Volunteers needed!

Have you ever considered being a Greeter, an Usher, a Lector, or a Communion Assistant in Worship but weren't sure how to get started? If so, now is a great time to begin. We need volunteers every week at all three services. It is a great way to become involved in our congregation and to be a part of our worship services. Training is available and we happily work with your schedule. If you are interested or have questions, please talk to Linda McKeller in the church office Sunday morning between  9:30 and 11:00,  or send an email to  [email protected] .  

Praying with Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind

Join us on  July 18, July 25, August 1, and  August 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for this summer series hosted by Pastor Ruud and Pastor Shjerven. We will focus on contemplative prayer practices that engage the whole person and also set apart some time for a simple evening worship service, followed by dessert and conversation. All are welcome, and if you would be willing to provide  dessert one evening, please call the church office or sign up at the Welcome Center in the Narthex.

Care of Creation Camping Trip

The Care of Creation committee is sponsoring a two-night camp-out at Seal Rock Campground in Brinnon on Hood Canal July 19 through the 21. Seal Rock is a federal forest service campground adjacent to the Dosewallips State Park. It has beach activities, hiking, and more. You can obtain a shellfish license in Brinnon, three minutes from the campground. We cannot make reservations, however.  It is first come first served. COC members will go early to  stake out the number of campsites needed to accommodate our group size. We would need to know the number of campers  to secure enough campsites for the two nights we are there.  The cost per campsite is 18 dollars per night (and 9 dollars per night with a senior park pass). (Maximum eight people per campsite.) So please contact Tom Hulst by email at [email protected] or by phone 253-460-2683 if you would like to go.  Folks could drive up for a day visit too if desired.

Our first craft night produced jars of bath salts, beautifully decorated, and all the stuffed toys have been filled! Thanks to all who attended!  Our next craft night is on  July 27, Friday, from  6 p.m. till 9 p.m.   We will be making the Popcorn Snowmen and other small projects. Come one and all for an night of crafting and lots of conversation!

St. Mark's Preschool

  Backpacks with School Supplies for Mission Creek

We are collecting backpacks and school supplies for moms at Mission Creek Correction Center in Belfair to give to their kids at their "Back to School" event.  We are c ollecting for older kids (5th- 12th grades).  First Lutheran in Port Orchard is  tak ing care of the little kids. Pick up a list at a table in the Narthex (also see below) and let us know what you can bring. Our goal is 35 backpacks with full sets of supplies. Fill a backpack or bring what you can and we will assemble. Donations are needed by Sunday, July 29. Thank you so much for your generosity!

 

Backpacks and supplies for 5th-12th grades:

Backpack +/or:

Composition book(s)

Spiral notebook(s)

3-ring binder(s)

Paper (college rule)  

Subject dividers 

Ruler

Eraser

Glue sticks                                         

Pens (blue/black/red)

Pencil pouch

Pencil sharpener 

Pencils (all wood; cheap ones crumble)

Colored markers                          

Colored pencils 

Highlighter(s)

Calculator with advanced functions ($10-15 type)

 

SUPPLIES NEEDED BY July 29.  THANK YOU!!

Speak Up: Moral Voices

The Peace and Justice Committee at St. Mark's suggests we all consider using our moral voices to advocate for justice in the following areas: food, housing, creation, and immigration. 

Please contact your Pierce County council member and encourage them to declare a homelessness emergency. Most of us live in District 7,  Derek Young, 253-798-6654 (North and West Tacoma, Gig Harbor) or District 4, Connie Ladenburg, 253-798-7590 (Fircrest, University Place and generally Tacoma north of I-5/16 and SE of 6th Ave and Steele). As the article here elaborates, homelessness is our shared community problem, but it's the government's role to declare an emergency and facilitate development of solutions.

Rummage Sale

Rummage sale at Peninsula Lutheran Church (6509 38th Ave NW, Gig Harbor), Friday and Saturday, July 20-21, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., will benefit Lutheran prison ministry, including Empowering Life's work at the Washington correction centers for women. Drop off donations Tuesday -Thursday, July 17-19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Questions: call Pen Lutheran, 253-851-3511.

Host Families Needed

Volunteer host families needed

We still have students available to host for this coming year!

I have 1 boy that is from Saudi Arabia! What a cool country to learn about!  Mansour is 15 and had Muscular Dystrophy, it affects his shoulders and legs. He is able to walk.  Swimming is his approved form of exercise, that he would need to be able to do while here.

Mansour wants to be a Dr. in the future.  Mansour enjoys the outdoors, volunteering, science,technology, and learning about new cultures.  He is excited to share his culture with you while experiencing the US culture! Contact Cindy Johnson  for more information or go to www.ayusa.org and start the application.  If you are not able but know someone that would like to host him, refer them and when they host you

will receive $200.00 as a thank you for referring them!

Cindy Johnson, 253-245-6641