Coming. She asked us to close our eyes and listen to it as a meditation. 

"Joyful, joyful we adore Thee

God of glory, Lord of love

And hearts unfold like flowers before Thee 

 

Opening to the sun above"

Then, the Douglases told some stories about some favorite hymns.  It was amazing how many hymns were written after a family tragedy.  One story that surprised me was "Near to the Heart of God" written by Cleland McAfee of Parkville, Missouri only a few miles from where I live.  Cleland was the son of one of the Park Universities founders, John A. McAffee. 

His daughter Katharine wrote "One terrible week, just before communion Sunday, the two daughters of my Uncle Howard and Aunt Lucy McAffee died of diphtheria within 24 hours of each other.  The college  family and town (Parkville) were stricken with grief.  My father often told us how he sat long and late thinking of what could be said in word and son on Sunday. So, he wrote "Near To the Heart of God".  The choir learned it at Saturday night rehearsal and afterward went to Howard McAffee's house and sang it as they stood under the sky outside the darkened quarantined home.  It was sung again on Sunday."

Cleland McAfee went on to pastor several Presbyterian congregations, taught at McCormick Seminary and helped direct the Presbyterian foreign mission program.  But, I'll remember him and his family each time I sing this song "There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God". And I'll remember that God's hand is present inspiring us and supporting us even when we are feeling grief.

Jaclyn Morgan

Annual Report: Missions

 Because of St. Mark’s steadfast dedication and generous support, the congregation achieved what is detailed in this report. Thank you for answering the call “to be the church”. 

• Each month the food pantry “Most Wanted” list was included in worship bulletins and the monthly Messenger newsletter. The congregation responded with over 5,000 pounds of food. This included over 600 pounds of food contributed during the Giving Thanks meal and the Youth’s very successful Souper Bowl of Caring, where 735 pounds of food as well as $1,306 were donated. In addition to food over 1,000 pounds of personal care products (which are not food stamp eligible) were contributed for donation to Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58. Underwear and socks were collected for Isaiah 58 and the winter coat drive yielded over three hundred new and “like new” coats for Isaiah 58 as well other cold weather clothing.

• Representatives from Marion Medical Mission, Isaiah 58, Lafayette Industries, Circle of Concern, Mound Ridge, Newborns in Need, Peace Meal and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services were guest speakers on February 11, at our annual Discover Mission Sunday. Each participated in the service, provided displays, and welcomed questions and discussion before and after worship. 

• The annual Lenten Water Challenge began with Ash Wednesday and concluded at Easter. During the challenge, we are encouraged 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. We were blessed to be able to contribute $6,133, approximately enough funds to drill a total of 13 wells. During Christmas Alternatives an additional $5,000+ was contributed, funding 11 more wells. A record year! 

• St. Mark’s second Rise Against Hunger meal packing event was held in June. It was a tremendous success packing 15,000 meals, surpassing the donation of 14,000 meals packed in 2023. This was a joyous intergenerational event. The meals were sent to the Philippines. 

• In August, after a week of many members working together sorting and organizing donated items, St. Mark hosted the annual Attic Basement Closet (ABC) rummage sale. The ABC Sale is our major fundraiser for our local mission partners. It takes much planning and can only be accomplished with vast St. Mark member support. Approximately $14,000 was raised. 

• Equal Exchange sales at the church occur one Sunday of each month as well as during the PW Christmas Boutique and Christmas Alternatives. These sales support long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sustainable between small farmers and consumers. Throughout the year, articles in the worship bulletins and the monthly Messenger newsletter introduced the congregation to some farmers and their environmental farming methods. St. Mark was named a top 100 congregation in 2024 for it’s consistent support and activity volumes. Equal Exchange coffee is also purchased and served by the Fellowship Committee for St. Mark hosted activities. 

• Christmas Alternatives was created 24 years ago to address the challenge of finding the perfect gift for someone who has “everything.” This is accomplished by donating in honor of the recipient to designated international mission partners that help deserving people who have so little but need so much. This year over $13,000 was raised which was donated to PCUSA mission co-workers Chenoa Stock and Jenny and Rev. Jed Koball, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Marion Medical Mission, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, PCUSA international food and income security missions, and Rise against Hunger. 

• Christmas gifts were collected and donated to children supported by Isaiah 58 and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS). This was a partnership with St. Mark Presbyterian Women who contributed 50 gifts for children who receive services from PCHAS. The Children’s Ministry Angel Tree collected 90 gifts for Isaiah 58. Sixtyone shoe boxes were filled with donated items for the children served by the Spirit Lake Mission in North Dakota. All boxes contained gloves and hats and many additional age appropriate items. 

• In addition to the activities mentioned above, local mission partners received monetary grants totaling $14,850. The funds were procured by proceeds from the ABC sale along with designated and undesignated mission donations. Recipients were Lafayette Industries, Mound Ridge, Presbyterian Children’s Homes, and Services (PCHAS), Peace Meal, Circle of Concern, Isaiah 58, and Rise Against Hunger. 

• Peace Meal received $3,000 from Endowment for the acquisition of a new range to replace their failing vintage range. St. Mark’s gift was matched by 20 other supporting organizations to ensure the old range could be safely deinstalled and disposed of along with necessary safety improvements for ventilation and fire suppression. 

• St. Mark continues to be a steadfast supporter of PCUSA Special Offerings with over $13,000 remitted during the year. Special Offerings include One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost, Peace and Global Witness, Christmas Joy, and Matthew 25. • St. Mark also provided general mission support to the Giddings Lovejoy Presbytery of $25,000 and $17,750 in per capita during 2024.

 • Presbyterian Women also make monetary donations to mission partners and that activity is reflected in their section of the annual report. 

• St. Mark members donated many hours each week volunteering. Each weekday you’ll find members at the two food pantries we support: Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58. Throughout the year our members also volunteered at Peace Meal (coordinated by Bruce Cranston), Lafayette Industries (coordinated by Marilyn McMillan), and Mound Ridge (coordinated by Mike Vroman).

 • This year St. Mark sponsored an adult mission trip to Spirit Lake, North Dakota, where our members utilized skills in construction to aid elders of the tribe and persons with disabilities. We look forward to another adult mission trip in 2025.

It is with much joy and gratitude that this report is submitted by the Mission Committee. Our prayer is that as a congregation, we continue to live out our call “to be the church”! 

Vacation Bible School: Road Trip---On the Go with God

 

You've saved the date - now it's time to write it in your calendar.  (July 14-18 9AM -12PM)

You have been invited to go on the most fun and extraordinary road trip adventure ever. You won't be alone as our mascot Scout is coming along and we will learn Joshua 1:9 "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." We need early teams to sign up so - sign up today! 

Registration is open! Click here or go to the church website to register.

Volunteers are also needed! If you can help for a few days or the entire week, Click here or go to the St. Mark website to register!

Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58

    Established in 1967 by a small group of churches, Circle of Concern has served west St. Louis County for 58 years.

Offering a client choice food pantry and wraparound programs, Circle aims to move families from crisis to stability.

Households in the 63026 and 63049 zip codes, or the footprint of the Parkway, Rockwood, Valley Park, or Kirkwood school districts, making 200% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible for services.

At monthly appointments, clients participate in case management and shop in the pantry where they choose from fresh dairy products, fresh produce, frozen meats, nonperishables, and personal care items. Circle offers emergency rent and utility assistance, counseling, community referrals, kid’s programs, holiday “extras” and scholarships. The onsite Garden Greens project, led by a head gardener and a team of volunteers, produces over 1500 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually to share with Circle families.

St. Mark is a founding member of Circle and has a long and engaged history of support, providing food and personal care donations, volunteers, and financial contributions. St. Mark works in partnership with Circle staff and volunteers in hosting the annual Charity Golf Tournament supporting Circle’s client programs.

    Isaiah 58 Ministries provides essential resources to individuals and families in need, focusing on ending food insecurity through our various food distributions. Our choice food pantry, as well as our Fresh Food Friday events, offer a variety of healthy food choices to guests struggling to make ends meet. Similarly, our clothing room offers free, gently used clothing to guests, helping to provide for their basic needs and regain dignity during difficult times.

Isaiah 58 Ministries also offers a range of impactful programming designed to support and uplift the community. From our Health and Wellness Program that offers monthly Lunch and Learn events, to our annual Juneteenth event that celebrates culture, unity, and heritage, to our Back-to-School Fair hosted for neighborhood children, Isaiah 58 Ministries continuously strives to improve the lives of families within our community.

During the holiday season, Isaiah 58 Ministries also organizes Holiday Food Distributions and a Holiday Store, offering meals and gifts to families to brighten their holidays. Through all these services and programs, Isaiah 58 Ministries seeks to transform lives and support the well-being of those in need within the community.

We are grateful to have the support of St. Mark Presbyterian Church and the many volunteers who work with us daily, ensuring the success of our mission to the community. Through donations of time, food, personal care products, clothing, holiday gifts and financial support, St. Mark plays a vital role in helping us care for others as we are building beloved community.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Worship Prayers March 23

CENTERING PRAYER Your glory and power, O God, surround us in the sanctuary. We lift up our hands and call on your name. We are your people, thirsty for the living water you alone can give. When we consider how you have helped us, giving us a spring that gushes up to eternal life, we cling to you, singing praises with joyful lips; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Everyone who thirsts: Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live. All who are hungry for righteousness: Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live. All who need the help of God: Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, we confess that we have grown complacent in our response to you. You set before us a rich feast of blessing, but we are drawn to lesser things that cannot satisfy. You call us to attend to urgent needs in the world, but we indulge our own desires. Our ways are not your ways; our thoughts do not ascend to your thoughts. Forgive us when we fall short of your claim upon our lives. Disturb our complacency and quicken our desire for a more fruitful life. Be patient, we pray, as we amend who we are, in the hope of becoming who you intend us to be. We ask this in the name of our Savior, your Son, Jesus Christ. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON God’s love is sure and steadfast, always providing a way out, a way through, a way back to God. Through the waters of baptism, we have died with Christ and are raised with him. With gratitude, in faith, we will walk the way of Christ. †

 SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

PRAYER 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.