On this Reformation Sunday, Pastor Beth couples the early teachings of Martin Luther with our present-day spiritual life. We are rooted. Because of the faith and traditions that came before us, we are firmly planted in God’s Word. We are resilient. The spirit is breathed into us; we grow and blossom in God’s love. And…
Discussions continue about the 2018 Spending Plan (Budget). Pastor Eric, Jenny Bona, and Carol Porter led the discussion on October 22 and they will again lead a similar discussion this Sunday, October 29 between services. Important decisions have to be made for St. Mark’s mission/ministry support and benevolence giving in 2018. Make sure you have…
On October 29th, at our 8:30 and 11:00am worship services, we will celebrate Reformation Sunday. This Sunday is not only a day to remember the life of Martin Luther and the series events that occurred to form the Lutheran Church, it is also a day to give thanks for the living Word of God and…
In today’s Gospel, Matthew 22, the Pharisees and Herodians set out to test Jesus because they were threatened by him. They asked him if taxes should be given to an earthly authority like Caesar. He asked whose image was on the coin used for taxes. And it was Caesar’s. Jesus sensed they were trying to trap…
All are invited. This Sunday is the Matthew 22:1-14 gospel of ‘For many are called, but few are chosen.’ Instead, Pastor Eric spoke to us of Jesus’s invitation to all to come to the banquet and learn of Him. Jesus invites us to try on different ‘coats’. ‘Coats’ are different situations in life in which…
Today’s Gospel, Matthew 21:33-46, recounts Jesus’ parable of the landowner who sent slaves to collect produce from his vineyard. The tenants beat and killed the slaves. The landowner then sent his son to collect the produce, thinking the tenants would surely respect him. They killed him as well, with a plan to steal his inheritance.…
Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching “using words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s creation. We celebrated St. Francis and…
Today was the 17th Sunday after Pentecost and Safi Sunday. In the first reading of today, Philippians 2:1-13, Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, looking to the interests of others above our own. Safi School Project is a non-profit organization with the mission of empowering and improving the lives…
That’s not fair!’….we all want things to be fair and all of today’s lessons speak to this on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost. Pastor Beth asked us if we knew what is God concerned about. 1. G-Generosity-how we live out our lives. 2. R-Relationships-God seeks reconciliation between each of us. 3. A-Attitude-impacts everything. 4. C-Community-to…
What are the limits of forgiving? Should we forgive our enemies, no matter the magnitude of their harm? Do we forgive a friend or family member when they hurt us so badly we do not see a way through the hurt? What about those we don’t know well, yet judge to be sinners? As Jesus advised…