Daily Prayer February 19

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

Daily Readings for Friday, February 19, 2021

• Morning Psalms 22; 148
• First Reading Deuteronomy 7:12-16
• Second Reading Titus 2:1-15
• Gospel Reading John 1:35-42
• Evening Psalms 105; 130

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.)

Pioneering: a Virtual Retreat

 The Basic Facts—Registration Deadline Sunday, March 21

The retreat is virtual this year.  You will receive an invite before the event that will admit you for all the activities on Friday evening and Saturday morning.  Come when it works for you and participate as you can from a comfy spot in your own home.  Before the event you will receive a packet* of information to enhance your retreat experience.  Rev. MP Panco will lead us in worship and our time together.  There is no fee for the retreat this year but a freewill offering (to cover materials, speaker fee) will be appreciated. Registration forms are on the church website.  For more information contact Mary Beth Powell. (mbpowell01@earthlink.net)

 

*Retreat packets may be picked up at church on February 23 or 25 (10 am to 2).  If you would prefer to have it delivered check the box on the registration form.

We Welcome our Friday Evening Speaker—Wendi Lee Lou

 

Wendi is a Jesus follower, a former child actress, and a brain surgery survivor. The four seasons she spent on Little House on the Prairie playing Baby Grace Ingalls are among God's greatest blessings. Sharing her story of God's goodness through life's most difficult circumstances brings Wendi the most joy. Wendi lives on the Central Coast of California with her husband, Josh, and her children, Tobey and Raegan. When Wendi isn't visiting Little House sites, writing, or speaking, you can find her paddle boarding at the beach or walking their Bernedoodle--Mo.

Lenten Water Challenge and Read the Gospel in 40 Days

WATER CHALLENGE

For the past 19 years, St. Mark has supported Marion Medical Mission through our Christmas Alternatives Gift Fair. During the past three years, St. Mark member donations have funded the construction of 30 wells. 

We are beginning our third annual Lenten Challenge on Ash Wednesday. 

Pastor Dave has encouraged his congregations for the past 12 years to drink only clean tap water for the 40 days of Lent. Giving up the morning trip to Starbucks or the evening glass of wine might be a tall task for some, but it will help us comprehend how much money we spend on beverages. 

Moreover, we can use the money we save to support more wells in Africa. We are blessed to have clean water in our community, and this challenge helps us to understand the needs of those who have less, and support groups who are working to provide living water for all God’s children. 

Christine Polak, Mission Committee

READ THE GOSPEL in 40 DAYS

Another challenge is to join us for reading the Gospel each day during Lent.  Pastor Dave's St.Mark Spark will also follow this schedule beginning today, Ash Wednesday.

WAITING SEASON

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.  Eccl. 3:1

First it was football season when most conversations included a comment about a favorite team, the time for the games on the weekend.  Next came the holiday season with plans for putting up house decorations, present purchases, special meals, the worship service schedules.  Then came the beginning of another year and the waiting season.  That’s where I am stuck just now.

I am just waiting for Spring and some signs of new life.  I am waiting for our national politics to change for the better.  I am waiting for the distribution of the vaccine and a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is more controlled.  And my patience is wearing thin.

So, what did the ancient poet of the Old Testament have to say.  All in good time.   Good things come to those who wait.  To everything there is a season.  That is truly an optimistic message to everyone.  The things I am waiting for will come when the time is right.  Now is the time to sit back and relax. Fix a cup of hot chocolate and open that mystery novel.  Enjoy the waiting season.

Alice Crippen

BUSINESSPERSONS BETWEEN JOBS

 

BBJ maintains its commitment of 48 years to reach out to all in our community who are in job transition. We’re committed to providing the tools, resources and support required to assist job-seekers in their search for employment. During 2020 we continued to add content and event information to the BBJ.org website for additional resources available to the unemployed. BBJ operates as a free service to job-seekers and we are grateful for the ongoing support from the Deacons and contributions from friends and job-seekers who have landed in new positions. 

At the beginning of 2020, attendance at weekly meetings continued at a reduced level. Every week we had a steady influx of one or two new people, offset by people steadily getting jobs. In early March when St. Mark closed for in-person services and meetings, BBJ began virtual meetings on Monday mornings on Zoom. Utilizing Zoom and other virtual platforms immediately became a topic for many presenters as companies and recruiters transitioned from in-person interviews to virtual interviews. Employers and jobsseekers are learning how to utilize this visual medium and it is becoming clear that video skills are a 20 necessary skill that companies desire and will continue to utilize in the coming years, even after Covid-19 is behind us. 

We did see a sharp increase in attendance, however there was not the massive increase that many had predicted as many companies used furloughs rather than layoffs in the early days of the pandemic, particularly in professional and management areas. Toward the end of 2020 hiring became quite strong in many fields even as many sectors of the economy remain partially shutdown or very weak. Many jobs offers are part-time, independent contractor, or significantly below their skill level. which has become the new-normal of the employment scene. Frequently we see familiar faces returning after the seasonal work or the special project has ended. Many are realizing that this may be the “bridge” until they can retire, or perhaps the “new normal”. A continued trend in 2020 was the appearance of more young people and more women in attendance. 

BBJ is blessed with many dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who give freely of their time and talents insuring that our organization provides an effective support base for our membership. We are thankful to all of the following people for their efforts in helping us accomplish our mission: • The BBJ Board of Directors: Dick Wallace, Roger Stoll, Mike McCarty, Nicole Meyer, Dwayne Miller, Bob Bohn, Ron Kremmel and Mike Hoffey. • The volunteers/consultants who are sometimes present on Mondays: Vic McCool, and John Meyer. • Pastor Dave Burgess for his strong support with weekly prayers to start our meetings. • All of the wonderful presenters (too numerous to list) that so graciously speak and share their expertise with us each Monday.

 Respectfully submitted, 

Jack Martin BBJ Board President

Worship February 14, 2021

Scout Sunday 

February 14, 2021 

10:00 am Virtual Service 

ORDER OF WORSHIP

CENTERING PRAYER

 

Holy and mighty God, gather us among your covenant, to stand in the light of your glory and listen for the word of the Lord, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

PRELUDE        Joyous Processional          Lorenz 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 103)

 

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, let us bless God’s holy name!

O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!

God forgives our sins – every one. He heals our diseases – every one.

God satisfies us with good our whole life long.

God renews our youth like the eagle’s. Let us worship the Lord together.

† HYMN      “Lord, the Light of Your Love is Shining”     Hymnal #192

 

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

 

Holy God, we confess we are not trustworthy in small matters or loyal to your call on our lives. We fail to be helpful to those in need or kind to those who are struggling. Forgive us for ignoring your law and walking away from what we know to be true. Help us to re-commit to your word and your will, so that we may better love you and serve one another. (Silent Confession)

 ASSURANCE OF GRACE

 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

SCRIPTURE        Mark 9:2-9 

SERMON       “The Light at the End”      Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism 

Question One Q. What is our chief end? 

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

OFFERING SPECIAL MUSIC You Are Forever God Choplin 

Amy Shelton, soloist

† THE DOXOLOGY 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

 † HYMN      “I Danced in the Morning” Hymnal      #157 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING

 † BENEDICTION RESPONSE     “We’ve a Story to Tell”      Nichols

POSTLUDE     Promenade      Cain

 

Scripture for February 14 Worship

 

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration 
by Raphael, c. 1520

2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

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

8 Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

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

Read full chapter

Daily Prayer February 12

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

Daily Readings for Friday, February 12, 2021

• Morning Psalms 51; 148
• First Reading Isaiah 61:1-9
• Second Reading 2 Timothy 3:1-17
• Gospel Reading Mark 10:32-45
• Evening Psalms 142; 65

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.)

Believe in Resurrection

Photo by Pop & Zebra on Unsplash

The Lenten Season comes a little early this year. I just took down the Christmas lights on our home and was surprised to see Ash Wednesday is less than a month away. I love Lent because it gives us a deeper vision of the truth of both our finite lives and God’s infinite love. We begin the journey with the imposition of ashes and are told, “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” The modern world tries to shield us from the realities of our own mortality, but the church literally holds this truth up to our face. Lent starts with death, but it concludes with new life. That’s a season worth celebrating! 

This year’s observance will certainly feel a little different, but I believe there is much to be learned in the coming months. A well-spent Lent involves some level of self-sacrifice. We will once again have our Lenten Water Challenge benefiting the Marion Medical Mission’s efforts in bringing clean water wells to Africa. We encourage folks to drink clean tap water and forgo coffee, soda, alcoholic beverages, etc. for 40 days. Last year, we raised $6,750 providing 15 new wells, and I believe we can top that this year. Over the past decade, St. Mark donated over $31,000 to this important mission of providing living water to all God’s children.

I realize the plea to give things up feels very different this year. The ongoing pandemic forced all of us to refrain from so much over the past 11 months. In many ways, it feels like we are in a never-ending cycle self-denial. There is a huge difference between having something taken away and giving up something voluntarily. One is heartbreaking, but the other is life-giving. Put another way, when we intentionally remove little luxuries, we are able to help out others in need, and we will find ourselves closer to God. 

“Then (Jesus) said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?’” (Luke 9:23-25, NRSV.)

 Lent is a hard road, but it is an honest path. We start with a reminder of our mortality, and we conclude the journey standing in front of an empty tomb. Yes, there is death all around us, but we believe in resurrection!

 In Hope and Confidence, 

Pastor Dave

CLAYMONT PRESCHOOL AT ST. MARK COMMITTEE

Claymont Preschool at St. Mark completed its 58th successful year. In January, 87 children were enrolled. Just as Spring Break began, the pandemic spread to the St. Louis area. Construction had begun to replace the equipment on the older children’s playground. We are so grateful for the financial generosity of Roger and Donna Stork, and the design work of the dedicated group of teachers and committee members. We watched construction with eager anticipation and looked forward to lots of outside playtime when we returned from Spring Break, but plans changed and we followed St. Louis County’s stay at home orders.
 

In April and May, we connected with our children virtually through blogs, emails and zoom meetings. In May, a parking lot pick-up to return children’s artwork was held. The retirement of three of our superstar teachers, Lisa Marsh, Becky Pierce and Kay Sherrill, was celebrated with a parade on Claymont Dr.

 Based on the spread of the pandemic and the schedules of the large public school districts in our areas, it was determined the way was not clear to return until October 26. We researched and met virtually to determine and implement the best practices for a safe return to preschool. While we were waiting to return, the aging HVAC system in the preschool area was replaced with one in which classrooms have individual thermostats and ventilating systems, making the classrooms more comfortable and filtration healthier. 

We welcomed children back to in-school learning with a total of 28 children, one class at each of our three age levels. An additional 38 children registered, but either chose to continue staying at home during the pandemic, or attend a preschool with an earlier start date. Classes were smaller with groups staying in their cohorts and rooms being rotated on a daily basis. Music and science were taught by classroom teachers. Lunch bunch and after activities were not held, limiting possible virus exposure. 

Our 2020/2021 teaching staff consists of six teachers, Nikki Douglas, Kelley O’Malley, Sabrina Seidel, Tammy Smith, Susan Talley and Lisa Turnquist. In addition to our retiring teachers, several teachers chose to stay at home with their own virtual learners and look forward to returning to teaching at Claymont Preschool when the time is right. 

Claymont Preschool continues to benefit from our reputation as a preschool that does an excellent job of preparing children for kindergarten as well as offering what parents value most---dedicated teachers who daily provide a warm, caring, learning environment for young children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Click here for a video.

We have a very limited number of openings in our Pre-K and 3 year old classes currently, so if you have a new neighbor or know of someone looking for a fabulous preschool, please recommend us to them! Please call Lynne Dauve, 636-386-5437 (KIDS) or email ldauve@Discoverstmark.org for more information. Our registration form and other Missouri State required forms are available at DiscoverStMark.org. 

Many thanks to the Committee for their dedication and support: Christy Brewer, Peggy Carson, Lynne Dauve (Director), Kathy Emge, Pat Feagan, Lynn Laux (Parent Rep), Mary Beth Powell, Jane Staniforth and Nancy Sutch. 

Respectfully Submitted, Lynne Dauve