Would you like to be able to match names and faces in our congregation? Would you like to help some of our youth with a book project? 

You can do both at once! We are combining the collection of new photos with our middle-grades book group project. This group is reading The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. Drawing from a theme of inter-generational friendship and an event involving a studio portrait in the year 1899, as a class project we are assisting Roy Van Doorn take photos of people in our church.

 

A sign up sheet in the Narthex or please e-mail: sarainvirginia@gmail.com.

It is for all who loves St. Mark: members, friends, family members, and all who see this invitation. 

As a part of our book project, we would like to invite you to bring an item that reflects something about you or your interests. For example, your favorite thing is reading-bring a stack of books! Any item having to do with a hobby or a passion would work. 

 Examples: gardener brings a flower or a trowel; traveler brings a passport or a map. Sign up in family groups if you can-we'll take individual photos as well.

Feel free to read along in The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate with us. It's a great book.  Thanks!

Power in the Spirit 2019 Registration Open!

Power in the Spirit is an inspirational conference for everyone who wishes to explore God's call to service through joyous worship, Bible study, keynote addresses, workshops, and fellowship.

To view this year's event packet with information on everything happening at this year's Power in the Spirit, click here.

Join us July 11-13 at Roanoke College for a conference with Lutherans for all across the state. Register for Power in the Spirit online today!

Article HeadlineStatement from ELCA presiding bishop addresses synagogue shooting  4/29/2019 4:40:00 PM

On Saturday, the last day of Passover, another shooting occurred at a synagogue - this time, Chabad of Poway, in California. The living had gathered to offer prayers to honor the dead and to close the Jewish festival of God's liberating promise. Once again, worship was interrupted by deadly violence.

We stand against this latest public act of anti-Semitism and domestic terrorism, and with the Jewish community. Together, with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners, we will continue to "oppose the deadly working of such bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us" ("Declaration of ELCA to Jewish Community," 1994).

We grieve with the community of Poway, with the victims and their families, and with all those who are wounded in mind, body and spirit by this latest act of violence committed in a sacred space.

We continue to grieve the shooting six months ago at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh; the mosque shootings six weeks ago in Christchurch, New Zealand; the arson one month ago of three historic Black churches in Louisiana; and the church bombings on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.

We find ourselves, like the psalmist, crying out to God that "the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary" (Psalm 74:3b). We know that these incidents, together with others, are not isolated. They are linked through a tangled web of religious bigotry, violence, hatred and white supremacy that is meant to divide us - from each other and from God.

Therefore, our actions to address anti-Semitism must oppose all deadly workings in our midst. This is hard work but also holy work. An attack on one faith community is an attack on all. As a sign of God's liberating promise, let us stand against this scourge by standing together. May it be so.

In peace,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton

Presiding Bishop, ELCA

Relevancy

Understanding why a life of faith matters

It's possible the central challenge for organized religion in North America today is relevance. At its core, relevancy has to do with people understanding why something matters to them or what problem is solved by that something. If people don't know what problem the church and a life of faith solve in their lives, then neither will be relevant. A church that is perceived as irrelevant will be limited in influence when it comes to growing stewards and disciples.

Why are we doing all this church stuff and paying attention to Jesus in the first place? How do we more clearly articulate why a life of faith matters and what benefits might come from participating in a congregation? Jesus was pretty clear when he said that a person could live life in a way that is merely going through the motions or could live life abundantly and know the life that truly is life. Jesus invites everyone to participate in a salvation that is about more meaningful, holistic, connected, love-filled, wisdom-driven lives that in turn make the world a better place.

For a deeper dive on this topic, see my article and click on link:  Currents in Theology and Mission titled Transformational Stewardship: Should We Expect a Net Benefit From Following Jesus?

Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network Program

LEVN, the Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network, is looking for young adults ( age 21-30) with Bachelor's degrees for an 11-month program of non-profit volunteer service and learning about social justice. From the end of August 2019 to the end of July 2020, our corps members will be provided housing, utilities, health coverage, spiritual direction, and a $535/month living stipend. We also offer a $1000 re-entry grant at the completion of the program.

The placement sites for the upcoming program year include faith-based non-profits, secular non-profits, congregations, outdoor ministry, and our campus ministry at UC Davis. These service sites address issues of homelessness, food insecurity, unem