This week’s game was the first loss this season for our St. Mark Championship Trophy-winning Co-ed Intergenerational Softball Team. But the heart and enthusiasm they played with was still evident! The final score of 7-8 reflected a hard-fought come back. The bats were connecting, many strikes were thrown, the opposing hits were contained in the infield, the double-plays…
INTRODUCTION – At the beginning of the 2015-16 school year, there were over 600 homeless students in the North Thurston Public Schools (NTPS). This number rose significantly as the school year continued. A student is identified as “homeless” by the McKinney-Vento Act if they do not have fixed, regular, adequate night time housing. During the…
In today’s Children’s Time, Pastor Beth asked the kids to help her make up a packing list for her trip to a family reunion this summer. Diamonds, boots, swim suit and snacks were among the things suggested. Pastor prompted the kids to think about that in addition to all the “stuff” we pack on a trip, we need…
The 6th Sunday after Pentecost’s gospel, Luke 9:51-62, speaks of Jesus being committed to his mission in Jerusalem. Of setting his face to Jerusalem. Of being focused on that path. Pastor Eric, having just completed, the day before, a fifty mile walk from Aberdeen to Olympia to raise money for our Clean Kids project, spoke…
Long-time congregation member, Trudy H wrote a song which has been incorporated into our St. Mark baptismal services called “A New Kid in Our Family”. On Sunday, June 19, we sang the song once again as we welcomed Michael K into our St. Mark family. Pastor Beth reminded us that in the waters of Holy…
Today’s service was all about gratitude! One of our life-long St. Mark kids, Zoe C, just graduated from high school and wanted to show her gratitude to her St. Mark family for all their support and love throughout her life among us. Zoe worked along with Pastors Beth & Eric to plan the service. Being a musician, Zoe…
The St. Mark Softball Team has followed up it’s first huge blowout with another handsome win Friday, June 10 at the RAC. The bats were poppin’ with hits and runs, resulting in a final score of 9-3. The team is serious about using their skills and playing the game, but they also have fun. And the…
Josh E was our Easter artist. The featured image here is the cross of flowers at Easter with the butterfly he painted in the background. The image below is the entire portrait with the theme, “REBORN”! The picture at the bottom of the post is for Pentecost. Retired Pastor David Nelson, painted a series of…
Today’s Gospel is the seventh chapter of Luke speaking of forgiveness. Pastor Eric defined the text word ‘forgiveness’ as a release of a burden which can lead to freedom. There are three things involved in forgiveness: 1. It is intimate for all people. 2. It is possible for all people. 3. It is available for…
On this third Sunday after Pentecost, the Gospel and Pastor Beth’s sermon were all about miracles. These were healing miracles performed by Jesus, and through prayer, by Elijah. They took those who were broken, ill, no longer breathing, and they gave them life and health. Jesus knows where we are vulnerable and sees our brokenness. And like an artist or…