St. Mark's Weekly Bridge Newsletter

The 9:30 a.m. Wednesday morning Bible study meets in the Parish Commons #1 Classroom. Ladies begin gathering about 9:15 for coffee and visiting. We are ladies with varying faith and Bible experiences, who help each other by sharing our questions and insights. This fall we will study the book of Romans. We begin on September 12, and books are available - an excellent time to join us! For more information, contact Linda Durant, [email protected], or (253) 363-8202.

St. Mark's IT Notes

We are pleased to share that we were able to secure a new donation from Microsoft for Azure Backup which replaces our existing backup solution. We are privileged to be able to receive continued donations and discounts from Microsoft and Google that help support our mission. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Levin Conway through the Church office.

New Hearing Loop System in Sanctuary!

We are pleased to share that our sanctuary is now equipped with a Hearing Loop System! This loop system gives greater accessibility to those with hearing challenges to hear scripture readings, the sermon, and music. All seating in the pew areas is covered by the system. Hearing loops have been widespread in public venues in Europe for some time, but are just now starting to catch on in the United States.

Please ask the ushers for assistance with the receivers. Click here for the instruction sheet, also available at the church.

Produce Palooza! Sunday in the Courtyard, 9:45-11:00 a.m.

We had an enthusiastic response to our first Sunday of sharing the harvest! The Greening the Congregation Team will continue to host this fun way for gardeners to share what they have been growing and nurturing in their gardens this summer. We invite all gardeners and those who appreciate fresh produce and flowers to meet at the tables outside the office area in the courtyard. Gardeners can give away their extra bounty of veggies, fruits, herbs, flowers, etc. to those who have not had the opportunity to garden this summer. It's a time to share the abundant harvest. Contact the office for more information.

Fall School Kit Drive - Lutheran World Relief

It's time for St. Mark's Annual LWR School Kit Drive and to shop for school supplies at great prices!

Last year St. Mark's delivered 225 school kits to LWR, and LWR delivered 214,690 school kits to 17 countries! Starting August 25 through September, you will be able to pick up and fill one or more ORANGE bags that will be delivered to one child OR just pick up a supply list and shop for the items you choose. This St. Mark's ministry of collecting supplies, packing, and shipping kits allows children to attend school in their communities! Pencils and paper help write a positive future ! Contact Catherine Terrill with ? at 253-732-3479. Blessings!

EACH KIT INCLUDES :

(4) Spiral bound notebooks (8" X 10 ½")

(1) 12" ruler (metric/inches)

(1) pencil sharpener

(1) blunt scissors

(5) pencils -unsharpened

(5) ballpoint pens (blue or black)

(1) 2 ½" pink eraser

(1) box crayons (16 or 24 crayons)

Third Quarter Group

Those in the third quarter of life, ages 50-75ish, are invited to share hope, laughter, and love through active events.

Thursday, September 13, at 6:00 p.m. Potluck in Parish Commons. We will review our past year's activities and get your ideas for 2018-2019 monthly events.

Walking 4 Wellness

All are welcome! We have a fun, social time. Meet the group for friendship and fresh air. Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. (approx). Meet at the TLRC Art Center, near the fountain. No sign up required. Questions? Contact Pastor Sigi at: [email protected].

Women of St. Mark's

We had a very productive and fun Craft Night! This time it was on Monday night in the Youth Room. We had our sewing night making table mats from the new 2018 Scandi line of fabric. Thank you Bonnie Wascher for the lovely fabric! Lots of fun and conversation! We also finished decorating the Bath Salts Jars, thank you Linda Buhr!

Our September Craft Night will be on Friday, September 28, in the Youth Room. Lots of tables, room and cooler! We will be assembling the Snowman Chocolate Bars, a favorite at the Bazaar. Hope to see you there!

We have fabric ready for all of you sewers that would like to help the Quilters. We need quilt tops sewn together for the Quilters.

If you have a question, please call Barbara Meyers at 253-756-9352 or send me an email at [email protected].

Children and Youth Faith Formation

Blessing of Educators and Learners: Sunday, September 2, at all 3 services.

Thanks to Carl and Jean Steingrebe, John and Bonnie Wascher, Celesta Smith, and Bob and Suzy Reynolds for planning and hosting the 2018 Music on the Lawn youth fundraiser on August. 25. Thanks also to Cooper Sherry, the musicians, and all of the youth and parent volunteers who played and served during the event.

Sunday morning Faith Formation Classes for children 3 years old to 12th grade begin Sunday, September 16 at 9:45 a.m. Teacher training/orientation will be held Saturday, September 15 for those working with 3 year olds to 4th grade.

You are INVITED to join the Sunday morning Children's Faith Formation fun! Be a member of a teaching team for 5-6 weeks during one or more sessions September 16 to June 16 . See the table in the Narthex or contact Celesta Smith at [email protected] for more information.

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.

There have been many stories about whales in Puget Sound this summer. As part of the Care of Creation Adult Forum series in September we will have a speaker provide an update on orcas and other whales in the Salish Sea ( September 23). In the meanwhile please read this July story about the orca in local waters. There were other stories about the mother carrying a dead calf for several days in the Seattle Times also.

Thank You from L'Arche

Dear Friends:

Your gift to L'Arche Tahoma Hope becomes a thousand shared smiles in a spirit of welcome for those seeking belonging. Just as you have shared your gifts, we share the gifts of the core members at the heart of our community.

Through our relationships with core members, we have learned to be more vulnerable, understanding, and accepting of differences. These lessons bring light to the world. With your support and friendship, L'Arche Tahoma Hope continues to invite others to join us in creating a better world.

With gratitude,

Jonathan Ross

Development Director, L'Arche Tahoma Hope

Free Pierce County Film Series Focuses on Family Caregiving

Films on Caregiving - Happy Tears

September 8 - Two sisters help their crude but endearing father deal with age-related health and mental problems. Upon returning to their childhood home to help their father, they face difficult, frequently comic situations. The sisters also bicker over the seriousness of their father's condition and his caregiving needs. The struggle to balance familial duties with their own strained lives suggests a more meaningful family connection they may not have had as children. Free film held at the Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett in Tacoma. Doors open 10:30 a.m. Film shows at 10:45 a.m. Free popcorn. Tickets at www.PierceADRC.org (click on News & Events) or call 253-798-4600.

Church Office Hours

The church office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon, 1:00-4:00 p.m . and Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

*The door to the office is locked during preschool hours (8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.); please knock or ring the doorbell and someone will let you in promptly!

Have an item for The Bridge?
Send it to [email protected] by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. All items will run for two weeks prior to the relevant date, and will be edited for length. Don't forget to send your member notes and news!