Moving Upward Together: Days 4 and 5

 

Day 4, Church Sign – Pastor Dave 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, NRSV.) 

When I arrived at St. Mark eight years ago, I knew there were a few improvements we needed to make. We could delay some of these, but one project could not wait. The old church sign had yellowed with age and was on its last legs. It did not represent well the vibrancy of the inside of the building, and it was time to replace it. I am so thankful for Hudson family and their gift to provide a new vibrant sign to welcome people to participate in the life and ministry of St. Mark. It no longer blends into the neighborhood but stands out with its information. 

A new sign is great, but it is only as good as the thing it represents. Jesus tells his disciples that others will know they follow him by the way they love one another. It’s not the t-shirts we wear, the jewelry we display, or the bumper stickers on our car. The sign cannot (and should not) do our work for us. The reason St. Mark grew in the past is the same reason the Lord continues to add to our numbers. This is a place of welcome. People know they are loved when they walk through these doors. More than that, they know they are loved when we exhibit the fruits of the Spirit outside the church walls. The best church sign in the world is the faithfulness of her members. May we all commit to live our lives in such a way that it draws others to the love of God in Jesus Christ.

 “Calling God, in the Great Commission, you instruct us to go out into the world and make disciples. Help us to live out our faith fully throughout the week. May others know we follow you by our love. Amen.”

 Day 5, Breaking Bread, Building Community: The Kitchen at St. Mark – Pastor MP 

“Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people" (Acts 2:46- 47a.)

 The kitchen at St. Mark is more than a place where food is prepared, it is a space where love is shared, where hands work together, and where hearts are drawn closer to God and one another. Every meal prepared, every cup of coffee poured, and every dish washed is an act of hospitality, a reflection of Christ’s love in action.   

Throughout the year, our kitchen is alive with activity. Volunteers gather to prepare for Giving Thanks, ensuring that all who come feel the warmth of fellowship and the abundance of God’s blessings. Youth meetings begin with shared meals that nourish not just the body but also friendships and faith. Sunday mornings start with coffee and conversation, simple moments that strengthen the bonds of our church family.   And then there’s Breakfast with Santa, a meal that reaches beyond our congregation to share God’s love with our neighbors. Families from the community gather for pancakes and laughter, experiencing the joy of the season through the generosity of a church that welcomes them with open arms.   

Ministry happens not just at the table, but in the work behind the scenes, the chopping, stirring, serving, and even the scrubbing of dishes. In these moments, we learn what it means to serve with humility and love. The kitchen becomes a holy space, where we practice gratitude, hospitality, and the simple but powerful act of breaking bread together.   

“Lord, bless the hands that prepare, serve, and clean up. May our kitchen always be a place of joy, nourishment, and love, where all are welcomed in Your name. Amen.”