The image and words below were done by author and artist Jan Richardson and inspired by Matthew 18:21-35, which is this Sunday’s Gospel lesson. They were first published as part of a reflection at “The Painted Prayer Book”. The “I” in these writings is Jan Richardson. These writings have previously been released to the St…
A Place of Grace
Community (Page 4)
The ELCA Church Council has unanimously adopted a new social message titled: “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy” This project was called for at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, with an intention that it be ready to read before the national election this fall. The social message defines government…
Martin Luther had considerable things to say about pandemics and politics during his career. Watch these two videos given by Dr. Samuel Torvend, PhD, from Pacific Lutheran University to learn what Luther had to say about these now very current topics. Note that each video consists of five parts and that automatic jumps occur between…
In this mornings Gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples. Just as they are sent out, we are sent to share God’s love in our world today. God bless you as you proclaim the good news that “The reign of God is near” by your very lives.
The attached letter from ELCA Southwest Washington Synod Bishop Rich Jaech gives some insightful thoughts for people to consider as they think about racism in the current crisis. https://lutheranssw.org/wp-content/uploads/Bishop-Letter-Against-Racism-5-31-20-1.pdf
Our God is Three is One. Our God is one in Three! Today we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity–of who God is for us, with us, and around us. God loves and is present in so many ways. Today’s service includes messages by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. The grace of our Lord…
On these gloriously sunny days, if you want to practice spiritual nurture (and promise to practice social distancing as well), the St. Mark labyrinth is open for prayerful meditation. The labyrinth is located between the sanctuary and the educational wing with an entrance from the side parking lot. (The church building unfortunately is closed due…
September 13, 2019 “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). “Racism — a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice — is sin, a violation of God’s intention for humanity” (Freed in Christ: Race,…
For those of you who worshiped with us last Sunday you saw the beautiful quilts done by the women of St Mark’s Quilting Ministry and helped take part in the blessing of the quilts. A total of 85 quilts were created and the majority of those quilts will be shipped to Lutheran Word Relief for…
The Blessing of the Animals service occurred here at St Mark Lutheran Church on Oct 13, 2019. Following is the Litany of Thanksgiving for Animals and Creation recited at that service and some pictures taken at that service. “Gracious and loving God, today we give thanks for the gift of creation and for the beauty…