John 8:48-49, 51-52a, 53b-54-59a – The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right in saying that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. … Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! … Who do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known Him. I know Him. If I were to say that I do not know Him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know Him and I keep His Word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at Him...

I find this Bible passage a little shocking. Jesus is clearly trying to upset the religious leaders. He is saying things that are bound to cause an argument. For example, “If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” Of course they say to Him, “Who do You think You are?” And Jesus answers, “It is My Father who glorifies Me—the one you call your God.” Now their blood pressure is going through the roof! Then Jesus calls them liars, and finishes by saying, “before Abraham was, I am”—and of course, “I am” is the Hebrew name of God.

Why in the world is Jesus being so provocative? It might be the only way He can get these people to pay attention. These are powerful, educated, honored leaders. They don’t expect to hear God speaking through a rabbi who wandered in from Galilee. As far as they are concerned, they know everything they need to know already—and that is deadly.

We can fall into that trap too, can’t we? We trust in what we already know—in common sense, the voice of experience, the wisdom of the world. But God says to us, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19a)

That is what God was doing when He sent His own Son Jesus to be born as a human baby to a young woman in Bethlehem. That is what He was doing when Jesus grew up far from the centers of worldly power, teaching and preaching and healing—and then suffering and dying, all to break the power of evil over the human race. This is what God did when He raised Jesus from the dead, never to die again—and promised that everyone who trusts in Him will also be victorious over sin, death, and the devil.

Pay attention—God is doing a new thing. Are we listening?

(This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.)

The Twelve: A Look into the 12 Disciples of Christ

The 12 disciples were chosen by Jesus to follow Him, learn from Him, and eventually spread the gospel to the world. They were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots—whom Jesus transformed into bold witnesses of His message. This Bible study will explore their lives, calling, and how their faith impacted the early church.

Bible study will continue this Sunday @ 10:30 following Fellowship in the sanctuary.

JESUS CONNECTIONS -The Man with Unclean Spirits

There was a man who felt trapped and alone, filled with things that made him feel wild and out of control. But when he met Jesus, everything changed. Jesus didn’t run away—He helped the man, healed him, and gave him a brand-new life. Jesus shows us that no one is too broken to be made whole again.

Jesus brings healing, hope, and a brand-new start.

JESUS CONNECTIONS will be taking a summer break ☀️ We’ll be pausing our meetups and events over the summer, but don’t worry—we’ll be back in full swing once school starts! Keep an eye out for updates as we gear up for a fresh semester of fellowship, growth, and Jesus-infused connection. Until then, enjoy a restful and joy-filled summer—see you soon!

Fellowship for Sunday, June 22 - Crackers, Cheese, and Fruit

Cheese and fruit are a classic combination for a reason – the flavors of a sharp, salty cheese with sweet fruit, or a tart fruit with a creamy cheese, are some of the most complex and complementary out there! Pairing crackers, cheese, and fruit effectively and confidently can take your fellowship sharing to the next level!
We go together like cheese and crackers . . . and fruit!

Join us in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments.

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…   

Jerry Byers - Doctors have Jerry on a treatment plan and is doing much better without surgery.

Aaron Byers (Helen Cantrell's son) - Diagnosed with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma.

Helen Cantrell - Health issues

Hoehne Family- Death of a son and brother.

Mark Dubois - Recovering from foot surgery.

Kris Crawford - Received some facial treatments for cancer spot and is now in some pain.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

Prayer requests can now be sent to stmarkelko@gmail.com.

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Gentlemen, it’s time for food, faith, and fellowship!  Join us this Friday, June 20th, 8:30 a.m. @ Toki Ona for a delicious breakfast, great conversation, and time to grow together in faith.

This is a wonderful chance to connect with other men, share experiences, and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. Everyone is welcome, whether you're new or a long-time member!

Bring a friend, and let’s make it a morning to remember! 

Calling All Singers!

We’re looking for enthusiastic voices to help celebrate Vicar Jake’s installation this July. If you love to sing and would like to be part of this special occasion, we’d love to have you join the choir for the service. No formal experience required—just a willing heart and joyful spirit!

Those interested are invited to meet right after church on Sunday, June 22nd to receive music and hear the song

Let your voice be part of this momentous celebration!

5th Sunday Offering – Supporting the Nevada Institute of Forensic Nursing 

This month, our 5th Sunday Offering will go toward supporting the Nevada Institute of Forensic Nursing, a vital organization dedicated to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors of violence and abuse. Their work ensures that victims receive expert medical and forensic services during some of the most critical moments in their lives.

Let’s come together to uplift this important mission. Your generous giving will help make a real difference in the lives of those seeking healing .