Scripture for February 27

 Luke 9:28-36

Carl Bloch -
 http://www.1st-art-gallery.com/Carl-Heinrich-Bloch/The-Transfiguration.html

The Transfiguration

28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 32 Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” 36 When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

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Daily Prayer February 25

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

Daily Readings for Friday, February 25, 2022

• Morning Psalms 88; 148
• First Reading Proverbs 8:1-21
• Second Reading Philemon 1-25
• Gospel Reading John 12:9-19
• Evening Psalms 6; 20

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.)

A Better Picture

There is a well-worn story circulating among pastors about a father talking to his young son who was drawing a picture. He inquired, “What are you drawing?” The small boy replied, “A picture of God.” The father quickly chimed in that no one really knows what God looks like, to which the boy confidently responded, “They will when I get through.” 

This story always brings a smile to my face. The truth is we really don’t know anything about God’s physical appearance. Some imagine God with a long white beard sitting on a cloud ready to hurl thunderbolts and others see the divine as light or formless spirit. We know God sent the Son Jesus into the world to reconcile humanity back to the Lord. While we do not have any pictures from the First Century, we do have an image of who God is by what Jesus did. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Colossians.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:15-20,NRSV.)

I think there are opportunities to see God all around us every day. We can catch a glimpse of the Lord in the eyes of the patrons and volunteers at Isaiah 58. There are dim reflections of God in the valuable work of Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services. You could hear an echo of God’s voice in the clean water wells dug by Marion Medical Mission. The Lord is all around us; we just need to have eyes to see and ears to hear. I encourage everyone to attend our Discover Mission Sunday on February 27 and learn about the good news delivered daily by our many mission partners. You might think nobody really knows what God looks like, but this event may just change your mind, your eyes, and your heart.

 In Hope and Confidence, 

Pastor Dave

ASSOCIATE PASTOR ANNUAL REPORT

 Year number two of ministry and year number two of COVID…whew! After 2020 who would have predicted that we would still be in a pandemic? But what a year we have had a St. Mark! Worship resumed on person with the bonus of live streaming. And we have been able to meet in person and on Zoom for Friday morning Bible study. Confirmation classes are in full swing as are youth meetings and events…all in person! 

This year, I have been blessed to take part in several virtual events including the St. Mark women’s retreat and the annual tea. Planning began on several trips; a youth mission trip to Tennessee, and adult mission trip to North Dakota, and plans for youth to attend Youth Triennium all in summer of 2022. 

The opportunity to serve on the presbytery level presented itself and I am now serving as the Education and Youth Leader worker on the GLP Dynamic Leaders Team. A doctoral studies program with a focus on identity grabbed my attention and, in the fall, I was accepted into the Doctor of Ministry Program at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary with classes beginning January 18th, 2022. 

We made it to 2022! And what a ride it has been. I am so excited about the next twelve months as we continue the journey together! 

Peace and blessings, 

Pastor MP 

Psalm23: What It Means To Me

You Lord are my ever-present keeper and refuge.

You are the one I can always depend on to have my best interest.

You protect me from harm and make me feel secure.

You care for me like no one else can with a love that is unconditional

You provide me with a peace that only You can give.

You are always there to listen, counsel and patiently guide me.

You continually bless me, even though I am so undeserving.

You encourage me when I fall short and forgive me when I fail.

Even in my most difficult times and, as I face my last days, You will be with me, comforting me and taking away my fear.

I know You will always be there to guide, protect and lovingly care for me not only now, on this earth, but for all eternity.

I also know this love is a blessing from You and is not deserved or earned.

Kay Merz

Photo by Mael BALLAND on Unsplash

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.   We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.

Order of Worship February 20, 2022

 

 

CENTERING PRAYER

 

God of abundant mercy, you alone can turn evil into good, sorrow into rejoicing, and death into everlasting life. Teach us your way of grace – to meet with kindness, to answer curses with blessing, to love without holding back, to give without thought of return; all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship)                       Toccata                                                       Waylond                                                      
                                                                                                                                                                  

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

                       

MOMENT FOR SCOUTING

CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                     
                        Take delight in the Lord, who satisfies the desires of you heart.

                        Commit your way to the Lord and trust in God’s actions.

                        Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God.

                        The Lord is our salvation and our refuge in times of trouble.

                        Come! Let us our God together!

  
† HYMN      “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy”                       Hymnal #435

PRAYER OF CONFESSION                                                                                                    
                        Merciful God, we confess we do not follow your ways or trust your promises. We love only those who love us; we show kindness only to those who are kind to us; we give only when we expect to receive. Forgive us, Lord. Fill our hearts with your selfless love. Change our lives by your matchless grace. We pray these things through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Silent Confession)

 

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
                      The peace of Christ be with you.
                      And also with you.

†GLORY TO GOD       Hymnal #582    

                                                                                                             

TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship)
(Children 5^th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School)

SCRIPTURE    Luke 6:27-38                                                                                                                                      

SERMON                                                   “You Get What You Get”                            Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH                                                                                  The 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.

OFFERING  I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hand on Me     Curry                                                                        

                                                                              Chancel Bells
                                                                         
† THE DOXOLOGY     Hymnal #606                                                                                                      

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
                        Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.                           

† HYMN      “Just as I Am, without One Plea”                               Hymnal #442

† CHARGE AND BLESSING
                       
† BENEDICTION                       “We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations”         
            
                                                                                                    
POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship)          Finale      Lorenz                                                               

                       
† You are invited to stand, as you are able           

Scripture for February 20, 2022: Boy Scout Sunday

  Luke 6:27-38

27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Read full chapter

Daily Prayer February 18

The Lord God said: I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart.

Daily Readings for Friday, February 18, 2022

• Morning Psalms 130; 148
• First Reading Genesis 32:22-33:17
• Second Reading 1 John 3:1-10
• Gospel Reading John 10:31-42
• Evening Psalms 32; 139

God of all times and places, in Jesus Christ, lifted up on the cross, you opened for us the path to eternal life. Grant that we, being born again of water and the Spirit, may joyfully serve you in newness of life and faithfully walk in your holy ways. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the very bond of peace and of all goodness. Give us your peace, O God, that we may rejoice in your goodness to us and to all your children, and be thankful for your love revealed in Jesus Christ. Especially we thank you for people who reveal your truth and righteousness, courage to be bold disciples, those who show hospitality, surprises that have blessed us, the unity of the church of Jesus Christ. Give us your peace, O God, that we may be confident of your care for us and all your children, as we remember the needs of others. (Add your prayers.) Amen.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord in the power of his resurrection.

Annual Report: Excerpts from Membership Committee

. . . .Since the beginning of the pandemic, weekly phone calls were made to members and friends to check on their well-being and to offer assistance. As members were able to return to live church services and other church activities, our call numbers decreased. After twenty-two months, we discontinued our weekly phone calls. Members of the membership committee will continue calling our homebound members on a regular basis. The membership committee wishes to take this opportunity to thank the forty-three women who assisted with this outreach. Your time and friendly voices were greatly appreciated. 

Under the leadership of L. Larimer, a sign committee was formed to explore options for replacing the entrance marquee. Ballwin ordinances did not allow for an electronic, dynamic sign, so the committee decided to utilize the existing brick base and refresh the marquee with a new design created by Abby Reilly. The brilliant blue is a vibrant welcome to our church. We extend our deepest appreciation to E. Hudson family for providing the funds in memory of Mae. A dedication will be held in the spring. 

The yearly guidebook/directory was delayed because of production problems due to Covid-19 but delivered in late spring. Photos have been taken and layout has begun on the pictorial directory. The book will include activity pages, a photo section, and a roster listing all church members. This edition will celebrate St. Mark’s 60th anniversary and will be published in the spring.

 Respectfully submitted, 

Bette Nuzum, Chair

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

23rd Psalm: My thoughts

 

While studying the Psalms in Sunday School Class, Pastor Dave Burgess, encouraged us to think about other ways of stating the 23rd Psalm since most of us don't really have shepherds in our lives.  For the next few weeks I will be sharing the results from our Sunday School class and our Writer's Life group.  We are grateful for all who agreed to share their thoughts.

My mother was my Teacher

She was my caregiver, protector, role model and friend

She was Love, Protection, and Model

We were to be responsible and held accountable for our behavior

She modeled being realistic and practical

She encouraged great education for girls as well as boys

Setting goals and working hard to achieve them

She led me through a happy and safe childhood

 

She gave much love, wisdom and humility

I was no better than kids or families who had no indoor toilet

And only a pump handle at the kitchen sink

(I did not see that in the city where I grew up, however I did in farmland homes of relatives in rural Illinois)

We were to treat all people with respect, regardless of their material trappings

We are all God’s children!

God sent his son, Jesus, to demonstrate

How to care for our fellow travelers through this life!

If we live with faith, compassion and love now

Then later we will reside with God forever.

L.R.