Led by the Spirit to share Christ's love!
Led by the Spirit to share Christ's love!
Led by the Spirit to share Christ's love!
Led by the Spirit to share Christ's love!
Our Bazaar—Everything AND the Kitchen Sink—kicks off on Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 am—4:00 pm. We still need saleable items for the following booths.
Silent Auction Odds & Ends Linens & Towels
Baked Goods Jams & Jellies Herb Garden
Christmas Items Candies & more… Teas, Coffee & more
Food for lunch can be purchased while shopping for all your holiday needs.
We need workers for the booths. Please call Marsha Balluff or Phyllis Atkins to volunteer. Please bring items (not perishables) to the church as soon as possible. We have locked storage and in the case of the Silent Auction, we will need to catalog the items.
We need your help and support to have a truly fine event. WE are calling all St. Mark's members to get involved. The kitchen has needed updating for years and now is the time to do it. We're putting our "best foot forward" for our new Pastor (when chosen). Thank you in advance!
Led by the Spirit to share Christ's love!
Announcements
Service Committee
Our September Service Committee Focus will be to collect Personal Care Items, such as soaps, hand lotion, deoderants, toothbrushes, toothpastes/mouthwash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, combs, Bath Towels & Washcloths in order to provide at least 50 Personal Care Packets for the homeless women and children served by the Gateway 180 - Homeless Reversed organization.
Of course, we will continue to collect food items in the Food Barrels, both in the Narthex and by the lower level rear entrance (under the coat hangers)! The Summer food collected was taken to Feed My People, South County by Laura Brannan.
The Service Committee
September Sociables
A Murder Mystery Dinner
You are cordially invited to the La Sprerenza Restaurant (temporarily relocated to John and Sue Davis' home at 8 Grove Ave, Webster MO 63119) to honor the dearly departed Guiseppe (Pepi) Roni, and to enjoy some fine Italian food with his family and friends. And maybe just maybe unearth some clues about Pepi's death. Join us for a night of Pasta, Passions and Pistols, Saturday, September 21st at 6 pm.
Aspiring actors and actresses wanting to help put this production on please contact Sue or John. Or feel free to volunteer a friend or a relative!
Coming in September!
Wednesday, September 4th – Choir Practice Resumes
6:15 pm Bell Choir
7:15 pm Chancel Choir – New Members Welcome!
Wednesday, September 4th – Confirmation Class begins at Gethsemane.
Sunday, September 8th, 9:00 am – Rally Day and Intergenerational Sunday School
Sunday, September 15th, 9:00 am – Regular Bible Study and Sunday School Class resumes.
Learning
Next Sunday, Rally Day, everyone should bring old shoes for The Shoeman Project and VBS attendees should bring their Christmas boxes from VBS filled to be sent overseas! There will be a Sunday School parent meeting during Fellowship on September 8th as well.
Confirmation Resumes
Confirmation classes will be held on September 4 and 18. The schedule will remain the same as last year, with a light supper available at 6 pm, and class time from 6:30 to 8 pm. This year we will meet at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. The primary topics will be the sacraments and the 10 commandments.
Southside Cluster Middle & High School Kick-Off
Sunday, September 15th, 2013 from 5-7 PM
Christ Lutheran's Mead Center
1 Selma Avenue; Webster Groves 63119
Come and hear the band Stealing Silver! We will also have door prizes, ice cream and fellowship. All youth 7th grade through high school are welcome!
Sundays in September
Sept. 1: Luke 14:1, 7-14; Faith in the Workplace
Sept. 8: Luke 14:25-33; Focus and Commitment
Rally Day; Intergenerational Sunday School; VBS Songs;
Pr. Roger Ruff, guest preacher; 25th Anniversary of the ELCA
Sept. 15: Luke 15:1-10; Building Bridges
Pr. Elizabeth Reinking, special guest
Sept. 22: Luke 16:1-13; Using Money, Making
Friends
Sept. 29: Luke 16:19-31; Keep Your Eyes Open
Megahan' s visit
Adult Learning in September-Sundays at 9:00 am
Sept. 8: Intergenerational Sunday School
Sept. 15: Bible Grab Bag – share a favorite Bible story and why it's important to you.
Sept. 22: Building Bridges 1: The Story of "The
Bridge"
Sept. 29: Building Bridges 2: What Have We
Learned?
Oct. 6: Building Bridges 3: What Can St. Mark's
Learn?
Service Committee
Our September Service Committee Focus will be to collect Personal Care Items, such as soaps, hand lotion, deoderants, toothbrushes, toothpastes/mouthwash, hand sanitizer, shampoo, combs, Bath Towels & Washcloths in order to provide at least 50 Personal Care Packets for the homeless women and children served by the Gateway 180 - Homeless Reversed organization.
Of course, we will continue to collect food items in the Food Barrels, both in the Narthex and by the lower level rear entrance (under the coat hangers)! The Summer food collected was taken to Feed My People, South County by Laura Brannan.
The Service Committee
Looking for something to Read?
We have started a free book library for anyone interested in reading a book. The books are located in the Narthex on the bottom shelf on the table between the Greeters and the middle aisle. If you have some books and can contribute to this free library we would appreciate you generosity.
Just before worship and during the Service we will put them outside (weather permitting) as an outreach to our neighborhood. If you have any questions, call Fred Steinke.
Coming in September!
Wednesday, September 4th – Choir Practice Resumes
6:15 pm Bell Choir
7:15 pm Chancel Choir – New Members Welcome!
Wednesday, September 4th – Confirmation Class begins at Gethsemane.
Sunday, September 8th, 9:00 am – Rally Day and Intergenerational Sunday School
Sunday, September 15th, 9:00 am – Regular Bible Study and Sunday School Class resumes.
Lutheran School of Theology
Lutheran School of Theology invites you to register for the following Michaelmas term courses: "In the Lion's Den: Daniel on the Horizon of Apocalyptic Literature" (Dr. Ben Asen), "Saving the Cross: Reimagining the Atonement in our Context" (The Rev. Dr. Warren Crews), "Hearing and Preaching the Gospel of Matthew" (The Rev. John Roth), and "The Green Bible: God is Great, God is Green, The Bible and Ecology" (Dr. Clint McCann). Brochures with registration forms are on the LST poster in the narthex. You may also call 314-725-9710 or email <registrar@lststl.org> or register online at http://www.lststl.org.
Coming August 11: Blessing of the Backpacks
Sending of College Students
The Call Committe and Congregational Council will meet with Pastor B.J. Arnold on August 14. 2013. Pr. Arnold will guide the committee as they begin their work. Please pray for our Council: Andy Ford, Dave Collins, Darin Sorrell, Nancy Hofheinz, Beverly Velloff, Rebecca Verble, Ruth Kelso Sorrell, Noah Turner and Mark Endres and our Call Committee: Eunice Halverson, Brian Dallmann, Marsha Balluff, Matthew Hibbard, Paul Laute and Ruth Kelso Sorrell in this important task.
The Executive Committee and Congregational Council have cancelled their regular August meetings. The regular schedule will return in September.
Announcements
August Sociables Event:7th Annual Day at Lac Capri
Where: Bruce and Kathy Steinke's lake house at Terre du Lac located about 1 hour south of St. Louis near Bonne Terre, MO.
When: Saturday, August 17th, 11:00 am to whenever
Lunch at approximately at 1:00 pm.
Who: The whole family is invited.
Food: The Steinke's will provide the main dish, water, juice boxes and soft drinks. Bring a side dish or dessert to share and your own alcoholic drinks, if desired.
Activities: Tubing, skiing, (The Sorrells are bringing over their boat, too!) swimming, fishing, paddle and sail boating, kayaking, lawn games and dominoes.
Other: Bring lawn chairs and life vests if you have them
RSVP: Bruce or Kathy at (314) 843-5257. Directions will be available in the narthex at church. Our address is 517 E. Capri Dr., Bonne Terre 63628
Service Committee
The July focus will be school supplies - The most needed items are: #2 pencils, erasers, dry erase markers, wide-line spiral notebooks, 2-pocket folders, scissors and glue sticks. All items will be donated to the University City Schools. Collection will be extended to Sunday, August 11. Missouri Tax Free Holiday ends today. Buy school supplies at most retailers and pay no tax on school related items.
Also, please don't forget that the local food pantries continue to have a great need over the summer. Our food bins have been low recently.
The Service Committee
Looking for something to Read?
We have started a free book library for anyone interested in reading a book. The books are located in the Narthex on the bottom shelf on the table between the Greeters and the middle aisle. If you have some books and can contribute to this free library we would appreciate you generosity.
Just before worship and during the Service we will put them outside (weather permitting) as an outreach to our neighborhood. If you have any questions, call Fred Steinke.
Choir Party
Choir Party, July 7, 2013 at the Kugler's immediately following worship service (we are singing on the 7th). You are invited to come on down to Sparta, IL for a pool party with lunch, swimming, fishing (there's an association pond), pool, play with trains and good old socializing.
Our address is 2010 North Market St. (this is Rte. 4); Sparta, IL 62286
Coming into Sparta on Route 4, there are 5 houses on your left. Ours is the tallest one. If you see the VFW Hall and businesses, you passed us. Turn around and come back! It's approximately 60 minutes from church. Ask Morris if you need directions. Morris' cell: 618.973.3390; Carol's cell: 618.443.1259.
Bring a dish to pass – we'll provide the meat and drinks. Be sure to bring your swimsuit. Please RSVP so we can get an approximate count.
Reminder: We are singing for the 4th of July Celebration on June 30th and on July7th. Brief rehearsals on June 23 and June 30 immediately following worship to prepare the anthems.
Remember! The Choir that plays together stays together. This is a family event!
Last Call!
Last call for the Pastor Call Committee is approaching. We are nearly ready to finally select our Call Committee. We have been fortunate to have several members step forward and ask to be a part of this process. If you have any interest in serving on the call committee and you have not spoken to a council member, now is the time to step forward. We will elect the call committee at the Council meeting July, 9th. Please contact Andy Ford or the church office if you would like your name to be included.
Service Committee
The July focus will be school supplies - crayons, markers, scissors, erasers, folders, notebooks, pencils, pens, highlighters, looseleaf paper, colored pencils, dry erase markers, compasses, protractors, etc.
The Service Committee
St. Mark's 2013 VBS
Welcome to God's Backyard Bible Camp—where kids have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an adventure where kids learn to take the love of Jesus into their neighborhoods and communities!
At God's Backyard Bible Camp, kids will participate in the large-group excitement of Backyard Bash, experience God's Word at Backyard Bible Club, learn ways to serve others at Community Corner, plus explore and create through fun-filled crafts, snacks, and games. Kids will discover how much fun they can have serving at Backyard Bible Camp!
During Backyard Bash, kids will discover how much fun service can be and they will be challenged to serve their families, friends, neighbors communities, and Jesus. At Backyard Bible Club, kids will commit to serving!
Date: July 11th -13th. Thursday and Friday evening beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner and ending at 8:30 pm. and Sat. morning beginning at 9:30 am and ending at Noon (breakfast or lunch to be provided).
We will be offering an adult portion during VBS for parents and grandparents on how to talk about faith with children and grandchildren. Pastor Jeff will lead this initiative called Vibrant Faith that is all about passing on the faith to children and grandchildren. It focuses on 4 practices:
with lots of information on how to do these things effectively in the family. This kind of approach is more about how we can help you and your family raise children of faith, which was the original idea behind Martin Luther writing his small catechism."
Summer Book Read
Summer Book Club discussion of Holes by Louis Sachar continues at
9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings will continue through July 21, 2013(except for July 7, 2013) and movie night will be July 28, 2013 at 6 p.m. Rebecca Verble, Learning
July Sociables
We're off to the races! Once again the St. Mark's Sociables will be driving to Fairmount Park for the horse races. Please note that the date this year is July 13th which is the 2nd Saturday of July. That is when we could get the best seating. The charge this year is $22.00 with youngster being $11.00. They promise to have the air conditioning working – and they are bringing back the chef who will be carving the roast beef! We need a minimum of 20, so get your reservations and money to Marsha Balluff or Laura Balluff-Mackinson. Contact Marsha (314)581.4218 or Laura (314) 420.7403.
June Food Barrel Emphasis:
The food barrel focus for the month of June will be canned protein - tuna, chicken, beans, chili, salmon, sardines, vienna sausages, canned pasta with meat, corned beef, etc.
Thank you for your continued support of the food barrel ministry – it truly is a blessing to those families served.
St. Mark's 2013 VBS
Welcome to God's Backyard Bible Camp—where kids have a blast serving Jesus! Get ready for an adventure where kids learn to take the love of Jesus into their neighborhoods and communities!
At God's Backyard Bible Camp, kids will participate in the large-group excitement of Backyard Bash, experience God's Word at Backyard Bible Club, learn ways to serve others at Community Corner, plus explore and create through fun-filled crafts, snacks, and games. Kids will discover how much fun they can have serving at Backyard Bible Camp!
During Backyard Bash, kids will discover how much fun service can be and they will be challenged to serve their families, friends, neighbors communities, and Jesus. At Backyard Bible Club, kids will commit to serving!
Date: July 11th -13th. Thursday and Friday evening beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner and ending at 8:30 pm. and Sat. morning beginning at 9:30 am and ending at Noon (breakfast or lunch to be provided).
Summer Book Read
Summer Book Club discussion of Holes by Louis Sachar begins today, June 16, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. and discussions will continue through July 21, 2013(except for July 7, 2013) and movie night will be July 28, 2013 at 6 p.m. We may have some copies of the book available to borrow - more details to follow. Rebecca Verble, Learning
July Sociables
We're off to the races! Once again the St. Mark's Sociables will be driving to Fairmount Park for the horse races. Please note that the date this year is July 13th which is the 2nd Saturday of July. That is when we could get the best seating. The charge this year is $22.00 with youngster being $11.00. They promise to have the air conditioning working – and they are bringing back the chef who will be carving the roast beef! We need a minimum of 20, so get your reservations and money to Marsha Balluff or Laura Balluff-Mackinson. Reservations must be accompanied with full payment and received by June 10th. We must finalize our reservations and money with Fairmount Park one month before we arrive. Contact Marsha
(314)581.4218 or Laura (314)420.7403.
Announcements
Congregational Gathering #2
Next Sunday, June 2, Congregational Gathering #2 will be held following worship, and we ask all to attend. The purpose of this gathering will be to identify the mission priorities of St. Mark's as we move into the future. This is an important step in the process of calling our next pastor, so we want input from as many folks as possible. Please make every effort to attend.
How Can I Help?
Want to help those recovering from the devastating tornados? Special contributions can be included with your offering, designated for "Lutheran Disaster Response." If you wish, you may further specify that your contribution go for "Oklahoma." A pastoral letter from the bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod has been posted on the bulletin board next to the mailboxes.
Thank You
Special thanks to our friend Pastor Roger Ruff, who is filling in as our organist today.
Annual Church Picnic:
Our church picnic will be Sunday, June 9 at Shaw Park, South Pavilion (same as last year and years past). The fellowship committee will provide the meat and drinks, we just ask that each family bring a dish to share and their own plates/eating utensils and cups. There will be games for the kids (I still need a volunteer to run those), Bingo (bring a wrapped white elephant) and hopefully a Cake walk. Worship service starts at 10:15 am followed by the picnic. If you have any questions please ask anyone on the committee. Thanks in advance! Beth Eschbacher - Fellowship Chair
Ordination Service
Elizabeth Reinking will be ordained into the ministry of the ELCA this coming Saturday, June 1, 10:30 am, at St. Thomas/Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Sunset Hills. Pr. Reinking will serve as a mission developer at The Bridge in New Town, St. Charles, MO.
Tonight!
Peter Mayer Live!
6:30pm @
Eden United Church of Christ
8920 Eden Avenue
Affton, MO 63123
Adults $15; Children $8
Doors open at 5:30 pm - reception to follow
Contact church office at 314-631-8930 or tickets available online via link: http://edenucc.org
Peter Mayer is the man who has directed the music for the last few ELCA Youth Gatherings. The Concert will benefit Bethany Peace United Church of Christ Community Garden enhance its ability to provide healthy foods to families and children.
June Food Barrel Emphasis:
The food barrel focus for the month of June will be canned protein - tuna, chicken, beans, chili, salmon, sardines, vienna sausages, canned pasta with meat, corned beef, etc.
Thank you for your continued support of the food barrel ministry – it truly is a blessing to those families served.
April Food Barrel Ministry
(Collection for this ends May 5)
In addition to food in the food barrels, our focus is Spring Cleaning – we are collecting cleaning supplies and paper products, laundry detergent, window cleaner, all purpose spray cleaner, toilet cleaner, bar soap, fabric softener, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaner, floor cleaner, dish soap, mold/mildew remover, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc. Cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with food stamps and are a necessity in life. "Please place cleaning supplies and paper products in the Laundry Baskets by the wooden crates in the Narthex. DO NOT PLACE CHEMICALS IN WITH THE FOOD IN THE FOOD BARRELS. The Service Committee
Mother/Daughter Tea
Save the Date! St. Mark's Mother/Daughter Tea will be Saturday, May 11 from 2:00-4:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. This is a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to an event. More details will follow soon.
2013 VBS
Mark your calendars!! VBS will be held July 11th -13th. Thursday and Friday evening beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner and ending at 8:30 pm. and Sat. morning beginning at 9:30 am and ending at Noon (breakfast or lunch to be provided). More details will follow soon!
Almost Home -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-- CHILD CARE/BABYSITTING
Are there any youth (age 16+) or adults who would be interested in helping out Almost Home with childcare any evening Monday through Thursday from 6:15pm until 7:30PM??? You would be watching the little ones, while the moms are in life skill classes. If you would like to see the description of duties and see the volunteer application form, contact Grace Steinke (314-843-5053). Students that are less than 16 years old may volunteer, if an adult is with them. Any other questions or to volunteer, please contact Diana Burnson, Volunteer Coordinator, Almost Home, (314)771-4663, ext office
Church Work Day
This year the Service Committee will join the Property Committee to hold the annual Church work day. Mark your calendars for next Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Weather permitting we will paint, clean, make repairs and work in the herb garden. All you need to bring is your work gloves, small gardening tools, and your servant's heart. A light lunch will be served.
Steve Lochmoeller, Property Chair
April Food Barrel Ministry
In addition to food in the food barrels, our focus is Spring Cleaning – we will collect cleaning supplies and paper products. Laundry detergent, window cleaner, all purpose spray cleaner, toilet cleaner, bar soap, fabric softener, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaner, floor cleaner, dish soap, mold/mildew remover, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc. Cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with food stamps and are a necessity in life. "Please place cleaning supplies and paper products in the Laundry Baskets by the wooden crates in the Narthex. DO NOT PLACE CHEMICALS IN WITH THE FOOD IN THE FOOD BARRELS.
The Service Committee
2013 VBS
Mark your calendars!! VBS will be held July 11th -13th. Thursday and Friday evening beginning at 6:00 pm with dinner and ending at 8:30 pm. and Sat. morning beginning at 9:30 am and ending at Noon (breakfast or lunch to be provided). More details will follow soon!
Communication Committee
Late last year the Council asked the Communications Committee to assess the current status and future technology needs for our church and office. A Technology Task Force has met a couple of times and begun preliminary work on researching what is available, what other churches are using, etc. With Pastor Linda's resignation and busy summer schedules upon us, the Task Force has been put on hold until our new pastor is available to guide us in this very important visioning project. In the meantime, if anyone visits churches that have a comprehensive audio/visual system or has ideas for the committee to consider, please contact Jeanne Yegge or Eunice Halverson, co-chairs of the task force.
Announcements
WELCA Spring Retreat - Saturday, April 13
Please join us for the annual retreat! This year's theme is "Letting go: the spiritual and practical benefits of decluttering". Denise Lee, a Certified Professional Organizer® and fellow Lutheran will lead us in an interactive workshop where we will discuss the different types of clutter and its effect on us.
At a minimal cost of $7.00 the retreat is a great value!! We will start at 9:00 am with registration and a continental breakfast and continue with the workshop for about 2 hours. Next Denise will preside over a short service including communion before we conclude with a salad luncheon. Call the church office at 314-721-6974 or Wilma Wilson at 314-991-4991 to register. We hope to see you there!! Marsha Balluff, Secretary
Food Barrel Ministry
For the month of April, in addition to food in the food barrels, our focus is Spring Cleaning – we will collect cleaning supplies and paper products. Ideas include laundry detergent, window cleaner, all purpose spray cleaner, toilet cleaner, bar soap, fabric softener, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaner, floor cleaner, dish soap, mold/mildew remover, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc. Cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with food stamps and are a necessity in life. Please support this important ministry.
"Please place cleaning supplies and paper products in the Laundry Baskets by the wooden crates in the Narthex. DO NOT PLACE CHEMICALS IN WITH THE FOOD IN THE FOOD BARRELS.
April Sociables - Authentic German Dinner
The Sociables are sponsoring a German Dinner on Saturday, April 20, 2013 for anyone at St. Mark's who is interested in experiencing the flavor of Germany. The dinner will feature: Rouladen, Noodles or Spaetzle, red cabbage, rolls, apple sauce and dessert. Beer, wine and non alcoholic beverages are included.
Dinner is open to all adults and children 12 and older. The dinner is by reservation only ! We also are requesting a payment of $10.00/person in advance. In case you cancel, this is returnable only if a replacement reservation is available to take your place. There is seating for only 36 people so get your reservations and deposit in early. We will keep a waiting list in case of cancellations.
All Reservations will be made thru Florence Riter 314-351-8613. Due to the large number of diners, dinner will be divided into two groups of 18. One dinner will be served at Dave & Florence Riter's and the other at Fred & Grace Steinke's. If you have a preference, indicate it when you make the reservation. All desserts will be served at the Steinke's. Drive time from the Riter's to the Steinke's is 20 minutes. Time: Please arrive at your dinner site at 5:30pm. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00pm (the German way).
REMAINS
Are you doing your spring cleaning? Do you have clothes, shoes, linens, blankets, towels that you want to give or throw away? Bring them to St. Mark's on Sunday, April 21 and the Larson's will take them to Remains, Inc. Remains will see to it that any usable items are reused and items that cannot be reused are recycled. Remains will make a payment to the Friends of Emmaus based on the number of pounds of the items donated. The Friends of Emmaus support the Emmaus Home in Marthasville, Missouri where Tom Larson lives. Please write "Remains" on the outside of all plastic bags and boxes that you bring your items in for the "Remains" Collection.
Here is what Remains can accept:
· New or used clothing, household, linens, blankets, towels, etc. Because they will be recycled, Remains can take stained or torn items that cannot be used again. Just be sure the items are dry and not mildewed. Put these items in trash bags. No carpet, rugs, pillows or cushions.
· Shoes. Shoes need to be usable shoes or work boots, with the pair tied or rubber banded together or paired in the same box. Shoes should be placed in boxes; the Service Committee will have boxes available. No winter insulated boots, house slippers or shoes with metal spikes.
Remains will also accept usable books (including textbooks), but no encyclopedias, magazines or damaged books. Books should be in boxes, preferably weighing less than 50 pounds.
Please bring these items to church on April 21. If you need to bring the items before that date, please leave them downstairs by the back door. Thank- you!
Almost Home -- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED-- CHILD CARE/BABYSITTING
Are there any youth (age 16+) or adults who would be interested in helping out Almost Home with childcare any evening Monday through Thursday from 6:15pm until 7:30PM??? You would be watching the little ones, while the moms are in life skill classes. If you would like to see the description of duties and see the volunteer application form, contact Grace Steinke (314-843-5053). Students that are less than 16 years old may volunteer, if an adult is with them. Any other questions or to volunteer, please contact Diana Burnson, Volunteer Coordinator, Almost Home, (314)771-4663, ext office
Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Mark's
The Red Cross did not have available dates that Service Committee thought would be best for our congregation in May, so we will NOT Host a Blood Drive until the Fall, Probably September, As soon as we have a confirmed date, we will notify the congregation, so that those of you who are able to give blood will
be able to schedule their giving. The Red Cross would like to be able to collect at least 25 Units at our Collection Site The Service Committee
Church Work Day
This year the Service Committee will join the Property Committee to hold the annual Church work day. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Weather permitting we will paint, clean, make repairs and work in the herb garden. All you need to bring is your work gloves and small gardening tools. A light lunch will be served.
Steve Lochmoeller, Property Chair
Lutheran School of Theology
Easter 2013 Term-Courses for Laity and Clergy
"Living Faithfully in Trying Times: What God Does and Does Not Expect of Us". Five Thursdays, April 11 – May 9, 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 1 Selma Ave., Webster Groves, Mo. Taught by the Rev. Dr. Warren Crews. Tuition: $68
One Day Workshop: "Leading in Exile: Learning to Lead the Church into a Future Where Nothing May Be the Same as Before". One day workshop, Thursday, May 16. Class from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Rd., Chesterfield, Mo. Taught by the Rev. Dr. John Bracke. Tuition: $35, includes lunch
Brochures with registration forms are
in the LST poster in the narthex.
For more information or for scholarship
applications call the LST office at: (314) 725-9710
or email: registrar@lststl.org
or call Penny/Keith Holste, Administrators
at (314) 962-0918,
or register online at:
Announcements
Food Barrel Ministry
Please support our food barrel ministry by bringing green items in honor of St. Patrick's Day during the month of March. Ideas include canned vegetables (like green beans, peas, asparagus, spinach, and okra), green jello, pistachio pudding, green tea, Apple Jacks cereal, key lime bar cookie mix, pesto sauce, spinach pasta, Healthy Choice soups, jars of green baby food, pickles, pickle relish, spices (basil, parsley, sage, tarragon, oregano, rosemary), olives– and there's always CASH. If you wish to donate cash, please give it to Ruth Sorrell or Grace Steinke or put it in the offering plate in an envelope labeled "Service – Food Pantry".
For the month of April, our focus will be Spring Cleaning – we will collect cleaning supplies and paper products. Ideas include laundry detergent, window cleaner, all purpose spray cleaner, toilet cleaner, bar soap, fabric softener, scrubbing pads, furniture cleaner, floor cleaner, dish soap, mold/mildew remover, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, etc. Cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with food stamps and are a necessity in life. Please support this important ministry.
Easter Giving Tree
The Easter Tree is up in the Narthex. Please take an ornament and purchase the item listed. Donations will be given to Almost Home – a charity that provides transitional housing, education and support for 15 homeless teenage mothers and their children in a 3-story facility located in the City of St. Louis. In addition, Almost Home, owns and operates low-income housing apartments across the street from the transitional housing facility for women 18+ who have graduated from the transitional housing program but aren't ready to be fully independent. They also provide up to 8 years of support for the women after they move to other housing wherein they provide home visits, help the women find needed resources, and run a support group. Ruth Sorrell has toured their facility and found it to be incredibly well run. They accomplish their goal of helping the young women they serve to become self-sufficient, responsible adults and mothers through their Keys to Success program:
1. Education - The young mothers at Almost Home are required to complete high school or obtain a GED. After they earn their diploma, they must continue their education at a college or vocational/technical school.
2. Responsible Parenting - Moms must attend on- and off- site classes on positive and healthy parenting, effective discipline, and childhood development. Moms are expected to read to their child at least 15 minutes per day.
3. Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies - Moms learn to be responsible for themselves and for their children through group and individual counseling. This process helps them to cope with new responsibilities, the stress of a radically changing lifestyle, and to address the scars left by previous abuse.
4. Independent Living Skills - The young mothers must attend on-site one-hour life and job skills classes four nights a week. Skills include financial planning, seeking out resources, computer literacy, nutrition, household management, and training on how to search for, apply for, and interview for a job.
5. Recreation and Social Skills - Almost Home helps teen moms adapt to appropriate etiquette as they take their young family to various venues within the community, and teach them how to interact positively with others and form healthier relationships.
6. Leadership - young mothers learn how to take charge of their own care, their own living space, and their own futures through group peer meetings. Led by elected peer leaders, regular meetings address topics such as living spaces, conflict resolution, and the sharing of household responsibilities.
To learn more, visit their website – www.almosthomestl.org. Please support this worthy charity by donating the items listed on the ornaments. Items should be left in the wooden crates next to the giving tree or placed under the giving tree. Items should be unwrapped. The service committee will deliver the items to Almost Home between Palm Sunday and Easter. Thank you for your generous support. The Service Committee
WELCA
WELCA is off to a "running start" having finished a revision of our constitution and by-laws. Our first event, Ash Wednesday Breakfast, was well attended with 15 (!) at our 7:00 am service. There have never been 15 in all the year's we have done this. The 9:30 am service was also terrific and we thank both Pastor Rafanan and Pastor Moore for coming to preside. Thanks, also, to Dave and Florence Riter and Fred and Grace Steinke for hosting and cooking the delicious breakfast.
We've chosen to support Campus Ministry, Abused Women, Help Our Own, LWR and our Kitchen Fund in 2013. Other charities may be helped with decisions to do so later in the year.
Our next event is the annual Spring Retreat on Saturday, April 6th at 9:00 am. Plan on coming for a continental breakfast, a wonderful program entitled "Clutter in Our Lives, followed by communion, and a salad luncheon to follow. It promises to be very uplifting.
The Mother-Daughter Banquet is the next adventure. More information will be in next month's Voice.
The quilters have already begun to work for LWR. It has been decided that 10 quilts will go to LWR and the rest will be sold to benefit our Kitchen Fund. Ladies and Gentlemen, our kitchen is past due for an overhall!
Following the WELCA general meeting on Wednesday, March 6 the group will view a DVD from the History Museum on bricks in St. Louis. All women and men are invited to lunch and the program. Lunch will begin at approximately 12 noon. Please RSVP to church office at 721.6974.
Marsha Balluff, Secretary
Choir
During Lent, Chancel Choir will continue to rehearsal on Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm following service. You are invited to join us for the wonderful Lenten and Easter music.
Going, going, gone! There are only about 25 Choir CD's "Marvelous Messages: Sacred and Show" left. Get yours to give at Easter time. You'd be amazed at the quality and beauty of the music. Make sure you get yours for yourself, relatives and friends for only a $10.00 donation! See Beth Eschbacher.
Adult Education
Join our DVD study and discussion of the Gospel of Luke, followed by a study of the Parables! Discussion led by Darin Sorrell.
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
February 3, 2013
ELCA missionary receives American Medical Association honor
13-7-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Dr. Mark L. Jacobson, a medical missionary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has been awarded the 2013 Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine from the American Medical Association.
"This is indeed a fantastic honor, and we take great pleasure in having our decades of service in Tanzania noticed and honored by the wider medical community," said Jacobson.
Jacobson and his wife, Linda, have been providing health care services and overseeing medical training in Tanzania since 1985 at the invitation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania.
"For me personally, (the honor) is more a recognition of the work that Linda and I have done together, and it particularly affirms the work and commitment of an entire team of professionals, supporters and faithful coworkers in these many efforts. It is humbling to realize that many years of serving among the poor has ultimately been respected and profoundly honored by the profession," he said.
Jacobson's work has included transforming rural dispensaries into Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania, which encompasses 10 buildings, 250 employees and 12 physicians. He has also led the planning, funding and construction of the Arusha Lutheran Medical Center, which is recognized as a leading health institution in the country. The hospital and medical center provides care to more than 150,000 patients per year.
Jacobson started a school to train medical officers, began a nursing school scheduled to open in March 2013 and a surgical residency program to start in 2014.
Jacobson has provided medical care for thousands of people living in poverty in East Africa. He started specialized outreach services that have reached thousands of women suffering from obstetric fistulas and children with orthopedic problems. Jacobson also initiated hospice and palliative care for HIV and AIDS patients in Tanzania, and is a founding member and chair of the Board of the African Palliative Care Association, which now promotes hospice and palliative care in over 30 African countries.
"The American Medical Association has discovered what we have known for many years; your exemplary service, unconditional commitment, and selfless giving to the Massai people and the people of Tanzania," wrote the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for global ministries at ELCA churchwide ministries, in a congratulatory letter to the Jacobsons.
"The visible accomplishments of your work are outstanding," wrote Malpica Padilla. "However, your greatest accomplishment has been the Christian witness that you and Linda have given to your children, raising them to be good stewards and servant of the gospel of Jesus Christ."
The ELCA and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania are member churches of The Lutheran World Federation, a global communion of 143 member churches in 79 countries worldwide. The ELCA is the communion's only member church from the United States.
Information about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania is available at http://www.ELCA.org/tanzania and more about the work of Jacobson is featured at http://www.livinglutheran.com/stories/filled-with-hope.html.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 4 million members in nearly 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
Announcements
Ash Wednesday White Breakfast
February 13th is Ash Wednesday. WELCA sponsors the annual White Breakfasts at 7:00 am and 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. The early breakfast is for those who would like to attend and be able to be at work by 8:00 am. A short (15-20 minutes), interactive and reflective Worship Service with Communion, led by a pastor, will precede both breakfasts. A free-will offering will be taken with all proceeds going to Safe Connections, the women's abuse center in the St. Louis Area. Reservations are needed for planning the food and seating. Please RSVP by February 10th, either on the Yellow Bulletin Insert, or by calling the church office, 314-721-6974, or Grace Steinke, 314-843-5053. Guests are welcome! The 7:00 am Service will be cancelled, if there are less than SIX(6) Reservations.
Choir
No choir rehearsal on January 30th. It's moving week for Carol and Morris. Choir will resume on February 6th. Please join us. Oh, and by the way, during Lent Chancel choir rehearsal is at 7:30 pm, following Lenten service.
Technology Task Force
Are you aware that St. Mark's has a Technology Task Force that began meeting in December? The following people have volunteered their time to be a part of this process: Jeanne Yeagge, Eunice Halverson, Dave Ritter, Noah Turner, Amy Steinke, Beverly Velloff, Mark Endres, Rebecca Verble, and Brian Dallmann. (Please forgive me if I've forgotten someone.)
Our Purpose: To determine desired features and costs of technology upgrades for St. Mark's.
Identify:
- State of the art integrated multimedia system with hearing impaired capabilities for the sanctuary and fellowship hall that welcome all people who find us on a comprehensive, user friendly website.
-Office technology to administer the ministry including multimedia system and website.
As we begin this process, does anyone know of a church that has an amazing integrated multimedia system in place? Please share with any member of this task force your thoughts or if you have questions.
Beverly Velloff
Youth News
Southside Youth Events for January/February 2013:
January 27: High School gathering at Christ Lutheran Church.
February 3: High School gathering at St. Mark's
Lutheran Church.
February 10: Middle School gathering at Christ
Lutheran Church.
February 24: High School gathering at St. Thomas Holy Spirit Lutheran Church.
All gatherings start at 6 PM unless otherwise announced.
Sociables Activities for 2013-14
Feel free to invite friends and family. Events are GENERALLY the 3rd Saturday of the month. Contact Program Chairman Darin Sorrell, or the event sponsor for information.
February 23, 2013 Trivia Night at Word of Life Lutheran School; Jamieson and Eichelberger; see Ruth Sorrell for info
March 2013 Bowling, followed by game nite; sponsored by Susan Pingel and Mary Dallmann
April 2013 German dinner, sponsored by Fred and Grace Steinke, Florence and Dave Riter
May 2013 Canoe Trip, sponsored by the Kugler family
June 2013 Shakespeare in the Park, sponsored by Bryson Gerard and Emily Endres
July 2013 Fairmount Park, sponsored by Marsha Balluff and Mark Endres
August 2013 trip to Terre du Lac, sponsored by Kathy and Bruce Steinke
September 2013 Mystery Dinner, sponsored by Sue Davis
October 2013 Katy Trail, sponsored by Jan Mueller and Beth Eschbacher
November 2013 theme party, sponsored by the Kuglers
December 14, 2013 Christmas Caroling, sponsored by the Bleekes
January 2014 planning party at Fred & Grace Steinke's house
February 2014 Ice Skating, sponsored by the Dallmanns
Exact times, dates, details will be announced. Watch the bulletin for more information
