Worship Prayers for July 31

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  O God, you have set before us a great hope that your kingdom will come on earth, and have taught us to pray for its coming:  Make us ready to thank you for the signs of its dawning, and to pray and work for the perfect day when your will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.  In the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen

 CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                      

Jesus said “Go and make disciples of ALL nations”

         Going is not busy work.

Going is not escape.

         Going is not running away.

Going is enabled by God’s counsel, authority given to Jesus and shared with US, Jesus’ disciples.

         Going is risky.

We are human.  This means our Going is not perfect, or always carefully choreographed

and sometimes there is failure, sin or a roadblock.

         Go is a command.  Go is a directive.

To Go with God is to embark on a ‘worthy adventure.’ So…let’s get Going! 

   THE CONFESSION                                                                                                                  

I was at the mall shopping for Egyptian Cotton sheets when an old man whispered…

         I have no bed

I was at an appliance store comparing ratings on a new subzero slate refrigerator when an African woman wept…

         I have no food

I hired a decorator to remodel my kitchen and to add more glass front cabinets when an Afghan child sobbed…

         I have no cup

I dreamed of building a getaway place, a cabin by the water, a country place…across the water came the cry…

         I have no country

I bought a new car for my daughter’s sweet sixteen when an orphan of war murmured…

         I have no loved ones

May God forgive us when our ears won’t hear and our eyes won’t see the sounds and sights of suffering around us…Amen

Click here to listen to the Youth Sunday Word Interpreted.

Deacon's Outreach

More outreach. It’s a common theme in the MST report and the deacons have many outreach opportunities. But we always need helpers/volunteers. I know what you’re thinking: “OH NO!! Please don’t ask me!” Bet you didn’t know that helping out can be FUN! If you came by the ABC sale a few weeks ago, you noticed there were lots of worker bees – people who show up to help. No big decisions; just ask for some tasks. In the process of helping fold, organize, set up/take down and more, you also get to hang out with some pretty fun folks. You get to know your fellow church members, find out who loves the same things you do (movies; gardening; reading books; yoga) and voila, you have new friends. You walk away with new experiences and (hopefully) a desire to do more.

Do you love to garden? Join a group on Monday, August 8 and travel to help Beyond Housing’s garden. There are more opportunities coming – from helping serve those experiencing homeless-ness with Peace Meals to Running/Walking in the Crop Walk in September. If you think outreach is simply writing checks to support programs, think again. Hands-on outreach is really fulfilling. When you see requests for “help needed” at our various church activities, come fill your spirit and help out. As Jesus said, “'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

A Word from the Pastor

Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in

the congregation. Psalm 111:1

Praise the Lord, indeed! What a summer it has been. We had a raucous Vacation Bible School, we commissioned and sent young missionaries to South Carolina, and once again performed the “minor miracle” known as the ABC Sale. We have had some great worship experiences this summer too. It was pleasing to see such a great turnout in worship all through the summer. I was particularly thrilled to hear all of the musical talent there is in this congregation as many of you shared your gifts with us in worship.

As summer wanes, we turn our attention to the fall. I am enthusiastic about the wonderful things that are going to happen in the coming months. Rally Sunday is August 14. We will return to having two worship services on Sunday morning (an 8:30 am Communion Service & Traditional Worship at 10:30 am). Be sure to join our church family for a picnic with hot dogs and ice cream following the 10:30 am worship on August 14.

Over the summer, the Session decided to name our Organist, Marsha Medley, as our new Music Director. Marsha has been the organist at St. Mark since 2012; she will begin her new role on August 1. I have enjoyed working with Marsha over the past several months, and look forward to the new life and new possibilities she will bring to the music ministry at St. Mark.

On June 26, the Mission Study Team shared their Report with the congregation in worship. On July 12, the Presbytery’s Pastoral Transitions & Care Committee approved the Mission Study Report and gave St. Mark permission to begin assembling a Pastor Nominating Committee and begin the formal search for an installed pastor. We will vote for the Pastor Nominating Committee at our Congregational Meeting on September 25.

For thousands of years, people of faith have known joy in being together in the presence of the living God. In tents, the temple, the high places, in house churches, synagogues, refugee camps cathedrals and suburban churches, the people of God have found a constant source of strength.

From the farthest reaches of our summer travels and from the farthest reaches of our hearts, in our busy lives, God is calling us. Come and worship. Come together in God’s presence. Come to the constant source of strength and joy. Come join the company of your church family in the congregation!

Grace & peace, Pastor Jim

Daily Prayer for August 3

WEDNESDAY

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Judges 7:19-8:12; Acts 3:12-26; John 1:29-42

O God, you are the well-spring of life. Pour into our hearts the living water of your grace that we may be refreshed to live this day in joy, confident of your presence and empowered by your peace. Protect your people, O God, and keep us safe until the coming of your new dawn and the establishment of your righteous rule. By your Holy Spirit, stir up within us a longing for the light of your new day, and guide us by the radiance of Jesus Christ your Son, our risen Lord. Almighty God, guide the nations of the world into ways of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Compassionate God, your Son gives rest to those weary with heavy burdens. Heal the sick in body, mind, and spirit. Lift up the depressed. Befriend those who grieve. Comfort the anxious. Fill all people with your Holy Spirit that they may bear each other's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with you always.

(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.)

Ballwin Police Department Presentation

 The children at St. Mark Presbyterian's Vacation Bible School prepared a banner to thank the Ballwin Police Department and to show our support to Officer Flamion who was injured in a shooting at a traffic stop.

Worship Prayers for July 24

PRAYER IN PREPARATION:  O God, you promise to give your Spirit to those who ask.  Teach us to pray, and to trust your hospitality for our daily bread.  Overwhelm us with your

Word, so that we may be hospitable, and let us give good gifts those who are in need.  Help us to live by the hope of your promises, seek to follow your way, and rely on the gift of your Spirit.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Christ taught us to say:

         “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

Christ has said to us:

         “Pray for the kingdom to come, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Christ is calling us today:

         Pray for God’s will to be done in us, by serving one another.

Christ is calling us in this moment to worship:

         We join our hearts, serving God by serving one another, lifting up our hearts in prayer.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Gracious God, you are more ready to hear than we are to speak.  You are more ready to forgive than we are to confess.  You invite us to open our hearts to you in prayer.  You invite us into a relationship of honesty and compassion, of truth and love.  Again and again you draw near, but we turn away.  Forgive us, O God. Lord, teach us to pray.  Lead us to seek you. In your light, may we see our shadows.  In your truth, may we know our lies.  Help us to discover grace and receive your mercy.

Search for our next Senior Pastor Update

St Mark, for those who may not have heard; Congratulations! The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy’s Pastoral Transition & Care Committee unanimously approved St. Mark’s Mission Study Report at their July 12 meeting.

The next step in the process of searching for our next senior pastor is to form the Pastor Search Committee. The St Mark Nominating Committee is faithfully engaged in reaching out within our congregation to form the best committee possible. This committee will be approved during our congregation meeting September 25.

 

Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

Daily Prayer for July 29

FRIDAY

God is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for God's good pleasure.

Judges 5:1-18; Acts 2:1-21; Matthew 28:1-10

God our creator, yours is the morning and yours is the evening. Let Christ the sun of righteousness shine forever in our hearts and draw us to that light where you live in radiant glory. O Lord, our creator, by your holy prophet you taught your ancient people to seek the welfare of the cities in which they lived. We commend our neighborhood to your care, that it might be kept free from social strife and decay. Give us strength of purpose and concern for others, that we may create here a community of justice and peace where your will may be done God of glory, you see how all creation groans in labor as it awaits redemption. As we work for and await your new creation, we trust that you will answer our prayers with grace, and fulfill your promise that all things work together for good for those who love you. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

(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.)

Transformation of Fellowship Hall for ABC Sale

 Fellowship Hall at St. Mark Presbyterian is used for Worship on Saturday night, but this week it is transformed to our Household Goods Room for the ABC Sale.

Sunday Morning

Monday Morning

Tuesday Morning

Wednesday Morning

 This is just one of 7 rooms stocked full of treasures.  Where else are you going to find a llama rug?

 All money made from this sale will go to local charities.  Left over items will also be donated to local charities.  Come to shop on Friday July 29 (8-1 Early birds can come at 7 for a $5 donation))and Saturday July 30 from 8-noon.

Pictorial Directory 2017

Our church is in the process of producing a new pictorial directory for 2017. We would love to have everyone included. There is no cost to have your photograph taken. For participating, you will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and pictorial directory. 

You may schedule your photography session online at or http://www.discoverstmark.org/events/st-mark-pictorial-directory-signup/  in person. If you prefer to schedule in person, a host will be present in the Narthex after our Sunday morning church service until August 14 and after the Saturday evening church service until August 13.