A MESSAGE

FROM THE PRESIDENT

OF ST. MARK'S

CONSISTORY

 

NOVEMBER 2024

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

 

As Christians we go through each day knowing God has a plan for us and a path to follow to make those plans happen.  At the same time, we as Christians go through each day questioning God's plans and His path.  We consistently throw kinks into God's plans by thinking we have a better way of doing things and a better path to take to have our plans met.

 

God knows that we are going to question the path and spometimes not end up where we are supposed to be according to His plan.  At the same time GOD NEVER leaves our side and continues to be with us for when we are ready to turn to Him for support and guidance.  God provided us with the ability to think and make decisions and choices for ouraelves.

 

As humans trying to interpret God's plan for our selves as individuals and choose the right path ro take is hard and scary, but with prayer and trust it can be done.  It is even harder to do when we are talking about the plans for Our church.  I always laugh at myself when I am having several conversations with myself on the path God wants me to take as a person when I know the only conversation I need to have is with God.  With the church you have every member having those conversations with themselves, their family, their church family and with God.  As hunabs it is hard to always agree not only on what direction to take our church but what path we should take to get there.

 

On October 20, St. Mark's held a congregational meeting where plans for the future of our church were discussed.  We listened to what those plans were, and we prayed about them as we listened to the plans being told to us.  The plans were maintenance items that need to be done and plans that would help beautify our church and make it more welcoming.  The congregation then voted and approved those plans.

 

As brothers and sisters of God's church, I know this is a scary and unknown time for our church.  No member takes these projects lightly and without questioning.  Spending money is always hard and even harder when the future is uncertain.  We as Christians need to continue to pray and support the church while questioning as we take these next steps for St. Mark's.  Always remember, God Is Still Speaking and we just need to listen to Him and trust Him.  God has plans for St. Mark's!

 

Heather Stone, Consistory President

"No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey,

you are always welcome here."

BLUE CHRISTMAS

Blue Christmas, also referred to as "The Longest Night," is a day in the Advent season when Christian denominations hold a quiet and contemplative worship service as an alternative to the the more traditional holiday gatherings.  For those experiencing grief and struggling with loss, the service is a recognition of the stress, sadness and loneliness experienced by those who have loss loved ones -- family and/or friends.

The service is traditionally held on or around the longest night of the year, falling on or around December 21st, the Winter Solstice.  Opportunities for expression of grief, pain, and heartbreak are often included in the worship service as well as the opportunity to focus on the promise of hope found in Christ during the Christmas season.

Amid many of their Christmas services, many United Church of Christ congregations are honoring those mourning the loss of a loved one.

"Advent, Christmas and the New Year create opportunities for us to minister to people's spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being," said reverend Sarah Lund, U.C.C. Minister for Disabilities and mental Health Justice in December 2022.  "It's a time of the yeare where we are vulnerable to additional stress, anxieties, feeling overwhelmed, loneliness and feelings of sadness.  We may turn to coping mechanisms that are harmful to us and others.  Some people are triggered this time of year as they navigate personal histories of trauma and unresolved grief.  It's a season that calls forth the faithful witness of the church to share  messages of hope and love for people experiencing mental health challenges and their loved ones."

While congregations are preparing for the upcoming Christmas season, many are also mindful of pain in their communities and are making space in their spiritual practices for those who may be struggling.  One of the ways that UCC churches support grieving members is through the Blue Christmas Service.

"UCC Congregations are providing meaningful worship and connection by offering Blue Christmas gatherings, a time of authentic worship during Advent and Christmas that acknowledges the complex feelings this time of years brings," Lund said.  "At a Blue Christmas Service, it is OK to not be OK.  It is OK to not feel happy, jolly, or bright.  It's OK if it is not the most wonderful time of the year."

Here at St. Mark's the opportunity exists for those experiencing grief and struggling with loss.  St. Mark's worship service usually draws small, inimate groups of those mourning the loss of a loved one.