All-Church Book Read Begins Tonight

Wednesday, July 5
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Chapters 1-3

In her insightful and encouraging new book, Hallelujah Anyway, Anne Lamott explains that it is mercy which gives us the chance to “soften ever so slightly” to understand one another more deeply.

Let’s talk about it!!!!

Gather to discuss…
Chapters 1-3 Wed, July 5, 6-7pm
Chapters 4-6 Wed, July 26, 6-7pm
Chapters 7-9 Sun, Aug 13, 9:30-10:15am

Each discussion will focus on overall themes so come to any or all!!!
Sponsored by Adult Education Committee

Deacon's Doings: ABC Sale

JULY = ABC SALE!! Friday, July 28 – 7AM to 1PM (Early Bird admission $5 7- 8AM) Saturday, July 29 – 8:00 AM to Noon. That’s right, the time has come! The week of July 23- 29, St. Mark Presbyterian Church undergoes a Miraculous Transformation and becomes a building-wide rummage sale.

 Gleason Hall becomes “Neiman Markus” (see what I did there? Hehe) and is filled with clothing for young and old, plus accessories. Need housewares? Head to Fellowship Hall for a huge selection of kitchen, bath and general décor. Furniture, baskets, and artwork adorn the Narthex. Room 102 transforms into our very own Boutique with jewels, baubles, and other treasures. Hallways get filled with tools, sporting goods, luggage and more.

Why do all this? This is the deacon’s primary fundraiser that in turn provides monetary support for a variety of local mission and outreach programs that include Beyond Housing, Isaiah 58, Lafayette Industries, Presbyterian Children’s Services, and UKirk. The monthly Deacons Doings updates have and will continue to highlight the great works done by these organizations.

How can you help? I’m so glad you asked! The week of July 23rd is a very busy week and we all know many hands make for lighter work (plus we have a LOT of fun). So here are your options: Rack set up – Saturday, July 22, 9-11 AM Drop off items: Sunday, July 23 after 9:30 service Monday, July 24 until noon and also 5-7 PM (enter thru the side kitchen doors for this evening drop off) Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 until noon Take Down & Clean up – Saturday, July 29 beginning at 11 AM (usually done by 1-2 PM)

Please check the Discover St. Mark website for more information at http://www.discoverstmark.org/event-items/abc-rummage-sale-set-up/

Worship Prayers June 25

PRAYER IN PREPARATION - Living God, we come this day with praise and thanksgiving.  May this time of worship empower us to embody your good news.  May we always abide in you, and you in us.  May we respond to the power of your word, and the promises of your love.  May we be so filled with your Spirit that we can't help but proclaim your goodness.  Amen.

  

CALL TO WORSHIP

We gather in the name of God, creator of all the moments of our lives.

         The love of God is with us.

We gather in the name of Jesus, the Word made flesh.

         The grace of Christ is with us.

We gather in the name of the Holy Spirit, sustainer and giver of life.

         The communion of the Spirit is with us.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Loving God, we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Our endings and beginnings are rooted in your love.  But we wander far from your claim upon us.  We are tempted to go our own way, rather than trusting the path you put before us.  We find it easier to resist change, lest it require more of us.  Forgive us, O God.  Open our hearts to hear your voice in ways we cannot deny.  Challenge us in ways we cannot avoid.  Lead us in paths from which we cannot turn back.  Hold us close by your love and keep us from lasting loss.  Help us to live with courage and gladness in the future you present to us.  In every time and place, may we offer you our highest and our best through Jesus Christ.

   SCRIPTURES                                          Philippians 1:3-11, p. 196 and 2 Corinthians 13:11-13, p. 186

To listen to Pastor Jim's sermon "Thanksgiving and Blessing", click here.

Prayer July 1

SATURDAY

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

1 Samuel 9:15-10:1; Acts 7:30-43; Luke 22:39-51

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You have given us the light of day that we might see your wonders in all we say and do; you give us the gentle darkness of the night that we might rest from our burdens and be refreshed in body and spirit. How great is your love, Lord God, how wide is your mercy! Never let us board up the narrow gate that leads to life with rules or doctrines that you dismiss; but give us a Spirit to welcome all people with affection, so that your church may never exclude secret friends of yours, who are included in the love of Jesus Christ, who came to save us all. Almighty God, by the love of Jesus Christ you draw people to faith, and welcome them into the church family. May we show your joy by embracing new brothers and sisters, who with us believe and with us will work to serve you. Keep us close together in your Spirit, breaking bread in faith and love, one with Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

(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.)

Blog Post by Rev. Dr. Craig Howard

A Potosi Story
Posted on June 27, 2017 by Craig Howard
Blog Post by the Rev. Dr. Craig HowardPresbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy Transitional Leaderchoward@glpby.org

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On Sunday I retraced the Dan Anderson-Little route and preached at Hillside church at 8:30 a.m., followed by Potosi at 11:30 a.m. Before leaving for Texas, Dan preached at both congregations almost every Sunday! When I arrived at Potosi, I was informed of the history of the church and its work in the community. The church was established in 1832 and the current building was commissioned in 1907 and built in 1909. The architect of the church is John A. Lankford (1847 – 1946). Lankford would become the first African American Architect in the state of Virginia and Washington DC. He was known as the “dean of black architecture,” and would design buildings and churches throughout Virginia and DC.

Why would Potosi choose an African American architect from Virginia to design their church?

Click here for the rest of the post.

Bell Choir Openings

GIVE-IT-A-TRY Bell Choir!

On Wednesday, July 12 at 6:30 pm interested musicians are invited to give bell-ringing a try. This is open to middleschoolers through adults who have had a year minimum of private instrumental lessons or band/ orchestra experience. We will learn/review basic bell ringing and learn to play an easy piece that we can present to the congregation on Sunday, July 16. Experienced ringers from our current bell choirs are also welcome, but to get new experience, I will be asking these ringers to play on bells that they have not played during the last year.

Please see me after worship or send me an email at mmedley@discoverstmark.org BY JULY 9 so that I have a head-count when I choose pieces to rehearse. THANK YOU to our solo and ensemble musicians who have prepared music this summer for worship, while our choirs are on break. All of them have spent extra time rehearsing, and for many, it is a little scary to get up in front of the congregation and sing alone or with just a small group, rather than be in a large choir. I thank them for their time, talent, and willingness to GIVE-IT-A-TRY with their best effort and intention.

Serving God the best that I can. Marsha

Prayer for June 25

SUNDAY

Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.

1 Samuel 4:12-22; James 1:1-18; Matthew 19:23-30

God our creator, earth has many languages, but your gospel proclaims your love to all nations in one heavenly tongue. Make us messengers of the good news that, through the power of your Spirit, all the world may unite in one song of praise. Renew us by your Holy Spirit that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love; that, clinging in love to your will for us, we may walk the path of discipleship as followers of your Son. Merciful God, you sent Jesus to heal broken lives. Make the weak strong, the sick healthy, the broken whole. Then all shall be renewed in vigor to point to the risen Christ, who conquered death that we might live eternally. Almighty God, we commend to your goodness all who are near and dear to us, wherever they may be today. Watch over them; provide for them; bless them in body and soul; at last bring them and us into the perfect and eternal joy of heaven. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of peace make you holy in every way, and keep your whole being, spirit, soul, and body, free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(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.)

Prayer for June 24

SATURDAY

Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.

1 Samuel 4:1b-11; acts 4:32-5:11; Luke 21:20-28

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. You have given us the light of day that we might see your wonders in all we say and do; you give us the gentle darkness of the night that we might rest from our burdens and be refreshed in body and spirit. How great is your love, Lord God, how wide is your mercy! Never let us board up the narrow gate that leads to life with rules or doctrines that you dismiss; but give us a Spirit to welcome all people with affection, so that your church may never exclude secret friends of yours, who are included in the love of Jesus Christ, who came to save us all. Almighty God, by the love of Jesus Christ you draw people to faith, and welcome them into the church family. May we show your joy by embracing new brothers and sisters, who with us believe and with us will work to serve you. Keep us close together in your Spirit, breaking bread in faith and love, one with Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

(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.)

Mission Corner

St. Mark received a beautiful thank you note from the Care Home Children in Hyderabad, India. Terri Rider, a PC(USA) Mission co-worker, was involved with this ministry, and St. Mark committed to support them.  PW has sent the children “pillow case dresses;”  a picture of the children in their dresses is on PW’s table.  

This home cares for 60 children that are at risk and live in the slum.  Some are orphans that live with relatives and have no single place to call home.   Others have abusive or neglectful parents.  A husband and wife team run the home with staff.  

The home provides the children a safe haven from the violence played out every day on the streets; it is a place that the children go every day after school, where they can be comfortable to relax in the safety of adult supervision that genuinely cares for them. They are taught Bible stories, learn of Jesus, learn how to pray, hear scripture, and learn children’s Christian songs. Students get help with their homework, or for the students whom are not enrolled in school, the couple teaches the younger students during the day. 

The older girls whom are not enrolled in school are taught stitching, so they can find work to earn better wages.  If they did not learn this skill, they would be a day laborer – hauling bricks on their head, digging ditches, sorting through trash piles, or cleaning toilets with their bare hands.  All the efforts made by the Children Home is working toward giving each child the hope of a future in this life and into eternity.  

During the time there, the children will receive a hot meal made from fresh ingredients.  For some, this is their only meal during the day.   The Children Home is not self sufficient.  Because this home is in a slum village, the parents cannot afford to make any payment. The children freely receive the meals, services and supplies (school supplies, blanket, jacket).  The mission committee also thanks St. Mark for your continued support of this impactful mission that is changing lives.  Clarice Hutchens

Packing the dresses to go to India with Terri on the right

Worship Prayers for June 18

PRAYER IN PREPARATION-  O God, we give you thanks for the life of Jesus among us, and that he reigns in power for us.  Enlighten the eyes of our hearts, and grant us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we worship.  Open us to the possibility that we are being chosen to be new disciples with new ministries.  Strengthen our hope and bless the work of our hands, that we may live as the Body of Christ in this world.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Come, all who would bear witness to the risen Christ!

         We have been chosen by Christ for a mission, to tell of God's truth.

Lift up your hearts, for we are called to tell of God's forgiveness and mercy.

         We are called to bring hope and life where once was only darkness and despair.

Let each one of us know we are special in the heart of Christ.

         God, who know our fears, accepts us.  God's love follows us wherever we go.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, you gather us and call us to proclaim your gospel, to live the resurrection faith, to touch lives as Jesus did.  Your triumph over death stands over all earthly powers.  Yet, too often we get involved with the things of this world, forgetting your purpose for us in it.  We see violence and injustice, hunger and need.  We see longing for something more.  We see failures and faults in our lives.  In all these things, we feel powerless.  Forgive us, O God, keep us from narrow visions and low expectations.  Keep us from scoffing at your call to discipleship.  Help us to rely on your power that we may serve your ministry in the world.

   SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                           Acts 1:15-26, p. 1