Scripture for June 16, 17

Acts 3:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Peter Heals a Crippled Beggar

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. 4 Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,[a]stand up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Footnotes:

1. Acts 3:6 Gk the Nazorean

From Raphael's workshop, "Healing of the Lame Man," a cartoon for a tapestry that depicts Peter healing the lame man (Acts 3). The artist used the Solomonic columns in St. Peter's Basilica as models for the columns of the Jewish Temple

Daily Prayer June 15

FRIDAY

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

Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14; Galatians 5:25-6:10; Matthew 16:21-28

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.)

Love and Learning

Summer Book Read: Just Mercy

Join us as we read and discuss Just Mercy:  A Story of Justice and Redemption.  This is a memoir by Bryan Stevenson, who established the Equal Justice Initiative and writes about this experiences in this troubling account of the justice system's impact on our society's poor, marginal and vulnerable.  Despite the despair Bryan Stevenson encounters, his hopefulness shines through lingering on forgiveness, kindness and grace.

Books are available in the church office for $10. (if you use Amazon, use Amazon Smile donating to "Presbyterian Church in the USA St Mark").  Discussion dates to be announced.

"He has showed you, O man what is good and what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

Statement of Faith by Confirmands Part 2

I believe in God and Jesus. I believe Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, was crucified and died upon the cross for our sins.

My favorite Bible Story is when Jesus performed his first miracle and turned water into wine. I like this story because he showed for the first time that he is able to perform miracles since he is the Son of God.

My faith is important to me because I know that God will support me when I need him. He may not answer my prayers the way I want, but I believe that He knows best and will do what is best.

Ryan A.

Worship Prayers for June 3

CENTERING PRAYER– Mr. Rogers

What if I were very, very sad and all I did was smile?
I wonder after a while what might become of my sadness?

 

What if I were very, very angry, and all I did was sit
And never think about it?  What might become of my anger?

 

Where would they go, and what would they do if I couldn't let them out?
Maybe I'd fall, maybe get sick or doubt.

 

But what if I could know the truth and say just how I feel?
I think I'd learn a lot that's real about freedom.

 

  

     

CALL TO WORSHIP

Love the Lord your God,                          

        with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength,

        and with all your mind!

Love your neighbor as yourself,

        with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength,

        and with all your mind!

Do this and you will live!

        Let us worship our God together!

 

 

   PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, we are your sons and daughters, yet our behavior does not honor you, and our actions belittle the love you have for us.  You call us to live in community, but we do not defend the weak, and we ignore our neighbors.  We do not uphold the poor or the oppressed.  We do not commit to efforts to rescue the weak and help needy travelers on our road.

 

Rise up to judge us, O God.  We prefer your merciful justice, than living with guilt and fear. Straighten our path, so that we can be guided as a mother or a father guides beloved children.  (Silent Confession)

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING                                                           Luke 10:25-37

 

  

 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH –  Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism Question One

        What is our chief end?

        Our chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy God forever.

For the sermon "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"/ "Love Is a Noun", click here.

Scripture for June 9 and 10

Acts 1:6-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Jesus' ascension to heaven
 depicted by John Singleton Copley, 1775

The Ascension of Jesus

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Daily Prayer June 8

SATURDAY

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

Lord Jesus.

Proverbs 25:15-28; 1 Timothy 6:6-21; Matthew 13:36-43

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.)

Rolling River Rampage

School is out, and it is time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School at St. Mark Presbyterian Church. This awesome event runs from July 16th-20th at our incredible facility in the heart of Claymont neighborhood. At Rolling River Rampage VBS, your students (3 years old - 5th Grade) will discover an interactive, energizing, Bible-based program that will give them an opportunity to experience the ride of a lifetime with God. During Vacation Bible School at Rolling River Rampage: Experience the Ride of a Lifetime with God, your students will become Rafters and explore how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives. After a high-energy Opening Assembly, the Rafters make their way to the Bible Story Station. Interactive Bible lessons reveal Rapid Reminders to equip your Rafters for an active life with God. Your Rafters will discover a Rafting Ready Verse that will remain with them in their faith long after VBS. The students will expand on what they’ve discovered by participating in a variety of activities: making art projects at the Craft Station, singing new music at the Music Station, exploring at the Science Station, participating in recreational activities at the Recreation Station, and enjoying tasty snacks at the Snack Station. Along the way, the Rafters will hear about our mission project and as their respond to a call for action! You can find out more information and register your student at http://www.discoverstmark.org/ministries/children-and-youth/vacation-bible-school/

Statement of Faith by Confirmands, Part I

I believe in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  I believe that the Father is always looking over us and protecting us, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. I believe that the Son died to redeem us from our sins, and his love is what really saves us. I believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence through us; that the mission work we do for others, is how he works through us. I believe in the community of the church through God, how everyone comes together to worship, sing, and praise.It’s amazing how everyone in the church welcomed my family immediately. That is what I believe community, and fellowship through the church is about.

I believe in the Bible and the verses and teachings of the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse of the Bible is important to me because it means, no matter, what God is there for you. During bad things that have happened in my life and to me, I have doubted God’s presence. It was hard to think he was there, watching over me when so many things were happening all wrong. I believe that God is not in the thunder clouds, but the silver lining. He is not the storm, but the rainbow after. He works through the bad to help us see the God. After the tornado, one thing I specifically remember is how many people came to help and how it brought everyone so much closer together. It was a disaster, but the aftermath was the amazing, inspiring part; Not the tornado itself. I believe God will always prevail, even when things seem hopeless.

I believe Jesus is 100% human and 100% God. He faced some of the same struggles as us, such as temptation, and that’s the human part of him. This is how he understands us. The Godly part of him is always forgiving. He forgave us on that night he died on the cross, and he continues to do so everyday. Although his forgiveness is free, you have to ask for it and really mean it. I believe Jesus is perfect, never at fault. The Son and the Father are the same being. I believe Jesus loves us all, no matter what mistakes we make, or how badly we mess up. My mom and dad have told me before, “I may not like you right now, but I always love you.” That is how I believe Jesus feels about everyone of his children.

I love the church, and all the people in it. They have been some of the nicest, most welcoming people I have ever met. Church can be my escape sometimes, whether its Mound Ridge or the Youth Room in the basement. Even when I’ve felt like I couldn’t be myself at school or other places, I always feel comfortable in my skin in Church, and that’s what I love about it. The missions at Mound Ridge, singing hymns, talking to people, and helping at VBS or the ABC sale have all meant so much to me! I’m thankful for everyone and I’m very excited to be an official member of St. Mark.

Amelia B.