Friday, August 31, 2018

Daily Prayer August 31

FRIDAY

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.
Job 9:1-15, 32-35; Acts 10:34-48; John 7:37-52
God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made, and joyfully sing your praises. Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick; cheer them by your word, and bring healing as a sign of your grace. God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow; that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love. (Add your prayers,) Amen.
As God's own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

(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, August 29, 2018

Thank You! Thank You, St. Mark Congregation

Once again the ABC sale is just a memory. The racks and hangers have been put away, awaiting the gathering, sorting and selling of treasures next year. It took so many of you contributing goods, time and talent to make the 2018 all-church rummage sale a grand success!

The total reached nearly $12,000. What is important about that figure is that it will enable the Board of Deacons to reach out into the community with a helping hand and to hopefully make a difference in so many of the lives of our neighbors. The deacons will deliberate carefully in order to make meaningful choices.

In addition to the cash that was received and that will go right back out into our area, real goods were donated to a variety of places. During the week of the sale, a trailer from Remains sat outside in the back parking lot, ready to accept recyclable goods. After the sale, trucks pulled up to the front of the church, two from the Salvation Army and one from the Kidney Foundation to load unsold items from all departments except for clothing. The clothing went out the door by the kitchen into the truck from Isaiah 58. The loading was done by department workers and a “Takedown” committee, along with hardworking Boy Scouts and their leaders from the St. Mark troop. (We promised them many more spaghetti supper tickets would be sold next year!) Boxes of books were taken to the Veterans Administration to share at the hospital there. Suits, shirts, pants and suitcases were donated to the parole system so that those going out to find jobs would have interview clothing that they needed.

Organizations within the church benefit, too. The Christmas Boutique, the Claymont Preschool at St. Mark, the Fellowship Committee, Presbyterian Women, the Property Committee and Children’s Ministry all received items that they needed.

The sale actually continues year-round in yet another way. J. Morgan faithfully lists some unique treasures on EBay in the months to come in order to make additional funds for the Deacons to delegate. She takes on the task of monitoring this, shipping items all over in order to make the ABC event even better.

There are so many of you to thank, and we inevitably find that we have left someone out. The problem is that this all happens so quickly in the space of one week, and we often don’t have time to jot your name down or to have a sign-in sheet at a key place. Therefore we are not including a list with this article. Please know that we are grateful for each and every one of you, and we hope that you know that! By name we do need to thank Carol Pfeil, Jim Brewer and the Burgess family for all that they did during the week of the sale. And all of the rest of you (nearly 100) can feel certain that you have made a difference as you were doing God’s work. We pray that you will continue to help us next year; see you August 2, 3, 2019 - and the intense week before!

With love, C. Bartell, V. Chabot, B. Pierce

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Statement of Faith by Confirmand, Part 13

I believe in God, my Creator, my Protector, my Father. I believe in Jesus, God’s son who died for my sins. I believe in the Holy Spirit, who was sent by God to lead me to truth and understanding. I will rely on the Bible, which is God’s word, as a guide for the way I live my life. I will rely on my Church for knowledge, for support, for reassurance. I will do my best to remember to pray to God; I will rely on prayer to help me make important decisions, to help me cope and understand difficult issues, and to give myself hope. I will do my best to use Jesus as an example in my actions and words; I will try to be accepting of people different than myself, forgiving of those who hurt me, and helpful to others.

Jame W.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Discover St. Mark Sunday

St. Mark will host the inaugural Discover Sunday on September 9th. Various groups will have information tables introducing their ministries and mission. It is a fantastic way to learn more about how St. Mark serves our neighbors both near and far. This is a great Sunday to invite a friend to join you at church. The event will run from 9:30-10:30 and from 11:30-Noon.

Our worship schedule will return to Saturday 5 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Worship Prayers for Aug. 19

CENTERING PRAYER  I praise you, Lord, and give you thanks for the gift of this new day.  Fill me with your Holy Spirit.  Let your songs fill my heart.  Give me a wise and discerning mind to walk in your way, making the most of the time as I go out among your people.  Amen.

     
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 111)
Praise the Lord!
        I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright,
        In the congregation.
Praise the Lord!
        Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Praise the Lord!
        The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have
        a good understanding.
God’s praise endures forever.  Let us join together in worship!


   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All-knowing God, we are your children, but we have turned away from your wisdom and walked in our own ways.  We have lived carelessly and squandered time.  We have been foolish and failed to understand your will.  We have been drunk with the wine of this worldand debauched in our own desires.  Purge us from evil and fill us with your Spirit.  Clear our minds from clutter that we may discern what is right and walk in your ways.  Amen.


SCRIPTURE READING                                                    Ephesians 5:15-20

† 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.

For the sermon "Gather Ye Rosebuds", click here.

  

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Scripture for August 26

Ephesians 6:10-20 New International Version (NIV)

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassadorin chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Royal Military College of Canada memorial window to Ian Sutherland Brown Sir Lancelot whole armour of God.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Daily Prayer

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

Job 2:1-13; Acts 9:1-9; John 6:27-40
O God, whose presence is veiled from our eyes: Grant that when we do not recognize you, our hearts may burn within us, and when feeling is lost, we may cling in faith to your Word and the power of bread broken. Eternal God of unchanging power and light, look with mercy on your whole church. Bring to completion your saving work, so that the whole world may see the fallen lifted up, the old made new, and all things brought to perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. God of grace and hope, we thank you for life, love, and good memories, for the gift of age, and for the wisdom that comes from experience. We bless you for your constant presence, for with you there is fullness of joy. Give us the courage and faith to accept life as it comes, confident that the future is yours and that we belong to you forever. (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.)

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Statement of Faith by Confirmand, Part 12

Faith guides me and helps me move forward in my actions and in forming my beliefs and my words. I have faith in God, our Father; Jesus, his son who gave his life for me; and, in the Holy Spirit who teaches me and connects me to God. This is a hopeful and comforting message. When I come to Church, I feel connected to God, through studying the Bible, participating in worship and prayer. I have more to learn and understand about God, but this year has helped me grow in my faith. I understand that I can ask for forgiveness for my sins. This lesson is powerful because I can keep trying to be the person God wants me to be. I can use prayer to talk to God, to ask for help, to show how thankful I am, and for hope.

Jack W.

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Worship Prayers for August 12

CENTERING PRAYER  Loving God, as I break the fast of evening rest give me an appetite for your good gifts.  Let my hunger be satisfied with the nourishing bread of life you offer in Jesus Christ, that I may receive strength for the journey this day holds.  Amen.

     
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 130)
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in God’s Word I hope.
        Our souls wait for the Lord.
More than those who watch for the morning.
        More than those who watch for the morning.
O people, hope in the Lord!
        For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with God is great power to redeem.
Come!  Let us worship our God together!


   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, we confess we have not lived as your faithful children.  We have been angry with the world and nursed grudges against our adversaries.  We have hoarded the fruits of our labors rather than share our bounty with the needy.  We have not built up our neighbors with words of kindness but have indulged in evil gossip.  We have not forgiven the wrongs others have done, even though we desire your forgiveness toward us in Jesus Christ.  Heal us, O God, and give us the grace to love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.  We continue to pray in the redeeming name of Jesus Christ.  (Silent Confession)

SCRIPTURE READING                                                   Ephesians 4:25-5:2

  


† 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.

For the sermon "Keep Counting", click here.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Scripture for August 19

Ephesians 5:15-20 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
St. Paul

15 Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20 giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 17, 2018

Daily Prayer for August 17

FRIDAY

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.
Judges 14:20-15:20; Acts 7:17-29; John 4:43-54

God our creator, you made all things in your wisdom, and in your love you save us. We pray for the whole creation. Overthrow evil powers, right what is wrong, feed and satisfy those who thirst for justice, so that all your children may freely enjoy the earth you have made, and joyfully sing your praises. Take all our doubts and uncertainties, O God, and fill us with such faith that we may be confident of your love and loyal in the service of him who died and yet lives for us, Jesus Christ the Lord. Merciful God, you bear the pain of the world. Look with compassion on those who are sick; cheer them by your word, and bring healing as a sign of your grace. God of comfort, stand with those who sorrow; that they may be sure that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall separate them from your love. (Add your prayers.) Amen.
As God's own, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you, and crown all these things with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

(Opening sentences, prayers, and blessings are from the Book of Common Worship. Readings are from the daily lectionary in Daily Prayer.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

New Books in Library

New additions to the Adult Library include:

Half Truths: God helps those who help themselves and other things the Bible doesn’t say by Adam Hamilton examines some half truths people often believe that sometimes when repeated can hurt people. These half truths can lead people to conclusions about God that are not only untrue, but may push some people away from God.

What am I supposed to do with my life? Asking the right questions by Douglas J. Brouwer offers a personal, spiritual response to the vocational questions people often ask. This book will encourage many to reflect on their lives and vocations.

Angry people…and what we can learn from them by Warren W. Wiersbe uncovers some surprising insights about anger and points out biblical principles that will help you control and display anger in a way that protects, builds up and brings glory to God. The anger of Moses, David, Elisha, Jesus, and Jonah are discussed.

These books can be found on the cart in the Narthex.

COME IN AND CHECK US OUT!

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Statement of Faith by Confirmand, Part 11

I believe in God, who guides us through troubled times and protects us from ourselves and our sin.

I believe in our savior Jesus Christ, who teaches and heals the sick and the needy.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, who watches over us always.

God tells us the stories of the Bible, so that we may shape ourselves to become better people. Jesus died for our sins, yet he we still exploit the rules for our own gain. Yet, he forgives all sinners, and is sympathetic to our troubles. The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us through our daily lives. When we think we are alone and feel God has given up on us, he hasn’t. When we believe that God feels he is higher than we are, he doesn’t. When we believe that God is the reason for all our troubles, he isn’t. 

God spreads these morals and messages through church, where everyone is welcome and no one is denied. The young and the old, the sinners and the saints, all have one thing in common. They have faith in this life and in God. As we are made in God’s image, we must strive ourselves to be as much like God as possible. When my grandfather died, God helped me get through my grief and sadness. We must forgive those who have wronged us and be help to those in need.

Allison P.

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Worship Prayers for Aug. 5

CENTERING PRAYER  Holy, holy, holy Lord, God Almighty, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, your love endures forever.  I am like the flower that blooms in its season, watered by the earth and morning dew.  You send the sun and rain, morning, midday, and evening, giving light and life.  Thank you for protection through the night; thank you for your presence in the dawn. Renew my strength this day and let me love you with all my heart and soul and might.  Bear with me as I bear my cross for Christ, for I know that I will falter.  You remember that I am only dust, but you have breathed your Spirit into me and my face is renewed.  How can I show my gratitude? Grant that I may be one with the mind of Christ, loving my neighbor as myself and giving as freely of myself as you have given yourself to me.  Guide me today to serve in deep peace wherever there is need for healing or hope.  Use me to show others that you are the power who transforms the world and that you are the One who saves sinners.  This day and this night, in this life and in the life to come, let me live in you to praise you, God who is three, God who is one.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP
We do not live by bread alone,
        but by the Word who became flesh
and dwells among us.
        Christ is the true bread of heaven,
the manna of freedom.
        Come, let us worship and give thanks.


   PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy One, whose love and justice condemn us, whose mercy and kindness feed us, we confess our sins and pray for your forgiveness.  What terrible suffering we have unleashed. We have used other persons without regard for their dignity; we have abused the earth without care for its beauty or concern for future life; we have sought to bargain with you to smooth our way to heaven.

God, change us.  Put the Spirit of Christ within us and cause us to grow into mature, faithful disciples of the one who came from you to save us from our sin.  Free us from captivity to our selfishness, bind us to the whole body of Christ, and let us bear witness to the truth that your love holds everything together in perfect unity.  We pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  (Silent Confession)


SCRIPTURE READING                                                             John 6:24-35

  
† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH –  Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism Question One
        What is our chief end?
        Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever.

For the sermon "Biscuits and Grace", click here.