Let’s take a step back in time and recall the first Christmas etched in the recesses of our memories. The excitement of witnessing the preparation of delicacies, begging to wipe the cake batter pan with our fingers, please, hearing the rustling of wrapping paper, and the distinct smell of the ham baking in the oven. Waiting with great expectation for the break of dawn when, miraculously, gifts wou...

On the last Sunday of November, the 5th Sunday of St. Mark’s 145th anniversary celebration, families and friends, young and old – the St. Mark’s Faith Community – gathered for a vibrant service which included the participation of the Choralaires and the Celestial choirs. I was happy to see so many people whom I have not seen in such a long time. The 145th Anniversary theme “A Family Reunion: Faith...

Mary sings because of a Child. Not a royal child wrapped in privilege, but a holy Child wrapped in promise. This Child is the reason her voice rises even when her life feels uncertain. He turns fear into courage and waiting into worship. Before he ever takes his first breath, he teaches her how to praise again.As we sit with her song, we settle into our own longings. This season often stirs a quie...

We have just stepped into the season of Advent, a time when the church slows its breathing and leans toward the promise of Christ. Advent is the doorway to a new year in the life of faith. It invites us to wait with intention, to watch for light in places that feel dim, and to trust that God is already moving toward us with hope, peace, joy, and love. This season reminds us that even when the worl...

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,”Psalm 107:1-2.Expressing gratitude to God is a beautiful act of worship. When we pause to recognize and praise God for all that He has done for us and for all that He has promised to do, from simple joys to extraordinary blessings, our heart...

Last Saturday morning I led our group through the study of the Lectionary Gospel scripture: Luke 21: 5-19 that dealt with the signs of the end of the age. As Jesus was predicting what was going to happen to the temple, the disciples were anxious to know when the destruction will happen, and what are the signs that they were about to take place. Three important lessons were taught to the disciples,...

This week’s devotion, written by Rev. Gina Yeske, speaks right into the season we are walking through as a church and as a community. Life stretches us in ways we do not expect, and some days the weight feels real. Still, these words remind us that even when things feel uncertain, God is steady. God is moving in quiet places, planting hope where we cannot yet see it. As you read, may you feel enco...

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament’s wisdom literature, a collection of divinely inspired practical advice for living a virtuous life. Its central message is: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and that godly wisdom shapes one’s character, decisions, relationships, knowledge and discipline. King Solomon is credited with being the primary author of this collection.As w...

As usual, my Saturday morning Bible study group choses a scripture from the Sunday’s Lectionary. We used the 9/14 Gospel lesson from Luke 15:1-10 this past weekend.  It dealt with the parables of the lost sheep and of the lost coin.  After the first reading the participants tried to respond to the question: Word, Image, or Phrase. That is a short way to ask: what does get your attention after read...

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1During my recent trip, on our way back home, we encountered turbulence on the flight. The sky grew dark, the plane shook, and for a few minutes it felt like everything was uncertain. I snapped a few pictures to remember that moment because it reminded me of life itself. We all face storms that shake us, scare us...