St. Mark's Family Ministries

03/29/2013

Collect for Good Friday
Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your
family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be
betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer
death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (1979 BCP p.221)

St. Mark’s Good Friday service is at noon

03/28/2013

Collect for Maundy Thursday

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before He suffered, instituted the Sacrament of His Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ Our Lord, who in these Holy Mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (1979 BCP p. 221)

St. Mark’s Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00pm

03/27/2013

Wednesday in Holy Week Reflection
Ever seen a pint of Guinness beer? More than 10 million glasses of Guinness’ dark Irish dry stout are consumed each day. It’s sold in 150 countries. Did you know that in 2003, scientists at the University of Wisconsin reported that a pint of Guinness a day is good for the heart? I will tell you something even better for the heart. Their founder, Arthur Guinness, started the first Sunday schools in Ireland, fought against dueling, and chaired the board of the hospital for the poor. Arthur’s grandson Henry was a Christian leader of such impact that he has been called the Billy Graham of the 19th century. In 1890, Rupert Guinness received 5 million pounds on his wedding day. Shortly after, he moved into a house in the slums and launched a series of programs that served the poor. There are countless stories of how the Guinnesses were people of faith and how this faith moved them to do good in the world.

The more I learn about the Guinnesses, the more I am inspired. Before I learned of their faith and action, I thought the Guinnesses were just a buncha wealthy beer makers with a great marketing budget. Now I am inspired by their righteous use of wealth to empower others. Our jobs define what we do, but how we live defines who we are.

Prayer for the day
O God, your son Jesus made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread. Open the eyes of our faith, that we may see him in all his redeeming work. Inspire us to continue to grow as disciples.

03/26/2013

Prayer reflection for Tuesday in Holy Week.
Selling our house has not been fun. It has put much stress on our family. All I seem to do is worry. There has been a blessing from this experience that I will never forget though. A prospective buyer and I were talking, and he told me of his son born 12 weeks early in the hospital. Needless to say, his family had a lot of stress as well. He shared this with me, and I will share it with you. “If you are going to worry, don’t pray. If you pray, don’t worry.” I realized that I had been praying with fear and not faith. As I have put my trust in God, my worries are fading away.

Prayer for the day
God, sometimes life is so messy. Nothing has been going right. All I want to do is throw my hands up in frustration. But that is not You. You are not a God of disorder, but a God of peace. Help me to be at peace now as I come to you in prayer. Help me to rest in Your presence and feel Your grace as I meet the challenges of the day. Help me not worry about what has not been done, but rejoice in what is and can be done.

03/25/2013

Here is my prayer reflection for Monday in Holy Week. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone! Luke

My prayer for the day
Dear Lord, as I enter into this quiet time with You, calm my mind, body, and spirit. Whatever comes to me this day, I know You will be with me, as You are now. Thank you for strengthening my heart. Thank you for giving me patience to wait on You. Guide me today as I strive to share Your presence with the world.

This fast paced world can come atcha quick. If the cell isn’t ringing, you are receiving a text or email alert, or the dog is barking, or the kids are yelling, or the TV or the radio is blaring, or all of the above are happening at once. Quiet prayer time is a high commodity, sometimes seemingly unattainable. The morning is a good chance to spend time with God before the world awakens. David Jeremiah suggests three habits for prayer that are helpful for me. First-Anticipate God’s presence, He is there for you. Second-Acknowledge that God is present and ready to hear you. Third-Acclimate your mind, body, and heart to receive and accept God’s words and direction. Prayer is not just about you talking, it is about being connected with God. This connection is what can transform your prayer life.

06/13/2012

The following is a devotion for families to use together called, "Truth, truth, you CAN handle the truth!"

06/05/2012

We had a great St. Mark's Night at the Travs Game Sunday, June 3rd. Here are a few pics I'd like to share!

June 3, 2012

05/29/2012

Hope everyone had a GREAT Memorial Day! Here is a link to the June issue of a newsletter called "Mom & Pops Stuff." It has some good info on parenting, family time activities, and other "stuff" that can be helpful.

05/23/2012

The following is a devotion for families to use together called, "Pentecost, smintecost, what's the big deal?"

05/16/2012

Here is a devotion for parents called "You are appreciated and loved". My prayers are with you all. You are very special! Luke

05/08/2012

Here is a devotion called "Kindness Rocks!"

04/30/2012

Good Morning! I hope you had a great weekend. Here is a devotion called "Patience, Patience, you talking about patience!"