Worship Prayers July 30

CENTERING PRAYER I awake this day eager to receive divine instruction and to enact your word. As the day unfolds, may I step more deeply into your heavenly realm through loving you and serving your world. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Blessed be God whose word gives hope and shapes our dreams, whose love has conquered death. Blessed be God who orders our way and guides our steps, who leads us into life.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION We confess that we have turned away from you; and have not lived with upright hearts. Forgive us for failing to follow you. Guide our feet to walk in your ways and serve your world to the glory of your name. (Silent Confession)

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. Pr

Scripture for July 30

Genesis 29:15-28

Dante's Vision of Rachel and Leah 
 Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1855

15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak[a] eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.

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Prayers for July 28

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to

everyone. The Lord is near.

Daily Readings for Friday, July 28, 2023

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading 1 Samuel 31:1-13
• Second Reading Acts 15:12-21
• Gospel Reading Mark 5:21-43
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold: Feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, by grace alone you call us and accept us in your service. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and make us worthy of your call. 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. Break through the darkness of our sins with the splendor of your mercy and love. Send your light to dispel our fears and anxieties and fill us with hope and joy. Glory, praise, and honor are yours, O God. (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.)

ABC Sale

 

Worship Prayers July 23

 

CENTERING PRAYER Rock of Israel and cornerstone of our common life, you are not bound by our visions, our structures, our doctrine. We cannot predict your coming or going, yet you have given us your story, your family, your work to do. Meet us here. Shape us for service in your world, for we carry the name of Jesus and live by the power of your breath. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Give ear, O Lord, as your people come to worship you. All you have made will come to worship you, O God, and glorify your name. You are great; you do wondrous things; you alone are God. Teach us your ways, O Lord, and we will walk in your truth. You are gracious and full of compassion. We come to worship, rejoicing in your love and cherishing your truth.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed. God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from A Brief Statement of Faith We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all the families of the earth. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying “Come, Lord Jesus!”

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Loving and ever-present God, receive these tithes and offerings, our worship, and our lives to your service; in Jesus’ name. Amen. 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. 

Scripture July 22 and 23

 Genesis 28:10-22

Jacob’s Dream at Bethel

Depiction of Jacob's dream at Bethel,
 by Jusepe de Ribera.

10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it[a] stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.[b] 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”

18 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. 19 He called that place Bethel,[c] though the city used to be called Luz.

20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord[d] will be my God 22 and[e] this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”

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Daily Prayer July 21

"My word shall accomplish that which I purpose," says the Lord, "and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Daily Readings for Friday, July 21, 2023

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading 1 Samuel 21:1-15
• Second Reading Acts 13:13-25
• Gospel Reading Mark 3:7-19a
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

Eternal God, as we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, so give us the grace of repentance that we may pass through the grave with him and be born again to eternal life, for he is the One who was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again for us, Jesus our Savior. Eternal God, you sent us a Savior, Christ Jesus, to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. Send peace on earth, and put down greed, pride, and anger, which turn nation against nation and race against race. Speed the day when wars will end and the whole world accepts your rule. God of mercy, you are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, 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.)

Youth and Families Picnic

 

Youth and families are invited to join us for a picnic at Simpson Park. Youth Committee will provide the meat, buns, drink, plates, cups, etc. Please bring a side dish, snack, or dessert to share. The lake allows fishing, and has paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks available for individual rental. To R.S.V.P (so we know how much food to get) contact Pastor MP at mpanco@discoverstmark.org to sign up.

ABC Sale

 

Workdays are July 30 – August 3 Sale days are August 4 and 5 

This is our largest fundraiser of the year to support our local mission partners. As always, the sale is a great opportunity for fellowship and outreach to the community. If you haven’t already committed to volunteer – we need you! Contact one of the ABC Co-Chairs and we’ll match up your interest and availability to a volunteer opening! 

Donation Guidance 

• YES, please! 

o items that would typically be sold at a thrift store 

o donation receipts available during donation drop-off hours 

• Sorry, NO thank you! 

o large furniture, large appliances, TVs (if it doesn’t fit in a compact SUV, it’s a “NO”) 

o encyclopedias or magazines o car seats, highchairs, or cribs

 o Christmas trees

 o hazardous waste (even if unopened): such as paint, chemicals, oil, household cleaners 

In addition to your treasures, donations of cookies and quick breads to “fuel” our volunteers are also welcome. Deliver them to the kitchen Sunday July 30 through Wednesday, August 2nd. If you have napkins or paper plates leftover from a gathering, feel free to donate those to the kitchen as well! 

ABC Sale Co-Chairs: Joyce Blackwell, Glenn Knopf, Pam Ladley

2023 CIRCLE OF CONCERN CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS

 

May 22 arrived at Aberdeen Golf Club, Eureka, Missouri with a sold-out event of 144 golfers, 38 volunteers and ideal temperatures and lots of sunshine. 

The event raised approximately $35,000 with all proceeds benefiting Circle of Concern, one of several local missions supported by Saint Mark Deacons. 

Saint Mark has served as the event sponsor for the past 17 years and has worked in concert with Circle staff and volunteers to create good will within the community for both entities as well as raise needed funding. 

The following demonstrates the direct impact Saint Mark had on this years’ tournament: 

• Members funded $12,000 in Sponsorships and Auction Items 

• 18 members served as volunteers on the day of event 

• 12 members participated as golfers 

• Members recruited 44 other golfers 

• 3 members served on the Golf Committee Thank you, Saint Mark members for sharing your time, talent and resources to make this event a success.

Worship Prayers June 16

 

CENTERING PRAYER God of goodness and growth, let your love be made real in me this day. Soften the hardened places of my heart and crowd out any corners of greed or anxiety. Make me be fruitful in thought, word, and deed. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Your words are a lamp to our feet And a light to our path. Your word is our heritage forever, the joy of our hearts. Let us rejoice in the light and worship God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Patient and persistent God, we come, polished and presentable, to this comfortable room as if we knew what to expect, as if this were a safe and predictable place, as if we could simply observe. Holy One, forgive our tepid expectations. In the mystery of your love, overshadow us. Plant the seeds of your gospel in each of our hearts until we bloom and spill with your passion to serve in the world that is wasting. (Silent Confession)

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. 

Scripture for July 15 and 16

 Genesis 25:19-24

Jacob and Esau

19 This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac.

Abraham became the father of Isaac, 20 and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram[a] and sister of Laban the Aramean.

21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

23 The Lord said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb,
    and two peoples from within you will be separated;
one people will be stronger than the other,
    and the older will serve the younger.”

24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb.

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Painting:  Esau and Jacob Presented to Isaac (painting circa 1779–1801 by Benjamin West)

Daily Prayer July 14

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

Daily Readings for Friday, July 14, 2023

• Morning Psalms 84; 148
• First Reading 1 Samuel 17:17-30
• Second Reading Acts 10:34-48
• Gospel Reading Mark 1:1-13
• Evening Psalms 25; 40

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us the desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. God of all joy, fill our souls to overflowing with the fullness of your grace. Lord, remind us of your triumph over the tragedy of the cross, and your victory for us over the powers of sin and death, so that we may reflect your glory as disciples of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. (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.)

Super Hero Missions

 

Our "Super Hero" mission this year for VBS is twofold. First, we will have a contest between boys and girls for our ongoing, church-wide cap collection to make a picnic table for our friends at Mound Ridge Retreat Center. The group that wins the challenge for the most caps collected will be the first to go through the 75 ft obstacle course with dual slides on Friday! Pictures of acceptable caps can be found at our donation table in the foyer and we ask that you bring cleaned caps please! 

Second, another mission opportunity is to donate personal care items: bar soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dish soap, laundry detergent (64 oz or smaller) to be distributed between Isaiah 58 and Circle of Concern, and diapers for Newborns in Need. 

There are three clearly labeled bins under the "Super Hero" VBS table in the foyer.

ABC Sale

 

EQUAL EXCHANGE IN THE NARTHEX ON JULY 16!

  

Who grows your chocolate? Oro Verdo co-op members in Peru! The co-op was founded in 1999 with 56 members and has grown to 600. They have developed a disease resistant tree nursery, a reforestation project to move to a zero carbon footprint, and education scholarships for producer’s children. 

For more on this enterprise, click here.

St. Mark supports this mission to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just, environmentally sustainable, and foster mutually beneficial relationships between small farmers and consumers (that’s us!).

 Credit, Debit, (swipe or tap) accepted.

Worship Prayers July 9, 2023

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Author of life, you cast your glory all around us; you invade our sleep; you reveal yourself in ancient stories and the give-and-take of common life. By the power of your Spirit, come to us now, for you have called us to this place. We pray in the name of Jesus – our hope, our confidence – and your beloved Son. Amen

CALL TO WORSHIP 

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O God, and all your faithful shall bless you. We are your people, and we worship you, our God.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

O Lord our God, you call us to work for a world where all will be fed and have dignity, but we find ourselves distracted by our own desires. You call us to seek justice and peace, but we are satisfied with injustice and discord. You call us to bring liberty to the oppressed, but we do not insist on freedom for all. Forgive us, O Lord. Turn us to your will by the power of your Spirit, so that all may know your justice and peace. (Silent Confession)

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Philippians 2:5-11

 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION 

Gracious Creator, you have laced our lives with blessing. As we present these offerings, we also tender our lives. Make us your bold and faithful people, willing to go forward in faith wherever you would lead us, that we might be a comfort in the world, in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

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. 

Scripture for July 8 and 9

 Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

Abram's Servant Meeteth Rebecca 
(1896–1902) by James Tissot

34 So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 The Lord has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. 36 My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and he has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me swear an oath, and said, ‘You must not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live, 38 but go to my father’s family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son.’

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42 “When I came to the spring today, I said, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which I have come. 43 See, I am standing beside this spring. If a young woman comes out to draw water and I say to her, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar,” 44 and if she says to me, “Drink, and I’ll draw water for your camels too,” let her be the one the Lord has chosen for my master’s son.’

45 “Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out, with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water, and I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’

46 “She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too.’ So I drank, and she watered the camels also.

47 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’

“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’

“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, 48 and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”

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58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”

“I will go,” she said.

59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,

“Our sister, may you increase
    to thousands upon thousands;
may your offspring possess
    the cities of their enemies.”

61 Then Rebekah and her attendants got ready and mounted the camels and went back with the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.

62 Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 He went out to the field one evening to meditate,[a] and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. 64 Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?”

“He is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.

66 Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

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Daily Prayer July 7

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, July 7, 2023

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading 1 Samuel 13:19-14:15
• Second Reading Acts 9:1-9
• Gospel Reading Luke 23:26-31
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

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.)

God is Timeless

 “July already?”, is a question I have heard repeated by many folks over the last week or so. I find myself
pondering the same. As I think about it, I am harkened back to my school days. I remember my parents often telling me that I should cherish my summer breaks from classes and enjoy all the free time it afforded me. Because, when I got older, time would seem to fly by and summer breaks, for most people, would become a thing of fading childhood memory and fanciful adult desire. 

“Time flies, when you are having fun.” Time seems to have slipped by without notice.” “Oh my, where has all the time gone?” “Boy oh boy how time is dragging along.” These commonly used phrases all seem to speak about time as if time changes depending on our circumstances; that somehow time has the ability to more quickly or more slowly depending our individual perception of it. Except when we change our clocks for daylight savings adjustments, time never changes. At least in the way that I am describing here. 

Time is constant. And it is this consistency that we count on. Imagine setting your alarm, going to sleep awaking at the scheduled alarm only to discover that time had sped up so much that you were now two days behind. And the next day you do the same thing but awake only to repeat the day before. Life seems like this sometimes. Life throws us into chaos leaving us adrift like waves in the ocean and time out of sync. We reach for something to hold on to but there is nothing there for us to grab. 

Like time, however, we do have one other thing that never changes, never slips away, never speeds past us, and never seeks to drag us to a halt. God. God is constant. God is that which never changes. God is who we can reach out to and hold on to knowing that we are held already by the hands that created the universe. 

Peace and blessings, Pastor MP 

Vacation Bible School

 

VBS AT ST. MARK JULY 17-21 Join us for a full week of VBS fun as we are all called together to serve God at Hero Hotline! Online Registration is now open for VBS!Click here  to register your family today!! 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES! We are looking for volunteers for VBS preparation! We kick off with a VBS potluck and prep on July 7 at 5:30 pm. Please use this SignUpGenius link to sign up for the potluck and other VBS prep volunteer opportunities. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4DA4AD2FAA F94-vbsprep2