Moving Upward Together: Day 35

 

Day 35, Fair-Trade Store – Pastor Dave

St. Mark makes an impact on the world every day. Some of the activities, like mission trips, are easy to identify and celebrate. There are others that change the world, but we don’t always get to see it. I am so thankful our congregation supports the “Fair Trade Ministry.” There is booth set up at least once a month in the narthex allowing members and guests to buy tasty Palestinian dates, rich South American coffee, or sweet Latin America chocolate. I believe it is best described as a “labor of love” for our Mission Committee. There is love in the many volunteer hours, and there is love in the difference it is making in lives, communities, and regions.

You are likely familiar with the phrase, “Think globally, act locally.” The Fair-Trade Store allows us to do both. The scripture reminds us, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but an accurate weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1, NRSV.) We know there are imbalances throughout our world, but mission activities like this help to balance the scales. What are some small changes you can make locally that will make a big impact globally?

“God of Justice, we give you thanks for the many blessings your pour into our lives. Help us to be conscious of how our purchases help or hurt our neighbors. We delight in the cornucopia of good options around us. Help us to always be thankful. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 34

 

Day 34, Wednesday Evening Potlucks – Pastor Dave

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, NRSV.)

I love a good all-church potluck, but it might be our son’s favorite event every month. There’s something special about all the casseroles, side dishes, and desserts. It’s not just the variety, it’s the wonderful example it sets. Nobody has too much and no one has too little. A few months ago, a guest showed up without anything to share. She felt a little uncomfortable, but I told her not to worry, we had plenty of food.

The earliest version of the eucharist wasn’t in a sanctuary and didn’t involve a wafer of bread or a small cup of grape juice. It was a potluck. The church held everything in common, and this meant no one had to worry, there was plenty of food for everyone. We believe God is present when the pastors preside at the Lord’s Table, and we trust God is also there as we enjoy fried chicken, pasta salad, and pigs-in-a-blanket together in Gleason Hall. It’s an Agape Feast, a love meal, and everyone is welcome because there is always enough.

I am so thankful for these special meals we share. God will continue to bless us when the bread is broken, the cups are filled, and feast is served. It helps us to remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, but it is also a foretaste of the heavenly wedding banquet that is to come. Let us never take this food or the fellowship for granted.

“God of the Feast, we give you thanks for our daily bread, and the opportunity to share meals with others. Help us to be generous with what we have so that no one will have too much and nobody will have too little. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 33

 

Day 33, The Men’s Restroom – Bill Tucker

“I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

Your old men shall dream dreams,

And your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28.)

The men of the church know this; the women may not. There is a shower stall in the men’s restroom near Gleason Hall, across from the courtyard. It was installed probably two decades ago. I don’t know if it has ever been used. Why was it installed, you may ask?

It was installed because in the ‘90s one of our high school youth members had an idea precipitated from out-of-town work trip experiences. The visiting youth were sometimes housed in churches as a “home away from home”. Because these churches had restrooms AND showers, young people could be lodged less expensively.

One of our kids thought our church could also become hospitable to out-of-town groups. Thus, at the time when the kitchen renovation was undertaken, a shower was installed in the men’s restroom. The

shower was a method of serving others outside of our own congregation. It was young person’s idea of how St. Mark could be helpful to others.

Lord God, pour out your Spirit on St. Mark’s young and old. Then help us listen to each other as we try to articulate those visions and dreams.

Moving Upward Together: Day 32

 

 

Day 32, Passing of the Peace – Pastor Dave

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27, NRSV.)

What is the best part of your week? Is it the end of work on Friday afternoon or a special meal with family on the weekend? I have one that’s probably not on anyone’s list. I love the “Assurance of Grace” after the “Prayer of Confession.” It’s such a special privilege to announce to the congregation “Our sins are forgiven.” It’s a clean slate to start the new week, and it is followed up with the “Passing of the Peace.”

Our church in Eufaula did not pass the peace before we got there, and I am pretty sure the last time they did it was our final Sunday in Alabama. It wasn’t part of their culture, and, even though I tried, it wasn’t going to be a lasting occurrence. I am so thankful St. Mark does this every Sunday. In a full service, we allow at least a minute for members and guests to exchange signs of peace. This is not something we see in the outside world, and we should never take it for granted in the sanctuary. Since our sins are wiped away, we have peace with God and with one another. This isn’t the fickle niceness the world offers but a deep abiding connection with the Creator and the creation. May we use this time to springboard us into our community.

“Prince of Peace, we praise you for forgiving our sins and for giving us a lasting peace. Help us to share this reconciling love in the sanctuary and beyond. Amen.”

Working Upward Together: Day 31

 

Day 31, Growing in Grace – Stacey Caplinger

“Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12.)

As one who has great enthusiasm for gardening, I was excited about the creation of a Children’s Garden at St. Mark years ago. My kids and I spent many years helping prepare the soil, plant the seeds, pull weeds, and harvest produce from the garden each summer. One of my favorite memories is watching Andrew dig up a potato, and in his excitement, jumping up and loudly praising God for his amazing harvest! Tending a garden is a task that requires a good deal of effort, patience, and trust. Effort in preparing and tending the garden coaxes what we have planted to grow and produce. Patience is required in a process where, not we, but factors in nature and the environment control the timeline. Trust in that process allows us to excitedly anticipate the outcome of a good harvest. Chapter 10, verse 12 in Hosea likens preparing our hearts for God’s love and blessings to gardening. It directs us to sow for ourselves acts of righteousness to prepare our hearts, as we would garden soil, to allow God’s righteousness to take root and produce fruit in our lives. Our effort, patience, and trust in God will yield in us continued spiritual growth and steadfast love.

How can you prepare your heart for God’s blessings? In what ways can you be intentional in practicing patience and trust be to allow spiritual growth and receive God’s steadfast love in your life?

“Our God and creator of all things, thank you for your many blessings. Help me to exhibit effort, patience, and trust necessary to cultivate spiritual growth in my life. Lead me every day with your patience and love. Amen.”

Working Upward Together: Days 29 and 30

 

Day 29, Jesus and Coffee – Pastor Dave 

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NRSV.) 

When I think about the many blessings we experience on a Sunday morning, I believe one of the biggest is hot coffee and warm fellowship. It’s probably something we take for granted, but it’s a central part of the Sunday experience. I remember a time at my last church in Joplin where the coffee machine didn’t work for two Sundays in a row. I can’t tell you how many phone calls I received imploring me to solve the problem. While others were ground down, I definitely felt like I was in hot water. I started drinking coffee in college, and, outside of Lent, I have a cup every morning (the stronger, the better.) I do not enjoy decaffeinated coffee; there’s something missing. It looks like it should be just as good, but it lacks the “oomph” I need. This makes me think about the church without the Holy Spirit. It can look and sound the part, but if it doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, it is as weak as decaf. The Presbyterian Church has an uneasy relationship with the “Third Person of the Trinity.” We pride ourselves on doing things “decently and in order”, and we are hesitant to let an outside influence disrupt the familiar status quo. The same Holy Spirit that was present at creation, at Jesus’ baptism, and at Pentecost, is active in our world today. It’s the light within us and the filling breeze at our backs. It’s the hot water poured over our coffee grounds. The longer it stays with us, the stronger we are. May we all make it a habit to welcome in the Holy Spirit as we enjoy our morning joe. I guarantee it will provide more energy for your day than any caffeinated cup.

 “Renewing God, we thank you for the many wonderful blessings you provide. Help us to recognize the many ways you help us, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, give us strength for today. Amen.” 

Day 30, Fellowship Hall – Patty Gingrich 

“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord” (Psalm 89:15.) 

As I walk through St. Mark Presbyterian Church to lock doors and turn out lights, I am often fooled into thinking the lights were left on in our original sanctuary because the windows catch the sunlight and really light up the room. I walk in there to turn off the lights and then realize the room is simply bathed in natural light. Tom Bodett says, “we’ll leave the lights on for you” in the motel commercial to give you a sense of security. As believers, we walk in that blessed light every day and through God, with faith, we move mountains, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, comfort the weary, find Peace and share good will. The original sanctuary reminds me that we are always bathed in the spiritual light of a loving God. What reminds you that you are a precious child of God as you go through your day? The Lord reaches out to us in so many ways, do we miss some of the signals? We may only perceive a fraction of the love, power and support that is available to us as we hustle through each day because our focus is elsewhere but God’s presence is eternally with us, shining through! 

“Dear God, thank you for leaving the light on for me. Help me to remember that I am always walking in your light and supported by your loving embrace, even when I feel alone or afraid. Amen”

Scripture and Worship Prayers May 25

  

John 14:23-29

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

 

 

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Astonishing God, you give us a vision of the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, your home among mortals on earth. All people and nations will stream to your city where they will find nourishment, healing, and peace. Even now your blessing shines upon all the earth to help us see a larger vision of your loving care for creation. You call us to move beyond our comfortable circles into unfamiliar places, as we seek to share your dream of a world made new in Christ. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Alleluia, Christ is risen.

The Lord is risen indeed, alleluia.

Let the peoples praise you, O God.

Let all the peoples praise you.

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Loving God, we confess we are an anxious people who deny your blessings and fail to keep your word. Instead of sharing your fruits of the Spirit, we cut ourselves off from you and one another. Forgive us, we pray, for these and all our sins, that we might live in peace and reflect your love in the world. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

The earth has yielded its increase and God has richly blessed us. Therefore, bring your tithes and offerings and come into God’s courts with praise.

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray...Giving God, as spring bursts forth its blossoms in witness of your love, help us to both recognize and share the good spiritual fruit you provide. All we have and all we are come from you, O God, so we gladly share this offering that others too may be blessed in your name. Amen.

Moving Upward Together: Day 28

 

Day 28, Pastor Pictures in Room 102 – Sharon Tharp 

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be” (1 Peter 4:1-4.) 

These shepherds have watched over this flock at St Mark for many years, have blessed us with their wisdom, and we have learned from them. They have shown us many styles and personalities and shared their gifts of the Spirit with us as we have individually grown as the body of Christ. Take time to pray for their guidance and well-being, remembering that they are mere mortals just as we are. Show them your support and kindness.  

“Dear Lord, keep us mindful and grateful of the gifts of the people you choose to lead us. Keep us humble and worthy of the lessons you provide to us so that we may go forward into the world to shine your light of love. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 27

 

Day 27, The Archives – John Northrip

 “According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it” (1 Corinthians 3:10, NRSVUE.) 

There is a small room, unknown to many, that may well be the heart of St. Mark. Collected and curated by members of the congregation over the years, the church archives tell the story of St. Mark through photo albums, committee minutes, orders of worship, newsletters, contracts, blueprints, and so, so, much more. It is a record of the history of the church, but as well a reminder of all the lives that have been a part of the effort to keep it vibrant and moving forward over the years, through the challenges and changes each generation has faced. That is the part of the story I find most encouraging as we take our turn to deliver St. Mark into the future, that the past is not gone, but is here now as an example, giving us momentum to carry on the work of our mission. 

“Eternal God, we give you thanks we give you thanks for your incarnational presence in the world and in our lives. We praise you for your help in ages past; please be our help for years to come. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 26

 

Day 26, The Sanctuary’s Ceiling Windows at St. Mark – Sharon Cardwell

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12.) 

Have you ever noticed that there are three windows in the sanctuary ceiling? Did you further see that they are triangular and when you look closely you will see a cross in each one as well? These are unique windows. During the day, the light shines from above. Sometimes, during a service, the light streams in hitting the pews and will shine a direct light on a particular congregant. This has happened to me. At first, I didn’t like having the light in my eyes, but then I thought “maybe that is God reminding me thru that light that God is always with me”. Furthermore, the crosses in the window remind me of the cross that Christ died on. “For God so loved the World that God gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16.) Let’s remember not only to think about Christ’s sacrifice, but to remember God is always with us, and reminds us to let our light shine before men so others see God’s light in us as we set an example for others. 

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16.) 

“Thank you God for loving us and sending your son to us. When we see the cross in the windows in the sanctuary, may we remember His sacrifice and let God’s light shine through us.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 25

 

 

Day 25, The Open Door – Pastor Dave 

“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps” (Proverbs 16:9, NRSV.) 

I practice an “open door” ministry when I am in the office. It doesn’t matter what I am doing, I always have time for members and guests. Normally, I hear the same thing when there’s a knock on my door. Well-meaning folks tell me, “I am so sorry to interrupt you, but do you have a minute to talk?” 

I remind people that the interruption is the ministry. Jesus traveled with his disciples across Judea and Samaria during his public ministry. Many of the miracles occurred while Jesus was moving between point A and point B. We hear one of the best examples of this at the end of Luke 8 as Jesus is moving to heal Jairus’ daughter. While he is on the road, a suffering woman reaches out and touches the fringe of his cloak. She had endured hemorrhaging for a dozen years, and no doctor could heal her. The desperate woman was out of money, but she still had the faith to reach out. Among the crowds brushing up against him, Jesus felt the touch and knew his power had gone out to someone else. Eventually, they met, and she explained her situation to which, Jesus replied, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace” (Luke 8:48, NRSV.) 

We often get discouraged when things do not go according to our plan. On the other hand, Jesus welcomed these interruptions, because he knew God was at work in these “divine disruptions.” Do you see interruptions as a gift or an annoyance? Where is God trying to interrupt your plans today? 

“Ever-Present God, we give you thanks for the road laid before us today. Help us to follow you on the path of healing, wholeness, and holiness. Open our eyes to the “divine disruptions” as this day unfolds. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 24

 

Day 24, Cutting the Chalah – Patty Gingrich 

“Then he ordered the crowd to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the crowds” (Matthew 14:19 ESV.)

There are many amazing things to catch your attention at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Ballwin. Some things stand out because they are breathtakingly beautiful, while other things may stand out because they invite contemplation or offer a call to action. This is the rich and colorful backdrop overshadowed only by the fellowship and good works that take place in and around the building. 

I have been curious about a pencil drawing print, “Cutting the Chalah” by Jerry Winick that hangs on the wall in the conference room, 106, where we hold our bi-weekly staff meetings. The intensity of focus in the Rabbi’s face begged the question, “What is so important in this moment, slicing a piece of bread?” With a little detective work, my questions were answered. The Rabbi is depicted in the moment of blessing the bread. He is intent on following the tradition of nicking the bread to open it to receive the blessing while still keeping the loaf whole, to honor the Shabbat. 

My curiosity has been satisfied, and the window has opened for me to consider becoming more intentional about being thankful for my sustenance and asking God to bless the food to nourish me with good health by eating it. At St. Mark blessings are said before shared meals at gatherings and events and families say blessings together before meals. Jesus set the example of looking up to the heavens and blessing the food. Many times, we miss the opportunity to give thanks for our meal, we are busy, snacking on the go, (does a protein drink count as meal?) So it is good to share a reminder to be intentional about our thanksgiving. 

“Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you provide us. Help us to recognize the many opportunities to give thanks that we encounter in each moment, every day. And give us the awareness to stop and spend that moment with you, giving thanks and praise for your blessings. Amen”

Moving Upward Together Days 22 and 23

 

Day 22, Choir Loft – Judy Richardson 

“I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples: I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is as high as the heavens; Your faithfulness extends to the clouds” (Psalm 57:9-10.) 

There is nothing like the thrill of worshiping God by singing from our choir loft. I heard the choir sing during Christmas 2015. I was hooked and couldn’t imagine anything more enjoyable than joining my alto in support of the wonderfully talented singers. There was an all-call for choir members before the new season started in 2016 and they had me. 

As we sing praises to God, it is important to appreciate the words and share them with the congregation. It is a challenge to appreciate the words when the melodies are particularly complex or the words sung rapidly. I am glad we are not singing rap music. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to worship God from our choir loft. As the congregation sees us, we enjoy them. Their smiles and applause help us feel appreciated and loved and work even harder to give a good performance. Over the years, a railing has been installed due to concerns for our safety on the choir steps. It is just one of the many ways we feel the love and appreciation of St. Mark as we sing our praises to God. 

“Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of our voices. Help us to make joyful noises and to live in harmony as we worship you. Amen.”

Day 23, Rise Against Hunger – Pastor MP 

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35.) 

There is so much that is wonderful and holy about coming together to feed the hungry. When we break bread—whether in a meal shared with loved ones or in the work of preparing food for others—we participate in God’s love made visible. At St. Mark Presbyterian Church, our Rise Against Hunger event is one of those holy moments.   

Hands young and old measure rice and grains, seal bags, and stack boxes that will travel across the world to nourish those in need. It is a beautiful picture of what God’s kingdom looks like—scout troops, preschool families, members of our congregation, and neighbors from the Claymont neighborhood all working side by side. Each scoop, each seal, each box packed is an act of love, a tangible response to Jesus’ call to care for the least of these.   It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer need in our world. Hunger is vast, and poverty is deep. But in this moment, in this place, we remember: God does not ask us to solve everything—only to do what we can, with what we have, where we are. 

When we serve together, we become part of something bigger than ourselves, a ripple of kindness that extends farther than we can imagine. In John 21:17, Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.” It is not just a request—it is a command, a calling. Feeding the hungry is not just about food; it is about seeing the humanity in another, recognizing the image of God in those we might never meet.   Let us remember that this work is not just about filling stomachs, but about filling hearts—ours included. This is a feast of grace, a celebration of what happens when God’s people come together with open hands and willing hearts.   

“God of abundance, thank you for the opportunity to serve. Open our eyes to those in need and our hearts to the ways we can help. Bless the hands that prepare, pack, and send this food, and bless those who will receive it. May this work be a reflection of Your love and a glimpse of Your kingdom. Amen.”

Worship Prayers May 18

 

CENTERING PRAYER

Surprising God, in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you make all things new. Long ago, you called your church to a love beyond all social and cultural differences and gave them the gift of your Holy Spirit to open hearts to enact such love. Give us that same spirit of openness, that we too might discern new directions in our day for your dream to reconcile and heal all creation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 148)

 

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord in the heavens;

Praise him in the heights!

Praise him, all his angels;

praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;

praise him, all you shining stars!

Praise him, you highest heavens.

Let us praise the name of the Lord!

 

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

God of mercy, your command to love one another across all differences opens us to new horizons, yet we often respond with fear and judgment and hinder your goal for humanity. Forgive us our sins, we pray, and give us a true repentance that leads to life for all creation. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

SCRIPTURE: John 13:31-35

Jesus Predicts Peter’s Denial

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him,[a] God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

 

 

OFFERING

 

Invitation to the Offering

 

Jesus tells all his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Let us with gladness offer to God the gifts of our labor, life, and love.

 

 

Prayer after Offering

 

Let us pray… Loving God, we give you thanks for calling us to the ministry of reconciliation. Accept these gifts for your mission to heal all creation. May they testify to your love for all creation and our love for you. Amen.

 

 

Moving Upward Together: Day 21

 

Day 21, Sanctuary – John Northrip 

I spent some time by myself on a recent afternoon in the Sanctuary at St. Mark, the only light coming through our extraordinary stained glass and the trinity of windows high in the soaring ceiling. I prayed with gratitude for this sacred space, and then in the stillness let my memory wander through all that I have witnessed and been part of here over the years, the worship and celebration, the joyful noise and profound silence, the rejoicing in God's Love, and the comfort in times of sorrow.  But, as I looked around, I realized that something was missing, and then remembered a rhyme and finger game I learned as a child, and after a couple of tries was able to actually do a decent job of performing –

This is my church  

This is its steeple 

Open the doors 

And see all the people! 

Though this beautiful space may be a source of inspiration in the stillness, it is here because of the people who built it, who have maintained it, and who have used it to glorify God, so that we may all enjoy God's Love forever. 

“For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Let each builder choose with care how to build on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:9-11, NRVSU.) 

“Holy God, I give you thanks for all the saints who planned, built, maintained, and grew this community of faith. Help me to be a good steward of this gift for today and tomorrow. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 20

 

Day 20, Awake! Awake! – Pastor Dave 

“Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14, NRSV.) 

Most people dread Monday mornings and the beginning of a new work week. The weekends are never long enough, and it can feel like an eternity for Saturday and Sunday to roll around again. I was never a fan of Mondays until two years ago when we began a new tradition on the St. Mark campus. I greet the “walk-in” preschool families. In fair and foul weather, I welcome young and old alike with a smile, a good morning, and the open door of new possibilities. It’s a small thing, to be sure, but it means a lot. 

Recently, I’ve found myself humming the Advent tune, “Awake! Awake and Greet the New Morn” while waiting for the young to skip into the building. It’s a hymn about welcoming the Christ child, but I believe it’s also a reminder to start every day with a spirit of anticipation, hope, and expectation. Our creative God is doing something new every day, and we need to rub the sleep out of our eyes and look with wonder at all the possibilities before us.

 “Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning. Sing out your joy, for soon he is born, behold! the Child of our longing. Come as a baby weak and poor, to bring all hearts together; he opens wide the heavenly door and lives inside us forever.” What doors is Christ opening for you today? What new possibilities await you on the other side of sleep? 

“LORD, we thank you for the gift of this new day and for opening the door of eternal life. Help us to greet this morning and all our neighbors with a spirit of welcome. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 19

 

Day 19, The Spire – Dale Weir 

When I was a tiny baby, my father was assigned to Morocco. Several months after he departed, my mother loaded up my two older sisters and myself, and we traveled by ocean liner with other military families to join him. Several years later, with a new baby along, Dad’s tour of duty was over, and it was time to return to the states. But, wanting to see as much of the world as they could first, and, not certain they would ever make it back, my parents loaded themselves and four little girls into a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and proceeded to zig zag across Europe for a month during a heatwave, eventually reaching England and an ocean liner headed home. We saw wondrous things along the way. We discovered areas like the Leaning Tower of Pisa that were so conservative that my mother, in a sleeveless dress with “bare armpits”, wasn’t allowed to enter. 

But one enduring legacy of that trip was my mother recognizing that every church spire in Europe was slightly different. For the rest of her life, during family road trips, she would point to church spires and tell us that if we studied them, we could never get lost; each unique spire would tell us where we were and each spire in the distance would tell us where we were going. 

I have looked at the St Mark spire over the years. I’ve seen birds perched on it watching over a parking lot concert during Covid. I’ve witnessed the heavens giving off once in a lifetime light shows around it. I have seen it with a covering of snow, and baking in the heat of hot sunny days. At one point, I was asked to take a picture of it for something the church office needed (maybe the cover to a directory? ), but I wasn’t able to do it justice, so I recommended that they contact Richard Hunt, as I knew he would be able to take a picture that would be far better than anything I could take. Just as seeing the Arch, lets my heart know I’m back in St Louis, seeing the St Mark Spire, lets me know I’m home.

“Welcoming God, you send us out into the world with a mission, but you also call us back home to rest. We thank you for the many guideposts you place in our lives directing us to your love and your eternal presence. Give us eyes to see and feet to move knowing you are leading us home. Amen.”

Moving Upward Together: Day 18

 

Day 18, Many Gifts – Pastor Dave 

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, NRSV.) 

St. Mark has a rich history and a very confusing physical layout. There was no master plan, and every part of the church came about as need, time, and finances allowed. The original section of the church bears little resemblance to the sanctuary. Gleason Hall is a wonderful resource, but it feels very different than the rest of the facility. The one space that feels the most out of place is our narthex. 

When I first interviewed at St. Mark, I thought it was odd to have such a large room. I could not have been more wrong. Yes, it’s the spot where we gather for coffee before and after worship, but it is so much more. It gets used throughout the week as a place to share stories at a funeral, a venue to play games with VBS, and an open table to share food during countless special events. What I once thought was a poor use of space, I now recognize as the beating heart of St. Mark. 

The physical layout of the facility might feel disjointed, but I believe it provides a tangible reinforcement of who we all are as the Body of Christ. Each space is different, but every room has a purpose. The Apostle Paul reminds us that there are many distinct spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same God. There are some who have the gift of preaching; they should preach. There are others who have the gift of prayer; they should pray. There are still others who have the gift of giving; they should give generously. We should never look at any other believer as a waste of space. Like the narthex, they might not present their unique gifts at first, but there are so many possibilities if we just look a little closer. 

“Almighty God, give us eyes to see the many gifts you give to others, and help us to recognizes the unique blessings you share with us. May we give of them freely today to build up your Body and share the good news of your love. It is in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.”