Blog (Page 57)

Safi Sunday

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!’

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…

Boundless

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…

Love Builds Bridges Not Walls

Our Children’s Time talk this morning was a wonderful story about two brothers who due to a disagreement decide to build a wall between their adjoining properties. Listen to the audio below of this tale as the intervention of a third party changes the construction from a wall to a bridge and the impact that…

St. Mark Community Garden News

The 2017 Gardening season is almost over and the garden has been  absolutely beautiful this summer.  We got a late start with a wet, soggy spring, and many of us volunteer gardeners did not have very high hopes for a great garden.  We had to replant our peas, spinach, beets, and lettuce, and planted the…

The Weakest Link

Today is the 14th Sunday after Pentecost and today’s gospel, Matthew 18:15-20, talks of situations having to do with church discipline. Pastor Beth asked us if we remembered a TV game show called: The Weakest Link Contestants were voted off the show one by one as they were selected by the other contestants and had…

ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to DACA Announcement

CHICAGO (Sept. 4, 2017) – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s announcement about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. “As we journey together through the time God has given us, may God give…

Can You Do That For Me?

When Jesus revealed the purpose of his ministry, the words were hard to accept by his disciples. Jesus told them he must go to Jerusalem and “undergo great suffering…and be killed.” When Peter began to question him, Jesus reminded Peter that he was dwelling on human things rather than divine things. Jesus asks us to…

Fall Worship Schedule

Fall Worship Schedule begins Sunday (Sept 10). 8:30am & 11:00am worship (Communion served at both services) We will celebrate the beginning of a new program year with a POTLUCK BRUNCH between services. Please bring a dish to share if you can. Help needed to set up and clean up afterwards. (Sign up sheet is posted…