The Weekly Buzz
August 12, 2022
This Sunday,
August 14, 2022

  • Reminder of the summer worship schedule:
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship onsite and online
  • Jeremy Lafary will be bringing the message
  • 10:30 am: Fellowship hour
  • There will not be Holy Communion during service
  • Please Check the "Upcoming Events" Calendar below for dates Sunday's Holy Communion will be offered through September 4
  • Remember to wear your name tag so all can get acquainted
  • The nursery will be staffed during worship service
  • Please sign attendance pads in pews.
  • Bring a friend!

Online Worship:
The 9:30 am service can be viewed live here. Click here for Sunday's service bulletin. Click here to see previous worship services on St. Mark's YouTube Channel. Be sure to "like" the service, subscribe to the YouTube Channel, and share the post on your Facebook page so more people can hear the good news!
NEWS & EVENTS
Potluck Brunch

Many have commented about how nice it has been to see everyone due to the blended worship service. The Fellowship Team would like to offer another opportunity to gather together and get reacquainted. On Sunday, August 21, in place of the regular Fellowship hour, there will be a potluck brunch. St. Mark's will provide a ham. But, in the grand tradition of potluck's we need your help. Scan the QR code to the right, or click here, to let us know you're bringing an egg casserole, a side, or a dessert. While a dish to pass is not required, it is encouraged to ensure we have enough for everyone to enjoy.
Be An Extra!

The potluck brunch on Sunday, August 21, will be another opportunity for you to be an extra to show a potential new pastor the vibrant life of St. Mark's. Joe will once again be shooting video for the promotional video and we want to make sure as many are represented as possible. There will be a photo release available to sign at the brunch in case you weren't able to sign before the Blessing of the Backpacks. Or you can download it here, fill it out and put it in the Operation Director's mailbox. We also understand some may feel uncomfortable being in the video, and will make sure to provide space for them as well. Watch here for more details!
New Member Inquiry Class

Interested in joining St Mark's? Perhaps you recently joined and were unable to attend a new member class in person. Maybe you just want to learn more about the Lutheran Church, the ELCA, or about St. Mark's. We are happy to announce that a three-week new member inquiry class will begin Sunday, September 11, at 9:30 am, during Fellowship Hour. The schedule is as follows:
 
September 11th - Lutheran History, Beliefs and Practices by Pastor Hanson
September 18th - attend the Opportunity Fair 
September 25th - History and overview of St Mark's
Sunday School/Rally Day

Mark your calendars, Sunday School will be starting back up at St. Mark’s with our kick-off on Rally Day, Sunday, September 11, 2022. Sunday School registration has begun. You can register online via the QR code, here or on the form in the Gathering Space. There will be a new structure that involves music, crafts, lessons, and most importantly, FUN!
August WHIP Donations:
Canned Soup

WHIP is in need of canned soup. Donations may be left in Beckwith Hall and in the boxes inside St. Mark's East Entrance vestibule (the glass doors facing Main Street).
Bible On The Go

A handy app to have on your phone or tablet is the Bible application from YouVersion. It is available for both Android (Google Play Store), and Apple. The app has dozens of translations on it, including most of the popular ones. You can highlight verses, take notes, and even share scripture on social media. You can quickly look up verses during a sermon, or take notes on a favorite passage during your devotions or a Bible study. The app even has reading plans, daily prayers, verse of the day, and more.
Google Play Store
Apple App Store
MISSION CONNECTIONS
New Section!!

The Buzz would like to introduce a new ongoing section – Mission Connections! We will use this new section to inform you of upcoming opportunities for you to be the hands and feet of Jesus by participating in projects and events in the community. It will also provide a place to share pictures and information regarding recent St. Mark's Mission events. In the coming weeks and months, these are just some of the connections to our community that are available:
 
  • Saturday, September 10, from 8 am until noon - Habitat for Humanity - Habitat build project in Peoria
  • Monday, September 19, from 12:30 pm until 6:30 pm - Red Cross Blood Drive at Five Points
  • October - Operation Christmas Child shoebox collection/activities 
  • Saturday, November 5thfrom 8 am until noon - Habitat for Humanity - Habitat build project in Peoria

Stay tuned for more details about each of these opportunities! We are excited to see our St. Mark's family out and about showing God's love to people in and around our community!
CALENDAR







Sunday, August 14
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship - No Holy Communion
  • 10:30 am: Blood Pressure Screening
  • 12:30 pm: Kindred Spirit Sisters
Monday, August 15
  • 11:00 am: Finance Team
  • Marksman Article Due
Wednesday, August 17
  • 1:30 pm: Hanna Circle







Sunday, August 21
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship with Holy Communion
  • 10:30 am: Fellowship Hour Potluck Brunch
Monday, August 22
  • 6:00 pm: Mission Endowment Fund Team
Tuesday, August 23
  • 6:30 pm: Executive Team
Sunday, August 28
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship with Holy Communion
Monday, August 29
  • 6:30 pm: Church Council
Tuesday, August 30
  • 9:00 am: Preschool Prep - John Bates FLC
Wednesday, August 31
  • 9:00 am: Preschool Prep - John Bates FLC
Sunday, September 4
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship with Holy Communion
Monday, September 5
  • Church Offices Closed - Labor Day
Wednesday, September 7
  • 8:30 am: Washington Ministerial
  • 6:00 pm: Parent Meeting for Confirmation Classes
Saturday, September 10
  • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm: Habitat for Humanity Build - Peoria
Sunday, September 11
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship with Holy Communion
  • 10:30 am: New Member Inquiry Class
  • 10:30 am: Blood Pressure Screenings
  • 10:45 am: Rally Day
  • 10:45 am: Sunday School - Jr./Sr. High
Tuesday, September 13
  • 8:30 am: Northern Conference Pastors' Gathering
  • 9:30 am: Peace & Comfort Quilters
Wednesday, September 14
  • 6:30 pm: Confirmation
Sunday, September 18
  • 9:30 am: Blended Worship with Holy Communion
  • 10:30 am: New Member Inquiry Class
  • 10:30 am: Opportunity Fair
  • 10:45 am: Sunday School
Monday, September 19
  • 12:30 pm - 6:30 pm: Red Cross Blood Drive at Five Points
STEWARDSHIP AND GIVING

Multiple Ways to Give
Thank you for your support of St. Mark's.

Weekly Offering Checks can be brought to the collection boxes in the sanctuary or mailed to St. Mark's (200 S. Main Street, Washington, IL 61571). You can set up an online automatic gift from your bank as well.
 
Website - Give through this link.  

Text - Send a text to 833-948-2192, enter the amount you would like to give, and follow the instructions. 
 
Mobile App - Download and install the free Vanco Mobile app from the App or Play Store using the QR code below. Then search for St. Mark's. Follow the instructions to donate.
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
Giving Thanks

Your gifts and offerings make it possible for us to continue with business as usual during this time of transition. We thank you for your continued support.
THE CHURCH OFFICE
Prayer Requests

Please email prayer requests to the church office. Confidential prayer requests can be emailed to Pastor Hanson.
New Phone Number? Email? Address?

St. Mark's wants to know! Please let us know when your contact information changes. You can do it on your phone by scanning the QR code, or you can click the link here, fill out the form from your favorite device. You're also welcome to email the information to office@stmarkswashington.org or call (309) 444-4618.
St. Mark's Staffing Needs
                                                                         
Perhaps you or someone you know is looking for a new opportunity and possess the skills needed for one of our open positions. There are both ministry staff and childcare/preschool positions available. The following are areas of need:
  • Contemporary Music Director (link)
  • Child Care/Preschool Substitute Teacher's Aide (link)
  • Child Care/Preschool Substitute Teacher (link)