On this Armistice / Veterans Day, our Gospel (Mark 12), tells of Jesus warning the people to beware of scribes who, for the sake of appearance, walk around in long robes and contribute large sums into the church treasury. Yet they are the ones who “devour widows’ houses”. In contrast, Jesus remarks about the truly…
29 October 2018 A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children” Jeremiah 31:15 Once again we are horrified and in anguish following a mass killing in a house of worship. Last Saturday morning an intruder burst into the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, killing eleven…
“We give thanks for the many different Saints in our lives” was Pastor Beth’s beginning to her sermon. She shared with us some of the life and then the death of her father who died this past February. Love and grief are intertwined. In today’s Gospel, John 11:32-44, the humanity of Jesus, who wept over…
There have been many changes and reforms in both church and society since the fifteen hundreds when Martin Luther posted his Ninety-five Theses on the church door. Important words. Pastor Beth spoke to us about reformation in our present time. There is a sharp polarization in our society due to us facing serious issues. Words,…
Let us pray. Almighty God, it is your will to bring comfort and help to the distressed. Thank you for all who use their talents to create these beautiful messages of love to people all over the world who may be seeking your word of grace and comfort. Bless these quilts wherever they may be…
Mark 10:35-45 Gospel starts with the disciples obsessing over who’s number one, which leads Jesus to say something about God’s take on importance and power. On the way to Jerusalem, the disciples ask Jesus to grant them seats of honor. Jesus responds by announcing that he and his followers will ‘rule’ through self-giving service. Pastor…
A “Blessings of the Animals” ceremony took place at both services at St Mark Lutheran Church on Oct 14, 2018. Check out below, the gallery of pictures of our many animal friends who attended these services this year and the Litany which was read at the services. Litany of Thanksgiving for Animals and Creation Gracious…
Everyone is welcome to drop-in to the St. Mark Parish Hall for lunch on the last Tuesday of each month between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Whether you are in Lacey running errands, at the church for a bible study or other meeting. or just want to get out to enjoy some conversation with a…
Pastor Beth, Pastor Eric, and their children, Grace and Isaiah, would like to thank the people of St. Mark and the Clergy Renewal Project for an amazing sabbatical this summer. St. Mark approved a pastoral sabbatical leave which gave them the gift of time. The Clergy Renewal Project awarded St. Mark a grant which gave…
The Sunshine Singers is a group of singers and musicians from St. Mark who are bringing music to members of our congregation who reside at assisted living and memory care facilities. The group has had several practice sessions and visits to care communities over the last couple of months. Responses have been positive from our…