UPCOMING 2023 BLOOD DRIVES

St. Mark & the American Red Cross are pleased to announce the 2023 Blood Drive schedule as follows: 

– February 26

 – April 23 

– August 20

 – October 22 

For years St. Mark has participated in this very valuable community service. For donors who regularly give blood, please add this schedule to your 2023 calendar. For members & community residents who have been thinking about giving for the first time, let year 2023 be the beginning of a new habit in your life.

 A member of your community may be the one who receives your blood because of cancer, transplant surgery, other life-saving surgeries, genetic blood disorders, various illnesses & a multitude of various accidents. BE THE ONE WHO BRINGS HOPE & HEALING TO THOSE PATIENTS IN NEED. 

The Deacon’s Health & Wellness Committee looks forward to seeing our past donors & renewing old friendships & hopefully meeting new donors & making new friendships in this coming new year.

Worship Prayers

CENTERING PRAYER

Almighty God, ruler of all things seen and unseen, through your Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy
Spirit, you show your power and mercy. You cast out evil, tear down walls of division, comfort and challenge your people, and show signs of your kingdom coming into the world. Grant that we may lift up the discouraged, strengthen the doubting, and join with all who seek to thank you for your goodness. Glory be to you, O God, who, with the Holy Spirit and the Holy Son, together is worshipped and praised; One God forever. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

When forces in the world threaten us,

when our bodies and spirits turn against us,

there is One who seeks us,

One who heals us,

One whose love washes over us

and sets us free for joy.

This One is the Lord.

We come to worship God together.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Holy One, God Most High, grant us faith to confess our sins and seek your mercy. There are barren places in our lives where we wander far from you. We listen to voices who distract us from your call. We do not take your helping hand. Savior, forgive us, quench our thirst for you, and let your love well up in us unto eternal life. Speak tenderly to us of your presence, and deliver us from evil so we might serve you. We pray this by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.  (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

 

 

OFFERING

 

God gives us more than enough for our journey of faith. Let us present our tithes and offerings so that others may know their blessings and give thanks to God. Let us pray…

 

Almighty God, through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, you bring hope to the despairing, healing to the sick, and release from bondage to all who are oppressed by sin and evil. We thank you for the new life you offer. Direct these gifts to fulfill your purpose as we work together to live into your kingdom’s promise. Amen.

For the entire bulletin, click here

 

Scripture January 28, 29

 Mark 5:1-20

Jesus Restores a Demon-Possessed Man

Jesus healing the man from Gadara 
(Medieval illumination)

5 They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes.[a] 2 When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. 4 For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. 7 He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!”

9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”

“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10 And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area.

11 A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. 12 The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” 13 He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned.

14 Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. 15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. 17 Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

18 As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. 19 Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis[b] how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer January 27

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 27, 2023

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 50:1-11
• Second Reading Galatians 3:15-22
• Gospel Reading Mark 6:47-56
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

Eternal God, Author of our life and End of our pilgrimage: Guide us by your Word and Spirit amid all perils and temptations, that we may not wander from your way, nor stumble in the darkness; but may finish our course in safety, and come to our eternal rest in you. Eternal God, your hand shaped our lives by grace and your hand rescued us from sin by love. May your hand guide us through this day, shielding us from all evil, strengthening us to do justice and love. Enable us, O God, to do all things as unto you; that small things may be filled with greatness, and great things may be crowned with humility. O God, whom we cannot love unless we love our neighbors, remove hate and prejudice from us and from all people, so that your children may be reconciled with those we fear, resent, or threaten; and live together in your peace. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

With God's help and love may your lives be blessed and your labors fruitful as you offer yourselves gladly in the service of our common Lord.

(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.)

On Your Mark: Chapter 4

 

Chapter Four: The gospel takes a distinctly agrarian turn in Mark four as Jesus talks about sowers, soils, seeds, and bushel baskets. Most of the people following Jesus were tenant farmers, day laborers, and individuals doing their best to eek out a living for their families. These illustrations would be very familiar to them, even if they feel a little foreign to us.

• Chapter four contains many parables? Why do you believe Jesus used so many of these? We can get a partial answer by examining Mark 10-13. Is this satisfying to you? Why or why not?

• Parables are a little like paintings and poetry. Their beauty and meaning are in the eye of the beholder. People are often looking for rules and regulations for better living. Why do you think Jesus told stories instead?

• Jesus rarely explains his parables. Why do you think he tells the disciples the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? Is this the only meaning it can have, or are there others that speak to you?

• The second verse of the children’s hymn, “This Little Light of Mine” says, “Hide it under a bushel basket, NO! I’m going to let it shine.” What are ways we hide Christ light or our light in the world? What are the implications of covering this light, and what does it say about our faith in Christ?

• The chapter concludes with Jesus stilling a storm. He’s moved from parables to miracles. Which of these accounts speaks more to you? Why?

Worship and Scripture January 22

Mark 4:1-20

The Parable of the Sower

'Sowing the Seed'
(Cathedral of Hajdúdorog, Hungary)

4 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. 2 He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

9 Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that,

“‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
    and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’[a]”

13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satancomes and takes away the word that was sown in them.16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. 17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Read full chapter

For the worship bulletin click here.

Daily Prayer January 20

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 20, 2023

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 45:18-25
• Second Reading Ephesians 6:1-9
• Gospel Reading Mark 4:35-41
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

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.

Weekly Questions and Thoughts Chapter Three

Jesus’ opponents increase the resistance against him in the third chapter of Mark. Jesus is walking into many of these situations to heal, to teach, and to challenge the status quo. It is interesting that while Jesus is criticized by some, he is followed by many more. His ministry is clearly touching hearts, but his message is touching nerves. 

Here are some questions to consider as you read through chapter three this week. 

• Jesus is dumbfounded when no one will answer his question, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4, NRSV.) The next verse says he was angry and grieved at their hardness of heart. Do you understand the emotions Jesus is feeling? Have you ever felt something similar? Do you think there are moments where our silence grieves God? When might these be?

 • Jesus calls the 12 disciples in this week’s reading. What are the requirements to follow Jesus? What makes us hesitant to leave everything and follow him?

 • His opponents argue Jesus has a demon, but he points out a house divided cannot stand. He then makes the point that every sin will be forgiven except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Have you ever heard this verse before? Does it trouble you? How can we ensure we don’t commit this sin? 

• Jesus’ family comes to see him at the end of the chapter, but, looking at those around him, he says, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:34-35, NRSV.) In saying this, Jesus reimagines the nature of family. Do you find this message encouraging? What are the implications it places on your life this week?

Mission in 21st Century

 WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MISSIONS IN THE 21ST CENTURY? “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) 

We Raise Funds At St. Mark, we focus on local mission partners and fundraise for them through the ABC Sale in the summer, and international missions which are supported with Christmas Alternatives giving in the winter. 

• Who is served by the ABC Sale? Hunger Missions: Circle of Concern, Isaiah 58, Peace Meal; Sheltered Adult Workshop: Lafayette Industries; Disadvantaged Youth: Mound Ridge; Presbyterian Ch
ildren’s Home and Services. These are our primary local missions. 

• Who is served by Christmas Alternatives? Clean Water Wells: Marion Medical Mission; Nursing scholarships: Medical Benevolence Foundation in Malawi, DR Congo and Haiti; Lifesaver 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 Fairly Traded food and coffee sales and PCUSA farm projects (bees, moringa seeds, cows, chickens, etc.). These are our primary international missions. 

We Participate :For each mission partner, a Deacon or member of the Mission Committee serves as a liaison and a good number of St. Mark members volunteer on a regular basis at our local mission partners further strengthening our connections. February 27 is our annual Discover Mission Sunday showcasing our local mission partners. Please stop by to chat with their representatives before and after worship service 

We Donate: We will continue our practice of ongoing food and hygiene product donations for our supported food pantries as well as a monthly request for donations for one local and one international mission. On the third Sunday of each month, the committee will share a mission moment or activity during worship along with selling Equal Exchange products. By spreading mission activities across the calendar year, hopefully the Committee will keep the congregation attentive to mission without an overwhelming flood of requests for help

ORDER OF WORSHIP January 14 and 15

 CENTERING PRAYER 

God of Sunday and Sabbath, we praise you for your work of creation and give thanks for your gift of rest. By the power of your Word and Spirit, let there be a new creation here among us – a place where all may enjoy your good gifts of life and freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship) Jesus, Priceless, Treasure Johann Crüger 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

Let us call upon God’s Holy name. We come with praise and with prayer, knowing God to be good and gracious Let us listen for God’s whisper upon the waves. Hearing our name called and our sins forgiven. Let us look and seek the love and justice of God in one another, and in our world, and as we worship and work, as we help and are helped, as we grow in faith with one another. 

† HYMN “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Hymnal #339 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Holy God we confess to you our faults and our faltering, forgive our slowness of heart and our silence of speech when injustice stands all around us. Forgive our deaf ears and our blind eyes when the stranger and the neighbor are in need. Renew your spirit within us, restore your hope to our hearts and with the energy of your grace might we become disciples and friends amongst all people. (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) 

† HYMN “There Is a Place of Quiet Rest” Hymnal #824 

SCRIPTURE Micah 6:6-8, Mark 3:1-6, 13-19 

SERMON “On Your Mark: Picky Rules or Graceful Possibilities” Rev. Edward Thompson

LITANY (Amanda Gorman: Every Day We Are Learning) 

Every day we are learning 

How to live with essence, not ease. 

How to move with haste, never hate. 

How to leave this pain that is beyond us 

Behind us 

Just like a skill or any art, 

We cannot possess hope without practicing it. 

It is the most fundamental craft we demand of ourselves.

 † 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.

 OFFERTORY God Be With You Till We Meet Again William G. Toner Chancel Choir Arr. Fred Bock † 

THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #609 

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 “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service” Hymnal #761 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION & RESPONSE “He Came Down” Hymnal #137 (Sunday Worship) 

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) God of Grace and God of Glory John Hughes † You are invited to stand, as you are able 

Meet Our Guest Pastor, Reverend Edward Thompson: Edward was Ordained by the Presbytery of Edinburgh and served in the Church of Scotland before moving to Kansas City to serve at Second Presbyterian Church for 13 years. After 10 years serving with the Board of Pensions Edward recently retired in September and moved to Manchester to be close to family and grandchildren. Golf, books, bikes and walking boots fill his days.

Scripture for Jan. 14-15

 Mark 3:1-6, 13-19

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Byzantine Mosaic

3 Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

Read full chapter

Jesus Appoints the Twelve

13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve[a] that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Daily Prayer for January 13

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

Daily Readings for Friday, January 13, 2023

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 42:(1-9) 10-17
• Second Reading Ephesians 3:1-13
• Gospel Reading Mark 2:13-22
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(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.)

On Your Mark!

 January is always a month to make resolutions about ways we want to improve our lives or help our neighbors in need. Many look at their lives and their checking account and decide it is time to tighten the belt. One important aspect that is often ignored in this season of resolutions is how to best strengthen our spiritual lives. The number one reason individuals fail in seeing these important decisions through is we often are doing it alone. 

St. Mark is providing all our members, guests, and neighbors a unique opportunity beginning on January 1. Collectively, we will read through the Gospel of Mark and explore this important book one chapter at a time in our worship, our adult education, and our personal devotion. I encourage you to join this journey with us and begin reading this account of the good news of Jesus Christ. We’ll take our time in this program allowing all to go at their own pace. 

Mark is both the oldest and the shortest of the four gospels. It’s the “charcuterie board” of the New Testament. It has most of the stories of the Matthew and Luke, but they all come in bite size portions. It’s easy to read online or through a Bible app, but I believe it is best understood with a study Bible. These are helpful because they provide context, clarity, and cross-references to other parts of scripture. If you don’t have a study Bible, I encourage you to come by my office and take a few minutes to look through the stack I have in my conference room. Pastor MP and I are also available to answer any questions you might have. 

The new year is almost here, and before we can get set or go, we all need to be On Your Mark! I hope you will join us in this meaningful journey from January through Easter.

 In Hope and Confidence, Pastor Dave

Worship Prayers for January 8

 CENTERING PRAYER 

 

Great Physician, we thank you for the faith of others that enables our own healing. Send us such sisters and brothers when we are in need, and help us to be friends to others in their times of distress; through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

 

Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. 

I am about to do a new thing, says our God. 

Now it springs forth – do you not perceive it? 

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

For I will give drink to my chosen people, 

The people I formed for myself so they might declare my praise! 

Let us worship our forgiving God together. 

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

 

Holy One, we do not remember the poor, and we fear you will not remember us in our time of need. We accept the injustices of the world, and we do not plead the cause of the widow, the orphan, the displaced, and the marginalized. O Lord, be gracious to us, heal us, for we have sinned against you. We ask this in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession) 

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – WCF SC Q1 

 

 

OFFERING 

 

God gives us a way in the wilderness and great rivers in the desert. Let us give generously so many may find the way of the Lord. Let us pray... 

 

God, you say yes to each of one of us, affirming your promises to us. We hope to say yes to you by dedicating these offerings for the expansion of your kingdom on earth, for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.  

For the full order of worship, click here.