In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life,
we commend to almighty God
Kirk Monroe Johnson
Kirk Monroe Johnson, 68, passed away at his home in Spruce Pine, NC on November 18, 2022, due to complications related to heart disease. He was born on August 5, 1954, in Augusta, GA, the firstborn of Victor L. and Val B. Johnson. Kirk resided in Spruce Pine, NC and Vero Beach, FL. To read Kirk's full obituary click here.
Kirk's Celebration of Life will be held in the St. Mark's Sanctuary on Saturday, December 10th beginning at 11am and will be followed by a reception for family and friends.
If you are able to provide refreshments or help set-up/clean up, please let the church office know by either calling, emailing, or by signing up using this link or on the Sign-up Central Board.
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Advent and Christmas Season Information | |
During Advent we pray "Come, Lord Jesus," as we prepare our hearts and our lives for the coming of the Lord. As the days grow shorter, we invite you to gather with us around prayer, scripture, and song as we point to the light of the Christ who comes not only as a baby in a manger, but who will also come to make all things new.
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TONIGHT 12/7 @ St.Mary's Episcopal Church
Ecumenical Church Mid Week Advent Services Dinner @ 6pm with the Service beginning @ 7pm
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This year, we will be gathering with our Ecumenical Church Partners for our Wednesday Advent Worship, each of them leading a mid-week Advent worship service. We will have a time of fellowship before worship where we will share a meal of soup together. Worship, in person, will follow at 7pm.
Below are the dates and locations for each mid-week Dinner and Advent Service:
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December 7th - St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
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December 14th - St. Eugene’s Catholic Church
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December 21st - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
The offering will be divided equally to support Catholic Charities and LSC Refugee Program.
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If you are able to help with the Soup and Sandwich dinner on 12/21, please sign up using this link or on the Sign-Up Central Bulletin Board.
If you are able to help set up and serve, please contact Vickie Hauser.
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Worship Service Changes
As you prepare for the busy Christmas Season, please note there are a few changes in the times that we will worship together in December.
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Christmas Pageant, Worship, Potluck, & Caroling
- Sunday, December 18th - One Service beginning at 10am
Christmas Eve Worship
- Saturday, December 24th - 4pm, 7pm, and 10pm
Christmas Day Worship, Cinnamon Buns, and Carols
- Sunday, December 25th - One Service beginning at 10am
New Year's Day Worship
- Sunday, January 1st - Regular Schedule will resume with 8:30am and 11am Worship Services
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Christmas Pageant and Potluck breakfast , and Caroling
December 18th - 10:00am
Mark your calendars for an important schedule change! On Sunday, December 18 we will have ONE service at 10:00am, which will include our Christmas Pageant. After worship, plan to join your church family for a potluck breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, followed by caroling to members and friends to spread some holiday cheer. Coffee and juice provided. Bring a breakfast casserole, fruit, or baked good to share. Questions? Contact Deacon Katie
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Christmas Eve Services
December 24th @ 4pm, 7pm, & 10pm
There will be three worship opportunities on Christmas Eve. The 4:00 pm service will be geared towards families and children. The 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm service will be our traditional Christmas Eve services with handbells, choir, and brass quintet. All three services will include communion and candlelight. Music will begin 30 minutes before each service and continue until the service begins.
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Christmas Day Worship
Sunday, December 25th @ 10:00am
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 at 10:00am, followed by cinnamon buns, coffee, and carols in the Fellowship Hall.
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Note the St. Mark's office will be closed 12/26-12/30 as all staff will be on vacation. | |
Reminder!
This is a reminder that occasionally people pose as church individuals. Remember, Pastor Matt and the Church staff will never text or email you asking for gift cards or money. If you receive a suspicious text or email, please don't hesitate to contact the church office.
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2022 Contributions
The church office will be working to deposit all contributions made by Sunday, December 25th by the end of 2022. If you have concerns about your contribution rolling over into 2023, please reach out directly to Danielle. 2022 giving statements will be mailed to the address we have on file after all contributions have been accounted for in 2022.
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Faith Based Summer Camp
Deacon Katie and Pastor Matt agree- faith based summer camp is one of the best ways to instill faith in young people, and St. Mark’s wants to help your child(ren) attend camp this summer. We are blessed to have Lutheridge, Lutherock, and Camp Agape all right here in NC, and if your child(ren) attends one of these Lutheran camps, St. Mark’s will contribute $250 toward the registration fee (or up to $500 for family camp). Registration is open now, and prices will go up in March, so register now!
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Want to see some familiar faces at camp? Pastor Matt and his family will be attending family camp at Lutheridge June 11-14. We hope you’ll make camp a priority for your family this year! | |
Yarn Angels - Cancelled
Yarn Angels will be Cancelled during the month of December. They will resume meeting on January 10, 2023. Merry Christmas to All!
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Parents Night Out
Saturday, December 10th 4pm-7pm
Dinner, Christmas crafts, games, and a movie! This event is for all children of St. Mark’s, as an opportunity to have fun at church while parents have a night to shop, have dinner out, or take a well deserved nap. Donations will be accepted and will benefit the St. Mark’s Youth Group.
Sign up central bulletin board or contact Deacon Katie!
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Wednesday, December 7th
-6pm - Ecumenical Advent Dinner
@ St. Mary's Episcopal
-7pm - Ecumenical Advent Service
@ St. Mary's Episcopal
Thursday, December 8th
-6pm - Handbells
-7pm - Choir
Friday, December 9th
-6pm - LMM Spouse Dinner
Saturday, December 10th
-11am - Kirk Johnson's Funeral
Sunday, December 11th
-8:30am - Worship
-9:45am - Faith Formation
-11am - Worship
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Monday, December 12th
-10am - Faith and Fellowship (Zoom)
-6pm - Council Mtg (Zoom)
Tuesday, December 13th
-9am - Quilters
-10am - Staff Meeting
Wednesday, December 14th
-9am - Property Day
-6pm - Ecumenical Advent Dinner
@ St. Eugene's Catholic
-7pm - Ecumenical Advent Service
@ St. Eugene's Catholic
Thursday, December 15th
-6pm - Handbells
-7pm - Choir
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Worship Assistant Information | |
If you are a worship assistant, please take a few moments and refresh yourself on the routines of your position either by watching these videos or by reading the linked text within the titles. If you would like to know more about these positions or any others on Sunday morning, please reach out to Danielle.
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December 11th @ 8:30am
Greeters
Cat Slater
J.D. Slater
Usher
Becky Sachsenmaier
George Hahn
Altar Guild
Sharon Herrmann
Acolyte
Isa Slater
Assisting Minister
Amy Zellers
Reader
Connie Chaplin
Communion Assistant
Diane Hughes
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December11th @ 11am
Greeters
Evelyn Wikoff
Bob Mihara
Usher
Jason Jones
Josh Kersey
Altar Guild
Donna Turnbaugh
Acolyte
Katie Rivers
Crucifer
Christian Wikoff
Assisting Minister
Natalie Haynes
Reader
Eileen Cram
Communion Assistant
Donna Turnbaugh
Live Stream
Glora Sainio
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Contact Information
Parish Administrator
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Our Mission:
Making disciples by loving Christ,
growing in faith, serving all people
Our Vision:
Experiencing and sharing God's grace as an inclusive, intergenerational congregation through Worship, Outreach, Learning and Fellowship
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