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, (now coming to an end) 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: Jeremiah Ch 15 V 16
When Your words came, I ate them, they were my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name Oh Lord God Almighty.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your precious gift of Your word to light my way along life’s dangerous and darkened pathway. Let me never go alone stumbling in the dark, but make me use the word which You have given me and may I use the lamp and light You have put in my hand.
Father show me how to avail myself of it to the utmost. Keep me forever in the right track and enable me to help others by its Holy Light to find You, for Christ’s sake.
Amen
His spirit shines upon His Word
And makes it sweet indeed
Just like a shining lamp held up
Beside me as I read
It brings it to my mind again
At night upon my bed
‘Till all abroad within my heart
The love of God is shed.
F. R. Havergal
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.'
Prayer Changes Things
Prayer is the mightiest weapon anyone can find
Prayer makes us patient, understanding and kind
Helps us to make right decisions, clears the mind
Prayer changes things.
Sense of God’s nearness stirs us when we pray,
Prayer strengthens us for duty day by day
Transforms our lives, sheds light upon our way
Prayer changes things.
No joy or blessing can with this compare,
The power God gives to pour our souls in prayer
Pray, burdened one, bowed down with grief or care,
Prayer changes things.
Clara Simpson.