Coming Up at St. Mark's
November 11th
Veterans Day
November 21st
Church Work Day
November 22nd
Pledge Sunday
and
Hanging of the Greens
November 26th
Thanksgiving Day
November 26th-27th
Church Office Closed
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Letter From Pastor Russ
Well its Wednesday and the Elections are done! Hallelujah!
For all the bluster and name calling, we have survived yet another controversial presidential election. It seems to me that the attitudes of both the winners and losers leaves a lot to be desired. There are people all around our nation today who are scratching their heads saying, “How can this be?” The real question we should be asking is, “Would we want it any other way?” Do we actually want to live in a nation were democratic elections are not possible? Would we desire military revolution and dictatorship as our form of government? Many nations in our world live under such rule and the people generally suffer. This is exactly as life was in Peter’s day. Military rule and a political dictatorship was normal life for Peter’s readers, just as it had been in the day of Jesus.
Unfortunately, as we have seen in recent history, nations with dictatorships are divided. Those who support the “party line” live fairly comfortable lives while anyone with a divergent view is victimized. How many innocent people have suffered and died in recent years due to political disagreements?
In Peter’s day the Roman empire ruled the day and most of the world. The emperor’s word was law, and it was a law backed by the most powerful army in the world. If you toed the party line you were fairly safe, but if you diverged in any way, you would suffer.
The one thing about Christianity which has never changed, and which will never change is the confession of faith which declares, “Jesus is Lord.” It was ultimately this truth which sent Jesus to the cross. The only charge brought against Jesus by the Sanhedrin was that Jesus was a king. Pilate even asked Jesus if He was a king. Jesus replied by stating that His kingdom was not of this world. In that era of history, the proclamation of anyone being a king, except Caesar, was treason.
As Peter writes these words to his readers, keep this in mind. His readers are suffering for no other reason than they confess Jesus as their Savior. Listen to what he says:
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. (1 Peter 4:14-16)
Sadly, it is the innocent of this world who generally suffer the most. The Christians of Peter’s day were not rioting or creating mayhem in their society. They were good, honest, hardworking people who simply believed differently than the mainstream of their society. Why is it that good hardworking people who are innocent of any wrongdoing suffer today? Are we not facing the same issues? If someone simply believes differently that individual is targeted! I can tell you with all honestly, many of you who read my articles would not agree with me on many political issues, just as you would not agree with each other. The point is that as Christians, we can disagree on many things, but the one thing we must agree on is our confession of faith-Jesus is Lord! If we agree on this, the rest is of no real consequence.
Therefore, I urge you to guard you heart and mouth and allow God to use you to be a calming force in our splintered society. Think before you speak. Will your words bring unity, hope, and healing, or will they deepen the divide? Let your actions set you apart from the crowd as one who brings stability and not friction. If you must suffer, let it be for doing what is pleasing to God.
What we have witnessed in the violence leading up to our elections has been a sad reflection of our nation’s moral standards. It has been much worse than four years ago. We must begin to intentionally work to be agents of change because we are facing another national election in just four years. It can be a different scene than what we have witnessed in recent days. It can be different, but it takes us be different and influencing the people around us to stand in unity and not stand apart in division.
May our God bless our Nation! May God bless our elected leaders. And may they lead with God and His will in mind.
Pastor Russ
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Communion Offering
for
November and December
Christmas Baskets for Rusk Elementary School
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If you have any needs, or just need to talk,
please contact Pastor Russ at
pastorruss@loveroad.org or 432-553-3522.
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All Services will be streamed to YouTube and Facebook.
Nursery will be provided during the services for
ages 6 weeks-3 years.
Please Join Us!
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Attitudes of Gratitude: Stories of Thankfulness in the Bible
Thanksgiving was established as a national holiday in the United States by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863. The roots of the holiday can be traced back to 1621, when the Pilgrims offered a prayer of thanks before their meal with members of the Wampanoag Tribe. The Pilgrims were grateful for their first harvest in the New World—and for their Native American neighbors who helped make it possible. The momentous occasion is often referred to as “the first Thanksgiving.”
That would likely come as a surprise to certain Bible characters who gave thanks to God in memorable ways thousands of years before the Pilgrims arrived in the New World. These men and women demonstrated the kind of gratitude that pleases God—and perhaps inspires others.
King David
(2 Samuel 6:1-23)
One of the pinnacles of David’s reign was the arrival of the ark of the covenant—God’s dwelling place among His people—in Jerusalem. David was so grateful to the Lord for allowing the ark to be transported to Jerusalem that he could barely contain himself.
Second Samuel 6:14 says he “danced before the Lord with all his might.” Two verses later, he’s described as “leaping and whirling before the Lord.” His display of thankfulness was so exuberant that his wife chided him for celebrating in a manner unbefitting a king. David refused to let her spoil his thanksgiving.
“It was before the Lord,” he explained. “Therefore, I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight” (see 2 Samuel 6:21-22).
Hannah
(1 Samuel 1:1–2:10)
A man named Elkanah had two wives: Peninnah, who bore him sons and daughters, and Hannah, who was barren. Hannah’s inability to bear children devastated her—and made her an easy target for Peninnah’s taunts.
Once a year Elkanah made the journey to the tabernacle in Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices. And every year Hannah accompanied him. She spent her time there deep in prayer, begging God to open her womb.
Her cries of anguish were so intense that on one occasion, Eli, the priest at Shiloh, chastised her because he thought she was drunk. After Hannah explained her plight, Eli said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him” (1 Samuel 1:17).
God answered Hannah’s prayers and granted her the desire of her heart. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel.
We don’t have to imagine the joy Hannah experienced or the gratitude she felt toward God. Her exuberant prayer of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2:1-10 expresses her feelings quite vividly.
The Samaritan Leper
(Luke 17:11-19)
Jesus was passing through a village in Samaria when He encountered a group of ten men who suffered from leprosy. The men cried out for Jesus to have mercy on them. Jesus heard their cries and healed them. He instructed the men to show themselves to the local priests so that they could be ceremonially cleansed.
The men did as they were instructed, and then nine of them went their separate ways. Perhaps they left to celebrate their healing. Perhaps they intended to share the good news with their loved ones. Perhaps they were just eager to rejoin society and begin their new lives.
The tenth leper likely had similar plans. But he had something else to do first. According to Luke 17:15-16, he “returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks.”
Jesus was moved by the man’s response, which must have been almost as rewarding to the man as the healing itself. Because he went the extra mile to express his thankfulness, the tenth leper was able to connect with the Lord in a profound way.
- Jack Hayford
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Borderland Ministries
It's that time of year! We are again ready to put together Christmas bags for underprivileged children in Mexico. The large plastic bags will have a shopping list inside to be purchased and returned to the church. We will have tables outside the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall on Sundays with bags for people to pick up. There will also be bags available for pick up in the Church Office.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in this world!
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Turkey Dinner For
The Children’s Advocacy Center
For the last few years, Borderland Ministries-with your help-has provided turkey dinners for families in crisis.
Thank you to everyone for making this outreach
successful in the past. Susan Olivas, the director of the center, expressed how grateful the families were last year.
Typically they are families in need financially as well as dealing with an emotional crisis of the worst kind.
What we are asking of you is to shop a select list of items to be boxed up for their Thanksgiving Dinner.
If you are interested in helping, please contact Carol Bookout for instructions on how to serve in this way. Carolbookout@gmail.com or 915-346-2402.
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Ministry Survey
In an effort to increase collaboration and support between the ministries and mission teams of St. Mark's, and as part of a Certified Lay Minister project, St. Mark's members are asked to participate in the following survey linked below. Those interested will also be able to participate in a virtual workshop to build upon the survey results. Members are also invited to add your contact information to the "Church Council Contacts" linked below if you are interested in more information about this project. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Glen Myers.
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Every fall the PSC holds the annual Fall Gala, our signature fund raising event of the year and a beloved tradition for parents and staff alike. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, our event has been cancelled jeopardizing over $75,000 in funds.
While we are certainly disheartened, we want to continue to provide an opportunity for St. Mark's families to come together.
The PSC will be hosting a virtual Silent Auction you can enjoy in your Christmas PJ's with Cookies & Cocoa in the comfort of your home. By purchasing a Cookies & Cocoa Kit, you will also receive a bid number to participate in the virtual Jingle but not Mingle Silent Auction.
St. Mark's PSC invites you to
Jingle but not Mingle
Dress your family in Christmas PJ's
and enjoy Cookies & Cocoa at home
while you bid in our virtual Silent Auction.
November 13th
7:00 - 10:00pm
$50.00
Your Cookies & Cocoa Kit will include cookies, cocoa mix, bid number and instructions for the virtual Silent Auction.
Click below to purchase your Cookies & Cocoa Kit and bid number through Nichole Hughes.
Take a picture of your family in your Christmas PJ's!
Prize for the most festive family.
Tag your PJ party picture
on Instagram @stmarkspsc or Facebook @St.MarksPSC on November 13th by 9pm.
Winner will be announced November 14th.
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| Upcoming Lay Servant Ministry Training |
Basic Lay Servant Training – December 12, 2020 at 9:00 am MT
Zoom Basic Lay Servant Training with Jenna Johnson, CLM
$20 for the Basic Book and Class Fees
Last day to register: November 30, 2020
Please contact Sheila Skinner with your name and physical address at elpasobolls@gmail.com to register for this training.
If you don’t hear from her within 24 hours,
please contact her at: 575-263-9071
Make Check Payable to: El Paso District Board Of Lay Servant Ministries 225 W. Griggs, Las Cruces, NM 88005
Basic Lay Servant Training – December 19, 2020 at 9:00 am MT
Zoom Basic Lay Servant Training with Rev. Dr. Robert Hemphill
$20 for the Basic Book and Class Fees
Last day to register: November 30th 2020
Please contact Sheila Skinner with your name and physical address at elpasobolls@gmail.com to register for this training.
Phone number: 575-263-9071
Make Check Payable to: El Paso District Board Of Lay Servant Ministries 225 W. Griggs Las Cruces NM 88005 |
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NUDGE IN PERSON
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Students and parents are invited to join us under the pavilion on the Silverwood street side of the church at 10am on Sunday mornings starting September 13th.
Sunday School time has been moved to the time slot between our two services, so you have the option to either worship before or after our Sunday School time. Actual lesson time will be from 10:10 till 10:45. This will allow for transition to worship spaces.
Special objects will sometimes be used to help facilitate the lesson, so we ask that you help us to be good stewards of our resources and let us know how many of your Nudge family members will be attending our time together. Please wear your masks and if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home. We will be taking temperatures. Each table is designated for families. All of the seating and tables will be sanitized before our meetings. For more information please contact Jachin at jaf222@aol.com.
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Volunteer Needed
Clara Griswold, the St. Mark's School Chapel teacher,
has a need for a substitute piano player on Wednesday mornings.
For more information, if interested, please call Mrs. Griswold at 575-874-9499 (home) or 575-571-6585 (cell).
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So many families are in crisis and end up at the Center with nothing but the clothes on their back. They are safe, but in need of basic necessities. Please help us bless them.
For their lil' school
Crayons, Markers (Washable), Color Pencils, Construction Paper, Glue, Safety scissors, Pencils/Pens, Notebook paper,
Craft items, Washable Paint, Kleenex,
Hand Sanitizer, Highlighters, Lunch box
Household Supplies-, Clorox, Kitchen Utensils, Small kitchen appliances (Toasters, coffee makers, mixers, iron’s), Oven Mit’s, Dish Soap, Sponges, Disinfecting Cleaner, Hand Sanitizer
Lysol Spray, Laundry Soap/Softener, Laundry baskets, Linens,
Bed Comforters (twin, full/queen), Dish Towels,
Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Hangers, Brooms/Mops,
Wash Cloths, Towels, Shampoo/Conditioner, Toothpaste (kids formula also), Floss, Mouthwash (kids formula also), Toothbrushes (kids formula also)
Ladies Necessities- Bra’s/underwear, Tampons, Pads,
Panty Liners, FeminineWipes, Shampoo/Conditioner,
BodyWash, Hairspray, Brushes, Combs,
Hair-ties, Makeup, Facewash, Lotion, Deodorant,
Contact Solution, Razors
Baby Items-, Diapers (all sizes), Wipes, Formula, Baby Food, Bottles, Blankets, Onesies, Socks, Bibs, Pacifiers, Soap,
Shampoo, Lotion, Mittens, Burp Cloths, Stroller
They also accept gift cards, and used clothing. The ladies head out to appointments and job training/interviews.
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Kid-friendly navigation helps them find and select
whichever story they want, then reads it aloud to them
in a friendly narrative style. Throughout each story, fun, interactive animations keep children engaged, and select stories even include games designed to help them learn, understand, and retain important Bible story concepts.
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Great Biblically based videos for kids and adults
to help us grow deeper in our faith.
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Already installed on over
435 million unique devices all
over the world, the Bible App
offers a free Bible experience
for smartphones, tablets,
and online at Bible.com.
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The Kids Bible Experience
inside your YouVersion Bible App offers engaging, practical insight
into how your child can apply
God’s Word. And as they’re
enjoying fresh, relevant content
each day, this new experience
will help them discover their own daily rhythm of seeking God.
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Daily Readings for the month of November:
1 Psalm 121; Mark 9-10
2 Job 23-24; Mark 11-12
3 Job 25: Mark 13-14
4 Job 26-27; Mark 15-16
5 Job 28-29; Galatians 1-2
6 Job 30; Psalms 120; Galatians 3-4
7 Job 31-32; Galatians 5-6
8 Job 33; 1 Corinthians 1-3
9 Job 34; 1 Corinthians 4-6
10 Job 35-36; 1 Corinthians 7-8
11 Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9-11
12 Job 37-38; 1 Corinthians 12
13 Job 39-40; 1 Corinthians 13-14
14 Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians 15-16
15 Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2
16 2 Corinthians 3-6
17 2 Corinthians 7-10
18 Psalm 124; 2 Corinthians 11-13
19 Matthew 1-4
20 Matthew 5-7
21 Matthew 8-10
22 Matthew 11-13
23 Matthew 14-16
24 Matthew 17-19
25 Matthew 20-22
26 Matthew 23-25
27 Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27
28 Matthew 28; 1 Thessalonians 1-3
29 1 Timothy 4-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3
30 Romans 1-4
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Join Pastor Russ as he continues an exegetical study
through the Gospel of John,
Tuesdays in Race Parlor at 2pm.
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Do women matter to the kingdom of God?
Jesus was surrounded by both men and women during his ministry on earth. He saw, valued, and cared for women, and he still does today.
Each one of us has a significant role.
Through this six-session study, you will discover who Jesus is through the unique perspective of women in the Bible. As you study the lives of Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene and others, you will learn from their faith and failures and be reminded that Jesus cared for and valued the women he was surrounded by. He equipped them, listened to them, walked with them, healed them, and empowered them. And he does the same for you now.
Please join us online Wednesdays at 6pm via zoom!
For more information please contact Stephanie Nebhut.
Click on the picture above to join the study.
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Embracing the Love of God
led by Elaine Frisbie
Come experience the utterly transforming love of God
and learn how to continue on the path of Love
by embracing it day by day.
In today’s world, many people fail to experience the powerful freedom and healing of God’s love.
Please join us as we delve into understanding the promise of God’s love to fulfill our deepest spiritual needs and to transform our most important relationships.
This Zoom Wednesday Bible Study begins:
September 2nd at 9:30am
Click on the picture above to order the book.
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Honor Begins At Home
Join us each Wednesday night at 6:30 pm in the choir room. as John Cahill leads us through our newest Mark'sMen study.
The study guides the participant through this compelling Bible study based on the movie Courageous. This 8-session study will take individuals and small groups deeper into biblical truths for a godly family, exploring topics such as redeeming your history, walking with integrity, winning and blessing the hearts of your children, and more. Every session involves watching a clip from the movie to help group members engage in discussion. And daily readings from The Resolution for Men will help you connect with God and His best plan for your family.
Email or text John Cahill or Pastor Russ if you'd like
a book for this study.
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January 1 - August 31 Year to Date Budget Report
Actual Budget Variance Prior Year
Total Income $648,466 $773,440 $(124,974) $687,088
Total Expense 652,284 753,610 101,326 762,392
Net Income (loss) (3,818) 19,830 (23,648) (75,304)
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If you aren't comfortable with online giving, you can mail a check to:
5005 Love Road, El Paso, TX 79922.
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Need Prayer?
If you have a pressing prayer request that needs to be filled,
email Ruth Lindstrom and your request
will be prayed for right away!
You may also visit our website and fill out a prayer request there.
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This Week at St. Mark's
Wednesday, November 4th
9:30am Bible Study with Elaine Frisbie online
5:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 10-17
6:00pm Women's Evening Bible Study online
6:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico Guitar Group Rondalla ages 8 and up
6:30pm Men's Ministry Study in Choir Room and online
Thursday, November 5th
4:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 3-6
5:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 7-10
6:30pm Couples Connection
7:00pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 18 and up
Sunday, November 8th
9:00am Contemporary Service
10:00am Kinder-4th grade Sunday School in Zumwalt Hall
10:00am 5th-6th grade Sunday School in Walker Annex
10:00am Nudge Youth Sunday School in Pavilion on Silverwood St.
10:00am Agape Adult Sunday School Class in Race Parlor
11:00am Traditional Service
Monday, November 9th
5:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 10-17
6:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico Guitar group Rondalla ages 8 and up
Tuesday, November 10th
2:00pm Gospel of John Study with Pastor Russ in Race Parlor
4:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 3-6
5:30pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 7-10
6:30pm Grief Share in Conf. Room
6:30pm Divorce Care in Choir Room
7:00pm K'AAY Ballet Folklorico ages 18 and up
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