Thursday, March 31, 2022

God Is Near


 1 Peter3:8-17

Quietly trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way. 1 Peter 3: 15


THE CROSS TIMES THREE

JESUS DIED FOR ME


SUFFER NO MORE

OPEN THE DOOR


LET GOD IN

YOU WILL WIN


PASS IT ON

IN A SONG


STOP LISTEN LOOK

SHARE HIS BOOK


WITH THOSE WHO NEED

ONE LITTLE SEED


OF LOVE OR HOPE

OR PATIENCE TO COPE


IN ANY LAND

LEND A HAND


OR GIVE AN EAR

GOD IS NEAR


Dear God,

Help me spread Your work by my actions, with the hope that the life I touch will touch another. Amen.


Renee Vetter

Reprinted from 1998 Lenten Devotional with permission from the author.

Photo by Eric Mok on Unsplash

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE: Annual Report

 


Fellowship in 2021 has been slow to start but really started to get going in the summer! We continued to meet monthly via Zoom, in person in the church parking lot when the weather would allow and in the narthex as the cooler weather crept back. 

The Fellowship Committee was able to begin hosting morning Coffee Service, “Coffee on the Grounds”, outside during the warmer summer months when in-person worship began. We served coffee and chilled water bottles from a kitchen cart. Coffee service moved indoors in the fall, and has continued through the end of 2021.

 Fellowship also led the church in celebrating Dave’s 4th year Anniversary! The committee baked pies and shared them outside during a summer concert in August, a sweet treat with lots of well wishes! We were also able to host MP’s 2nd Anniversary, with more homemade pies outside in early November! It was such a blessing to be able to gather with our church family in gratitude for our pastors and their tireless work! 

Instead of hosting the Giving Thanks meal, we were able to share homemade Pumpkin Bread, baked by the committee. We included a prayer for each family and gave out 150 loaves for members to eat at home the week before Thanksgiving. 

Members of our committee also assisted Children’s Ministries with Palm Sunday activities, VBS lunch service and Advent Program. Since our budget was still very robust at the end of the year, we invested in some Bistro Tables, and new Coffee Service equipment to encourage fellowship during coffee hour before church begins. The new equipment made its debut in early January 2022. So please come by, visit for a bit and enjoy a cup of coffee! We are hoping that the new coffee corner will be a place for people to gather and enjoy some time together. Coffee service continues to include coffee, flavored creamers, a variety of sweeteners and water. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Nina Collier, Fellowship Chair

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

23rd Psalm: My Protector

 


The Lord is my protector, I shall not fear.

He wants me to stay calm and relax, he encourages me to be in nature.

He restores my soul, he leads me to be attentive to others and act where needed.

Even though there will be times of difficulty, I will fear not, for you are always with me, to protect with your word and through the Spirit.

You are with me even in life’s troubles, and you bless me in abundance.

Surely you will will be with me to the end of my life when I will be in the kingdom forever.


Nancy Sutch

Monday, March 28, 2022

CHILDREN’S LENTEN WATER CHALLEGE

 




The children of St. Mark are learning about the importance of clean water and how wells are drilled to supply the water. Ed Hoke was our Discover Mission Sunday guest from Marion Medical Mission. Ed presented the “Time with Children” during the service. 

After Mission Sunday events concluded in the Narthex, Ed was a guest of the Children’s Ministry, sharing a video and relating his personal experiences building wells with villagers in Africa. He related to the group how clean water is essential for good health. 

Beginning on Sunday, March 6, St. Mark children will be challenging the congregation to support the Lenten Water Challenge. A “well” will be placed in the Narthex for the children of the congregation to donate their coins which will be added to donations made by the church members. 

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Order of Worship March 27, 2022


 

CENTERING PRAYER 

Gracious God, seeker of the lost; draw your children back to your loving embrace, restore us to our inheritance as daughters and sons, and reconcile our hearts to you, that we may become ambassadors of your reconciling love to all the world. Through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit we pray. Amen. 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Hymn, Passacaglia and Chorale Freudenburg (2002) on “Angel’s Story” 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

We are ambassadors for Christ. 

God has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. 

We gather as God’s beloved family to worship God and offer our praise. 

Let us join our hearts in song and in prayer. 

† HYMN “Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” Hymnal #415 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, we confess that we keep silent when we should speak. We see iniquity and the injustices of the world, yet are content not to call them out. We withhold kind words, yet are quick to speak in judgment. Forgive us, O God. Direct the way we should go and help us to use our voices to spread your grace and truth. (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 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 

SERMON “The Loving Father” 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 Come Along Home to Jesus McCartha 

Chancel Choir, Lisa Marsh - soloist Emily Pankratz - bass violin & Drew Davis - drums 

† 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 “Amazing Grace” Hymnal #649

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “Shalom, chaverim” (Sunday Worship) See below 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Diapason Movement Aleock (1715-1806)

 † You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Scripture for March 27, 2022

 Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

The Return of the Prodigal Son (1773)
by 
Pompeo Batoni

15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable:

Read full chapter

The Parable of the Lost Son

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your propertywith prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Read full chapter

Friday, March 25, 2022

Daily Prayer March 25


My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.

Daily Readings for Friday, March 25, 2022

God of our forebears, as your chosen servant Abraham was given faith to obey your call and go out into the unknown, so may your church be granted such faith that we may follow you with courage for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. God of love, as you have given your life to us, so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws; the President of the United States and others in authority among us; that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

(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.)

Thursday, March 24, 2022

Junioritis

 


Today, the blog is going to be a bit of a rambling mess. The end of February brought on the countdown to Spring Break (yay!), which in turn will bring on a countdown to summer. I mean, I have a Widget on my phone screen that tells me how close we are to my pool opening. I cannot wait for summer, and let me emphasize this, I cannot wait to become a Senior. I feel guilty, but at this point, I am wishing away my Junior year, the rest of my high school experience, and I don’t know how to stop. 

Before I go any further, I’d like to clarify, juniors do not have an end-of-the-year slump in the same way seniors do. I am in no way trying to compare my experiences with what I’ll refer to as ‘junioritis’ to ‘senioritis.’ Frankly, from what I’ve heard, there is no comparison. But, oh my gosh. This year feels like it will never end. In some ways, it's also gone so fast. Generally though, never-ending. 

Let me format my case: I have been in high school for almost three whole years now. I have one more year left. Out of those three years, I spent a cumulative one year online. Really, I haven’t had a normal year of high school, and that may be why I really don’t get the hype surrounding high school. Now, with one year left, I’m losing all of my motivation. And I know I’ll come out of it, after all, it’s March and everyone is exhausted. This miniature slump that I’m in though allowed me to have empathy for those who feel like this all the time. More than junioritis, there are people who struggle with this feeling or worse daily. The situation my generation is in doesn’t make that better. Technology and social media, Covid-19, political division. 

We turn on the news, and we see autocracy — in Russia, in past presidents. We fear for our future, and we mourn for Ukraine. We aren’t unique, our struggles aren’t unprecedented (besides social media…I want to do a full post on that…this is more so a ramble). God, I mean, on top of everything in the world, people are just cruel sometimes. I’m in a group chat for the juniors at my school, and some of the things sent in that group chat have no purpose other than to hurt people. On the largest and smallest scales, our world is hurting, and its children are hurting. People hurt others so that others do not hurt them. We have been taught that. But what about when there's no threat? No reason to invade another country, no reason to send that mean photo in a dumb group chat. I refuse to believe that people can be inherently bad. As I get older and see more, my confidence in that point cracks. Putin is a bad man in the same way Hitler was a bad man. So I pose the question: Were they born that way? Can one be born inherently bad? 

I relate my struggle with empathy and junioritis to the current war in Europe, not because they are akin to one another. I know the magnitude of the war in Ukraine is much larger, unfathomable to someone who has never been politically aware enough to watch a war from the safety of my home. But, my point is related to the goodness of people. We are tired. High schoolers are so exhausted. Throughout the world, life has been on pause. Our high school experience has been put on pause. It’s not fun for anyone. We have the empathy to understand that. In a time of so much division and hurt and bombings and unwarranted war and dictators. In an era where we watch the war in Ukraine from our couches. While the scope of war and the scope of high school issues are different, the root is the same. Why be cruel? Why cause harm?


To those reading from the United States (almost every single one of my readers): Be conscious of the jokes you make and the things you say regarding the war. One thing CNN cannot show you is what it feels like to lose your home, to have your brother/father/uncle/cousin/best friend/husband drafted. Life sucks, but that doesn’t give us a free pass to slip into cruelty, which feels so easy sometimes. Break the cycle. Just because you aren’t getting picked on doesn’t mean you should pick on someone else. Juniors, we have one more year, and I know there is a lack of motivation, but it’s doable. We need to make up for lost time and invest in human connection. 

For most of us, junoritis is the biggest struggle we face currently — as most of my readers are juniors — and for that, we are so lucky. Empathy is the biggest thing I have had to work on developing throughout my life, and I am still working on it, but employing it helps me to become a better citizen and friend. Be kind. Don’t assume you know what others are going through. 

There is so much evil in the world, most of us have never seen a conflict of this magnitude, and all of this comes while so many are struggling with the pandemic and other worldwide conflicts. Life is hard, and being kind will not solve these worldly problems, but begin with having empathy for each other. To answer my previous question: I truly have always believed evil is born of situations and traits. Help each other to grow. Do not add to the unrest and wickedness in this world. Lift one another up. 

Amelia Burgess

Photo by Artem Beliaikin on Unsplash

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Re-printed from another blog


Wednesday, March 23, 2022

CHILDREN’S and YOUTH MINISTRIES COMMITTEE: Annual Report Excerpts

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
We’re excited to have returned to in-person ministry events with most of our children and families. Our ministry is connecting in creative ways with the continuation of the mid-week online experience for PreK and Elementary families that haven’t yet returned to church as COVID-19 restrictions continue. We share online worship and Bible story each Wednesday at 4 p.m. via email to parents. We also post it on our website under Children’s Ministries for viewing each Sunday, in addition to offering Sunday School on site. Here are some of our favorite things that we did during the past year: 

• Kids explored the outdoor market, story station, and petting zoo during the Jerusalem Festival. 

• Over 100 kids hunted eggs during four separate hunts at the outdoor Bunny Breakfast. Our St.


Mark youth hid over 1,000 eggs for this event. 

 • Amazing leaders shared stories and activities during a one-day mini-Vacation Bible School for Knights at North Castle. Elsa and Olaf came to lunch, followed by a foam party, and snow cones.

 • Sunday School and Nursery returned over the summer – thanks to our wonderful Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, and volunteers! • Saints and Siblings hosted a Mound Ridge work day and an evening at BounceU. 

• We had a fun-filled Fall Festival with the help of many St. Mark committees and church members! • Advent Connect helped families, church, and community connect with video discussions and activities based around Jesus’ birth. 

• Our children’s choirs shared a special Christmas musical called Jesus Means Christmas to Me to kick off the Advent season. 

• With the help of our St. Mark Church family, we were able to collect back-to-school supplies for PCHAS, 138 pound of food/hygiene items for Circle of Concern, and 63 angel tree gifts. 

• To implement the policies of Safe Church for Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults, we have thirteen (13) volunteers, teachers, and nursery attendants credentialed through Protect My Ministry. 

• Several of our teachers and volunteers completed First Aid, CPR & AED training provided through our Deacon Health and Wellness Committee. 

Thanks: I want to thank Latisha Gilliland, Director of Children’s Ministry, for her continued prayerful and joyful guidance of our children’s ministry at St. Mark, sharing the love of Jesus with all the children and families who are part of our church community. I also want to thank everyone who has served on this committee this year. You brought your creativity and willingness to try new approaches to some of our oldest traditions...

Respectfully Submitted, 

Shelley Lester Elder, 

Children’s Ministry Chair



YOUTH COMMITTEE 

In 2021 Middle and High school groups were combined for weekly bible study and monthly fellowship activities. Bible study was held every Wednesday evening from 6:00 - 7:00. During bible study, we had an opportunity to study scripture and discuss how it relates to our daily lives. The last Sunday of the month is set aside for the youth to just go to the youth lounge and hang out. Covid19 slowed us down but didn't stop us. As things started to change, so did we. We were able to start to meet in-person, which was a great thing. The youth were able to get out from behind a screen and interact with others again. 

With things being lifted and being able to gather outside we were able to help out with Fall Festival, Bunny Breakfast and the one-day VBS. This year we were also able to complete our mission project of collecting enough bottle caps to have a table and bench made for Mound Ridge and are in the process of planning a mission trip. 2021 was not the year we planned to have because of Covid-19 but the future is starting to look a little brighter and hopefully next year will be a better one for our youth and everyone involved. 

We would like to thank St. Mark for its support and involvement with the youth program. In the coming year, we will continue to work on expanding and increasing involvement of the St. Mark youth in the church and community as a whole. 

Respectfully submitted, Jim Arnet, Chair

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

23rd Psalm: My Guardian



The Lord is my Guardian 

He helps me make good decisions. 

His example shows me how to live. 

He helps me grow stronger and think more clearly. 

He refreshes me with his presence. 

He takes my fears away and they drop like leaves at my feet. 

He gives me patience with my unvaccinated sisters. 

He helps me forgive them as he has forgiven me for my sins. 

When I come to the end of my life, he promises me that I can live with him in his house forever.

Judy Richardson

Photo by Klim Musalimov on Unsplash

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.   We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.

Monday, March 21, 2022

One Great Hour of Sharing

 


Lent, leading up to Easter on April 17, is our opportunity to participate in the One Great Hour of Sharing, one of the four Special Offerings of the PCUSA. In a world of disaster, hunger, and oppression, millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need.

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Order of Worship for March 20

 CENTERING PRAYER*        

God of light and God of night, creator of seed and mountain, raindrop and fountain, we bring our offering of praise. God of right and God of might, lover of child and childless, rich and homeless, we bring our offering of praise. Amen.  

*J. Birch, faithandworship.com


PRELUDE  Introduction, Pastorale and Trumpet Tune on “Angel’s Story” Freudenburg (2002) 


WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Everyone who thirsts:

Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live.

 

All who are hungry for righteousness:

Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live.

 

All who need the help of God:

Come to the waters, seek the Lord, repent and return so that you may live.


† HYMN “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” Hymnal #65

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Holy God, we confess we have grown complacent in our response to you. You set before us a rich feast of blessing, but we are drawn to lesser things that can never satisfy. You call us to attend to urgent needs in the world, but we indulge our own desires. Our ways are not your ways; our thoughts do not ascend to your thoughts. Forgive us when we fall short of your claim upon our lives. Disturb our complacency and quicken our desire for a more fruitful life. Be patient, we pray, as we amend who we are, in the hope of becoming who you intend us to be. We ask this in the name of our Savior, your Son, Jesus Christ. (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 Luke 13:1-9 


SERMON “Taking Up Space” 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 Lenten Prayer Pergolesi/Liebergen 

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 “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling” Hymnal #418 


† CHARGE AND BLESSING 


† BENEDICTION “Shalom, chaverim” (Sunday Worship)


POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Ricercare per Organo Arresti (1650-1719) 


† You are invited to stand, as you are able