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.

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.  

TONIGHT 12/7 @ St.Mary's Episcopal Church

Ecumenical Church Mid Week Advent Services Dinner @ 6pm with the Service beginning @ 7pm

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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!

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!

Faith and Fellowship

Monday, December 12th @ 10am Click here for the Zoom Link Password: stmarks

Council Meeting

Monday, December 12th @ 6pm Click here for the Zoom Link Password: stmarks

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

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