Daily Prayer Feb. 10

SATURDAY

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 29:1-20; Romans 14:1-23; John 8:47-59

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, 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.

Feasting on the Word

This Adult class will resume Sunday, 9:30-10:15 AM in Fellowship Hall.  Join us. We will look at transfiguration art through the ages. And discuss.

Mark 9:2-13 New Century Version (NCV)

Jesus Talks with Moses and Elijah

² Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus’ appearance was changed. ³ His clothes became shining white, whiter than any person could make them. ⁴ Then Elijah and Moses^[a] appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶ Peter did not know what to say, because he and the others were so frightened.

⁷ Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

⁸ Suddenly Peter, James, and John looked around, but they saw only Jesus there alone with them.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

¹⁰ So the followers obeyed Jesus, but they discussed what he meant about rising from the dead.

¹¹ Then they asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”

¹² Jesus answered, “They are right to say that Elijah must come first and make everything the way it should be. But why does the Scripture say that the Son of Man will suffer much and that people will treat him as if he were nothing? ¹³ I tell you that Elijah has already come. And people did to him whatever they wanted to do, just as the Scriptures said it would happen.”

Footnotes:

1. 9:4 Elijah and Moses Two of the most important Jewish leaders in the past. God had given Moses the Law, and Elijah was an important prophet.

New Century Version (NCV)

The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Lenten Worship and Study 2018

February 14 Ash Wednesday Worship 7 PM 

February 21 & March 21 Potluck 5:30 PM Program 6:15 PM 

February 7, March 14  & April 11 All Book Read Growing Up White 6:00-7:00 PM

March 25 Palm Sunday/Jerusalem Festival 10:30 AM 

March 29 Maundy Thursday Worship 7 PM 

March 31 Easter Saturday 5 PM

April 1 Resurrection of the Lord! 8:30, 10:30 AM

Souper Bowl

Thank you to all who helped our youth collect food for Circle of Concern.  

 We raised $382 total and collect 423 food items!  

Eagles side had $255 and 309 food items and Patriot side had $127 and 114 food items.

Matthew 25:35 New Century Version (NCV)

35 I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. 

New Century Version (NCV)

The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Matthew 25:35 in all English translations

Worship Prayers for Jan. 28

CENTERING PRAYER:  In the light of your new day, O God, I rise to greet you on the path in front of me.  Let me follow with integrity where you will lead.  Give me courage to know the difference between what is false and what is true.  Teach me to love my neighbor as you love me.  Amen.

CALL TO WORSHIP

One:          You, O God, care for the land and water it, you enrich it abundantly.

ALL:           The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain,

                  for so you have ordained it.

One:          Stand in awe of God for God created all things

ALL:           Rejoice in the Lord and give praises to God’s holy name!

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of abundant grace and mercy, we come to you to offer our prayers of confession. Rather than be openhanded and giving them whatever they need, we are hardhearted and tightfisted toward our poor brothers and sisters.  We harbor this wicked thought; we show ill will toward our needy brothers and sisters, giving them nothing.  Create in us a clean heart, oh God, and allow us to give generously to our brothers and sisters, and do so without a grudging heart.  Give us the courage to welcome all at our tables.  We continue to pray in Jesus’ name.  (Silent confession.)

† 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.

  

SCRIPTURE READINGS                                                        Psalm 107:1-9

                                                                                     1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Click here for Pastor Dave's sermon "He Ain't Heavy"

Daily Prayer February 3

SATURDAY

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 24:28-38, 49-51; Hebrews 12:12-29; John 7:14-36

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, 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.)

Deacon's Doings

February Focus: spice up our world! 

What do you notice when tasting a new dish at home or at a restaurant? If you prepare most of your own food, what ingredients do you rely on for a flavorful and satisfying meal? For me, the answer resides in the cabinet that always stays open the longest when I’m in the kitchen: spices.

Spices are often over looked during regular food drives, but can make a world of difference for people as they prepare meals for their families. During February, the deacons are encouraging you to participate in a spice drive. Please visit the cooking aisle in your grocery store and pick up some seasonings to share with our sisters and brothers served by Isaiah 58 and Circle of Concern. Donations may be placed on the table in front of Pastor Dave’s office.

Suggested spices include:

Chili powder
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Dried onion flakes
Cinnamon
Cumin
Red pepper flakes
Basil leaves
Bay leaves
Paprika
Ginger powder
Mrs. Dash (all flavors)

Isaiah 58 Ministries, located at Compton Heights Christian Church, seeks to meet the needs of low income individuals through direct services including a food pantry, thrift store, healthy lifestyles program, and a women’s group. http://i58ministries.org/ Circle of Concern feeds the hungry and provides assistance services to low-income families living in west St. Louis County. http://www.circleofconcern.org/

Worship Prayer Jan. 21

CENTERING PRAYER:  Loving God, no matter what I am facing today—mourning or gladness, buying or selling—help me to focus on you throughout it all.  Then bring me home safely to you. Amen.

  

CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 62)

From God comes my salvation.

        For God alone my soul waits in silence.

God alone is my rock and my salvation.

        God is my fortress; I shall never be shaken.

Let us worship our giving and forgiving God together.

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Forgiving God, we repent of all the ways we turn from you.  You call, but we do not listen; you show us your path, but we prefer our own way.  Forgive us, heal us, and lead us back to you, that we might show mercy to others.  In Jesus’ name we continue to pray.  (Silent Confession)

† 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.

  

SCRIPTURE READING                                                                    Jonah 3

For the sermon "Wrong Ways and Turning Tides", click here.

  

Daily Prayer for Jan. 27

SATURDAY

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Genesis 18:1-16; Hebrews 10:26-39; John 6:16-27

God, our creator, you have given us work to do and call us to use our talents for the good of all. Guide us as we work, and teach us to live in the Spirit who made us your sons and daughters, in the love that made us sisters and brothers. Remember, O God, your church. Unite it in the truth of your Word and empower it in ministry to the world. Remember the world of nations. By your Spirit renew the face of the earth; let peace and justice prevail. Remember our family and friends. Bless them and watch over them; be gracious to them and give them peace. Remember the sick and the suffering, the aged and the dying. Encourage them and give them hope. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we remember with thanksgiving all your faithful servants, whom you have called from this life. We are grateful that for them death is no more, nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go forth into the world, 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.)

Presbyterian Women

It’s Off the Wall! Literally!

Please join us for Presbyterian Women’s Annual Tea

As part of the program guests are asked to bring something that they have taken off the wall and share the story of the item. The tea table will be set with an off the wall array of tasty morsels.

Wednesday, January 31 at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. Reserve your place at the PW Table in the Narthex.

Not for women only!

Save the date:
St. Mark Women’s Retreat  "Seaside Escape"
February 23-24, 2018 Registration starts January 15