Annual Report: Deacon Committees (Part 2)

 COMMUNION COMMITTEE 

This was a transitional year for the Communion Committee. It was not until April that, using advice from Pastor MP, we developed a workable map and guide for Communion Servers to follow. Servers receive their trays below the Chancel. Only the pastors must navigate the steps. Each server is assigned a portion of the sanctuary. Elements are passed from both sides except the one closest to the South wall and the choir loft. Thanks to input from Nancy Sutch, we worked out the procession from the back once servers have finished serving each element. The Communion Committee buys the elements. The star crackers are gluten free. Trays are set up before each Communion service and individual servers assigned to stations in front of the Chancel. They sign up using Signup Genius and receive their instructions via email.

FLOWER COMMITTEE

The donation of sanctuary flowers is a wonderful way for our members to honor loved ones and commemorate special events during the year, while, at the same time, helping to beautify our church. During our most holy seasons, Easter and Christmas, members can purchase Easter Lilies and Poinsettias. All plants purchased can be taken home by those who made the donation and shared with whomever the member chooses. 

During 2024: 1) A total of 41 sanctuary bouquets were ordered from a local florist. 2) A total of 9 seasonal silk floral arrangements were purchased to be used for the Sundays when none have been donated by church members. There were also silk floral arrangements purchased for use during the Easter and Christmas seasons. 3) For the Easter season, 18 families donated a total of 37 Easter lilies which were ordered from a local greenhouse for our sanctuary on Easter Sunday. 4) For the Christmas season, silk poinsettia plants were placed in the sanctuary at the beginning of the Advent season prior to the arrival of the live plants. 21 families donated a total of 48 poinsettia plants which were ordered from a local greenhouse for our sanctuary for the Sunday prior to Christmas and for the Christmas Eve services. 

A special thanks to the members of St. Mark who so generously provided flowers during the year. Your participation is greatly appreciated and brought beauty, joy, and a personal church connection to so many. Hopefully you were blessed by the blessing you provided.

WORSHIP SUPPORT COMMITTEE – Liaison Committee Members:  ushers; greeters;  Sanctuary setup;  Communion; Pastor MP - Liturgists . Worship Support provides help when needed for the above groups. Thanks to Pastor MP and her technical know-how, ushers, liturgists, and Communion support moved to using Signup Genius, making the process of contacting members to perform those functions much easier. Towards the end of the year, work began on transitioning greeters to Signup Genius also. In 2024, three new individuals joined the ushers. As noted above in the Communion committee description, the Communion team worked with Pastoral Staff and Session as the communion process evolved to fine tune the procedure. Pastor MP continues to manage the Liturgists. 

Deacons In Action: Worship Committee

 

The Worship Committee consists of 4 groups of helpers to organize the sign-up sheets and to help St Mark run smoothly. 

The Communion Group sets up Communion trays with the elements and passes the trays in the pews during the service. Gluten free elements are used for Communion. St. Mark celebrates Communion on the first Sunday of each month. 

The Greeter Group organizes the sign-up sheet for volunteers who stand at the Welcome Center and at the Narthex doors greeting people & making them feel welcome. 

The Sanctuary Group decorates the Sanctuary for Easter and Christmas. They also refill the pages in the Friendship pads in the pews. The information in the Friendship pads lets us know how many people attended the service. It is also a great way to learn people’s names and make everyone feel included and welcomed at St Mark. 

The Ushers Group hand out bulletins, can escort us to our seats and welcomes us before the worship service begins. They work in teams of 5, some of the teams currently only have 4 people and slots need to be filled. If you are interested or would like to find out more about being an Usher please contact Glenn Knopf.

2023 Deacons Annual Report Part 3

 

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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

 • 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.

 • 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. 

• 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. 

It is with much gratitude that this report is submitted by the Mission Committee. Thank you, St. Mark members for your faithful mission support.

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. 

Deacons in Action

 

Your worship support committees have been busy this summer. Glenn Knopf, head of our Usher Teams, reviewed old procedures and met with Pastor MP and the Safety Team. The result is a new list of instructions/procedures the usher teams follow before, during, and after services. 

As we have moved into a post Co-vid Communion setting, Judy Richardson, Chairperson of the Communion Committee, and Valerie Steiner 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. A big thank you to Valerie Steiner who sourced and purchased gluten free elements. 

Moving into fall and winter, we have sign ups for Sunday service liturgists. As a liturgist, the Pastors provide you with the written components of the worship service for you to read. This will be emailed several days in advance of the service for you to review. If you are interested in signing up or have any questions, please contact Pastor MP.

Photo by David Weber on Unsplash

Order of Worship June 19

 CENTERING PRAYER 

Morning Dear God, today I will be tempted to wander away from you. By your Spirit, guide me in the ways you want me to go. I may become discouraged by my own limitations or by interactions I have with others. Direct my thoughts and words and actions so that they reflect your love, not only for me, but also for those around me. Remind me today and every day that, in Jesus Christ, I belong to you. That will be enough. Amen. 

PRELUDE  Prelude on An Early American Folk Hymn     Martin 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

When forces in the world threaten us,  

when our bodies or spirits turn against us,  

there is One who seeks us, One who meets us,  

One who heals us, whose love washes over us and sets us free for joy.  

This One is the Lord.  

Come, let us worship God. 

 † HYMN “God Is Calling through the Whisper” Hymnal #410 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God, give us faith to confess our sins and seek your mercy. There are empty places in our lives where we have wandered far from you. We have listened to voices who distracted us from you. We have given in to powers that compete for our attention and away from our loyalty to you. We have not taken the hand you offer to lead us out of these empty places, and into your holy ways. Savior, forgive us. Give us water to drink so that we will thirst no more, and let your love spring up in us and lead us to eternal life. Speak tenderly to us of your presence. Feed us with your word. Deliver us from evil. Let us enter into your kingdom; then send us out to serve you by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. (silent confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORY TO GOD Hymnal #58 

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

SCRIPTURE 1 Kings 19:1–15 

SERMON      “Where Do We Notice God?”      Rev. MP Panco 

BAPTISM & CONFIRMATION 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH       Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

OFFERING The King of Love My Shepherd Is Forrest 

Amy Shelton, soloist 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

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. 

† HYMN “I Will Call Upon the Lord” Hymnal #621 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “May the God of Hope Go with Us” Hymnal #765 

POSTLUDE  Praise God Martin 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able

Worship Volunteer Opportunities

There are several opportunities for individuals to help with worship. Please see the list below with people to contact.

•  Usher: Assist people to their seats, pass out bulletins, take attendance, and more.  Contact Pastor MP mpanco@discoverstmark.or or J. Steward
• Greeter: Greet worshippers as they arrive for worship, direct them to childcare, etc.…Contact V. Chabot
• Communion Server: Serve your fellow worshippers the bread and the cup on communion Sundays. Contact V. Steiner or J. Richardson
• Liturgist: Assist in worship by leading the congregation in the Call to Worship and the Offering. Contact Pastor MP mpanco@discoverstmark.org 
• Worship Support Team: Change banners, decorate for Christmas, Easter, and more! Contact N. Douglas
• LEARN MORE:  Contact K. D’Arcy and B. Tucker, worship support deacons, or Pastor MP mpanco@discoverstmark.org.

Worship Updates beginning in July

 Dear Friends,

We pray this message finds all of you doing well as we move into the first hot and muggy days of summer. It is a joy to worship with so many of you in-person and online on Sunday mornings. We opened up the sanctuary a little over a month ago with many restrictions (i.e., masks, social distancing, no singing, etc.), and we promised to continue to monitor the situation and to adjust as appropriate. We made small changes like inviting the young ones to come forward for our time with children and inviting spoken prayer requests from the pews. The question on many minds is when can we get back to normal.

The St. Mark Session met on Monday evening to discuss next steps in reopening, and we approved a resolution to allow for more freedom in worship beginning the first weekend in July.

• Mask wearing inside the building is not required for those who are vaccinated. We strongly recommend unvaccinated members and guests to continue to wear masks for their safety and that of others.
  • Following guidance from Parkway Schools, we encourage children under 12 to continue to wear their masks
• We are removing the taped off areas from most of the sanctuary pews, and worshippers are free to sit where they would like.
• Two sections on the far right (pulpit side) of the sanctuary will remain taped off for those who prefer to keep socially distant.
• We are returning the hymnals, Bibles, and friendship pads to the pews, and the singing of hymns is now allowed.
• The narthex is open for coffee and fellowship for those who are comfortable congregating before and after the service.
• We will continue to celebrate communion with the prepackaged elements from our individual pews.
• We will not pass the plates during the offering, but there will be a plate in the back of the sanctuary to drop off gifts.
• In-person church related meetings are allowed, but we ask everyone to please contact the office to schedule the time and space.

When we discussed reopening, we knew the way forward would involve a hybrid model for our worship, education, and meetings. The session believes this plan allows all of our members and guests a chance to worship in a way they are most comfortable through our general seating area, our socially distant section, and our livestream service on YouTube. We understand there is not a plan that will satisfy everyone, but we hope this model will help us expand our ministries through the summer and beyond. Please feel free to contact the pastors if you have any questions or concerns.

In Hope and Confidence,

Pastor Dave and Pastor MP  

Worship in Sanctuary

 

St. Mark Presbyterian continues to worship safely by safely distancing in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings at 10 AM.  We also live stream on our YouTube channel  Discover St. Mark.  Beginning July 3, we will also begin our 5 PM Saturday worship in Fellowship Hall.

These photos are from a few weeks ago.  The pastors take a photo of the congregation each week instead of signing the ritual of friendship pads.  The photos are then used for our attendance records.  Photos from the first day back in the sanctuary,  Click here:

Worship at Home

 “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name” Psalm 9:14 NLT

It is Sunday morning. I’m settled in and enjoying the music being played by the Masked Bellringers. I’m tucked in, secure in the knowledge that this week I will not fall off the footstool . The best seat in the house for me is on mbp’s lap or extended legs. The problem was that when she moved I would slip off, go boom and land on the floor.

 We have now solved the problem. Grandpa’s comfy blue blanket is now our security blanket and it will not let me fall. Yes, we look a little silly curled up with the fleece blanket during the St. Louis days of summer. It works so I’m not complaining. Linus has his blanket and so do I!

 How many times we all need to feel the protection of God’s loving arms and support as we move through our daily lives. In this new normal or whatever we are calling it we need to feel secure and loved. Virtual hugs, phone calls, old and new photographs, notes and precious memories bring us through the dark or gloomy times. They provide a sense of security and well-being.

I have a blue blanket. Linus has his blanket. Mbp seems to have a whole flamboyance of flamingos. Take time today to hold a teddy bear or anything that gives you peace as a reminder that God is here with us for support and comfort.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24-25

Godspeed my friends,
Gaspod

Worship Prayers April 14

CENTERING PRAYER

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

Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

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

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of heaven and earth, we give you thanks for sending us Jesus Christ. Even though we

profess to follow him, we confess that, in times of trouble, we too often deny him. Forgive us and heal us, we pray. Help us to put our faith not in the princes of this world but only in the Prince of Peace. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – The Apostles’ Creed

Worship for Sept. 30

CENTERING PRAYER  Gracious God, you give life and, in your Word, it is beautiful.  Thank you for this new day.  In each coming hour, help me to see beneath the ever-present difficulties and superficial joys into the mysteries that you have set out for your people.  Guide me toward those I meet today in a way that welcomes them and, in turn, grants me a welcome, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good.

         God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Let our words and thoughts be acceptable to God;

         the Lord is our rock and our redeemer.

Let us worship our awesome God together.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Merciful God, we confess we have not followed your way.  You rain down mercy upon us, yet we murmur in our discontent.  You cast out the evil within us, yet we fling curses at others. Forgive us, God of grace.  Call us home from our wandering, deliver our souls from death, and cover us with your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  (Silent Confession)

SCRIPTURE READING                                                                                                         James 5:13-20

   SERMON                                                 “The Outskirts of Hope”

Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess

 For the sermon"Outskirts of Hope", click here.

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

Deacons' Doings

As the saying goes, it takes a village. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning we come together at St. Mark to worship. While listening to the sermon, singing a hymn or sharing the peace have you ever thought about what happens in the background to help worship to run smoothly?

The Worship Support Committee is a deacon led committee comprised of both deacons and members of St. Mark congregation. Together this group supports worship by ensuring greeters are present in the Narthex on Sunday morning, ensuring recruitment, coordination and training of ushers and coordinating liturgists. The Worship Support Committee also provides physical care of the Sanctuary and Narthex including the table, pulpit, font, paraments, candles and pew racks. For special services and seasons, the physical care team works with direction from pastoral staff and music ministry to prepare the Sanctuary to reflect the importance of such special times.

Going back to my questions: Have you ever been curious of when and why paraments are changed? Have you ever considered what it is like to be a greeter or usher? Have you ever wondered how liturgists are assigned? I was curious of all these things! To my surprise, I am learning that anyone from St. Mark congregation can volunteer to be involved in these areas of worship support! Really, anyone!

Currently, the Worship Support Committee is interested in forming another usher team. We are looking for “warm” individuals who are willing to support worship through distribution of bulletins, collecting the offering and begin an overall welcoming presence at St. Mark. If you are interested in learning more about ushering, please contact P. Eisenberg or N. Douglas, Worship Support Deacon

Poinsettias and Flowers

St. Mark Presbyterian will continue the tradition of using poinsettias to beautify our sanctuary during the holiday season. Please consider ordering one or more poinsettia to be displayed from Dec. 18-25. Donors may take the plant(s) home with them on Christmas Eve or have them delivered to a home-bound or ill member of the congregation. Order forms can be found on the easel beside the food pantry table. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, Nov. 27. Any questions, call or email flower committee chair P. Eisenberg, Deacon.

The flower Chart for 2017 is on the easel near the food pantry table. If you would like to provide an arrangement for an upcoming worship service, please sign your name on the chart and fill out the flower donation form. Place the form, with your check in the "Flowers" mailbox in the church office. Each arrangement is $25. Checks should be made payable to St. Mark Presbyterian Church with a notation of "flowers" on the memo line of your check. Please remember to indicate if you wish to take the flowers after worship or have them delivered to a home-bound or ill member. Any questions, call or email flower committee chair P. Eisenberg.

Flowers enhance our worship, commemorate loved ones and special events and bring joy to our shut-ins. Consider contributing a poinsettia or a worship arrangement.

Worship Prayers from January 24, 2016

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  Just as we see your wisdom and glory in nature around us, O God, may we hear your Word for us during this time of worship.  May the Holy Spirit who inspired the ancient poets and prophets continue to call out to us today.  May our lives reflect the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as we strive to follow as his faithful disciples.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP - based on Isaiah 43:16-21

Thus says God, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,

who brings out great Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and utterly defeats them:

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old.

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

the wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches;

for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people,

the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.”

This same God leads us still,

providing for us on the journey, showing us new things.

Let us lift our praise as we worship our God.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Loving God, from the very beginning of your story with us, you have called your people to journey from the familiar to the new.  From Abraham to the founders of our own country, they set out in hope, not completely sure where they were going, but completely confident that you would provide for them.  We confess that we prefer security and stability over challenge and change.  By your grace, give us trusting spirits and hopeful hearts, so that when you do call us to step out in faith, we can respond with joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord.