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| Sunday Worship |
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8:30am-Blended
9:45am-Contemporary
11:00am-Traditional
To hear podcast recordings of our Sunday Sermons
Click Here
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| St. Mark's Staff |
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Pastors
Staff
Music Ministry
Contemporary Music Ministry
Manager of Finance and Operations
Office Manager
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| Just Shopping |
Just Shopping is an Internet Fundraising Program at St. Mark's. It's part of a three-tiered plan to eliminate our building debt by 2023. On-line purchase made through our website with affiliate companies helps pay off our building loan. Thank you for your support and please share this internet shopping opportunity with your family and friends! For more information, click here to visit our website.
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Ministry Links
Online Giving
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| Contact Us |
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St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows
6730 N. 17th St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Office: 253-752-4966
Preschool: 253-752-4929
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The office at St. Mark's will be open 8:30-12 and 1-3pm through July 29th.
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Thanks to All Who Came to the Luncheon Honoring Jan Pence and Becki Christian
We had a lovely time together last Sunday, June 26 as more than 225 people gathered for a luncheon prepared and served by a group of volunteers led by John and Bonnie Wascher. Jan Pence, who served as our Office Coordinator/Receptionist, is moving to Minnesota with her husband, Jim, in order to be with their children and grandchildren. Becki Christian, who served as our Hospitality Coordinator/ Custodian, is moving to North Carolina for the same reason. We thank God for all the gifts they have shared with us and we wish them well in this new stage of their life journey!
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We Are Glad to Welcome Linda McKeller and Teresa Handy to Our St. Mark's Staff
The Church Council of St. Mark's conducted a search process over the last few months and selected two of our own members to fill the open positions on our staff. Linda McKeller will be the new Office Coordinator/Receptionist and Teresa Handy will be the new Hospitality Coordinator/Custodian. We are excited to welcome them into these roles and we look forward to fruitful ministry together!
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Pastor Jan Will Be In From June 30-July 25
As the Bishop's Representative for Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Relations, Pastor Ruud will attend a Global Conference at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France and then spend some additional weeks of vacation in France, Italy, and Switzerland. Both Pastor Shjerven and Pastor Rue will be available for pastoral care during this time.
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Dessert Hosts Needed for Wednesday Nights in July and August
As part of our Summer Mid-Week Renewal, we will be gathering
on Wednesday nights in July and August for Small Bites Bible Study at
6:30pm and Worship with Sacred Art at
7:30pm. Then, we want to enjoy dessert together at
8:00pm.
If you are willing to provide dessert for about 25 people on one or more Wednesday nights in July or August, please go to the following link and add your name:
If you do not have computer access, just call the Church office and we will sign you up. Hosts are not expected to set up tables and chairs, but we do ask that you set out plates and cups and wash them afterwards. Thanks!
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Evening Prayer with Sacred Art
Wednesdays, July 6-August 24 at 7:30pm
Each week we will gather near one of the beautiful pieces of art found in our church building. We will sing and pray and hear scripture readings that connect us to the work of art and to God's Spirit moving among us. Our 25 minute worship service will be followed by dessert and conversation.
If you plan to attend and would like nursery care for your child, please let Ingelaurie Lisher know by the Sunday [email protected]
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Wednesdays, July 6-August 24 6:30-7:30pm in the Fireside Room.
We will gather around savory bites of food to read and discuss the scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday. Pastors will offer insights they have had while studying the texts for preaching. Those gathered will be invited to share their own insights, or are free to silently soak up the group wisdom. All are welcome!
If you plan to attend and would like nursery care for your child, please let Ingelaurie Lisher know by the Sunday prior- [email protected]
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Welcome Home Mexico Mission Team!
The St. Mark's crew has returned from their yearly Mexico Mission Trip. The team was able to make four houses for families who work at the local children's center. The team also spend time with children from the center whose ages ranged from babies to teenagers. The week concluded with a blessing ceremony for those who were receiving new homes. We rejoice with them and are thankful for their fruitful trip and safe return.
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Jan Pence and Becki Christian Thank You
I was overwhelmed with the amazing "send-off" that our family and friends at St. Mark's gave us on Sunday. Thank you all for the kind words, the cards and the beautiful stained glass piece that the congregation gave me. The stained glass will find a special place in our Minnesota home and I will think of you often. I feel so blessed. Lovingly, Jan
Sunday was an absolutely perfect send off. I feel so loved! I will miss my St. Mark's family but will carry you in my heart to North Carolina. Thank you all for the beautiful stain glass and I too will bring it to my new home where I'll treasure the memory of St. Mark's. Blessings, Becki
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Backpack Program Thanks You!
A huge thank you for all your support of the Backpack program. Because of you, sixty hungry youth at DeLong Elementary School received food bags for the weekends, Christmas and Spring Break. They also received food gift cards for Christmas and Spring Break. We will continue to accept money and food (that has a pull date after September) throughout the summer. Once again, Thank you!
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Women of St. Mark's and All Crafters
Thank you to all who attended the planning meeting on June 14th. We set the dates for upcoming activities. The annual Bazaar will be held on
November 5th
this year and the Advent Brunch will be on
December 3rd
. Mark your calendars and come join in the fun!
We are planning a "Creative Nite Out" once a month from July through October (during the last week) to work on items for the Bazaar and have time together during the summer and fall. We encourage all to attend (not just for the women). We need lots of helping hands to make this year's Bazaar as successful as in the past. There will be a craft to help with or bring your own projects and enjoy each others company for an evening out. Watch the Bridge and Church Calendar for specific dates. We welcome any ideas for craft sharing!
Look for sign-up sheets in the coming months for the "Creative Nite Out", Bazaar help and the Advent Brunch. It takes a congregation to make these events successful. Please contact Barbara Meyers at 253-756-9352 or email
[email protected]
with questions or ideas.
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'We're home' were the words the wispy 5 year old in my car uttered in a joyful high tone as I pulled into the parking lot of the Host site church last night....I'm not sure if her sister or mom even heard her, but I was glad at that moment for dark glasses that hid the water collecting in my eyes as this tiny child, not fully understanding all the stress and challenges of homelessness uttered these simple words, as if this truly was her home. My sense of sadness for the situation was mixed with intense gratitude for the volunteers who would greet her and her family as we opened the heavy wooden door, I knew that they would be welcomed with grace and hospitality and that for this child all would seem well.
This morning when I returned to pick the family up, my precious cargo from last night greeted me with a huge wave and smile, the night had been peaceful, the bed she said was so comfortable, but I knew that having rested in God's house surrounded by faithful people had made a difference and that this morning the world was bright and cheerful.
There are several upcoming opportunities for you to experience such giving through service as a dinner host preparing a meal or as an overnight host here at FHN. If you have an open evening or night on your calendar, please consider one of these dates:
Eastside Baptist - Dinners needed
July 9, 10, 11,12,13,15
FHN - Overnight Host needed
July 16,17,18,19,20
For more information please contact Paula Friedmann at pfzebra@me.com
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Summer Music Camp Registration
St. Mark's Summer Music Camp, featuring Zimbabwe marimba and percussion specialist Jeff Brahe, will be held this August during the week of Monday, August 22nd through Friday, August 26th. Sessions will be divided by morning and afternoon classes as follows:
- 9-Noon - Elementary camp (for children entering grades 2-5 next Fall)
- 1-4pm - Youth camp (for children entering grades 6-12 next Fall)
We cannot at this time offer participation for those outside of these age groups.
Each camp is limited to 20 children (20 in the morning, 20 in the afternoon) on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration for the camps will be on Sunday, June 19th in the Narthex, after the 8:30 service, and will involve filling out a registration form and paying the $50.00 registration fee (scholarships are available.)
A number of adult volunteers are needed to assist with running the camp each day. Please contact Cooper Sherry if you are available, or with any questions at [email protected]
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Music on the Lawn- Save the Date
Back by Popular Demand! Music on the Lawn! Save the date August 13th.
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St. Mark's Habitat for Humanity Local Project
Once again this year a team of volunteers from St. Mark's will help build a house at Habitat for Humanity in our own community. We will work on a house that is being constructed by groups from local churches -- appropriately, the project is called "Building on Faith." Our workday will take place on
Saturday, July 23.
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Care of Creation: Summer Day Hikes
Mark your calendars! The Care of Creation Committee is sponsoring three day hikes during the summer of 2016. The dates of the hikes are listed below:
- Friday July 15-- Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park
- Friday August 5 -- Hike in the Olympic Mountains TBD
Each of the hikes is geared to hikes of all ages and abilities. . The visit to Sunrise on Friday July 15 should appeal to families and members of all ages. People can take short nature walks near the parking lot and enjoy the interpretive center and lodge. Others will be able to take longer hikes, to Burroughs Mountain or Fremont Lookout two to three miles in distance.
Please meet at the church parking lot at 8am on each of these hikes so that can form car pools. Be sure to bring water, sun glasses and sun cream, lunch, camera, binoculars, first aid kit; also bring some money to reimburse those who are willing to drive.
We will not go if the weather is wet and rainy.
Don't hesitate to email or call if you have any questions.
sure to call/text Tom Hulst at 253-227-9665 (or email [email protected]) with any questions.
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Take Them A Meal Volunteer Recruitment
Take Them A Meal: Continuing a long church tradition of providing food to support members who are ill or having a life difficulty, St. Mark's is compiling a list of members who would like to be potential meal providers. Potential meal providers would be notified by e-mail of meal requests. Please call or e-mail Janet Duris if you would like to be a potential meal provider or if you would like additional information. (Telephone:
(253)582-4991
/ e-mail:
[email protected]
)
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St. Mark's Preschool is accepting registration packets for the 2016-2017 school year. Classes are available for children ages 2.5-6 years old. To get more information and/or a registration packet, visit the preschool's website, www.smlutheran.org/preschool or contact Anne Zimmerman (253) 752-4929 M-F 8:30-2:00.
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Adult Classes are on hiatus for the summer, please join us again in the fall!
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Children and Youth Faith Formation
Vacation Bible School 2016-
August 1-5th 9:00am-12:15pm for children 4 years old to 5th grade(incoming) at St. Mark's-Cave Quest! Registration materials available in the Children's Faith Formation or in the Narthex. Please try to register your child by Sunday, July 17 so we make sure we have enough leaders and supplies.
- Youth and adult volunteers (class leaders and assistants) are needed to help out with the week. Please see the info table in the Narthex or contact Ingelaurie Lisher at 253-752-4966 ext. 104 [email protected] see how you can lend a hand.
Summer Story Time at the
9:45am worship service ONLY. Children 5 years to 3rd grade are invited to a brief retelling of the Gospel lesson during the sermon. Children will be brought back into the sanctuary before the creed. An Adult/mature youth is still needed for Sunday, July 24th.
Montana Servant Trip BBQ and Celebration
-Sunday, July 17 at Carl and Jean Steingrebe's. The fun begins at 2:30pm with outdoor and indoor water activities; BBQ dinner at 5:30pm. The whole family is invited and encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to Jean at 253-225-0252
[email protected]
Music on the Lawn-Annual Fundraiser!
Saturday, August 13 3pm at Suzy and Bob Reynold's home in Gig Harbor. Youth and adults are invited to help out Fri. Aug. 12th with set up and/or Sat. Aug. 13. Please contact Jean Steingrebe to find out how you can help out and earn $$ for a future trip with the church. Jean at 253-225-0252
[email protected]
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Host an International Exchange Student
Want to teach your family about a new culture? Volunteer to host an international exchange student; it is the best way to teach our children about the world (and they are never to young!). No children in the home? That is ok too, we are never to old to learn! Students are 15-18 and from many different countries! Call or text for more information and to get started today! Cindy Johnson (253) 245-6641 or Ashleigh Johnson (253) 332-3538
All placements are made through the STS Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to intercultural student exchange.
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Send it to [email protected] by 8am on Tuesday. All items will be run for 2 weeks prior to the relevant date and will be edited for length. Don't forget to send your member notes and news!
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