en-us https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/summaries.html https://stmarksnalc.org/blog//a343.html?app=1 Sun, 03 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0800 {8FAF7F8F-AA9B-2F2B-23DC-7217C592D62E} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/mobile-background/a342.html?app=1 Feel free to use the graphic as a background for your phone or tablet.  Luther's directions to the artist stated there should be a black cross in a heart, the heart to retain its natural color. This is to remind us that it is ... Wed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B0A2C7E3-E585-1886-DA75-4114B2B8F2EF} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/todays-readings/a324.html?app=1 Today's readings highlighted catechetically with Zebrite markers. Orange is for allusions to the Ten Commandments, green for Apostles Creed, blue for the Lord's Prayer, pink for Sacraments...and yellow for all else.  Ezekiel ... Sun, 06 Sep 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {ED2B6B4C-3092-82FE-7FB1-3E18311762A3} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/todays-readings/a323.html?app=1 Today's readings highlighted catechetically with Zebrite markers. Orange is for allusions to the Ten Commandments, green for Apostles Creed, blue for the Lord's Prayer, pink for Sacraments...and yellow for all ... Sun, 30 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {2D540669-16F9-FEF5-61B7-6D00A077B5D9} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-eleventh-sunday-after-pentecost/a321.html?app=1 It was promised of old that salvation would come, that God’s righteousness would be revealed so that his way might be known throughout the earth. So it is that in Christ, many have been gathered and still more will be gathered. Even those who ... Sat, 15 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {2A440A11-C892-4DCB-0D84-B08E62B85933} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a320.html?app=1 The singing of Vespers, the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," a lesson from Joshua 8:30-35, a reading from Luther's Large Catechism, and a comment or two.  Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {4F5688C1-3A48-B2DE-0B93-779FC1E8DE04} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/jigsaw-puzzles/a319.html?app=1 Here is a page of Scripture puzzles from Sola Publlishing. There are lots of puzzles there.  Sun, 09 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {3AE32A70-18B3-C8FF-FE09-603C50BDBBA1} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-tenth-sunday-in-lent/a318.html?app=1 God speaks to us all when he answers Job out of the whirlwind. The God of all creation is in control. Even when our souls are poured out within us (Job 30:16), the Lord is our strength. When death assails us, even then he is in control of our ... Sun, 09 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {A1C62DCB-4724-3EBF-9569-6169A36EBD52} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a317.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night" (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Romans 11:25-36, and a reading from the ... Wed, 05 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {59C4DEC6-B85E-A1D4-637C-DE0CE383C196} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-ninth-sunday-after-pentecost/a316.html?app=1 God makes an everlasting covenant, not simply with David but, with all whom he represents. When he says that he will make a covenant with “you,” that “you” is plural. This everlasting covenant, in Pauline terms, is with the Israel of God. ... Sun, 02 Aug 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {E55BB9EE-649B-6FEC-085C-81296EEDFE68} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a315.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now All the Woods Are Sleeping" (LBW hymn 276), a lesson from Romans 9:1-18, and a reading from the Large ... Wed, 29 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {DA7D460F-2A79-DEC1-E9E1-D46B7FB8EC91} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-eighth-sunday-after-pentecost/a314.html?app=1 We are holy to the Lord because he keeps his covenant with us. He is the one who is faithful; it is not the other way around. So, we must have faith in him, in his faithfulness. This faith in God’s faithfulness fixes us, makes as immovable as a ... Sun, 26 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {DF30CC41-32FE-C617-F5DB-6D3E1A1CEE72} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a313.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Christ, You Are the Light and Day" (LBW hymn 273), a lesson from Romans 7:13–25, and a homily on what to do ... Wed, 22 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {4165EF64-018E-18CA-193A-4DE7C66E2F49} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-seventh-sunday-after-pentecost/a312.html?app=1 The Lord, the only God, is all we need. We need fear nothing in life, for his is a steadfast love. This does not mean there are no sufferings in the present time. It does mean that the divine Spirit helps in all our weaknesses. He even mediates ... Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {6A1CC655-1173-BE77-028A-9F3C73FE5220} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a310.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275), a lesson from Romans 4:13–25, and a reading by Martin Luther. Wed, 15 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {8020925D-18E7-EE6D-8FFC-9E0DDDCB2242} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-sixth-sunday-after-pentecost/a311.html?app=1 The gospel seed is to be sown over the entire world. Even as the rain and snow that God sends down from the heavens brings forth fruit from the ground, sowers may trust God for the increase. It is through the Spirit, not our skill at sowing, that ... Sun, 12 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {FD941560-131E-31EC-6D86-0605619C8284} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a309.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Abide with Me," (LBW hymn 272), a lesson from Matthew 18:1–4, and a poem by Susan Ruach: "A New Way of Struggling." Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {9246323B-A497-AE98-07DE-4FE83B4D7690} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost/a308.html?app=1 It is a good thing that God is able to do what he purposes to accomplish. Paul could not do so; neither can we. But thanks be to God that though we delight in the law but cannot perform it, Christ has fulfilled the law. In other words, we cannot ... Sun, 05 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {CB28D870-0629-CE2F-2420-0DC7185D25CC} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/hvac-fund/a306.html?app=1 Education Wing HVAC Fund Drive There are two HVAC units that will soon be replaced in the church building. They are in the education and office wing, and cover the area from the sanctuary doors through the chapel. These ... Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {0A76E306-02FC-7F74-1671-E20BE06EB9AC} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a305.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night," (LBW hymn 278), a lesson from Matthew 16:1–4, and a reading from Søren ... Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {E0BF2797-8E6A-7247-D538-E755F3C3D8D9} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/fourth-sunday-after-pentecost/a304.html?app=1 We are not divorced from keeping the law. Every one of God’s righteous rules endures forever. The Ten Commandments remain in both Scripture and the Catechism. They are there for our good and our guidance. The law, however, cannot condemn those ... Sat, 27 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {33773C65-08A4-68E7-9642-2FDE2B08BC17} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a303.html?app=1 This evening's service features the singing of the Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now the Day Is Over," (LBW hymn 280), a reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15, and another reading from Karl Barth's ... Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {DDD045D1-42A2-5197-C298-EA674DB4DA2A} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-third-sunday-after-pentecost/a302.html?app=1 “Trust and obey,” says the old hymn. Yet we might also sing, “Trust and abide.” Though one’s ministry is as unsatisfying as Jeremiah’s, as dangerous as David’s, as rigorous as Paul’s, or as treacherous as Jesus’, we are called ... Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {027EFCB0-5F3C-31D7-161A-4A12DA8E39A9} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a301.html?app=1 The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers, LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow," (LBW hymn 282) by Paul Gerhardt and Heinrich Isaac, a reading from the Apostle Paul (1 Timothy ... Wed, 17 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {E9B2DC14-37B5-CC04-7F03-14C523930676} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-second-sunday-after-pentecost/a300.html?app=1 Following on the heels of Gospel lesson for Trinity Sunday where Jesus sent the disciples into the world to baptize and teach, we see in today’s readings that all of God’s people are sent into the world as a kingdom of priests and a holy ... Sun, 14 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {F40E7B08-255D-DD0C-D9D9-12A4836825CC} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a299.html?app=1 The singing of the Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer (LBW page 142), along with the evening hymn, "O Trinity, O Blessed Light," (LBW hymn 275) by Ambrose, a reading from the Apostle John, and the reading of an ancient hymn by Hilary of Poiters Wed, 10 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {0A7689F6-0AFF-4BC6-A155-5314A2FEBA1F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/trinity-sunday/a297.html?app=1 The Holy Trinity is anticipated from the beginning. There, the Spirit is the first person of the Trinity to be named in Scripture, even before the Father. However, the one God (Deut 6:4) is expressed in the Hebrew with the plural elohim. Luke ... Sun, 07 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {BFBA6B03-FE9C-3F70-D724-8C889AA079C0} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/pentecost-sunday/a298.html?app=1 Wait for God. Too often, individuals and entire congregations rush ahead of the Spirit. They are determined to do things their way—even if that is the same old way, “the way we’ve always done it in our church.” But God is doing something ... Sun, 31 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {F5759CDF-6E67-7280-9F5E-9F8A0CF74BAA} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/ascension-sunday/a296.html?app=1 Order of Worship  Download the PDF of the Order of Worship Collect Hymn: A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Lyrics: The Veneble Bede; Music: “Geistliche Kirchengesänge,” Köln (1623) A hymn of glory ... Sun, 24 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {8139FFC6-7300-5920-AD01-02CB57DDFA41} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a293.html?app=1 In the midst of singing Vespers, readings from the Apostle Paul and from Elton Trueblood... Wed, 20 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {A0276D0A-9FB2-2594-B97A-4B06D3F032BA} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-sixth-sunday-of-easter/a292.html?app=1   Order of Worship  download the PDF Collect Hymn: Come, Thou Almighty King Lyrics: Anonymous; Music: “Italian Hymn,” Felice de Giardini (1719–1796) Come, thou Almighty King, help us thy name to ... Sun, 17 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {7E07ECAB-27E5-D1D4-8589-248D1855ACC8} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a291.html?app=1 The Lutheran Service of Evening Prayer... Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {7719673A-6FB7-0D48-6DD6-EF8E723CC624} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/a-sermon-for-the-fifth-sunday-of-easter/a290.html?app=1 A sermon for the Fifth Sunday of Easter – “Is that the way you were raised?” parents sometimes wonder aloud. We too, as children of God, are being raised in a very specific way. We are to grow up into the salvation God has ... Sun, 10 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {C7EB7266-0E28-E0FF-BEF3-C7F17FA206BF} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fifth-sunday-of-easter/a289.html?app=1   Order of Worship (download the PDF) Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020 Collect Hymn: Come, Sing Praises to Our Mothers Lyrics: Mark E. Ryman (2004); Music: “Beecher,” John Zundel (1870) Come, sing praises to ... Sat, 09 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B845D702-841A-A557-4CD0-82C0D3CB9815} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a288.html?app=1 Wed, 06 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {A32795D6-F339-5CC0-0302-C700AF3C750F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fourth-sunday-of-easter/a286.html?app=1 Order of Worship (download the PDF) The Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020 Collect Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd Is Lyrics: Henry Williams Baker; Music: St. Columbia The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth ... Sun, 03 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {1C97C00D-7675-E3E6-26EE-BB23B1996F7A} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/a-sermon-for-the-fourth-sunday-of-easter/a287.html?app=1 A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Easter – How do sheep hear the voice of their shepherd? Likely not by constant bleating. Rather, they keep an ear toward the shepherd. Otherwise, they wander off into trouble. Moreover, without an ear ... Sun, 03 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {D57B8F86-58F2-951F-1260-1943B268356C} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a285.html?app=1 Drive by Salem Lutheran Church Saturday morning at 11:00 to show Pastor Dawn your suport. Salem is located at 5080 Sherrills Ford Rd, Salisbury, NC.  Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {728F9870-DC2B-6667-1294-5C7D6B855950} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/a-sermon-for-the-third-sunday-of-easter/a284.html?app=1 A sermon for the Third Sunday of Easter – Because God is gracious and merciful, he extends forgiveness and the gift of his Spirit to all, throughout the generations. He delivers our souls from sin and death, so that we may walk with ... Sun, 26 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B43AF0A4-82C3-E96F-A5DF-A29C4CFABC92} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-third-sunday-of-easter/a283.html?app=1 Because God is gracious and merciful, he extends forgiveness and the gift of his Spirit to all, throughout the generations. He delivers our souls from sin and death, so that we may walk with him as Adam did, in the land of the living. He ... Sun, 26 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {49448527-0C0D-E6AB-726A-B677779BEBDC} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a282.html?app=1 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {5966F783-A495-5CA7-F479-A403BAF0E41F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-second-sunday-of-easter/a280.html?app=1 Order of Worship Collect Hymn: "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" I know that my Redeemer lives; what comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives, who once was dead; He lives, my everliving Head. He lives ... Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {54772B8A-0B3D-895F-9A57-2E1D8AE48126} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/a-sermon-for-the-second-sunday-of-easter/a281.html?app=1 A sermon for the Second Sunday of Easter – Watching basketball on television, one will sometimes hear the commentator say that one team has imposed their will on the game, that they will not be defeated. Sometimes it seems that the ... Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {8238D213-E38F-64A8-7CA9-4BEA87AD9A4A} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a278.html?app=1 Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {C460FBA5-B3FD-CBAC-7C60-F2FB11459BF0} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/a-sermon-for-easter-sunday/a277.html?app=1 A sermon for Easter Sunday – This is why Jesus was born, lived, suffered, and died: so that “the Lord of all” would be the good news of salvation to “everyone who believes in him,” thereby receiving ... Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {9CF12DA3-4429-C9D3-D38E-E0CFE2D5F11D} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/easter/a276.html?app=1 Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {5475A187-50B0-E2EA-1054-04BC5C899D65} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/easter-sunrise/a275.html?app=1 A sermon for Easter Sunrise – preached for Salem Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. We rejoice in the Lord's resurrection, and also this Easter, in the recovery of Salem's pastor, Rev. Dawn Rister, who the Lord has blessed ... Sun, 12 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B3C229CF-5810-8916-25A4-9AF1B7432CC0} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/good-friday/a274.html?app=1 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {6AE33D6F-A5B1-60E4-387E-8C9EB7B9A05F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/good-friday/a273.html?app=1 With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordained ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Good Friday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church.  Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {36D3ED31-0C2F-8A2F-FB62-F28C1D97DABE} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/friday-of-holy-week/a271.html?app=1 Fri, 10 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {3E1A57D2-40B3-8A45-1AF6-9108665C0D0B} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/thursday-of-holy-week/a269.html?app=1 Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {D64DAE8A-A743-6FC2-34A7-005452798621} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/maundy-thursday-at-eventide/a270.html?app=1 We were commanded under the law to love God, and our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus gives us a new command: to love each other the way he has loved us.   Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {7CF88FCE-4811-A959-64DD-6007F9BCAF1B} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/maundy-thursday/a272.html?app=1 With Pastor Rister's hospitalization, Jennifer Needham, seminarian and candidate for ordaianed ministry in the NALC, was asked to do Maundy Thursday devotions for Pr. Rister's congregation, Salem Lutheran Church.  Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {1DC73565-FFA3-FD47-0235-3F546815B08D} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/wednesday-of-holy-week/a267.html?app=1 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {6EAB3876-DE1B-0327-0044-8C4598BE10AB} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a268.html?app=1 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {F8C975BA-CCAF-BCEA-9FAE-D72E6A38E82B} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/tuesday-of-holy-week/a266.html?app=1 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {D09C3EEE-C0D3-DA40-5725-EAFFDCCD7427} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/monday-of-holy-week/a265.html?app=1 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {9A3EF607-3312-CC3E-5633-9F73FE680E64} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/palm-sunday/a262.html?app=1 This is why we know of Jesus today. Long ago, at his Father’s bidding, he came to earth to be crucified. More specifically, he lived among us so that he would die for our sins, his body broken and his blood spilled in order that ... Sun, 05 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {FA368F3C-9A84-2BFD-F307-8F5E4028274F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/palm-sunday/a264.html?app=1 A sermon for Palm Sunday – As I type this, it is a beautiful, sunny day here in North Carolina. But this is not the sort of day the psalmist had in mind when he composed, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and ... Sun, 05 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {33786202-6F0F-9E4C-A610-384A876D6ACF} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a261.html?app=1 The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), April 1, 2020 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {3F795179-0114-283F-13FD-EA5A1106844C} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fifth-sunday-in-lent/a259.html?app=1 Our thanks to Augsburg Publishing for permitting the use of their music during the pandemic.  A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in ... Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B1BC3B8A-9B8C-37DE-6D86-C12BF10C62B7} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/fifth-sunday-in-lent/a260.html?app=1 A sermon for the Fifth Sunday in Lent – A valley of long-dead bones is revivified. A dead man is raised from the grave. And we too, who were dead in our sins, dead men walking in this flesh, are raised to new life in Christ. Sun, 29 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {8936B538-1F56-35AA-4743-F9B94ED4D988} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/vespers/a258.html?app=1 The LBW Service of Evening Prayer (Vespers), March 25, 2020 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {12C1CDA2-165C-15DD-3571-31ADD0303ED6} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fourth-sunday-in-lent/a255.html?app=1 Watch this short video about getting ready for today's worship service. Please note that there is now a GIVE link at the top of every page of this website, so that you may make an online offering. A Service of Worship The Fourth ... Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {08ABF97F-B649-7650-E995-3072336C2249} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/fourth-sunday-in-lent/a257.html?app=1 A sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent – Those who would walk in the Light, must be led by the Light. Only then may they be light to others.  Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {DBD8DFB7-F88D-D506-F59D-6E7B6D8A936B} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-third-sunday-in-lent/a256.html?app=1 What do we use our mouths for—to grumble or to praise? We suffer a little and grumble about God or his servants. We thirst; we hunger; yet do we rejoice in our sufferings? Those who rejoice instead of complain, endure and ultimately, ... Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {633AEA1C-A81D-F079-98FC-6D240055E292} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/third-sunday-in-lent/a254.html?app=1 A sermon for the Third Sunday in Lent – These are difficult tiimes for our nation and the world. Is God using them so that we might be drawn to the Rock of rejoicing. Drink!  Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {1366FA8F-7B61-1665-3EE3-D535AB67D675} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/second-sunday-in-lent/a252.html?app=1 A sermon for the Second Sunday in Lent – Maybe God has called you to another city, another job, another church or family. He does so with divine purpose for your life. For when God calls us, he is calling us to himself. When we go ... Sun, 08 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {DEB1FA04-D8A1-7771-019D-A87841BC5D8E} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/first-sunday-in-lent/a250.html?app=1 A sermon for the First Sunday in Lent – God created a way to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. He has also made a way to cover our sins. This sermon considers what it is that makes people happy, and how God has provided the way to this ... Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {A0CC7F18-9CEF-E26A-B36B-7D46FFABA70D} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/ash-wednesday-2020/a251.html?app=1 A sermon for Ash Wednesday – How can we prepare for the Easter celebration of Christ's resurrection? This sermon speaks to the whys, whats, and hows of the church season of sacrifice we call Lent. Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {5A3E06A3-8E61-57F1-7C38-6DECDE8A3F7D} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/transfiguration-of-our-lord/a253.html?app=1 A sermon for the Transfiguration of Our Lord – Some of Jesus' disciples beheld him in glory and wondered what works they should do in response. We wonder much the same. And what are we to do but follow Jesus down the mountain ... Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {564A89F5-A080-4798-497F-ECE5299FF485} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany/a331.html?app=1 The immature believer thinks, What should I do? The mature Christian asks, What should I hear? For there is often a deeper word than, “Thou shalt.” This is when we hear the Lord say, “But ... Sun, 16 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {551FC1A7-DB90-ACC9-6762-CDCC6EA7D51C} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-fourth-sunday-after-the-epiphany/a332.html?app=1 The Psalm is arresting. Who may dwell with God? Only the one who walks blamelessly may do so. But who is that person apart from the righteousness of God in Christ? Though God has told us what is good, we cannot do it. We confess that we are ... Sun, 02 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {8F369E94-DD9F-75EF-03BF-16253E96E548} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-third-sunday-after-the-epiphany/a333.html?app=1 The overwhelming imagery of our readings for this Sunday is light and darkness (though in the Epistle we must work out the connection to the metaphors). A light has shone upon those who dwell in darkness. That light is the given Son of God. He is ... Sun, 26 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {D6DB492F-FC04-7BBD-046D-F0FDBB3C8B4F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-second-sunday-after-the-epiphany/a330.html?app=1 A sermon for the Second Sunday Aafter the Epiphgany, Year A, preached by seminarian Jennifer Needham Sun, 19 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {A12CBD2E-DF1A-B345-DCAF-1AFD20398CC6} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-baptism-of-our-lord/a334.html?app=1 God sends forth his servant: himself. He is no ordinary servant, but instead, one who will go to the death in order to accomplish the Lord’s mission. God’s servant fully identifies with sinners, even being baptized, and so, fulfilling ... Sun, 12 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {510AE80F-8BCD-4E23-01E6-5D0FD098E67B} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/epiphany/a325.html?app=1 Beyond the messianic theme announced by Isaiah is another great promise. Though darkness seems to cut off all light and hope, the Light who is the Lord, arises upon people of faith. Look and see the light shining in the darkness that darkness ... Sun, 05 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {91D48434-B793-597B-1E3A-2EF0E91E4F0F} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-first-sunday-after-christmas/a335.html?app=1 Herod literally carried out the law’s punishment (Rom 6:23) by killing the newborns. But Christ fulfills the law itself, redeeming us by his own death so that we may live. Though we are not worthy of the redemption that God has purchased ... Sun, 29 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {C9FABB09-8E52-99E0-5AFB-189E42B627C9} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/christmas-eve/a326.html?app=1 A decree was once made that the entire Roman Empire should be counted, so that taxes could be levied for the support of the empire. However, a greater proclamation went out long before the empire of Rome, that the government of all people would ... Tue, 24 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {DA27B762-38C7-756A-D21E-C8634ECB1BFB} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/third-sunday-of-advent/a337.html?app=1 Oh, what fools sinners are. And being poor sinners, we are such fools. Yet even foolish sinners will never go astray if they walk in the Way of Holiness. Where is this road; how do we find it? Is it a highway built by kings or princes, nations or ... Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {8905FEB5-3E65-01A7-086E-02DD3CCE3BD1} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-first-sunday-of-advent/a336.html?app=1 The season is Advent so we should not be surprised that metaphors of coming and going and traveling are used. Isaiah exhorts, let us go up to the house of the Lord, and let us walk in the light of the Lord. The psalmist is happy ... Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {EDFDD914-08A9-063B-5CBA-EA494F4B93EB} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/christ-the-king-sunday/a338.html?app=1 As the days shorten into shadows, we are exhorted to be the people who wait for the dawn. For when the light of morning comes, we will discover that God is in our midst. People of faith do not forget his presence, even in dark times. The King may ... Sun, 24 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {9B648D6E-2800-5B7B-C9F9-D89C595E69D8} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/twenty-third-sunday-after-pentecost/a339.html?app=1 The Lord is returning. That great and awesome day draws ever near. But it is not here yet. So what now? “The Lord has made known his salvation,” so now is the time for endurance. We must wait for God to to judge the world with ... Sun, 17 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {16D05ABB-A5BE-9349-D681-F054CB546345} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/twenty-second-sunday-after-pentecost/a340.html?app=1 See how God enabled Moses to not only fear him, but trust and love him? I have heard the cries of my people. How comforting it is to know our Father listens to us and hears our prayers (v7). How much more reassuring to know that he is ... Sun, 10 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {13D59724-2369-2C67-05DF-F64D9FD3D647} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/all-saints/a341.html?app=1 A sermon preached by seminarian Jennifer Needham Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {D340D75E-6054-45D7-BB4C-C1FA3A1DB111} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/reformation-sunday/a328.html?app=1 Preached at an ecumenical gathering for Reformation Sunday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, GA Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {61AC7027-DCA4-C8C1-5A0B-4D4B54F6BD88} https://stmarksnalc.org/blog/the-thirteenth-sunday-after-pentecost/a329.html?app=1 Preached at the annual Homecoming service Sun, 08 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {5C86D8AA-216A-C1F6-6D3B-5A3C6F42AD43}