What Do We Mean by Missions

 “What we are called to do through the active use of our time, talent and treasure to serve those beyond
our St. Mark congregation who need our help.” (St Mark definition) 

At St. Mark the mission work focuses on local missions, climaxing in the ABC Sale to raise funds in the summer, and the international missions, culminating in the Christmas Alternatives giving in the winter.

 • Who is served by the ABC Sale? Hunger Missions: Circle of Concern, Isaiah 58, Peace Meal; Disability services: Lafayette Industries; Outdoor Ministry: Mound Ridge; College missions: Ukirk; and Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services. These are our primary local missions. 

• Who is served by Christmas Alternatives? Well-drilling: Marion Medical Mission; Nursing scholarships: Medical Benevolence Foundation in Malawi, DR Congo and Haiti; Life-saver clinics: DR Congo, Malawi, Kenya & Haiti; PCUSA Mission Co-workers: Rev. Jed and Jenny Koball, Peru, Chenoa Stock, Peru; Education Scholarship Partnerships w/ Presbytery: Nicaragua and Kenya. Small Farmer aid: Equal Exchange Program through food and coffee sales. 

These are our primary international missions. Our Focus on missions this year will come from a monthly request for donations for one local and one international mission. 

On the third Sunday the Committee will share a mission moment or activity around Sunday worship. On February 27 we will have the annual Discovery Sunday to personally share the needs of local missions we serve. By spreading the services of the Mission Committee from month to month, hopefully the Committee will keep the congregation attentive to Mission without an overwhelming flood of mission requests for help. The mission field is broad, but our service is focused and personal. 

For the Missions Committee: Bill Tucker

Order of Worship January 30, 2022

  

CENTERING PRAYER Francis J. Grimke (1850-1937) 

“Dear Lord, take out of our hearts all bitterness, hatred, and even indifference, unconcern, as it respects others. Help us to feel kindly toward others, to be sincerely interested in their welfare and happiness. The Lord Jesus was interested in everybody, felt kindly toward everybody. There was never any bitterness, or hatred, or indifference towards those with whom he was daily thrown into contact. Love, true love, unselfish love, love that suffereth long and is kind, was ever to the front, was ever actively in evidence. Grant that it may also be true of all of us in all our relations and contact with others. It is his beautiful spirit that we need to catch, and carry with us all through life.” 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Voluntary in D minor            Long (18th century) 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP       Psalm 71:1-3 

In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 

In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline your ear to me and save me. 

Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, 

For you are my rock and my fortress. Come! Let us worship our God together! 

† HYMN “This Is My Song” Hymnal #340

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of life, we admit to you and to each other that we have not always lived lives of love. We have lost patience and been rude. We have been irritable and insisted on our own way. We have even stopped loving altogether. Forgive us and heal us, dear God. We continue to pray through the name of your loving Son, Jesus Christ. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD      Hymnal #582

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE Luke 4:21-30 

SERMON “Equal and Opposite” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One

 Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING Love One Another Nix Ladies Chorus 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS 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. 

† HYMN      “Love Diving, All Loves Excelling”      Hymnal #366 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION      “Go to the World!”      Hymnal #295 Verse 1 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Diapason Movement       Green (18th century) 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able

Daily Prayer January 28

 Through Jesus let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of lips that acknowledge God's name.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 28, 2022

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading Genesis 17:15-27
• Second Reading Hebrews 10:11-25
• Gospel Reading John 6:1-15
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

We give you thanks and praise, O God, for you are without beginning and without end; through your Son, you have created and preserved the world. Father of Christ and the giver of the Spirit, you rule over all creation. The day you have made for the works of light and the night for our refreshment and strength. You guide us through the day to the beginning of night; grant us, in Christ, an evening filled with peace and a night free from sin; and when at last we come to our own end, bring us into the everlasting life of your kingdom, where you live and reign with Christ, your Son, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. High God, holy God: you rule the ways of peoples, and govern every earthly government. Work with those who work for peace. Make every person in authority an agent of your reconciliation, and every diplomat an ambassador of hope. Bring peace and goodwill among all people, fulfilling among us the promise made in Jesus Christ, who was born to save the world. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of Christ attend you, the love of God surround you, the Holy Spirit keep you, that you may live in faith, abound in hope, and grow in love, both now and forevermore.

(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

Order of Worship January 23, 2022

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Holy One, we thank you for the gift of the Bible, for its psalms and poems, parables and stories, histories, teachings, and prophecies. May the Holy Spirit who called out those ancient writings continue to call us out today, that our lives may reflect Jesus’ first sermon. We pray in the name of the risen Christ who brings good news to the poor and lets the oppressed go free. Amen.

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) To God Be the Glory Grichetchkine ©2019 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS  

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 19)

 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; 

the decrees of the LORD are sure, making the wise the simple;

the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever.

This is the day the LORD has made.

Let us all rejoice and be glad in it.

† HYMN     “To God Be the Glory”     Hymnal #634 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God of our Restoration, whenever we come home to you, we realize how far we stray and how much we forget of your law and your love. We do not love you with our whole hearts or love our neighbors as ourselves. Forgive us, heal us, and restore us to our relationship with you; through Jesus Christ, in whom we trust. (Silent Confession)

 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #582 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE Luke 4:14-21 

SERMON “Calling His Shot” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One 

Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING Call Him Jesus      Fair/Martin 

Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS 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. 

† HYMN      “Live into Hope”      Hymnal #772 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION     “Go to the World!”      Hymnal #295 Verse 1 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Fantasia Krieger (1651-1735) 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for January 23, 2022

 Luke 4:14-21

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

Jesus unrolls the Scroll in a synagogue by James Tissot 1890

14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[a]

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

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Daily Prayers January 21

 The Son of Man must be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 21, 2022

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Genesis 11:27-12:8
• Second Reading Hebrews 7:1-17
• Gospel Reading John 4:16-26
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you taught us to pray, and to offer our petitions to you in his name. Guide us by your Holy Spirit, that our prayers for others may serve your will and show your steadfast love. Lead us and every people into ways of justice and peace, that we may respect one another in freedom and truth. Awaken in us a sense of wonder for the earth and all that is in it. Righteous God, you rule the nations. Guard brave men and women who risk themselves in battle for their country. Keep our sons and daughters from hate that hardens, or from scorekeeping with human lives. Though they must be at war, let them live for peace. Encourage them as they encourage one another, and never let hard duty separate them from loyalty to your Son. God of all generations, we praise you for all your servants who, having been faithful to you on earth, now live with you in heaven. Keep us in fellowship with them, until we meet with all your children in the joy of your eternal kingdom. (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.)

Order of Worship January 16, 2022

 

CENTERING PRAYER 

Holy God, through signs of grace you reveal your glory to all the world. Open our eyes to the hidden and surprising wonders you perform, that we may believe with our minds and trust in our hearts that you alone are Lord of all creation. Though Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Built on the Rock, The Church Doth Stand arr. Hobby, 1994 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

How precious is the steadfast love of God. 

All people may take refuge in the shadow of God’s embrace. 

Christ is the fountain of life. 

In Christ we behold the Light of God. 

† HYMN      “Great is Thy Faithfulness”      Hymnal #39 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Almighty God, we confess that we have been led astray by the idols of our world. We have depended on our possessions and have not placed our trust in your grace. We have carelessly consumed the gifts you offer and have failed to be faithful stewards of the earth’s resources. We have sought security in the might of the sword rather than the strength of your Holy Spirit. Forgive us, we pray. Lead us to true repentance that we may serve you faithfully. Through Christ we pray. (Silent confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

 †GLORIA PATRI      Hymnal #581 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE John 2:1-11 

SERMON “Picture it…Cana…year 30. Jesus is at a Wedding” Rev. MP Panco 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The 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. 

OFFERING      All Night, All Day      arr. Scham † 

THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS 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. 

† HYMN      “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”      Hymnal #263 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION      “Go to the World!”      Hymnal #295 Verse 1 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Basse de Gromorne Clerambault (1676-1749) 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for January 16

 John 2:1-11

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine

2 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b]

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.Read full chapter

Marriage at Cana by Giotto di Bondone, 14th century

Daily Prayer January 14

 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 14, 2022

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading Genesis 6:1-8
• Second Reading Hebrews 3:12-19
• Gospel Reading John 2:1-12
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. In the beginning you separated light from darkness and placed all your works in our hands. 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, 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. 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.)

Thank you St. Mark!

 Thank you St. Mark for your generosity in a number of projects!

YOUTH LID PROJECT GREAT JOB EVERYONE! On Sunday, December 5, we weighed all of the cleaned and sorted lids and we have 526 pounds! 26 pounds over what we need. Soon Tricia Rouff will be driving to the site to make the exchange; lids for a plastic table which we have decided to donate to Mound Ridge Camp!

THANK YOU, ST. MARK, FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! 138 pounds of food/hygiene items were donated for Circle of Concern through the Children's Christmas program. In addition, Isaiah 58 was the recipient of 63 angel tree gifts PLUS 43 teddy bears from PW for their annual holiday store!

 CHRISTMAS ALTERNATIVES – Our 21st Year! St Mark Christmas Alternatives: a better way to live the values of the Season and make a real impact. Over $10,000 of alternative, transformational Christmas gifts were donated in December. Amen!

THANK YOU TO ST. MARK PW MEMBERS! Thank you to the PW Circles for providing Christmas gifts to children receiving care through Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. Your generosity has provided Christmas blessings to 60 children.

Order of Worship January 9, 2022

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 Loving God, we begin this new day in the sure knowledge you have claimed us as your children. In all that we do, keep us mindful of actions that are pleasing in your sight. In all that we say, make us attentive to the witness we give to your love. Let our lives be an example to all whom we encounter, living as children of God who follow in the path of Jesus, our Lord and our brother. Amen. 

PRELUDE  Theme and Fantasia on I Want to Walk as a Child of God arr. Behnke

 WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

The voice of God resounds upon the water. 

The Spirit of the Lord hovers over the stream.

The Son of God is named, “Beloved.” 

And all who worship shout out, “Glory!” 

Ascribe to the Lord majesty and strength. 

Let us worship God in holy splendor.

 † HYMN “Men of Faith, Rise Up and Sing” Hymnal #319 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

We are precious in your sight, yet we often forget we are your beloved. We confess our love is fickle and inconstant. We follow selfish goals and deny our way of life harms others and hurts your world. We are sorry, and we want to change. Create in us a clean heart, strengthen our resolve, reconcile us one to another, and bless us with your peace. We continue to pray in Christ’s name. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

 †GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #581 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE Isaiah 43:1-7 

SERMON “Called by Name” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The 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. 

OFFERING      My Son, The Beloved       Blackwell 

Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS 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. 

ORDINATION & INSTALLATION OF CHURCH OFFICERS

 † HYMN     “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”     Hymnal #69 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION    “Go to the World!”     Hymnal #295 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Recessional Burke 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Scripture for January 9

 Isaiah 43:1-7 

Israel’s Only Savior

43 But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
    and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.”

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Photo by Kyle Peyton on Unsplash