This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Third Sunday of Advent
“Rejoice always,” is the message of the Third Sunday of Advent. Knowing that the Lord is near, we pray without ceasing, test everything, and hold fast to what is good. Christ stands among us, often as one whom we do not know. He is the silent companion on all our journeys and the light who […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Second Sunday of Advent Lessons & Carols
Today’s “Service of Lessons and Carols” (see the “Music Notes” on page 18 of the bulletin) is a St. Mark’s tradition that reaches back into 19th century England with the singing of carols and the reading of lessons in preparation for the season of Christmas. During today’s service, may you hear again the grace of […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Advent Midweek
This year’s Advent Midweek “Service of Word and Prayer” is adapted from All Creation Sings, a new worship resource of the ELCA. The theme of this year’s Advent series is “Pause, Prepare, Ponder,” a reminder that in the midst of the busy year-end season, Advent is an opportunity to prayerfully meditate on what God is doing […]
View the Sermon (PDF)First Sunday of Advent
Psalm 80 reads, “Stir up your power, and come!” And Isaiah writes, “Tear open the heavens and come down” – themes reminding us of God’s advent in Jesus Christ. On this first Sunday of a new church year, Jesus call us to keep awake as we anticipate God’s in-breaking into human history with restoration and […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Christ the King
On the final Sunday of the church year, we hear the gospel of Christ the King who will judge the nations. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to the poor, hungry, and thirsty; by welcoming the stranger; and by clothing the naked and visiting the sick and the imprisoned. […]
Thanksgiving Eve
At harvest time we join the Psalmist in offering thanksgiving to God: “You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty.” We are grateful for the abundance of the good things of God’s creation. Paul reminds us that our thanksgiving overflows into generosity. As the body of Christ in the world, […]
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use […]
View the Sermon (PDF)Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters, and Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids, encouraging us to remain awake for the in-breaking of the kingdom of heaven. Daily, may we be prepared […]