Worship Prayers July 12

THE TIME OF CENTERING:  In the beginning before time, before people, before the world began, God was.  Here and now, among us, beside us, enlisting the people of earth for the purposes of heaven, God is.  In the future, when we have turned to dust and all we know has found fulfillment, God will be.  Not denying the world but delighting in it, not condemning the world, but redeeming it, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, God was, God is, God will be.  Amen 

CALL TO WORSHIP

As we come before the Lord in worship, let us come in faith, confident that God will hear and the Holy Spirit will bless; let us come in awe, for our God is majestic and powerful; let us come in celebration, for through Christ we have life and light. 

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

O God, our great shepherd, you tenderly gather us as lambs, carrying us with your all-embracing love.  Yet, like sheep, we wander from you:  following our own ways, ignoring your voice, distrusting your provisions.

Forgive our stubborn rebellion, our hardened hearts, our lack of trust.  Refresh us once again by your quiet waters of mercy and restore our souls by your redeeming love.  Guide our paths, that we might follow you more closely.  Through Jesus Christ, our good shepherd, we pray.  Amen.

Getting Ready for G-Force

 St. Mark Presbyterian is putting on a new and exciting face for Vacation Bible School this year.  There are traffic signs, murals----decorations from the ceiling to the floor.  Vacation Bible School's theme is G-Force and will be July 20-24 (Click here for details)

Proverbs 4:14-15

 The leaders and some of the workers began decorating, sharing meals and putting the finishing touches on the program this week.  The children and grandchildren had fun testing out the equipment.  Click here to see how you can help.

 Get your engines running for a fun-filled, God-filled experience!

G-Force and Operation Christmas Child

There are still several openings for St. Mark Presbyterian's VBS volunteers---crew leaders and help with stations.  Call the office 636-394-2233 if you can donate a couple of hours.  We are having a teacher training on Sunday July 19 after church followed by a brunch and decorating. We can always use help getting ready for dinner Friday night. Starting about 3 pm. (Click here for more information on VBS)

We will also be having several mission projects you can help with.   Here is one!

St. Mark VBS Mission Project  

Help needy children around the world by bringing in items to pack in shoeboxes.   

Shoebox Item Suggestions  

School Supplies:  

     Crayons  

     Pencils and Pens  

     Erasers and Pencil Sharpeners  

     Paper (notepads or small booklets)  

     Pencil bags/pouches  

Toys/Fun Stuff:  

     Matchbox cars/trucks  

     Small dolls  

     Softballs, Tennis balls  

     Sunglasses  

     Coloring books (thin books)      Small flashlights with batteries  

Hygiene Items:  

     Toothbrushes and toothpaste      Bar soap   

For more info visit:  

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/occ/  

Other items that can be donated for crafts and treats:

• Mini Marshmallows
• Raisins
• Plain Cheerios
• Fruit Snacks
• Rice krispy treats (plain)
• Yogurt Tubes (Any Flavor)
• Mini Pretzels
• Granola Bars (No Peanut Butter or Peanut flavors)
• Empty clear 2 liter bottles