St Mark's ELCA

Palestinian Lutheran pastor to receive 'German Media Award'

2012-01-25T21:16:00.001-06:00

Global Lutherans in the news again! Hope you are proud to be Lutheran, making an impact in the world!

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 22, 2012

Palestinian Lutheran pastor to receive 'German Media Award'
12-01-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) - Dr. Mitri Raheb, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran
Christmas Church in Bethlehem, will receive the German Media Prize award
Feb. 24 for his work in founding educational, cultural and health care
institutions and his commitment to inter-faith dialogue and peacemaking
in the Middle East.
"Mitri Raheb is a pastor with passion in proclaiming the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Persistently working for a lasting, just peace in the
Middle East, Pastor Raheb is a visionary leader who has created new
pathways in the areas of education, employment and health care," said the
Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA).
"This deserved recognition of Pastor Raheb is testimony to the
global leadership shared by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and
the Holy Land, and the ELCA remains committed to accompanying this
partner church," he said.
The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church is one of six
congregations of the 2,000-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan
and the Holy Land. The denomination is the only Arabic-speaking Lutheran
church in the world and the only indigenous Lutheran Church in the Middle
East. The church and ELCA engage in ministry together in a variety of
ways, and both are members of The Lutheran World Federation based in
Geneva.
In 1988 Raheb became pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church
and founded the International Center of Bethlehem in 1995. The center
includes the Dar al-Kalima Health and Wellness Center, which focuses on
general preventive medicine, community health awareness and psychological
health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine.
Raheb also founded the Dar al-Kalima School and Academy in
Bethlehem. Together with the International Center of Bethlehem, the
school and academy have become the second largest private employer in the
Bethlehem area.
The Mission Investment Fund, a financial ministry of the ELCA,
provided a loan to support the construction of Dar al-Kalima College in
Bethlehem. The loan is the Mission Investment Fund's first to an ELCA
global partner.
According to Raheb, the college is an answer to the current shortage
of higher education institutions in Palestine and "a beacon of hope for
future generations." Raheb is president of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, a
not-for-profit organization based in the United States that is
instrumental in securing funding for the college.
"We wanted to contribute to empowering generations of Palestinians
and help strengthen this vital ministry of the ELCA's companion, the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land," said Eva Roby,
president and CEO of the Mission Investment Fund.
"The ELCA's relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Jordan and the Holy Land is long-standing and deep, and we are proud to
have relationships with each of the pastors in that church and to
accompany them as they seek to respond to the needs of their context,"
said the Rev. Robert Smith, ELCA program director for the Middle East and
North Africa and coordinator of the Peace Not Walls Campaign.
Born in Bethlehem, Raheb received his undergraduate degree in
protestant theology from the Hermannsburg Mission Seminary in Germany and
earned a master's degree and doctorate in theology at Philipps University
Marburg there.
He has written numerous articles, essays and books that concentrate
on inter-religious dialogue, contextual theology, church history,
biblical interpretation and issues related to the civil society.
Raheb will receive the 2011 German Media Prize along with three
others in Baden-Baden, Germany.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Christian Unity Service, Bishop Mansholt in U. City

2012-01-16T22:10:00.001-06:00

Please see the details below about a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service in which our Bishop will be participating. I hope you can mark your calendars and attend!

To Area Ministry 10 congregations and leaders. Following is a forwarded message from Bishop Mansholt.

St. Louis Area Congregations are asked to publicize this announcement:

You are invited to join Bishop Gerald Mansholt in a Service of Prayer for Christian Unity hosted by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson at All Saints Catholic Church, 6403 Clemens Ave, University City, 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 25. The theme of this year's observance is "We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). If you are unable to be present, please join in prayer, following the example of Jesus who prayed "that they all may be one." (John 17) Bishop Mansholt will be participating along with other ecumenical leaders.

Bishop Gerald Mansholt

Central States Synod, ELCA

21 North 12 St., Suite 210

Kansas City, KS 66102

913-948-9701 (office)

www.css-elca.org

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Position: Administrative Assistant at Zion

2012-01-12T10:40:00.001-06:00

Please forward to anyone you know looking for this kind of job!

Position: Administrative Assistant
Zion Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time Adminstrative Asst. The qualified applicant should
have excellent organizational and communication skills (both written & verbal). They should also
have solid computer knowledge, specifically Microsoft-based applications (Word, Outlook, Excel and
Publisher) are required. Power Church is a plus.
We are looking for a H.S. Graduate or above.
Compensation will be determined by ability and experience.
We ask that those interested call Zion (314) 522-0100 (m-F, 9-1), or mail:

Zion Lutheran Church
123 Carson Road
Ferguson, MO 63135

Blessings & Thanks,
Pr. Rick Brenton

NOTICE: You are receiving this e-mail because you are on our ELCA Metro Coalition list.
If you don't want to receive mail from us, send an email to diaconaldi@elca-metrocoalition.org with "Please remove pastor@stmarkselca.com from the ELCA Metro Coalition mailing list." in the message body.

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Great Opportunities to Learn in St. Louis.

2012-01-10T09:22:00.001-06:00

Please see all of the wonderful class opportunities below with the Lutheran School of Theology Classes! We are privileged to have this resource! Tuition covers the teachers' honorarium and other expenses in running a high quality program like this.

PD-87 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: Psalms, Discipleship and the American Dream
This class studies the massive contrast between the faith of the psalmists and the values of most North Americans, specifically how we define and pursue happiness and what gives meaning to our daily lives.
Dr. Clint McCann will draw heavily from the work of therapist and author Mary Pipher, especially on her book "The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families" and occasionally using contemporary songs and videos.
Classes will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9 South Bompart Avenue, (Bompart at Lockwood and Big Bend ), Webster Groves, Missouri 63119 for six Wednesdays: 7:00 – 9:30pm.
Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8 & 15 Tuition: $81.00
Dr. McCann is the Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary, Webster Groves, Mo., and is the author of several books and numerous articles in commentaries and study Bibles.

PD-88 THIS IS WHAT WE BELIEVE!? How We Got the Creeds and Are They Still Necessary?
This course will explore what creeds are, what they do, and what intellectual challenges they present. The class will study the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, the Reformation's influence on them and contemporary credal restatements. Finally, the class will consider if creeds remain necessary and useful for worship and Christian formation.
Classes will be held at St. George's Episcopal/St. Mark Lutheran Churches, 105 East "D" Street
Belleville, Illinois 62220 for sSix Tuesdays: 7:00 – 9:30pm. Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, & 28
(no class Feb. 21) Tuition: $81.00
Rev. Dr. Warren Crews serves as Adjunct faculty for Eden Theological Seminary. He is the retired associate rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and holds a doctorate in American Church History.

PD-89 BEING THE CHURCH IN POLARIZED TIMES: Lessons From History, Part II
By popular demand, Dr. Mark Ruff presents part two of his study of the Christian church in Nazi Germany. The class will consider the Protestant and Roman Catholic churches' responses to National Socialism and why some churchmen offered resistance while others complied with Nazi ideology. This course will navigate this highly charged terrain to glean what lessons can be learned for the Church today in facing challenging conditions.
Classes will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 7001 Forsyth Blvd.(Forsyth at Big Bend), St. Louis, Missouri, 63105 for six Tuesdays: 7:00 - 9:30pm Jan. 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, & 21 Tuition: $81.00

To register on -line go to http://www.lststl.org/ or call (314)725-9710.

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

2011 Christmas message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

2011-12-17T10:10:00.000-06:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

December 15, 2011

2011 Christmas message from ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
11-142-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), shared a Christmas
greeting today with the 4.2 million members of this church. Hanson also
delivered his greeting to the ELCA's six full communion, ecumenical and
interfaith partners, and member churches of The Lutheran World
Federation. The full text of the presiding bishop's message follows:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all (Titus 2:11).

Yes In this world where God creates with deep
beauty and profound mystery.
In this world where so many yearn for
God's healing and peace.
in this world where some have thought God has forsaken us:

Yes Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared.

Not just in this world but for you.

Yes For you, weary from trying to meet the
expectations of others.
For you, worrying about an uncertain future.
For you, wondering if you are worthy.

Yes For you, the grace of God has appeared,
bringing salvation.

Not just for you but for all.

Yes For all, salvation has come in the wonder of
God in mercy bending low to meet us
in our humanity.
In the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection.
In the power and promise
of the gospel's proclamation,
God's goodness and loving-kindness has appeared
in the Savior Jesus.

So with angelic messengers and witnessing shepherds,
we raise our voices:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom
he favors."

Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

A video version of Presiding Bishop Hanson's Christmas message is
available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_4zHW_kHOI.

---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations
across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church
of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God
through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the
world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer
Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

For Music Lovers!

2011-12-12T14:34:00.001-06:00

Concert January 8

Musician and composer Gregory Ott will present a Premier Performance of his "Sonata: ADVENT" on Sunday, January 8, 2012, at 2:00 pm, at Lutheran Church of the Living Christ (2725 Concord Drive, Florissant, Missouri 63033). There will be a reception and refreshments following the concert. Please see the attachment for more information.

Diane Runyan, DM
Communication and Resource Associate
The E.L.C.A. in St. Louis

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Lutherans in the News Again!

2011-12-07T20:52:00.001-06:00

Hope you are proud to be a Lutheran! I am!

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

December 7, 2011

Secretary of State Clinton highlights the work of ELCA-related ministries
11-141-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton noted
the vital work of Lutheran social ministry organizations in welcoming
refugees to the United States, during her Dec. 7 address at the U.N. High
Commissioner for Refugee's ministerial conference in Geneva.
In her presentation to world leaders, Clinton shared a story about
Fatuma Elmi, who applied for asylum in the United States after civil war
broke out in her native Somalia in 1991. Settled in Minneapolis, Elmi has
worked as an employment counselor at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
for the past 17 years. She has been able to find jobs for 79 percent of
her clients this year, despite the difficult economy.
Elmi's life is "clear evidence of the wisdom of investing in women,"
said Clinton, adding that the United States would be delivering 28
pledges to the conference, one designed to build awareness on a
major "cause of statelessness, which is discrimination against women,"
she said.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an affiliated ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with 285 other
social ministry organizations across the country.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson said he appreciates Clinton's
sharing of Elmi's story and the recognition of Lutheran Social Service of
Minnesota, particularly "on this historic occasion of the 60th
anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 50th anniversary of
the Statelessness Convention in a gathering of world leaders." The
ministerial conference brings together more than 150 representatives from
around the world. Clinton is a member of the U.S. delegation.
"In sharing Fatuma Elmi's story, Secretary Clinton has affirmed the
invaluable contributions resettled refugees bring to life in American
communities. In naming Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, she has also
recognized the vast network of Lutheran social service organizations that
are an expression of faith active in loving service to our neighbor,"
Hanson said.
"This is who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Many are descendants of a once immigrant people, and others of those who
came as slaves. Together we are now participating in God's work of
restoring and reconciling communities by welcoming refugees and working
towards fair and just immigration reform," he said.
"As individuals, congregations, Lutheran social ministry
organizations and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, we know we
can achieve things together on a scale and scope we could never do
otherwise. As the ELCA, let us make these significant anniversaries an
occasion for renewing our commitment to welcoming the new immigrant into
the life of our neighborhoods and congregations."
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is one of the United
States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and
immigrants. Based in Baltimore, it works on behalf of the ELCA, The
Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
Kim Dettmer, director of refugee services at Lutheran Social Service
of Minnesota, said Elmi has "dedicated her life to helping refugees find
safety and stability in our community as an employment specialist.
Through partnerships with employers, primarily in manufacturing and
hospitality industries, many refugees have found entry-level work that
has required minimal technical or English skills."
Calling this "a win-win-win situation for refugees, employers and
our community," Dettmer said it takes "a community to help refugees
succeed. Minnesota has a long tradition of lending a hand to refugees,
and they have enhanced our quality of life in many ways. Fatuma is a
great example of people from war-torn countries who have worked hard to
establish new lives and have given back to the community."
Shortly after her arrival in the United States and prior to her work
at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Elmi volunteered at a Somali
women's organization mentoring mothers and daughters to ensure that both
understood women's roles in the U.S. and the value of an education. Her
actions were effective, as five of the six girls Elmi mentored went on to
receive a college education, according to Dettmer.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is one of five resettlement
organizations in Minnesota helping refugees gain self-sufficiency.
Information about the service is at www.lssmn.org.
Information about Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is
available at www.lirs.org.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran African peace activist

2011-12-06T11:01:00.001-06:00

Did you know about this Nobel prize winner?

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran African peace activist
11-128-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a Lutheran Liberian peace
activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement came
Oct. 7 from Oslo, Norway. Gbowee, a member of the Lutheran Church in
Liberia, is responsible for organizing a non-violent women's movement
that brought an end to a 14-year civil war in Liberia.
Gbowee was awarded a scholarship from the International Leadership
Development Program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
in 2006-2007 to support her study in peace building at Eastern Mennonite
University in Harrisonburg, Va.
The ELCA and the Lutheran Church in Liberia are members of The
Lutheran World Federation -- a global communion of 140 member churches in
79 countries, representing more than 70 million Christians worldwide.
The Liberian women's movement led to the ousting of ex-President
Charles Taylor and to the election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as president
of Liberia -- the first African nation with a female president. President
Sirleaf also has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
The war in Liberia began in 1989, but "the women's movement, our
protest, didn't begin until 2003," Gbowee said in a Sept. 19 interview at
the ELCA churchwide organization.
The starting point of the women's movement was war fatigue, said
Gbowee, a mother of six children. She grew tried of watching children die
from hunger and "waking up every morning and not knowing whether a
tomorrow was possible. You can't plan for the future." Along with
thousands of other women from across Liberia, Gbowee wanted to dream of a
better community.
She decided it was time to stop the war and called together women of
all faiths -- Christian, Muslim, indigenous and others -- from across
Liberia to "step out," recognizing that Liberian women can play a
critical role in peace building.
"You always see your savior in someone else other than yourself,"
Gbowee said. "So for us women, having never been socialized to believe
that we have powers to interfere in the politics of our country, were
waiting for the bold men. (But) every time the bold men rose up, they
rose up with guns and other things," she said, realizing that women
needed to bring the much-desired peace "for ourselves."
But Gbowee does not take full credit for initiating and organizing
the women's peace movement. "There were other women who came before us,
emboldening us to take a stand," she said. "And we didn't just start from
nothing."
Using the experiences of the women before them, Gbowee used prayer,
picketing and silence to further their mission. Despite insults and other
behaviors that came their way, Gbowee said, "We kept quiet because we had
a sense of purpose and sense of direction." The women also put together
statements of peace for African governments, engaged the media and
initiated personal, one-to-one conversations with power brokers "to see
how we could get the peace that Liberia was searching for," she said.
Gbowee's story is chronicled in the documentary "Pray the Devil Back
to Hell." She has just completed her memoir, "Mighty Be Our Powers: How
Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War" -- a book that
examines "the power of women and the power of faith in getting you (out)
from the darkest place in your life," she said.
"Leymah Gbowee's life and leadership are a witness to the power of
women to resist forces of violence and domination by creating a movement
for reconciliation and peace," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S.
Hanson. "In Liberia, I experienced her passionate commitment to
rebuilding a nation torn by civil war not by seeking vengeance, but
through her faith to encourage dialogue and inclusiveness at all levels
of society."
"The ELCA has been blessed by her prophetic voice. Leymah was the
keynote speaker at (this) summer's Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering,
advocated with ELCA members at the United Nations and in Washington D.C.,
and inspired participants in ELCA Global Mission events with her vision
of God's peace for the world. She embodies a Christian faith that will
not keep silent in the face of poverty and oppression," Hanson said.
"She sees the strength that comes when both women and men of
different faiths join together in building a more just and peaceful
world. When others may say there is no hope in the face of forces that
divide and exploit, Leymah Gbowee gives a resounding 'yes' to the way of
nonviolence and justice for all," he said. "This is a great day for
women, for Liberia, for the world and for the ELCA, so blessed by Leymah
Gbowee's courageous leadership and strong partnership."
Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director for Women of the ELCA,
said Gbowee's call "to be a peacemaker came when she was president of the
women's group at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Monrovia. Today that call
has taken her to a Nobel Peace Prize." Women of the ELCA is the women's
organization of the ELCA.
"Women of the ELCA has been privileged to walk with Leymah in this
journey, first publishing her story in our magazine in 2004. She inspired
so many at our Triennial Gathering this past July as a featured speaker.
Her call there to move out of our comfort zone, rise up and reclaim our
space will continue to inspire Lutheran women for years to come. We are
so pleased for our Liberian sister," said Post Bushkofsky.
"The Nobel Peace Prize honors our sister, Leymah Gbowee, and all the
courageous Liberian women who put their faith into action and their lives
on the line in the prayerful, non-violent protest that helped end
Liberia's brutal civil war," said the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, ELCA
executive for Global Mission.
"These women showed the power of ordinary people who choose to stand
together and say 'no' to violence and 'yes' to peace. The ELCA walked
with Leymah and the Lutheran Church in Liberia, as they worked for peace
in the darkest days of the Liberian civil war and for reconciliation in
the years of reconstruction that have followed," he said. "It is a
special joy to learn today that the Nobel Committee has recognized
Leymah's amazing leadership of the women's movement that helped change
the course of Liberian history and continues to build peace in West
Africa."
- - -
Read Women of the ELCA's congratulations to Gbowee at
http://blogs.ELCA.org/women/post/congratulations-to-our-lutheran-sister-
leymah-gbowee-07102011.

For more information about the Lutheran Church in
Liberia, visit http://www.ELCA.org/liberia.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with approximately 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations
across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church
of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God
through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the
world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church
reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

This Weekend at St. Mark's!

2011-12-01T15:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas Pageant Practice!

12/3 - Saturday, 9:30-11:30 am in the Sanctuary

Parents - please stay and help if you can - we need a few more hands on deck!

12/4 - Sunday Morning Adult Education at 9:00 am:

The Gospel of Mark led by the Rev. Dr. Al Horst, in the Adult Ed Room. Great preparation for the Year of Mark in worship in 2012.
Adult Catechism led by Pr. Linda in the Fellowship Hall! For those new and old to the faith!

Sunday Worship - 10:15 am - 2nd Sunday of Advent - Peace

We reflect in silence, light the wreath, sing our prayers, praise with the choir and bells,

and prepare for Christ's coming.

Congregational Meeting to Approve Budget

immediately following worship!

Potluck luncheon

right after that! - Bring a dish to share in Christian community!

Can't wait to see you here!

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Working together: World AIDS Day

2011-12-01T10:40:00.001-06:00

December 1 – World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day this year is about "Getting to Zero."
Zero New HIV Infections … Zero Discrimination … Zero AIDS Related Deaths.

Backed by the United Nations the "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year's successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations."

The potential for creative, connected and meaningful campaigning is really exciting," says World AIDS Campaign Africa Director, Linda Mafu. "Our organization will focus on Zero AIDS Related Deaths, but the choice is there for others to pick a different zero or all three." The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS Related Deaths" signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for governments to act now. A demand they honor promises like the Abuja declaration and that African Governments at very least hit agreed targets for domestic spending on health and HIV in support of the human right to the best attainable level of health care for all. It's a global campaign that spotlights how our fundamental right to health is intrinsically and inextricably linked to other basic rights.

For more information, please see the following joint message from The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church.

Dan Glamann, Assistant to the Bishop

Central States Synod, ELCA

21 N. 12^th St., Ste. 210

Kansas City, KS 66102

913-948-9701 or 866-915-3548

www.css-elca.org

November 29, 2011

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2011. This annual commemoration is an opportunity for us to remember the 30 million lives that have been lost to the deadly pandemic over the past three decades, to rededicate our energies in support of those 34 million living with HIV and AIDS today and to work toward building a future without AIDS.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on God's call to lift up the dignity and value of each person. We are called to confront this pandemic -- whose scale has no precedent in human history -- through prayer, by speaking out to eliminate stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV and AIDS, by caring for those afflicted by the virus in our own communities, by advocating for strong government support of lifesaving programs, and by supporting the global effort to alleviate the global systems of poverty within which HIV and AIDS is so endemic.

We write together this year because the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have embarked upon a new age of full communion by sharing staff for international issues in our Washington, D.C., advocacy offices, acknowledging the common needs of our global church bodies.

Both of our churches have been living with AIDS for more than 30 years. Together we are part of a global family of 150 million Anglicans and Lutherans, most living in developing countries, for whom the virus is an ever-present daily reality. The struggle against HIV and AIDS is our own struggle as churches and, as the pandemic continues into its fourth decade, the urgency in our work is born out of the intimacy with which we know it.

Consider what 30 years have meant to our global family in Christ:

Thirty million people -- parents, children, spouses, partners, siblings -- have died early and unnecessary deaths.
An entire generation of children in sub-Saharan Africa has been orphaned because of the virus; many of these children have themselves been infected by mother-to-child transmission, a transmission which is preventable with basic medical attention.
In an unjust world with more wealth than ever before, global poverty has contributed to more people dying each day because they are too poor to survive and receive basic assistance from the symptoms of global poverty: gender-based violence, discrimination, hunger and lack of access to medical treatment.

Our churches continue to address the virus and the systems of poverty it permeates. ELCA programs in Tanzania teach students marketable skills alongside HIV and AIDS awareness education. Episcopal-supported programs in Uganda care for AIDS patients while paying school fees for AIDS-orphaned children.

Episcopalians and Lutherans are invested in prevention, treatment, care and support, and alleviating stigma for all living with HIV and AIDS.

The National Episcopal AIDS Coalition provides innovative resources and news updates to congregations ministering to those affected by HIV and AIDS.
The comprehensive ELCA Strategy on HIV and AIDS highlights a commitment to prevention, treatment, alleviating stigma, and providing care and support for all. It guides and supports congregational responses to our domestic communities and our global companions in need.

Our global community has made significant advancements in tackling this pandemic. Investments in medicine and prevention education have halted transmission in communities around the world. Infection rates continue to decline. The number of people receiving antiretroviral treatment is increasing -- by a factor of 13, just from 2004 to 2009 -- allowing tens of millions of HIV-positive people to lead healthy lives. Hundreds of thousands of babies are prevented from being born with HIV and a comparable number orphaned from the virus receive food, education and assistance from churches and aid workers.

ELCA members and Episcopalians are key leaders in helping to stop the shunning and shaming of those living with HIV, engaging in public acts of repentance for past discrimination, distributing medicines and prevention techniques affordably to all parts of the world, and providing care and support to those living with HIV and AIDS in our own communities.

Today, we must increase these efforts. We stand at the threshold of reaching the goal of achieving an "AIDS-free generation" recently set by Secretary of State Clinton. But whether we are able to reach this milestone will depend on nothing less, and nothing more, than whether our nations and communities are willing to commit the resources and energies to make the next 30 years different from the past 30.

Unfortunately, today we face the danger that our dream of an AIDS-free generation will remain just that -- a dream. U.S. funding for these lifesaving global health programs continues to be targeted for disproportionate cuts. Even fractional cuts to these accounts -- which already represent far less than 1 percent of our federal budget -- would reverse these efforts. Global infection rates would increase and AIDS would claim millions more lives than it does even today.

Through our shared witness in Washington, our churches are working to ensure that our government allocates the highest funding levels possible to address HIV and AIDS, including full funding for the president's Global Health Initiative. The voice of every Episcopalian and every ELCA member is vital to this work, so we urge you to join our churches' advocacy efforts by becoming members of the Episcopal Public Policy Network or the ELCA e-Advocacy Network.

As Christians, we have just embarked upon the season of Advent, in which we prepare our hearts and minds to receive the One who comes that we "may have life, and have it abundantly." In this season, on this World AIDS Day, may the healing offered by our Incarnate, Crucified, and Resurrected Lord inspire us to cross from 30 years of death and loss to a future of abundant life for all.

In God's grace and healing,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

P.S. Please go online to download a Spanish-language version of this letter in pdf format.

This email was sent to members and friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
To update your email address or your communication preferences, please send a note to info@elca.org.
To ensure that you continue to receive these emails, please add bishop@elca.org to your address book or safe list.

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

St. Olaf College Concert

2011-11-29T09:54:00.001-06:00

St. Olaf College Concert

"The annual St. Olaf College Christmas concert will this year be simulcast live December 4th at St. LOouis Mills #18 theater. 2:30 preview 3:00 performance, cost is $20. This is an annual treat!!"

Diane Runyan, DM
Communication & Resource Associate
The E.L.C.A. in Metro St. Louis

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Tonight! Tomorrow!

2011-11-19T16:16:00.001-06:00

TONIGHT!

St. Mark's Chili Cook-off!

Be at the church 5-7 pm if you want to help serve chili to employees of St. Mary's who are working tonight!

Come at 7 pm to enjoy different kinds of chili!

Thank you Andy and Arlene Ford!

TOMORROW!

9 am - We want YOU at the Adult Class

Brainstorm ideas from the Balloon Visioning Exercise we did earlier this fall.

You can still do this exercise - close your eyes and float in a hot air balloon above the church.

What do you see in 1 year? 3 Years? 5 years?

Write it down and bring it to the Adult Class and/or share with Andy Ford, Wilma Prifti, Marian Bleeke, Kathy Steinke!

10:15 am Worship - Healing Service & Megahan Mission Sunday!

Come receive individual prayer for yourself

Extend the healing power of God's word to Botswana

through the Bible Translation work of the Rev. Dr. Michael Megahan!

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

SAVE THE DATE! WELCA CRAFT AND BAKE SALE

2011-11-17T10:55:00.001-06:00

St. Marks's Women's group is holding its annual Craft and Bake Sale on December 11, 2011 at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall. All members are urged to make or bake items that can be sold. Holiday decorations, children's items, puzzles, handcrafted wooden pens and bottle stoppers, plants, women's scarves, jewelry and fabulous baked goods and preserves are just a few of the sale items that will go to our missionaries in Botswana . Please feel free to bring a friend!
--

Beverly Velloff

Communication Chair

LED BY THE SPIRIT, SEEING GOD, SHARING WITH OTHERS

ELCA bishop visits White House to discuss Israeli-Palestinian conflict

2011-11-14T21:16:00.001-06:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 11, 2011

ELCA bishop visits White House to discuss Israeli-Palestinian conflict
11-136-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), attended a Nov. 8 meeting
at the White House as part of a group of ecumenical faith leaders. They
asked that the United States take a stronger stance in its opposition to
the rapid expansion of Israeli settlement construction in East Jerusalem
and the West Bank. The construction threatens the viability of a future
Palestinian state, thus precluding a two-state solution and support for a
shared Jerusalem.
Hanson and the other faith leaders met with Dennis Ross, special
assistant to President Barack Obama, and Catherine Powell, director for
human rights, Office of Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights in the
National Security Council. The meeting took place before Ross announced
his resignation Nov. 10.
The faith leaders discussed U.S. policies towards the Israeli-
Palestinian conflict and problems facing Palestinian Christians in the
Holy Land. They expressed hope for a high-level U.S. administration visit
to the Middle East, especially in Bethlehem, which would include meetings
with Christian leaders.
According to Hanson, continued meetings with the Obama
administration are "a priority because of our commitment to our
companions in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy
Land. It is also carried out in the commitment we have made in the ELCA's
Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine.
"As we began our conversation with Mr. Ross, I expressed
disappointment. We hear our Christian partners in the region question the
United States' commitment. They wonder why the U.S. has not been more
vocal about the increased settlement construction. I told Mr. Ross that
we repeatedly hear Palestinian churches say they see this as a moment of
abdication by the U.S. administration."
Reflecting on the meeting, Hanson said, "More progress must be made
toward the goal of a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
Since our meeting a year ago, the prospects for peace seem to have
diminished with the expansion of settlements and the absence of face-to-face negotiations."
According to a Nov. 10 news release from Churches for Middle East
Peace, the church leaders who attended the Nov. 8 meeting said they are
disappointed with developments since their 2010 meeting at the White
House.
"The position of the Palestinian Christian community is precarious,"
stated the release. "There are constant problems of obtaining visas for
clergy who must travel outside Jerusalem and the West Bank. Restriction
on movement between Bethlehem and Jerusalem is a problem that undermines
Christian life. Church leaders are humiliated at check points."
Ecumenical leaders at this year's White House meeting included
Hanson; Katharine Jefferts Shori, presiding bishop and primate of the
Episcopal Church; Denis James Madden, auxiliary bishop of Baltimore and
chairman-elect of the Committee for Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs of
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Neil Irons, executive secretary
of the Methodist Council of Bishops; and Sara Lisherness, director of
compassion, peace and justice for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).
The meeting was arranged by Churches for Middle East Peace, a
coalition of 24 national church denominations and organizations working
to encourage U.S. government policies that promote a just and lasting
resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For information about the ELCA's strategy for engagement in Israel
and Palestine, visit http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Resolutions/2009/CA09,-p-,06,-p-,36-Strategy-for-Engagement-in-Israel-and-Palestine.aspx,
and for the ELCA's Peace Not Walls campaign
visit at http://www.ELCA.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx.

---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

All Saints Brunch - Support the Youth!

2011-11-05T08:43:00.001-05:00

Are you excited about the Youth of St. Mark's going to the National Youth Gathering,

Citizens with the Saints, in New Orleans next summer?!

We are, too!

Support them tomorrow at the All Saints Brunch during Fellowship!

All recipes will be made from St. Mark's Saints' recipes from our cookbook,

and from saints of the youth!

and/or

You can support them by making a donation in memory of one of your saints before worship.

Write you saints' name on a paper candle in the entryway;

we will attach them to the Growing in Faith Together tree during the Hymn of the Day.

-- Special thanks to Lisa Albers and Kathy Steinke for organizing the brunch!

Blessings in Christ,

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Food and the Future Adult Sun. School Class!

2011-11-03T09:33:00.001-05:00

Come to the Adult Class - Nov. 6, 13 and 20!

Sundays at 9:00 am

Enjoy snacks made by the Fords

and great coffee!

Each class is like a mini-retreat!

Theme - Back to the Future -

Sharing YOUR voice and ideas, hopes and dreams for this year and the future!

What have we learned about ourselves in the last three years and where is it taking us?

What ideas from the "Balloon Exercise" does God call us to pursue and how?

(The balloon exercise is to imagine you are in a hot air balloon floating above St. Mark's in one, three and five years. What do you see?! What do you dream?! What excites you? If you did not have a chance to give your input from this event, then please share what you see at the class or with Andy Ford)

We are excited to have you there as we celebrate the gifts and graces God has given us and take the next steps as a congregation in mission for the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

St. Mark's is the Place to be Sunday Morning!

2011-10-22T20:47:00.001-05:00

Join us for an inspiring Sunday!

9:00 am

Adult Class - What Would Martin Luther Do? The Rev. Dr. Al Horst teaching as we celebrate the Reformation on Oct. 30th!

Youth Class - Courageous Conversation about Race Relations facilitated by 3 Cultural Leadership Youth - Daniel Anderson-Little, Andrew Tash, Michon Madison

Sunday School - Will Mr. DeChambeau be visiting your class tomorrow? Share you Flat Jesus pictures!

10:15 am

Worship - the story of the anointing of King David from 1 Samuel 16; three guest speakers from Cultural Leadership (listed above)

11:30 am

Fellowship after church!

12:30 pm

6-9 grade picnic at Blackburn Park! Bring your lunch and we will leave from church after fellowship at about 12:15. Parents - pick up is at 2:30 at the park!

See you tomorrow! Bring your unchurched friends!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Blessings of the Pets this Saturday!

2011-10-20T11:01:00.000-05:00

Join us this Saturday, Oct. 22 at 10:30 am for

Blessing of the Pets!

with your neighbors at the church with the red doors

Front lawn of

St. Mark's Lutheran Church

6337 Clayton Road

(across from the Cheshire Inn, just west of Skinker)

Pet & people treats will be served!

Come rain or shine -

we will move to the fellowship hall if necessary.

We'd love to meet our 4-legged, 2-legged,

scaly, squirmy & winged neighbors!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

6-9th Grade Picnic!

2011-10-20T09:31:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, Oct. 23rd for 6-9th Grades!

South Cluster Picnic at Blackburn Park at 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm! Our new CED, Mr. DeChambeau, is leading games! Bring a sack lunch to church – we leave for Blackburn Park after fellowship. RSVP to Mr. DeChambeau (christianed@stmarkselca.com), so we are sure to have enough rides there! Parents pick-up at 2:30 at Blackburn unless otherwise arranged. Rain location is the Arden Mead Center at Christ Lutheran Church in Webster, 1 Selma Ave.

See you then!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Upcoming Youth Classes and Gathering Meeting for All Saints Fundraiser

2011-10-19T20:05:00.001-05:00

Dear Youth, Parents, Sponsors and Learning members:

This is an exciting time at St. Mark's! There is a lot happening and we are excited to have everyone participating and working together for our youth!

Here is our upcoming schedule for the next few weeks:

This Sunday, October 23:

Youth Class, 9 am Youth Room – Courageous Conversations about Race Relations

Led by Cultural Leadership Program participants: Daniel Anderson-Little, Andrew Tash, and Michon Madison in the Youth room.

All youth, parents and other adults who are available – please attend!

More Information: These high school youth have been asked to speak in theirs and others' houses of worship about what they have learned in the Cultural Leadership program since last January. Part of their training has included facilitating Courageous Conversations on difficult topics; they will also share in worship.

Cultural Leadership is a one-of-a-kind program in St. Louis for high school sophomores and juniors to learn how to be change agents for social justice. Through the lens of the Jewish and African American experience, they have been trained in how to help make our society more just, equitable and inclusive. Please come to learn, and participate!

Sunday, October 30: Reformation – Wear Red!

Youth class, 9 am – in Youth room with Darin (Tough Questions with video!) AND the 2012 Gathering Meeting to Finalize Plans for the Fundraiser on Nov. 6 in the Fellowship Hall

Update on tasks to be completed:

Smile and Dial – Amy Steinke, Hanna Albers
Table Top Display holder prices – Paul Laute
Design 1 page sheet back to back for tabletop plastic holder (Gathering Logo and bible passage on one side, info. about the Practice Discipleship, Justice and Peacemaking Days on the back) - Grant Albers
Ask Mary Ann Blum about using WELCA plastic table cloths in purple, green and gold – Erin Laute
Ask school for candle shaped cut outs for saints' names for tree in sanctuary – Shannon Laute
Find a candle shape cut out at teacher store if Shannon doesn't find one at school – Rachel Vandernoot
Brunch menu – Lisa Albers and Kathy Steinke
Bring Mardis Gras decorations, beads, colors from home – Everyone!

Also need a final decision on when to set up – Sunday morning or Saturday, the day before at 10 am?

Saturday, Nov. 5^th - 10 am - Decorate and set-up church for Sunday?

Sunday, Nov. 6^th – All Saints Fundraiser

9:00 – Set-up and Decorate?

10:00 am - Need 2 people at table upstairs with the candle shapes for members to write the names of a Saint who helped to shape their faith, and anyone else they want to remember. Have a basket for donations to be made to the youth Gathering, Citizens with the Saints, in memory of a loved one. Put one of the table top displays up there as well.

After church – serve Citizens with the Saints lunch and clean-up afterward. Baskets on buffet or individual tables for donations to the Gathering.

Sunday, Nov. 13^th

Youth Class – 9 am – Breakfast with Bruce DeChambeau at the Bread Co. down the street. Meet there at 9 am for conversation, getting to know each other and youth planning.

Please talk with Mr. DeChambeau or me if you have any questions.

Blessings! Pr. Linda

PS I have attached this a document if you want to print it out.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

ELCA Global Links - November 2011

2011-10-18T09:31:00.000-05:00

Look at what your church is doing in the world and how you can be connected! Pr. Linda

rouble viewing this message? View message in browser at www.elca.org/global-links

NOVEMBER 2011

Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Lutheran African peace activist
Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a Lutheran Liberian peace activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Read this story and more at www.elca.org/news (click on News Releases in the left-hand column).

Apply now to be an ELCA Young Adult in Global Mission
Young adults (ages 19-29) are invited to apply to serve for a year in an international program in Argentina and Uruguay, Jerusalem / West Bank, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Central / Eastern Europe, Southern Africa and the United Kingdom. See www.elca.org/yagm.

Support the ELCA Malaria Campaign
Malaria claims the life of a child every 45 seconds. You can help. Your gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign provide mosquito nets, medication, health care, education and more to eliminate deaths from this disease -- for good. Give now: www.elca.org/malariadonate.

Wittenberg, Germany: 'The Reform Continues'
The Rev. Arden Haug, new director for the ELCA Wittenberg Center, reflects on 500 years of reform and the ELCA's participation in the anniversary of the Reformation. Read the entire story at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Fall 2011 issue of the Hand in Hand newsletter.

ELCA World Hunger resources
Find offering envelopes, coin boxes, brochures, videos, curricula and more -- for free! Browse the ELCA Resource Catalog and find the best resources to encourage congregational support of ELCA World Hunger and other important ministries. See www.elca.org/resources.

Malawi: Walking together in Christ
"We must listen to the voice of each other as well as to the voice of Jesus. What is he saying to us as we move together and hold hands in this journey of accompaniment?" Hear more from Bishop Bvumbe of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi in a short video at www.elca.org/companionvoices.

Advocating with our companions
Companion churches living under political oppression or danger request not only your prayers but also your public voice on their behalf to the larger church, governments and international agencies of the world. Learn how some ELCA members received the training and motivation to do so. See www.elca.org/companionadvocating.

Guyana: A holistic ministry
Prior to becoming a missionary pastor, Richard Young had a full-time private practice of obstetrics and gynecology. Richard reflects on using health care skills within the context of ministry as a witness and service of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Guyana. Watch a short video at http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand.

Sponsors needed for missionaries in Argentina
You can be a sponsor for the Rev. Dr. Jose Rodriguez, who serves as chancellor at the seminary of the Lutheran Church in Argentina, and his wife, Kathryn Bake, who serves the church as coordinator for event planning. Sponsors from Nebraska, Texas, and the Chicago area are especially welcomed to minimize their travel time and maximize their effectiveness while on home leave. For more information, visit www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship or call 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2657.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Cary, N.C., January 27-28
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. Find more information and registration at www.elca.org/glocal.

Learn more about companion synod relationships
Online profiles have been updated by the ELCA Grand Canyon, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Northern Great Lakes, Southeastern Iowa, and Southern Ohio Synods. Learn of new developments in companion synod relationships at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles.

In our prayers
Give thanks for Carol and the Rev. James Sack, serving with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church. James teaches pastoral care and counseling at the Japan Lutheran Theological College and Seminary, Tokyo. Carol reaches out to those facing death with a harp ministry. (This prayer for October 29 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/prayerventures.)

Share ELCA Global Links
Please forward ELCA Global Links in whole or in part, for use in publications, websites or blogs.

Subscribe or unsubscribe
Click to manage your subscription to GLOBAL-LINKS.
You received this email because you provided the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with your email address.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

First Woman Elected chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops

2011-10-04T17:46:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

October 3, 2011

Jessica Crist elected chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops
11-125-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Jessica R. Crist, bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Montana Synod, Great Falls,
Mont., was elected Oct. 1 to serve as chair of the ELCA Conference of
Bishops. Crist, who will serve a four-year term, is the first female
synod bishop ever to hold this position.
In response to her election, Crist said she has "great hope for the
future of the church and respect for the many fine lay and clergy leaders
who serve us."
Crist succeeds the Rev. Allan C. Bjornberg, bishop of the ELCA Rocky
Mountain Synod, Denver. The Rev. Michael L. Burk, bishop of the ELCA
Southeastern Iowa Synod, Iowa City, Iowa, was elected vice chair.
The ELCA Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of this church
that includes the ELCA's 65 synod bishops, presiding bishop and
secretary. It is meeting here Sept. 29-Oct. 4.
"Bishop Crist's election as chair of the Conference of Bishops
reflects the great confidence the bishops have in her leadership," said
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.
"She is highly respected for her clear proclamation of the gospel,
her attentive listening to ELCA leaders and members, her collaborative
approach to leadership and her passion for being engaged in God's mission
for the life of the world," Hanson said. "She will lead the Conference of
Bishops with a commitment to all voices being heard and our contribution
to the life and work of the whole ELCA. It will be an honor to serve with
her."
Born in Harrisburg, Pa., Crist earned a bachelor of arts degree in
English literature from Yale University, New Haven, Conn., and a master
of divinity degree in parish ministry from Harvard University, Cambridge,
Mass. She was ordained in 1979 in the former Lutheran Church in America
and served as pastor of University Lutheran Church, Cambridge, and First
English Evangelical Lutheran Church, Great Falls.
Crist was elected bishop of the Montana Synod in 2007. Prior to that
role, she served as associate to the synod bishop for five years and
director of the Northern Rockies Institute of Theology for 18 years.
Crist served on the transition team that formed the Montana Synod from
the ELCA's predecessor churches and was elected secretary of the synod at
its constituting convention in 1987. She served as synod secretary for 12
years.
Crist currently serves on the board of directors for the Montana
Association of Churches, Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and Lutheran
World Relief based in Baltimore. She writes a monthly column for Montana
Woman Magazine.
Crist is a member of the ELCA Task Force on Communal Discernment,
the Conference of Bishops' Liaison Committee for Ecumenical and
Interfaith Relations and its Domestic Ready Bench. She is an ELCA
delegate to the National Council of Churches and represented the Lutheran
World Federation at the Global Christian Forum.
Crist and her husband, Turner C. Graybill, are parents of two adult
children.
The ELCA Montana Synod has 38,000 baptized members in 130
congregations, including five congregations in Wyoming. The synod office
is in Great Falls.
---
Information about the ELCA Montana Synod is available at
http://www.montanasynod.org/ on the Web.
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with approximately 4.5 million members in more than 10,000
congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as
the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving
grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and
service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German
church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

10 Faith Trends Adult Class begins Tomorrow

2011-09-24T11:21:00.000-05:00

Dear Council and Committee Chairs and Adult Class members:

Attached is the article which is the basis for the Adult Class for the next 3 weeks. Please read through it today if you can. The blank spaces on the pages represent pictures that did not copy. I look forward to our conversations!

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

New about Peace Lutheran in Joplin, MO

2011-09-17T22:25:00.001-05:00

Please read this article from our Central States Synod newsletter about the church that was destroyed in Joplin's tornado:

A Sunday morning visit to Peace

BY GAIL ERNST, PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN, SPRINGFIELD, MO.

Recently Sue Fusselman, Heather and Joel Elliot, Bill and I visited Joplin to worship with

Peace Lutheran Church in their temporary home at Bethany Presbyterian Church. When

we drove down Interstate 44 there didn't look like there was much damage, but once we

turned onto Virginia and 20th Street it looked like a war zone. It was enough to send chills

down your spine and make your heart sink. We arrived at 9:15; church began at 9:30. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. It was a very nice service and about 17 or 18 families

attended. We were told that was about half of their members before the tornado. After the

service they had a short fellowship downstairs and invited us to join them. Lots of goodies

awaited us and we split up and talked to different people. They were all willing to share

their stories. It is still a very emotional memory and sometimes a difficult one to listen to as

you look into their eyes as they play out the events of that day and those following. We

were told of one family who had just sold their house and closed on their new house and

lost both on that day. Others with roof damage and some total losses. Another gentleman

remarked that 5000 to 7000 homes had been lost. Their church was completely lost except

for the recovery of a cross, some communion ware, a few chairs, and a dishwasher full of

clean untouched dishes (God must have known Lutherans still need their pot-lucks).

When I asked what their immediate needs for their congregation might be, several responded, "A home!" But their biggest concerns in all their losses were helping others who

had losses. What a showing of what it means to be one of His disciples.

If you get the chance, please go and worship with them. They will welcome you with open

arms and they are grateful for all our support.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Worship, Sunday Sept. 18

2011-09-17T20:53:00.001-05:00

Interfaith Understanding - 9 am Adult Class and 10:15 Worship

Special Guest - Musician and Poet John MacEnulty for Interfaith Understanding through Poetry and Music

It will be an uplifting and transformative Sunday!

See you there!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Sunday, Sept. 18th

2011-09-17T20:51:00.001-05:00

Sunday School! First week of Sunday School Classes start tomorrow morning at 9 am!

Youth Gathering Meeting - 9 am in Youth Room!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Daily Readings and Reflections from Sunday, 9-11-11 Service

2011-09-13T09:49:00.001-05:00

Weekly Reflection Tool: Carrying the Sunday message through the week!

What is it? If you missed last Sundays' service, here is the take home insert to use as a reflection and study tool throughout the week! We are beginning a new series of Scripture (Bible) readings for Sunday that take us through the Biblical story from Genesis to Revelation. In the fall we will engage in Old Testament stories up through Christmas and the birth of Jesus. This will help us see that Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT narrative, that the God of the Old and New Testaments are the same God, and that there is grace in good news in the OT as well as the NT. From Christmas to Easter, we will focus on the life and ministry of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark so we understand who the Messiah is and the mission of God's kingdom. After the resurrection on Easter Day, we will focus on the life and mission of the early church. Following this sweep of Salvation History throughout the year, we can comprehend more deeply, the biblical narrative and our place in it and its relevance for today. Last Sunday, we began with the Creation story. This insert, which we hope to have every week, it is a tool to help you carry a deeper understanding of biblical message into your daily life.

How did we get here? This new selection of Bible readings is being prepared by Dr. Rolf Jacobson at Luther Seminary in Minneapolis, MN. Dozens of churches tried it with him last year. The Prifti's, Ford's, Hanna Pan and I learned about it at Synod Assembly last June, when Dr. Jacobson was our Bible study leader and teacher. Hundreds of congregations are using it this year - including many in the metro area (Christ in Webster, Shepherd of the Hills near the airport, Living Lord in Lake St. Louis, Hope in St. Charles, among others!). Many of us are sharing ideas and resources, like the bulletin insert below.

For the Church at Home

CREATION

God saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good.

Genesis 1.31 (NRSV)

Sunday, September 11: Living the Story this Week

Day 1—Genesis 1.1-2.4a ^W

Day 2—Psalm 104

Day 3—Genesis 2 Form more resources, visit enterthebible.com

Day 4—Job 38 and following! bookoffaith.org

Day 5—Genesis 3

Day 6—Psalm 8 ^WSunday reading in bold

Singing the Faith

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world; I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

—Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 824. Public Domain.

Catechism Connection: The First Commandment

You shall have no other gods.

What is this?

We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things.

—Luther's Small Catechism, ELW p. 1160.

When you look at your neighbor or the nature around you—what do you see? As Christians, not only do we see a creature or creation beloved of God, we also proclaim God's redeeming of this world through Christ Jesus. That understanding sets you apart. Tell someone this week that they are God's beloved creation, made very good.

Resource of Bowdon-Bremen-Concordia Parish,ND, used with permission

St. Mark's Lutheran Church v 6337 Clayton Rd. St. Lous, MO 63128

office@stmarkselca.com v http://www.stnarkselca.com

Pastor Linda, call 314-581-6365; pastor@stmarkselca.com

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)

www.stmarkselca.com

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Creating Christian community, living God's love, serving our neighbors.

Sunday, 9/11 announcements

2011-09-13T09:32:00.000-05:00

Here's the update on St. Mark's News and Upcoming Events from last Sunday's bulletin.

This Week at St. Mark's

September 11– September 18, 2011

Today Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Rally Day

9:00 am Intergenerational Sunday School for all ages

10:15 am Worship

Tue 6:00 pm Communications Cmt.

7:00 pm Council

Wed 6:15 pm Bell Choir

6:30 pm Confirmation at Gethsemane

7:15 pm Chancel Choir

Thur 10:00 am Mary/Esther Circle

Sun Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am Sunday School & Adult Bible Study

9:00 am 2012 Youth Gathering Meeting

10:15 am Worship – guest speaker and musician,

John MacEnulty

Worship Participants

September 18, 2011

Acolyte Hanna Albers

Greeters Steve & Mary Jo Lochmoeller

Ushers Grant Albers, John & Laura Bleeke, Rick Rapplean

Assistant to Pastor Darin Sorrell

Reader Ron Yegge

Altar Guild Lisa Albers-Set

Mark Endres-Clear

Communion Deacon Lou Prifti

Fellowship Eschbacher/Brannan

Counters Ruth Sorrell, Mary Dallmann

Altar Flower Ministry Sarah Circle

Visitor Follow-Up Team Mark & Emily Endres

Announcements

Help Our Own – Thank You

As a member of the congregation who has been struggling with finances during this hard economic time, I have been helped by the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. Electric and gas bills have been staggering, but the "Help Our Own" fund has help to pay a portion of these. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this cause. It has been a "God send" for me. In the future I hope to be able to contribute to someone else. Anonymous

Choir Rehearsals

Our choirs are back rehearsing and providing a musical message on Sunday mornings, but we need YOU to complete the picture. Any basses out there? - we especially need you! Bell Choir is at 6:15 pm and Chancel Choir, which is open to ALL, is at 7:15 – 9:00 pm. While we welcome all returning choir members, we will especially cheer for new members! A solo voice is not required, just a love of singing. Come join us!

Adult Bible Class

Get ready for a transformative year!

Sept. 18: Interfaith Understanding with guest speaker, John MacEnulty. John is a Native American flautist who will share music and poetry of 13^th century Muslim poet, Rumi during worship.

Sept. 25- Oct. 9: Ten Faith Trends. We will explore a study published in The Lutheran magazine about worship, family and faith trends for which congregations want to watch, pray and plan. All mission, Council and Committee leaders are asked to attend! Please talk with Pr. Linda if you need child care, so it can be arranged ahead of time.

Service Committee Food Barrel Items for September:

Starches: Rice, pasta, canned potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal and cereals.

Bicycle Needed

Sarah Hull is looking for a bicycle to use while she attends Washington University. If you have a bike that you are no longer using or know where she could obtain one, please let Sarah know 443-762-7675 or call Phyllis Atkins at 862-3265.

Are you Tech Savvy?

Are you technically savvy? St. Mark's is in need of 1 or more people to keep us running in this highly technical world. Experience with wi-fi, hardware, software, web hosting and administrative background with GoogleDocs needed. Please contact Andy Ford or Carol in the church office if you are interested in helping.

Lutheran Senior Services

Join Us for the Meramec Bluffs Blood Drive

Meramec Bluffs, a Lutheran Senior Services community in Ballwin, will host a blood drive Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 12:30 – 4 p.m. to support the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. Meramec Bluffs is located at 1 Meramec Bluffs Drive, just off Vance Rd. and Hwy 141. For more information, call 636.861.0600.

Lutheran College Fair in St. Louis Tonight!

Sunday, September 11, 2011, LCMS International Center, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122; 6:45 p.m. Registration Begins; 7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Seminar; 7:30 – 9:00 p.m This college fair is designed to give you insight into the unique aspects of Lutheran higher education and a chance to meet representatives from our member colleges and universities. There is no charge for any of our events and no need to pre-register. In addition, students who attend our events will receive four application fee waivers for use at our Lutheran colleges and universities. There will be 40 colleges represented including St. Olaf, Carthage, Valparaiso, Luther, Augustana, Gustavus Adophus, Wartburg and many others. Hope to see you there!

--
Carol Johnson

Labor Day Weekend Worship!

2011-08-31T09:35:00.001-05:00

Join us this Sunday at 10:15 when we will celebrate work and vocation as part of our Labor Day weekend worship!

We have a special liturgy of affirmation of God's work in our daily life that we pray you will find meaningful and uplifting!

See you on Sunday!

Blessings, Pr. Linda

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

You're Invited! Lutheran College Fairs coming to St. Louis (HTML VERSION)

2011-08-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

To Leaders and Congregations in Area Ministry 10:

Following in an announcement of an upcoming event in St. Louis.

College Fairs and Events

About LECNA

LECNA Research

Annual Meeting for College Presidents

Champions of Lutheran Higher Education Program

You're Invited!

On behalf of the Lutheran colleges and universities across the United States and Canada, we're pleased to announce upcoming college information events in your area.

We recognize that these are difficult economic times for many families. The Lutheran colleges and universities remain committed to enrolling students regardless of their families' financial circumstances and we encourage you to ask our admissions representatives about scholarships and financial aid.

Our college fairs and workshops are designed to give you insight into the unique aspects of Lutheran higher education and a chance to meet representatives from some of our member colleges and universities. There is no charge for any of our events and no need to pre-register. In addition, students who attend our events will receive four application fee waivers for use at our Lutheran colleges and universities.

Sunday, September 11 - St. Louis, MO
LCMS International Center
1333 South Kirkwood Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122

6:45 p.m. Registration Begins
7:00 p.m. Financial Aid Seminar
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. College Fair

More information about these events can be found on our website, as can research about experiences at Lutheran colleges and universities and other information to help you in your college search.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events and hope to see you on one of our campuses in the near future.

2601 S Minnesota Ave., Suite 105 | Personal Mail Box #377 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105-4750 | phone: 605-271-9894 | fax: 605-271-9895

info@lutherancolleges.org|Unsubscribe globally

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Summary from Bishop Mansholt

2011-08-23T15:37:00.000-05:00

Below is a message from our Central States Synod Bishop, Gerald Mansholt after the Churchwide Assembly hold last week in Florida. You may use the link to read the actions taken by our denomination. Copies will be available in the church entryway on Sunday.

August 23, 2011

Dear Partners in Ministry,

I write a few days following the close of the 2011 Churchwide Assembly, held this year in Orlando, Florida, under the theme "Freed in Christ to Serve." I do so with gratitude for our life together in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the mission to which God has called us. In surprising ways I sensed the Spirit at work throughout the assembly and found myself giving thanks for God's mercy and love in Jesus Christ. Indeed one of my colleague bishops said this was the most Spirit-filled and hopeful assembly he has been to in 25 years!

I've attached a brief summary prepared by ELCA Secretary David Swartling of the official actions taken by the Churchwide Assembly. I know some of you followed the assembly online, others have already read the news releases. I will offer a few reflections:

+ I was impressed with the number of young people serving as voting members, including those from the Central States Synod. I think the Secretary reported this was the highest percentage of young adult (persons under 30) voting members in the history of the ELCA. Not only were they present at the voting member tables, they were at the microphones and offering their own insights and perspectives, as well as sharing inspirational stories of faith.

+ Two of those young adults were in the Bible Study group in which I participated and helped facilitate conversation. As we gathered under the Word for an hour of study and sharing on three of the assembly days, I was moved by the stories shared and insights offered, each person coming from a different part of the Church.

+ One of the highlights for me was the greeting brought by Dr. Sayyid M. Sayeed, the National Director of the Islamic Society of North America. This was the first time an ELCA Churchwide Assembly has welcomed an Islamic leader, and warmly welcomed he was. Dr. Sayeed expressed his appreciation for Bishop Hanson and the ELCA's leadership in inter-faith dialog and in speaking out against anti-Muslim bigotry in America.

+ Another highlight was the greeting from Presiding Bishop George Walker of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ). He made reference to the jointly crafted mission statement, adopted by the ELCA Church Council in March of this year, which calls upon both churches to a ministry of reconciliation.

+ I was pleased the Assembly passed a resolution in support of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. For a quick quiz on immigration reform, go to: http://www.lirsblog.org/2011/08/11/quiz-comprehensive-immigration-reform/

+ The Assembly concluded around noon on Friday of last week with a powerful sermon preached by Pastor Renee Spilcher Larson whose husband Ben died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

I am grateful for the Voting Members from this synod who put in long hours in service to the whole Church. They are also available for presentations in your congregation and local Area Ministry Gatherings:

Pastor Kendra Nolde, Gethsemane, St. Louis

Janis Hutchinson, Immanuel, St. Louis

Pastor Paul Moessner, St. Andrew, Columbia

Melba Bangert, Kent Memorial, Sunrise Beach

Rachel Kibler-Melby, Holy Cross, Overland Park

Melaku Tizazu, Oromo Worshipping Community, Kansas City

Pastor Kris Dietzen, St. Mark, Olathe

Pastor Juel Pierce, First, St. Joseph

Larry Ehrlich, Reformation, Wichita

Sarah Olson, First, Manhattan

Jamison Carmichael, First, Manhattan (now student at KU)

Allan Lindfors, Elim, Marquette

Pastor Roger Dennis, St. John, Russell

Sharon Knox, Our Savior, Brewster

Pastor Susan Langhauser (ELCA Church Council, advisory member to assembly)

While these are challenging days for a host of reasons, I am thankful for a Church grounded in the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

In Christ's peace,

Bishop Gerald Mansholt

Central States Synod, ELCA

21 North 12 St., Suite 210

Kansas City, KS 66102

913-948-9701 (office)

www.css-elca.org

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Blue Grass Band This Sunday!

2011-08-22T13:32:00.001-05:00

Join us for 10:15 worship as we praise God with the BlueGrass 6!

Invite your friends and neighbors!

A group of friends from Trinity Presbyterian church put together a band for fun and worship and we are blessed to have them with us this Sunday! They will sing 4 pieces throughout worship and it promises to be faith-deepening, uplifting and fun!

Band members include:

Karen Coletti

Larry Pontius

Brian Schroer

Jim Shoemaker

Connie Torretta (former lead singer of Fairchild, a St. Louis band!)

George Van Hare

Can't wait to see you all here!

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Rally Day Sept. 11th!

2011-08-22T13:27:00.001-05:00

Join us on Rally Day – Sept. 11 to kick off a new year of Growing in Faith!

9:00 am – Jesus is Everywhere! Intergenerational Sunday School for Pre-K – Adult! Join us for a devotion, craft and lesson on the promise that Jesus is always with us, and at the same time, everywhere! We will practice our VBS songs for worship, so there is fun and learning for everyone.

10:15 am Worship – We will sing 2 VBS songs during the Children's Time – Meet Up with Jesus (with hand motions) and I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. If you want a CD of the VBS songs now in order to review, please talk with Mary Dallmann.

Regular Sunday School

Begins Sept. 18! Please mark your calendars and get ready for a great year of learning and growth in faith!

Grades PreK-K – 6^th grade: Great Bible stories using our Witness curriculum

Middle and High School Youth: Meet about the National Youth Gathering on Sept. 18^th and begin Tough Questions series Sept. 25^th.

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Youth Gathering Planning Meeting this Sunday

2011-08-22T13:25:00.000-05:00

To All Youth interested in the Youth Gathering 2012!

We have a meeting this Sunday, August 28th!

Please let me know if you cannot attend! See below for details!

Thanks, Pr. Linda

A. Upcoming Meeting Schedule: Meetings are at the church on Sundays, 9 am

August 28 - Agenda:

· Bring friends interested in going to the Gathering

· Decide on housing type

· Review finances and plan additional fundraisers

· Feed My Starving People - This event at Good Shepherd in Manchester is the same weekend as our Gathering Registration. They are hosting a Hunger Walk Oct. 8 to help pay for it and will be scheduling times to work. Are we in? (need parent coordinator, please! J)

September 18 – Agenda

· Give us your Commitment!

· Chaperons – do we have a male and female?

· Finalize the Registration Fee payment process

· Plan Registration event for Oct. 9^th 1 pm (need a parent coordinator, please! J)

· Finalize plans for Feed My Starving Children, if participating

Sunday, October 9^th 1 :00 pm Registration opens!

B. Metro Coalition Pre-Gathering Events: Mark your calendars now please! J

All events are scheduled 6-8 pm and cost $5/person; locations TBA – will rotate congregations.

· Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011

· Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012

· Sunday, April 22, 2012

What is God up to in your life? What is your God-sighting today?

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

CED Search

2011-08-15T14:22:00.001-05:00

The Christian Education Director Search Committee has received 3 resumes and will be conducting interviews in the next 2 1/2 weeks.

Members of the Search Committee include:

Lisa Albers, Tom Dwyer, Andy Ford, Shannon Laute, Wilma Prifti, Rebecca Verble, Pr. Linda Anderson-Little

If you have any questions ideas or concerns to express, please talk with Wilma Prifti, or Andy Ford, (congregation officers), or Pr. Linda

Please pray for this process that God we lead us to the right person for this position.

Thank you!

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

August "Making Christ Known"

2011-08-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

Hello! Below is a link to the Synod newsletter. Please take time to read it and connect your committee with the ministries of our Synod!

Blessings, Pr. Linda

Greetings all!

Attached is the current issue of the synod newsletter, MAKING CHRIST KNOWN. Please let me know if you have problems with the file or if you should be removed from this mailing list. Thank you.

Dan Glamann, Assistant to the Bishop

Central States Synod, ELCA

21 N. 12^th St., Ste. 210

Kansas City, KS 66102

913-948-9701 or 866-915-3548

www.css-elca.org

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Join your church in action

2011-08-06T22:21:00.001-05:00

View this message in your browser.

August 5, 2011

Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I greet you in the name of Jesus, our hope and salvation. This summer, in our diverse settings of ministry and times of rest, we have joined in prayer for those living in the midst of natural disasters, economic uncertainty and famine.

We also have been preparing for our twelfth Churchwide Assembly, August 15-20, 2011. The assembly provides a marvelous opportunity for us to affirm our identity as the ELCA and celebrate God's mission that flows from it.

Whether or not you are able to join us for the assembly in Orlando, I invite you and your congregation to watch the business sessions and worship via live video streaming at www.elca.org/assembly. You will witness a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace and believes the good news that we are freed in Christ to serve our neighbors at home and around the globe.

Throughout the assembly it will be clear that as the ELCA:

We are a church whose unity is in Jesus, who gathers us around word and water, bread and wine. Each day at the assembly, our work will be grounded in our time spent together in worship and Bible study. I encourage you to join us.
We are a church called to discern together what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means for the world and our common life. As we consider the social statement on genetics, we stand together again at the intersection of faith and life, discerning how to live responsibly in a complex and rapidly changing world. In a culture plagued by incivility and willful misunderstanding, we believe that respectful dialogue not only is possible, but becomes our way of life.
We are a church called to roll up our sleeves and get to work in the world. Malaria is a leading cause of death in Africa, claiming the life of a child every 45 seconds. We know what it takes to stop this disease -- it's preventable and treatable. A "yes" as a church to the challenge of the ELCA Malaria Campaign means that we will join with our global partners to ensure that a healthier future is possible for millions of people. You will also witness a church that remains engaged in Haiti and Japan, responding to the growing famine in Africa and rebuilding communities devastated by disasters at home. How good it is to recognize the awesome capacity we have when we work together.
We are a church committed to vibrant congregations, both newly planted and long established. A key recommendation of the Living Into the Future Together (LIFT) task force is a priority that every ELCA congregation will be a growing community proclaiming Christ and becoming engaged in the world.
We are a church recognized for our growing global, ecumenical and inter-religious relationships. A greeting at this assembly from Sayyid Syeed will be the first from a representative of the Islamic community. The presence of Bishop George Walker represents our growing relationship with the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Martin Junge, general secretary of The Lutheran World Federation, will travel directly from famine-stricken Africa to bring a first-hand report of our shared work there.

Our identity as a church body is inseparable from our call to do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world. I hope you will join us at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly in August via live streaming at www.elca.org/assembly. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will anoint us with power as we witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

For our partnership in the gospel, I thank God.

In God's grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

P.S. I encourage you to review the Pre-Assembly Report for details of all the agenda items we will cover during our week in Orlando. You will also find intercessory prayers to share with your congregation the Sundays before and after the assembly.

This email was sent to ELCA rostered leaders. To update your email address, please contact leaderinfo@elca.org.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Frontier Park- canoe race, bikes, volunteer!

2011-07-28T15:54:00.001-05:00

Metro Coalition News:

Hi Everyone,

I just want to alert you to a volunteer opportunity coming up in August. Greenway Network (I talked about this non for profit at the last coalition meeting) is sponsoring a canoe/kayak race August 27th which ends in Frontier Park in St Charles. There will be a small festival in the park as the canoes and kayaks finish their race. We need volunteers to help support the festival (hand out T shirts, supervise kids play area, set up tents, etc) from about 9am-7pm. Most groups are assigned a 1-2 hour shift depending on your availability. The river levels have been very unpredictable this year, which has put us behind on everything!

If you'd like to volunteer, you can either respond to me or e mail greenwaynetwork@gmail.com to sign up. We'd appreciate your help!

Secondly, we are adding FREE bike rides to our festival this year to celebrate the opening of the new section of the Katy Trail. There is going to be both a 5 mile ride and a 25 mile ride led by some Very Important Nature People (DNR maybe? State park employees? not sure who). More information about the bike ride here: http://www.racefortherivers.org/the-rides.php.

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks for your time,
Kelly Heidt
Christ the King, St Peters

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

ELCA contributes $400,000 to Horn of Africa drought relief

2011-07-28T15:52:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 28, 2011

ELCA contributes $400,000 to Horn of Africa drought relief
11-104-DK

(ELCA) -- Through gifts given by members to ELCA Disaster
Response, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been able
to distribute $400,000 for immediate drought relief efforts in the Horn of Africa.

More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5146

For information contact:
Daniel Kunz, (773) 380-2968 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

ELCA Global Links - August 2011

2011-07-23T10:00:00.001-05:00

Trouble viewing this message? View message in browser at www.elca.org/global-links

AUGUST 2011

Disaster response: Your church at work around the world

Horn of Africa: Extensive drought has caused a food shortage and resources have become scarce as many have fled to refugee camps. See www.elca.org/disaster.
Sudan: Fighting has broken out around the city of Kandugli with reports of heavy civilian casualties causing many to flee. See www.elca.org/disaster.
ACT Alliance: Learn more about how the ELCA Disaster Response works around the world with partners in the ACT Alliance. See the 2010 Annual Report at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/.

Thirteen new opportunities for missionary service
Recruiting has begun for positions around the world. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click "Global Service Opportunities" in the right sidebar, then type "2012" at the bottom for a keyword search.

Tanzania: A young person's view
Megan Stubbs reflects on life as a young person in Tanzania. Megan is the oldest daughter of Randy and Carol Stubbs, ELCA missionaries teaching music at Tanzania's Makumira University College. See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/.

South Africa: "I see you"
"Here we greet each other with the word sawubon. It means, 'I see you.' We want them to see the whole person." Brian and Kristen Konkol reflect on their team ministry with young adults in South Africa. Read more at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Summer 2011 issue of the Hand in Hand newsletter.

Glocal Mission Gathering in San Antonio, Texas, September 23-24
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. For more information and to register for an event, visit www.elca.org/glocal.

Companion synod relationships: New developments
Online profiles have been updated by the Florida-Bahamas, Minneapolis Area, North/West Lower Michigan, Saint Paul Area, and Southeastern Synods of the ELCA, and the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Learn what's happening with their companion synod relationships at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles.

In our prayers
Give thanks for the partnership between ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Together, they share a long history of cooperation moving forward together in global mission. (This prayer for August 2 is available along with daily prayers from around the globe at www.elca.org/prayerventures.)

Share Global Links
Please forward ELCA Global Links in whole or in part, for use in publications, websites or blogs.

Subscribe or unsubscribe
To manage your subscription to GLOBAL-LINKS, go here.
You received this email because you provided the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with your email address.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

See Amy Steinke at the Muny!

2011-07-23T09:53:00.001-05:00

St. Mark's member, Amy Steinke, is performing in the musical, Singing in the Rain at the Muny. There are 2 shows left - tonight and tomorrow night at 8:15 pm (Sat. and Sun., July 23-24). Here is how to order tickets:

Online through www.metrotix.com
In person at The Muny Box Office in Forest Park
By phone through Metrotix at (314) 534-1111

Visit www.muny.org for more information.

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

ELCA presiding bishop laments tragic violence in Norway

2011-07-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 22, 2011

ELCA presiding bishop laments tragic violence in Norway
11-103-MG

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In the wake of news about violent attacks in
Norway on July 22 that left at least 87 dead and scores wounded, Mark S.
Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA), sent a message of encouragement to Bishop Helga Haugland
Byfuglien of the (Lutheran) Church of Norway.

More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5145

For information contact:
Marianne Griebler
Sr. Manager, Public Relations and Integrated Communications
(773) 380-2968 or marianne.griebler@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Obama in unprecedented meeting with ELCA presiding bishop, faith leaders

2011-07-23T09:25:00.000-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 21, 2011

Obama in unprecedented meeting with ELCA presiding bishop, faith leaders
11-102-MG

CHICAGO (ELCA) - Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with other faith leaders, asked
President Barack Obama to protect funding for programs that benefit
people living with hunger and poverty in the ongoing budget debate and in
any deal concerning the debt crisis.

More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5144

For information contact:
Marianne Griebler
Sr. Manager, Public Relations and Integrated Communications
(773) 380-2968 or marianne.griebler@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA members pray for a just, compassionate federal budget

2011-07-23T09:21:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 21, 2011

ELCA members pray for a just, compassionate federal budget
11-101-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) - Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) are praying near Capitol Hill for Congress to pass a just
and compassionate federal budget. More than 50 high school students from
two ELCA congregations in Wisconsin participated in a July 20 prayer
vigil there.

More: http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp#&&a=5143

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
ELCA Public Relations and Marketing Associate
(773) 380-2956 or melissa.ramirezcooper@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

Led by the Spirit, Seeing God, Sharing with Others..

Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Christian Education Director (Part-time) Job Opening-Please share with others!

2011-07-20T10:38:00.001-05:00

Christian Education Director (Part-time)

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Clayton

Job Description – posted June 2011

Purpose

To help the children and youth of St. Mark's, together with their families, grow in their relationship with God in Jesus Christ, to deepen their faith and to equip them for using the gifts God has given them to participate in the life and mission of the church.

Responsibilities

Work with the Pastor, church leaders, and committees to establish and support the Christian Education ministry of St. Mark's. Serve as a model for the children and youth in their growing faith.

Specific Responsibilities include the following:

1. Visit with all families involved in learning ministries to build relationships and listen in order to improve children and youth programming and participation in it.

2. Research and oversee the selection and purchase of Sunday School curriculum, Vacation Bible School program, and the Children's Christmas program (for Pre-Kindergarten through the 12th grade).

3. Recruit new Sunday School teachers as needed with the assistance of the Learning Committee and the Pastor; prepare new teachers; meet with and assist all teachers to build relationships, listen and incorporate feedback to maintain and grow the Sunday School program.

4. Coordinate leadership for the Sunday School Openings.

5. Coordinate and lead VBS and the Christmas program.

6. Plan Confirmation with the Pastor and help teach it as appropriate.

7. Organize and lead the on-going Youth Program for 7th through 12th grades, including: coordinating events that include service, witness, and social activities; participating in Southside Cluster and Metro Coalition events; and enlisting the assistance of adult volunteers to attend and help lead these events as needed.

8. Plan, prepare, fundraise, and recruit adult chaperones for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans, July 18-22, 2012.

Job Opening- Please pass along to others who may be interested!

2011-07-19T22:13:00.001-05:00

Spokane organizations benefit from generosity of Women of the ELCA

2011-07-18T12:20:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 18, 2011

Spokane organizations benefit from generosity of Women of the ELCA
11-100-JB

SPOKANE, Wash. (ELCA) -- The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) presented Spokane-area organizations with
hundreds of "in-kind" gifts July 16, intended to support women and
children living with homelessness, in transition or who have been victims
of violence.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5142

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

2011 Churchwide Assembly available to all ELCA members online

2011-07-16T19:44:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 16, 2011

2011 Churchwide Assembly available to all ELCA members online
11-099-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members throughout the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) will be able to follow the 2011 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly Aug. 15-19 through a variety of online channels, including live
video streaming and social media.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5141

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

VBS - The Bible for Busy People!

2011-07-16T12:33:00.001-05:00

Join the Adult Class at VBS for fun, fellowship and learning! Middle and High School Youth, and Adults of all ages are welcome!

We will use a DVD course called The Bible for Busy People from Crossways International. (We used this curriculum last fall, but were not able to get through the Biblical timeline). This course will take us through the timeline along with some additional sessions on Jesus, Relevence for Today and Big Questions. Classes will include some discussion with lots of pictures and visual aids!

We begin this Sunday - July 17- Thurs., July 21; 6-8:30 pm

Here's the schedule -

6:00 supper

6:45 class

8:30 end

Our class will meet in the Adult Ed room and may begin a little later than the schedule so those who brought dinner can join us.

See you tomorrow night!

Blessings, Pr. Linda
--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Horn of Africa drought relief

2011-07-15T20:43:00.001-05:00

If you can't view images in this email, click here to view it in your browser.

July 14, 2011

Horn of Africa drought relief

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

The worst drought in 60 years has reached crisis level in East Africa. Thousands and thousands of people in Ethiopia, central and northern Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia are leaving their homes in search of food, water and shelter.

The Dadaab refugee center, managed in partnership with The Lutheran World Federation, was built to accommodate 90,000 people. However, recently more than 380,000 thirsty and hungry people have gathered in and around the center. This number continues to grow with more than 1,000 people arriving daily.

"This is the last of my food, a few beans. I used to grow food myself but there has been no rainfall in eight years, so now I have to buy all my food from the market. The prices keep going up. We only have enough food for one meal a day now, and that goes for all people in this area," says Lucia Muvili Ngotho from the Kalimbui village in Mwingi, Kenya.

Gifts made through ELCA Disaster Response are now providing water and enriched porridge to children and older adults who are too weak to eat dry food. Your generous gifts will make it possible for this church's response to continue as long as the drought does and, even afterward, as the people seek to restart their lives.

Contributions made to ELCA Disaster Response, designated for the "Horn of Africa Drought Relief," will be used entirely -- 100 percent -- for work in the area, assisting those whose lives have been affected by this terrible drought.

Your gifts of prayer and partnership are needed and deeply appreciated. Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Daniel Rift
Director, ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal

P.S. Please help me get the word out. Use this bulletin insert to share this information with your congregation this weekend.

DONATE NOW | LEARN MORE | WORSHIP RESOURCES | ELCA DISASTER RESPONSE

Ways to Give

Check or money orders should be sent to:

ELCA Disaster Response
39330 Treasury Center
Chicago, IL 60694-9300

Write "Horn of Africa Drought Relief" on your check's memo line.

-----------------------

Give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online.

You received this email because you are a leader, supporter or congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
or because you have asked to receive these emails. Please forward this email to others who may be interested.
To ensure that you continue to receive these emails, please add Dan Rift to your address book or safe list.

Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive future emails or to manage your preferences. | Login
To sign up for ELCA Disaster Response e-Alerts, click here. | Opt-Out

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA presiding bishop challenges Women of the ELCA convention delegates

2011-07-15T19:45:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 15, 2011

ELCA presiding bishop challenges Women of the ELCA convention delegates
11-098-JB

SPOKANE, Wash. (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), challenged delegates
attending the Women of the ELCA convention here to share the Good News of
Jesus Christ in their communities. Hanson also asked them to contact
their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., about the federal
budget.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5140

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Women of the ELCA Convention elects president, officers, executive board

2011-07-15T10:28:00.003-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 14, 2011

Women of the ELCA Convention elects president, officers, executive board
11-097-JB

SPOKANE, Wash. (ELCA) -- Delegates attending the Triennial
Convention of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
elected Jennifer Michael, Pensacola, Fla., to a three-year term July 13
as the organization's churchwide president.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5139

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA presiding bishop meets congressional leaders on budget, debt ceiling

2011-07-15T10:28:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 14, 2011

ELCA presiding bishop meets congressional leaders on budget, debt ceiling
11-096-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined other religious
leaders in a July 8 meeting with key congressional leaders in Washington,
D.C. They shared concerns about the federal budget and the current
stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over raising the debt ceiling
and asked for protection of programs that benefit people living in hunger
and poverty.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5138

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA generosity eases East Africa drought crisis; more help needed

2011-07-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 12, 2011

ELCA generosity eases East Africa drought crisis; more help needed
11-095-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- A severe drought in East Africa -- the worst in 60
years -- has reached crisis levels, putting 10 million people at risk.
Funds provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) late
last year are already at work in the region, but a larger global
commitment is needed to stave off a significant famine in the region.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5137

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

VBS @ St. Mark's

2011-07-11T20:03:00.001-05:00

St. Mark's VBS Beach Bash will begin on Sunday, July 17th through Thursday, July 21st! Please let us know if you plan to attend!

We will start each evening with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and then we will begin our program at approximately 6:45. We will conclude each evening at 8:30 p.m.

On Sunday during our Beach Bash, we will "Meet Up!" with Jesus to find the answer to "Who is Jesus?"

On Monday, we will "Look Up!" to Jesus to find the answer to "Why can I trust Jesus?"

On Tuesday, we will "Join Up!" with Jesus to find the answer to "Why do I need Jesus?"

On Wednesay, we will "Open Up!" to Jesus to find the answer to "How can Jesus help me when I mess up?"

On our final night, Thursday, we will "Fire Up!" for Jesus to find the answer to "What does Jesus want me to do?"

For any adults that want to join in, Pastor Linda will have a VBS class for you too!

Please let the office know if you plan to attend! We look forward to seeing you!

Beverly Velloff

Communication Chair

LED BY THE SPIRIT, SEEING GOD, SHARING WITH OTHERS

ELCA members remain hopeful in Minot flood disaster

2011-06-30T18:11:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 30, 2011

ELCA members remain hopeful in Minot flood disaster
11-091-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The buildings of some Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA) congregations in Minot, N.D., have been flooded, as
have the homes of many members. Yet ELCA leaders and members remain
resilient and express hope as they wait for record floodwaters to recede
before they can assess the effects of the disaster.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5133

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Lutheran Men In Mission gathering features discipleship theme

2011-06-29T15:33:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 29, 2011

Lutheran Men In Mission gathering features discipleship theme
11-090-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Called! Equipped! Sent!" is the theme of the 2011
Tri-Annual Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's
(ELCA) Lutheran Men in Mission July 22-24 at the Denver Marriott Tech
Center.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5132

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Memorial Service for Steve Burchard's Mom

2011-06-29T15:31:00.001-05:00

Dear Members and Friends:

I spoke with Steve Burchard this afternoon. A Memorial Service for his Mom, Roseanne will be held tomorrow, Thursday, June 30 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel in Breeze Park (a Lutheran Sr. Living facility).

Here is the address:

Breeze Park
600 Breeze Park Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63304
636.939.5223

If you would like to attend, here are directions:

1. Head West on Hwy 40/I-64 for 22 miles

2. Take Exit 10 for MO-94 North

3. Turn Right on MO-94 E, go almost 2 miles

4. Turn Right on Access Rd.

5. Continue onto S. Breeze Rd. to the Main Building

If you know someone who would like this information who is not on email or the web, please give them a call.

Blessings in Christ, Pr. Linda

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Basement flood at Immanuel

2011-06-28T17:53:00.001-05:00

Friends of Immanuel,

The rain Sunday morning caused the basement to flood, I was hoping it was something we could clean up alone. I was wrong, we need man power to help mop floors before the mold start. We are pumping out the sub-basement and
if anyone is available to come out with mops and buckets to help it would be appreciated. If you have any questions please feel free to call me
636-328-5840.

Janis Hutchinson
Church Administrator
Immanuel Lutheran Church

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA's 'Grace Matters' Programs Now Available Through Odyssey Networks

2011-06-27T14:11:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 5, 2009

ELCA's 'Grace Matters' Programs Now Available Through Odyssey Networks
09-248-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Selected programs of "Grace Matters," the radio
ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), are being
made available in downloadable and podcast forms at the Web site for
Odyssey Networks.
Earlier this year ELCA Communication Services stopped production of
Grace Matters because of budget reductions. The ministry, formerly known
as "Lutheran Vespers," had been on the air since 1947.
Each week Grace Matters' 30-minute programs, hosted by the Rev.
Peter W. Marty, Davenport, Iowa, aired on nearly 180 radio stations in
the United States, several European countries, plus Australia, New
Zealand and Puerto Rico. Programs could also be heard online and continue
to be available at http://www.gracematters.org on the Web.
"When broadcasting Grace Matters through traditional radio outlets
became financially prohibitive, we searched for cost effective ways to
reach a broad audience," said Kristi S. Bangert, executive director, ELCA
Communication Services. "We wanted to find an outlet that would allow us
to share this ministry with a worldwide interfaith audience."
"In that search we turned to our longtime partner, Odyssey Networks.
We are delighted that Odyssey was as excited as we were to develop this
new aspect of our partnership. Podcasts and downloads of Grace Matters on
Odyssey Networks combined with Odyssey's global promotion of these
resources will allow us to expand our reach and continue to share the
good news of God's amazing grace," she said.
Odyssey Networks, New York, is a coalition of Christian, Jewish and
Muslim faith groups that uses television, the Internet and theatrical
releases to distribute faith-based media content. It is a service of the
National Interfaith Cable Coalition, Inc. Initially, Odyssey plans to
post selected Grace Matters programs with the hope of carrying more
programs in the future, said Ava Odom Martin, ELCA Communication Services.
Currently, the network's Web site contains two Grace Matters
programs featuring Immaculee Ilibagiza, who describes how she survived
the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The program is available at
http://tinyurl.com/yjm7ujz on the Web. Both programs originally aired in
January 2008.
Odyssey Networks plans to post a different Grace Matters program
every two weeks, Martin said.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA Global Links - July 2011

2011-06-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

JULY 2011

South Sudan: Pray for a new nation
Every Friday from now until July 9, we ask for prayers as South Sudan prepares to become an independent nation. See www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/Peace-and-Conflict/Africa/Sudan.aspx.

Zam Zam: Anniversary of a missionary odyssey

This spring marked the 70th anniversary of an incredible episode from World War II. An old Egyptian passenger liner called the Zam Zam carried 140 American missionaries and their families from 20 denominations bound for mission work in Africa. A Nazi warship mistakenly sunk it off the coast of South Africa. All of the passengers abandoned ship. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHFrX3nwF0U.

Disaster response: Your church at work around the world
+ Malawi: In the region of Karonga heavy rains have led to flooding and a broken dike, disrupting crops and leaving hundreds of houses destroyed or damaged.
+ Colombia: After the worst flooding in 60 years, much of the country is underwater. As the rains continue the situation worsens. Find these stories and more at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/.

Japan: Veterans help former foes
Two World War II veterans are now "firing" generous amounts of dollars at Japan to help survivors of the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan and the Pacific Rim on March 11, 2011. Read more at www.livinglutheran.com/stories/veterans-help-former-foe.html.

Liberia: Witnessing miracles

At age 73 Edna Johnson wanted one more great adventure in life. Following a 28-year career as a nursing instructor, Edna became a volunteer missionary for the ELCA and moved to Liberia. There she has been a witness to miracles. See www.livinglutheran.com/stories/witnessing-miracles-in-liberia.html.

Ethiopia and Washington, D.C.: Living and breathing God's presence
Fifteen-year-old Milkom and approximately 250 others from the Oromia region of Ethiopia have found community and a spiritual oasis at one of 24 Oromo-speaking ELCA congregations in the United States. See www.livinglutheran.com/stories/living-and-breathing-gods-presence.html.

El Salvador: English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher sought
Serve as a volunteer at the Colegio Luterano Salvadoreno in San Salvador, El Salvador. The work assignment would include ESL classroom teaching (grades K-9) and working with administration to improve communications with sister churches and schools in the United States and other countries. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click "Global Service Opportunities" to search the database.

Ghana: Thank you for your support
The Rev. Viking and Marissa Dietrich, missionaries in Ghana, reflect on the importance of missionary sponsorship as they complete their service. See http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/.

Zambia: Pastor, if you want to help our church, you'll kneel!
An ELCA missionary in Zambia, The Rev. Arden Strasser reflects on how culture and Christianity intersect in this emerging African church. Read more at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Hand in Hand newsletter, Spring 2011.

Middle East: President Obama's recent speech resonates with ELCA principles, says Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson. Read this story and other global headlines at www.elca.org/news (click "News Releases").

The federal budget: Why it matters
Learn more about how the federal budget affects the international community, and how your voice can be heard as a person of faith, at www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues.aspx. Note the tabs on the left that deal with specific countries and issues.

Global young adults become acquainted through online Scripture study
Groups of young adults (15-30 years old) will study Psalm 104, Leviticus 23 and 25, Colossians 1, and Revelation 21-22 through "LWF together -- the earth needs you," an innovative program sponsored by The Lutheran World Federation. See http://lwfyouth.org/lwf-together/guidebook/.

Glocal Mission Gathering in Norcross, Georgia, August 4-6
Equip yourself for God's work in today's global and local realities. For more information and registration, visit www.elca.org/glocal.

Companion synod relationships: New developments
Online profiles have been updated by the Allegheny, Delaware-Maryland, Grand Canyon, Metropolitan New York, Northeastern Iowa, and Rocky Mountain Synods of the ELCA. Learn what's happening in companion relationships across the ELCA at www.elca.org/companionsynodprofiles.

Graphics for church communicators
Publicize Global Links with promotional graphics for use in sidebars, newsletters, eNewsletters, and websites. See www.elca.org/global-links and download the images on the right sidebar.

Share Global Links
Please forward ELCA Global Links in whole or in part, for use in publications, websites or blogs.

Subscribe or unsubscribe
To manage your subscription to GLOBAL-LINKS, go here.
You received this email because you provided the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with your email address.

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Bishop grateful for ELCA as congregations prepare for North Dakota floods

2011-06-27T10:03:00.000-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 23, 2011

Bishop grateful for ELCA as congregations prepare for North Dakota floods
11-088-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- As Minot, N.D. prepared for imminent widespread
flooding, the bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod said he is
grateful for the "gift" of being connected to the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA). Many members have called or sent messages
asking how they can help.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5130

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Christian Education Director position for St. Mark's

2011-06-24T04:55:00.002-05:00

St. Mark's is pleased to announce an opening for a Christian Education Director position.

Job Description

VBS is coming the week of July 17th, 2011

2011-06-17T14:03:00.001-05:00

We are planning a multi-evening format. Let Rebecca Verble or Mary Dallmann know if you would like to help teach a class, do a craft, or provide dinner. Specific times to follow.

Learning Chair,

Rebecca Verble

LED BY THE SPIRIT, SEEING GOD, SHARING WITH OTHERS

Al Horst in 33June Art Show

2011-06-15T11:04:00.001-05:00

St. Mark's member, the Rev. Al Horst, will display some of his paintings in an upcoming Art show June 17, 5:30-10:30! For more information, please see below:

A message to all members of MySLART.org

Please join us for the opening reception of "33June" on Friday, June 17, from 5:30pm to 10pm.

The 33June exhibit opening features 33 artists, music, drink and food. It's .free and open to the public at 37 South Old Orchard in Webster Groves.

For a list of participating artists and a Google map showing our gallery location, visithttp://MySLART.org/events/33june-1?xg_source=msg_mes_network on the Internet.

Feel welcome to forward this email invitation to any artists or art supporters on your email list(s). Thanks for helping spread the word.

Visit MySLART.org at: http://www.myslart.org/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA joins continuing response in tornado-damaged Springfield area

2011-06-14T12:26:00.003-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 11, 2011

ELCA joins continuing response in tornado-damaged Springfield area
11-084-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA) and staff of Lutheran Social Services of New England have
been part of a week-long response to local needs in the Springfield,
Mass. area following tornadoes that touched down there June 1.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5126

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Normandale Lutheran Church Youth Choir Concert

2011-06-14T12:26:00.001-05:00

Normandale Lutheran Church Youth Choir Concert

The Normandale Youth Choir from Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, Minnesota will be at Peace Lutheran Church, 1209 Royal Heights Road, Belleville, IL at 7:30pm on Friday June 24. The Choir is comprised of 40 students, grades 7-12. The singers give of their time and talents providing musical leadership for Sunday morning worship at Normandale. This year's tour, titled "Living Waters", will include a wide variety of sacred choral music. The choir will sing for churches in New Orleans, Niceville Fl, Madison AL, Franklin TN, Paducah KY, Belleville IL and Platteville WI.

Normandale Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was founded in 1950. It has 2500 baptized members, an average attendance of 900 and about 250 choir members who sing in 5 choirs under 2 directors. Two organists, a bell choir, a brass quintet and enough instrumentalists for periodic wind, string and orchestral ensembles further enhance the music of the congregation.

MORE INFO…
The main purpose of choirs at Normandale Lutheran Church is to lead the musical worship life of the congregation. The Youth Choir serves this capacity Sunday mornings at the 8:30 service. The continued commitment to be at church Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. is a worthy gift of time, talent and is a wonderful example of Christian stewardship.

David Clarke is Director of Music at Normandale Lutheran Church. He has been serving in that position since 1984. In addition to directing the Youth Choir, David also directs the 80 singers in the Normandale Choir and all instrumental ensembles. He has degrees from Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota. Accompanist Lorna Wolthoff is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. She is assistant organist and choir accompanist at Normandale. She also works at Schmitt Music and is the Printed Music Buyer for their mid-west music stores.

The Music Ministry at Normandale strives to be faithful in offering our best gifts, leading the congregation in worship and praise to our triune God.

A flyer is attached for your use.

Diane Runyan, DM
Communications & Resource Associate
The E.L.C.A. in St. Louis

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Former Member Ruth Gamelin, dies

2011-06-07T13:24:00.001-05:00

Here is Ruth's Obituary for those who knew her:

Ruth Vikner Gamelin was born May 22, 1915, on Jigongshan, Henan, China, to David W. and Lily Callerstrom Vikner during their language training for missionary work. Except for furloughs in the midwest in 1921-22 and 1928-30, she attended boarding school on Jigongshan and experienced turbulent times in China, including evacuation of her school three times before invading armies and capture of her family by Communists in 1932. Returning to the states for college in 1933, she graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, in 1937, then taught biology and English in Benson, Minnesota, until her marriage to Francis C. Gamelin in First Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 8, 1938.

She devoted her life to homemaking in St. Peter and Robbinsdale MN, Leonia NJ, Rock Island IL, and University City MO, raising five sons and a daughter and extending hospitality frequently to family and friends. She was an able household manager and seamstress, a prolific letter-writer, and a diarist from 1930 until her vision failed in 2006. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and many places in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Asia, including two trips around the world. She was devoted to women's work in her congregation and Church World Relief. In 2006 she and her husband moved to Chelan WA to be near their daughter, Lili, and her husband, R. Joseph Wesley.

Ruth died at Regency Manor in Chelan WA on May 31, 2011 at age 96. She is survived by her husband Francis, daughter Lili, sons Theodore of Issaquah WA, Daniel of Carlsbad CA, Timothy of Jamestown NC, Steven of Chelan WA, Quentin of Tampa FL, and their wives and 14 children and 24 great grandchildren.

A memorial service for her will be held at Lake Chelan Lutheran Church at 11:00 am Saturday, June 11, with later interment at Resurrection Cemetery in St. Peter, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to a local congregation or Gustavus Adolphus College are welcome.

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

Spring floods and storms pastoral letter

2011-06-07T08:04:00.001-05:00

Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

June 2, 2011

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Our hearts have been breaking for weeks as we have watched incessant storms devastate many parts of the United States. From the plains of North Dakota to the bayous of Louisiana, floodwaters and torrential rain have washed out communities and cropland. Destructive tornado strikes leveled homes for miles in cities and towns including Joplin, Mo., and Cullman, Ala. Two ELCA church buildings -- one in each state -- were destroyed.

The winds destroyed the building of Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin, but not the faith of its members. Last Sunday they gathered in the parking lot in the midst of debris and shattered hopes to worship in the strong name of the risen Christ.

In the aftermath of storms that seem relentless, we may feel overwhelmed and anxious, but not powerless. For God's promise is clear: nothing in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Trusting in God's promise and the power of the Holy Spirit, we respond by joining together in God's work of restoring community. The liberating power of the gospel frees us to repair roofs in Cullman and fill sandbags in Fargo, on behalf of people we don't know and may never meet.

These are our commitments as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:

We will pray. Pray with me that those affected may have the strength and courage they need to face these difficult days.
We will stand together, roll up our sleeves and work with partners to rebuild lives and restore hope. In Alabama, we are already at work with the Mennonites and the Christian Reformed Church in a rapid rebuilding project. Elsewhere, partnerships are unfolding with the United Methodist Church and others to coordinate volunteers to repair and rebuild homes and lives in the months and years to come. Working together we can achieve more on a scale and scope than we could ever achieve alone.
We will give generously. We are already organizing volunteer opportunities in response to the unmet needs of these communities. To support our efforts, please give now to ELCA Disaster Response. Your gift designated to Severe Spring Storms will be used in full -- 100 percent -- for the people and communities deeply affected by these storms.
We will stay until the work is done. One of our strengths as Lutherans is our practice of sustained response after a natural disaster, built on local networks of congregations and social ministries. Central States Synod Bishop Gerald Mansholt compared our work to long-distance running. ELCA Disaster Response was one of the first to arrive in Missouri and Alabama, and they will be the last to leave. Even as we begin this journey, our work continues on the Gulf Coast and in Haiti.
We will witness to our living faith in Christ Jesus as we join together to do God's work with our hands.

In all these things, I give thanks for each of you. May we be about God's healing and restoration in a time of despair. May we bring God's message of hope in the wake of spring storms.

In God's grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This email was sent to ELCA rostered leaders. To update your email address, please contact leaderinfo@elca.org.

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA Disaster Response sends grants for tornado, flood response

2011-06-07T07:33:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 3, 2011

ELCA Disaster Response sends grants for tornado, flood response
11-079-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Thanks to the generosity of members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), ELCA Disaster Response
distributed emergency grants totaling $20,000 in the wake of devastating
spring storms and floods. The grants went to assist communities
recovering from tornado damage in Massachusetts and floods in Montana,
and preparing for possible flooding in South Dakota.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5121

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com

ELCA rebuilds lives, restores hope after storms, says presiding bishop

2011-06-07T07:32:00.001-05:00

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

June 2, 2011

ELCA rebuilds lives, restores hope after storms, says presiding bishop

11-0784-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In the wake of a series of storms and floods

throughout the United States this spring, the presiding bishop of the

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reminded members who

may feel overwhelmed and anxious that they are not alone.

More:
http://www.elca.org/News/Releases.asp?a=5120

For information contact:
John Brooks, (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elcanews
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elcanews

--
Rev. Linda Anderson-Little
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com