Coming Attractions

 The “Dog Days of Summer” are officially upon us, and St. Mark’s calendar is starting to heat up. We just completed a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School where 80 children learned about trusting in God to go with us, to lead the way, to share wisdom, to give us peace, and to spark joy. These are important messages for young and old alike, and it never hurts to be reminded of God’s presence in all things. I am so thankful for all the volunteers who helped make this such a memorable week. 

As a child, I remember watching matinee movies in the cool comfort of air-conditioned theaters. I loved sitting in the darkened room waiting for the show to begin. Before the main attraction started, they treated us to a long list of coming attractions. 

Looking ahead in the summer, there are a few previews I want to share with you. 

• The ABC Sale is August 2 and 3, but there are opportunities to help leading up to the rummage sale. It’s one of the best opportunities we have for service, fellowship, and mission. We hope you will consider joining us throughout the week. 

• We’ll have the Blessing of the Backpacks during the August 18 worship service. This annual event includes a prayer for God’s provision, protection, and providential love for all pupils, teachers, and families. 

• Discover Sunday returns on September 8. This is our “homecoming” for all those who have been away for the summer. This event begins the church’s program year and provides opportunities to learn more about St. Mark’s many missions and ministries. In addition to longstanding committees and activities, we will have a table providing information about an upcoming capital campaign in early 2025. We want to hear from the congregation about needs, wants, and dreams for our campus. 

This is a very exciting time of growth at St. Mark, and we are exploring various ways to live out our CREDO: SEEK. DISCOVER. SHARE. There are many wonderful things happening at church, and we are so thankful for all the members and guests who join together on Sunday mornings and throughout the week to experience and share God’s love. Please consider inviting friends, relatives, and neighbors to discover St. Mark and the many things we have to offer. 

In Hope and Confidence

Pastor Dave

AUGUST FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

• Pasta Sauce

• Baking Mixes

• Meal “Helpers”

• Shaving Cream*

• Razors*

“dollar” and “big box” discount stores are good sourcing options

All year long, we collect food and hygiene items for Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58 Ministries. Please place your donations on the mission table outside the church office.

*Non-food products such as shaving cream and razors cannot be purchased with food stamps.

Worship Prayers July 28

 

CENTERING PRAYER 

God of light, you call us to see you as you revealed yourself in the scriptures. Help us feel your illuminating presence in our world and understand what an impact that makes in all that we do. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP 

We come seeking Jesus, the Light of the world! Shine is our hearts Lord Jesus! We believe in the strength of God to illuminate dark places. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome it. Lord, in this hour of worship, kindle in us the light of your love. Let your light shine through us, now and forever.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of light, how is it that we feel today the world is in deep darkness, and submerged in sickness, sin, evil, and ignorance? We ask that you forgive our contributions to these feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Encourage us to remember that Christ was also born into this fallen race and yet became the saving light of truth and love. With Christ as our guide, we too can shine and rekindle a spark of hope in the soul of all - so that whosoever believes by grace and through faith, will be removed from the kingdom of darkness, and placed into the brightness of God's eternal light. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH A Brief Statement of Faith 

God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image, male and female, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. In everlasting love, the God of Abraham and Sarah chose a covenant people to bless all families of the earth. Hearing their cry, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage. Loving us still, God makes us heirs with Christ of the covenant. Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home, God is faithful still.

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 28

 John 8:12-19

Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

13 The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

19 Then they asked him, “Where is your father?”

“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

Read full chapterSc

Daily Prayer July 26

Daily Readings for Friday, July 26, 2024

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Joshua 9:22-10:15
• Second Reading Romans 15:14-24
• Gospel Reading Matthew 27:1-10
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

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

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.)

ABC Sale---Mark your Calendars

 

Workdays: July 28 thru August 1 ----- Sale Days: August 2 & 3 The ABC Sale is St. Mark’s primary fundraiser to support our local mission partners. It’s time to start boxing up your treasures! The sale is also a great opportunity for fellowship and outreach to the community. Please share posts about the sale on your social media accounts. 

WANTED: MORE VOLUNTEERS! Various departments have openings, which include sitting roles, as well as sale day greeters (standing or sitting). To find your perfect volunteer role match, contact Joyce Blackwell or Pam Ladley, ABC Sale CoChairs. 

ANOTHER WAY TO HELP WITH THE ABC SALE! The “ABC Café” would love to share your home baked cookies, brownies and quick breads with our amazing volunteers! We are also hoping to use up all the odds and ends of paper products in our kitchen and from your home! If you have paper plates, cups or napkins from a party that are left over, we would love to use them up for you!! Please deliver baked goods and paper products to the kitchen clearly marked "ABC SALE" on Sunday, July 28th .

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Eternal God, the great I AM, your Son Jesus Christ is the true bread from heaven. Draw us to Christ that we may receive nourishing grace for our journey in this world. May we at last know the joy of everlasting life with Christ, who dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

I will bless the Lord at all times;

God’s praise shall continually be in my mouth.

O magnify the Lord with me,

and let us exalt God’s name together.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

Merciful God, we confess we do not live as your faithful children. We are angry with the world and nurse grudges against our adversaries. We hoard the fruits of our labors rather than share our bounty with the needy. We do not build up our neighbors with words of kindness but engage in evil gossip. We do not forgive the wrongs of others even though we desire your forgiveness toward us in Jesus Christ. Heal us, O God, and give us the grace to love as Christ loves. (Silent Confession)

 

 

 

 

 

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