The St Mark's e-pulpit
We in St Mark's believe in the Holy Trinity, that Jesus Christ was born of the virgin Mary, was crucified for our sins, rose again on the third day and ascended into heaven from where he will return to reign for evermore. We believe that our salvation comes only through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and our acceptance of Him as our Lord and Saviour.
These beliefs are confirmed in the words of the Apostles' Creed (CH3 Hymn 546) repeated by the Congregation when we gather as a family around The Lord's Table.
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Rev Mark Rodgers |
During the vacancy, following the retiral of John Watson the congregation is supported by our Interim Moderator, Rev Mark Rodgers and by Locum Minister, Rev Michael Phillippo.
There can be no substitute for hearing God's word than to be in church listening to the minister preach, Sunday by Sunday. This is not always possible however and on this page we hope to bring you at least a part of God's message through suggested readings and words of prayer and encouragement.
God's Daily Promises
Reading: 2nd Corinthians Ch 5 V 20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf. Be reconciled to God.
Prayer:
Father give me a heart that is full of love and compassion so that wherever I go I may go with the very presence of Christ. May I have a heart of pity and patience for those who are tempted and for those who have fallen. May I, with Your help, Iift them up and help them to stand.
Father You have shown us in Jesus Christ how we can be the friends of men and women and how we can help them to find that which they have not yet found.
Teach me how to be a friend to those whom nothing but fellowship with You can save, for Christ’s sake I pray.
Amen
Many sheep are lost and straying
In the paths of sin and night
Love can seek them, grace can win them
Back to God and to the right.
A.G Fisher.
A Prayer for Today and Everyday
How is it Father that we can ever imagine you have gone off and left us to manage on our own without you? How is it we can ever imagine you have forgotten us, even for a short time.
Often in our lives we forget. We think we are strong enough to cope on our own without you and then we realise just how vulnerable we are. Be with all your people Lord, even those who may turn their backs upon you. Help them to know that without you there can be no miracles but with you everything is possible. All of this we ask in Jesus' name.
Amen
Footprints
(Anon.)
One night a man had a dream, He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
'Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.?
The Lord replied: 'My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.'