Scripture for Dec. 22

 Luke 1:39-56

Mary Visits Elizabeth

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Mary’s Song

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.

Read full chapter

Statue at Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel

Worship Prayers December 15

 

CENTERING PRAYER Merciful God, you come into our midst longing for communion with us, becoming one of us. Break our resistance to life with you, show us the path toward just relations, and bring us into your unimaginable peace; in Jesus’ name. Amen. PRELUDE Christian, Awake, Salute the Happy Morn John Wainwright 

 ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING LITURGY We light these candles of Hope, Peace, and Joy as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Christ is the reflection of God’s glory, the very imprint of God’s own being. Night and day, we pray that God will strengthen us in holiness and love. God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say rejoice! The Lord is near Thanks be to God for this good news of great joy! 

KINDLE ADVENT CANDLES Elana Keppel Levy Kindle advent candles. Joy will soon rebound Lost in rifts of numb shame: hiding from the crowd. Will we find belonging if they see our face? See, we are God’s children, Claimed in holy grace! † 

HYMN “People, Look East” Hymnal #105 

ADVENT PRAYER † SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

† GLORY BE TO THE FATHER Hymnal #581 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, amen. 

ADVENT FAMILY MESSAGE Sunday School is available or children are invited to remain in the sanctuary for the cantata. 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism Question One Q. What is our chief end? A. Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever. 

OFFERING The First Noel Guest Musicians 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

 CHRISTMAS CANTATA 

†CHARGE AND BLESSING †BENEDICTION “Peace on Earth” Sussex Carol 

 RESPONSE Peace on the earth, Good will to all, the angels sang from Heav’n above. Peace on the earth, Good will to all, we go to share God’s peace and love. 

POSTLUDE Trumpet Jubilee Patricia Lou Harris

Daily Prayer December 13

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

Daily Readings for Friday, December 13, 2024

• Morning Psalms 102; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 7:10-25
• Second Reading 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
• Gospel Reading Luke 22:14-30
• Evening Psalms 130; 16

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.)

Worship Prayers December 8

 “Kindle Advent Candles”

 

Kindle advent candles.

Peace will be restored.

Clashes serve the schemers:

victims’ cries ignored.

Scars appear around us.

Can they ever heal?

We must walk a new path:

Make peace real.

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

God of the Covenant, you send us messengers to cleanse and refine us for your coming. Help us endure and embrace the prophets’ message, that we may see you when you suddenly appear among us; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP – Advent Wreath Liturgy

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Refining God, you send us prophets, but we do not listen. You show us the way of life, but we prefer to go our own way. You give us your light, but we are more comfortable in the darkness. By your tender mercy, forgive us, and renew your covenant within us, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Silent Confession)

 

 

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

We are called by God to present a harvest of righteousness – not by virtue of our own works, but by the grace of the one who began a good work in us, and is even now bringing it to completion. Let us bring the offerings of our lives to the Lord...

 

Prayer after Offering

 

God of all righteousness, receive these gifts of gratitude, the offerings of our lives. Purify them with your refining fire so that they may serve your purposes and shine with your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Scripture for Dec. 8

  

Malachi 3:1-4

3 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer December 6

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

Daily Readings for Friday, December 6, 2024

• Morning Psalms 102; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 3:1-4:1
• Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
• Gospel Reading Luke 20:41-21:4
• Evening Psalms 130; 16

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.)

Alternative Giving

 Honoring Family and Friends Through Alternative Giving

Finding the perfect, meaningful gift for someone who has many wonderful possessions is a difficult task! With this in mind, the newly formed Mission Committee at St. Mark created “Christmas Alternatives” in 2001.

Purchasing a gift through Christmas Alternatives honors the recipient and will help lift a family out of poverty. That family will in turn help another community member. Every gift is another word in an ongoing story of hope that will help create a cycle of change for generations to come.

A copy of the “shopping list” is available in this month’s Messenger and on the welcome desk.

Displays will be in the Narthex on December 8, 15, & 22

Worship Prayers December 1

Jeremiah 33:14-16

New International Version

1The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

15 “‘In those days and at that time
    I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
    he will do what is just and right in the land.
16 In those days Judah will be saved
    and Jerusalem will live in safety.
This is the name by which it[a] will be called:
    The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’

CENTERING PRAYER Holy God, you promised us that the day of salvation is near. Keep us faithful in love and watchful in prayer, so we may stand with confidence and joy at the coming of Christ, our redeemer and Lord. Amen. 

 CALL TO WORSHIP – Advent Wreath Lighting Liturgy 

 PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord, have mercy on us. We are not ready for your coming. We live in sin, as though there was no justice. We live in fear, as though there were no grace. Forgive us, Lord. Show us your mercy and steadfast love. Lead us in your truth, and teach us your paths, for you are the light of the world and the God of our salvation. (Silent Confession)

Daily Prayer November 29

  

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

Daily Readings for Friday, November 29, 2024

• Morning Psalms 84; 148
• First Reading Zechariah 14:1-11
• Second Reading Romans 15:7-13
• Gospel Reading Luke 19:28-40
• Evening Psalms 25; 40

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.)

Angel Tree

 THE TRADITION CONTINUES …

The Angel Tree will once again be making an appearance in the Narthex. Please select an angel or two to help provide a Merry Christmas for one or more children. This year, Children’s Ministries has selected Isaiah 58 as the recipient, and they have provided a wish list for our Angel Tree. Especially needed are gifts for teens. Please return your gift ($20-25 range) and place it under the tree with the angel attached by December 15th.

Daily Prayer November 22

  

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a humble spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Daily Readings for Friday, November 22, 2024

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading Malachi 3:1-12
• Second Reading James 5:7-12
• Gospel Reading Luke 18:1-8
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ and make yourself our guest. Amid the cares of our daily lives, make us attentive to your voice and alert to your presence, that we may treasure your word above all else. O God, you are infinite, eternal and unchangeable, glorious in holiness, full of love and compassion, abundant in grace and truth. Your works everywhere praise you, and your glory is revealed

in Jesus Christ our Savior. Therefore we praise you, blessed and holy Trinity, one God, forever and ever. Eternal God, send your Holy Spirit into our hearts, to direct and rule us according to your will, to comfort us in all our afflictions, to defend us from all error, and to lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.

(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.)

Recycle Caps

 Let’s Recycle Together … plastic caps and lids STILL wanted!

This summer, St. Mark donated another ADA picnic table to Mound Ridge made from the plastic lids you donated. Plastic in our world is not going away anytime soon, so let’s keep it out of the landfill and turn it into something with another useful purpose!

Here are the types of lids we need to collect:

· in general: caps/lids from food grade containers and household items 8” in diameter or smaller

· snap-on lids from butter tubs, coffee cans, yogurt, cottage

cheese, ice cream, whipped topping,

· small twist-off caps: medicine, soda, water, sports drinks, milk

· large twist-off caps: detergent caps, peanut butter

· flip-top caps: ketchup, condiments, dressing

· 6 pack beverage holders – the ones with the solid tops (not the old open ring design)

· “to go” container lids with recycle number of 2, 4, or 5

· other caps and lids with the recycle symbol and recycle number of 2, 4, or 5

Please drop off your caps and lids in the collection bin near the Youth table in the Narthex

Worship Prayers November 17

 CENTERING PRAYER

 

Merciful God, you hear our cries and honor our tears. Stir in us such a passion during worship that we might vow to give you our best, for the glory of your name. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Let our hearts exult in the LORD;

our strength is exalted in God.

Let our mouths be ever fixed in praise;

God gives us the victory.

There is no Holy One like the LORD;

there is no Rock like our God.

Praise the Lord!

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

O God, who is faithful and just, we fail to help those who have little when we have so much. We are boastful and haughty and fail to appreciate everything you give. Our arrogance leads us away from your righteous way. Forgive us, Merciful God, and lead us to a humble path, for Jesus’ sake. (Silent Confession)

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

People of God, the Lord gives us so much. Let us praise the LORD through our gifts for the uplifting of God’s kingdom.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray…Dear God, we offer these gifts back to you. Multiply them so that they might help build up your kingdom on earth. All glory, praise, and honor are due to you, now and forever. Amen.

 

Scripture for November 17

  

1 Samuel 1:4-20

4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb. 6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. 20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,[a] saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

Read full chapter