Dear Friends,
This past Sunday we had our Congregational Annual Meeting. We said thank you to our outgoing council members: Betty Estes, Vicki Mayberry, and Letha Ellis. We elected our new council members: Marcia Bossaller, Ken Ellis, and Judy Willoughby. They will serve with our continuing Council members: Carol Nowack, Kaye West, Lori Angell, and Judy Balluff.
We approved our Transition Team: Bob Niebruegge, Brad Baker, Shelby Uffmann, Carol Nowak, and Judy Balluff. The Transition Team will help with the transition to new pastoral leadership when I retire in May of this year.
2024 is St. Peter’s 150th anniversary. We will be planning for a big celebration!
Note: If we need to cancel church due to hazardous road conditions or inclement weather, I will send an email to our email list. Closing information will be on the KSDK Closings, St. Peter’s UCC Facebook Page or our Church Website.
If you would like a home visit, conversation, or home communion, please call me at 573-437-2779 (church).
- Installation of Council Members and Transition Team during worship on Sunday, February 11.
- Souper Bowl Lunch Fund Raiser for Helping Hands will be on Sunday, February 11.
- We have plenty of service opportunities available at St. Peter’s. Check out the sign-up sheets in the back of the church.
- Are you interested in becoming a member of St. Peter’s? New Member Classes will meet in February after worship. We will welcome new members during worship on Palm Sunday, March 24.
Blessings,
Pastor Stephanie DeLong
Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 • Psalm 111 • 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 • Mark 1:21-28
Sermon: The Works
God’s works are utterly amazing. God’s works encompass all of creation. I get stressed out just trying to make Christmas cookies. Creating an entire world is an incomprehensible feat. Psalm 111 expresses this amazement for all that God has done. The Psalmist just breaks out in fear, amazement, and praise. Wow! Look at what God has done!
When we praise God, we are letting others know about God’s marvelous works. Look at the words in Psalm 111, they are intent on expressing and letting others know about God’s amazing works. The singer of the Psalm will stand in the company of the congregation giving thanks and praising God. God’s works are so full of honor and majesty that the singer cannot help but break out into praise.
This week the front page of the Gasconade County Republican displayed photos of the demolition of the Bland rock house. The rock house was the work of people who lived over one hundred years ago. When the Psalmist praises God using work and works, the Psalmist describes God in human terms. We all do some sort of work, like the workers who built the house. This house was a fascinating work made with local stone and remained standing for over one hundred years. God’s works stand forever and do not need to be dismantled due to the wear of time. One hundred years is nothing to God, praise God!
Psalm 111 uses the term “fear.” As in “He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.” (Psalm 111:5) and “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.” (Psalm 111:10) This fear is not the fear of horror and dread, but one of reverence. Comparing the temporary nature of human works to God’s works leave us overwhelmed by God’s formidable power.
The Psalmist praises God by saying that those who fear God are fed. Sometimes when ordering food, we might say give me the works. Regarding a hamburger, the works could mean putting all the trimmings on the burger such as mayo, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, ketchup, and mustard. God gives us the works when we are fed. Maybe not with a fancy hamburger, but with what we need to sustain ourselves. God fed the Israelites with manna in the desert. Jesus fed the five thousand. When we revere God, God provides for our needs.
God who created all creation watches over us. God guides us in our daily lives through God’s instructions in the commandments, words of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus. God wants to be in relationship with us and desires for us to live as God guides us. According to Psalm 111:10 this is the beginning of wisdom. When we live in reverence of God, God keeps in relationship with us and provides for us. This is all so amazing that we must share this good news and praise God.
God provides for us direction in the prophets like Moses. In Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Moses consoles the Hebrews who are concerned that Moses is reaching the end of his life, and they wonder who will lead them as they make their way into the promised land. Moses assures them that God will provide prophets to guide their way. There were prophets like Samuel, Elijah, Jeremiah and yes even Jonah. They all had their flaws, but God spoke to and through them to lead the people.
Jesus’ arrival changed the world forever. Mark 1:21-28 tells us that when Jesus entered the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus taught with authority. Jesus, God’s son, brought God’s words and works to us in human form. Jesus has authority over this earthly world and all of God’s creation. Jesus has power over the demons. Jesus goes beyond the law and the prophets. Jesus’ works of teaching, healing, feeding, crucifixion, and resurrection bring to us wisdom and salvation.
Through Jesus we can be in a reverent relationship with God. When life leaves us feeling overwhelmed, confused, or depressed, we need to place our trust in Jesus. The other day I was feeling stressed, so I took a Jesus break. I sat down and prayed that the Jesus would surround me with love and guidance. I took a moment to meditate on all God’s wonderous works. Taking a moment to thank and revere God put my problems into perspective. God’s got this. God is so much bigger than my worries. God will provide. Praise God for the works of love and salvation through our Savior Jesus.
Prayer: Praise and thanksgiving sing from my heart today and always. Amen.
Prayer list: All who have been on our list for a while, Mark’ s brother Billy, Delores W., Tyra, Freya, Vicki B., Barb Z., Jesse, Tammy. Jennifer, Richard, Tamara, John, Dixon’s great granddaughter, Ashlely and Cody, Garth, Linda, Tessa, Carl, Kimbra, Liz’s father, Dannie, Lathe, Marilyn, Kris, Lee Ann, Bob, Diane, Linda, Keetha, Carly, Mia (Good news, she is healing.), Brenda, David, Jeff, places where there is war and all who are in need about which we do not know. If you know of anyone who would like a prayer shawl, please let us know.
