Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig Howard

A Potosi Story
Posted on June 27, 2017 by Craig Howard
Blog Post by the Rev. Dr. Craig HowardPresbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leaderchoward@glpby.org

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On Sunday I retraced the Dan Anderson-Little route and preached at Hillside church at 8:30 a.m., followed by Potosi at 11:30 a.m. Before leaving for Texas, Dan preached at both congregations almost every Sunday! When I arrived at Potosi, I was informed of the history of the church and its work in the community. The church was established in 1832 and the current building was commissioned in 1907 and built in 1909. The architect of the church is John A. Lankford (1847 – 1946). Lankford would become the first African American Architect in the state of Virginia and Washington DC. He was known as the “dean of black architecture,” and would design buildings and churches throughout Virginia and DC.

Why would Potosi choose an African American architect from Virginia to design their church?

Click here for the rest of the post.

Bell Choir Openings

GIVE-IT-A-TRY Bell Choir!

On Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 pm interested musicians are invited to give bell-ringing a try. This is open to middleschoolers through adults who have had a year minimum of private instrumental lessons or band/ orchestra experience. We will learn/review basic bell ringing and learn to play an easy piece that we can present to the congregation on Sunday, July 16. Experienced ringers from our current bell choirs are also welcome, but to get new experience, I will be asking these ringers to play on bells that they have not played during the last year.

Please see me after worship or send me an email at mmedley@discoverstmark.org BY JULY 9 so that I have a head-count when I choose pieces to rehearse. THANK YOU to our solo and ensemble musicians who have prepared music this summer for worship, while our choirs are on break. All of them have spent extra time rehearsing, and for many, it is a little scary to get up in front of the congregation and sing alone or with just a small group, rather than be in a large choir. I thank them for their time, talent, and willingness to GIVE-IT-A-TRY with their best effort and intention.

Serving God the best that I can. Marsha

Prayer for June 25

SUNDAY

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.

1 Samuel 4:12-22; James 1:1-18; Matthew 19:23-30

God our creator, earth has many languages, but your gospel proclaims your love to all nations in one heavenly tongue. Make us messengers of the good news that, through the power of your Spirit, all the world may unite in one song of praise. Renew us by your Holy Spirit that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love; that, clinging in love to your will for us, we may walk the path of discipleship as followers of your Son. Merciful God, you sent Jesus to heal broken lives. Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole. Then all shall be renewed in vigor to point to the risen Christ, who conquered death that we might live eternally. Almighty God, we commend to your goodness all who are near and dear to us, wherever they may be today. Watch over them; provide for them; bless them in body and soul; at last bring them and us into the perfect and eternal joy of heaven. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of peace make you holy in every way, and keep your whole being, spirit, soul, and body, free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(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.)

Prayer for June 24

SATURDAY

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

1 Samuel 4:1b-11; acts 4:32-5:11; Luke 21:20-28

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You have given us the light of day that we might see your wonders in all we say and do; you give us the gentle darkness of the night that we might rest from our burdens and be refreshed in body and spirit. 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. Almighty God, by the love of Jesus Christ you draw people to faith, and welcome them into the church family. May we show your joy by embracing new brothers and sisters, who with us believe and with us will work to serve you. Keep us close together in your Spirit, breaking bread in faith and love, one with Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

(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.)

Mission Corner

St. Mark received a beautiful thank you note from the Care Home Children in Hyderabad, India. Terri Rider, a PC(USA) Mission co-worker, was involved with this ministry, and St. Mark committed to support them.  PW has sent the children “pillow case dresses;”  a picture of the children in their dresses is on PW’s table.  

This home cares for 60 children that are at risk and live in the slum.  Some are orphans that live with relatives and have no single place to call home.   Others have abusive or neglectful parents.  A husband and wife team run the home with staff.  

The home provides the children a safe haven from the violence played out every day on the streets; it is a place that the children go every day after school, where they can be comfortable to relax in the safety of adult supervision that genuinely cares for them. They are taught Bible stories, learn of Jesus, learn how to pray, hear scripture, and learn children’s Christian songs. Students get help with their homework, or for the students whom are not enrolled in school, the couple teaches the younger students during the day. 

The older girls whom are not enrolled in school are taught stitching, so they can find work to earn better wages.  If they did not learn this skill, they would be a day laborer – hauling bricks on their head, digging ditches, sorting through trash piles, or cleaning toilets with their bare hands.  All the efforts made by the Children Home is working toward giving each child the hope of a future in this life and into eternity.  

During the time there, the children will receive a hot meal made from fresh ingredients.  For some, this is their only meal during the day.   The Children Home is not self sufficient.  Because this home is in a slum village, the parents cannot afford to make any payment. The children freely receive the meals, services and supplies (school supplies, blanket, jacket).  The mission committee also thanks St. Mark for your continued support of this impactful mission that is changing lives.  Clarice Hutchens

Packing the dresses to go to India with Terri on the right

Worship Prayers for June 18

PRAYER IN PREPARATION-  O God, we give you thanks for the life of Jesus among us, and that he reigns in power for us.  Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, and grant us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we worship.  Open us to the possibility that we are being chosen to be new disciples with new ministries.  Strengthen our hope and bless the work of our hands, that we may live as the Body of Christ in this world.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come, all who would bear witness to the risen Christ!

         We have been chosen by Christ for a mission, to tell of God's truth.

Lift up your hearts, for we are called to tell of God's forgiveness and mercy.

         We are called to bring hope and life where once was only darkness and despair.

Let each one of us know we are special in the heart of Christ.

         God, who know our fears, accepts us.  God's love follows us wherever we go.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, you gather us and call us to proclaim your gospel, to live the resurrection faith, to touch lives as Jesus did.  Your triumph over death stands over all earthly powers.  Yet, too often we get involved with the things of this world, forgetting your purpose for us in it.  We see violence and injustice, hunger and need.  We see longing for something more.  We see failures and faults in our lives.  In all these things, we feel powerless.  Forgive us, O God, keep us from narrow visions and low expectations.  Keep us from scoffing at your call to discipleship.  Help us to rely on your power that we may serve your ministry in the world.

   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                           Acts 1:15-26, p. 1

Daily Prayer for June 17

SATURDAY

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

Song of Solomon 5:10-16, 7:1-2 (3-5), 6-7a (9), 8:6-7; 2 Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 20:1-8

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

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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.)

Ballwin Days Parade

Each year our Children's Ministry promotes St. Mark Presbyterian's Vacation Bible School at the Ballwin Days Parade.  It's a fun event, but is also a great way to promote this ministry.

Save the Date!! St. Mark Presbyterian Church Vacation Bible School will be July 17 – July 21, 2017
VBS program will be held 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon
Click Here to Register for Vacation Bible School

Go-getters Outing

Hi GO Getter Ladies,

By popular request, we have decided to go to Cardinal Nation at Ballpark Village on June 20, 2017.  Please NOTE, this is a CHANGE from our normal 2nd Tuesday.  We are going on the THIRD Tuesday this month because the Cardinals have a doubleheader on the 13th.  Therefore, the date is JUNE 20, 2017. The bus will leave the church promptly at 11:30 AM 

Please let us know if you plan to attend by responding to this email, or contacting S. Tharp, N. Sutch  or J.Graves.  Please invite a friend and join us for food, fun and fellowship. 

For those of you inquiring, the bus will let us out at the restaurant door.  There is very little walking required for this outing. 

Click here for other Go-getter outings and parties.

ABC (Rummage) Sale Is Coming

Your help is needed to make this event a grand success for our Deacons and their missions. The chairpersons for each department are anxious to work with you to make this fun for one and all - and to show the community that our sale is the best one ever!

Your help is needed for: setting up (Saturday, July 22, 9:00a.m.), collecting and sorting (Sunday, July 23 through Thursday, July 27, and/or assisting the days of the sale, July 28 and 29, including the "take -down" starting at noon on Saturday, July 29.

Please contact C. Bartell, V. Chabot or B. Pierce if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. Interested in providing or serving some of the food for the workers? Contact M. Holt.

Remember, we are anxious to have your terrific donations, but we are unable to accept any of the following: cribs, high chairs, car seats, encyclopedias, magazines, sofas, loveseats, mattresses, entertainment centers, televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, cords for computers, cell phones, or Christmas trees. Sorry!

 Thanks in advance for anything you can do to help!

 Becky, Vicki, Cindy

Worship Prayer for June 11

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  Abba, Father, Creator – we call you by many names, but the names we choose show our relationship with you.  Spirit of Life, Wind and Breath among us, we feel you move through us, guiding us, inspiring us to share your love with others.  Jesus, the Christ, Savior of us all, we desire to walk in your ways and to love one another as you first loved us.  Triune God, we desire to relate to you and to each other more fully.  Continue to call us, equip us, and send us into this world and beyond.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

We meet in the name of God, Creator of the universe, mother and father of all.

         The love of God is with us.

We meet in the name of Jesus, Word made flesh, lover of all.

         The grace of Christ is with us.

We meet in the name of the Holy Spirit, sustainer and giver of life, inspirer of all.

         The communion of the Spirit is with us.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Amazing God, we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.  You call us to be faithful disciples.  But we do not always exhibit your grace.  We are divided in our devotion to you.  Forgive us, Triune God.  Open our hearts.  Appear to us in forms we cannot deny.  Challenge us in ways we cannot avoid.  Lead us in paths from which we cannot turn back.  Be present here, befriend us here, renew us here.  Make us new creations who may perfectly love and serve you.

   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                               Matthew 28:16-20, p. 34

Daily Prayer June 10

SATURDAY

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

Deuteronomy 29:2-15; 2 Corinthians 0:1-15; Luke 18:15-30

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.)

Photos of Montreat

Deacon's Doings

Thank you to Joyce Blackwell for sharing her thoughts this month: The current Board of Deacons is blessed to be among great role models at St. Mark. Did you know that approximately three quarters of St. Mark’s adult members have been ordained as deacons? WOW! It is so obvious and logical that last year's Mission Study Report included this summary sentence: "We believe in caring for and supporting one another, and deepening our faith through the active use of our time, talents, and treasures.”

During a lunch meeting a few weeks ago, a friend/former business colleague and I were comparing notes on being empty nesters and retirees. We laughed a bit about how our calendars were much fuller than we had anticipated. He observed that I was very content about how I was spending my time and asked me why. I’ve thought about this a good bit over the last four years of being a deacon. My love language is “acts of service”. I like being active: doing & serving. Being part of the “ordered ministry of service” as a deacon has helped me more clearly hear, feel, and understand what our Triune God is calling me to do.

The Mission Study Report also clearly noted “… congregants have expressed an eagerness to do more “hands on” work as well as check writing; as a more authentic expression of their faith and to make more of an impact on their immediate community.” This bodes well for our future as we transition into a new season of ministry as well as develop and execute a unified vision for our next 50 years. I’m excited for our future “doings”? How about you???

Worship Prayers for June 4

PRAYER IN PREPARATION-  Holy Spirit of God, flickering over our heads, illuminating our faces, inspiring our thoughts, give us now words of joy and praise.  Come to us Spirit of God, so that in this time of Pentecost, the sparkling light of faith, the rushing wind of hope, and the joyful sound of praise may echo around the world, may echo in the church, and find their response in us.  Fill us with your power, for the sake of your kingdom.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

In the beginning God created the heavens and earth

         The Spirit of God swept over the face of the waters.

When the day of Pentecost had come, a mighty wind came upon the disciples.

         We are filled with vision, and inspired to dream dreams.

When God sends forth the Spirit, all creation comes into being.

         Bless the Lord, O my soul.  Praise the Spirit of God.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy Spirit, how we need you!  Our vision is dim, our dreams too small.  Come, inspire and direct us.  We have ceased to be amazed, or filled with excitement.  Come kindle the fire within us.  Come, heal and strengthen us.  Fill this place with songs of hope and joy.  Fuel our lives with power and grace.  Let flames of passion dance in our lives.  Create your church again, we pray.  Renew this world that it may glow with the light of your glory, and show forth your saving love.

   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                         Acts 2:1-21, p. 119

Children's Ministries Events

Children’s Ministries welcomes you to join us for the following events:

BALLWIN DAYS PARADE
June 9 Float Decorating & Barbecue

VBS PREPARATION DINNER DATES 5:30 PM
June 14 Pulled Pork

June 28 Hamburgers/Hot Dogs

Join your St. Mark family as the Children’s Ministries Committee prepares for VBS. This may entail painting, cutting, assembling crafts, ironing decals, etc. All dinners are casual with the main course provided. Please bring a side dish. (A freewill offering is collected to offset the expense of the main course.)

BE A SUPER HERO FOR VBS 2017

Please mark your calendars and join us for these events. Parents and siblings are ALWAYS welcome. For additional information, contact E. Oglesby or Ellen Hynes.