St. Mary's had a resource for ministry: a 12 passenger van that has been faithfully cared for. St. Mark's and Lutheran Services Carolinas were working with a need: dozens of Afghan refugees who need to get to English classes 4 days a week from all over the county. What an opportunity to do ministry together! Thanks to the partnership between the two congregations, St. Mary's van will be used to help with transportation so that these new Americans can learn the skills they need to succeed. Thanks be to God for the generosity of our partners at St. Mary's! |
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Sharing Our Faith Stories |
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"Sharing Our Faith Stories" is a new video series launched by St. Mark's Evangelism Team. We are grateful to Amy Zellers for willing to be our first volunteer. Click on the video to hear her faith story.
Please contact Ken Lane, Evangelism Team's Chairperson, or the church office if you have someone to suggest for this video series.
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Lenten Information and Resources |
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Lenten Bible Study with Bishop Tim Smith
Again this year, in hopes of giving our ministers a break or an alternative option—not to compete!—Bishop Tim Smith will be leading an NC Synod-sponsored Bible study on the Gospel of Luke during Lent for five consecutive Thursdays from 7:00-8:15pm. This study began on March 10th, and will conclude on April 7. Note we will not meet during Holy Week. All are welcome!
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Midweek Services during Lent
March 16, 23, 30, and April 6 @ 6:30pm
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer at St. Mark's every Wednesday during Lent at 6:30 pm. During the services, congregation members will share personal faith stories related to the theme "From Everlasting to Everlasting." During each Midweek Lenten Services the offering will go to support the Circle of Welcome family that St. Mark’s is assisting. The funds will go directly into the church’s dedicated account for Afghan Resettlement.
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Faith Formation Small Groups
During Lent, St. Mark's is having a congregational wide focus on small group ministry. During Faith Formation, 7 small groups are meeting throughout the building. If you are visiting or new to our community and would like to join a small group, meet Deacon Katie in the Sanctuary at 9:45 and she will connect you with a group.
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Afghan Resettlement Information |
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In the News
In the last week there have been three different articles about settling Afghans in Asheville area with the help of Lutheran Service Carolinas and the support of St. Mark's.
St. Mark's Circle of Welcome Needs
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The Circle of Welcome team is in need of people willing to provide transportation long term, short term, one time or any combination for the parents to attend English Language Classes at the AB Tech Campus, Monday - Thursday from 9-12. Please review this sign-up sheet to see current transportation needs.
- Now that the regular weekly arrival of Afghans has wrapped up in our area, Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) is focused on finding long-term housing for families and individuals. The rental market is challenging, especially for folks on entry level incomes, but LSC can guarantee rent for the first 6 months. Do you have rental property or know someone who does? Would you consider a below market rental rate for these folks who lost their homes and livelihoods because they supported US efforts in Afghanistan? Any leads can go to Laura Collins at lcollins@lscarolinas.net.
Lutheran Services Carolinas Needs
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LSC continues to have different needs than St. mark's Circle of Welcome. Amy Dix, their Outreach Coordinator, puts out an email update about these needs a few times a month. If you have not already signed up to receive this, click here to read her latest publication and to sign up for continued updates.
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Organ Crawl
March 26th beginning at 9:30am
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will be sponsoring an Organ Crawl in Asheville on March 26, and will be stopping at St. Mark's! An organ crawl is an event where a group travels around to see, hear, and play pipe organs. This organ crawl will begin at 9:30am at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church (789 Merrimon Ave), and will travel from there to St. Mary's Episcopal, St. Mark's Lutheran, Central United Methodist, First Presbyterian, and possibly Trinity Episcopal. Asheville has a great variety of pipe organs, and this is your chance to hear and learn about them! Contact Cantor David for more information: cantordavid@stmarkslutheran.net
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Who's hungry?!
It's been a long 2 years since we have been able to gather together for fellowship and food for meals at St. Mark's. But the time is coming! Pending any dramatic change in COVID numbers, Easter Breakfast is back, with indoor and outdoor seating options!
This annual potluck meal is a beloved tradition at St. Mark's, so whip out your recipe books, and plan to bring a dish to share at 9:45am on Easter Sunday. Stay tuned for more information! Want to help? We will need help decorating on Saturday, April 16, and in the kitchen on Sunday, April 17. Let Deacon Katie know if you are willing and able to help!
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Easter Lilies
It is time to order the Easter Lilies. Please submit this form, contact the church office, or fill out the tear and share section in the back of your MARKings on Sunday mornings. When purchasing the lilies, please indicate if there is a special dedication to be noted. Each lily will cost are $6 this year. Please note “Lilies” on your check. All orders must be submitted by March 27th.
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Eastern Europe Crisis Response Update
As as a follow up to last week's published article, every gift given to Lutheran Disaster Response's Eastern Europe Crisis Response will be matched dollar for dollar. St. Mark's Christian Action Team will continue to collect a donation to give directly to the Eastern Europe Crisis Response Team of The Lutheran Church of America on behalf of our congregation. To read last week's article about the ELCAs efforts, click here. For more information on the gift match announcement click here. If you would like to make a donation, please make out your check to St Marks, designated for Ukraine and place it in the offering plate.
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Thursday, March 17th
- 11am - Rauschenberger Small Group (Zoom)
- 2:30pm - Van Tassel Small Group (Zoom)
- 6pm - Handbell Rehearsal
Friday, March 18th
- 9am - Library Meeting
- 12:30pm - Bridge Group
Saturday, March 19th
- 8am - Lutheran Men in Mission
Sunday, March 20th
- 8:30am - Worship
- 9:45am - Faith Formation Small Groups
- 11am - Worship
- 1pm - Youth Group Bowling
Monday, March 21st
- 10am - Faith & Fellowship (Zoom)
Tuesday, March 22nd
- 9am - Quilters
- 10am - Staff Meeting
- 7pm - McKay Small Group (Zoom)
Wednesday, March 23rd
- 9am - Property Day
- 10am - Kairos Group (Zoom)
- 11am- Ashby Small Group (Zoom)
- 6:30pm - Midweek Lenten Service
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Meeting Links:
-Rauschenberger Small Group
Thursday, March 17th @ 11am
-Van Tassel Small Group
Thursday, March 17th @ 2:30pm
-Faith and Fellowship
Monday, March 21st @ 10am
-McKay Small Group
Tuesday, March 22nd @ 7pm
-Ashby Small Group
Wednesday, March 23rd @ 11am
Password for ALL Meetings is stmarks
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Worship Assistant Information |
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If you are a worship assistant, please take a few moments and refresh yourself on the routines of your position either by watching these videos or by reading the linked text within the titles. If you would like to know more about these positions or any others on Sunday morning, please reach out to Danielle.
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March 20th @ 8:30am
Greeters
J.D Slater
Linda Kinsinger
Usher
Ken Clark
Ronnie Shoe
Altar Guild
Debbie Layne
Acolyte
Liza Volk
Reader
Diane Hughes
Communion Assistant
Linda Kinsinger
Assisting Minister
Amy Zellers
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March 20th @11:00am
Greeters
Eric Van Tassel
Susan Van Tassel
Usher
Jason Jones
Josh Kersey
Altar Guild
Donna Turnbaugh
Acolyte
Anne Blackwell
Crucifer
Paula Bradt
Reader
Donna Turnbaugh
Communion Assistant
Susan Van Tassel
Live Stream
Gloria Sainio
Assisting Minister
Natalie Haynes
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Contact Information
Parish Administrator
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Our Mission:
Making disciples by loving Christ,
growing in faith, serving all people
Our Vision:
Experiencing and sharing God's grace as an inclusive, intergenerational congregation through Worship, Outreach, Learning and Fellowship
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