The Bridge
        
The weekly newsletter of St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows                  
   March 15 , 2017 
        
 
Sunday Worship      
8:30am-Blended
9:45am-Contemporary
11:00am-Traditional
 
 
To hear podcast recordings of our Sunday Sermons
Click Here
St. Mark's Staff
Pastors
Phil Rue, Visitation
Staff
Ingelaurie Lisher, Youth and Family
Music Ministry
Contemporary Music Ministry
Manager of Finance and Operations
Office Coordinator
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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. 


 

 
       Contact Us  
St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows

6730 N. 17th St.
Tacoma, WA 98406

Office: 253-752-4966
Preschool: 253-752-4929
Join our mailing list.
Wednesday Night Church Night Tonight!
 
5:00pm Little Angels Choir (CR)
5:15pm Dinner:
Taco Bar, Chips, Salad, Suggested Donation: $5
5:30pm Joyful Noise Choir (CR)
6:00pm Praise Team Rehearsal (S)
6:00pm Jubilation Choir, grades 3-5 (CR)
6:15pm Holy Moly (YR)
6:15pm Midweek Renewal (PCC)
7:30pm Prayer Service (PC)
 
Childcare in provided from 5-8pm for children up to 5 years of age while parents attend meetings, Bible Study and worship.

Passing of Long Time St. Mark's Member
 
Volly Grande, a long loved member of St. Mark's passed away on Sunday night the 26th of February.  Volly has been a member for more than 50 years and widely involved in this congregation. 
A service will be held in her honor on Friday, March 17th at noon.
Coming Soon! Blessing in Abundance Campaign
Did you know that St. Mark's is now the largest Lutheran congregation in our ELCA Southwestern Washington Synod? We have been richly blessed and we excited about the opportunity to not only take care of our own needs as a growing congregation but reach out to help sister congregations who are need of our support. That's why we have decided to share 10% of all gifts to the Blessing in Abundance capital appeal with two local ministries that you will hear much more about in March. Stay tuned for details!
Chase the Chill

Chase the Chill is going on Spring Hiatus but please keep knitting and crocheting!  Items can be left in the basket outside the office door.  
Save the Date: Cinco de Mayo Festival

Please join us on Friday, May 5th for the annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in support of our 2017 Mission Trip to Mexico.  Stay tuned for details!
Knitting Group

The St. Mark's Knitting Group will meet on March 15th at 1:30pm in the Fireside Room.  They will primarily be working on prayer shawls, but all are welcome.  
Mexico Mission Trip 2017

St. Mark's annual mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico will take place this year from June 23- July 1.  If you are interested in being part of this mission team, please return a completed Interest Form (available at Welcome Center) to either Melanie Summerour or Sarah Moore Sherry by March 19 th.  All team members should plan to attend the following meetings: Sunday, March 19th at 12:15; Tuesday, April 4th at 6:30; Sunday, April 23rd at 12:15; and Tuesday, May 2nd at 6:30.  We will meet in the Youth Room.
TEAM WORLD VISION GLOBAL 6K FOR WATER - May 6, 2017

Ever considered joining a 6K? How about joining a 6K where your registration fee provides CLEAN WATER to 1 PERSON? This Spring, Walk or Run 6K, Change A Life at Gas Works Park in Seattle on May 6, 2017From fast runners to leisurely walkers, thousands of people will unite around the globe on a mission together to bring clean water to communities in need. World Vision works in over 100 countries and brings clean water to 1 new person every 30 seconds.  6K is the average distance many people walk for water in Africa. Bring your family, friends and join the community who will change the lives of others! Stop by the Team World Vision table in the Narthex for information or visit TEAMWORLDVISION.ORG/SEATTLE6K and consider joining the "Global Water Runners" team with the Terrill family!   Every Global 6K for Water participant provides clean water to one child in need through their registration fee, wears the name/photo of a clean water recipient on their race bib, receives a t-shirt and finisher's medal! Join us in making a difference one person at a time. Questions? Contact Catherine Terrill at 253-732-3479.

LWR "KITS OF CARE" :   MARCH Personal Care Kit -SUPPLY DRIVE !


JOIN US for a March Supply Drive for LWR Personal Care Kits! Kits will be built at a Potluck Event on April 23, 4:30-6:00 p.m. In 2016, LWR distributed 144, 970 Personal Care Kits to refugees and others in need in 10 countries including Angola, Burkina Faso, DRC, Georgia, Mali, Pakistan, Peru, Serbia, Tanzania and Ukraine. Learn more about Lutheran World Relief's sustainable development and lasting promise at LWR.org. Information on LWR, our needs, supply drop-off  and sign up for the potluck available at a table in the Narthex. This year our potluck theme celebrates our immigrant heritage, so bring a favorite recipe from yours or another's to share!   Thank you for supporting this important ministry and know...The very simple gesture of giving a Personal Care Kit can give someone the encouragement to start anew. You can share God's grace and love by providing that simple comfort. Questions? Contact Catherine Terrill at 253-732-3479,
 
ITEMS NEEDED:
 
Bath towel (20"×40" & 52"×27", dark preferable)
Bar Soap (3oz +)
Toothbrush (in original packaging)
Sturdy  6K,  comb
Metal nail clippers


Join us for Interfaith Encounters!

Come hear and discuss how Jews, Muslims, and Christians view Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed in each of our faith traditions. Each gathering will include presentations by Rabbi Bruce Kadden of Temple Beth El, Imam Ahmad Saleh of the Islamic Center of Tacoma, and either Pastor Sarah Wiles of Bethany Presbyterian Church or Pastor Jan Ruud of St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows. There will also be ample time for conversation and interaction between participants from all our faith communities.

Tuesday, March 28, 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El:  Topic: Moses 
5975 South 12th Street

Tuesday, April 25, 7:00 p.m.at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by The Narrows: Topic: Jesus
6730 North 17th Street, Tacoma

Tuesday, May 23, 7:00 p.m. at the University Place Public Library:  Topic: Mohammed
3609 Market Place West, University Place

Vacation Bible School 2017

Mark your calendars!  VBS July 31-Aug. 4 Maker Fun Factory!  For children 4 year old (by July 1, 2017)-5th grade (2017-2018 school year). Registration opens April 30. Taking youth and adult volunteers who want to teach or lead. Contact Ingelaurie with questions or for more information. 

DeLong Backpack Program

It is time to start saving plastic grocery bags for the DeLong Backpack program.  Beginning July 12th, plastic grocery bags will not be available in Tacoma stores.  We use 4,680 bags per year to provide food for 65 students each week. 
2017 St. Mark's Reads:  "Healing the Heart of Democracy" by Parker Palmer

If you were not able to participate in the February discussions mark your calendars for Thursday March 16th and 23rd  at 7pm in the Parish Commons Classroom.   We will have the opportunity to discuss Palmer's work and make connections with our own lives as citizens.  Pastor Shjerven will lead the conversations.

Calling All Those Who Sew!
The Quilters need your help sewing quilt tops together at home.  See the table in the Narthex for sewing instructions and kits.  Any questions, contact Pat Buck or Celesta Smith (253-229-7726)
 
 
 To access the instructions online, click here. 
Needed: Layette Makers!

There is a need for someone to help serge layette kits (blankets and diapers) or loan the quilters a serger for this work. For more information, contact Randi Holland (253-905-5693)

St. Mark's Preschool Enrollment

St. Mark's Preschool has begun accepting enrollment paperwork for the 2017-18 school year in February. Current preschool families and children or grandchildren of St. Mark's Church members can register beginning February 1st; registration for the surrounding community will open on February 15th. Children must be two-and-a-half by Sept 1st to enroll in the 2/3s class; age 3 by Sept 1st to enroll in the 3/4s class; or, age 4 by Sept 1st to enroll in the PreK class. Please turn in paperwork as well as a non-refundable $75.00 registration fee to Anne Zimmerman. Registration paperwork can be found online ( www.smlutheran.org/smlcpreschool) or in the church office. Please contact Anne with questions (253) 759-4929


Make Your Shopping Dollars Go Further

If you shop on Amazon for the holidays, please consider designating St. Mark's (or your other favorite charity) to receive the money Amazon donates from each purchase. Login through www.smile.amazon.com and type in "St. Mark's Lutheran by The Narrows" to select our church. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you'll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. 

Children and Youth Faith Formation
 
Mark your calendars!  VBS July 31-Aug. 4 Maker Fun Factory!   For children 4 years old (by Sept. 1, 2017)-5th grade (2017-2018 grade). Registration opens April 30. Taking youth and adult volunteers who want to teach or lead. Contact Ingelaurie with questions or for more information. 

Sunday Youth Faith Formation Classes-March 19 
  • 5/6th grade-Unit 9 with Angelie and Irv
  • 7/8th grade Confirmation-Ruth with Ingelaurie
  • 9-12th grade-in the Fireside Room with Clara
Thursdays at St. Mark's-grades 6-12!   March 16- 5:30 Youth Group; 6:30 Youth Choir
 
Friday, March 31-Saturday, April 1 6:30pm-6:00am Youth Lock-Out! Swimming, broom ball, Trampolines and more.   Grades 8-12th Cost: $35.00(this a reduced rate) per person. Sign up by March 22. Adults are needed for this event to make it a go! 
 
Summer 2017- see Ingelaurie Lisher ASAP if you haven't signed up for either the High School trip to Stevenson WA or any of the Montana options.  
 
ELCA Youth Gathering Promo Video--current 7-11th grade youth and parents check this out!   https://youtu.be/CMR2w8d5OlQ   Gathering dates: June 27-July 1 2018(anticipated travel dates June 26 and July 2).
 
Costs/fundraising info, and more details will be presented at an info meeting on Sunday, March 26 12:15-1:00 pm in the Youth Room. 



Adult Faith Formation

Adult Forum-Sundays 9:45am in the Parish Commons Classroom
March 19 -  The  Adult Forum  provides opportunities to reflect on Christian faith in light of current events and the daily decisions we need to make. Topics vary, leadership is shared, and the conversation is lively

Adult Class- Sundays 11am in the Parish Commons Classroom
March 19-April 9: Making Sense of the Cross: DVD series with Dr. David Lose-Participants are invited to "listen in" on an open conversation about the cross and encouraged to think about and experience its meaning for their lives. 

 
Wednesday Midweek Renewal;  6:15pm in the PCC
Martin Luther's Small Catechism- As we commemorate 500 years of Reformation, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has invited congregations to "dust off our Small Catechisms and take another look at the basics of our faith" (Living Lutheran, 9/16).  During the season of Lent, we will be doing just that.  New copies of Luther's Small Catechism will be provided ($5 donation appreciated, but not required).  Wednesdays, 6:15pm, March15th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th.



Tuesday "Fully Alive" Bible Study; 5:15pm in the Fireside Room
led by Sherry Maiura.  

Women's Bible Study; 9:30 am in the Parish Commons Classroom
In the new year they will be studying Martin Luther's Small Catechism  For more information contact Ida Hagen, 253-759-0569 ( idaputs@gmail.com)

Noon Wednesday Text Study Luncheon in the Parish Commons Classroom.  
At Bible Study Luncheon men and women read and discuss the scripture texts appointed for the upcoming Sunday. The pastor who will be preaching on the texts guides the conversation.

Fred Meyer Giving

Did you know that Fred Meyer stores has a Community Rewards Program?  For more information on how to connect your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to giving at St. Mark's, click here. 
Thank You!
 
My family and I would like to thank the St. Mark's community for all their prayers, visits and cards during Rick's long illness.  Please keep us in your prayers as we heal.  --Wendy Coovert

Have an item for the bridge?
Send it to communications@smlutheran.org 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!