Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in San Diego’s Newsletter – Tuesday, 31 December 2013 – The Messenger

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church in San Diego’s Newsletter – Tuesday, 31 December 2013 – The Messenger

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."(C.S. Lewis)

In This Messenger:

Membership

Food Collection

Save the Date

January Concert

Join Our Mailing List

The newsletter can also be found on our website.

St. Mark's: Facebook

Find daily meditations, photos, conversations, and more.  Just click on the above link.

Pastors Sunday School

We will study the lectionary texts, which follow the church calendar.  It's an informal study, always open to all, at 8:30 a.m. in the New Room, just behind the church office.

Below are the lectionary reading for this week:

Isaiah The Futility of Reliance on Egypt

30: Oh, rebellious children, says the Lord,

who carry out a plan, but not mine;

who make an alliance, but against my will,

    adding sin to sin;

2 who set out to go down to Egypt

    without asking for my counsel,

to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh,

    and to seek shelter in the shadow of Egypt;

3 Therefore the protection of Pharaoh shall become your shame,

    and the shelter in the shadow of Egypt your humiliation.

4 For though his officials are at Zoan

    and his envoys reach Hanes,

5 everyone comes to shame

    through a people that cannot profit them,

that brings neither help nor profit,

    but shame and disgrace.

6 An oracle concerning the animals of the Negeb.

Through a land of trouble and distress,

    of lioness and roaring[a] lion,

    of viper and flying serpent,

they carry their riches on the backs of donkeys,

    and their treasures on the humps of camels,

    to a people that cannot profit them.

Footnotes:

a. Isaiah 30:6 Cn: Heb from them

Psalm 72: Prayer for Guidance and Support for the King

Of Solomon.

1 Give the king your justice, O God,

    and your righteousness to a king’s son.

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

    and your poor with justice.

3 May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,

    and the hills, in righteousness.

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

    give deliverance to the needy,

    and crush the oppressor.

5 May he live[a] while the sun endures,

    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

    like showers that water the earth.

7 In his days may righteousness flourish

    and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

Footnotes:

a. Psalm 72:5 Gk: Heb may they fear you

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles

    render him tribute,

may the kings of Sheba and Seba

    bring gifts.

11 May all kings fall down before him,

    all nations give him service.

12 For he delivers the needy when they call,

    the poor and those who have no helper.

13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,

    and saves the lives of the needy.

14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life;

    and precious is their blood in his sight.

Ephesians 3: Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

1 This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for[a] Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— 2 for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, 3 and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, 4 a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. 5 In former generations this mystery[b] was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6 that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

7 Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. 8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make everyone see[c] what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[d] God who created all things; 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.[e]

Footnotes:

a. Ephesians 3:1 Or of

b. Ephesians 3:5 Gk it

c. Ephesians 3:9 Other ancient authorities read to bring to light

d. Ephesians 3:9 Or by

e. Ephesians 3:12 Or the faith of him

Matthew The Visit of the Wise Men

2: In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men[a] from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,[b] and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah[c] was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who is to shepherd[d] my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men[e] and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising,[f] until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped,[g] they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Footnotes:

a. Matthew 2:1 Or astrologers; Gk magi

b. Matthew 2:2 Or in the East

c. Matthew 2:4 Or the Christ

d. Matthew 2:6 Or rule

e. Matthew 2:7 Or astrologers; Gk magi

f. Matthew 2:9 Or in the East

g. Matthew 2:10 Gk saw the star

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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary

Isaiah 30:1-6

XXX The prophet threatens the people for their confidence in Egypt, ver. 1-7. And contempt of God's word, ver. 8-11. Wherefore they shall be destroyed, ver. 12-17. God's mercies towards the church, ver. 18-26. God's wrath and the peoples joy in the destruction of Assyria, ver. 27-33.

Verse 1. The rebellious - The Jews. Take counsel - That consult together. Cover - That seek protection. But not - Not such as by my spirit, speaking in my word, I have required them to do. That they may add - That unto all their sins, they may add distrust of my power and mercy, and put confidence in an arm of flesh.

Verse 2. Asked - Either by the priests or prophets.

Verse 4. His princes - The princes of Judah. Hanes - An eminent city of Egypt.

Verse 5. They - Both the messengers, and they who sent them.

Verse 6. The burden - The treasures, which were carried upon asses or camels, into Egypt, which lay southward from Judea. The land of trouble - Egypt, so called prophetically. From whence - This may be understood properly, but withal, seems to design the craft and cruelty of that people. They - The Jews. Their riches - To procure their assistance. Bunches - Upon the backs.

Psalm 72:1-7,10-14

PS 72 Divers passages of this psalm, do not agree to Solomon, nor to any other king but the Messiah. It must therefore be acknowledged, that, this is a mixt psalm, belonging to Solomon imperfectly, but to Christ, clearly and fully: diverse expressions being so ordered, that the reader might be led by them to the contemplation of Christ, and of his kingdom. Which was the more necessary for the support of God's true Israel, because the spirit of God foresaw Solomon's dreadful apostacy, and the great miscarriages and calamities of his successors, and of the kingdom under their hands, and therefore was pleased to fortify their hearts with that glorious condition, which they should certainly enjoy under the Messiah. It is probable, David dictated this psalm, a little before he died, when he gave orders to proclaim Solomon king. After a short prayer for his successor, he foretells the glories of his reign, ver. 1-17. And concludes with praise to the God of Israel, ver. 18-20. A psalm for Solomon.

Verse 1. Judgments - He saith judgments in the plural number, because though the office of judging and ruling was but one, yet there were divers parts and branches, of it; in all which he begs that Solomon may be directed to do as God would have him to do.

Verse 2. Thy afflicted ones - For such are thine in a special manner, thou art their judge and patron.

Verse 3. The mountains - Which are so dangerous to passengers, in regard of robbers and wild beasts. Hereby it is implied, that other places should do so too, and that it should be common and universal.

Verse 4. Judge - Vindicate them from their oppressors.

Verse 5. Thee - Thee, O God, this shall be another blessed fruit of this righteous government, that together with peace, true religion shall be established, and that throughout all generations, which was begun in Solomon's days, but not fully accomplished 'till Christ came.

Verse 6. He shall come - Christ did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, (which is often compared to rain) and the sweet and powerful influences of his spirit.

Verse 10. The sea - Of remote countries, to which they used to go from Canaan by sea; which are frequently called isles in scripture; the kings that rule by sea or by land.

Verse 11. All nations - Which cannot be said of Solomon with any truth or colour, but was unquestionably verified in Christ,

Verse 14. Deceit and violence - The two ways whereby the lives of men are usually destroyed. Precious - He will not be prodigal of the lives of his subjects, but like a true father of his people, will tenderly preserve them, and severely avenge their blood upon those who shall shed it.

Ephesians 3:1-12

Verse 1. For this cause - That ye may be so "built together," I am a prisoner for you gentiles - For your advantage, and for asserting your right to these blessings. This it was which so enraged the Jews against him.

Verse 2. The dispensation of the grace of God given me in your behalf - That is, the commission to dispense the gracious gospel; to you gentiles in particular. This they had heard from his own mouth.

Verse 3. The mystery - Of salvation by Christ alone, and that both to Jews and gentiles. As I wrote before - Namely, chap. i, 9, 10; the very words of which passage he here repeats.

Verse 5. Which in other - In former, ages was not so clearly or fully made known to the sons of men - To any man, no, not to Ezekiel, so often styled, "son of man;" nor to any of the ancient prophets. Those here spoken of are New Testament prophets.

6. That the gentiles are joint-heirs - Of God. And of the same body - Under Christ the head. And joint-partakers of his promise - The communion of the Holy Ghost.

Verse 7. According to the gift of the grace of God - That is, the apostle- ship which he hath graciously given me, and which he hath qualified me for. By the effectual working of his power - In me and by me.

Verse 8. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given - Here are the noblest strains of eloquence to paint the exceeding low opinion the apostle had of himself, and the fulness of unfathomable blessings which are treasured up in Christ.

Verse 9. What is the fellowship of the mystery - What those mysterious blessings are whereof all believers jointly partake. Which was, in a great measure, hidden from eternity by God, who, to make way for the free exercise of his love, created all things - This is the foundation of all his dispensations.

Verse 10. That the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church - By what is done in the church, which is the theatre of the divine wisdom.

Verse 12. By whom we have free access - Such as those petitioners have, who are introduced to the royal presence by some distinguished favourite. And boldness - Unrestrained liberty of speech, such as children use in addressing an indulgent father, when, without fear of offending, they disclose all their wants, and make known all their requests.

Matthew 2:1-12

Verse 1. Bethlehem of Judea - There was another Bethlehem in the tribe of Zebulon. In the days of Herod - commonly called Herod the Great, born at Ascalon. The scepter was now on the point of departing from Judah. Among his sons were Archelaus, mentioned ver. 22; Herod Antipas, mentioned chap. xiv, and Philip, mentioned Luke iii, 19. Herod Agrippa, mentioned Acts xii, 1; &c., was his grandson. Wise men - The first fruits of the Gentiles. Probably they were Gentile philosophers, who, through the Divine assistance, had improved their knowledge of nature, as a means of leading to the knowledge of the one true God. Nor is it unreasonable to suppose, that God had favoured them with some extraordinary Revelations of himself, as he did Melchisedec, Job, and several others, who were not of the family of Abraham; to which he never intended absolutely to confine his favours. The title given them in the original was anciently given to all philosophers, or men of learning; those particularly who were curious in examining the works of nature, and observing the motions of the heavenly bodies. From the east - So Arabia is frequently called in Scripture. It lay to the east of Judea, and was famous for gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We have seen his star - Undoubtedly they had before heard Balaam's prophecy. And probably when they saw this unusual star, it was revealed to them that this prophecy was fulfilled. In the east - That is, while we were in the east.

Verse 2. To do him homage - To pay him that honour, by bowing to the earth before him, which the eastern nations used to pay to their monarchs.

Verse 4. The chief priests - That is, not only the high priest and his deputy, with those who formerly had born that office: but also the chief man in each of those twenty-four courses, into which the body of priests were divided, 1 Chron. xxiv, 6-19. The scribes were those whose peculiar business it was to explain the Scriptures to the people. They were the public preachers, or expounders of the law of Moses. Whence the chief of them were called doctors of the law.

Verse 6. Thou art in nowise the least among the princes of Judah - That is, among the cities belonging to the princes or heads of thousands in Judah. When this and several other quotations from the Old Testament are compared with the original, it plainly appears, the apostles did not always think it necessary exactly to transcribe the passages they cited, but contented themselves with giving the general sense, though with some diversity of language. The words of Micah, which we render, Though thou be little, may be rendered, Art thou little? And then the difference which seems to be here between the prophet and the evangelist vanishes away. Micah v, 2.

Verse 8. And if ye find him, bring me word - Probably Herod did not believe he was born; otherwise would not so suspicious a prince have tried to make sure work at once?

Verse 10. Seeing the star - Standing over where the child was.

Verse 11. They presented to him gifts - It was customary to offer some present to any eminent person whom they visited. And so it is, as travelers observe, in the eastern countries to this day. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh - Probably these were the best things their country afforded; and the presents ordinarily made to great persons. This was a most seasonable, providential assistance for a long and expensive journey into Egypt, a country where they were entirely strangers, and were to stay for a considerable time.

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Food Collection Sunday

Please remember to bring non perishable food items and hygiene items to church the first Sunday of the month.  All items donated will be distributed to both the Community Christian Service Agency and the Good Neighbor Center. 

Women's Retreat

Save the Date

April 4-6, 2014, St. Mark's women and their friends will once again gather at Pine Valley Bible Camp to relax, rest, refresh and restore.  Registration will begin on Sunday, February 9.  Cost is $150 and installment payments are accepted.

January Concert

Please mark your calendars for the San Diego Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir Concert on Sunday, January 19, 4:30 p.m. The Youth will serve dinner following the concert.

Wednesday Bible Study

The Wednesday Bible study will not be held on January 1, but will return on January 8 at the usual time of 5:30 p.m. in the New Room.  All are welcome to attend.

Congregational Favorite

Congratulations to Pete Jacovino, whose photo "God's Beams" won the Congregational Favorite in the recent Digital Art Show.  Pete is Audrey Derwin's son-in-law.  He has graciously donated his cash prize back to the church.  We thank him doing so.

2014 Church Calendar 

It is so important to make sure your upcoming events get on the church calendar.  The best way to do so is by coming into the church office and completing a Facility Use Request Form.  Once the completed forms are submitted to me, the events will be added to the church calendar. 

In Our Prayers:

♥  Elizabeth Branscom

♥  Craig McKinnis

♥  Beth Eller Teske

♥   Sandi Johnson

♥  Audrey Derwin

♥  Don Hess 

♥  Joe Ramsey

♥  Sue & John Kerr 

♥  Frank & Carlyn Djie

  Franki Benson 

♥  Marisa, Mitch Boyer's 

♥  Gene Hagar 

♥  Gwynn Cannon

♥  Dana Robinson 

♥  Rod Barrett

♥  Bill Burton

♥  Mitch Boyer

♥  Molly and Mack Barrett

♥  Harry Tweedie

♥  Margaret Westfall

We Remember Our Military Personnel, including

♥  Kris Brendal, Army

♥  Robert S. Chisholm, Navy

♥  Craig Clemans, Marines

♥  Paul Clemans, Air Force

♥  Blake Cross, Navy

♥  Robert Davis, Navy

♥  Brandon Dempster, Navy

♥  Samuel England, Navy

♥  Lenny Hezelett, Navy

♥  Michael Hunter, Navy

♥  Brady Jackson, Army

♥  Jeremy Munson, Navy

♥  Daniel Ness, Army

♥  Milo Riegle, Marines

♥  Casper Stalnaker, Navy

♥  Nathan Streeter, Army

♥  Robert Tarango, Navy

Our presence in worship on Sunday, December 29 was 135.

Links

St. Mark's Website

Youth News

St. Mark's School

St. Mark's UMW News

Upper Room Daily Devotion

The United Methodist Church

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Dear Friends

Happy New Year!  I hope you've had a peaceful season, and that you are looking forward to new experiences and new Craig friends in 2014.

I am very pleased to report that 2013 saw a consistent increase in worship attendance at St. Mark's over 2012.  I am also pleased to let you know that at its December meeting, the St. Mark's Church Council affirmed its desire to find ways to continue and even strengthen this growth.

As a result, we are initiating The Worship Excellence Project.  Over the next several months we will be reviewing and researching worship at St. Mark's.  As we begin, we want to assess where we are, and how we're doing.  There are three initial steps:

      We will video record and review our Sunday-morning service.  This will first be done by our worship leaders meeting as a group.  We will be watching for what works well and what does not, and seeking to be both honest and gracious with each other about every aspect of the worship service.  In a separate meeting, the recording will be viewed by a diverse group selected from the congregation.  To encourage honesty and forthrightness, this session will be led by someone outside of worship leadership, and results will be summarized, not quoted verbatim.

      We will take a very brief survey during worship, focusing on what makes a meaningful worship experience.  Again, these results will be summarized by someone outside of worship leadership.  We will not see any individual responses.

      With another group selected from the congregation, we will seek to learn, among other things, how they have encountered God in worship.

These steps will guide us as we begin to see worship at St. Mark's "from the outside in"--that is, from the perspective of a first-time visitor.  We will then seek to know as much as we can about those we seek to reach.

If we can remain clear-headed and reasonably objective, I believe the WEP can provide some excellent information that we can use both to improve worship for all of us, and to try some new approaches.

Speaking of new approaches, Bishop Minerva Carcana has asked all churches in the California-Pacific Annual Conference to take a moment for discernment during worship this Sunday, as we celebrate the Epiphany.  We will view a brief video by the bishop, after which we'll complete a three-question survey.  Your participation is important for the future of the United Methodist Church!  I hope you'll be in worship this Sunday.

See you then!

Craig

Holiday Hours

The church office will close on Tuesday, December 31 at noon and remain closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2014.

New Members Class

If you are interested in becoming a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church an information class will meet in the New Room on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at 10:45 with Rev. Jeri.  New Members will be presented on Sunday, January 12, 2014 during Worship.

Many, Many Thanks! by Malinda Whiteley

Thank you to the many people who assist me in the church office with various duties.  You are truly appreciated and are such a vital part of all that is accomplished on a daily basis.  I am grateful for each and every one of you and thank the Lord for blessing me with such a fine group to work with.  I pray that your holidays are filled with much laughter and joy!  

Next Week at a Glance

Sunday, January 5, 2014 

9:00 A.M.    Youth Fellowship/Rm 10

9:30 A.M.    Worship

10:45 A.M.  Joyful Noise Choir/CR

11:00 A.M.  New Member Info Session/NR                                Blood Pressure Screening/NR

12:00 P.M.  Tongan Fellowship Worship

Monday, January 6, 2014

4:00 P.M.   UMW Dist. Mtg/Lib

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/Sanc

6:00 P.M.   Carillon Bells/SH

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/Sanc

6:30 P.M.   Sticky Faith Info Session/NR

                Tinitus Support Group/Rm 10

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

10:00 A.M.  Friendship Circle/NR

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/Sanc

                 Peace Ringers/SH

5:30 P.M.   Bible Study/NR

6:00 P.M.   Glory Ringers/SH

Thursday, January 9, 2014

4:30 P.M.   Hallelujah and Cherub Choirs/CR

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/Sanc

5:20 P.M.   Chimes/SH

7:00 P.M.   Chancel Choir/CR

                 Boy Scouts/SH

Friday, January 10, 2014

4:30 P.M.   Hallelujah and Cherub Choirs/CR

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/San

Saturday, January 11, 2014

5:00 P.M.   Tongan Prayer Week/San

Sunday, January 12, 2014

7:45 A.M.   Pancake Breakfast/SH

9:00 A.M.    Youth Fellowship/Rm 10

9:30 A.M.    Worship

10:45 A.M.  Joyful Noise Choir/CR

12:00 P.M. Tongan Fellowship Worship

*If you have any questions or would like to add an event to the church calendar, please contact Malinda Whiteley, Church Secretary at 858-273-1480 ext.10 or smumcsdoffice@gmail.com.

Staff Office Hours

Rev. Craig Dorval

Senior Minister 

Monday - Thursday   

10:30 A.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Rev. Jeri Newell-Davis

Associate Minister      

Tuesday - Friday  

9 A.M. - 3 P.M.

Spencer Topham

Youth Director

Tuesday 9 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Wednesday 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.

Malinda Whiteley, 

Church Secretary

Monday - Friday

8 A.M. - 3 P.M.

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About Us:

St. Mark's United Methodist Church

3502 Clairemont Drive

San Diego, California 92117

(858)273-1480

Rev. Craig Dorval, Senior Minister

Rev. Jeri Newell-Davis, Associate Minister

M'Lu Colbourn, Director of St. Mark's Preschool

Frank Williams, Music Director

Craig McIlwain, Organist

Jo Anne Hammond, Director, Carillon Bells

Robin Haber, Director, Glory Ringers and Peace Ringers

Christina Peer, Director, Chimes

Cheryl Eubanks, Children's Choir Accompanist

Spencer Topham, Youth Director

Marya Chuong, Website

Malinda Whiteley, Church Secretary

Angel Cardenas, Church Custodian

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