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