Today we hear the story of the rich man and Lazarus in the gospel. This is the only parable where someone is given a name. The rich man didn’t pay attention to Lazarus. He was indifferent to him. The truth is, we pass Lazarus every day. How are we going to respond? We need to…
A Place of Grace
Worship (Page 40)
Pastor Eric had preached the night before at the prison in Shelton and he asked that congregation if it was easier to love in prison or outside of prison. He asked us the same question but in reverse. It was a trick question because you can love anywhere. God’s love for us changes us and…
On Sunday, August 14th, Amanda W was baptized and welcomed into the family of God! Amanda was surrounded by her sponsors who promised to nurture her in her faith: Boyfriend, Matt B; Bob and Diane M; Don and Karen G. Other members of St. Mark joined in the celebration and stood with Amanda in Christian…
Luke 13:10-17 tells the story of Jesus, on the Sabbath, healing a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years. She has no other name other than ‘bent over woman’. Jesus is preaching in the synagogue to the men, all seated in the front, and the women, all seated in the back, but he…
The Gospel reading for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Luke 12, 49-56, cites fire, water, and division. Fire signifies warmth and gathering; Jesus laments that he wishes the fire “was already kindled” on earth, that his people were already a community of God. Jesus speaking about water reminds us that in baptism, the spirit washes…
Arthur Wesley K became the newest kid in our St. Mark family on 7/24/16. Wearing a beautiful family baptismal gown, Arthur was presented for the sacrament of Holy Baptism by his parents, Joe and Rachel K, and sponsors Brock and Bethany C. Our Father has called Arthur by name, and he is forever a “blessed…
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus lovingly answers Martha’s concern about her sister Mary. We too have concerns especially after a week or so of truly troubling news. In our county, there have been shootings, killings, the deaths in Nice, France and the political unrest in Turkey. What is going on? Is this violence happening more or…
On 10/18/15, the congregation welcomed Sage W into our St. Mark family through the sacrament of baptism and by singing member Trudy H’s song, “A New Kid in Our Family”. Sage is the daughter of members Lara and Dan W, and sister of Cascade, who had previously been baptized into our family. Lara’ father, a retired Lutheran Pastor,…
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…