Dear Friends,
For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes.
Dag Hammerskjold
So, Jesus is speaking to a group of several thousand people. In the evening when they begin to get restless and hungry, the disciples assume that they can walk to the neighboring town, and that that will take care of it. In those days, someone coming to your door and asking for food was not seen as unusual or an inconvenience. The opportunity to extend hospitality to a stranger was considered a gift.
But Jesus says to his disciples, no, YOU feed them. The disciples are surprised at this, and have no idea how such a thing might be possible. When they explain to Jesus that they can't do that because there's not enough food, he says bring the food to me. He looks to heaven, blesses and breaks the bread, and there's plenty to feed everyone, with lots left over.
What Jesus did was a shock to our system. The world where five loaves and two fish can feed thousands is very foreign to us, and very different from how most of our world lives.
This story comes right from the heart of the Gospel, and, in the face of a mysterious miracle, it carries a very practical message: the prevailing worldview (or paradigm) must change. For hope to grow and for love to become the central principle of living, we need to step into the limitlessness of God's grace.
We need to change.
Change was fully on display at the sessions of the California-Pacific Annual Conference in June. In church, beginning on August 10, we'll hear from our delegates, each of whom has an interesting story to share!
See you at the bay (8:30 a.m.), and in church!
Craig
Remember the Future: A Leadership Devotion
Praying for the Church and Change
This is an Important Time for St. Mark's!
Be Part of It!
As we head into the fall, I invite you to be part of a church-wide daily devotion called Remember the Future. It calls leaders and friends of St. Mark's to courageous new conversations with readings that cultivate hope, renew vision, and keep us attentive to the mission of Christ.
The devotion will take about 10 minutes a day, and there will be opportunities to meet weekly or participate online for those who are interested. The daily study begins Monday, August 18 and runs through Sunday, September 14, and books will be available starting on August 3. Books are free, with a suggested donation of $5 (designated to Adult Ministries).
Also, please save the date: Saturday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a church-wide planning retreat.
All are invited. Thanks.
Craig
Memorial Garden Plaques
Are you aware that there is a dedicated Memorial Garden area at St. Mark's? It is the outside upper terrace in front of the church, including the walled deck with trees and plants, and the Memorial Wall. The posts of the Wall hold memorial plaques, dedicated to deceased loved ones as a way to memories of them alive. An accompanying book of biographies with a page for each of those identified by the plaques is inside the Narthex near the Memorial Wall.
Each year we offer the ordering of bronze plaques for deceased former pastors, members, constituents and their immediate families. Plaques may be ordered with either one name (minimum donation of $500) or two names (minimum donation of $750), with the costs covering purchase of the plaques, their installation and dedication, and maintenance of the Memorial Garden.
If you would like to dedicate a plaque, please obtain a Memorial Garden Wall brochure from the church office. The brochure provided much more information, and includes an order form. Orders and payments must be received by August 24 to be included in this year's All Saints Sunday dedication on November 2. If you have further questions, please contact Ron or Donna Newby (858)278-4482) or other members of the St. Mark's Memorials Committee.
Scholarship Recipients
Here's a list of St. Mark's members who are off to college in August or September. We encourage you to stay in touch via the e-mail addresses below, or by writing to their home address. Contact Donna Newby if you'd like to send text messages or "friend" them on Facebook.
DENISE BELL
SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE
NURSING
denise-bell@hotmail.com
NERISSA BRADLEY
CAL STATE/NORTHRIDGE
LIBERAL STUDIES
nerissabradley.822@my.csun.edu
CAROL BROWN
CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
MASTERS OF DIVINITY
cbrown83@san.rr.com
EMILY CULP
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
SOCIAL WORK
coast2coastgirl@gmail.com
TYLER CULP
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
ENGINEERING
tculp123@gmail.com
JILLISA DICKERSON
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE
BUSINESS
jillisadickerson@gmail.com
REBECCA DICKERSON
STERLING COLLEGE/STERLING KS
BIOLOGY
rdickerson@sterling.edu
KELLIE BELL DONNELLY
SAN DIEGO MESA COLLEGE
DENTAL HYGIENE
kb.bell09@gmail.com
NICOLE GONGORA
CSU FULLERTON
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
NKGongora@yahoo.com
KATIE GUEVARA
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
ENGLISH
katherineguevara78@gmail.com
MICHAEL GUEVARA
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
geode@san.rr.com
SAM HIGGINS
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
COMPUTER ENGINEERING
samh532@gmail.com
BRIAN MUGG
UC IRVINE
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
brianmugg@gmail.com
CHRIS PETERSON
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS/CHAMPAIGN
MASTERS/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
cdpeters1@gmail.com
KYLE PLUTCHAK
UCLA
COMPUTER SCIENCE
kplutchak@gmail.com
MICO RAMOS
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
FILM
mico.o.ramos@gmail.com
ALEXANDRA STRAUSSER
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
UNDECIDED
astrauser@uoregon.edu
ASHLEY WILLIAMS
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
BIOLOGY
kemspeckle@yahoo.com
JUDI WRIGHT
SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE
NURSING
jforjudi01@gmail.com
Next Week at a Glance
Sunday, August 3, 2014
8:30 A.M. Beach Worship/MB
Summer Choir Rehearsal/Sanc
9:30 A.M. Worship
12:00 P.M. Tongan Fellowship Worship
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
6:30 P.M. Welcome/Inviting/NR
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
10:30 A.M. Care Corps/NR
5:30 P.M. Bible Study/NR
Thursday, August 7, 2014
7:00 P.M. Boy Scouts/SH
Sunday, August 10, 2014
7:45 A.M. Pancake Breakfast/SH
8:30 A.M. Beach Worship/MB
Summer Choir Rehearsal/Sanc
9:30 A.M. Worship
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.
Rev. George Rosemier
Minister of Visitation
Wednesday 11 A.M. - noon
Malinda Whiteley,
Church Secretary
Monday - Friday
8 A.M. - 3 P.M.
About Us
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
3502 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, California 92117
(858)273-1480
To contact any member of our staff, visit our staff information page.
Rev. Craig Dorval, Senior Minister
Rev. Jeri Newell-Davis, Associate Minister
Rev. George Rosemier, Minister of Visitation
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
Marya Chuong, Website
Malinda Whiteley, Church Secretary
Angel Cardenas, Church Custodian
Save the Date:
Saturday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a church-wide planning retreat. All are invited.
Pastors Sunday School
Pastor's Sunday School will resume on September 7, 2014.
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:
Genesis 32:22-31
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:13-21
Genesis 32:22-23 But during the night he got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants, and his eleven children and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He got them safely across the brook along with all his possessions.
24-25 But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he couldn’t get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob’s hip out of joint.
26 The man said, “Let me go; it’s daybreak.”
Jacob said, “I’m not letting you go ’til you bless me.”
27 The man said, “What’s your name?”
He answered, “Jacob.”
28 The man said, “But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.”
29 Jacob asked, “And what’s your name?”
The man said, “Why do you want to know my name?” And then, right then and there, he blessed him.
30 Jacob named the place Peniel (God’s Face) because, he said, “I saw God face-to-face and lived to tell the story!”
31-32 The sun came up as he left Peniel, limping because of his hip. (This is why Israelites to this day don’t eat the hip muscle; because Jacob’s hip was thrown out of joint.)
Psalm 17: A David Prayer
1-2 Listen while I build my case, God,
the most honest prayer you’ll ever hear.
Show the world I’m innocent—
in your heart you know I am.
3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night—
You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.
My words don’t run loose.
4-5 I’m not trying to get my way
in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
your Word’s way.
I’m staying on your trail;
I’m putting one foot
In front of the other.
I’m not giving up.
6-7 I call to you, God, because I’m sure of an answer.
So—answer! bend your ear! listen sharp!
Paint grace-graffiti on the fences;
take in your frightened children who
Are running from the neighborhood bullies
straight to you.
15 And me? I plan on looking
you full in the face. When I get up,
I’ll see your full stature
and live heaven on earth.
Romans 9: God Is Calling His People
1-5 At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow. It’s an enormous pain deep within me, and I’m never free of it. I’m not exaggerating—Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It’s the Israelites . . . If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I’d do it in a minute. They’re my family. I grew up with them. They had everything going for them—family, glory, covenants, revelation, worship, promises, to say nothing of being the race that produced the Messiah, the Christ, who is God over everything, always. Oh, yes!
Matthew 14: Supper for Five Thousand
13-14 When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.
15 Toward evening the disciples approached him. “We’re out in the country and it’s getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper.”
16 But Jesus said, “There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper.”
17 “All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish,” they said.
18-21 Jesus said, “Bring them here.” Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary:
Genesis 32:22-31
Verse 24
[24] And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Very early in the morning, a great while before day. Jacob had helped his wives and children over the river, and he desired to be private, and was left alone, that he might again spread his cares and fears before God in prayer. While Jacob was earnest in prayer, stirring up himself to take hold on God, an angel takes hold on him. Some think this was a created angel, one of those that always behold the face of our Father. Rather it was the angel of the covenant, who often appeared in a human shape, before he assumed the human nature. We are told by the prophet, Hosea 12:4, how Jacob wrestled, he wept and made supplication; prayers and tears were his weapons. It was not only a corporal, but a spiritual wrestling by vigorous faith and holy desire.
Verse 25
[25] And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
The angel prevailed not against him - That is, this discouragement did not shake his faith, nor silence his prayer. It was not in his own strength that he wrestled, nor by his own strength that he prevails; but by strength derived from heaven. That of Job illustrates this, Job 23:6. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; had the angel done so, Jacob had been crushed; but he would put strength in me: and by that strength Jacob had power over the angel, Hosea 12:3. The angel put out Jacob's thigh, to shew him what he could do, and that it was God he was wrestling with, for no man could disjoint his thigh with a touch. Some think that Jacob felt little or no pain from this hurt; it is probable be did not, for he did not so much as halt 'till the struggle was over, Genesis 32:31, and if so, that was an evidence of a divine touch indeed, which wounded and healed at the same time.
Verse 26
[26] And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Let me go — The angel, by an admirable condescension, speaks Jacob fair to let him go, as God said to Moses, Exodus 32:10. Let me alone. Could not a mighty angel get clear of Jacob's grapples? He could; but thus he would put an honour upon Jacob's faith and prayer. The reason the angel gives why he would be gone is because the day breaks, and therefore he would not any longer detain Jacob, who had business to do, a journey to go, a family to look after.
And he said, I will not let thee go except thou bless me — He resolves he will have a blessing, and rather shall all his bones be put out of joint, than he will go away without one. Those that would have the blessing of Christ must be in good earnest, and be importunate for it.
Verse 27
[27] And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
What is thy name? — Jacob (saith he) a supplanter, so Jacob signifies. Well, (faith the angel) be thou never so called any more: thou shalt be called Israel, a prince with God. He is a prince indeed, that is a prince with God; and those are truly honourable that are mighty, in prayer. Yet this was not all; having, power with God, he shall have power with men too; having prevailed for a blessing from heaven, he shall, no doubt, prevail for Esau's favour. Whatever enemies we have, if we can but make God our friend, we are well enough; they that by faith have power in heaven, have thereby as much power on earth as they have occasion for.
Verse 29
[29] And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Wherefore dost thou ask after my name? — What good will it do thee to know that? The discovery of that was reserved for his death-bed, upon which he was taught to call him Shiloh. But instead of telling him his name, he gave him his blessing, which was the thing he wrestled for; he blessed him there, repeated and ratified the blessing formerly given him. See how wonderfully God condescends to countenance and crown importunate prayer? Those that resolve though God slay them, yet to trust in him, will at length be more than conquerors.
Verse 30
[30] And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Peniel — That is, the face of God, because there he had seen the appearance of God, and obtained the favour of God.
Verse 31
[31] And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
He halted on his thigh — And some think he continued to do so to his dying day. If he did, he had no reason to complain, for the honour and comfort he obtained by his struggle was abundantly sufficient to countervail the damage, though he went limping to his grave.
Psalm 17:1-7, 15
Verse 1
[1] Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
The right — Regard my righteous cause.
Verse 2
[2] Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
Sentence — Judgment on my behalf.
Come — From thy tribunal.
Verse 3
[3] Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Proved — Or, searched or tried it, by many temptations and afflictions.
Night — When mens minds being freed from the distraction of business, and from the society of men, they act more vigorously and freely, according to their several inclinations.
Tried — As gold-smiths do metals.
Nothing — Nothing of unrighteousness.
Purposed — I have resolved, upon deliberation, as the word implies.
Mouth — I am so far from practising against Saul's life, as they charge me, that I will not wrong him so much as in a word.
Verse 4
[4] Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
Concerning — Observing the works of the men of this age, how wicked they are, I was resolved to take more care in ordering my own actions.
By — By the help of thy blessed word.
Paths — The customs and practices.
Destroyer — Or, of the violent man: such as Saul, and his courtiers and soldiers.
Verse 7
[7] Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
By — By thy great power.
Verse 15
[15] As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
I will — I do not place my portion in earthly treasures, but in beholding God's face, in the enjoyment of God's presence and favour; which is enjoyed in part in this life, but not fully.
Satisfied — The time is coming, wherein I shall be abundantly satisfied with beholding thy face.
Awake — When I arise from he dead.
Likeness — With the image of God stamped upon my glorified soul.
Romans 9:1-5
Verse 1
[1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
In Christ — This seems to imply an appeal to him.
In the Holy Ghost — Through his grace.
Verse 2
[2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
I have great sorrow — A high degree of spiritual sorrow and of spiritual Joy may consist together, Romans 8:39. By declaring his sorrow for the unbelieving Jews, who excluded themselves from all the blessings he had enumerated, he shows that what he was now about to speak, he did not speak from any prejudice to them.
Verse 3
[3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
I could wish — Human words cannot fully describe the motions of souls that are full of God. As if he had said, I could wish to suffer in their stead; yea, to be an anathema from Christ in their place. In how high a sense he wished this, who can tell, unless himself had been asked and had resolved the question? Certainly he did not then consider himself at all, but only others and the glory of God. The thing could not be; yet the wish was pious and solid; though with a tacit condition, if it were right and possible.
Verse 4
[4] Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Whose is the adoption, … — He enumerates six prerogatives, of which the first pair respect God the Father, the second Christ, the third the Holy Ghost.
The adoption and the glory — That is, Israel is the first-born child of God, and the God of glory is their God, Deuteronomy 4:7; Psalms 106:20. These are relative to each other. At once God is the Father of Israel, and Israel are the people of God. He speaks not here of the ark, or any corporeal thing. God himself is "the glory of his people Israel." And the covenants, and the giving of the law - The covenant was given long before the law. It is termed covenants, in the plural, because it was so often and so variously repeated, and because there were two dispositions of it, Galatians 4:24, frequently called two covenants; the one promising, the other exhibiting the promise.
And the worship, and the promises — The true way of worshipping God; and all the promises made to the fathers.
Verse 5
[5] Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
To the preceding, St. Paul now adds two more prerogatives. Theirs are the fathers - The patriarchs and holy men of old, yea, the Messiah himself.
Who is over all, God blessed for ever — The original words imply the self-existent, independent Being, who was, is, and is to come.
Over all — The supreme; as being God, and consequently blessed for ever. No words can more dearly express his divine, supreme majesty, and his gracious sovereignty both over Jews and, gentiles.
Matthew 14:13-21
Verse 13
[13] When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
Jesus withdrew into a desert place — 1. To avoid Herod: 2. Because of the multitude pressing upon him, Mark 6:32: and 3. To talk with his disciples, newly returned from their progress, Luke 9:10: apart - From all but his disciples. John 6:1.
Verse 15
[15] And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
The time is now past — The usual meal time. Mark 6:35; Luke 9:12.
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'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.'(Matthew 25:37b - 40)
Your Help Is Needed!
St. Mark's is working with CCSA to bring hydration to those who wait in line for their commodities on the fourth Thursday of each month. We are looking for people who would like to serve water bottles to CCSA clients on a monthly basis. St. Mark's will provide the water bottles and carts to transport the water; water bearers will distribute them from 7- 10 AM.
The sign-up sheet is in the office. And please do not forget your food donations to CCSA on the First Sunday of each month. Collection bins are now located in the Sanctuary at the altar railing.
Financial Statements
There are still about 70 financial giving statements which have not been claimed. Please take yours home this week. Statements will be on the patio Sunday morning, and are on the office counter during this week.
Remember
A celebration of life service for Nancy Hedin will be held at St. Mark's on August 7 at 2:30 p.m.
In Our Prayers
♥ Deanna Marshall
♥ Ken Johnson
♥ Michelle and Jack Innis
♥ Phyllis Mosher
♥ Don Williams
♥ Rachel Caldwell
♥ Roger Silliman
♥ Mia Fely
♥ Mindy Eubanks Stalnaker
♥ George Riley
♥ Harry Meyer
♥ Lois and Joe Ramsey
♥ Lorretta Schaffer
♥ Renae Pierce
♥ Franki Benson
♥ Gene Hagar
♥ Dana Robinson
♥ Rod Barrett
♥ Mitch Boyer
♥ Margaret Westfall
♥ Bill Burton
We Remember Our Military Personnel, including:
♥ Kris Brendal, Army
♥ Robert S. Chisholm, Navy
♥ Craig Clemans, Marines
♥ Paul Clemans, Air Force
♥ Blake Cross, 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, July 27 was 154
Links
St. Mark's Website
Youth News
St. Mark's School
St. Mark's UMW News
Upper Room Daily Devotion
The United Methodist Church
St. Mark's: Facebook
Find daily meditations, photos, conversations, and more. Just click on the above link.
Click here to listen to Sunday's sermon
The newsletter can also be found on our website.
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
3502 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117 United States
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