Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in
Praise the Lord, indeed! What a summer it has been. We had a raucous Vacation Bible School, we commissioned and sent young missionaries to South Carolina, and once again performed the “minor miracle” known as the ABC Sale. We have had some great worship experiences this summer too. It was pleasing to see such a great turnout in worship all through the summer. I was particularly thrilled to hear all of the musical talent there is in this congregation as many of you shared your gifts with us in worship.
As summer wanes, we turn our attention to the fall. I am enthusiastic about the wonderful things that are going to happen in the coming months. Rally Sunday is August 14. We will return to having two worship services on Sunday morning (an 8:30 am Communion Service & Traditional Worship at 10:30 am). Be sure to join our church family for a picnic with hot dogs and ice cream following the 10:30 am worship on August 14.
Over the summer, the Session decided to name our Organist, Marsha Medley, as our new Music Director. Marsha has been the organist at St. Mark since 2012; she will begin her new role on August 1. I have enjoyed working with Marsha over the past several months, and look forward to the new life and new possibilities she will bring to the music ministry at St. Mark.
On June 26, the Mission Study Team shared their Report with the congregation in worship. On July 12, the Presbytery’s Pastoral Transitions & Care Committee approved the Mission Study Report and gave St. Mark permission to begin assembling a Pastor Nominating Committee and begin the formal search for an installed pastor. We will vote for the Pastor Nominating Committee at our Congregational Meeting on September 25.
For thousands of years, people of faith have known joy in being together in the presence of the living God. In tents, the temple, the high places, in house churches, synagogues, refugee camps cathedrals and suburban churches, the people of God have found a constant source of strength.
From the farthest reaches of our summer travels and from the farthest reaches of our hearts, in our busy lives, God is calling us. Come and worship. Come together in God’s presence. Come to the constant source of strength and joy. Come join the company of your church family in the congregation!
Grace & peace, Pastor Jim
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