Saturday, September 30, 2017

Daily Prayer September 30

SATURDAY
God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them.
2 Kings 11:1-20a; 1 Corinthians 7:10-24; Matthew 6:19-24

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection. We thank you for the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering, the ministry of Word and Sacrament, all who work to help and heal, sacrifices made for our benefit, opportunities for our generous giving. God of grace let our concern for others reflect Christ's self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. We pray for those subjected to tyranny and oppression, wounded and injured people, those who face death, those who may be our enemies. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by 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.)

Friday, September 29, 2017

Youth Calendar of October Events

Senior Highs 
Oct 1: Senior High Youth Group 11:30-1:30 p.m. 
              CROP Walk at Eden Seminary
Oct 8: Fall Festival 11:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct 15: Senior High Youth Group
             Pet Blessing 2 p.m.
Oct 22: Senior High Youth Group TBD
Oct 29 Senior High Trick or Treat for Cans

Middle School
Oct 1: CROP WALK at Eden Seminary
Oct 4: NO Middle School Fellowship
Oct 8: Fall Festival 11:30-2:30 p.m.
Oct 11: Middle School Fellowship
Oct 27-28: Presbytery Middle School Retreat


GIDDINGS-LOVEJOY MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT OCTOBER 27-28 Experience a weekend at Mound Ridge Retreat Center through the eyes of a superhero! Using scriptures found in Joshua and Esther, we will identify the superhero in ourselves & others. Cost is $40. REGISTRATION DUE OCTOBER 11. Scholarships are available. Contact Katie Sternhagen for more details.

SENIOR HIGH MOUND RIDGE RETREAT NOVEMBER 17-19
The Senior Highs are invited to take a closer look at the Gospel of Matthew and what it means to serve our neighbor in the middle of our wonderful Mound Ridge Camp. Cost is $75, which covers all the meals and lodging for two nights. REGISTRATION DUE OCTOBER 29. As always, scholarships are available, and if you have additional questions, contact Katie Sternhagen.

LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT The Youth have been asked back as servers for the Christmas Tea on December 2nd 1-5p.m. It is a great way to rack up service hours and you learn how to wait tables! The Senior High Fast Food Progressive Lunch will be December 3rd 11:30-1:30 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!
Trivia Night is March 3
Montreat 2018 will be June 2-9.
Details to follow

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Fantastic Tacos and Unexpected Grace

“I know nothing, except what everyone knows – if there when Grace dances, I should dance.” W. H. Auden 

Our family has enjoyed exploring the area over the past couple of months, and it’s been great trying out different restaurants across St. Louis. We are so thankful for all the gift cards we received on our first Sunday at St. Mark, and we are putting them to good use. Sarah’s aunt and uncle came up from Arkansas to take in a Cardinals game last week, and we headed to a favorite local Mexican restaurant with the whole family. The food was great, and it was wonderful to sit with extended family, if only for an evening, in our new home town. All meetings and meals come to an end, and as we sat among empty chip bowls, I prepared to play a familiar game with Uncle Ed. It is always a little like “High Noon” in the Old West between us when the check arrives. We catch each other’s eye, reach for our wallets, and pull out our credit card with the speed that would make Gary Cooper proud.

This time was different. We both had plastic in hand when the waitress approached the table, but she said something completely unexpected. Our meal was covered. Someone else in the restaurant had already paid it in full. This threw us for a bit of a loop, and we sat there grateful, but a little disoriented. I think for many of us, it’s easier to perform a gracious act than to accept one.

In our culture, we are instructed from an early age on the need to be self-sufficient. Our bills, our debts, and our problems are all our own. The Good News of Jesus Christ proclaims a completely different message. You are not your own, and you are not alone. God has already taken care of everything. The bill is paid in full (1 Corinthians 6:19-20.) This is how we answer the most important question, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?”

Our worldview begins to change when we acknowledge we cannot live this life on our own and stop pretending we have everything together. Philip Yancey calls grace, “the last best word,” and I think he is right. Like the air, it is all around us, but we are too stubborn, hurt, or scared to breath it in. The bill has already been paid, and the only question is how we will respond to God’s graciousness. I believe it is in freely receiving that we begin to fully give.

We have several wonderful opportunities coming up this month, and I encourage you to join us for the CROP Walk on October 1, the community-wide Fall Festival on October 8, and the Pet Blessing on October 15. All of these events (and others) provide an opportunity to give, receive, serve, and be served. In short, we have a chance to be the church to each other and to the world.

Blessings come in service to others, a welcome to a stranger, a shoulder to cry on, and, for our family last week, free tacos. May our hands, hearts, and lives be open to receive.

In Hope and Confidence, Pastor Dave

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Red Tent

In ancient times the Red Tent was a safe and sacred space where women gathered to experience,
share, celebrate and mourn the rhythms of life of a woman. Today, our Red Tent gathering is a safe and sacred space for all who gather. Join us Thursday, October 5, November 9, December 14, 10:00-11:00 am.

Lost for more than fifteen hundred years, the Gospel of Mary is the only existing early Christian gospel written in the name of a woman. The Gospel of Mary shows her to be an important disciple to whom Jesus' male disciples turn for advice and wisdom. Indeed, the apostle Peter specifically asks Mary to interpret the words of Jesus. The Gospel of Mary of Magdala offers a fascinating glimpse into the conflicts and controversies that shaped earliest Christianity.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance



Hurricane Irma, a record-setting storm, is now dissipating, but the devastation is just starting to be known. Members of PDA’s National Response Team will arrive in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina this week to provide aid, assess damage, and offer spiritual and emotional care for those impacted by the winds and flooding.

While PDA has already been in contact with presbyteries throughout Florida and Puerto Rico, the Church remains mindful of the areas where contact has, so far, been difficult to make. Once the information arrives from the Florida Keys as well as the Caribbean islands nearly wiped from the map, the destruction of this storm will begin to be fully known.

There are years of recovery ahead. Will you help extend the hands of Christ by standing in the GAP? — Give. Act. Pray.

PDA’s emergency response and specialization in long-term recovery is fueled by your generous gifts. Designate gifts to: Atlantic Regional Hurricanes DR000194 on the memo line of your check to St. Mark Presbyterian Church. You can also give with a credit card by visiting presbyterianmission.org/GIVE-Irma or by calling 800-872-3283.

PDA is still in need of support for mucking out and rebuilding efforts in the Gulf region after Harvey. Thank you to those of you who have already directed gifts to (DR000169-Harvey).

God our Shelter, 
  be a strong presence in the lives of neighbors who, having survived the winds and rains of Harvey, Ima and now Maria,  now face grief, uncertainty and weary days.  May our generosity in prayer and in tangible signs of support overflow more than floodwaters, to sustain your work of healing and rebuilding and bring comfort and strength to those who suffer.  AMEN.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Worship Prayers September 17

CENTERING PRAYER - “Gracious and loving God, thank you for this day.  Strengthen my resolve to love and show mercy throughout the day.  Lead my feet to your holy dwelling place, and guide the work I have to do for today.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.” (Feasting on the Word)


CALL TO WORSHIP (Romans 14:7-8)
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.
         If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord;
so then, whether we live or whether we die,
         we are the Lord’s.
Let us worship God.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious and loving God, you lived for us, but we have not lived for you.  You have forgiven us, but we have not forgiven others.  You have loved us, but we have not loved ourselves nor have we loved one another.  Take pity on us and forgive us, God. Help us to forgive.  Help us to live for you.  Help us to love through Christ our Lord. (Silent Confession)


SCRIPTURE                                                                                                              Romans 14:1, 5-6, 10-12

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Heidelberg Catechism Question One
   Q.     What is your only comfort in life and in death?
   A.     That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.  He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.  He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven: in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.  Because I belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me whole-heartedly willing and ready from now on to live for Him.


   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                           Exodus 14:19-31

For the sermon "Our Only Hope", click here.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Daily Prayer for Sept. 23

SATURDAY

God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God
abides in them.
2 Kings 2:1-18; 1 Corinthians 4:1-7; Matthew 5:17-20

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection. We thank you for the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering, the ministry of Word and Sacrament, all who work to help and heal, sacrifices made for our benefit, opportunities for our generous giving. God of grace let our concern for others reflect Christ's self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. We pray for those subjected to tyranny and oppression, wounded and injured people, those who face death, those who may be our enemies. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by 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.)

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Third Wednesday

Join us for ‘Third Wednesday!’
Wednesday, September 205:30 PM – Potluck in Gleason Hall
6:30 PM – ‘Meet Your Pastor’, Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess presenting "Telling Your Story"
Just a reminder that this blog is a wonderful place to "Tell Your Story".  
You can:
  • Describe an epiphany you had in your Circle or Sunday School Class.
  • Remember a Christmas tradition.
  • Discuss your favorite Bible Verse or hymn.
  • Share what you are thankful for.
  • Write a prayer
If you are on a computer, you can look to the right of the Discover St. Mark blog page (click here), scroll down and see names of others who have shared their stories over the years.

For example, if you click on "Bertha Larez", you will see that she has shared personal reflections as well as commentary on a book being discussed in a Lenten class. (click here)
Just send your stories to Jaclyn Morgan, put it in the Historian's mailbox or give me a call.  



Monday, September 18, 2017

CROP Walk

On Sunday Oct. 1, Eden Seminary will again host the annual St. Louis Crop Walk.  This year the CROP Concert will be in conjunction with the 6th Annual Eden Festival of Palms and the theme will be peace and justice, including food justice.

The concert will feature Richard Bruxvoort Hooligan, Paul Vasile and the Eden Choir.  Food will be available to purchase.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to CROP Hunger Walk.

5:30-6:30 PM Registration and Walk (Eden Quadrangle and Campus)
6:00-6:45 Dinner will be available from 2 Girls 4 Wheels
7:00 PM Concert in the Wehrli Chapel

Donations benefit local partners:  Circle of Concern, Operation Food Search, Webster-Rock Hill Ministries

For more information, click here.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Worship Prayers Sept. 19, 2017

CENTERING PRAYER - O God of this and every morning, as I begin this day, call my name; as I step into this day, guide my feet; as I live this day, care for those I love; as I learn this day, teach me your ways.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.


CALL TO WORSHIP
Praise the Lord!

         Sing God’s praise in the assembly of the faithful, for the Lord takes pleasure in the people.

Let the faithful sing for joy.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Lord God, while we were still slaves to sin, you died for our salvation.  Yet we still worship the false gods of the world, forgetting that you are Lord.  Loving worldly wealth, we have not loved you with our whole heart nor loved our neighbors as ourselves.  Trusting worldly strength, we have not trusted your word nor followed the Word-made-flesh.  Forgiving by worldly norms, we have not shown mercy to others as you have shown mercy to us.  Forgive us yet again, we pray in Christ’s name. (Silent prayer)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Friends, hear the good news of the gospel: Who is in a position to condemn?
         Only Christ.  And Christ died for us; Christ rose for us;
Christ reigns in power for us; Christ prays for us.
Friends, believe the good news of the gospel:
         in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.


   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                             Exodus 12:1-14

For the sermon "This Too Shall Pass", click here.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Daily Prayer

SATURDAY
Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 Kings 18:41-19:8; Philippians 3:17-4:7; Matthew 3:13-17

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.)

Friday, September 15, 2017

Youth News

TEACHERS AND CHAPERONES NEEDED: The Youth Committee is working on putting the Fall Calendar and Curriculum together, and we need folks who would like to teach either Middle School or Senior High. Please email and let me know and we will plug you in!

MIDDLE SCHOOL FELLOWSHIP: We will meet on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. beginning September 6. We will look at how we can bring God’s peace into our world.


CONFIRMATION 2017-2018: This year St. Mark has 13 students going through the confirmation process. Please join us in praying for these students throughout the program year!

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Owl You Need is Love

Each year, Presbyterian Women at St. Mark Presbyterian call all of the women in the church to invite them to a brunch to celebrate the beginning of the programming year.  This year's theme was "Owl You Need is Love" with our own Marie Holt as the featured speaker.




 After some socializing, we sat down to a beautiful breakfast prepared by our members:  Pineapple Tea, Ham and Swiss quiche, Classic Fruit Salad and Better Than Almost Anything Cake.  Then, the featured speaker (and one of the chefs) Marie Holt spoke to us about her new book She Shall Be Called Woman (published by Axiom Press).
 Marie told us this was actually her third attempt to write a book.  This book was inspired by a devotion she prepared for our Christmas Table Top Tea, one year.  "For the devotion I did a first person narrative telling the Christmas story from the innkeeper's wife point of view.  I concluded my narrative by relating how women of today can and do experience the same feelings as she did.  She is not mentioned in the Bible but she had to have been there right beside her husband doing her part to help.  And she had a strong message to share."
 She went on to explain how this devotion lead her to think about other women in the Bible: " I have taken that reference and tried to slip into the persona of that woman by telling the story as I imagine it could have happened.  Second, I have used the stories of these women, both named and unnamed, to offer encouragement and peace to women of today who might find themselves in similar circumstances."

Although the books will soon be available on Amazon, they can be purchased from Marie.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Worship Prayer Sept. 3

CENTERING PRAYER - God who is, God who has been, God who will be; faithful God, journeying God, God with us; You are our God, beyond us in mystery, with us in struggle, and guiding us onwards.  Your faithfulness we praise.  Your name we call upon.  Your presence we worship.  We are here, on this holy ground, in this time, offering our lives and ourselves to You.  We come open to Your Spirit, and trusting in the love of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.  (Church of Scotland)


CALL TO WORSHIP
The God of our ancestors calls us to worship.
         Praise the Lord!
Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
         Let us worship God!


   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of mercy, we confess that, like the disciples, we set our minds not on divine things but on human things.  Doubting your loving care, we grab for more than we need.  Doubting your loving purposes, we shrink from living as your followers.  Doubting your loving plan, we become stumbling blocks in your creation.  Forgive us that we may gain new life in you, for it is in Jesus’ forgiving name we pray.  (Silent prayer)

                 
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Question One from the Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q.     What is the chief end of man?
A.     Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.


   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                                Exodus 3:1-15

For the sermon "Finding Holy Ground", Click here.


Saturday, September 9, 2017

Daily Prayer Sept. 9

SATURDAY

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
1 Kings 12:1-20; James 5:7-20; Mark 15:33-39

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.)

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Children's Fellowship Begins Tonight!

Children's Wednesday Night Fellowship commences September 6, 6:30-7:30pm. (For children under 5th grade) 

We will continue with the Holy Moly Series studying 12 Old Testament Stores (Downstairs). The hour will include working on mission projects, fellowship and games (in Gleason Hall). 

The first mission project is to assemble Hygiene Kits through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Requested Items: Washcloths, hand towels, wide tooth comb, band-aids, bar of soap, nail clippers and toothbrush (in original packaging). There will be a barrel in the Narthex to accept items.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Mound Ridge Retreat Part 2

 Several carloads of St. Mark Presbyterian members drove to Mound Ridge on Saturday for fellowship, meditation, celebration and exploration.  On Sunday they were joined by more who drove down for worship and baptism in the Meramec River.












For more photos, click here.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Deacons Doings

Isaiah 58 is another local organization that receives a monetary donation from the ABC sale.

Established in 1970, Isaiah 58 Ministries was created to meet the needs of low-income individuals in our community through direct services including a food pantry, thrift store, healthy lifestyles programming, and women's group.

Their Mission Statement: Claiming our unity in Christ, in partnership with other churches, and in celebration of the human community, and in common service with other faiths and secular organizations, we intend to:

  • Provide programs and services to meet the physical and spiritual needs of persons in our neighborhood and in our churches 
  • Promote opportunities for an ecumenical witness to Christ in the inner city and to exist as a sign of unity in a fragmented church and society 


Learn more at: http://www.i58ministries.org/index.html

In addition to the monetary donation, St. Mark donates the clothing shed items and unsold ABC sale items to Isaiah 58 Ministries.

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Worship Prayers for August 27

CENTERING PRAYER - It is when we are still that we know.  It is when we listen that we hear.  It is when we remember that we see your light, O God.  From your Stillness we come.  With your Sound all life quivers with being.  From You the light of this moment shines.  Grant us to remember you at the heart of each moment.  Grant us to remember.  John Philip Newell, Praying With the Earth (Eerdmans: Michigan) 44.


CALL TO WORSHIP ()
Remember, our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Our help is in the One who teaches us that without love all our doings are worth nothing.Send your Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues;
         Let us worship the Lord!


   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Forgiving God, we confess we are conformed to this world.  We conform to this world’s frantic pace, too hectic to notice all the blessings you provide.  We conform to this world’s reckless waste, exploiting what you entrust to our care.  We conform to this world’s shallow values, oblivious to the giftedness of people different from us.  We conform to this world’s impatient attitudes, preferring the latest instead of the lasting.  Forgive our conformity and transform us, O God.  We continue to pray in Jesus’ name.  (Silent Confession)


AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Apostles’ Creed)
I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.


   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                            Exodus 1:8-2:10

For Pastor Dave's sermon "Forgetting Ourselves", click here.