This week's message, from the Lessons and Carols worship, is "Light" by Intern Pastor Tim Jacobsen.  The lesson is John 1:1-14.

Today we conclude our series "A Not So Perfect Christmas: Finding Hope When Things Go Wrong."

This Christmas Eve week: That Perfect Manger – Luke 2:1-20Like that manger scene, tonight was supposed to be perfect. But you fought with your dad, your kid smeared chocolate on their pants (hopefully) and you’re just glad you’re here. Jesus shows up in a messy manger, so we know that we can show up with our messy lives. The beauty of Christmas is not that we get it right, but that God steps into it all with us, and in Jesus, we can receive God’s love, mercy, and hope.

Today we explore the Advent series "A Not So Perfect Christmas: Finding Hope When Things Go Wrong."

This week: A Holly-Jolly Attitude – Matthew 11:2-11Every store we walk into is playing joyful music. Lights are meant to make us feel happy. But what happens when we’re struggling to find joy in this season. John the Baptist reminds us – Jesus doesn’t show up to make sure we’re always happy, but he meets us in our pain and brings renewed hope.

Today we explore the Advent series "A Not So Perfect Christmas: Finding Hope When Things Go Wrong."

This week: Decking All The Halls– Matthew 1:18-25We are pulled in so many directions at Christmas time – giving, buying gifts, and trying to be everywhere for everyone. Joseph faced hard choices, but discovered the way forward was to keep his eyes on what God is doing.

Today we explore the Advent series "A Not So Perfect Christmas: Finding Hope When Things Go Wrong."

This week: Bringing In The Tree – Isaiah 2:1-5Christmas is a season of tradition – taking the family for the tree. Caroling with friends. Gathering peacefully to open those gifts. But nobody seems to want to join in the fun. What Isaiah announces is something different – God doesn’t conform to the way we think things should be, he steps into our situation and creates something new.

The video clip is from "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" where the Griswold's go to pick their Christmas Tree and is not included in this podcast.

Join us as we begin our Advent season with Pastor Dick Hutton in "Christ is Coming."  The lesson is Matthew 24:36-44.

For too long, the church of Jesus has been known more by what it is against than what it is for. At St. Mark, we’re committed to telling the story of being FOR OUR NEIGHBORS.

Today, Senior Pastor Bob Bekkerus talks about being "For Generosity" and the lesson is 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.

For too long, the church of Jesus has been known more by what it is against than what it is for. At St. Mark, we’re committed to telling the story of being FOR OUR NEIGHBORS.

Today, Intern Pastor Tim Jacobsen talks about being "For Our Neighbor" and the lesson is Luke 6:17-26. The video referred to in the message can be viewed on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7gDsSKUmU

For too long, the church of Jesus has been known more by what it is against than what it is for. At St. Mark, we’re committed to telling the story of being FOR OUR NEIGHBORS.

Today, Pastor Bob Bekkerus talks about being "For Sharing Our Gifts" and the lesson is 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.  The video of Tony Campolo referenced in the message can be viewed at the link below.  Be aware that the video refers to "the oldest profession," in case you are sensitive.

https://youtu.be/DRBM_YY_YX0

For too long, the church of Jesus has been known more by what it is against than what it is for.  At St. Mark, we’re committed to telling the story of being FOR OUR NEIGHBORS.

Today, Pastor Mike Foss talks about being "For Each Other" and the lesson is 1 Corinthians 1:10-17