Daily Encourager – April 4, 2020

The whole earth is at rest and quiet; they break forth into singing. – Isaiah 14:7

Today is Saturday, for those who are much like me, and have found every day just simply runs together.  Today is a day for rest, even if we have been doing that all week, a time to put on some music and just enjoy that we are living.  Today’s encouragement comes from our church musician, reminding us of the joy of singing.

I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your daily emails with thoughts to keep my spirits buoyed and reminders to stay focused on the strength of God in trying times. I believe this is a wonderfully insightful way to keep our church family unified in spirit, if we can't be unified in body.

You referenced the Doxology [earlier], and I was (slightly) disappointed that I had figured out that it lasted twenty seconds myself! ( I must be slipping!) But it reminded me of all the singing I have done, aloud and in my head, over the past couple of weeks. How hymns and contemporary songs that fit the moment have come to mind and I find myself humming along.

I know that people in the congregation know that music is important to me, but in reality, it's much more than that. Music has pervaded my life. It is a necessity. As a young kid (and I mean 1st and 2nd grade young), I tried all the sports available to me, and I was terrible at all of them. I quit every one of them. One day, though, my parents took us to hear a piano concert at a local church. I don't even remember who the pianist was, but I was awe-struck. On the way back home, I told my parents that I wanted to play the piano. I'm pretty sure I could hear their eyes rolling up there in the front seat of the car. They talked about it, and then came and talked to me; they were willing to find me a teacher and get a piano, but if I started this, they wouldn't allow me to just quit. They asked me to think about it; when I returned with an answer, I said, "I want to do take lessons." They were true to their word, and they held me to my word! Fortunately for all of us, it was the thing that God had gifted me with ability. I had found my niche.

Today, my mom is lying in a hospital bed at their house, waiting for God's ultimate healing. The dementia has robbed us of her wonderful, loving spirit and beautiful singing. Many days we get very little response from her. Often, however, when we play music on the computer in the room and start to sing along with the voices of the choir, we see her lips moving. Occasionally, I'll even hear the alto line of the hymn coming from her voice.

Music is my life. And right now life is really topsy-turvy, and I lean on it heavily. That's why the Doxology reference was so helpful to me. I connected with that.

It made me think of the singing references in the Psalms, which of course are songs in themselves. Psalm 100:2 comes to mind:  "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." However, I think Psalm 126 may say more about how I feel, confined and cooped up with this pandemic.

1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
    our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
    like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
    will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
    carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
    carrying sheaves with them.

We are called to carry on; to continue to sow the seeds, even in weeping. But we know our reward will be music: rejoicing and songs of joy. I'm singing them now just in anticipation! – Edward Pierce

I hope you can find your song to sing today, and join us in singing and worshiping tomorrow.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – April 3, 2020

When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home.
– John 11:20

When we think of Mary and Martha, typically we go to Luke chapter 10.  We read there the story of how Martha is busy with many tasks, because there are a number of guests in their home, and she is trying to do everything she can to offer hospitality to Jesus, and those who are with him.  All the while, Mary, Martha’s sister, is sitting at the feet of Jesus learning from every word he speaks.

This story, however, is not the only that mentions these female disciples, Mary and her sister Martha.  In John’s gospel, we find that Jesus is near Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha, when their brother, Lazarus, dies.  Jesus delays his coming, but when he arrives, he finds the scene of a prolonged funeral.  There are weepers who are crying, Martha hears that Jesus has arrived, and she actively runs out to meet him.

However, in a small porting of that passage we read that Mary stays home. Now, Mary eventually is called out of the house to meet Jesus, and her exchange is much like Martha’s exclaiming to Jesus, “if you had been here, our brother would not have died…” 

We know that Lazarus does not stay dead.  In just a moment, Jesus will have the tomb opened and call Lazarus out, and he will live again.

Right now, we may feel like Lazarus, we have been given the order to stay at home by the governor.  We are realizing that we will not be able to gather at the church for Easter, or any time in the near future.  Yet, in reality we are not Lazarus, we still have life.  Instead, I think we are more like Mary.  We feel the death around us, but we have a hope that our Savior will come. 

Now, I don’t know why Mary stayed in the house when the announcement was made that Jesus had come.  But I imagine it was because of her belief in Jesus that she stayed home.  She knew he would take the pain and the suffering away.  She had a faith that life was about to happen.  She stayed until Jesus called her out, and one day Jesus is going to call us out too.

Until that time, let us stay home like Mary; let us be in prayer, let us study, let us wait with great anticipation for life to begin again. We can and will still connect via the technology that we have, and we will still proclaim the goodness, the greatness of God, and the joy of resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

The church is not dead, and even though our building is empty, the church is alive, and it is working as we do all that we can in faith, in hope, and in love - but the greatest of these is love.  I hope and pray that the love of God might grow in us, and towards others, as we wait with patient hope the days of celebration when we can gather again.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – April 2, 2020

May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. – Psalm 20:2

I hope you will take the time today to read the entirety of Psalm 20. It is a prayer that speaks to us who very much need to hear of a victory right now. 

This psalm was something of a prayer to God on behalf of the Davidic king of Israel. The people of Israel apparently would sing this song as a prayer to God to deliver their king – maybe right before a battle. Their fate was wrapped up with their king’s. If he won, they won. If he lost, they lost. It was in their best interest, for the king to win. So, they would pray to God on behalf and for their leader.

Today, we read this psalm, and while we know that our true king is Jesus, who with God and the Holy Spirit are working for our best interest. We also know that we have those who govern over us, who need protection, who need support, for whom we need to pray.  Beyond them, we pray for those who fight the battle, and we hope with great expectation that one day, and soon, we will see a victory in which we are eagerly awaiting.

The need for support is great on all levels. We all need encouragement, we all need prayer, we are all seeking a victory, and a time in which we no longer have to fear gathering together. We know that from the Lord our help will come, and we pray he will remember us, as has been the prayer from the people of God throughout the centuries.

The reality of the impact caused by this virus, and our time away from one another, is also great.  For many it has meant a time of financial uncertainty, and the church definitely feels this uncertainty.  We have tried to cut back on our spending, on utilities, in ministry areas, in any way that we can, but we still have bills that need to be paid, we still want to offer support to our community, and our staff.  The need for support is great here as well.  As a sign of our worship, we bring our tithes and offerings to the church, many of us do this by placing cash or checks in the offering plate.  However, we aren’t able to gather and do so now.  So, I’m asking for your support as we enter into this new month.

I realize that some of you may be dealing with your own financial burdens because of this time. If this is the case, please know we want you to be able to take care of your needs. However, if you are able to fulfill your commitment, or offer some of your gifts to the church, please know we use these to continue the ministry of this wonderful place, rooting deeper and reaching farther for the glory of God. 

Right now we offer 3 ways to support St. Mark Finacially:

1. You can mail your tithe/offering check to: PO BOX 11007 Knoxville, TN 37939-1007

2. You can give online at: stmarkknox.org, click give then give online, the process is very easy.

3.  Call us. There are times when someone is in the office, and if you would like to drop your check off in person, we will be there to greet you and receive your gift.

Though we are not able to gather in our sanctuary at St. Mark, we know that the Lord God will send help from the sanctuary of your heart, and from the Holy Mountain of Zion.

May we shout for joy over the Lord’s victory, and in the name of our God. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – April 1, 2020

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
- Romans 15:13

The words that Paul speaks to the Romans as forever rich.  Even though we are so distant from them now, they speak to us life, truth, and hope even in our current situation.  Romans, I find to be unique in the letters of Paul because it is written to a people who are almost entirely Gentile, yet are very educated as Romans citizens would have been.  We must remember that much of our modern world is based on the society that was developed by the Roman empire. 

So, when Paul is writing to the Romans he is writing both as an educated man, and as someone who has a great understanding of the righteousness of Jesus Christ offered without price.

Therefore, we can look at the hope of which Paul writes, and is offered through the Holy Spirit. We should realize that it this hope that fill us and completes us in God’s joy and peace, but only as we trust Him (or as some translations say: “believe in Him”).  Herein we find is a matter of the heart which requires us to let go of what we know that we are capable of doing, to let God have control and let Him give us the peace that is not based on our ability to strive and overcome, but on God’s ability to save and sustain us. 

I believe it is this sustaining, saving peace that Jesus had as He trusted and was faithful to God the Father that though he would endure the pain and suffering of the cross, God would bring the salvation through such faithfulness.  This is the true fulfillment of the Law, to trust in God no matter the cost and follow Him to the cross, if necessary, and be led beyond into the true hope and power of the Holy Spirit.

We are all learning a new system of trust in these days of isolation.  We are all clinging to something that brings hope.  As the days go on, may we find that our greatest hope is the hope we have already placed in our trust of Jesus Christ, knowing that in him we can let go of fear, for we have no fear, even in death, for in Him is only life and love.

I pray, the love of Christ brings you this great hope today.
Sam

More words of encouragement: in Romans 12:12 it says “be patient in tribulation”. This is certainly a time when we all need patience. With God’s help we can be patient and see this through. – Donna Judd

Daily Encourager – March 31, 2020

My loved ones and friends stand back from my affliction, and my relatives stand at a distance. – Psalm 38:11

I don’t know if I can emphasis enough, the beauty of the psalms.  The psalms are written with every human emotion.  Sure, many are praises to God, but it is amazing the psalms of lamentation, were we see the soul of someone crying out in distress, seemingly depressed because of their condition, living in fear of enemies, and so on.  The psalms give us a glimpse into understanding that the God who created us, gave us these emotions and we can use them to turn to God. 

As I was reading the psalms, I came again to Psalm 38, and like anything else, we tend to read within our current context or frame of mind.  I encourage you to read the entirety of this psalm, as you have time, today.  David is the attributed writer, and he is challenged by a feeling of remembering his sin.  He feels abandoned by God, and feels isolated because of his iniquity.

Some of us may feel isolated right now, and it is possible that in our safer at home mandate, the mind has more time to wonder, to worry, to be concerned with the world, and even more so with self.  Please hear this, God has not abandoned us, and God has not abandoned you.

Even when we are alone, God is with us.  Even when we don’t know it, can’t feel it, even in our doubt and brokenness, God is with us.  That is the beauty of hope, knowing that the God who created the universe chooses, also, to be in the midst of it with us.

So, take a deep breath this morning, and know God is here.  May it give you the strength, the comfort, the peace for today, and even more hope for tomorrow.  Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – March 30, 2020

Surely he has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:4-6

In the midst of one of Isaiah’s prophecies of a coming savior, Isaiah sees one who is coming to take away the diseases and the infirmities of the world.  For Isaiah, the disease is people’s disregard for the Lord’s commandments.  Yet, the one who will take them away will do so by taking on the wounds and punishment meant for the afflicted, and it is by his wounds that we are healed.

As we enter a new week of staying at home to keep others safe, and as we hear that these mandates from the government have been extended to the end of April, I am feeling a little more the exile we are experiencing from the church. I miss being with our church, yet I know that this is best to protect us all.

My heart is also sinking as I hear the escalating number of confirmed cases, and even more so with the escalating number of deaths. 

The ones trying to save us, the healthcare professionals, are making due without some much needed supplies. They are working long hard hours, and many of them are now starting to show symptoms of the very disease they have been treating.  They are exemplifying Isaiah’s words of the obedient servant.  Those who have dedicated their lives to working to bring healing to people are experiencing something like they have never seen before, like all of us, each day they are facing new realities, and are doing the very best that they can to bring healing and wholeness to those who they see.

Today, let us join our hearts in prayer for them.  Let us pray that all who serve, in such a time as this, may be protected, may have the supplies they need, may have the God of the universe by their side.   

Lord, we ask your grace, and strength to those who have dedicated their lives for the saving of the lives of others.  We ask that you provisions would make a way from them to be protected. We pray your healing mercy on all, and even more we pray for a path of healing to be complete, that new medicines, vaccines, and treatments would put an end to this virus. in the holy name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

May the God of peace, protect and comfort you today,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 29, 2020

Today’s worship service can be found, beginning at 10:30 am, on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stmarkknox/ or our website: https://www.stmarkknox.org/sermons

…But the one who endures to the end will be saved. – Mark 13:13

When trying times comes, we have to remember to look for the positive.  It is sometimes hard to keep that positive attitude going, believe me, we all have meltdowns.  And I’ve had those times, I watched with great envy at the kids rolling on the floor crying, wishing I could do the same.

Jesus tells the disciples that hardship is part of following him. 

In the passage from this morning’s scripture, Jesus is telling the disciples of the trouble that will follow them because of His name. Yet, he gives them the encouragement to endure these difficulties, for the promise remains, you will be saved. 

Right now, I’m hopeful for salvation to come.  I know and am secured in my salvation that is from the Lord, but I believe too, in a salvation that will come from this current crisis.  And though these days apart are difficult, I’m praying for your safety and salvation as well.

Today’s encouraging word comes from my wife (whose birthday is tomorrow, March 30). After we shared a hard day of laboring in the yard, she wrote this:

I continue to remind myself to look on the bright side during all of this. I have always had a tendency to worry and stress about things out of my control, but then God shows up with wonderful 80 degree weather. We were able to clear out lots of brush from our back yard while the kids played with chalk, bubbles, and water. I am thankful for the reminders to take it day by day.

Thank you church family for your prayers for Sam and our family.  We look forward to the day we can be back together again! – Samantha Ward

 May we have a “bright side” kind of day, by the glory and grace of God.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – March 28, 2020

Daily Encourager – March 28, 2020

And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11

As we sit on the eve of another Sunday apart, I find myself praying for each of you all the more.  Knowing that tomorrow morning the sanctuary of St. Mark will again be empty causes great sorrow, yet, I know that the God who in Christ took on all sorrow, all sin, and all the malice of humankind, that we might know the love of God, gives me hope. 

Even though the sanctuary, the building we use for worship, will be empty; I know many of you will join together in worship.  We will worship together online, we will be in prayer for one another, and we will praise the Lord our God. 

Today’s encouragement comes from a member of our choir who misses seeing each one of you from her usual Sunday perspective.

Philippians 1:3 NLT. Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.

And I think of you often. I miss Sundays in our sanctuary, I miss Bible Studies in our Fellowship Hall, I miss choir practice, I miss chatting in the hallways.

But, I think of you daily. And I “see you in my mind” as my youngest son used to say. I can see you from my seat in the choir loft, and I pray you are well and safe. So, don’t mess with me when we get back together and change your pew! I love you all and am thankful for you and what you do to make our church a loving and joyful and safe place to be, whether we are in the same building or in our homes. This too shall pass and we will maybe come out on the other side more aware of how important it is to be together. – Donna Maloy

May we think fondly of one another, and though we lament this time apart, may it make coming back together one day all the sweeter, all the more rejoiceful, for we know that even now, God is with us, binding us together in love.

Grace & Peace,
Sam

Daily Encourager – March 27, 2020

A man’s spirit can endure sickness, but who can survive a broken spirit? – Proverbs 18:14.

Like many of you, I strive to have hope in this time of concern for health and distance from others.  I strive to look for hope on the horizon, and in faith I believe we will make it through. 

Sometimes, however, when I talk to family and friends who work in healthcare, it seems as though they are just getting through each day with no idea what is really going to happen.  They continue to confirm what we hear; that the best thing is to stay away  hope, and away from others. This will slow the spread of the virus.  When I hear this, my heart sinks for them.  They don’t have any choice, but go to work and risk exposure every day.  Yet, they do so for the health of everyone else. 

Today’s encouragement is for those who work in healthcare, please read the words shared by Irene Joseph below.

I have found at this time of worry and concern I tend to vacillate between hope and despair.  Being at home from work allows far too much time to watch the news and read all of the various articles written about the Coronavirus pandemic. When the weight became too heavy, I turned to a book given to me by a dear friend.  The book is “To Bless The Space Between Us - A Book of Blessings” by John O’Donohue.  One of the blessings I find especially timely is “For A Nurse”.  I think at this time we should all say this blessing for all of the nurses across our nation and the world. They are on the frontlines caring for us while putting themselves at great risk.  God bless all nurses. – Irene Joseph

FOR A NURSE

Your mind knows the world of illness,
The fright that invades a person
Arriving in out of the world,
Distraught and grieved by illness.
How it can strip a life of its joy,
Dim the light of the heart
Put shock in the eyes.

You see worlds breaking
At the onset of illness;

Families at bedsides distraught
That their mother’s name has come up
In the secret lottery of misfortune
That had always chosen someone else.
You watch their helpless love
That would exchange places with her.

The veil of skin opened,
The search through the body’s night
To remove tissue, war-torn with cancer.

Young lives that should be out in the sun
Enjoying life with wild hearts,
Come in here lamed by accident
And the lucky ones who leave,
Already old and in captive posture.

The elderly who should be prepared,
But are frightened and unsure.
You understand no one 
Can learn beforehand 
An elegant and easy way to die.

In this fragile frontier-place, your kindness
Becomes a light that consoles the brokenhearted,
Awakens within desperate storms
That oasis of serenity that calls
The spirit to rise from beneath the weight of pain,
To create a new space in the person’s mind
Where they gain distance from their suffering 
And begin to see the invitation
To integrate and transform it. 

May you embrace the beauty in what you do
And how you stand like a secret angel
Between the bleak despair of illness 
And the unquenchable light of spirit
That can turn the darkest destiny towards dawn.

May you never doubt the gifts you bring;
Rather, learn from these frontiers
Wisdom for your own heart.
May you come to inherit
The blessings of your kindness
And never be without care and love 
When winter enters your own life. 

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 26, 2020

25…Don’t worry about your life… 28And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! – Matthew 6:25-34

Yesterday, I had to get out of the house.  There were a few grocery items that were needed (my goodness, the food we are going through right now with our family of 5).  Also, I stopped by the church building to work on a few things to get ready for Sunday. 

The best part of being out, however, was the beautiful sunshine.  I loved being able to open the windows and sunroof of my car, and feel the warmth of the sun, and enjoy the beauty of the landscape I drove past.  Even in these difficult times, God is showing us that creation will go on.  Matthew’s telling of the Sermon on the Mount has a section called “The Cure for Anxiety,” and what’s so amazing about it, is how much Jesus tells us to look at what creation is doing, and realize that things will continue, for God and his righteousness have and will provide for you.

Today’s encouraging words come from one of nature lovers, reminding us of the wonderful things we can see as we look outside.

I only need to step out my back door into my garden and hear the birds singing and looking for places to build their nest. Flowers are literally growing inches every day and setting their buds to bloom. This is God's world and he is in charge. – Pam Reddoch

As I look out my window I see the Redbuds starting to bloom, hosta's exploding out of the ground, etc. I only see God's world and the peace it brings to me. I block out the human world for a little while! – Pam Reddoch

I hope you can see some of the beauty of creation, today, and let you heart’s find God’s peace and be renewed in God’s divine provision for you. 

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 25, 2020

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. – Daniel 10:12

In the story of Daniel, a prophet of the Lord during a time of exile, Daniel does all that he can to stay connected with God, and to be dedicated to the Lord even though he has been separated from his home, many of his people, and his temple (place of worship).  Daniel as well as many other exiles in Babylon continue to turn to God and pray. The story of Daniel teaches us much about remaining dedicated to God even when things are far from normal.

We know Daniel because of many of the stories we learned as children, or shared with children. For parents out there, if you looking for some fun Bible stories to share with your kids, Daniel is a place that will give them wonder, and maybe a place to help them understand that we are still called to serve God even though we aren't "going" to church. There are many fascinating stories in the book of Daniel.  Today, I bring us this particular verse of a story later in the book of Daniel. Daniel has been in prayer to the Lord his God, and has seen a wondrous vision of a “glorious one.”

Many believe that Daniel’s faith in the midst of constant persecution, his fasting, and dedication to the Lord has allowed him to see a vision of the one, who is to come.  A few times in the book of Daniel they mention someone called “the one with human likeness.” Christian theologians believe that this “one” is the one who we will later know as Jesus.  Jesus was there with the three friends of Daniel in the blazing furnace, Jesus was with Daniel in the lion’s den.  Jesus comes and brings comfort to Daniel as he prays.   

We believe Jesus is with us when we pray even today.  And on this particular day, March 25, 2020.  The Pope has asked for all Christians, and even all people, to come together and pray.  The United Methodist Council of Bishops have asked us to do the same.  And I’m seeing many churches across denominations, and even people who have written off religion say they will join in.  So, I’m inviting you.  At noon, in our own time zone, we are to pray the Our Father (Lord’s Prayer).  So whatever you may be doing, at noon today, please stop and take a moment to lift up the Lord’s prayer, and perhaps the Lord will hear and come to our side.

In addition, I’ve been working on another way to connect with you.  So, I will be holding a virtual prayer meeting at 11:30 am, and ending with the Lord’s prayer at noon.  If you would like to join, we are going to meet through zoom, a video conferencing platform.

To join, you can follow the link below at 11:30 am.  Please note, that if you are using a smart phone or tablet such as an iPad to join you will need to first download the free app from the app store to join us.  If you are joining from a computer just follow the link.  

Topic: St. Mark Prayer

Time: Mar 25, 2020 11:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/309615415

Meeting ID: 309 615 415

I hope to see some of you then, but if not, I know that you will lift your hearts and voices in prayer at noon.  May God through the human one, and in the power of the Holy Spirit meet us and lift us up, today, as he did in ages past with Daniel.

Keep the faith, press on, and may the God of peace answer you today.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 24, 2020

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

The more we hear of the things happening around our world, especially concerning how places, states, and even whole countries are shutting down and telling people to “shelter in place,” the more worry has become a very real part of life.

I see pleas of worry every day on social media. Even in our homes, worry might be a part of our conversations. Confession, worry is a part of the conversation in our home.  It may seem that we have much to worry about, and I don’t want to undercut that worry.  However, I do want us to remember something.  When worry becomes common, the great temptation is to forget the one who is still in control. 

Now, more than ever, is a time to remember to pray. 

Prayer is a vital part of our faith, and so many times we want to make our prayers something “church sounding” we try to craft words that our pleasing to the Lord, but we are told in Romans 8:26,

“…for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.”

What this says, is that we may not know how to pray, or what words to say, but even still, turn to God and speak.  You can complain to God if you want, I promise God doesn’t mind, and I’m sure God has heard worse than you complaints.  You can scream at God, you can praise God, it doesn’t matter.  God created your emotions, so however you are feeling, let God know, these are your prayers and supplications. 

Over the last couple of weeks, as the church staff have tried to navigate the things going on, figure out how to offer worship, and keep the community together, I have felt pretty overwhelmed.  I haven’t always known what to pray.  I’ve prayed for our congregation, I’ve prayed that you are safe and protected from harm, I’ve prayed for those whom I have heard are sick.  I’ve prayed for our healthcare workers. Yet, when I have need peace in my own life, I’ve simply started to sing.

There’s an ancient prayer of praise we all know, and we sing it every week.  It’s a song known, simply, as the doxology.  I’ve found that it takes about 20 seconds to sing it, too. So, I sing every time I wash my hands.  I also sing it just because; I sing because it expresses a praise for God when I don’t have the words.  I sing because it guards my heart.  I sing because in those small moments I know the peace of God. 

Whatever you might be doing today, or whatever you may find to worry about, I encourage you to take a deep breath, and sing.  Maybe to yourself, maybe aloud, maybe as your prayer before a meal today, join in singing the beautiful praise of the doxology in lifting our spirits to God.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 
Praise God all creatures here, below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

May the peace of God meet you in the depths of your heart, today.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 23, 2020

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

In yesterday’s sermon I taught from Mark 12, and spoke about the greatest commandment to love God and love neighbor.  It’s the hinge on which all the prophets and law hang, and it is what draws us closer to the kingdom of God.

Today, I look again at Paul’s words to the Galatians. The entirety of this letter is teaching and correcting the newly formed Christians in Galatia to understand that they don’t have to become Jewish in order become Christian, as some other Jews were teaching.  In a moment, only lead by the Holy Spirit, in chapter 6, Paul, looks to these dearly loved ones, and reminds them that the best they can do is to help carry the load for one another.  Paul knows, from experience, that no one can move towards the kingdom of God, (or as Wesleyan’s might say, sanctification) alone.  Truth is we need one another in everything we do.

In this time of social distance, I think it becomes even more apparent how much we need one another.  Truth is, I’m missing our times together. I miss seeing you, and miss opportunities just to speak with you.  I am certain that you are missing your times together in Sunday School, UMW circles, and all the other groups which get together regularly. 

My hope is that even though we are apart, you are still reaching out to one another.  I know that you are, but I’m especially encouraged by our youth group who are calling on several of our older members to make sure they are doing okay.  What a wonderful way to stay connected, and to share with one another, and even bear one another’s burdens.  Today’s encouraging word comes from the one of our youth moms.

My heart swelled with pride today as I watched four teenage girls making “check-in”  calls to elderly clients of Mobile Meals. They discovered a lady recovering from two broken ankles plus had no food because her refrigerator stopped working. The office was notified and “Ms. Linda” will have food later today.  – Claudia Duncan

May we continue to be encouraged, and to encourage one another, in the love of Christ!

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager - March 22, 2020

Note: There is a link to today's worship service at the bottom of this email.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place… - Psalm 91:9

Psalm 91 gives us God's assurance of protection and care in the midst of danger.  It is a comforting thought that we can rest in the shadow of the Almighty and that under his wings we can find refuge. – Dan Biggerstaff

Psalm 91 has long been shared as a prayer of protection for those who need it, who believe in the shelter that is found in the wings of almighty God.  I know this psalm has been prayed over-and-over again by faithful mothers, as their babies leave in the nest, or just out driving in the car.  It is a cry of faith that the Lord will protect us.

I, myself, have claimed this prayer a number of times, knowing that I needed the Lord’s protection from bad weather, or dangerous travel.  Yet, I also use common sense and do my best to avoid dangerous situations. 

Recently people are claiming Psalm 91 verse 3 or 6 that keep us safe from pestilence or “deadly disease.”  While I agree God does keep the faithful safe, God also gave us a mind and reason, and we should use them.  It’s for this reason we should understand that God is keeping us safe, and we are safest while we practice our social distance. 

All that being said, I quoted above the 9th verse of this Psalm because here, we find what truly is the place of protection.  It is when we also the Lord to be our refuge or “stronghold” when we dwell in the place where the Most High dwells.  Reading this reminds me of another Psalm, the 84th that says:  “better is one day in your house than a thousand elsewhere.” I’ll confess it took me longer than it should to realize, but even as we shelter in place, even as we are separated into our own homes, we still have access to the dwelling place of God.  

God dwells within, the promise of the Holy Spirit, is that God is with us, for those of us who are with our families as we share in a time of online worship this morning (we are 2 or more) God is there.  Yet, for those of us who may be alone.  I hold the promise of James 4:8: “draw near to God and he will draw near to you…”   God is our refuge, and in this time of worship, though shared at a distance, we are, together, in the dwelling place of the Lord.

I’ll close with another word of encouragement:

Be flexible, Learning this the hard way! – Ann Tipton

May God bless our time of worship this morning,
Pastor Sam

Today's 10:30am worhship service can be found here:  https://www.stmarkknox.org/sermons

Daily Encourager – March 21, 2020

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10.

I’ve thought quite a bit about the above verse in the past couple of weeks.  Realizing that this time of quiet isn’t a time of panic or frenzy, but it’s a great time to listen to the sound of silence.  Even more, when we truly allow ourselves to be still and know that God is with us, we find that the silence isn’t all that silent.  In the silence we begin to hear that still small voice of calm, understanding, comfort, and love.  God is speaking to us, we just need to be still, listen, and know.

Today’s encouraging word comes from David Petty, who reminds me (and us) that there was someone else in Bible who had a forced time of silence.  Please read his words below.

Dear Sam -- You will recall that in the first chapter of Luke, Zechariah, after his vision, endures a quiet time, a period of enforced silence.  It must have been a difficult time for him.   Perhaps he had some work that he could do despite his disability.  Perhaps he had some carpentry skills and he was able to make a crib and some wooden toys.  But I'm sure it was a frustrating time and he was sustained only by his faith.  And then the great day came and he "found his voice" and raised it in song.

So now we are in period of enforced silence (more or less) for the Holston Conference, for St. Mark, and for you.  I know it must be a difficult time for you. There are so many hopes and dreams for St. Mark.  You're probably at least as frustrated as Zechariah was.

But take heart.  Great days are coming.  We'll find our voice again and raise it in song.  We'll do most of those things that we planned, and greater things too.  We will probably be so busy that we will look back on these quiet days with some fondness. – Dave Petty

May God bless us in our times of silence, until we can sing the great song of praise when we gather together again at St. Mark.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Daily Encourager – March 20, 2020.

“…but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” - Romans 5:3-5

One thing is for certain, no matter how much we may be affected by our current health crisis, individually, we are all suffering together.  This isn’t a time to compare one’s suffering to another, or how one’s way of life is more displaced than another.  We are all experiencing this together.  We are, together, wading through the waters of uncertainty, unknown, and none of us know how long this could last. 

What I do know, is that Paul’s word to those Christians in the heart of all the issues in Rome, where they also had a shared suffering, offer us hope.  Realizing that we are all in this together, gives us an opportunity to urge one another on to have the character and hope that does not disappoint.  God is still pouring into us the joy of the Holy Spirit, and his mercies are new every morning.  I’m encouraged by your encouraging words, a few are shared below.  Please keep them coming, and I will continue to share them each day, as we press on to the joy of a time when we will all be together, in worship, again. 

Until then, we will praise God, where we are. With a Spirit of awe and wonder, God is still doing amazing things, and binding us together in love. (Colossians 3:14).

Grace & Peace, Pastor Sam

sam3ward@gmail.com

“Encouragement is an essential way of extending grace to each other. Be positive, be caring, be understanding even when these actions are probably not your first choice.”  – Gary Larson

“God is not surprised by this event at all, and we as Christians know he can use all things for His glory. I’m almost excited to see families come back together, to see schedules lessened and for people to embrace some margin in their lives. We are too busy and have gotten too busy for God. He can use this as a tool for good. Prayers that everyone stays in and stays well.”
 – Liz Mann

A quote from Upper Room this week:  “Sometimes life is hard but God does not abandon us." 
Also: “God sees us and is thinking of ways to help us” – Donna Judd

Encourage One Another

St. Mark Family, 

I got up this morning, and saw some news, and then watched some more news, and honestly, I wasn’t feeling really good about anything.  In addition to the continued spread of the COVID-19, we received word from Bishop Taylor that churches in Holston are to remain closed “until further notice.” 

Right now, we don’t know how long this is going to last. Nor do we know how this may effect ministry, or society in the long term. 

Then, I decided to turn off all that noise, and went to the Scriptures.  I started thinking about a man in Acts named Barnabas.  His name, according to Acts 4:36, literally means “son of encouragement.”  I started thinking about how much we need to hear encouraging words.  Honestly, that’s one of the things I and I’m sure many of you are missing by us not being able to meet together in person.  We don’t get to hear encouraging words from one another, like we would in our Sunday Schools or greeting one another in the halls.  

In Acts 14, Barnabas and Paul are in Iconium, they had preached the gospel in the synagogue there, some believed, but others tried to poison the minds of those who came to believe.  In verse 3, it says, “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the word of his grace by granting signs and wonders to be done through them.”

Even though the outside forces wanted to poison the minds of the believers, Paul and Barnabas remained, and continued to encourage the faith. 

I believe this is a time for us to take on the call to be encouragers.  So, St. Mark I’m calling on you to help with this encouragement.  I want you to take some time, and write down an encouraging word, then send it to my email (sam3ward@gmail.com).  I hope that my inbox gets flooded with encouraging words.  I will then compile these, and send them out to the church family a few at a time that we might all be encouraged by these words that you share.

Your words are your own, your message doesn’t have to be eloquent, or long, just send a word of encouragement you’d like for your church family to hear.  In this way, we will help to stay connected, be encouraged, and grow in our faith in the One who does not leave us on our own, but is here by our side even now.

I leave you with this: Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Sam

Continue to Have Hope

Dear St. Mark Family,

In order to honor the bishop’s request of mandatory cancellation (see her words here: https://www.holston.org/article/bishop-taylor-clarifies-cancellation-is-mandatory-13441937);

we will, again, not be holding live services at St. Mark on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

As was the case last Sunday, our worship team is putting together a service in which you can watch and participate online.  It will be on the church website, as well shared via Facebook at 10:30 am, Sunday. You are welcome and encouraged to share with others. 

In addition, we will send a link by email out to the church congregation, as some had trouble this past week getting to the message.

This is a difficult time.  In many ways, this is new territory for all of us.  Life for some may not seem all that different right now. Others are feeling the walls of isolation and the fear of what might be on the horizon.  

I want to encourage you to continue to have hope.  Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13, after explaining all the things that love is and isn’t, he says that love never ends.  And after that he remarks about not knowing completely, and how we are unclear, “….we see in mirror, dimly…” However, at the end of all that the great conclusion that we find is this:  “And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love (13:13).”

I know this is a hard time for many of us, but I find great security in knowing that faith, hope and love abide.  It is faith in God that will see us through these unprecedented times.  It is hope that God does overcome all things, and hope will lead us through to the other side of this time.  Above all, love is what binds us together as the people of God, the church.  Our love that we share with our family, our friends, our neighbors.  The love that we share as we call and check on one another, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and in some cases serving one another will draw our hearts closer to one another and to God. 

Let us look to the one who is the source of all hope, and place our trust in him, praise be to Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Please remember that while we may not meet together, we are still the body of Christ in our community. 

o   Stay connected, to worship online, and via Facebook.

o   Continue to consider supporting the church, financially.

            Online: https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/stmarkknox

            Mail: PO BOX 11007 Knoxville, TN 37939-1007

o   Pray for one another, the church, it’s leadership, and all who are affected in one way or another.

o   Witness to the glory of God that is with us, even now.

o   Serve one another by making calls and staying connected, offering to grocery shop for those in need, and encourage one another in these troubling times.

 God’s blessings of health, comfort, and peace to you all in Christ’s love,

Pastor Sam

Updated Response: Worship Cancelled 3/15/2020

Dear St. Mark Family,

It seems that much has transpired over the last 24 hours concerning the COVID-19, coronavirus.  Not the least of which, was a statement from our Bishop, Mary Virginia Taylor urging churches to suspend worship in the coming weeks to offset the spread of this disease.  You may read the entirety of the Bishops message here:
https://www.holston.org/article/a-message-from-bishop-taylor-13441713. 

Due to the growing concern, and out of an abundance of caution and care, we will not be holding live services on Sunday, March 15, 2020. In addition, we will be cancelling all other activities including Bible Study, and music rehearsals for the coming week (March 15-20).  The Trustees and Staff are utilizing this time to sanitize our building and prepare for when we are able to come together again. SMEEP is on spring break this week, so aside from staff, the church building will be closed.  If you need anything please email or call and someone will be attentive to your needs. 

I hold a heavy heart at coming to this decision, as I have enjoyed the momentum we are building in worship, and serving God with our prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness.  We have seen our church come together, and things are in a very positive place. It is hard to let go of such a wonderful time in this season we are growing together towards the cross, and in the kingdom of God.

While we may not be able to meet together as the body of Christ, we can still grow together in Spirit, and so the following will be offered as an alternative to our normal worship together.  

• On Sunday morning a shortened Worship Service of Prayer, Scripture, and Sermon will be posted to the church website, and shared via Facebook, please watch and share with as many as you  are able.

• To continue to support the church financially, please consider setting up online giving through the church website: https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/stmarkknox or if you prefer, you are welcomed to mail your checks to the church.
  Please note our new mailing address: PO BOX 11007 Knoxville, TN 37939-1007

• Pray. Please continue to pray for our church, it’s people, and especially for those who may be infected or most at risk.  We cannot emphasize enough the need for prayer for in times such as these.

• Witness to the glory of God that is with us, no matter where we are. God is not in the church building, but God is the love that binds us as a one.

• Serve one another. Use this time to call on one another to make sure everyone is well, if you able, offer to grocery shop for those who do not need to get out, encourage one another in these troubling time. Please call those who may not receive this message, and let them know that we care for them. 

Though we may not meet together, God is still with us, and I hope that this time will help all of us draw closer to God, stronger in our faith, and help us to build a stronger community when we can gather together again as the Church of St. Mark.

God’s blessings of health, comfort, and peace to you all.
Pastor Sam

St. Mark UMC - Coronavirus Response

Please click the learn more button to view St. Mark’s response to the coronavirus.