The Start of Something New

“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5, NRSV.) 

Most people see Memorial Day Weekend as the unofficial start of summer. It’s for good reason as the weather warms up, the days keep getting longer, and students take a much needed break from school. The end of May contains the limitless possibilities of three months spread out in front of us like a large empty canvas. Each of us is given a brush and a paint palette; what we create might be mundane, or it might be a priceless work of art. The point is the time is ours to do with as we will. 

Memorial Day Weekend also kicks off a period of lighter attendance in worship and other church activities. This is natural as the warmer weather beckons many to hit the road for overdue visits and much-needed vacations. There are a lot of special activities happening at St. Mark over the summer. We will gather on Sunday, June 5 for a very special worship service and fellowship event. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit blew into the upper room as a mighty wind, filling each of the disciples, and giving everyone the ability to speak in new languages. This wasn’t the gibberish of a lunatic or the babbling of a baby; this was the start of something new. God’s plan of grace was going global, and the Lord needed these ordinary individuals to spread the good news.

 June 5 is also St. Mark Presbyterian Church’s 60th Anniversary. The Presbytery of St. Louis commissioned the new congregation on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 1962 at Westridge Elementary School. 92 individuals signed the commissioning document that still hangs in Room 102. We will have elements from the original service in our 60th Anniversary Celebration and a long overdue church picnic in the back parking lot following worship. The church is providing grilled hot dogs, brats, chips and Ted Drewes frozen custard. There will also be fun activities planned for young and old alike. 

The church officially gathered in 1962 with the sure and firm conviction God was about to start something new in, with, and through it; we will gather once more on the first Sunday in June with the same conviction. Memorial Day is always a call to remember, but Pentecost provides the reminder God is starting something new and is inviting us to participate. Please plan on joining us for this important Sunday and consider inviting a friend, family member, or neighbor to be a part of this renewing event.

 In Hope and Confidence, 

Pastor Dave

Order of Worship May 29

 Sermon – May 29, 2022

 

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

“The Last Word”

 

Hymns:

#268 – “Crown Him with Many Crowns”

#384 – “Soon and Very Soon”

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

O God, who opens our prison doors and releases us from our faults, keep us near to you in the hours of each day. We long to drink your living waters, know true joy, and serve you through the completion of time. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”

Let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let everyone who hears say, “Come.”

Let everyone who is thirsty come.

Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

Let everyone who is thirsty come.

Come to the tree of life, the Alpha and the Omega.

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Gracious God, you call us to everlasting springs to be drenched and reformed, but we fail to heed you. We do not turn with love to our neighbors, to ourselves, or to you. Forgive us for our failings, shield us from our due, and guide us into the unity with all for the sake of the whole world. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

 

 

OFFERING

 

Give now with generous hearts that all people may hear God’s Word and be helped by the work of this church. Let us pray...

 

Eternal God, who brings joy out of sorrow, plenty out of want, life out of death: we thank you for the treasures of your creation and the blessing of your presence. Accept these offerings, we pray, for the sake of the One who brought us back to you. Amen.

 

 

Scripture May 28, 29

  Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

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Photo by Simon Wilkes on Unsplash in Richmond Park, UK

Daily Prayer May 27

I appeal to you, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Daily Readings for Friday, May 27, 2022

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading 1 Samuel 2:1-10
• Second Reading Ephesians 2:1-10
• Gospel Reading Matthew 7:22-27
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord. Keep the church in the unity of the Spirit and in the bond of peace; bring all creation to worship at his feet, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Clothe us with the power promised from on high, and send us forth to the ends of the earth as heralds of repentance and witnesses of Jesus Christ, firstborn from the dead. Merciful God, strengthen us in prayer that we may lift up the brokenness of this world for your healing, and share in the saving love of Jesus Christ. We pray for those in positions of authority over others, the lonely and forgotten, children without families or homes, agents of caring and relief. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May God in endless mercy bring the whole church, the living and departed, to a joyful resurrection in the fulfillment of the eternal kingdom.

Order of Worship May 23

CENTERING PRAYER

Astonishing God, you give us a vision of the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, your home among mortals on earth. All people and nations will stream to your city where they will find nourishment, healing, and peace. Even now your blessing shines upon all the earth to help us see a larger vision of your loving care for creation. You call us to move beyond our comfortable circles into unfamiliar places, as we seek to share your dream of a world made new in Christ. Amen.

 PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Little Prelude and Fugue in C Bach (1685-1750) 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

RECOGNIGTION OF GRADUATES 

HONORING LYNNE DAUVE

CALL TO WORSHIP 

Alleluia, Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia.

Let the peoples praise you, O God.

Let all the peoples praise you.

 

† HYMN    “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”    Hymnal #475 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Loving God, we confess we are an anxious people who deny your blessings and fail to keep your word. Instead of sharing your fruits of the Spirit, we cut ourselves off from you and one another. Forgive us, we pray, for these and all our sins, that we might live in peace and reflect your love in the world. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (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      Revelation 21:10, 21:22-22:5 

SERMON      “The Giving Tree”      Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† 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. 

OFFERING May the Peace of the Lord      Wagner         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      “There Is a Balm in Gilead”      Hymnal #792

 † CHARGE AND BLESSING † BENEDICTION (Sunday Worship) “He Lives” 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Postludio Maestoso Lorenz, 1961

Scripture May 21 and 22

 Revelation 21:10, 21:22-22:5

Tree of Life by GK Chesterron at
St. Teresa's Catholic Church, Beaconsfield, UK

10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Eden Restored

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Daily Prayer May 20

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the
Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Daily Readings for Friday, May 20, 2022

• Morning Psalms 96; 148
• First Reading Leviticus 23:1-22
• Second Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
• Gospel Reading Matthew 7:1-12
• Evening Psalms 49; 138

O God, you are the well-spring of life. Pour into our hearts the living water of your grace that we may be refreshed to live this day in joy, confident of your presence and empowered by your peace. Protect your people, O God, and keep us safe until the coming of your new dawn and the establishment of your righteous rule. By your Holy Spirit, stir up within us a longing for the light of your new day, and guide us by the radiance of Jesus Christ your Son, our risen Lord. Almighty God, guide the nations of the world

into ways of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Compassionate God, your Son gives rest to those weary with heavy burdens. Heal the sick in body, mind, and spirit. Lift up the depressed. Befriend those who grieve. Comfort the anxious. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that they may bear each other's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with you always.

.

(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 May 15

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Surprising God, in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you make all things new. Long ago, you called your church to a love beyond all social and cultural differences and gave them the gift of your Holy Spirit to open hearts to enact such love. Give us that same spirit of openness, that we too might discern new directions in our day for your dream to reconcile and heal all creation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) I’ll Praise My Maker Page (2016)

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

MINUTE FOR MISSION

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148)

 

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord in the heavens;

Praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels;

praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;

praise him, all you shining stars!

Praise him, you highest heavens.

Let us praise the name of the Lord!

† HYMN     “Lead On, O King Eternal”      Hymnal #269 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God of mercy, your command to love one another across all differences opens us to new horizons, yet we often respond with fear and judgment and hinder your goal for humanity. Forgive us our sins, we pray, and give us a true repentance that leads to life for all creation. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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      Revelation 21:1-6 

SERMON      “The Already and the Not Yet”      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      Creation Sings       arr. Koests 

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 “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go” Hymnal #833 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION (Sunday Worship) “He Lives” 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship)    Sing to the Lord!    Smith 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able