The Spirit April 2, 2020
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A Note from Pastor Jay
God bless you!
-Pastor Jay
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ONLINE ONLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
PALM SUNDAY (APRIL 5TH) @ 10:30AM
MAUNDY THURSDAY (APRIL 9TH) @ 7:00PM
GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 10TH) @ 7:00PM
EASTER SUNDAY (APRIL 12TH) @ 9:00AM
Stream all services on our YouTube Channel Live Page
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The circumstances we find ourselves in have brought challenges to our ministry and practices that are unique and new to all of us. I have given much prayer and consideration, including many conversations with both my brethren in the ministry and our District President, as to how best to handle the distribution of communion to our members during this time of social distancing and limited public gatherings, if we are to distribute it at all. There have been times when the church has had to go considerable lengths of time without the administration of the Lord’s Supper (i.e. previous widespread illness, time of persecution, etc.), however no one circumstance is the same. We always take our guidance and comfort first from Scripture, and in this case, the words of our Lord when He instituted the Lord’s supper. As the Apostle Paul makes clear in 1 Corinthians 11, our Lord instructed us “as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Our Lord did not prescribe a certain schedule or minimum participation in the Lord’s supper, but “as often as you do.” Of first importance, is our faith in both what our Lord has said and what He has not said. Jesus also told his apostles (and all pastors after them) in Matthew 16:19, “ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Just as much as the Lord’s Supper is “for the forgiveness of your sins” so too has God given pastors to proclaim absolution, so your own ears can hear it, and so that you can know for certain that God has in fact forgiven you of all yours sins, “upon this, your confession.” Even over a livestream, when you confess to God with the Church and in faith hear and receive the absolution proclaimed, you receive forgiveness, God’s forgiveness in Christ.
With that both being true, and now said, I share with many of you the longing for the unique and precious gift God has given at His Table. Especially during this time when we are serious in our efforts both to protect ourselves and our neighbors in our physical health, and amid so much fear, the last thing we want to do is trouble peoples’ conscience in any way. God’s grace abounds through faith in Jesus no matter where we are or the circumstances we find ourselves in. I neither want to deprive the conscience of those who long for the Lord’s Supper and are comfortable receiving it, nor do I want to trouble the conscience of those who have a legitimate fear and trepidation of what participation in the table might risk regarding the current spread of COVID-19. It is no doubt a difficult position many pastors find themselves in. As such, I appeal to Scripture, that says in 1 Timothy 1:5, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” So, both according to the charge of my good conscience and yours…
I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER THE LORD’S SUPPER TO THOSE WHO WISH TO RECEIVE IT IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER
- Sunday Afternoons 12:00noon – 2:00pm – I will be at the church to serve communion to any of you who are comfortable receiving it.
- By Appointment – If you would like to come to the church to receive communion at any time, please contact me directly to schedule an appointment, and I will gladly serve you.
- Calling on You – If you would like me to visit you, in home, for prayer and/or communion, please contact me to schedule a time to do so.
- IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES – We will always keep common sense and responsibility for protecting one another’s health as a top priority in how we keep sanitary, maintain hygiene, and clean spaces. We are doing this every day and everywhere here at the church.
- NO MATTER WHAT – I want you to and pray that all of you know that God’s grace, in all of it’s saving fullness, is yours already through faith in Christ, and you should have a clear conscience whether you choose to partake in communion or not.
I pray this explanation brings you comfort and understanding in this matter however you choose to partake or not to partake in the Lord’s Supper at this time.
Your Servant in Christ – Pastor Jay
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHURCH! We Need Your Help for Easter!!! We want to create a video montage of our families exclaiming “He is Risen” on video (can also be photos)… get creative! Be thinking of ways you can proclaim our Lord’s victory over sin, death and the devil–and as we can, in faith, look forward to our own resurrection to live with Him forever by and through His sacrifice!
Upload your Photos & Videos Here!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Stay at Home” Resources
During this quarantine, we will be making various learning resources available for download (and to watch) to share with your children, family and friends.
Click Here to See the Resources
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access the LIVE Chat Stream on Our YOUTUBE CHANNEL on Sunday!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
 |
 |
 |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
YES, YOUR CHURCH STILL NEEDS YOU!
I pray you are being encouraged and edified by how hard our staff and countless volunteers are working to keep our mission and ministry alive here at St. Mark even in these most difficult and strange times. Please remember that our ability to minister to you from a distance and through technology is an investment we have made, and that needs to be maintained. If you are unable to deliver your regular tithes and offerings to the church in person, please take the time and small effort to safely and securely remain faithful to Your Lord and His church by giving online.
Setting Up Your Online Giving is Easy!
www.stmarkomaha.org/giving
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Click Here to Volunteer Online!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
We need your help!Once we reach 1,000 YouTube Subscribers, we can start embedding our streamed services directly on our website. Tell your family and friends… this would really help us get the word out! Go Here Now and Hit
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART 3 NOW AVAILABLE!
This series has created so much great conversation and discussion about the foundational truths of our faith and salvation in Jesus Christ.
ATTENTION ALL SMALL GROUPS! Have your group facilitator CONTACT PASTOR JAY to get the download link for this next video and discussion guide.
NEED TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHILE YOU’RE STUCK AT HOME…
WHY NOT CATCH UP ON SOME READING?
APRIL 6TH thru APRIL 9TH in the Fellowship Hall from 12 pm – 5 pm
We’ve “Spring Cleaned” our library and you’re welcome to pick up some new material – take any of the books you’d like.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The co-ed league would like to invite golfers of all skill levels to join your St. Mark members and guests to play a little golf and enjoy fellowship with others. The league will start on Saturday April 25th and will run thru every Saturday and will end on Saturday August 1st. League cost: $20.00 one time fee + weekly green fees. Location: Warren Swigert Golf Course, 99th and Maple Please contact Matt Tilford 402-399-9446 if you have any questions.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation Christmas Child Update
In the month of April – I know that there will not be much shopping done but the item requested for this month is stuffed animals. They should be small and new. Hopefully in the not-so-distant future we will be back to normal and able to pick up some fun stuffed animals for the children.
While we are stuck in our homes, a great activity is creating jump-ropes from cutting up old t-shirts – so please if you have any older t-shirts to donate you can still bring them to the church. Please give me a call so we know they are there to be picked up. (Rhonda 402-659-8764)
Thank-you,
Rhonda Zebolsky and Helen Oldenkamp
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mask Makers, Mask Makers, Make Us A Mask…
Do you like to sew? Do you have some cotton fabric on hand? Need some way to make a difference? Then please help us keep elderly residents safe by sewing masks for healthcare workers and residents at the nursing home I work at. There is a link below for a pattern. I am trying to have 250 created. Please let me know via email if you can help us out. You can drop them off at the church or I can come and pick them up. Thanks for considering serving in this way!! If you have any questions call me at 402-913-2258.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/opinion/coronavirus-n95-mask.amp.html
Have any quilts you have sewn or tied? The residents would love to receive those since they cannot receive visitors. You can drop them off at the church or I can come to pick those up as well.
God’s blessings to all of you. Kelly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New learning content is being added weekly for our Preschoolers!
In fact, we have a whole new Resource Center available including downloadable lessons, activities, and even online Storybook Time!
Click here to access the Resource Center on our Preschool and Childcare Website!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spread the GOOD NEWS during Holy Week!!Hey everyone it is CONTEST TIME!! Gather your family and spend some time being creativity and sharing the GOOD NEWS with your neighbors. We want everyone to create a Stained Glass Window, Chalk Drawing, Sign, etc. to share the GOOD NEWS and spread HOPE and LOVE and JOY with your neighbors. We encourage you to include crosses, “Jesus is Risen!”, hearts, scripture and more. You can create a design in your house windows, you can create a yard sign to display, you can chalk your sidewalk or driveway or any other creative way you can come up with to share the GOOD NEWS of Christ Jesus and Easter with your neighbors. You have until Thursday, April 9th at 10 pm to submit a picture of your creativity to Kelly in the Church Office at kthompson@stmarkomaha.org. Pastor Jay and Chip will be our judges. We will have some great prizes that you can enjoy with your family during quarantine. If you need any sidewalk chalk or painter’s tape then come see us! We were able to purchase some with our Faith & Fun Sunday School Take Out grant and we would love to share with you. Just message Kelly to arrange a time to pick up the supplies from the church. Also, we still have 8 Take Out Boxes left with some really fun Holy Week and Easter Games & Crafts. Pick one up today!! Here are some examples of ways people have shared the GOOD NEWS on Facebook and through e-mail. Please reach out if there is any way we can support your faith journey through these trying times. Blessings, Fun & Faith Take Out Packets:Call Kelly in the Church Office (402-913-2258) to make arrangements to pick up your box curbside. Or Click Here to Receive Your Sunday School Box! |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS!Mark Your Calendar:June 14th thru June 18th – GOCO Nov 14-15 – NE MS Youth Gathering Grand Island November 20-22 – NE HS Youth Gathering LaVista |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
|
If any man has an interest in leading a virtual Saturday morning study and prayer time (singing, too?) please let me know. Verse of the Week: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. (NIV) Romans 8:28 Fun Fact of the Week: Vincent van Gogh didn’t start painting until he was 28 years old. In the 9 years before his death, at age 37, he created nearly 900 works. |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
 |
 |
 |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
Did You Know You Can Request for Prayers on Our Website? Click Here!
Weekly Prayers
Cancer: Gina Ellis, Ruthie Hagerbaumer, Cindy Kuntz
Health & Wellness: Ben Fiscus, Gina Ireland, Chris Stargel, Grace Stargel
Military: Jordan Hammond (Son of Steve and Mary Kay Swale); Zach Karels; Scott Lewis (Linda Wegner’s Cousin); Quenten Oldenkamp; Amber Phipps; Jarod Suhr
Special: All those affected by the Corona Virus (COVID – 19). All those anxious or worried about Corona Virus (COVID – 19) and its impact on our world.
To request public Prayers of the Church e-mail Kelly Thompson at kthompson@stmarkomaha.org. For Prayer Chain requests please contact Katrina Muganyizi at 402-238-6844 or email evelkat@yahoo.com.
The Days Ahead
Concordia Academy – Students Remote Learning
Thursday, April 2nd
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
2:30 PM St. Mark Staff Meeting – Pastor Jay’s Office
Friday, April 3rd
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
Saturday, April 4th
8:00 am Omaha Japanese School – Teacher’s Meeting – Classroom
9:00 am Band Practice – Praise and Worship – Sanctuary
Sunday, April 5th
9:15 am Sunday School – Faith & Fun Take Out Style – Your Homes
9:15 am Adult Bible Study with Pastor Jay – Live Streaming
10:30 am Blended Worship Service – Live Streaming on YouTube and Delayed Viewing Available
12:00 pm Communion – Sanctuary
Monday, April 6th
9:00 am Preschool Chapel – 4 Year Olds & Pre-K 5 Year Olds – Sanctuary
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, April 7th
9:00 am Preschool Chapel – 3 Year Olds
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, April 8th
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
Thursday, April 9th
No Preschool – Easter & Spring Break
12:00 PM Library Book Shopping – Fellowship Hall
7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Service – Live Streaming
Friday, April 10th
7:00 pm Good Friday Worship Service – Live Streaming
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OUR CHURCH STAFF AND LEADERSHIP |
||
| Rev. Eric Jay, Pastor Kurt Harmoney, Director of Ministry Operations Julie Kyriss, Preschool & Childcare Director Kirsten Suhr, Administrative Assistant Daren Clark, Facility Technician |
Elders Kim Burger Steve Barry Doug Doerr Andy Groothuis Terry Matuska Peter Oldenburg Mike Ringler Jack Swanda |
Parish Leadership Council TBA – President Chuck Kuntz – Vice President Mike Munderloh – Treasurer Jolene Scalzo – Secretary Lisa Buchele Lisa Hayes Bruce Sharp Gale Suhr |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 |
|
This Week’s BirthdaysFriday, April 3rd Saturday, April 4th Monday, April 6th Tuesday, April 7th Wednesday, April 8th Thursday, April 9th This Week’s AnniversariesFriday, April 3rd Sunday, April 5th Curtis & Denise Ossenkop Monday, April 6th Tuesday, April 7th |
Next Week’s BirthdaysFriday, April 10th Saturday, April 11th Monday, April 13th Tuesday, April 14th Thursday, April 16th
Next Week’s AnniversariesFriday, April 10th Sunday, April 12th Donald & Cheryl Vincent Wednesday, April 15th |
 |
Sign up below to receive the Spirit Newsletter notification by email and Pastor Jay’s Daily Devotionals. |