St. Mark Eagle Scout Gives Closing Prayer at 223rd General Assembly

Eagle Scout Patrick Rouff, an active youth at St. Mark Presbyterian, was selected to give the closing prayer he wrote in consultation with Pastor Dave Burgess, at the 5th Plenary Session of the Presbyterian Church (USA) 223rd General Assembly. Patrick represented The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters and the Boy Scouts of America.

Patrick is the son of David and Tricia Rouff, who  along with their daughter Megan, are very active in the St. Mark Children and Youth Ministries. Patrick is an Eagle Scout in Troop 603. He holds three of the Religious Awards and is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. He will be a Senior at Lafayette High School. This summer Patrick is serving as an Intern at Keystone Software in Eureka. A Video of Patrick’ s prayer can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/9b6pwohbz0syllw/Patrick%20GA%20Prayer%203.mp4?dl=0

St. Mark Eagle Scout Gives Closing Prayer at 223rd General Assembly

Eagle Scout Patrick Rouff, an active youth at St. Mark, was selected to give the closing prayer he
wrote in consultation with Pastor Dave Burgess, at the 5th Plenary Session of the Presbyterian Church (USA) 223rd General Assembly.

Patrick represented  The National Association of Presbyterian Scouters and the Boy Scouts of America. Patrick is the son of David and Tricia Rouff who along with their daughter Megan are very active in the St. Mark Children and Youth Ministries.

Patrick is an Eagle Scout in Troop 603. He holds three of the Religious Awards and is a Brotherhood Member of the Order of the Arrow. He will be a Senior at Lafayette High School. This summer, Patrick is serving as an Intern at Keystone Software in Eureka. A Video of Patrick’ s prayer can be found at: https//www.dropbox.com/s/9b6pwohbbz0s/Patrick%20GA%Prayer%203.mp4?dl=0

Hands-On with a Mission Partner

In mid-April, St. Mark member, Dr. Clarice Hutchens was elected President of the Board of Directors for Partners for Just Trade (PJT), a mission partner of PCUSA and St. Mark. (PJT was our Mission Partner Spotlight in the April Messenger).

Clarice has been engaged with PJT in a very hands-on way for almost ten years. She was a member of the early mission trips to Peru as part of the PCUSA Hunger Program's Joining Hands Network. Clarice has served in numerous volunteer and leadership roles with the organization.


Clarice recently staffed the PJT booth at the Earth Day events at Forest Park and Chesterfield Mall, promoting PJT products and educating others on issues of justice and social responsibility in global trade. https://www.partnersforjusttrade.org/

L-R Victoria, Angela, Debbie, Clarice Hutchens

Angela Kamuyu

Service to God leads pastor from Kenya to St. Louis

As a child growing up in Kenya, Pastor Angela Kamuyu had a passion for helping others, and eventually found the perfect platform: service to her church. 

“I longed to be in the holy ministry, as it would fulfill that desire for me,” Pastor Kamuyu said. “Reaching the unreached with the word and serving through the gospel.” 

In her native country, Pastor Kamuyu serves with the Presbyterian Church Of East Africa (PCEA), which primarily covers Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania; it is the second largest denomination in Kenya. Pastor Kamuyu comes from the Iri-aini Presbytery, Kasuku Parish, though her first posting was in the Western Presbytery, Webuye Parish in Kenya. It is among the mainstream denominations in Kenya.

Church populations vary depending on location, ranging from a single congregation of a thousand plus to several hundred to a small congregation of tens. Though the size may vary, all churches share a single purpose: to fulfill the duties of the word and the sacrament.

“Besides spiritual welfare, our church works to help the less fortunate in the society and in the areas of health, education and the environment, and teaming with other institutions, like prisons,” Pastor Kamuyu says. 

Just as Pastor Kamuyu’s drive to help others led her to a life of service with the Presbyterian church, her basic need to move beyond her comfort zone brought her to another continent. Armed with a scholarship and a desire to develop a deeper understanding of the Old Testament through the context of a different culture, Pastor Kamuyu came to the Eden Seminary in St. Louis to study theology. 

When she completes her master’s degree in May, Pastor Kamuyu plans to return to Kenya with new ways to contribute not only to her own congregation, but to the larger church system. Among the challenges Pastor Kamuyu will face when she returns home is overcoming the belief that women do not belong in positions of power.

“Women representation in church is minimal,” she says. “They are not in the hierarchical structure—not in the top helm position. More should be done to encourage women participation in the church decision-making in general and inclusion in the top officials of the church.”

It is an ongoing process, Pastor Kamuyu says, to educate Christians that women can bring about social change, and change societal structures and institutions for the better.

“It is a bid to change the historical patriarchy and better appreciate women’s identity and to accept women of authority—which at times is not fully embraced, barely recognized or looked down upon,” Pastor Kamuyu explains. 

The struggle to assume leadership roles is one that is familiar to many women in the United States, as well, but Pastor Kamuyu offers hope for those working to make inroads in both countries.

“With the right exposure, support and encouragement, women can pursue their passions and excel in any fields that have previously been deemed not for women,” she says. “When women understand the potential that they possess, they can create, add or empower already existing systems, structures and leaders for the better— from the smallest unit of the society that is family, all the way up to our nations.”  

Pastor Kamuyu’s theological interests also include the role that Christians can play in environmental stewardship; in the future, she hopes to see churches develop partnerships with groups, companies and organizations to help advance environmental initiatives. On a broad scale, she would also like to see churches provide multi-generational outreach programs to help promote a greener, safer environment. Tools that St. Mark might consider include creation of a “green” check list; adoption of water and energy conservation programs; programs and church services about protecting our natural resources; use of more local, recycled or upcycled materials; and partnerships with local environmental organizations.

Pastor Kamuyu’s visit to the United States comes at a time of great political dialogue on the subject of immigration. As Christians, Pastor Kamuyu says we have the ability to lead that conversation.

“The church leaders have a great influence in the negotiation and dialogue table with the government,” she says. “Christians have the role to make sure that the policies and law of the land do not go beyond human compassion and rights.”

During her time in the United States, Pastor Kamuyu has made St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Ballwin her church home away from home. Pastor Kamuyu’s time with St. Mark has afforded her the opportunity to learn more about how networking, church organization and hospitality influence a congregation’s growth. In turn, she hopes to leave something behind for her St. Mark family: “A friendship bond that will connect two worlds and continue even in the future.”

Read the Gospels in 40 Days: John 6-7

Owl You Need is Love

Each year, Presbyterian Women at St. Mark Presbyterian call all of the women in the church to invite them to a brunch to celebrate the beginning of the programming year.  This year's theme was "Owl You Need is Love" with our own Marie Holt as the featured speaker.

 After some socializing, we sat down to a beautiful breakfast prepared by our members:  Pineapple Tea, Ham and Swiss quiche, Classic Fruit Salad and Better Than Almost Anything Cake.  Then, the featured speaker (and one of the chefs) Marie Holt spoke to us about her new book She Shall Be Called Woman (published by Axiom Press).

 Marie told us this was actually her third attempt to write a book.  This book was inspired by a devotion she prepared for our Christmas Table Top Tea, one year.  "For the devotion I did a first person narrative telling the Christmas story from the innkeeper's wife point of view.  I concluded my narrative by relating how women of today can and do experience the same feelings as she did.  She is not mentioned in the Bible but she had to have been there right beside her husband doing her part to help.  And she had a strong message to share."

 She went on to explain how this devotion lead her to think about other women in the Bible: " I have taken that reference and tried to slip into the persona of that woman by telling the story as I imagine it could have happened.  Second, I have used the stories of these women, both named and unnamed, to offer encouragement and peace to women of today who might find themselves in similar circumstances."

Although the books will soon be available on Amazon, they can be purchased from Marie.

Congratulations Lili!

Congratulations, Lili H,, on completion of the Girl Scout Gold Award. As part of earning the award, comparable to the Boy Scout Eagle Award, Lili wrote and illustrated a book for Claymont Preschool at St. Mark. The book, “My First Day at Claymont Preschool”,  features a mouse, Edgar, who is wondering what his day will be like when he is at preschool. 

Parents and children can read the book together, or download the ebook, which will help with separation anxiety which both may be experiencing as children begin preschool. It is designed to generate discussion about some of the fun activities that children can expect during their day, what is appropriate to wear and bring, and how we learn about sharing and making friends. Lili received her early childhood education at Claymont Preschool, and we were delighted when she chose this as her Gold Award project. 

She received input from the Preschool Committee as well as teachers. We are very proud of Lili and her achievement.

For more about Claymont Preschool, click here.  If you would like a copy of the book, please contact Lynne Dauve:  (636) 394-2233 ext. 116  ldauve@discoverstmark.org

. . .and The Other Gold

This is the third in the series recognizing those who have been members for over 40 years.  Please thank them for their dedication and service to the ministry of St. Mark Presbyterian Church.  Click here to see the others spotlighted.  Thank you Barb, Virginia, June, Ermalynn, Bob, Stuart, Phyllis, Kirby, Helen, Bob and Kris for your faith.  Also, thanks to Ed Acheson whose photo wasn't in the directory, but who has certainly been a loyal, dedicated member.  The photos below are from the 1975 photo directory.

The Stone Family

Be sure to stop by the bulletin board to see the new members, too!  21 new members since this summer and over 30 that have been members for 40 years.  St. Mark Presbyterian has a lot to be thankful for.

One is Silver. . . .

Pastor Jim greeting new member Carol C.

 Several weeks ago, St. Mark Presbyterian welcomed 17 new members and a new pastor to our church community.  At the same time, I (the historian) received a photo directory from 1975 and realized that was 40 years ago.  Thumbing through the directory, I was warmed at seeing so many familiar faces.  This is part II of spot-lighting those individuals who have been with St. Mark Presbyterian for over 40 years (one reminded me it had been almost 48 years)

The Bob McLuen Family

 The children of some of the members pictured above are also members.  Remember to thank Fred, Terry, Wray, Diana, Mae, Jack, David, Ethel, Kenny, Bob, Carolyn and Flo for their faithfulness, service and for laying such an excellent foundation for St. Mark Presbyterian today.  Click here for those featured last week.  There will be more to follow.

Pastor Jim greeting Carolyn S., one of our long-time members.

Good-bye Dorothy!

 

21 St Mark Presbyterian members joined Dorothy at The Corner Grill to wish her well on her upcoming move to Chicago to be near her son. The Adult Ed classes will miss her knowledge and insight but wish her well on this new adventure.

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

Sept. 27, 2015 New Members

Last Sunday, we had a class of 17 new members at St. Mark Presbyterian along with a new pastor, Rev. James Poinsett.  Oddly, I (the historian) received a photo directory from 40 years ago from the estate of a former member.  The song "Make New Friends, But Keep the Old;  One is Silver and the Other Gold" went through my head.  We have over a dozen members who have belonged for over 40 years.  This week and next week, I would like to showcase these faithful members!

When you see Charlene, Frank, Helen, Dale, Sally, Ellen, Boots and Bob, won't you thank them for their years of faithful service to the Ministry of St. Mark Presbyterian?

Celebration of Aging Honoree

The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy PC(USA) has an annual ‘Celebration of Aging’ service that spotlights the contributions older adults have made and continue to make in the ministry of the church for the glory of God. This year, in its 30th annual celebratory service, our member Dick Wallace was selected by the St. Mark session to be our representative and honoree.

Dick, a man in his late 70s, is a worthy choice, for he has chosen to live his life in productive, sustaining, and enthusiastic ways. Dick has been ordained as both Presbyterian elder and deacon. He ushers regularly at worship services and is found every morning helping with Business Person Between Jobs. With his wife Elizabeth (Betty Jo), he attends an adult Sunday school class and is also a member of a small group Bible study fellowship. For years Dick has been a worker bee on the property committee and chaired it during much of the ‘crisis’ with the church’s roof issues. Despite having endured several serious health issues, Dick continues to swim, practice yoga, and walk-run. He began racing in 2010 and now has more than 25 races to his credit, including one full marathon. He keeps all routine doctors’ appointments and recommended screenings. Regular housework chores are in his bailiwick. He helps others freely and serves ungrudgingly. And best of all, Dick often laughs at himself.

On May 6, 2015 at the Celebration of Aging, this statement of faith was recited:

We believe in the God of the First Age who is present in the lives of little children and youth; who gives to every person the right to grow in wisdom and years, and in divine and human favor. 

We believe in the God of the Second Age, who energizes young adults to find and realize their destiny in life; who sustains parents; who invigorates those in mid-life; who give to every person the right to grow in wisdom and years, and in divine and human favor. 

We believe in the God of the Third Age, who stands with those who retire from work, granting them peace, and nudging them to creative new beginnings; who shatters the complacency of those who languish in rockers and hurls them into unknown places. 

We believe in the God of the Fourth Age, who carries with love those who can no longer walk where they wish, who listens with compassion to life stories, who hovers over the bedside of the frail, the weak, the dying, with whispers of a better life yet to come. 

We believe in the God of All Ages, who is ageless, and who dwells with people of every age. Amen.

Along with Dick, we, at St. Mark Presbtyerian, celebrate the joy of living and aging in God’s grace.