We are a Stephen Ministry congregation Christian Care, Compassion,
Listening — when you need it most.
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Worship Schedule
9:00 AM Worship in English with Holy Communion
10:00 AM Fellowship Between Worship Services
11:00 AM Worship in Spanish with Holy Communion
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Message from Pastor Triolo
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I've read the book of Acts many times. I never realized until this current reading how important the 586 BC exile of Judah was to the story. Separated from the temple, the exiled people of Judah needed to find new ways to worship and gather as a faith community. The synagogue was born and flourished. When the Jews were permitted to return to Judah, many chose not to. They remained in what is called the diaspora and continued to worship and gather at the synagogues. The Jews were a faithful people and gentiles around them noticed; many became believers. The believing Gentiles that did not convert were called "God-fearers." They attended the synagogues and were respected by the Jews.
As we open Acts each week, we see the apostles preaching and teaching in the synagogues. After the scriptures are read, they reinterpret them for the people with an understanding of Jesus as Messiah. The author of Acts masterfully captures the sermons of Peter, Stephen, and Saul/Paul. We read how they revealed Jesus though the Old Testament, each with their own flavor. Many of the Jews and God-fearers at the synagogues see God at work through them and come to faith. I wonder how, or even if, the church could have spread if it weren't for the exile in 586 and the resulting network of synagogues.
The synagogue network certainly helped the church to spread but what really led to the birth and growth of the early church was the Holy Spirit working through the apostles and other disciples. In Acts we see a church excited about what God had done and was doing through Jesus, (his death, resurrection, ascension, and the ensuing outpouring of the Spirit). They were a church who could not help but to share the message of hope and healing with everyone around them. The synagogues were the conduit, but it was the message of hope and the healing presence of the Spirit that led people to faith.
On Sunday afternoon at our church family lunch, Bishop Graham shared some thoughts about our upcoming synod New Connections campaign. It is about sharing hope and healing with our neighbors who might not currently be experiencing it. Our synod is setting a goal to increase our connections with the world around us by 10%. I think that goal is too low! At St. Mark's, we have the potential to make many, many more new connections. Our ESOL program, Montessori school, music ministry, and developing special needs ministry are just some examples of ministries that touch the lives of people all around us.
How are these new connections measured? While the annual ELCA statistics and analysis includes a line for "connections," many will measure it using the line for "worship attendance." With changing worship practices, however, this line is not necessarily the most accurate method. God's mission for the church—and the heart of our Synod's campaign—is for us to make new connections that we might bring God's hope and healing to all people.
I have nothing against worship attendance goal setting. In fact, I was once a great supporter of such a matrix. I am, however, cautious about such goals. What is behind them? If it is to increase attendance because we are afraid of not being able to pay the bills, I'm not interested. If, however, the goal is to help timid Lutherans break out of their shells to share with others how excited they are about what God has done in their lives, then I'm on board! When do we set sail?
In the book of Acts, we don't see a church setting goals to increase worship attendance. That would have made no sense to them. We see a church excited about what God had done through Jesus, a church who could not help but to share that message. Sure, they set goals and devised plans. Paul went on three missionary journeys. Peter and the other apostles preached in the synagogues. All of this took planning and action. But their motivation was always to share the hope and healing God gave them through Jesus. Are you excited about the hope and healing God has given you? If so, where are the places that you might share this with others?
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LutherFacts
Two paths diverged in the woods, which one to choose? Such was the situation that faced Martin Luther and the famous humanist scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam as they confronted early sixteenth-century Christianity. At first, they appeared to be on the same path. In 1510, Luther returned from a visit to Rome to begin a life of teaching and scholarship that called for major institutional changes. Erasmus spent time in Rome while living in Italy. Upon his return to England, he published In Praise of Folly (1511), which mocked many church practices. The book deeply impressed Luther. So much so, that as he prepared to challenge the selling of indulgences in 1517, Luther turned to Erasmus' translation of the New Testament for his own biblical studies. In turn, Erasmus praised Luther's 95 theses.Then, dramatically, they parted ways. Luther went on to a five-year period of protest that resulted in his break with the established church. Silent at first, Erasmus soon rejected Luther's efforts. While Luther could no longer accept the abuses in church practice and belief, Erasmus sought accommodation through limited institutional changes. He also remained faithful to the Pope, concluding that Luther was too extreme in his actions. For his part, Luther saw Erasmus as lacking the strength of conviction to confront the thorny issues of institutional reform. In the end, Erasmus opted for the stability of the established church. Choosing a different path, Luther made the decision to embrace the turbulence that often accompanies reform.
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The Reverend Amsalu Geleta
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Military Packages Update
We are sending packages again to the same recipient as last month, Jeff Darden. He will send some of them on to some more-remote outposts. He said "I can send them out to some more remote places so they get the joy of opening up the boxes with wonderful brownies and other baked goods. We have ways to get the packages out to other forward bases." So, while we're sending them to the same person, he will be distributing them to other folks who are in remote places. There are no specific requests, so your usual goodies and supplies will be most appreciated. You are always so generous, and they are always so appreciative.
We need names for the summer months, repeats are fine---you see how much our recipients appreciate your thoughtfulness, as do we. Please give the name and address (including email address) of any deployed person to Mary or Gerald Eskelund or Gayle Parsons. Thank you!
We received a wonderful thank you from Jeff Darden, the person suggested by Lisa Ryan, for last month.
Jeff’s email reads:
You mentioned that there would be brownies and boy were you right! :) One word regarding the assortment of cookies and brownies ... DELICIOUS!
Thank you so much for all the care packages ... What a great surprise
yesterday! Please thank all the cookie bakers, brownie makers, stitchers
and shoppers that made for such wonderful care packages. They were stuffed with things we needed and things we wanted so we're all happy to take on a few extra calories for a small taste of home. Nothing will go to waste and we are all so very grateful for your support. Several of my team are hitting the half-way point, which is traditionally a natural time for a small dip in attitude (missing home and family) so not only were the packages awesome, but your timing was impeccable.
Please see attached photo of the Squadron. It was a windy and hot morning and 4 of my people were at other locations ... so only 18 for the photo. So far we have hit 111 degrees F and we will probably hit 115 or higher by the end of the month. The cooling cloths will be used in these coming days ... yet another great addition to the packages.
Again, thank you so much for all the goodies. Thank you for taking the time to spend some money and package everything together and then mail. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for the continued support and thoughts. We all have our reasons for doing what we do in serving our nation ... but we all share the common belief that our country is worth fighting for and that it is the greatest country on the planet. May the Lord bless you and St. Mark's Lutheran! Sincerely, Jeff Darden
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St. Mark’s member, Robert Sargeant has been elected to the board of Fellowship Square. We congratulate Bob and pray for him and other board members as they work to provide affordable housing to those in need.
About Fellowship Square:
Fellowship Square, a faith-based nonprofit organization, advocates for and provides safe, secure, and affordable homes and an array of supportive services for a diverse population of low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Our communities, through mutual support and by facilitating access to services, foster independence, dignity, and healthy and vibrant lifestyles. FSF operates four properties providing housing for seniors over age 62 with limited incomes, as well as persons with disabilities: Lake Anne Fellowship House (Reston, VA); Hunters Woods Fellowship House (Reston, VA); Lake Ridge Fellowship House (Woodbridge, VA); Largo Landing Fellowship House (Upper Marlboro, MD). For more information on FSF housing options, volunteer opportunities or donations, visit fellowshipsquare.org, call 703-860-2536 or email info@fellowshipsquare.org.
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Senior Luncheon
May 31st, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
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The Life Center is sponsoring a Senior Luncheon on May 31st, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We'll be having our usual fun and games, along with African Food Tasting, African Music, and some special African Animals. Our very own Bev Clemsen will share a few of her slides from her recent trip. Please bring a friend and your sense of adventure! RSVP on sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex or call Jeannine Van Nostrand, 703-981-1404.
Additional invitations are on the bulletin board in the Narthex if you'd like to invite a Senior from outside St. Mark’s congregation. All are welcome!
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St. Marks WELCA/MIELA Circle Meetings
in June
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Please plan to join us:
Tuesday, June 6
11:00 AM – Ruth-Lydia Circle
Ruth-Lydia Circle plans to meet on June 6 at 11:00 AM at Afghan Kabob Restaurant at 6357 Rolling Road in Springfield, VA 22152
RSVP: Kathy Harris 703-978-7705
Wednesday, June 7
11:00 AM – Esther Circle
Esther Circle plans to meet at Friendship House for our Annual Potluck Luncheon.
RSVP: KathyKalmar 703-451-2611
Wednesday, June 7
6:30 PM – Deborah Circle
Deborah Circle plans to meet at Kay Graff’s house, 8356 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard Annandale, VA 22003, for a potluck salad supper.
RSVP: Kay Graff 703-725-5276
Fridays
6:30 PM – MIELA Tabita Circle
Tabita Circle plans to continue meeting weekly at the Friendship House both in June and also during the rest of the summer.
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Our Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress, (July 30-Aug. 3, 5:30 - 8 p.m.) needs you!
1) Register your children or grandchildren, age 3 through rising 6th grade. Bilingual registration forms are available on the VBS bulletin board in the Narthex and on the website.
2) Donate items listed on the bulletin board. Some items are for decorations that we are making now and soon we’ll add food items for the dinners.
3) Volunteers are also needed before and during the week.
Contact HarrietLatta 571-435-3975 or Christine Soileau 910-987-6064
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Youth & Family Planting Service Project – 5/20/2017
As a Thrivent Action Team we gathered together and landscaped the front of our St. Mark’s parsonage. A HUGE thank you to all who participated and especially to Jane Zuidema for donating her Thrivent Dollars for supporting our youth and church. Also thank you to Thema Mendez for blessing us by coming to help on her birthday!
1"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:1-5 NIV
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Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Brain Mendez, David Mendez, Mendez, Elizabeth Mazzello, Stephanie Ogle, Jessica Sheridan, Heidi Sheridan, Sarah Sheridan, Bob Yock, Thema Mendez, David Jr. Mendez, Jane Zuidema
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Landscaping Improvement Initiative
At its last meeting the Property Committee discussed the appearance of St. Mark’s grounds. Some areas are beautiful – the court yard reflects the efforts of a few faithful individuals. And, Rankin Landscaping has consistently cared well for the grass on all our properties. However, other areas, such as some around the Friendship House are overgrown and need attention.
The Property Committee recognized the needed landscape work is extensive and beyond the capability of those currently caring for St. Mark’s gardens. As a result the Property Committee is asking for immediate help from members and groups to:
1. Clear an overgrown area of St. Mark’s property and/or,
2. To maintain a cleared area of St. Mark’s property.
Work sites and times are your choice. Tools and supplies are available if needed. For site, scheduling and other information, please contact Alan Eck or call 703-569-0814 .
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Article Deadline
We need YOUR help! In order that ALL OF US receive the necessary documents for This Week, The Messenger, and the website, please send all articles you wish to have published no later than 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before the Sunday you wish for the articles to appear. Send those articles to communications@stmarks-elca.org.
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