Habitat Site Build KICKOFF

Friday, February 24th @ 3pm

Join us in celebration as the construction kicks off for our sponsored habitat home with a wall-raising followed by snacks and a tour!



All of our volunteer spots for 3/18, 4/15, and 5/6 have been filled! Henry will be keeping a standby list for those that are still interested in volunteering.

February 25: Greg Hager in Concert, 4:00pm

Award-winning ND entertainer Greg Hager will sing songs from his newest album, and will take the listener on a musical journey. Songs of life, living, family and faith in an easy-going country/western style. All are welcome; bring a friend! The concert will be live-streamed on the church Facebook page for those unable to join us in person. A free-will offering will be accepted.

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Sunday, February 26th @ 12pm

If you are a volunteer, you and your family are invited to join us as we celebrate all YOU do to keep the mission of St. Mark's going each and every day over lunch. Please RSVP by contacting Danielle in the church office, signing up on the bulletin board, or by following the link.

Property Team Meeting

March 1st @ 5:15pm

Many of the property team members meet each Wednesday to work on projects in and around the building. On March 1st @ 5:15pm there will be a formal meeting of the Property Team with the council liaison, Dave Epley in the libray. The Chestnut St. Garden proposal is among the items that will be discussed. This meeting will be available both in person and on Zoom but we encourage you to be present in person if you are able.

Lenten Devotional Booklet - You Are Here

This season explores Jesus’ location throughout our Lenten scripture readings, and since we’re paying such close attention to place, we wanted you to be able to see the places that the scriptures are talking about. Hence this photo devotional, which offers glimpses into the Holy Land alongside a mix of biblical devotion, history, and personal reflection.

Daily entries run from Transfiguration Sunday through Easter Sunday and include: A daily focus text drawn from Sunday’s scripture readings, an image from the Holy Land, a short reflection, an intention for the day, and a prayer.

View the devotional booklet here or pick up a copy in the commons.

Lenten Bible Study w/ Bishop Smith

Join Bishop Smith for a Lenten Bible study every Thursday from March 2 to March 30, 2023, from 7-8 p.m. We will gather via Zoom* to reflect on and engage with the book of Galatians. Once you have registered, you will be added to an email list. Then, each week during the Bible study, you will receive an email containing the Zoom link. Each person wishing to receive an email should complete this form. All are welcome! 

Lenten Soup Supper & Holden Evening Prayer

Wednesdays during March

During the season of Lent, we will gather each Wednesday for Holden Evening Prayer. We will share a soup supper together beginning at 6pm with the Holden Evening Prayer service following, at 7pm. If you are able to bring soup, sandwiches or dessert to share during the meal, sign up on the bulletin board.

Lutheran World Relief Earthquake Relief

 LWR teams are already coordinating a response to the devastating earthquakes that impacted Turkey and Syria. Gifts to LWR's emergency response fund will deliver critically needed care for families like water, medical care, shelter and essential supplies. St. Mark's is collecting funds to send directly to LWR. If you would like to donate, make your contribution out to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and write LWR in the memo line.

What can we say about death? w/ Pastor Matt

Sundays@ 9:45am

What does the Bible say about dying and what comes after? How does the ELCA talk about end of life decisions? Can I be cremated and still be part of the bodily resurrection? Join Pastor Matt for the faith formation hour February 5th through March 5th in the library as we discuss how our Christian faith informs our view of what it means to live and die in Christ. Scripture, sacred music, and poets will accompany our discussion.

Sharing our Faith Stories

The Evangelism Team continues a series of interviews with St. Mark's members called "Sharing our Faith Stories." This week we hear from Tom and Brenda about how they came to St. Mark's, how faith influences their lives, and more.

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!

For registration details, please contact Danielle in the church office

(e) admin@stmarkslutheran.net (p) 828.253.0043

Lutheran Services Carolinas

Peace Rally for Ukraine, February 25th

Lutheran Services Carolinas recently learned of a Peace Rally and Vigil that is being hosted in Asheville by Ukrainian National Women's League of America, and will take place on Saturday, Feb 25th. For more information on this event and for a way to donate ESL school supplies, follow this link.

Parish Administration Out of Office

March 6th-10th

Danielle, our Parish Administrator will be out of the office the week of March 6-10. Please contact her by March 3 if you foresee office needs while she is out. Any contributions that are received between February 27-March 12 will be deposited on March 15.

As St. Mark's centennial celebration kicks off, we will keep you updated on upcoming events and announcements to help you celebrate 100 years of loving Christ, growing in faith, and serving all people!

Weekly Schedule

Thursday, February 23rd

5:30pm - Handbell Rehearsal

7pm - Choir Rehearsal

Friday, February 24th

10am - Archives Meeting

3pm - Habitat House Kick-Off

Saturday, February 25th

10am - Yarn Angels (Zoom)

4pm - Greg Hager Concert

Sunday, February 26th

8:30am - Worship

9:45am - Faith Formation

11am - Worship

12pm - Volunteer Appreciation

Monday, February 27th

10am - Faith and Fellowship (Zoom)

Tuesday, February 28th

9am - Quilters

10am - Staff Meeting

Wednesday, March 1st

9am - Property Day

5:15pm - Property Meeting (In Person & Zoom)

6pm - Soup Supper

7pm - Holden Evening Prayer

Sunday, February 26th

Readings:

Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 58:1-12

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21



Greeters:

8:30am-Vic & Mary Anne Allwein; 11am-Bob Mihara, Anne Blackwell

Ushers:

8:30am -Walter Hitch, Ken Clark; 11am-Tom & Beth Biltz

Altar Guild:

8:30am-Amy Zellers; 11am-Donna Turnbaugh

Acolyte:

8:30am-Julia Volk

Crucifer:

11am-Christian Wikoff

Assisting Minister:

8:30am-Carolyn Bradley; 11am-Bonnie Richards

Reader:

8:30am-Anne Sites; 11am- Eileen Cram

Communion Assistant:

8:30am-Mary Anne Allwein; 11am-Eileen Cram

Live Stream:

11am-Natalie Haynes

Contact Information

Parish Administrator

admin@stmarkslutheran.net

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