Daily Prayer April 15

You, O Lord, are full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger, and rich in kindness.

Friday,April 15, 2022, Good Friday 

• First Reading Isaiah 52:13-53:12
• Psalm 22
• Second Reading Hebrews 10:16-25
• Second Reading (Alternate) Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 (Alternate)

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.

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.

(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.)

Pause

 

I remember the day it happened. I was a relatively new Buick car sales person. I had arrived at work that morning excited to see what the day had in store for me and ready to meet it with anticipation and perhaps a little anxiety about what unknown challenges awaited. I was headed off on my way to my desk by another employee who blurted out to me the horrific news. I

t was September 11th, 2001 the day the 911 attacks against the World Trade Center occurred. I went to the customer waiting room, which by this time was packed full of employees and customers alike who were staring in disbelief at the horrors they were seeing on the TV monitor. 

These past weeks, we have been witnessing the terrible attack on Ukraine. Civilian targets have been wiped out and many civilian lives have been lost. We might feel lost not knowing what to do or what to say. 

Psalm 46 holds hope: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 

Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”

The word Selah found in the Psalm means “Pause.” We are called to pause for contemplation. The season of Lent calls us to pause. It is our time of preparation as we walk the path toward Easter Sunday. As we journey forward, let us pause allowing ourselves time to acknowledge the current situations around the world, perhaps specifically the situation in Ukraine. As Christians, followers of a Loving God, we need to find time to pause open our hearts and pray for peace. Pause and pray for God’s peace, mercy and love to prevail. Pause and pray like the first followers of Jesus equipped with the knowledge of the resurrection to come on Easter morning. For now, God calls us to, “Be Still and Know that I am God” 

God bless you, 

Pastor MP

Good Friday

 

Join us on Good Friday April 15th between the hours of 11 am and 7 pm for a spiritual self-guided journey through an ecumenical version of the stations of the cross. 

Upon arrival you will be greeted by someone who will provide you with a map and instructions. As you travel throughout the church, you may find that you feel drawn to stop at every station. However, you may also feel drawn to mix them up and visit them out of order, or even skip a station. There are no rules for how you travel and each person’s journey will be different. There is no time limit for individual stations so you can take as much or as little time as you need at each stop along the way. 

This journey is a time for each one of us to connect with God in a special way as we contemplate the last hours of Jesus earthly life. We can then examine how those contemplations speak to our own spiritual life in Christ Jesus. 

For some, the stations of the cross can be an intense spiritual journey where our souls are laid bare before God. For others, we just want it to end because it’s too overwhelming. Knowing that God loves you, enter into the experience open to the Lord’s presence. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact Pastor MP. 

A note from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Theology and Worship 

“Early on in the Christian movement, Jesus’ followers remembered Jesus’ execution and the places where various parts occurred, recounting the details. By the Middle Ages, pilgrimages to Jerusalem for Holy Week were like the Muslim Haj—a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. When people couldn’t go to Jerusalem to walk the via Dolorosa with Christ, the ritual of the stations of the cross was born so that people could journey with Christ spiritually in their own parish devotion. We’re going to participate in the ancient tradition of remembering Christ’s death by doing an ecumenical version.”

23rd Psalm: My Safety Net

 

The Lord is my safety net under the trapeze.

I am safe if my flying does not happen as planned.

My anxiety is reduced knowing that I will not smash if I fall.

My Net allows me opportunities to practice, not needing to always succeed in flying.

Even as I climb higher and higher on the ladder toward the swing, I fear no danger because my Net understands the Net’s purpose – to protect me.

Net, you might welcome an audience to watch and cheer for me, even if some gawkers might secretly desire to see disaster. My heart beats with anticipation for the thrill of flying. I feel joy in the challenge to try. I will live with positivity that I am working on my skills. I will love myself because my Net encourages me, “Go for it. You can do this hard thing”. My Net will always be proud of my efforts to swing and float through the air. My Net will remind me that I took on a challenge to feel the joy of flying.

Victoria Sherman

Photo by Andrés Canchón on Unsplash

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.   We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.

Mission Trip Opportunities

YOUTH MISSION TRIP 

There is still room for you! Contact Pastor MP if you are interested. Our trip meetings are as follows and will be held in room 102. Parents are welcome to stay but it is not required. We will be preparing for the trip and doing things like making our tie-dye t-shirts! 

• April 20th 6-7pm 

• May 25th 6-7pm 

• June 8th 6-7pm

ADULT MISSION TRIP: JULY 9-16 – SPIRIT LAKE, NORTH DAKOTA 

Mission trip activities include light construction such as building wheelchair ramps, painting of houses, roofing, and minor repair of elder and persons with disability housing depending on the experience and skill levels of the teams. Each afternoon a portion of the team will help with summer day camp activities. Contact Joyce Blackwell if you are interested in participating. There will be a team meeting in Room 102 on May 1 following Sunday worship. 

Order of Worship Palm Sunday

 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.

 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship)                          Hosanna, Loud Hosanna                                         Staszeski (2000)                                                  
                                                                                                                                                                            
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
           

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                            Psalm 118                             
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.

 

† HYMN                                             “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”                                 Hymnal #196

 

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)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

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

†GLORIA PATRI                                                                                                                 Hymnal #581

 

† HYMN                                                “Hosanna Loud Hosanna”                                    Hymnal #197

           (v. 1 & 3)

PROCESSION OF THE PALMS (Sunday Worship)

(Children 5^th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School)

SCRIPTURE                                                                                                                                         Luke 19:28-40

  
SERMON                                                 “It’s Not How You Start…”                           Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess

† 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                                               A King Came Riding By                                                       Wagner                             
                                                          Chancel Choir & Terry Smith, handbell                                                                        

† 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                                                  “Your Only Son”                                                Hymnal #518

† CHARGE AND BLESSING
                       
† BENEDICTION                                “Shalom, chaverim”         
(Sunday Worship)                                             See below           

POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship)                             Trio                                                     Corrette (1707-1795)

Scripture for April 9 and 10

 Luke 19:28-40

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[a]

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Read full chapter

Daily prayer April 8

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Daily Readings for Friday, April 8, 2022

• Morning Psalms 22; 148
• First Reading Exodus 9:13-35
• Second Reading 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
• Gospel Reading Mark 10:32-45
• Evening Psalms 105; 130

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.

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.

(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.)

There is a Strength

 Psalm 118: 19-29

Luke 23: 1-25

There is a poem about prayer by Helen Lowrie Marshall.  In it, she refers to the strength, peace and joy that comes through prayer.  Prayer give you power.  When you take things to the Lord regularly, you are renewed and empowered.  You have the confidence and faith to tackle any problem knowing you have the poser of the lord behind you.  Prayer dresses you in the armor of the Lord to do his Battle.

Prayer also brings you peace.  With the Lord steering the ship, there is not as much to worry about.  The seas of life are calm and your life is put in a better order.  It is easier to see the horizon and to face the future when you are calm about the present.  Having the peace of Christ allows you to know the future will be good and right, even though there may be problems you are addressing today.

Finally, giving your thoughts to God gives you a great sense of joy.  You are lifted above and beyond the troubles of the world.  god doesn't answer every prayer, but He listens to all of them.  Knowing that He is listening brings you profound joy.  You are never alone.  No matter what the situation, there is someone to talk to and share your problems with.  this peace and joy helps to provide the strength that is gained from prayer.

In our busy world we don't always have time to take a moment to pray.  We get in bed at night too tired to thank God for our day.  We eat dinner in shifts because of our busy schedules and don't take time to say grace.  It only takes a moment, but we seem even too busy for that.  We can gain so much by prayer.  It's so simple, so why can't we find time to do it?  Try and make this Lent a time for more prayer in your life and in your family.  Take the time.  You'll see with prayer that you will have strength, peace and you, and a refreshed, renewed, body made whole.  God bless you.

Dear God,

We pray to You today.  We pray because we know You listen.  You listen and give us strength, peace and joy.  Help us to slow down and talk with You at every turn of our day. Amen.

Kathy Klos

Reprinted from 1998 Lenten Devotional with permission.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE and TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE: Annual Report excerpts

 The Property Committee is responsible for maintaining or replacing, if necessary, all items pertaining to the physical buildings of St. Mark Presbyterian Church. The following was accomplished by the Property Committee in the past year: 

• Routine management of the maintenance for: Furnaces and air conditioners, Snow removal, Parking lot, Lawn irrigation, Elevator, Fire/smoke alarm, Emergency lights and fire extinguishers,Kitchen equipment, Preschoo, Lawn & trees, Church van, Water and sewers

 • Add a drainage system to move rain water and sump discharge away from the education wing

 • Resurface the rear parking lot as part of a multi-year program

 • Replaced sound baffles in Gleason Hall • Power washed exterior of pre-school area • Replaced the preschool area water heater

 • Added equipment to prevent high humidity in the Fellowship Hall 

Numerous other jobs were accomplished through the dedication of the Property Committee members as there is no paid maintenance person. 

 Respectfully submitted, Doug Anderson, Chair 

 The purpose of the Technology Committee is to operate and maintain video and sound systems used in services, provide and maintain the phone system, multi-media systems, and information technology systems. The committee retains IT contractors for the higher-level technical support of the church’s IT systems and the church website. The committee also sets policy for use of all these systems. 

2020 started with the Technology Committee helping with pre-recorded services that were premiered on Sunday morning. By midyear, services had moved to in-person in the Sanctuary. In-person services allowed a shift to live streaming instead of a pre-recorded service. The shift to live services allowed all members of the committee to be available for recording. 

A detailed script was created and multiple members of the committee were trained on how to produce the live stream feed. The sound desk internet connection was upgraded and X-Keys keyboards were added to facilitate the switch to live stream. TV screens were added to the Narthex for dissemination of information to the Congregation. Additionally, the youth have helped support our streaming efforts on Sunday mornings. We look forward to their continued support. 

Respectfully submitted, Greg Reiter, Chair