Drop-off Donations for Missions

 Drive Through Donation Drop-offs

The St. Mark Mission Committee will continue to coordinate and host drive-through donation drop-offs once a month in the St. Mark parking lot during 2021. Our mission partners are incredibly grateful for St. Mark’s ongoing generosity and have been good stewards of your donations. In our effort to keep everyone safe, we will continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols for these contactless events. Behind our masks we are smiling with the joy of being in service to others and our gloved hands are warmed by your generosity!

THANK YOU! December Drop-off

Christmas Alternatives – Our 20th Year!

Thank you for your continued support of Christmas Alternatives! Donations are in the process of being tabulated and results will be shared soon.

Sunday, January 17, 1-3PM

Personal Care Products

Oh my, the harsh weather and economic struggles make it incredibly challenging for many to afford basic personal care products. Did you know that SNAP/EBT/WIC/Food stamps cannot be used for personal care products? During January we will collect deodorant, bar soap, shampoo, lotion, and laundry detergent.

Sunday, February 7, 1-3PM

The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-inspired movement working across the nation to tackle hunger in their local communities. Mobilizing grassroots resources, The Souper Bowl of Caring has created over $160 million worth of support that stays completely local. Once again, St. Mark Youth will be collecting food for our local mission partners, Circle of Concern, and Isaiah 58 Ministries. We look forward to seeing you before kickoff on Sunday, February 7th!

ABC Sale Results for 2020

Drum roll please….. over $13,000 was raised for our local mission partners!!! This year, the ABC sale moved from the physical church building to two “digital” platforms. ONE: St. Mark members generously donated to the Virtual ABC Sale. TWO: Jackie Morgan selflessly gave her time and talents all year long to sell small items donated by members of our congregation, netting over $6,000 in online sales. Your giving has meant that we have been able to continue to meet the financial needs of our mission partners during a most challenging year – thank you! Missions partners supported include: BBJ, Isaiah 58, Lafayette Industries, Mound Ridge, Peace Meal, Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, and UKirk

Worship January 10, 2021

January 10, 2021 

10:00 am Virtual Service 

ORDER OF WORSHIP

CENTERING PRAYER 

You invite us, O God, to live in your ways, and you give us to each other to know and to love as we journey in this life. Show us your will for all creation. When we are lost in the wilderness or tossed about on the chaotic waters, help us to remember our baptisms and the truth that your love conquers all. Thank you for giving us this day, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

PRELUDE      Voluntary in G 18th c.      Anon 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CALL TO WORSHIP

 

The one who calls us together this day yearns for all people to hear and to be blessed.

Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.

Blessed is the One who comes bringing trustworthy words for the healing of the world.

Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.

Come; let us worship our God together!

† HYMN      “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”      Hymnal #475

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Holy God, you see into each of us and know us fully as creatures in need of your constant care. We confess we have neither heard your word nor followed your will. We fail our nation, neighbors, families, friends, and ourselves. Give us ears to hear your wisdom. Lead us to honesty and faith so we may begin again with renewed strength. We continue to pray in Jesus’ name. (Silent Confession)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

SCRIPTURE Mark 1:4-11 

SERMON “Remember Your Baptism” Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess

 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH – Heidelberg Catechism Question 70

 

Q. What does it mean to be washed with the blood and Spirt of Christ?

 

A. It means to have the forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, for the sake of Christ’s blood which he shed for us in his sacrifice on the cross, and also to be renewed by the Holy Spirt and sanctified as members of Christ, so that we may more and more die to sin and live in a consecrated and blameless way.

 

OFFERING 

† THE DOXOLOGY 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

† HYMN      “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”     Hymnal #488 

ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF NEW CHURCH OFFICERS 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION RESPONSE     “Come! Live in the Light”   Hymnal #749 

POSTLUDE Praise Be to God Powers 

†You are invited to stand, as you are able. 

 

Scripture for January 10, 2021

 Mark 1:4-11

Saint John The Baptist
 Preaching In The Wilderness
by Anton Raphael

4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with[a] water, but he will baptize you with[b] the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Saint John The Baptist Preaching In The Wilderness by Anton Raphael

Daily Prayers January 8

 "My word shall accomplish that which I purpose," says the Lord, "and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Daily Readings for Friday, January 8, 2021

• 
  Morning Psalms 46 or 47; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 59:15b-21
• Second Reading Revelation 2:8-17
• Gospel Reading John 4:46-54
• Evening Psalms 27; 93 or 114

Eternal God, as we are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, so give us the grace of repentance that we may pass through the grave with him and be born again to eternal life, for he is the One who was crucified, dead, and buried, and rose again for us, Jesus our Savior. Eternal God, you sent us a Savior, Christ Jesus, to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. Send peace on earth, and put down greed, pride, and anger, which turn nation against nation and race against race. Speed the day when wars will end and the whole world accepts your rule. God of mercy, you are full of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive. Grant us grace to renounce all evil and to cling to Christ, that in every way we may prove to be your loving children. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(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.)

In Community

 

Last week Pastor M.P. “handed out” STAR words as we approached Epiphany. STAR words are evidently a newer Presbyterian tradition. I had heard about this a few years ago, but really didn’t know much about it. Individuals receive a paper star with a word written on it. That word is considered a gift from God for them to contemplate and focus on during the year. This year instead of handing out paper stars we chose numbers that were matched to words and we learned about our STAR word via the internet.

My word for 2021 is Community. I immediately thought about people together, in person. My mind went to a place where we cannot go right now, and I felt a loss of community. But, that was only my initial reaction. I know that community is not dependent on being physically present with others. I know that we can be part of many different types of communities. It became a bit overwhelming when I started to really think about what makes up a community and how people connect to each other in community. I needed to slow myself and my thoughts down. It is only the beginning of 2021 and I have twelve months to explore these questions and the many more I will have along the way. I can start by looking at the communities that were most important to me in 2020. What communities did I stay connected to or did I form new connections to and why?

1.       I’ll start with the community that I’m writing this for…the St. Mark’s Writer’s Life Group. We all share an interest in writing and encouraging one another, and through our writing and conversation we have learned so much about one another.

2.       Dancing Resilience – a virtual Zoom dance group that I’ve been a part of since late April. I’ve danced up to 3 times a day with people from different parts of the U.S. and occasionally around the world. We dance to express our joy, our anger, our despair, our uncertainty, but most importantly, our resiliency.

3.       Workplace – This community has changed in 2020 as I’m sure most people’s workplaces have. We gained and lost staff. We learned how to work remotely and then how to return to work and do so safely. The challenges we faced pulled us together and as cliché as it sounds, made us better and stronger.

4.       Church community – I have been “connected” almost every day to this community. Even though we haven’t been physically together there’s social media, email, virtual services and virtual women’s circle. Yet, it wasn’t until right after Christmas that I realized how important place was to my sense of church community. I missed being in a shared space with others as we prepared for and celebrated the Christmas season. Perhaps that is why my initial reaction to receiving my STAR word was that sense of loss. Taking inventory of how I have connected to my communities during the year has lessened that loss.

We can be part of many communities, some more important than others, but perhaps the most important ones are those where we feel a strong connection with other people in the community.   

Julie Northrip

Photo from Life Through My Lens on Unsplash

The Hiking Trip

My small group is reading and discussing a book about Simon Peter. Our most recent meeting focused on a trip that Jesus, Peter and the other disciples made from Capernaum to Caesarea Philippi. The only information about the trip included in the gospel was part of one conversation that the men had while they were there. One of our members was puzzled that there was not any more information about this trip. Did they travel to that location just to have that conversation? I do not believe so.

The authors of the Gospels were writing at a time when it was assumed that the readers would understand what hardships a trip like this entailed and what Jesus and the men who traveled with him were doing along the way. The twenty-five mile trip was not a convenience free hike on the Appalachian Trail and would have lasted a number of days. There were no restrooms or trail markers. The hikers travelled light with no compass or map. The knapsacks for a few necessary items were not ergonomically designed and technical hiking boots were not available. Perhaps they carried some food and certainly they all had a homemade water container so necessary in Israel’s climate. The trails were not groomed and finding the best way would sometimes be a challenge.

We know that Jesus was an itinerant preacher and the purpose of this trip was undoubtably so He could talk to the people they met along the way. There were a few settlements in the area where Jesus would gather a small group together to tell about his ideas. If they were fortunate, they would be invited by a local for a meal or shelter for the night. Probably some nights they ended up sleeping on the ground and eating whatever food they had carried with them. The gospel writers thought the readers understood all of that and therefore believed it was unnecessary to include in the narrative. They would walk a few miles each day looking for people and then Jesus would spend the rest of the day visiting the sick, playing with the children and explaining his understanding of the kingdom of God.

Whenever Jesus was traveling with Peter and the other men who were his disciples, He was always focused on what would happen after his death. He knew that although his spirit would continue, his church was totally dependent on the actions of his disciples. His conversations with Peter and the others were to reinforce what he had been teaching them so they could carry the message after He was no longer on earth with them. The reason Jesus called Peter Rock was because He knew that Peter and the other men had to be the Foundation of this new church.

The conversations that have been included in the Gospels were also limited by the writing implements of the time. Papyrus and ink were very costly and only a privileged few could obtain them. That made it necessary for the gospel writers consider carefully what to make a part of the record. Details about a hiking trip were not included, only details about Jesus’ life journey.

As a modern Christian, I know that being familiar with the context of the Gospel narrative is important to my understanding of the life of Jesus. The hiking trip in this story about Peter was not in a car with a restaurant at the end. Jesus and his disciples traveled to spread the Good News.

Alice Crippen

Marco Zoppo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Circle of Concern Drop Off Donations

This serves as a reminder that the Circle of Concern is accepting curbside drop-off donations at their Headquarters at 112 St. Louis Avenue, Valley Park, MO 63088. Food donations are accepted on Monday and Tuesday from 9 am to 3 pm, and Thursday from 9 am to noon. Cash contributions may be made through St. Mark by designating Circle of Concern on the memo line.

Current needs include:

· Cereal

· Canned Pasta

· Dinner Helpers

· Peanut Butter

· Snack Items

· Canned Fruit

· Dish Soap

· Laundry Detergent

· Women's Incontinence Briefs, Size L/XL

Worship January 3, 2021

EPIPHANY 

10:00 Am Virtual Service 

ORDER OF WORSHIP 

CENTERING PRAYER God of every nation, by the light of a wondrous star you led wandering magi to the humble infant Jesus, revealing to them your salvation for the world. In the miraculous and the mundane, in union with all who have glimpsed the light of your grace, lead us to Christ, that we may offer our worship and serve him with sincerity of heart; for he lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen. 

PRELUDE      Joyful Processional      Norlan 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CALL TO WORSHIP A star has risen 

Star of Wonder, star of night! 

A child is born in Bethlehem. 

Hark! The herald angels sing!

 Let us follow the star to Bethlehem 

And bring our gifts to the newborn Christ. † 

HYMN      “We Three Kings of Orient Are”      Hymnal #151

PRAYER OF CONFESSION 

God of wonder, God of night, you are holy light in dark places; you are holy darkness when all is too bright. Forgive us, O God, when we turn away from your light; when we follow our own ambitions instead of your call, when we respond to your presence with fear rather than joy. Forgive us, O God, when we do not comprehend the depth of your Christmas love, the meaning of your powerful story, or the call you place on each of our lives. Forgive us, O God, and by your forgiveness, empower us to follow the star once more. (Silent Confession) 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE  

†SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also, with you.

† HYMN      “Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn”      Hymnal #107 

SCRIPTURE      Matthew 2:1-12 

SERMON      “Traveling with ‘2020’ Vision”      Rev. MP Panco 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH From a Brief Statement of Faith 11.1-11.6 

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. 

OFFERING 

SPECIAL MUSIC Quelle est cette Odeur Agreable (What Is That Lovely Fragrance) arr. Page

† THE DOXOLOGY

THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

 Invitation to the Table 

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer 

Words of Institution   

Sharing of the Bread & Cup   

Prayer After Communion

 † HYMN      “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”      Hymnal #833 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION RESPONSE      “Peace On the Earth”      Sussex Carol

 POSTLUDE     Angels from the Realm of Glory      arr. Long

Scripture for Sunday January 3

Matthew 2: 1-12 

The Magi Visit the Messiah

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’[b]”

7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”

9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Read full chapter

Adoration of the Magi by Florentine painter Giotto di Bondone (1267–1337). The Star of Bethlehem is shown as a comet above the child. Giotto witnessed an appearance of Halley's Comet in 1301.

Daily Prayer January 1, 2021

 God is love, and those who abide in love, abide in God, and God abides in them.

Daily Readings for Friday, January 1, 2021

• Morning Psalms 98; 148
• First Reading Genesis 17:1-12a, 15-16
• Second Reading Colossians 2:6-12
• Gospel Reading John 16:23b-30
• Evening Psalms 99; 8

Eternal God, we praise you for your mighty love given in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the new life we have received by his resurrection. We thank you for the presence of Christ in our weakness and suffering, the ministry of Word and Sacrament, all who work to help and heal, sacrifices made for our benefit, opportunities for our generous giving. God of grace, let our concern for others reflect Christ's self-giving love, not only in our prayers, but also in our practice. We pray for those subjected to tyranny and oppression, wounded and injured people, those who face death, those who may be our enemies. Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We rejoice in the lives of those whom you have drawn into your eternal embrace. Keep us in joyful communion with them until we join the saints of every people and nation, gathered before your throne in ceaseless praise. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(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.)