Moving Upward Together: Days 2 and 3

 

Day 2, The Pulpit – Bill Tucker 

“While he was sitting at table with them he took the loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and passed it to them. Their eyes opened wide and they knew him! But he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts glowing while he was with us on the road, and when he made the scriptures so plain to us?” (Luke 24:3- 32) 

The pastor stands behind the pulpit, off-center on the right side of the congregation. I see it more distantly from the choir loft to the left. However distant, the pulpit is the place where the Word of God becomes flesh. It is a modest oak podium to the right of the Communion Table, as the congregation views it. The Table, where Jesus served the Lord’s Supper, justifiably gets the center of attention. Yet before that sacramental supper in the story from Luke, Jesus set the table for the disciples by explaining how the Hebrew scriptures foreshadowed the Messiah’s coming. Afterwards they said,” Weren’t our hearts glowing within us while he was with us on the road, and when he made the scriptures so plain to us?” In this moment the Word had become a sacrament for them, along with the bread and wine of Communion. When we take in the word, it takes us in. It comes from the preacher, standing in the pulpit, In the pulpit the Word of God is made flesh. 

Lord, let the pulpit, where your servant stands, hold our attention, as we receive your word. Help us to ponder with your Spirit, be changed, and be the change for the sake of your kingdom. Amen. 

Day 3, Kitchen and Gleason Hall – Dale Weir 

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do” (Ecclesiastes 9:7) 

There is an old joke Howard Gleason told about 3 little boys asked to bring something to school to "showcase" their religion.  The little Jewish boy brought a yarmulke, the Catholic boy brought a crucifix.  The Presbyterian boy brought a casserole dish.  Gathering friends and family around food is an essential part of being a community.  It symbolizes sharing not just of food and drink, but of thoughts and feelings.  It is a place of nurturing support and help as well as a place of celebration for the good times. May we always have a church kitchen and fellowship hall in which to share our "casserole dishes" of life.

Moving Upward Together: Day 1

 

We are so thankful to have this opportunity to study, pray, and discern together over the next 40 days. St. Mark has a rich history filled with mission, worship, fellowship, education, and so much more. We look to build on this solid foundation as we discern where God is leading us in the future. This devotional shows the many blessings we have experienced on our campus over the years and provides a daily centering moment. Please commit to joining us for this study as we trust the LORD to lead us onward and upward. The church will gather on Pentecost Sunday, June 8 for our Celebration Worship. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

In Hope and Confidence, Pastor Dave and the Capital Campaign Committee

Day 1, Chartering Document – Pastor Dave

See what large letters I make when I am writing in my own hand” (Galatians 6:11, NRSV.) 

Tom Brokaw famously called the Americans born between 1901 and 1927, “The Greatest Generation.” They lived through the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and raised families during the Baby Boom. They exemplified duty, honor, courage, and a sense of responsibility. These individuals were also joiners. Civic organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis, Soroptimist International, and many other groups saw their numbers swell as this generation joined their ranks. It was also the high-water mark for church attendance. On Pentecost Sunday, 1962, a group came together to create a new Presbyterian worshipping community in the heart of a growing neighborhood. They trusted the LORD and contributed their time, talents, and treasure. They also signed their names on a large chartering document. I recognize some of the signatures, but many passed away long before I arrived at St. Mark. The important thing is the legacy they built and the blessings they continue to share. The word “commitment” doesn’t carry the same gravitas as it once did. We sample, we test, we try things out, but many of us are scared to sign on the dotted line. Jesus isn’t looking for half-hearted disciples. The call is always to follow (even to the cross.) The road ahead is difficult, but we never walk it alone. Jesus instructs the disciples, “Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, NRSV.) It was true 2,000 years ago, it was true 63 years ago, it’s true today. What commitment is God asking you to make today? 

“Lord, we give you thanks for all the saints you place in our lives and the continuing blessing they provide. Help us to love you more dearly, to see you more clearly, and to follow you more nearly over these forty days. Amen.”

Peace Meal

 

Peace Meal has continued every Saturday since it began officially in 2006. We have nine faithful churches, including St. Mark Presbyterian, who send teams to staff the prep and service. We also have a few once-a-year groups that volunteer throughout the year.

We call this meal program the Peace Meal Project because we know that a meal is only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing poverty, inequality, and loneliness. This ministry is focused exclusively on serving a meal; we do not collect or distribute clothes, food items, or transportation tickets. But we believe that sharing a fellowship meal together brings us closer to the reign of God that we hope for: a community of justice, peace, and dignity for all people.

All of those involved in Peace Meal appreciate the support of St. Mark both personally and financially. We are grateful to be included in your prayers.

As always, if you are interested in having more involvement in Peace Meal (there are many more ways than volunteering on St. Mark Saturdays) we hope that you will reach out.

Worship Prayer April 27

 

CENTERING PRAYER Gracious God, you are the God who is and was and is to be. Thank you that Christ has freed us to be a kingdom of priests serving you and your world. Give me a deeper sense, as I move through this day, of what it means to say that you are my “Alpha and Omega,” my A to Z. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Celebrate God in this sacred space! Celebrate God in all places under heaven! Give praise for God’s mighty deeds! Give praise for God’s resurrecting power! Praise God with a fanfare of trumpets. Praise God with the harp and the cello! Praise God with tambourines and dancing! Praise God with flutes and guitars! Praise God with cymbals and drums! Let everything with life and breath praise God!

PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of the empty tomb and our empty hearts, when we are afraid to speak our faith in the world, forgive us and help us to find our voice. When we are afraid to forgive and to love again, forgive us and give us the power to forgive. When we are afraid to stand up to misguided authority, join with the weak to make us all strong. When we are confined by our hurts, touch us with your wounded hands and set us free. When we are locked behind our doubts and fears, pass through our barricades, open our hearts, and give us peace. (Silent Confession)

† 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.

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 April 27

 John 20:19-31

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

St. Thomas
By Peter Paul Rubens
- Museo del Prado

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus[a]), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe[b] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

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Annual Report: Technology and Communication Committees

 TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

The Technology Committee operates, manages, maintains, and purchases: all installed and portable audio systems; all TVs, cameras, and video systems; all desktop, laptop, tablet and server computers; all computer software, and their licenses, for all church devises; the church phone system; all church ethernet and Wi-Fi equipment and cabling; and all specialized 28 equipment for hybrid/Zoom meetings.

 Additionally, the committee members run the sound board and live stream high-quality, multi-camera, broadcasts of the weekly Sunday Services along with any special events as requested. The committee retains IT contractors for the higher-level technical support of the church’s IT systems and the church website. The committee also sets policy for the use of all these systems and consults with office staff in contract renewal negotiations for the church copiers. 

The highlight for this year was the conversion of the church’s internet and phone system to dedicated fiber optic service from copper lines for the phone service and copper coax for the internet. This has resulted in vastly improved internet speeds while providing the church with substantial savings for these utilities. 

We look forward to the new year with plans already underway for additional and improved video equipment in the sanctuary that will make our Sunday morning streaming even better! The Technology Committee is always interested in new members to assist in any roll, large or small. No experience required! Anyone interested should contact the chair. Additionally, the youth continue to help support our streaming efforts on Sunday mornings. We look forward to their continued support.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

In 2024 the St. Mark Communications Committee continued its mission of assisting in the many ways we communicate with each other, with our larger community within the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, our denomination, and our neighbors in Ballwin. This committee was formed and tasked many years ago to find ways to serve our mission through the use of emerging communications technologies. We are still actively assisting staff and other groups get the word out regarding opportunities for worship, especially during annual liturgical calendar events such as Lent, Easter, Advent, and Christmas, and providing documentation of these and events on the Congregational Bulletin Board and Discover St. Mark Facebook pages.  We hope in the coming year to expand telling the St. Mark story through other forms of social media. 

A special thank you to all the members of the Communications Committee for the work you have done this past year. As we embark on this new year, our goals are to make our website and social media presence even more useful to our St. Mark mission of sharing the Good News of God’s Love for all. If you would like to join us in the work of the Communications Committee, all are welcome!

Newborns in Need

 

Newborns In Need is a 501(c)3 non-profit that donates essential baby care items to hospitals, homeless shelters, family crisis centers, county health units, police offices and any other organizations that provide for the needs of premature and newborn babies that are sick or in crisis within the St. Louis area.

Every child born deserves basic essentials.

In America, nearly 11 million children are poor. That’s 1 in 7 children, who make up almost one-third of all people living in poverty in this country. Poverty or illness impacts the tiniest babies and families become overwhelmed. Without a strong support system, the gift of basic essentials to these families gives them a chance to provide for the new baby immediately after birth.

Effective care can reduce the deaths of babies under one month and Newborns in Need works to provide essential items to support the new family unit. No infant should suffer or be at risk due to lack of items that every baby deserves.

PW collects newborn clothing, blankets, diapers, and hygiene products to donate to NIN.

Easter Sunday Worship Prayers

 CENTERING PRAYER (The Gelasian Sacramentary, c. 500)

 

“The moment we have longed for has come; the night of our desires is here. What greater occupation could there be than for us to proclaim the power of your resurrection! This was the night when you shattered the gates of hell, and you took up the victory banner of Heaven. This was the night when you set us among the stars. When your mother Mary gave birth to you, she was overwhelmed with joy at your beauty. Now we are overwhelmed with joy at your power. The blood which flowed from your side has washed away our sins. Your body rising from the tomb has promised us eternal life. Eternal are the blessings which in your love you have poured upon us.”

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Rejoice and be glad:

This is the day that the Lord has made!

Rejoice and be glad:

Heaven and earth will never be the same!

Rejoice and be glad:

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Gracious God, we have heard the good news:

how on the third day, Christ rose again.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You rolled away the stone from the tomb.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You sent messengers to proclaim the gospel.

Still we look for the living among the dead.

You were faithful to your promise;

you have done wonderful things!

Still we look for the living among the dead.

 

[silent confession]

 

Forgive us, Lord, we pray.

Teach us to trust your promise

and to believe the good news of salvation:

Christ is alive; Jesus is risen from the dead. Amen.

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – WCF SC Q1

 

 

OFFERING

 

We belong to Christ Jesus; all things are his, for he is Lord of all.

 

Let us pray - We praise you, O God, and give you thanks

that you have given us such joy, such grace, and such hope,

in the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let our lives be proof of that good news.

Let all our words and actions, our love and service

bear witness to your resurrection power;

for the sake of our living Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (1806 - 1858) – Painter (Russian

 

 

Scripture Easter Sunday

 John 20:1-18

The Empty Tomb

20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

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More details

Holy Women at Christ's Tomb (c. 1590) by Annibale Carracci.

Good Friday

 

Guide us through the paths that feel lonely, assured that you are always with us.  Be with us in the darkness as we walk by faith and not by sight.  Amen

Maundy Thursday

 

Mark 14:22-26

New International Version

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

24 “This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Annual Report: Music Director

 The Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells resumed rehearsals and Sunday performances in mid-August. The Cantata, “The Mystery and the Majesty” was performed on December 15th by the choir with help from St. Mark soloists and a small chamber group of instrumentalists hired for the occasion. 

Both the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells enjoyed welcoming new or returning members to their groups, whether they be for typical Sunday performances, special music, or Easter/Christmastime performances.

The Chancel Bells have been busy this year as well! The ensemble has learned music at a wonderfully brisk pace, allowing the group to perform multiple times within a season, giving more opportunities for the members of St. Mark to share their musical gifts. A small bell ensemble joined us for the Easter service’s “Hallelujah” performance. Additionally, we had so many members participating in our Christmas Bells performance, that we were running out of space, stands, and bells—a good problem to have! 

With the help of Pastor MP, numerous youth members, and their supporting families, we have been able to incorporate a new ensemble into the Music Ministry at St. Mark. The youth music ensemble with look forward to additional opportunities to perform in the Spring. 

Listed below are additional musical points of interest from the past year: 

• The yearly Christmas Cantata accompanied by a chamber orchestra including St. Mark members 

• Special Music during Holy Week services 

• The Hallelujah Chorus and other Special Music with brass/percussion during Easter 

• Collaboration with Pastor MP in continuing a Lessons and Carols service 

• Engaging in a diverse array of music, including education and discussion of Spirituals

 • Music selections for the Blue Christmas service 

• Collaborations between the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells

 In the coming year, we hope to continue as many of these wonderful opportunities as possible, while striving to provide continuing opportunities for the members of St. Mark. In the coming year, some brief goals will include streamlining the music storage areas, reducing visual “noise” in the Sanctuary regarding the Music Ministry, initiating an opportunity for an Adult Chamber Music Ensemble, and continuing to provide compelling music during special services and within the Sunday morning worship service. 

Respectfully submitted, Ethan Forte, Music Director

Holy Week Activities

 

Mound Ridge Retreat and Mission Center

 

Mound Ridge Retreat and Mission Center is a hidden gem nestled in the Missouri Ozark countryside, overlooking the headwaters of the upper Meramec River. Mound Ridge is a place where it is easy to relax in

nature, a place where our spirits can be renewed and refreshed, a place where you can slow your pace and connect with the Triune God and with your friends and family.

Mound Ridge provides excellent hospitality with our many facilities and is a great weekend or vacation destination in all seasons.

We welcome families, day use, weddings, and groups of all kinds including mission/service groups year- round. During the summer we hold

various camps for ages 6-15. Through the “Children in Nature” fund we provide scholarships to summer campers from distressed/underserved nonmetropolitan and metropolitan middle income family groups with children.

St. Mark is involved with Mound Ridge in a variety of ways -- donations of accessible picnic tables from recycled lids, scholarships to the Children in Nature Crippen fund, and monetary grants. Last year, a native edible garden was planted in honor of Susan Talley. St. Mark members also help construct and maintain cabins.

Worship Prayers Palm Sunday

 CENTERING PRAYER

Gracious God, as we enter this Holy Week, strengthen us to move beyond the festive parade of palms and to follow Jesus into the way of the cross, that united with him and all the faithful, we may one day enter through the gates of righteousness into the eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where we may praise you with Christ and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let Israel say: "His love endures forever."
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you
The LORD is God and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the altar.
You are my God, and I will give you thanks you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God of heaven and earth, we give you thanks for sending us Jesus Christ. Even though we profess to follow him, we confess that, in times of trouble, we too often deny him. Forgive us and heal us, we pray. Help us to put our faith not in the princes of this world but only in the Prince of Peace. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – WCF SC Q1

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

God has given us his only Child, Jesus Christ,

as the way of our salvation.

Let us then give generously, as God has given to us.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray… Holy One,

we give you thanks for the great deeds of salvation

that you have done and continue to do.

Bless these offerings of thanksgiving

that they may further your kingdom in this world;

through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.