We treasure the Word, baptismal water, and the bread and wine of holy communion. We want to nurture a culture and a love for the heritage of rich but very down-to-earth worship. It's called liturgical; it's historical, biblical, and invites participation by the whole family.  It's simple worship. Join us.

SUNDAY BULLETIN

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Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the Lord has truly sent the prophet.” 

There’s a kind of dark humor in this little story. The true prophet of the Lord, Jeremiah, is facing off with a false prophet named Hananiah. And what is the problem? Hananiah is prophesying peace and victory for the people of God—even though they have deserted God. Hananiah is popular because he’s telling the people what they want to hear. And so Jeremiah warns the crowd: “All the prophets of God from olden times have prophesied disasters. If a prophet starts promising peace, well, that’s so surprising, you can’t trust it. The only way you can be sure God sent him is after it happens.”

And this is true; but why is it true? Because God really enjoys sending people bad news? No, of course not. The reason God’s true prophets warn about disaster is because God wants the people to take evasive action—to repent, change their hearts, and avoid the disaster that is coming. God hates seeing people suffer! But as long as they do evil, suffering will come, sure as the sun rises every morning. And He knows that.

There’s only one occasion I can think of when God sent messengers to prophesy peace—and that is when God’s Son Jesus was born into the world, to become our Savior. Then the priest Zechariah said to his own young son John: “And you, child, will … go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God … to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:76-78a, 79b).

Then the angels said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (Luke 2:10b-12, 14)

Why did God’s messengers finally speak peace? Because God Himself was going to make it happen—by taking away our sins forever, through His death on a cross and His resurrection. Jesus Himself has become our peace, because He made peace for us with His own body.

This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

In the Old Testament, Isaiah is the theologian par excellence. No book in the Old Testament comes close to Isaiah. The prophet’s saving message, soaring language, and unforgettable imagery are tightly woven into the fabric of Christian hymnody, liturgy, and devotional literature. Isaiah's influence on the New Testament is massive. Isaiah articulates Christology, ecclesiology, and missiology.

Join us Sunday as we work through the Book of Isaiah @ 10:45 a.m., in the Sanctuary!

 

As summer begins, Jesus Connections will be taking a short break to enjoy time with family and friends.

Thank you to all the families who shared their little ones with us this year. It has been such a blessing to help nurture their love for Jesus through stories, songs, crafts, and fellowship. Watching these children grow in faith and joy has been a gift to us all.

We pray your summer is filled with laughter, rest, adventures, and God’s many blessings. 
We look forward to seeing everyone again soon! 

Think “Bakery” with all the smells, the endless choices . . . let’s set our fellowship table to look like that! YUM!
 

Let’s make it the sweetest stop of the day!

Men of St. Mark! 

If your week runs on coffee, bacon, and brotherly encouragement, we’ve got good news.

Join us for men’s breakfast featuring:
Food that tastes better than it is good for you.
Coffee strong enough to forgive your sins. (Not even Close!)
Conversation ranging from Scripture to sports to “remember when…”
Fellowship without singing solos or being volunteered for anything. (Probably)

Come hungry, leave encouraged. No RSVP required - but pants are!

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding… 

HEALTH
Diana Dubois – Peace, comfort, and understanding after the passing of her mother. 
Daniel Hood – Peace and Encouragement as he seeks new employment. 
Chris Kruger –  Long-time member of St. Mark fell and broke her pelvis. She is recovering at home over the next 6-8 weeks. Anyone wishing to send her a note or card may do so. Her address is listed in the directory or may be obtained from the Church office.  
The Family of Ashley Bethke (Friend of Alison Byers) – who passed away on Saturday, 6/13. 
MILITARY
Wyatt & Jake Bradford – Wyatt Bradford serves in the Navy in Okinawa, and Jake Bradford, U.S. Marines, serving in Camp Lejeune.
Jeffrey Byers (Jerry & Lori's nephew) – Is in the Marines & is being deployed to Iran.
We pray for God’s protection, guidance, and peace, for those away from home or in need, 
 as well as comfort and strength for their families during this trying time.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

For prayer requests or changes to a current prayer, please email  stmarkelko@gmail.com.

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