tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66458317084284473582024-03-18T00:00:32.568-05:00Discover St. MarkSt. Mark Presbyterian Church (USA) in West St. Louis County: continuing to move into the future, building on our 50 year history of serving God.
Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.comBlogger3034125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-47961647309587670732024-03-18T00:00:00.006-05:002024-03-18T00:00:00.143-05:00 LENTEN WATER CHALLENGE <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH8-GVdWJ2CHlIPLB6prFbmWlMb7mPbqqfJxB8U6NyA66lZ_LM5Ri7rVVitGcV8Q1Go_lz4MUXs-mreCV8vvjs2mGoFotSxBO5o4AEzlsrP1-_Y8AQo8gabrLeq_ViZUJemLqBwm5jHk8WH_HHC3-4C698_OPttQ3T_8hXDG14euiD4JrGc__fk8har82/s780/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%201.15.51%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="780" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCH8-GVdWJ2CHlIPLB6prFbmWlMb7mPbqqfJxB8U6NyA66lZ_LM5Ri7rVVitGcV8Q1Go_lz4MUXs-mreCV8vvjs2mGoFotSxBO5o4AEzlsrP1-_Y8AQo8gabrLeq_ViZUJemLqBwm5jHk8WH_HHC3-4C698_OPttQ3T_8hXDG14euiD4JrGc__fk8har82/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20at%201.15.51%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Pastor Dave has encouraged his congregations for the past to drink only clean tap water for the 40 days of Lent and donate the money not spent on other beverages to support the building of clean water wells in Africa. Giving up the morning trip to our favorite coffee spot, or the beverage with our drive through meal, or the evening adult beverage, will help us comprehend how much money we spend on beverages. We are blessed to have clean water in our community, and this challenge helps us to understand the needs of those who have less, and support groups who are working to provide living water for all God’s children.</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-40875594834283258442024-03-17T09:20:00.000-05:002024-03-17T09:20:44.283-05:00Worship Prayers March 17<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZA2HMyKyxYCxByu-R8YAUloC0q2Xa1SZZgsOvuBxP6wQP8cHqmrIKJ93xbRFWnM6oEDX84rD9MKLe3KtJuA7Xcw_i6I-wR9VDgV2MGe_fWdS5rLubdkwA7e33si1voWq1S6cVTRGvNGcWkgIpzcp16HFaESeaSHus3by47LsEpzNTOEy5MXIg4gDGyA4/s2048/433226971_10163529923343502_2451198825451208001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ZA2HMyKyxYCxByu-R8YAUloC0q2Xa1SZZgsOvuBxP6wQP8cHqmrIKJ93xbRFWnM6oEDX84rD9MKLe3KtJuA7Xcw_i6I-wR9VDgV2MGe_fWdS5rLubdkwA7e33si1voWq1S6cVTRGvNGcWkgIpzcp16HFaESeaSHus3by47LsEpzNTOEy5MXIg4gDGyA4/w300-h400/433226971_10163529923343502_2451198825451208001_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CENTERING PRAYER </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy God, by the cross and resurrection of Jesus, you lift the suffering world toward hope and transformation and open the way to eternal salvation. As we move ever closer to the passion of Christ, may you write your law of love on our hearts. Draw us closer to your way, to your cross, and to your love for the world. Amen.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CALL TO WORSHIP</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy are those whose way is blameless,</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who walk in the law of the LORD.</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Happy are those who keep his decrees,</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">who seek him with their whole heart.</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We will praise you with upright hearts,</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">when we learn your righteous ordinances.</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We delight in your statutes;</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We will not forget your word.</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">PRAYER OF CONFESSION</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Redeeming God, we confess we do not love you with our whole heart, and we do not love our neighbors as we ought; we stray so far from your commandments. Do not remember our sins, but forgive our iniquities, that we may fix our eyes on you and stumble no more. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. </span></b><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Silent Confession)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Photo credit: Dave Burgess</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span face=""Gill Sans MT", sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-42941821806397360762024-03-16T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-16T00:00:00.136-05:00Scripture for March 17<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">John 12:20-33</span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.5rem; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-20" id="en-NLT-26566">Jesus Predicts His Death<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish7VIUvXvIzHjSSiCJ4ptRdb1Vhz5q2r9-gADHsjO3-NQ1tB8KLVQGSMM3dJd3PbuIf6dkpMDhAI3hswFsBHsaWBBRJJhzagTPxMHL6YMP5lVVnVtjLibImSUmgorAIGdpOghu2kdnMRBePvPC9jeqPEPuDNBCZmnjLDmuxFexmsy5QjWyMGnGFeKslF8/s1934/StMartin43-53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1934" data-original-width="1451" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish7VIUvXvIzHjSSiCJ4ptRdb1Vhz5q2r9-gADHsjO3-NQ1tB8KLVQGSMM3dJd3PbuIf6dkpMDhAI3hswFsBHsaWBBRJJhzagTPxMHL6YMP5lVVnVtjLibImSUmgorAIGdpOghu2kdnMRBePvPC9jeqPEPuDNBCZmnjLDmuxFexmsy5QjWyMGnGFeKslF8/w300-h400/StMartin43-53.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">Crucifix veiled for </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiontide" style="background: rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" title="Passiontide">Passiontide</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"> in the <br /></span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parish_Church" style="background: rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" title="Parish Church">Parish Church</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"> of St. Martin, <br /></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannheim,_Biberach" style="background: rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" title="Tannheim, Biberach">Tannheim</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">, </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden_W%C3%BCrttemberg" style="background: rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" title="Baden Württemberg">Baden Württemberg</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.32px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">, Germany.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></h3><p class="first-line-none" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-20"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span>Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration</span> <span class="text John-12-21" id="en-NLT-26567"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">21 </span>paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.”</span> <span class="text John-12-22" id="en-NLT-26568"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">22 </span>Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-23" id="en-NLT-26569"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">23 </span>Jesus replied, <span class="woj">“Now the time has come for the Son of Man<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-26569a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-26569a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A20-33&version=NLT#fen-NLT-26569a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> to enter into his glory.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-24" id="en-NLT-26570"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">24 </span><span class="woj">I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-25" id="en-NLT-26571"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">25 </span><span class="woj">Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-26" id="en-NLT-26572"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">26 </span><span class="woj">Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-27" id="en-NLT-26573"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">27 </span><span class="woj">“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!</span></span> <span class="text John-12-28" id="en-NLT-26574"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">28 </span><span class="woj">Father, bring glory to your name.”</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-28">Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.”</span> <span class="text John-12-29" id="en-NLT-26575"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">29 </span>When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-12-30" id="en-NLT-26576"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">30 </span>Then Jesus told them, <span class="woj">“The voice was for your benefit, not mine.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-31" id="en-NLT-26577"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">31 </span><span class="woj">The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-32" id="en-NLT-26578"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">32 </span><span class="woj">And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”</span></span> <span class="text John-12-33" id="en-NLT-26579"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">33 </span>He said this to indicate how he was going to die.</span></p><p><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2012&version=NLT" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" title="View Full Chapter">Read full chapter</a></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-15741480600611860822024-03-15T00:00:00.012-05:002024-03-15T00:00:00.130-05:00Daily Prayer March 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVyUaJtY2qq5Pkw9wFrAeKavcKr4eJENJmRWn8L-PjWKUkb-Z30PCAddKddV_GxaOgHizxPLbD0qOaGWMLYb0x8GstMB3Kn_CT2PvKOsiM2HSRzmlFkVT_dQJn2MsRwhe0pvmNwfrJ98VDBsbLhqzLHzrYO7RC8w_-ZAA2KefdAtZv0nEEUH8o1FSUMlr/s1133/IMG_2560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1133" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMVyUaJtY2qq5Pkw9wFrAeKavcKr4eJENJmRWn8L-PjWKUkb-Z30PCAddKddV_GxaOgHizxPLbD0qOaGWMLYb0x8GstMB3Kn_CT2PvKOsiM2HSRzmlFkVT_dQJn2MsRwhe0pvmNwfrJ98VDBsbLhqzLHzrYO7RC8w_-ZAA2KefdAtZv0nEEUH8o1FSUMlr/s320/IMG_2560.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.</i></span></p><h2 style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 40px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Daily Readings <span style="box-sizing: inherit;">for</span> Friday, March 15, 2024</span></h2><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 2em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/15/#morning" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Morning</strong> Psalms 22; 148</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/15/#first-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">First Reading</strong> Exodus 2:1-22</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/15/#second-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Second Reading</strong> 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/15/#gospel-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Gospel Reading</strong> Mark 9:2-13</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/15/#evening" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Evening</strong> Psalms 105; 130</span></a></li></ul><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God of our forebears, as your chosen servant Abraham was given faith to obey your call and go out into the unknown, so may your church be granted such faith that we may follow you with courage for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. God of love, as you have given your life to us, so may we live according to your holy will revealed in Jesus Christ. Make us bold to share your life, and show your love, in the power of your Holy Spirit. Mighty God, sovereign over the nations, direct those who make, administer, and judge our laws; the President of the United States and others in authority among us; that, guided by your wisdom, they may lead us in the way of righteousness. (Add your prayers.) Amen.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">(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.)</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-46626338382274043272024-03-14T00:00:00.000-05:002024-03-14T00:00:00.137-05:00FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE<p style="text-align: center;">2023 has been a busy year for the Fellowship Committee: </p><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a> </p>• We continue to provide coffee service from 9 am to about 10:15 am every Sunday. <p></p><p>• The All-Church Picnic was held in June and coincided with Dave’s sabbatical send off. It was a large gathering held outside on the church grounds, with simple food offerings and was well attended. We included a new treat this year, Kona Ice for dessert! There was corn hole and other activities for the children. </p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>• The committee hosted a hot dog lunch for the ABC Sale workers on the first day of donation drop offs. </p><p>• Fellowship participated in Discover St. Mark Sunday, with coffee, donut holes and lots of information about our committee! </p><p>• Pastor Dave’s 6th Anniversary and Pastor MP’s 4th Anniversary celebrations were combined in October for one big pie Sunday. The committee and church members baked pies and shared them with our church family! It was such a blessing to be able to gather with our church family in gratitude for our pastors and their tireless work! </p><p>• Giving Thanks continues to be a highlight of the fall season and was held the Sunday before Thanksgiving in November. We hosted a great turnout using our traditional recipes for casseroles, turkey and gravy. Plenty of delicious desserts were also shared and leftovers were encouraged to be taken home. </p><p>• The Jingle Mingle was once again combined with the Children’s Christmas musical and was held immediately after the program. Lots of families and friends attended the musical and then joined in the fellowship afterward at the Jingle with appetizers, desserts and punch. </p><p>• As the Saturday evening service was ending in December, we provided a cookie cake to recognize and appreciate Mark Reynosa’s musical contributions to St. Mark. </p><p>• The committee has been busy keeping the kitchen clean and organized. We have also lent a helping hand to other committees as needed.</p><p>If you have an interest in joining the Fellowship Committee please contact Lisa Marsh, Fellowship Chair as of 2024. We are a busy committee, but we have a lot of fun and we would love to share your ideas and helping hands!</p></blockquote><p> Respectfully submitted, Nina Collier - (Retired) Fellowship Chair </p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-32578013839801028002024-03-13T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-13T00:00:00.237-05:00Children's Ministry---Spring Events<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl376umlf52tQaoIVyCoxcWbmJYn276q-X79NKGHgD9-8_V52nwfwkGWsZjPRCyONiGDDgA6MNQZ9byOSGcfy4RyRdNJaFF548_px3rduh4xQk-5Li-XJPwxiL7vINIYzUnOwGGhBrDTOqOHgbjOx3c52l328yk8s0te_EL3zimvt4mxjAcX7kPJYJqpmR/s460/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.48.01%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="368" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl376umlf52tQaoIVyCoxcWbmJYn276q-X79NKGHgD9-8_V52nwfwkGWsZjPRCyONiGDDgA6MNQZ9byOSGcfy4RyRdNJaFF548_px3rduh4xQk-5Li-XJPwxiL7vINIYzUnOwGGhBrDTOqOHgbjOx3c52l328yk8s0te_EL3zimvt4mxjAcX7kPJYJqpmR/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.48.01%20AM.png" width="256" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">ST. MARK CHILDREN’S MUSICAL - JOY RIDE The St. Mark Children’s choirs meet each week - <br />Pre-K (ages 3-4) from 5 - 5:25 pm and Elementary choir (grades K-5) from 5:30 - 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall every Wednesday. We will share our journey with you on April 21st at 4:00 pm followed by a beach "hangout" reception for all. Contact Latisha Gilliland for more information.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSJ1mcxct-a3cS6WBsMp0VcVAdCN8IPHxH2nM_2U96pO4f8oA3-2vMilm08F-KOXghTizmYCG1ltoDAG6uRDB7UYn9FSSyQ5qCLnOvqPn1tj_4pqL1BnNFy6ECPfntK8u63fER6OcDgeS4Di4LPzuHWuORAEy03w7ptWXhdusyxlK-4gJTXyB-m1uC0jg/s770/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.49.20%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="770" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSJ1mcxct-a3cS6WBsMp0VcVAdCN8IPHxH2nM_2U96pO4f8oA3-2vMilm08F-KOXghTizmYCG1ltoDAG6uRDB7UYn9FSSyQ5qCLnOvqPn1tj_4pqL1BnNFy6ECPfntK8u63fER6OcDgeS4Di4LPzuHWuORAEy03w7ptWXhdusyxlK-4gJTXyB-m1uC0jg/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.49.20%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Jerusalem Festival may be my favorite event during the Easter season. While I love the joy of the kids in a competitive egg hunt, there is something about transporting back in time to what it might have been like to live in the time of Jesus: walking through the town of Jerusalem, hearing the merchants and the chatter of the community, listening to music. As we reflect together on Palm Sunday, for a couple of hours, we will glimpse what it was like for Jesus as he triumphantly entered the town as Savior and King.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">The children will be dressed for the times, walk through halls decorated to look a bit like Jerusalem, pet animals, purchase goods from merchants, make pottery, and plant herbs. But Most of all, they will hear the story of Jesus’ love for us. This is a time of reflection.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">The Children’s Ministry committee invites St. Mark’s entire church family and guests from the community to join the children at Jerusalem Festival. As you enter the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, we will hand you a shekel to bring to Gleason Hall after the service. You can use the ancient coin to partake in the feast of breads and fruit. You can also take a turn to stomp grapes. The Jerusalem Festival is truly an event for all ages and all in our community from 9 to 12:30</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">This is an excellent way to begin Holy Week as we prepare for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. <a href="https://discoverstmark.blogspot.com/2019/04/jerusalem-festival-for-all.html">Click here </a>for photos from the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVRUZC140YxZJvYI9nKZXLruWnZF5X_HWkhNfdZSL-U4XrjOJAqQIKmITb6iLuTdQTrOtV-jCQ9EvxPRajBUosQc0RTFfdmVLO2pxv_8SSeycsazT2853sbOuVf-6kEeITDQLRQmxD6gnPpBhBaLF8VhxgWK_ZiiJ-fckz1Rpjr1s4RbkKxPBINqFnYwv/s712/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.54.53%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="712" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVRUZC140YxZJvYI9nKZXLruWnZF5X_HWkhNfdZSL-U4XrjOJAqQIKmITb6iLuTdQTrOtV-jCQ9EvxPRajBUosQc0RTFfdmVLO2pxv_8SSeycsazT2853sbOuVf-6kEeITDQLRQmxD6gnPpBhBaLF8VhxgWK_ZiiJ-fckz1Rpjr1s4RbkKxPBINqFnYwv/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-05%20at%2010.54.53%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We hope you can join us for this outside event! The egg hunt times are as follows: Ages 3 & under – 9:30, Preschool to Kindergarten – 9:50, 1st & 2nd Graders – 10:10, all ages – 10:30.</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-83772160096747895092024-03-12T00:00:00.005-05:002024-03-12T00:00:00.139-05:00Faith Statement of Sharon Joyce <p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ_TL9A7ueuZ7vbfYMoRoVyBn6zXHYomazJ4yNflc-URUWaRtdETZFjjAnLwnpFq6W_DKDvnek0mH26FppQB5K07eEQfBopmjentw0ref4mbeiFTmK9e6e04l8YO8v7ZU03FGJzXNrNEN4sazKsMbjVTQPy4rCy78dO6AfOT7fKG3hrqN2h8a1D-K0W62/s1920/sharon9.jpeg" style="clear: right; color: #2288bb; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQ_TL9A7ueuZ7vbfYMoRoVyBn6zXHYomazJ4yNflc-URUWaRtdETZFjjAnLwnpFq6W_DKDvnek0mH26FppQB5K07eEQfBopmjentw0ref4mbeiFTmK9e6e04l8YO8v7ZU03FGJzXNrNEN4sazKsMbjVTQPy4rCy78dO6AfOT7fKG3hrqN2h8a1D-K0W62/s320/sharon9.jpeg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></div><p style="font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I was nine (9) years old when I decided I wanted to be a Christian and follow Christ’s teachings for the rest of my life. I actually remember the date: March 27, 1957. I had a diary then (which I’ve kept) and it was noted with BiG letters!</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I went to a “Children’s Crusade” at my neighbor’s church. At the end of the program they talked about dedicating your life to Christ, and I went forward. I had been going to church with another neighbor, but didn’t really apply what I was hearing until I went to the Children’s Crusade.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">My parents didn’t go to church. My dad said he was excommunicated from the Catholic church when he was divorced, and subsequently had a low opinion of the church. Nevertheless, when I got home the night of my decision, he was sitting in the living room and I told him what I had done. He wasn’t sure what to say but mumbled something like “that’s nice”.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">My other neighbor though (“Ma” Kopp and her daughter Betty), the ones I had been going to church with, were very happy when I told them. They encouraged me to read the Bible and to follow God’s teachings all my life. They became the ones I went to when I had questions.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I remember once when I was nearing my teens the kids at school were talking about the world coming to an end on a certain day. This freaked me out, but when I asked Betty about it she sat me down and showed me in the Bible that “Neither the day or hour” would be known to man when the world would end. She said whoever had said that was a false prophet and should be ignored.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Wonderful news! I continued to go to their church through my Junior High years--I was even baptized there. This church was an Assemblies of God, evangelical church. Although I made friends and played in their band with my clarinet and flute, I didn’t feel comfortable with their strong focus on “speaking in tongues.”</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">When I was in high school I joined a non-denominational church for its great youth program. I was very involved with this group--they had many activities that I enjoyed. Some of my best friends were part of it. My first boyfriend was even part of this group. I met him on one of their hayrides. I remember Betty and her Mom saying it was important to hang out with other believers. They even told me to be sure I married a believer!</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">When I met Rob in college, I found out that he too was a Christian. Part of our dating involved Bible study. I thought back to what my neighbors taught me, to “marry a believer”. This definitely was one of the reasons I felt safe with him and our relationship grew. We both felt God meant for us to be together. We ended up getting married in the church where I had originally made my decision to follow Christ!</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">We faithfully went to church and Sunday School, and raised our children in the church. When we moved to Missouri one of the first things we felt we needed was to find a church that fit us. Moving had presented a challenge in many ways—I missed my longtime California friends, but knew I could find good friends in church.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I believe God led us to the Presbyterian church we eventually joined. We became part of a small group—in that Bible study we not only made friends, but our faith grew. God helped get us through multiple rough spots.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">By following God’s teachings I have had a good “map” for leading a good life. I feel blessed. God is important in my life. I believe it’s important to stay grounded in God’s word by continuing to learn. Doing regular Bible studies, going to church, getting involved with others who need a friend, and hearing God’s word through our pastors and teachers is important.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">I have been involved in various ways with the running of church programs, from Stephen’s Ministry to being an Elder, Deacon, an adult Sunday School teacher, as well as in leadership of Presbyterian Women. I believe that my faith helps me to be kind, patient, loving, and encouraging. God needs workers. I believe God wants me to use my talents to further God’s work. This is what I have tried to do. </p><p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Sharon Joyce Cardwell 8-9-2023</span> </p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We hope you are inspired, not only by the faith we express, but by the</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">challenge to write your own <b>faith story</b>. We are re-posting the stories from last summer hoping you will be inspired to share your faith story with us.</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you write a <b>faith story</b> you would like to share with the congregation, send</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">it to Bill Tucker for feedback and publication. Only with your permission, we</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">will publish it on the St. Mark Blog. </span></i></p><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"></span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-30771491251451697602024-03-11T00:00:00.000-05:002024-03-11T00:00:00.131-05:00LAFAYETTE WORK CENTERS <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>In 2023, we saw the remaining contingent of our employees who were at home during the pandemic, return to work, and we were able to hire 24 new fulltime workers! Combined with our STEPUP program, we again provided our unique program service to over 400 different individuals the past year. We continue to be very blessed. Once again, as I have stated over and over, what a pleasure it is to work with people who love having a job! </p><p>We again received great financial support from our sponsors throughout the year which enabled us to not only employ those new folks, but conduct: free flu vaccination shots; our 3 times/week Glee Club; attendance and anniversary awards for every individual; 1-1 specialized training as needed; Safety and Respect recognition awards; art therapy; and served over 4,000 individual free healthy lunches.</p><p> In September we celebrated our 48th anniversary, and held our Employee family celebration and picnic in person, this year with over 450 attending! At the end of the year we awarded 3 more gold watches (for 25 years of service), bringing the total to 109 that we have given out in the last 17 years. Is that not something special! </p><p>On the business side of our operation, we again produced 10 million packages. The partnership with McArthur’s bakery in Kirkwood, the “Pioneer Café”, expanded to 17 participants learning social skills and the hospitality business, and we have now expanded into Jefferson County at the Wicked Chicken and Cool Beans café with 12 new participants. </p><p>I again would like to convey my personal thanks for your continuous support and constant prayers as well as thank those St. Mark private donors who made contributions, as well as the St. Mark Spinnakers, and the St. Mark Presbyterian Women and the Deacons who support us every year. There would be no Lafayette Industries were it not for the Bob and Ethel McLuen, as well as a handful of other families who, back in 1976, were looking for a post-schooling work opportunity for their adult children with disabilities. With funding from the state of Missouri, they opened a modest, one room warehouse with an oil- and grease-filled floor in Valley Park, Missouri. There were 16 workers originally, including the McLuen’s son, Kenny, who retired to Nashville—but came to visit us twice this past year! </p><p>As we enter our 48th year, we now provide opportunities for over 400 individuals. Wow. The vision that founded Lafayette continues to hold true today as it did in 1976---to provide employment to deserving folks that gives them Dignity through work and the opportunity to use their God-given talents and abilities, just like the rest of us. To Bob and Ethel, Boots and Bob Berry, Rev. and Rosella Gleason, Bev and Bob Hanson, and to the St. Mark’s community----we are forever indebted to you. Thank you once again, may God continue to bless you all very much, and looking forward to Mission Sunday in February! Happy New Year! </p><p>Respectfully submitted, Rob Libera, CEO & Executive Director</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-58127005817248517192024-03-10T00:00:00.007-06:002024-03-10T00:00:00.240-06:00Worship Prayers for March 10<p> CENTERING PRAYER Guided by your revelation, we are compelled to seek your wisdom as we </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWxMXzwnV0_DtrUO9pCK6jQ-gI6hhEXXvWtHCA2lEpmo0q0ixZ-hkKeITIlWgEsK4H4SiA14CQU52HCUZKKienJWDc9urZTfANe3m1WqKYf8EOUKGgqO_2vut3n1QL91yfM9-miP2haCesaDHXCLt3FiUO4w9swHm89mtq1J5Pk95ICfmOiveqc-kJHUn/s2048/Stmarklent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWxMXzwnV0_DtrUO9pCK6jQ-gI6hhEXXvWtHCA2lEpmo0q0ixZ-hkKeITIlWgEsK4H4SiA14CQU52HCUZKKienJWDc9urZTfANe3m1WqKYf8EOUKGgqO_2vut3n1QL91yfM9-miP2haCesaDHXCLt3FiUO4w9swHm89mtq1J5Pk95ICfmOiveqc-kJHUn/s320/Stmarklent.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br />continue the Lenten journey. We are filled with awesome wonder that you would love us so, trust us so, and move within us. Now fill our spirits with hope, humility, and resolve, that we might be your will in the world. Open our hearts to accept this call upon our lives. May our sacred service be pleasing in your sight. Amen.<p></p><p>CALL TO WORSHIP We enter into worship together, reflections of God’s glory. Inspired by God’s presence, we gather to join in praise. In joy, we lift our voices. With adoration, we express our gratitude.</p><p>PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, we confess the folly of our sin and the hypocrisy of our complaints. We grumble about the evils in our world, even as we commit injustices and profit through deceit. We fret about the scarcity of resources while hoarding earth’s goods and cheating the poor. We protest the problems of our world, but we do not actively work to address them. Merciful God, expose our sins before the light of your grace. Heal our sin and free us from our foolish ways that we me know the joy of eternal life in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. (Silent Confession)</p><p>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. </p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-19847583791040069172024-03-08T19:28:00.002-06:002024-03-08T19:29:15.426-06:00Scripture for March 10<p> <span style="font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.6rem;">John 3:14-21<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDS7Es23yYCuOWXsC32u2WEP6OgnfsPBd-yv8f-MZyOfGem3blgxHeFSYoQTaIQKHF_dCCP9PB9iCdAx0XYPwEAyj_uu12uvewk6WacID98n8ZkImrhMe_tqMWd2X-N18iRUqBZ-WcnI66zTTMzvUcgewxBZoS0L2d0sEcEHw6Y0r7nvEb-_DQ8z6X839/s830/Tissot_The_Brazen_Serpent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDS7Es23yYCuOWXsC32u2WEP6OgnfsPBd-yv8f-MZyOfGem3blgxHeFSYoQTaIQKHF_dCCP9PB9iCdAx0XYPwEAyj_uu12uvewk6WacID98n8ZkImrhMe_tqMWd2X-N18iRUqBZ-WcnI66zTTMzvUcgewxBZoS0L2d0sEcEHw6Y0r7nvEb-_DQ8z6X839/s320/Tissot_The_Brazen_Serpent.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><table class="fileinfotpl-type-information vevent mw-content-ltr" style="background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid rgb(162, 169, 177); color: #202122; direction: ltr; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13.3px; font-variant-caps: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 5px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2; width: 1215px;"><tbody><tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; margin: 0px; min-width: 0px; width: 554.664px;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-2da00" class="bcv d-container go2888862000" id="dropdown-2da00" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></svg></div></div><span class="d-root"></span></div><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="listbox" aria-labelledby="dropdown-3801f" class="translation d-container go2888862000" id="dropdown-3801f" role="button" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; flex: 1 1 0%; justify-content: space-between; min-width: 0px; padding-right: 20px; position: relative;"><div class="dropdown-display-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;">New Living Translation</div><div class="dropdown-icon" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px 4px; min-width: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; top: 0px; white-space: nowrap;" tabindex="0"><svg height="6.5" viewbox="0 0 11.5 6.5" width="11.5" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.28.22a.75.75 0 0 0-1.06 0L5.75 4.69 1.28.22A.75.75 0 0 0 .22 1.28l5 5a.73.73 0 0 0 .53.22.74.74 0 0 0 .53-.22l5-5a.75.75 0 0 0 0-1.06z"></path></svg></div></div><span class="d-root"></span></div><div class="clearfix" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; float: left; font-size: 1.6rem; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 16px 0px 0px; min-width: auto; position: relative;"></div></h1><div class="passage-text" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.7em; margin-top: 50px; min-width: 0px;"><div class="passage-content passage-class-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><div class="version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-3-14" id="en-NLT-26101"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">14 </span><span class="woj">And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,</span></span> <span class="text John-3-15" id="en-NLT-26102"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">15 </span><span class="woj">so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-26102a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-26102a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A14-21&version=NLT#fen-NLT-26102a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-3-16" id="en-NLT-26103"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">16 </span><span class="woj">“For this is how God loved the world: He gave<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-26103b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-26103b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A14-21&version=NLT#fen-NLT-26103b" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.</span></span> <span class="text John-3-17" id="en-NLT-26104"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">17 </span><span class="woj">God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text John-3-18" id="en-NLT-26105"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">18 </span><span class="woj">“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.</span></span> <span class="text John-3-19" id="en-NLT-26106"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">19 </span><span class="woj">And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.</span></span> <span class="text John-3-20" id="en-NLT-26107"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span><span class="woj">All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.</span></span> <span class="text John-3-21" id="en-NLT-26108"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">21 </span><span class="woj">But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-26108c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-26108c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A14-21&version=NLT#fen-NLT-26108c" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span>”</span></span></p><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203&version=NLT" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;" title="View Full Chapter">Read full chapter</a></div><div class="version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html" style="box-sizing: border-box; min-width: 0px;"><p class="mw-mmv-title-para mw-parser-output mw-mmv-ttf-container mw-mmv-ttf-normal" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; height: 36px; line-height: 36px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 20px 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="mw-mmv-title" original-title="" style="display: inline-block;"><i>*The Brazen Serpent</i> </span>(watercolor circa 1896–1902</p><p class="mw-mmv-title-para mw-parser-output mw-mmv-ttf-container mw-mmv-ttf-normal" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; height: 36px; line-height: 36px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; overflow: hidden; padding: 10px 20px 0px; position: relative; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Tissot" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;" title="James Tissot">James Tissot</a>)</p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></span><div class="footnotes" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div></div></div></div>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-67110206755005167542024-03-08T00:00:00.013-06:002024-03-08T00:00:00.132-06:00Daily Prayer March 8<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbm42E2nWj2gxK2DF6NHR-r5I-kgTQNE77ixHTzIl09CALUklIN_WGPNouBJHjCuNUb0rWiYShncDxVrAcBXd4mRRh3iY-_TL1YI5A55GyD0Rl-ICE263fTz8NCSHYkGHNDYEYBYR0WYchQDrDYS9rn1Wi9-lv6UK2BWACGMqLgumLr7Zg_xJGrKfpKRP/s2048/IMG_0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbm42E2nWj2gxK2DF6NHR-r5I-kgTQNE77ixHTzIl09CALUklIN_WGPNouBJHjCuNUb0rWiYShncDxVrAcBXd4mRRh3iY-_TL1YI5A55GyD0Rl-ICE263fTz8NCSHYkGHNDYEYBYR0WYchQDrDYS9rn1Wi9-lv6UK2BWACGMqLgumLr7Zg_xJGrKfpKRP/s320/IMG_0419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The sacrifice acceptable to God is a humble spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.</span></i></p><h2 style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 40px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Daily Readings <span style="box-sizing: inherit;">for</span> Friday, March 8, 2024</span></h2><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 2em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/8/#morning" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Morning</strong> Psalms 22; 148</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/8/#first-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">First Reading</strong> Genesis 47:1-26</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/8/#second-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Second Reading</strong> 1 Corinthians 9:16-27</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/8/#gospel-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Gospel Reading</strong> Mark 6:47-56</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; font-size: medium; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/8/#evening" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Evening</strong> Psalms 105; 130</a></span></li></ul><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.</span></i></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">(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.)</span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-68846122202662036572024-03-07T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-07T00:00:00.144-06:00 ENDOWMENT and FINANCE COMMITTEES<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The Endowment Fund was created to receive and manage property of monies from bequests, trusts, memorials and other special gifts to be used for the benefit of St, Mark Presbyterian Church or any of its missions. The Capital is invested conservatively and 4% of the year-end balance on hand is used each year to fund non-operating budget items. Decisions regarding the use of the monies are made by a committee consisting of four elected members and one Session-appointed elder plus two ex-officio members, the church pastor and the church treasurer. All decisions of the Endowment Committee are reviewed and approved by Session.</p><p> In 2023, Endowment Fund monies were spent for a security system, renovations to the children’s ministry office and for new equipment for the playground. </p><p>FINANCE COMMITTEE </p><p>The Finance Committee, acting on behalf of the Session, administers St. Mark’s financial activities, including: (1) developing the annual church budget for Session approval, (2) coordinating the annual Fall Stewardship Campaign and other Financial campaigns, (3) planning and overseeing all offerings (including the special offerings), (4) performing financial review and overseeing reports, (5) managing St. Mark’s insurance, (6) providing general oversight of the Church Treasurer and (7) coordinating miscellaneous other corporate matters. </p><p>St. Mark ended 2023 with a budget surplus primarily due to the generous support of our members. St. Mark also benefited from a one-time payroll tax credit in June. The Employee Retention Credit was provided to organizations, such as St. Mark, that were mandated to close during the pandemic and still retained their employees. </p><p>For 2024, Session has approved a deficit budget. We have seen a trend in recent years that a lower percentage of households make formal pledges. This makes budget planning a challenge. As 2024 progresses, we will continue to carefully monitor our revenue and expenses. We will work with St. Mark Committee leadership and staff to ensure the church continues to move forward in a fiscally responsible manner with our programs and staffing. Staff received wage increases based on competitive salary reviews by the Personnel Committee and length of service. Percentage rates based on salary for staff pensions, life insurance and medical insurance for non-ordained staff remained the same. St. Mark will continue to cover 90% of the health insurance premium cost for employees and 50% for dependents.</p><p>The Finance Committee appreciates the faithful work of all our St. Mark staff. Special recognition and appreciation are extended to Mark Caplinger, who is continuing to serve as Church Treasurer, and to Tom Dolson, who provided the annual St. Mark financial review and report. We welcome Bob Lienemann as the 2024 Chair.</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-6775030969130087212024-03-06T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-06T00:00:00.131-06:00 FLOWER COMMITTEE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjo4Ah-tHIfmSWlA81Rz4uqJXxISfa7Ql3hGel9SK4YpG01VmFfXJNdlDUtLtCgYf_1Z4Dhz8O89ERtSttqsLJYjXehDI_KdtbF_9PGNOW4lcJENSJl1PQRG_6msjDwFTV8NXeIw7rzytbtDJl8zFfmCL2OjpIZnVvdBSYEE76Pr5zisDRlniCJh1tghD/s2048/IMG_5241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjo4Ah-tHIfmSWlA81Rz4uqJXxISfa7Ql3hGel9SK4YpG01VmFfXJNdlDUtLtCgYf_1Z4Dhz8O89ERtSttqsLJYjXehDI_KdtbF_9PGNOW4lcJENSJl1PQRG_6msjDwFTV8NXeIw7rzytbtDJl8zFfmCL2OjpIZnVvdBSYEE76Pr5zisDRlniCJh1tghD/s320/IMG_5241.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />As Deacons, our mission is one of compassion and service and the flower ministry has been a blessing to the many who have both received and delivered the arrangements. The flower ministry has continually adapted to the needs of the community and in recent years the declining need and desire for delivered flowers has prompted the Deacons to evaluate the existing Flower Honorarium and Delivery Program. As disciples of Christ, we are led by the movement of the Holy Spirit and are called to follow. With the help of our church family, we would like to invite you to join us in the newest expression of this wonderful ministry.<p></p><p> Going forward, we are asking those who order sanctuary flowers, Easter Lilies, or Poinsettias, to take them home, perhaps sharing them with a fellow church member or neighbor who might appreciate them. This gives each of you the opportunity to share in this wonderful ministry. The flower committee will continue to order weekly sanctuary flowers for those who sign up. Revised order forms for weekly flowers and holiday flowers will be available on the flower chart easel in the Narthex. </p><p>To ensure that we always have flowers on Sunday mornings, the flower committee is assembling a set of beautiful artificial arrangements that will be used when none have been ordered. Thank you for your continued support.</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-82722526526689754282024-03-05T00:00:00.000-06:002024-03-10T13:11:29.120-05:00 Saved by One Word<p><br /></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span face="-webkit-standard"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="-webkit-standard"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7DKWWu15_CF_64XcolDJ-BrPH_G1dmHhUfWbWTDNM-FNEtgtX9h0_DE6_iwdO74ggtEHLus-s3iFh7GdxBXHMQpjbNOzw-jQYV0dzV714bVkta9vz5q7uKQuxqdi3s1YsYDUenTDhtB3mY0y4NNT4s3Ssb8rdt50DIx_qR7bZYxTj5dYtkjk5CcXxqE2/s4032/IMG_1287.jpeg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7DKWWu15_CF_64XcolDJ-BrPH_G1dmHhUfWbWTDNM-FNEtgtX9h0_DE6_iwdO74ggtEHLus-s3iFh7GdxBXHMQpjbNOzw-jQYV0dzV714bVkta9vz5q7uKQuxqdi3s1YsYDUenTDhtB3mY0y4NNT4s3Ssb8rdt50DIx_qR7bZYxTj5dYtkjk5CcXxqE2/s320/IMG_1287.jpeg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="240" /></a></span></div><span face="-webkit-standard"><br />During the first 10 years that we lived in Wisconsin, Loren and our neighbor Carl would spend several weekends in the late summer and early fall cutting down trees, splitting the logs and stacking them neatly under both of our decks. We heated our homes with wood burning furnaces. Wood was plentiful and fuel oil was expensive. After 10 years, our income was higher and the price per gallon of fuel oil was lower, so Loren and I discontinued using the wood furnace.</span><p></p><p></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">Fast forward to Ballwin 20 years later. We had a large tree in our backyard with one dead branch that needed to be trimmed. After 10 years of consistently cutting down trees and more years trimming them, Loren had lots of experience. We were aware of the dangers involved but this was just a branch, not the entire tree, so I was not overly concerned.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">I was concerned about him balancing on a ladder to cut the branch and wanted to be sure the ladder was secure, so I was at the base holding it in place. As Loren began to cut, I was looking up and lots of sawdust was raining down upon me, so I looked away. It was from this moment that I don’t recall all the details, only that I heard, “Run” and I did. The branch had snapped upward knocking Loren’s arm and the chain saw was propelled away from him. He was clinging to a branch and the ladder had toppled over. The chainsaw was still running when it landed in the place where I had been standing.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">Loren did not tell did me to run, and even if he had I would not have heard him above the roar of the chainsaw. I am very thankful that the “voice” spoke to me and that I listened.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">Christine Polak August 2023</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;" /></p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We hope you are inspired, not only by the faith we express, but by the</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">challenge to write your own <b>faith story</b>. We are re-posting the stories from last summer hoping you will be inspired to share your faith story with us.</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you write a <b>faith story</b> you would like to share with the congregation, send</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">it to Bill Tucker for feedback and publication. Only with your permission, we</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">will publish it on the St. Mark Blog. </span></i></p><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"></span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-78002102362183050772024-03-04T00:00:00.005-06:002024-03-04T00:00:00.134-06:00 MUSIC DIRECTOR REPORT<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zm59uBF26HFWGWXaBBTvuNj5DsCcp2l0PuSkz1AvuEuEfGXK3p5DiyPd4SibUuj7udIROfEbhjLNiJEmYxqNNPpNcLD7oE8TFuVKYBtOYmGIgkAa6Bnk-eGE4d2arleRhw_9ZWp-J03GVPR_eIFS2RYOw7A1rT1BETgVsi5RScuNs-Q9zP0-PbdVugrE/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a> </p><p>The Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells resumed rehearsals and Sunday performances in midAugust. The Cantata, “The Winter Rose,” 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. </p><p>Both the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells have enjoyed welcoming new members to their groups, whether they be for typical Sunday performances, special music, or Easter/Christmastime performances. In the coming year we look forward to observing gospel and spiritual music during the month of February and women composers writing in the sacred tradition in the month of March. For Easter, we anticipate welcoming additional instrumentalists to enhance an Easter program, hopefully drawing from our own members at St. Mark as well! </p><p>There have been many exciting additions and continuations to the Music Ministry at St. Mark. In August, several members have re-joined the chancel choir after a couple years of hiatus. Additionally, St. Mark welcomed a couple completely new members to our choir this year. We now have multiple voices in each part: soprano; alto; tenor; bass, which even allows us to occasionally incorporate split-part music in our choir (SSAATTBB)! </p><p>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 for the first time. 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! </p><p>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 Ensemble began rehearsing this past summer and premiered their first piece near the beginning of the school year. The ensemble has continued to rehearse, performing a Christmas piece at the end of the calendar year. They will continue to rehearse, with plans to perform again shortly after Easter. </p><p>Listed below are additional musical points of interest from the past year: </p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>• A variety of Summer special music including bell duets, strings duets, youth member solos, vocal trios, vocal solos, and much more </p><p>• The yearly Christmas Cantata accompanied by a chamber orchestra including St. Marks members • Special Music during Holy Week services </p><p>• The Hallelujah Chorus and other Special Music with string accompaniment during Easter </p><p>• Collaboration with Pastor MP in initiating a Lessons and Carols service </p><p>• Engaging in a diverse array of music, including education and discussion of Spirituals </p><p>• A Summer Hymn-Sing </p><p>• Music selections for the Blue Christmas service </p></blockquote><p>• Collaborations between the Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells </p><p>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. </p><p>Respectfully submitted, Ethan Forte, Music Director</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-1720605043741385972024-03-03T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-03T00:00:00.132-06:00Worship Prayers March 3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VbUtK4i5R9S4U6JmGhgg1cYrvzG0xuqxNwi0FRMWexzzM33yLaFEMs4RndFlwX2nTq7_E7dRAvHrKZ2MMhBxOBxcxPsmrXi0gIbIwcLwvlbTSgNuGgKBQEYnfqZYlPESRIQFigffZG3hbD_7Sk6OgvMYwkilbol7Wu-UxK6dQGhng9e8LekkOfHOPuPW/s1919/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1919" data-original-width="1896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VbUtK4i5R9S4U6JmGhgg1cYrvzG0xuqxNwi0FRMWexzzM33yLaFEMs4RndFlwX2nTq7_E7dRAvHrKZ2MMhBxOBxcxPsmrXi0gIbIwcLwvlbTSgNuGgKBQEYnfqZYlPESRIQFigffZG3hbD_7Sk6OgvMYwkilbol7Wu-UxK6dQGhng9e8LekkOfHOPuPW/s320/IMG_5026.JPG" width="316" /></a></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">CENTERING PRAYER<br /></span><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gracious God, whose power is made perfect in weakness, whose wisdom appears as foolishness in this world, we thank you for the scandal of the cross. In Jesus Christ, you overturn all our usual ways of behaving and believing. You scatter our false notions of discipleship as easily as coins are spilled from a box. You correct our notions of piety and order with fierce passion. Do not let your church become content or contained as an institution. Raze to ruins what is distorted in us and raise us to new life as a community so we may be the body of Christ in and for the world. With fear and joy, we ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 19)</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The law of the Lord is perfect,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">reviving the soul;</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the decrees of the Lord are sure,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">making wise the simple;</span></b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the precepts of the Lord are right,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">rejoicing the heart;</span></b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the commandment of the Lord is clear,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">enlightening the eyes;</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the fear of the Lord is pure,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">enduring forever;</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the ordinances of the Lord are true</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and righteous altogether.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">They are more desirable than gold,</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and sweeter than honey.</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In keeping them is great reward.</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">PRAYER OF CONFESSION</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Merciful God, how fickle we are; we sin against you without even knowing it. Clear us, we pray, of any unknown sin, and save us from willfully ignoring your way. Let your commandments rule and guide us. Forgive us for worshipping anyone or anything except for you; keep us faithful. Forgive us for failing to honor all our relationships – with those closest to us and those who are distant neighbors. Help us to speak words of blessing and kindness, rather than words that belittle or destroy. Turn us away from violence, falsehood, and selfishness. Forgive us for thinking everything depends on our efforts and power, for you are the God who made us, led us out of slavery, and brought us into the community of faith. Help us to depend on you alone and to rest in your peace. </span></b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Silent Confession)</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OFFERING</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Invitation to the Offering</span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The house of God is not a marketplace for buying and selling. It is a house of prayer, a place of healing and restoration, a place where we bring before God our provisions to be used for present needs. Let us bring our tithes and offerings to God.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prayer after Offering</span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let us pray… O Lord our God, we want to follow all your commandments – to love only you, to love our neighbors freely, and to accept your unconditional love. Accept these offerings, we pray, and teach us to be generous in all circumstances. Amen.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-84186601989358347092024-03-02T00:00:00.007-06:002024-03-02T00:00:00.126-06:00Scripture for March 3<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__3I26hX3rIG0xB1wpsWnCwmMx4c9xS3wyVKZ5R0Th8qzbQyvCdid_iVSWio1LXtFuwiVrm8Ro4FJbQSKiWLuWk2C7cYF-8PQwkVYuSeC2FZiXoPu8Mja-LUB2INpfYTpx8yBu4UYqH_pkR6cTIXFdRm_8yRz7_LPZkm_8SnCOnIyNCusMcqKI9IRr55S/s700/Giotto_-_Scrovegni_-_-27-_-_Expulsion_of_the_Money-changers_from_the_Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="700" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__3I26hX3rIG0xB1wpsWnCwmMx4c9xS3wyVKZ5R0Th8qzbQyvCdid_iVSWio1LXtFuwiVrm8Ro4FJbQSKiWLuWk2C7cYF-8PQwkVYuSeC2FZiXoPu8Mja-LUB2INpfYTpx8yBu4UYqH_pkR6cTIXFdRm_8yRz7_LPZkm_8SnCOnIyNCusMcqKI9IRr55S/s320/Giotto_-_Scrovegni_-_-27-_-_Expulsion_of_the_Money-changers_from_the_Temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Casting out the money changers <br />by Giotto</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>John 2:13-22</i></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><h3 style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.5rem; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-13" id="en-NLT-26075">Jesus Clears the Temple</span></h3><p class="first-line-none" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-13"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">13 </span>It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem.</span> <span class="text John-2-14" id="en-NLT-26076"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">14 </span>In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money.</span> <span class="text John-2-15" id="en-NLT-26077"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">15 </span>Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables.</span> <span class="text John-2-16" id="en-NLT-26078"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">16 </span>Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, <span class="woj">“Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-17" id="en-NLT-26079"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">17 </span>Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-26079a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-26079a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+John+2%3A13-22&version=NLT#fen-NLT-26079a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-18" id="en-NLT-26080"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">18 </span>But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-19" id="en-NLT-26081"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">19 </span><span class="woj">“All right,”</span> Jesus replied. <span class="woj">“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”</span></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span class="text John-2-20" id="en-NLT-26082"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">20 </span>“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?”</span> <span class="text John-2-21" id="en-NLT-26083"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">21 </span>But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body.</span> <span class="text John-2-22" id="en-NLT-26084"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">22 </span>After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.</span></p><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%202&version=NLT" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; min-width: 0px;" title="View Full Chapter">Read full chapter</a></span></div>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-71915549495797380332024-03-01T00:00:00.014-06:002024-03-01T00:00:00.129-06:00Daily Prayer March 1<p> </p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3gCitwlg4dGL2IkM7YWcucq6oHYBmc7nOxT2vSp_zDjDW3f2g3qGHGlapKCZ17XC2VWwNmTPKEmin7BZaYuWTo1gsSSb4EdOJ9S3EGeBmKgZ1N6VTifLpr_TR-eJaUhPT47iZOgd0_7gY9gkYELmaCOvgoNsQTooaQv9Qw00qYtFF_phnvEZzGsmMa2W/s2592/IMG_6632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3gCitwlg4dGL2IkM7YWcucq6oHYBmc7nOxT2vSp_zDjDW3f2g3qGHGlapKCZ17XC2VWwNmTPKEmin7BZaYuWTo1gsSSb4EdOJ9S3EGeBmKgZ1N6VTifLpr_TR-eJaUhPT47iZOgd0_7gY9gkYELmaCOvgoNsQTooaQv9Qw00qYtFF_phnvEZzGsmMa2W/s320/IMG_6632.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i><p></p><h2 style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 40px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Daily Readings <span style="box-sizing: inherit;">for</span> Friday, March 1, 2024</span></h2><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 2em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/1/#morning" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Morning</strong> Psalms 22; 148</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/1/#first-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">First Reading</strong> Genesis 43:1-15</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/1/#second-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Second Reading</strong> 1 Corinthians 7:1-9</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/1/#gospel-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Gospel Reading</strong> Mark 4:35-41</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/3/1/#evening" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Evening</strong> Psalms 105; 130</span></a></li></ul><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></i></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-60210064516037744072024-02-29T00:00:00.005-06:002024-02-29T00:00:00.136-06:00 CLAYMONT PRESCHOOL AT ST. MARK COMMITTEE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYd8uWYDM5ahQmxmpt6sjc33krmnrPw0DX7UwuVm4-zcZaUEM7SjXq7-DKUreStIZ7b8wmYqYv2uRkdTA9pz1PwkAay-R7H8f4iPEJV4xFvJDZH4hJmavulBSap6LJQFDTBeYyBRgRTLnFpK0mHhSuuwQjQT3nw2L6wWRlvTwvqhjmDBIkkHN997SJXuK/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYd8uWYDM5ahQmxmpt6sjc33krmnrPw0DX7UwuVm4-zcZaUEM7SjXq7-DKUreStIZ7b8wmYqYv2uRkdTA9pz1PwkAay-R7H8f4iPEJV4xFvJDZH4hJmavulBSap6LJQFDTBeYyBRgRTLnFpK0mHhSuuwQjQT3nw2L6wWRlvTwvqhjmDBIkkHN997SJXuK/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Claymont Preschool at St. Mark had a wonderful 61st year of providing early education to 64 children who reside in our surrounding communities. May of 2023 brought to close our 2022-2023 school year, and Susan Talley’s first full year as Preschool Director. Susan has enjoyed her new role at St. Mark and made a smooth transition with parents and teachers, from the previous Director, Lynne Dauve. </p><p>Summer school began in early June, and 23 children attend school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for three weeks. Our amazing teachers lead two classes in exploring a variety of unconventional ways to create art. </p><p>We continued to offer our three different aged classes: Two-Year-Old, Three-Year-Old, and PreK, for the 2023-2024 school year. Interest and enrollment for three days a week for our three-year-old age, greatly increased. This allowed us to have two different classes for this group, when traditionally there has only been one. Interest for our PreK class was also high late in the summer, though opening a second classroom for this group was not feasible. Our TwoYear-Old Class held steady in enrollment with 18 students. </p><p>Our extended day, lunch bunch option, has been popular this school year. Our daily enrollment varies from 8 to 24 students. By staying longer at school, until 1:30, our students are gaining stamina for a longer school day, learning how to take care of their own lunch needs, and getting extra time to play with their friends. Our parents also had the option of signing their children up for extra school activities. The Gymnastics Express Bus comes two days a week, and Soccer Shots comes once a week to teach our students skills in these sports. </p><p>Claymont Preschool at St. Mark was fortunate to gain a few updates in 2023. The hallways of our school received new paint and baseboards this summer, and photographs of our preschool children now adorn the hallways. This fall, our children painted rocks to help create a flower rock garden on the side of our building. It transformed the space from weedy grass to something beautiful. When our students get dropped off from their car, they love seeing their own handiwork. Our Two-Year-Old playground, behind the back parking lot, was replaced this fall. Our youngest preschool children, adore our new safe space to play! Finally, Fellowship Hall, our music classroom, and our preschool bathrooms received new paint as we closed out 2023. We are so thankful to the St. Mark Congregation for continuing to support Claymont Preschool at St. Mark. Having beautiful, and fresh spaces for our children is an important part in drawing new families to our school, Church, and community. </p><p>We are fortunate to continue to have wonderful, hardworking teachers, who go above and beyond for their students. New teachers to our staff this year complete our teaching staff of 10. We have been searching all fall for a new music teacher, and are happy to report that our search is over, and she will begin with us in January. Many thanks to the Preschool Committee for their unwavering support and dedication.They each bring wonderful perspectives that aid in making decisions for Claymont Preschool at St. Mark. We are looking forward to starting enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year with our St. Mark members on January 12, 2024. The community enrollment began January 22, 2024</p><p>With Joy, Susan Talley, Pre-School Director</p><p><a href="https://www.discoverstmark.org/claymont-preschool/">https://www.discoverstmark.org/claymont-preschool/</a></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-33768936779860167122024-02-28T12:20:00.005-06:002024-02-28T12:21:34.310-06:00Lose an Hour, Gain a Day<p> “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24. NRSV.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWisPC2Y004tmP5owOgyk9Ucarev1qJNtR6GHZFsC54hvlHRXqV-HsI8VO7ZegaRRiY4IAe8OHo5EIFX6MRjl0wC8HnQvN-YGNg2PVXIbz-Rqypc_ZyCz8IS8pAMKnvKvnzcS_kOM2iB8EjKU9F0E49b_rRTV7FfGrqAri246JlVLD0ECRsKLL2dF4mJO/s125/DBurgess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="125" data-original-width="101" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWisPC2Y004tmP5owOgyk9Ucarev1qJNtR6GHZFsC54hvlHRXqV-HsI8VO7ZegaRRiY4IAe8OHo5EIFX6MRjl0wC8HnQvN-YGNg2PVXIbz-Rqypc_ZyCz8IS8pAMKnvKvnzcS_kOM2iB8EjKU9F0E49b_rRTV7FfGrqAri246JlVLD0ECRsKLL2dF4mJO/w162-h200/DBurgess.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>As we march into a new month, I have good news and bad news. Let’s start with the bad news first: Daylight Savings Time is less than two weeks away, and “springing forward” will cost everyone an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, March 10. Now that we have that out of the way, here’s the good news: because 2024 is a leap year, we get an entire extra day on February 29. Exchanging an hour for a day doesn’t feel like a bad deal. In fact, it’s the best trade in St. Louis since the Cardinals sent Ernie Broglio to the Cubs in exchange for Lou Brock.</p><p>In the great hymn, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, Isaac Watts proclaims, “A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone; short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.” We don’t need to study Albert Einstein to know time is relative. We learned this in elementary school while each of us stared at the slow-moving classroom clock. Similarly, we know time goes faster when we are with beloved family or longtime friends. The Bible is not as concerned with the keeping of time as it is with what we are willing to do with the seconds, minutes, hours, and days allotted to us. Jesus reminds us again and again to live fully into every day. </p><p>“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:28b-34, NRSV.)</p><p> Don’t let yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries steal the joy from the day God is giving us. We might lose an hour in March, but we gain an extra day in February. We all long for one more day with loved ones who have departed. The good news of Lent is it concludes with the hope of resurrection and reunion. Since God holds tomorrow, what are you going to do with today?</p><p> In Hope and Confidence, </p><p>Pastor Dave</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-71896534902860746652024-02-27T00:00:00.007-06:002024-03-10T13:11:46.809-05:00This I Believe—Names Have Power<div style="color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8h2m-L5xx95MZAAa9jXJTklisKZKiDDr5XGI_tHei1NwR9lFqOIe_Viy9Cq0QQK97i96J-r0tEhSV3yblaOK5ud7OOq3KL_aoc_kSvwnulB_r_oJmAFKyBYexG2lZMFmC43r0dmsINaLAaekiNG2i8BwpnFidGqHQgVjCIDYq04rk_WfIBwKcTlR8s3_/s530/Good%20morning.jpg" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8h2m-L5xx95MZAAa9jXJTklisKZKiDDr5XGI_tHei1NwR9lFqOIe_Viy9Cq0QQK97i96J-r0tEhSV3yblaOK5ud7OOq3KL_aoc_kSvwnulB_r_oJmAFKyBYexG2lZMFmC43r0dmsINaLAaekiNG2i8BwpnFidGqHQgVjCIDYq04rk_WfIBwKcTlR8s3_/s320/Good%20morning.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="318" /></a></div><br style="color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;" /><p style="color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Choosing the right words to convey a message is the focus of a good PR team. We can think of great successes and great failures. McDonald’s will always bring a smile to your face while Edsel will leave no warm feelings at all.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">In February I found an absolutely precious heart-shaped box of Valentine candy at Walgreen’s. On it was a wonderful picture of a sloth hanging from a tree with the caption, “Let’s Hang Out!” The box jumped in the cart and a theme for the next Presbyterian Women’s brunch was running around in my head. The reactions to the idea were mixed. They ranged from “Oh what a cutie” to “They are dirty lazy creatures” and on to being one of the 7 deadly sins.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">So, my quest began. “Sloth” the word, does not have a positive connotation. Does that apply to that cute little animal in the trees of Latin and South America? Has he just had a bad PR team? He managed to survive and evolve when the giant land sloths that ranged in North America went the way of the dinosaurs. There must be more to the story.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">As I have studied these creatures this summer I have learned that yes, they are the slowest moving mammal. They sleep ten hours a day. They come down the tree once a week to do their business. They are covered with algae that provides camouflage for the animal and a whole ecosystem for the sloth moth. They have poor eye-sight. They are not geniuses. They are not social animals. I have also learned they are strong swimmers and survivors against jaguars and harpy eagles. They always smile. They can’t frown.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">So why have I developed a real attachment to this animal? It seems to sum up what I think God is calling me to ponder in my heart. I don’t understand all the disparaging, downright hurtful, words especially in regard to young people. I recently led a book discussion about Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. In the PR for the book it was described as “Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.” Yes, there is mystery and a corpse but the overarching story is that of a transgender teen trying to find a place in the world and the world’s reaction to the effort.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Honestly, I considered not doing this book but it was too late and I didn’t want to shy away from it. I needed to see where this book would take me. Coincidentally, not long after this, I sat with a new member of my professional society of educators who was instrumental in the formation of PFLAG in St. Charles County (PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.) This seems like a God-thing connection.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">And it took me to the message of the sloth. The animal has anything but a positive connotation. The characteristics we see in the sloth are the way it has been made and loved by the Creator. Recent study of the sloth has brought to light the unique talents and used for its role in the world…humble or great. As we journey through our daily lives we see just a part of what is around us. The people, the places and actions are all subject to descriptions that we and society create in our minds.</p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">Sometimes these descriptions are harsh and unfair and we don’t even realize that the PR we subscribe to can be detrimental to them and to us. All God’s creatures—great and small—are the work of a loving, imaginative, wise and caring Creator. I believe we must slow down and be mindful as we choose the words we use in life. This I believe, we are all made the way we are. God help me to understand and accept all God’s creatures.</p><p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.2px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">Mary Beth Peterson Powell</span> </p><p><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We hope you are inspired, not only by the faith we express, but by the</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">challenge to write your own <b>faith story</b>. We are re-posting the stories from last summer hoping you will be inspired to share your faith story with us.</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you write a <b>faith story</b> you would like to share with the congregation, send</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">it to Bill Tucker for feedback and publication. Only with your permission, we</span></i></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">will publish it on the St. Mark Blog. </span></i></p><div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px;"></span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-11888067403747848792024-02-26T00:00:00.004-06:002024-02-26T00:00:00.143-06:002023 Deacons Annual Report Part 3<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA70EzCuxnlWpo49mmsPCtSkSIhBNFzAx6YxmwYdrmYgY6BhsNH0-CdfHl8nIbXzKIlPTH5mp8PzZkW57kk8kun8zX0lcZEqx3yiLwVNzxzG7f84d7AQtqHAZWC9GxHfviFW5dz1ZGFLsOsClf4YilyUrUXHM3UGeWJVpy8gbR-pPuEJ1uUeIHkeXxUPs/s1066/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhA70EzCuxnlWpo49mmsPCtSkSIhBNFzAx6YxmwYdrmYgY6BhsNH0-CdfHl8nIbXzKIlPTH5mp8PzZkW57kk8kun8zX0lcZEqx3yiLwVNzxzG7f84d7AQtqHAZWC9GxHfviFW5dz1ZGFLsOsClf4YilyUrUXHM3UGeWJVpy8gbR-pPuEJ1uUeIHkeXxUPs/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-31%20at%209.30.37%20AM.png" width="261" /></a> </p><p>MISSION COMMITTEE It was with overwhelming support from the St. Mark Congregation that the Mission Committee was able to accomplish all stated in this report. </p><p>• Each month the food pantry “Most Wanted” list was included in worship bulletins and the monthly Messenger newsletter. During the year, over three tons or 6,000 pounds of food as well as almost 1,000 pounds of personal care products were contributed for donation to Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58. Underwear was collected for Isaiah 58 and the winter coat drive yielded over three hundred new and “like new” coats for Isaiah 58. </p><p>• Discover Mission Sunday was held in February. Eight mission partners were highlighted with guest speakers participating in the worship service. Circle of Concern, Isaiah 58 Ministries, Lafayette Industries, Marion Medical Mission, Mound Ridge, Newborns in Need, Peace Meal Project, and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services were represented. </p><p>• The annual Lent Water Challenge began with Ash Wednesday and concluded at Easter. During the challenge, we drink only clean tap water for the 40 days of Lent and donate the money not spent on other beverages to support the building of clean water wells in Africa. We were blessed to be able to contribute enough funds to drill ten wells. </p><p>• St. Mark’s first Rise Against Hunger meal packing event was held in June. It was a huge success with an intergenerational group of over 80 participants from the congregation and neighborhood. In a joyful and spirited two hours 14,000 meals were packed and were later sent to the Ukraine. </p><p>• In August, after a week of many members working together sorting and organizing donated items, St. Mark hosted the annual Attic Basement Closet (ABC) rummage sale. The ABC sale is our major fundraiser for our local mission partners. It takes much planning and can only be accomplished with vast St. Mark member support. Approximately $13,000 was raised. </p><p>• Equal Exchange sales at the church occur one Sunday of each month. These sales support long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sustainable between small farmers and consumers. Throughout the year, articles in the worship bulletins and the monthly Messenger newsletter introduced the congregation to some of the farmers and their environmental farming methods. </p><p>• Rev. Jed Koball, a mission co-partner supported by St. Mark through Christmas Alternatives, presented the program for our October Potluck. Jed assists the Peru Joining Hands Network in working to overcome environmental contamination issues.</p><p> • Christmas Alternatives was created 23 years ago to address the challenge of finding the perfect gift for someone who everything by making a donation in honor of the recipient to designated international mission partners that help deserving people who have so little but need so much. This year over $11,000 was raised which was donated to PCUSA mission co-workers Chenoa Stock and Jenny and Rev. Jed Koball, scholarships to Plan Grande Dos in Nicaragua, Medical Benevolence Foundation, Marion Medical Mission, Presbyterian Children’s Homes, and Services, and PCUSA Agriculture missions.</p><p> • Christmas gifts were collected and donated to children supported by Isaiah 58 and Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS). This was a partnership with St. Mark Presbyterian Women who contributed sixty-five gifts collected for children who receive services from PCHAS. The Children’s Ministry Angel tree collected eighty gifts for Isaiah 58. In addition, members of the congregation donated another three hundred gifts to Isaiah 58 for their holiday store. </p><p>• In addition to the activities mentioned above, local mission partners received $14,000 in monetary grants. The funds were procured by proceeds from the ABC sale, designated and undesignated mission donations, along with special offerings. Recipients were Lafayette Industries, Mound Ridge, Presbyterian Children’s Homes, and Services (PCHAS), Peace Meal, Circle of Concern, and Isaiah 58. Presbyterian Women also make monetary donations to mission partners and that activity is reflected in their section of the annual report. St. Mark members donated many hours each week volunteering directly at Circle of Concern, and Isaiah 58. Throughout the year our members also volunteered at Peace Meal (coordinated by Bruce Cranston) and Lafayette Industries. </p><p>It is with much gratitude that this report is submitted by the Mission Committee. Thank you, St. Mark members for your faithful mission support.</p><p>WORSHIP SUPPORT COMMITTEE – Your Worship Support committees have been busy this summer. The head of our usher teams reviewed old procedures and met with Pastor MP and the Safety Team. The result was a new list of instructions/procedures that usher teams follow before, during and after services. As we have moved into a post Covid Communion setting, the Communion Committee worked with Pastor MP and Clerk of Session Cay Noble to review and update Communion procedures. In an effort of inclusivity, all Communion elements are now gluten free.. As we moved into fall and winter, we created signups for Sunday service Liturgists. Our Pastors prepare readings: Call to Worship, Offertory prayer, etc. for the liturgist to read. Individuals who signed up are contacted several days prior to their dates and given the material. </p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-37008185267378756042024-02-25T00:00:00.000-06:002024-02-25T00:00:00.239-06:00Worship Prayers Feb. 25<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CENTERING PRAYER</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HxHx4oEvCV_11kw5cbV_vIyTuuwjNxgAzakrzsFgxNJ4sb_CL4tq0vmyEQ6NQlKqbWb29IEMb3xZagzq-YudRxityyXhjF6L2Vuge8v-H0Lr6oyNU10FgqZ8edmRsU2fzu6JuRheaKJILbDZOQESepeQmSlghVRfiKjkn8yFhv59f8XFV3gxppXXwsCs/s2048/IMG_5020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HxHx4oEvCV_11kw5cbV_vIyTuuwjNxgAzakrzsFgxNJ4sb_CL4tq0vmyEQ6NQlKqbWb29IEMb3xZagzq-YudRxityyXhjF6L2Vuge8v-H0Lr6oyNU10FgqZ8edmRsU2fzu6JuRheaKJILbDZOQESepeQmSlghVRfiKjkn8yFhv59f8XFV3gxppXXwsCs/s320/IMG_5020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God, your Son Jesus Christ bore the cross for our salvation and was raised from the dead for the redemption of the world. Give us the courage to take up our cross and follow him, that through his grace we may accept the cost of faithful discipleship and receive the joy of everlasting life with Christ, who lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">CALL TO WORSHIP</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Creating Lord, we come to you with hopeful hearts.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Create in us a clean heart.</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">let us remember your mighty deeds.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Help us to believe where we cannot see</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">and go where you lead.</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Saving God, we praise you for your loving sacrifice on Calvary’s hill.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Give us the strength to take up our crosses and follow you.</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">PRAYER OF CONFESSION</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Merciful God, we confess we are not sincere in our faith. We claim to follow Jesus, but we avoid his path of sacrificial love. We profess to be disciples, but we are not willing to bear the cost of discipleship. We affirm the virtue of self-denial, but we indulge our selfish desires and seek earth gain and acclaim. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for sincere repentance, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. </span></b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Silent Confession)</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Heidelberg Catechism Question One</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><a id="LPlnk247495" name="x__Hlk149815213" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Q.1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?</span></a><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /><b>A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.</b></span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; vertical-align: baseline; widows: 2;"></span><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">OFFERING</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Invitation to the Offering</span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What will it profit us to gain the whole world and forfeit our life? With all humility let us make our offering to God, trusting not in worldly gain but in God’s sustaining grace.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Prayer after Offering</span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><u><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></u></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let us pray. We thank you for your covenantal love. Accept these offerings with the dedication of our lives, that we may shine the light of your abiding love and testify to your enduring promise. We pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-56078470450759745842024-02-24T05:34:00.002-06:002024-02-24T05:34:51.334-06:00Scripture for Feb. 25<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Mark 8:27-38</i></span></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.5rem; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-27" id="en-NLT-24500">Peter’s Declaration about Jesus<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrlFrs9Vm-N4RxUezv4cPOCRQEGraEOMa7yj-w03yZbN3HMkQplbJCwhLN8yfqVPcjKwBj1NZJ1dnKiIobU78G2eyy5DXIDySbvRXM0z4vMHGzeUi1Xk7Uvg6hJRcHx4D7pUAlV7Bk52O784ImS2bT3ttUSL9gFlYkHHn6gisHWbMKQzNZzzHHKLMqBMR/s2906/Peter_proclaims_Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2906" data-original-width="1040" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrlFrs9Vm-N4RxUezv4cPOCRQEGraEOMa7yj-w03yZbN3HMkQplbJCwhLN8yfqVPcjKwBj1NZJ1dnKiIobU78G2eyy5DXIDySbvRXM0z4vMHGzeUi1Xk7Uvg6hJRcHx4D7pUAlV7Bk52O784ImS2bT3ttUSL9gFlYkHHn6gisHWbMKQzNZzzHHKLMqBMR/w230-h640/Peter_proclaims_Jesus.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">Confession of Peter</i><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;"> in </span><a class="extiw" href="https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible_(American_Standard)/Luke#9:20" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" title="wikisource:Bible (American Standard)/Luke">Luke 9:20</a><br /><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">: "</span><i style="color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">But who do you say that I am</i><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">?" <br />Peter answered: "</span><i style="color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">The Christ of God</i><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.376px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">".</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Kingsbury_1-0" style="color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 9.9008px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 1; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confession_of_Peter#cite_note-Kingsbury-1" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: none;">[1]</a></sup></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></h3><p class="first-line-none" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-27"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">27 </span>Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, <span class="woj">“Who do people say I am?”</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-28" id="en-NLT-24501"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">28 </span>“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-29" id="en-NLT-24502"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">29 </span>Then he asked them, <span class="woj">“But who do you say I am?”</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-29">Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-24502a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-24502a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+++Mark+8%3A27-38&version=NLT#fen-NLT-24502a" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span>”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-30" id="en-NLT-24503"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">30 </span>But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.</span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 1.5rem; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 20px; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-31" id="en-NLT-24504">Jesus Predicts His Death</span></h3><p class="first-line-none" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-31"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">31 </span>Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-24504b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-24504b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+++Mark+8%3A27-38&version=NLT#fen-NLT-24504b" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead.</span> <span class="text Mark-8-32" id="en-NLT-24505"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">32 </span>As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-24505c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-24505c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+++Mark+8%3A27-38&version=NLT#fen-NLT-24505c" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-33" id="en-NLT-24506"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">33 </span>Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. <span class="woj">“Get away from me, Satan!”</span> he said. <span class="woj">“You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; line-height: 2.4rem; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span class="text Mark-8-34" id="en-NLT-24507"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">34 </span>Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, <span class="woj">“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-8-35" id="en-NLT-24508"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">35 </span><span class="woj">If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.</span></span> <span class="text Mark-8-36" id="en-NLT-24509"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">36 </span><span class="woj">And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NLT-24509d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NLT-24509d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="display: inline; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+++Mark+8%3A27-38&version=NLT#fen-NLT-24509d" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; min-width: 0px; vertical-align: text-top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span></span></span> <span class="text Mark-8-37" id="en-NLT-24510"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">37 </span><span class="woj">Is anything worth more than your soul?</span></span> <span class="text Mark-8-38" id="en-NLT-24511"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">38 </span><span class="woj">If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”</span></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: "Gill Sans MT", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%208&version=NLT" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; min-width: 0px;" title="View Full Chapter">Read full chapter</a></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><br /></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;">By Kevin Wailes - https://www.flickr.com/photos/wailes/4296227852/in/set-72157623138617797/ Taken in the church of St Mary and St Lambert in Stonham Aspal, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9758791</p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6645831708428447358.post-85128380618189665962024-02-23T00:00:00.014-06:002024-02-23T00:00:00.126-06:00Daily Prayer Feb. 23<p><i> <span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.</span></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4AgZeTCP3uyATj6KEMdfXTkot3h8ow2614QtySQUt_pWXy9ISRP_kIY4jhjzZIQsRAvhROQVjMBINFFBgr0TYHNu7dRP7E3pA32lVkQ_iurZjFFVQLuBWnChOMT7k4aOrRZMzcqAzT4LSPrIKj5pmc5hJudqFZZAPnoLC_4-HpS1nzrhhNcH4KUMCTw9/s2592/IMG_6635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4AgZeTCP3uyATj6KEMdfXTkot3h8ow2614QtySQUt_pWXy9ISRP_kIY4jhjzZIQsRAvhROQVjMBINFFBgr0TYHNu7dRP7E3pA32lVkQ_iurZjFFVQLuBWnChOMT7k4aOrRZMzcqAzT4LSPrIKj5pmc5hJudqFZZAPnoLC_4-HpS1nzrhhNcH4KUMCTw9/s320/IMG_6635.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i><p></p><h2 style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 1rem; margin-top: 40px; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: -2px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Daily Readings <span style="box-sizing: inherit;">for</span> Friday, February 23, 2024</span></h2><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: SourceSansPro, "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: normal; margin: 0px 0px 1rem 2em; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/2/23/#morning" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Morning</strong> Psalms 22; 148</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/2/23/#first-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">First Reading</strong> Genesis 40:1-23</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/2/23/#second-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Second Reading</strong> 1 Corinthians 3:16-23</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/2/23/#gospel-reading" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Gospel Reading</strong> Mark 2:13-22</span></a></li><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/devotion/daily/2024/2/23/#evening" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #2e96df; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit;">Evening</strong> Psalms 105; 130</span></a></li></ul><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></i></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; widows: 2;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial;">(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.)</span></p>Writer's Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12291490092830061054noreply@blogger.com0