Gospel Highlight

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

I love the name God gives to Jesus at His Baptism. He calls Him beloved, and what better name could there be for Jesus? What else could we call the One who loved us enough to come down from heaven to rescue us from the power of evil;—and to do that at the cost of His own life?

At this point Jesus is just beginning His ministry. He will spend three years teaching and healing and caring for broken people, and training His followers to do the same. And then He will willingly go to the cross for our sake;—breaking the power of sin, death, and the devil through His own death and resurrection.

Jesus knows what’s coming. We do, too. Let’s walk with Him through these days of Lent, following our beloved Lord who has made Himself the Servant of the Lord Isaiah wrote about;—the One who saves us all.

(This Devotion is from the Lutheran Hour Ministries.)

JESUS CONNECTIONS
The Church Year Calendar

This Sunday in Jesus Connections, we’ll explore the Church Year and how it helps guide us through the story of Jesus all year long. From waiting and hoping, to celebrating His birth, life, death, and resurrection, each season reminds us that God is always at work in our lives.

The Church Year helps us see that every Sunday is part of God’s bigger story—and we are part of it too.

FMI on upcoming Jesus Connections events and learning, 
reach out to Teacher Stephanie

Fellowship for Sunday, Jan. 11 
My Stars! We Love Bars


FBar desserts are always a favorite: they’re easy to make, so portable, and always delicious! What can you bake for an easy bite treat? 
 Life is what you “bake” of it!

 

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

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 and leave fed. No RSVP required - But Pants are!

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

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Eddie Henson - Prayers of thanks for a successful surgery.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Sara Kalaveras – Her surgery went well, and she is home. May God give her strength and patience during her recovery.

Ellie (Sue Burns’ mother) – She is recovering from a recent stroke. May the Lord surround her with strength, comfort, and healing during this time.

Carol Doerr –  Surgery was a success! May God be with her during the healing process.

Sharon (Julie F.’s sister-in-law) - Has been diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors as they determine the best treatment, and for peace, strength, and relief from stress for her and her loved ones during this time.

Diana Dubois - Quick recovery from cataract surgery.

John Rose - Quick recovery from cataract surgery. 

Kathy Parker (Diana Dubois's sister-in-law) - Peace and Strength during a difficult time in her life.

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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