St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church
Who Is St. Mark’s? How Do I Connect?
The word church comes from the Greek word Ecclesia, which simply means Gathering. Not a building. Not an organization. A gathering of people around Jesus Christ. Each Gathering (Church) is distinctive with its peculiar, unique way of following Jesus. Sometimes it takes a newcomer a while to figure out the clues that point to that uniqueness. Sometimes the church tells its own story.
On Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm St. Mark’s will conduct an orientation to who we are. This is for folks who have recently joined or transferred or who would like to see if this Church/Gathering is for them. You will meet the people who gather around Jesus in this place. Contact the church office or Pastor Doug to sign up.
New Outdoor Sign
Tom & Carol Baumel have gifted St. Mark’s with an electronic sign that was installed in time for Easter. It is programable with a variety of messages. Thanks Tom & Carol!
Insurance Carrier Changes, New Policy to Prevent Child Abuse
St. Mark’s current insurance carrier is opting out of insuring churches starting May 1. So, St. Mark’s is in the process of obtaining a new insurance carrier. However, to have a sexual misconduct rider the new carrier requires St. Mark’s to have a Policy to Prevent Abuse Against Children and Youth. Therefore, the church council assigned a task force to develop the policy. Using the model recommended by the ELCA, the task force has a preliminary policy that puts into words the practices that we already follow. More information will be forthcoming after the church council adopts it on April 18. Our insurance will continue uninterrupted.
Erika Lisi is the dancer (in black) who expressed the Passion of Jesus in the Palm Sunday Drama, The Cry of the Whole Congregation.
Ella Price symbolized the children dancing with joy in response to seeing Jesus.
Tornado Clean Up on Farms Across from Glacier Hills
Steve & Laura Heitz on his tractor. Laura Schwartz & Laura Heitz.
Around ten people from St. Mark’s assisted in the cleanup organized by Brittani Regula McEvoy & friends.
Mercy Unlimited Takes the Lead in Assisting Tornado Victims
Currently, Mercy Unlimited is housing 21 people in local hotels (except for Eclipse Weekend for which they have found temporary arrangements). Each day they have provided between 30 to 75 meals. Operation Blessing provided $40,00 for the meals up until this time. Currently, Generations of Love has taken over the daily meal preparation and delivery.
New Administrative Assistant
Elaine Hawkins started serving as St. Mark’s Administrative Assistant on April 1. No fooling! Previously, she had worked full-time as a cabinet maker for Airstream and she was looking for part-time work. When the position opened—our previous Administrative Assistant Lisa Barfield returned to South Carolina to live, Elaine felt called by God to apply. We are glad she did and are pleased to welcome her.
Elaine will be responsible for all the office work and will also serve as our bookkeeper. Her hours are 8 am to noon, Monday through Friday.
The newly baptized
Klaus Larsen Schlegel, son of Hans & Laura Schlegel, was baptized March 10. His baptismal sponsors are Heidi Hahn and Kelsey Swan.
Klaus was born on March 6, 2023,
at home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Evelyn “Evie” Eileen Oen, daughter of Eric & Brooke Oen, was baptized on Easter morning.
She had been attending St. Mark’s Sunday School and worship services for a little while.
She asked the pastor if she could be baptized.
She also received her First Communion on Easter.
Her grandparents and sponsors are Tim & Kathy Schneider and Eric & Kim Oen.
Chrism Mass
Every Tuesday in Holy Week, Bishop Daniel Beaudoin (sitting) invites the pastors for a worship service of the renewal of ordination vows and of blessing the oil used in anointing at baptism, confirmation and healing. The service began with prayers for healing. Conference Co-Dean Pastor Carol Pretorius (by candles) is blessing a father & child.
