CENTERING PRAYER – Walter Rauschenbusch (1861-1918)   O God, we thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the salt sea and the running water, for the everlasting hills and the never-resting winds, for trees and the common grass underfoot. We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of the summer fields, and taste of the autumn fruits, and rejoice in the feel of the snow, and smell the breath of the spring. Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty; and save our souls from being so blind that we pas ..read more

 1 Corinthians 12:14-26 14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? 18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19&nbs ..read more

Daily Readings for Friday, April 19, 2024 Morning Psalms 96; 148 First Reading Exodus 24:1-18 Second Reading Colossians 2:8-23 Gospel Reading Matthew 4:12-17 Evening Psalms 49; 138 Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. 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 ..read more

The Communications Committee has the responsibility to assess communications needs and preferences of the congregation and help St. Mark to respond as technology and communication methods evolve. We have oversight responsibility for updating and maintaining Discover St. Mark and other official Social Media accounts, websites and church presence on community online sites and written media (newsletters, bulletins, etc.). In addition, the committee also monitors, assesses and provides assistance as needed to St. Mark staff, Ministries, Committees and official groups to communicate their mission ..read more

  CENTERING PRAYER Author of Life, Living Word, Holy Breath, we have stumbled through the week and groped our way back to this place. Illumine the steps before us and write your word on our hearts, for we carry the name of Jesus and would walk in the light of his love. Amen.   CALL TO WORSHIP You alone are unutterable, from the time you created all things that can be spoken of. You alone are unknowable, from the time you created all things that can be known. All things cry out about you; those which speak, and those which cannot speak. All things honor you; those which think ..read more

 Mark 4:1-9 Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed 4 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: 3 “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted q ..read more

  PROPERTY COMMITTEE The Property Committee is responsible for maintaining or replacing, if necessary, all items pertaining to the physical buildings of St. Mark Presbyterian Church. The following was accomplished by the Property Committee in the past year:  • Routine management of the maintenance for:  o Furnaces and air conditioners o Roofing and gutter repairs o Snow removal o Parking lot  o Lawn irrigation o Elevator o Fire/smoke alarm  o Emergency lights and fire extinguishers  o Kitchen equipment o Pre-school o Lawn, trees, and gardens o Water ..read more

Saint Mark Deacons will once again serve as the Sponsor for the Circle of Concern Golf Tournament to be held May 20, 2024, at the Aberdeen Golf Club, Eureka, Missouri. Enjoy 18 holes of golf on a beautiful links style course with a picturesque backdrop of the Meramec River bluffs. Complete with a light breakfast, assorted beverages, hot dogs, and a catered meal following golf with awards and auction.  Last year’s tournament raised $35,000 with all proceeds directly benefiting Circle. Orthopedic Specialists is again the Presenting Sponsor. Additionally, other Saint Mark families through ..read more

  The Cub Scout Pack held the annual Pinewood Derby in January. In February they held the Arrow of Light and Crossover ceremonies. March and April the dens toured the Ballwin Police Station. May brought the combination Spring Campout/Cub Scout Spring BBQ/outdoor Blue and Gold Awards Banquet. In June they had a short Summer Camp at Beaumont’s Camp May. July was STEM CAMP for both Cub and Boy Scouts. September was their Fall Campout at Babler. The Troop has been busy all year.  Their service projects have become an integral part of St. Mark and include: mulching, helping to break down ..read more

 John 4:5–26 The Water of Life Discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well  by Angelika Kauffmann, 17th–18th century 5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. 7 Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” 8 He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to b ..read more