Top & Bottom: Pictured left to right is Kenzie Schneider, Howard Garber, and Kerrigan Lenhart. They volunteered to represent the Trinity: Howard as God the Father, Kenzie as the Jesus, and Kerrigan as the Holy Spirit. Pastor Doug symbolized each of us. When he was on the floor, as seen below, he is us separated from God. However, the reality is that we are always in the middle of their flow of love.

Graduation of Stephanie Sorensen

Stephanie Sorensen, daughter of Chris & Yvonne Sorensen, graduated from Slippery Rock University on May 10, 2025. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Recreational Therapy with a Minor in Adapted Physical Activity. She will be interning at The Springs in Lima, Ohio, this summer.

Thank You Sound, Video, & PowerPoint Techs

There are several servants of the Lord who have been contributing to the tech and audio/visual
needs to enhance worship and to include a larger community of believers through the airing of
online worship services and Facebook. Some people run the PowerPoint that projects on the
screen during worship, while others gather in the balcony to adjust sound and microphones or
are videotaping the worship to air live. Thanks to those known and unknown people who
take pictures during worship or church activities to share in the newsletter or post to
Facebook. Sound techs include Chad Doll, Chris Sorensen, Rod Metz, JP Metz, Trent
Lisi, Blake Rogers, Nelson Golden, Rich Garber, and Nathan Doll. Video techs
include, Dustin Jeanneret, Rich Garber, Ryan Schneider,
and Elaine Hawkins. PowerPoint Techs include Ethan
Dickey, Ella Price, Avery Newman, Kelsey Schneider,
Evelyn Oen, Marlow Johnston, Nelson Golden, Richard
Ault, Amanda Schmerge, Ashley Schmerge, Tina Waltz, Shelley Schlegel, Chad Doll, Mike Burton, and Paul Fox. Call, text (567-356-6799) or email the church office or contact Dustin Jeanneret, Tech Coordinator (567-319-0278) to let him know if you are interested in assisting with this important ministry.

The Marriage of Karl & Shelley Schlegel

On Friday, June 20, 2025, at 5:30 pm, Karl Schlegel and Shelley Koch were joined in marriage at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by Pastors Doug & Carol Pretorius. We wish them much peace, love, and joy in the years to come!

Summer Special Music Opportunities

We are seeking musically talented folks to share their gifts during worship this summer. Since the choir does not practice nor sing during the summer months, we enjoy have solos and duets performed as musical offerings. The music can be vocal or instrumental. Contact our church musician Melissa Grunden at 419-953-4219 or at pridd16@yahoo.com to reserve your favorite week.

The Fields of Justice

collaborative invites the gardeners of Auglaize and Shelby counties to Plant a Row for the Hungry in 2025. The concept is simple: 1) plant a row or even a few extra plants in your garden, 2) when the produce is ready, take it to your local food pantry for distribution to people in need in your county, and 3) hungry people have the opportunity to eat fresh, nutritious food!
The following organizations are participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry:

Auglaize County:

Agape Ministries, 1220 East Spring Street, St. Marys

God’s Storehouse, currently located at First English 107 West Mechanic Street, Wapakoneta

Mercy Unlimited, 38 East Auglaize Street, Wapakoneta

Shelby County:

Fish Pond Food Pantry, 310 Davis Street, Jackson Center
(Please call Barb, 937/596-5463, before dropping off donations to Fish Pond.)

Agape, 209 Brooklyn Avenue, Sidney