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Worship Services

Sunday Morning @ 8:15 AM

Sunday Morning @ 10:30 AM

(Please see the Home Page for specifics for each Service)

Children's Sunday School at 9:15 AM

Confirmation Classes at 9:20 AM

 

WANTED

by

GOD!

IT'S ROUND-UP TIME, PARTNER!

ALL YOU SUNDAY SCHOOL COWPOKES--

MOSEY ON OVER TO THE ST. MARK'S S.S. CORRAL

 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2010 AT 9:15 A.M.

FOR A BOOT SCOOTIN' GOOD TIME!

JESUS, OUR HEAD DROVER, NEEDS EVERYBODY THERE!

HE'S EAGER TO TEACH US NEW THINGS AND

HE WILL BE WITH US ALL THE WAY!

THERE'LL BE CHUCK WAGON GRUB BY "COOKIE"

BE SURE TO WEAR YOUR WESTERN DUDS....

CHAPS, BOOTS, LASSO AND HATS WELCOMED!

YA'LL COME!!


Adult Sunday School

Adult Sunday School class will begin on September 12. Plan to gather following the 8:15 service, about 9:15. The first study in the Together in Faith Series is “God’s Standard or Gold Standard”. This is a three week series to be led by Kurt Saathoff and Karen King. October will be a different study with different leaders. Please plan to join us as we explore this study of Proverbs.


Lectionary Lunch

All are invited to join Pastor Chip for a Bible study conversation the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays beginning September 8th at noon over lunch. Bring a sack lunch and your Bible. Pastor will supply a hot or cold beverage. We’ll look at the Sunday lessons together and discuss how they make sense for us at St. Mark’s. There is no need to sign up, just show up.


 MINI-RETREAT FOR 6TH GRADERS

SEPTEMBER 12, 2010

12:00 - 4:00 P.M.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ASKED "WHAT DO LUTHERANS BELIEVE?"

"What Lutherans Believe" will be explored by the 6th Grade Sunday School class and their families during this four hour mini-retreat.  This half-day retreat is part of St. Mark's confirmation program, starting in the second grade and continuing through to the ninth grade. This will be the first of five mini-retreats planned for our Sunday School children in grades 2-6 this year.

The entire family is invited and encouraged to attend with the student.  Parents are required to actively support the confirmation program and their child's involvement in it. It is a fulfillment of your Baptismal vows.

A light lunch will be served prior to the retreat for all. So we need to know how many plan to attend.

We are asking if you are a parent of a 6th Grader, please contact Jan at 359-2315 before September 8th, to let us know how many from your family will be attending.  


Applications Invited for St. Mark’s

Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator

Applications will be available through the office for anyone interested in applying for the part time position of Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator. The person leading this ministry will focus on senior high youth at the beginning. Expansion to include other ages is planned in succeeding years. Initially, the position will involve ten hours per week. Contact Pastor Chip if you have questions (670-6055).


Puppet News

v  On Sunday, September 12th, “Joshua” will be presented by the St. Mark-e-teers.  Don’t miss them!

 

         

MITTEN/GLOVE/HAT/SCARF TREE

This fall, Faith Circle will be sponsoring a Mitten/Hat/Scarf Tree for the DC West and surrounding community school children.  We already have several diligent knitters/crocheters/sewers feverishly working on this project.  If you are like many of us, that being not adept at handwork, please consider participating by purchasing items.  It is felt if we start early enough, we will be ready when the first snow flies to warm the hands and heads of those who might otherwise go without.  We invite all St. Mark members for this worthwhile local outreach ministry and hope you will join us in the fun.  In the next few weeks we will have a display table, but DO NOT wait for that to get started.  If by any chance we have too many items for the surrounding communities, we will be happy to share with the various agencies that are always looking for warm clothing.  Contact Nancy Glidden at 359-2050 or Sandy Trofholz at 505-4112 if you would like yarn, etc.


Lutheran Men in Mission

Ah September!  Where did the summer go?  But hey, that means football and the Men In Mission are using a real pro for our study this year.  Dare to Be Uncommon by Tony Dungy will anchor our meetings for the year.  Mr. Dungy is a former NFL player and coach and now provides analysis for TV football coverage and currently is the national  spokesman for a fatherhood  program  called Pro  Dad.  "An uncommon life doesn't happen by accident.  It is the result of the choices, actions, and commitments we make - to God, to ourselves, and to others.  It's not about big commitments, however.  God uses the dozens of little commitments we make daily to prepare us for the big ones. When we choose to live them out in God's strength rather than our own, we grow.  What we do in practice, we'll do in the real game." 

Join us on Sept. 12 at 6:30 to examine the insight Mr. Dungy provides into the bible and modern life. 

Contact Don Lee at 289-4716 with any questions.


New Members:

Jerry & Carol Bills, Heather & Trevor

David & Dawn Hackworth, Ryan, Jacob & Tim

 Lisa Hettinger

Those below are previous new members up to date:

Kay Becker; Kathy Beers; Larry and Connie Bottger;  Wilbur and Dee Christiansen; Jeff and Trina Clauson; Angela and Willard Cox and Amelia; Adam Eitzmann; Ardeth Elsberry; Gary Franklin, Calley Cochanour, and Ryan Gochanour; Donna Hovendick; Christina and Ronnie Iiams; Sharon Josoff; William (Bill), Nicole, Elly, and Abby Kennec; Christine Ann King; Darin and Kamile and Mason and Baylee Kovar; Doug, Michaela and Bryce Larsen; Carrle Lasher; Larry and Conchita and Charlie Laughlin; Don and Cheryl Lee; Gene and Lucille Loeffler; Robert Mahaffey; Jeremy Mayer; Dave Mumm; Debbie Mumm; Ed and Leola Ohm; Jay Olson and Hannah Magwitz; Amber Patchin, Arika Strong and Jayson Patchin; Keith Ramsey; Bill and Dee Reeve; Isis, Louis and Lucy Runnels; Sabrina Jean Russell; Raymond Sheibal; Don and Kim Shunk; Larry and Betty Smith; John, Amy Strand and Emma; Darcy Stubblefield; Brian, Sherry, Zach and Tyler Toelle; Royce, Vicki, Ethan and Riley Weber; Brett and Melissa Welding; and Nate and Lisa Wittgren.

If interested in becoming a member of St. Mark's please let the Church office know and Pastor Chip will make contact when he can.  In this transition period, we do not want you to feel we are not here for you.  His phone number is listed on the first page.


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer opportunities at Lutheran Family Services, Fremont: English Language Learners (ELL) classes at the Family Boutique will start June 4th – August 7th, 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Volunteers are needed to provide child care.  If interested, please call Liz Johnson #941-0075!


NEW PRAYER TOWER OPTIONS

St. Mark’s presently has a Prayer Tower consisting of 4 towers with 7 people on each tower.  If a Prayer Request or Concern comes in to the Church Office to either Pastor Chip, Karen King or Jan they contact the top person on each of the 4 towers and then those people in turn contact the next one on their tower and that person contacts the next person, etc. until everyone on each tower has been contacted with the Prayer Request.  These people then spend time in prayer for the request that they have received.

We are also going to offer an Email Prayer Tower.  This would mean that Prayer Requests would still come through the Church Office or Karen King and then they would be emailed to those who wish to participate in this Email Prayer Tower ministry.  Those on this Prayer Tower would not be required to pass on the request as all would receive the prayer request at the same time.

If you are already part of the Prayer Tower, please let Jan know if you want to continue on the original Prayer Tower and be contacted by phone or if you would like to receive Prayer Requests via email.  If you are not part of the present Prayer Tower and wish to join either the original one (be contacted by phone) or the Email Prayer Tower, contact Jan in the Church Office.  Those who wish to be a part of the Email Prayer Tower, please give Jan the email address that you use on a daily basis so that prayer requests will be offered as soon as they are received.

If you have any questions, please contact Jan at 359-2315 or at janstmarks@yahoo.com.


BACK TO SCHOOL WITH

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

School supplies will be on sale soon and this is a great opportunity to pick up some extra school supplies for children in other countries whose lives and education have been disrupted by war.  For the 5th year Peace Circle will be collecting school supplies and assembling school kits for children attending makeshift schools in the harsh conditions of refugee camps.  Please look for the display in the Narthex and show your love for the children and your hope for the world by bringing the following supplies:

  • Pads or notebooks of ruled paper (8 ½ x 11)
  • Blunt scissors
  • Rulers (30 centimeters with inches on the other side)
  • Pencil sharpeners
  • Pencils with erasers
  • Erasers (2 ½ inches long)
  • Construction paper
  • Crayons (16 or 24 per box)

 

We also need volunteers to make the cloth school bags for the supplies.  Three bags can be made from a 30” x 45” piece of fabric.  (See the display for instructions.)


PARISH CARE

 What is PC? Politically correct? Prime cut? Pork cutlet? In this instance we refer to PC as Parish Care. St. Mark’s is blessed to have a Parish Care Team that was formed to help extend care to our congregation as it has grown. We have grown, through the grace of God, to the extent that one person can’t possibly make all home and hospital visits as they occur. Called pastors can do lots of things, but even they can’t be in two places at once! Since last September, a handful of faithful members have been serving in this capacity. The P C Team will continue to make home visits, bring communion after services and make follow-up phone calls when needed.

            We are asking for your help in three ways.

  • Provide information for the Parish Care Team as it occurs. Names of people with concerns, dates of hospitalizations, names and locations of hospitals, etc. If we don’t know about it…we can’t do anything about it! Don’t assume that because you know, the church knows! Hospitals can’t give out church information.
  • Pray.  Pray for the P C Team. Pray for those in need. Pray for the growth and health of St. Mark’s.

COOKIE FELLOWSHIP

Thanks to all who have signed up for Cookie Fellowship.  Perhaps you have not signed up – not to worry there are available Sundays left in April thru December.  Fifty-six slots to be exact.  If twenty-eight folks would sign up for two Cookie Fellowship Sundays the list would be complete.  Please be a part of the wonderful fellowship that takes place each Sunday following  both church services by signing up to share cookies or bars.  The signup sheet is available in the Fellowship Hall just as you approach the cookie bar or contact Sharon Elske at 359-2471.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FROM PASTOR CHIP

 “A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. . . . That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping, we are becoming.”

 —Ralph Waldo Emerson

is the opening quote in a book I’ve been reading about youth and their engagement in Christianity. One of my former pastors, Reverend R. J. Lavin, said essentially the same thing in simpler words, “What gets our attention, gets us.”

When I think about all the things competing for our young people’s attention, that can be scary. Academic endeavors are important—but not of ultimate importance. The same is true with athletic achievement, community volunteering and even healthy lifestyles. What is most important in our lives, what must have the top priority is our relationship with God. Our Lutheran tradition puts it this way: “We are to fear, love and trust God above all things.”

As adults, we have many things competing for our attention as well. In times of financial strain, we can become focused on making money. When we are lonely, our hearts can turn to finding other relationships. When things are going well, even then God gets tucked away into a dark corner—reserved for situations where we are overwhelmed or in need of rescue.

This book, Almost Christian: What the Faith of American Teenagers is Telling the Church, speaks a warning I didn’t like to hear. Author Kenda Creasy Dean, a professor at Princeton Seminary, says, “Young people seem to be barometers of a larger theological shift that appears to be taking place in the United States.” This theological shift has moved our expectation of God to Cosmic butler, counselor and vending machine. It reduces God the Father from a relationship to merely a source or supplier of our current needs. And in that move, we, too, are diminished.

What could happen if each of us did just one thing every day to live out our common mission statement—expanding faith through caring, helping, reaching out, interceding, serving, teaching?  Could we find our attention more often directed towards our loving God and Father? Might we extend that love to just one person we encounter in our homes, our workplaces, our community? Is it possible that not only our faith would be expanded, but the faith of others in our lives?

Dr. Dean says that the best way for us to encourage the faith of our children and youth is to pay attention to our own relationship with God. As we begin a new school year, may we be open to God’s invitation to learn and grow in relating to him in all circumstances and places. May we become more like our loving heavenly Father every day.                                                      

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

This is a synopsis of the Council meeting held on August 9th, 2010.

- Opened with Bible Study on the Parable of the Mustard Seed. 

 -Began conversation about new communication opportunities using technology.

-Received Special Congregational Vote for Youth Coordinator (103 Yes, 5 No).  Human Resource Committee  will start on job description and seeking candidates.

- Sanctuary accessible seating approved.  Will make space for up to four places closer to the front.  Movable chairs can be used when accessible seating not needed.

- Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 following both worship service.


SEPTEMBER NEWS FOR THE WOMEN OF ST. MARK'S

FAITH CIRCLE NEWS

Faith Circle will hold their September 7th meeting in the Fellowship Hall.  Once again, we would like to invite any and all to visit our circle.  We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. and always welcome visitors. 

At this month's meeting, Pastor Chip will have a DVD presentation introducing our 2010/2011 Bible study plan, "The Prodigal God" Hostesses are Loretta Schulz and Darlene Brummels.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS

Where did the summer go??  By the time you receive this newsletter, our circle has probably met for our first bible study and evening of fellowship.

We were so excited to get started that we scheduled our Sept. meeting for Monday, Aug. 30th.   Please know that you all have an ongoing invitation to join us for study on the first Monday of each month @ 7pm.  With that said, we have a survey for you.  l) Do you enjoy making people smile??  2) Do you consider yourself a helpful person??  3) Do you love activities that require no prep time....you just show up??  4) Do you like making cupcakes??   If you answered yes to any of these questions...you may be the perfect individual (yes, man..woman...or child) to help us with bingo at Valhaven on the 3rd Thursday of each month.   Call Bev Griffin (359-2734)  if you are feeling God nudging you to help with this outreach....no circle membership required.

Have you ever noticed how many magazine covers have the word "breakthrough" on them?  I chose one the other day about Dr. Oz's Diet Breakthrough and was curious so read on.  Apparently, after answering some simple questions about your eating habits..you can then determine your DNA type and lose best according to the foods that match your type.  The opening line grabs us with this statement....Ever since Dr. Oz introduced the world to a new DNA based approach to dieting,  folks have been clamoring to know more......and it was true...I wanted to know more. They had my attention!  Wouldn't it be great if we could reach the unchurched with this method?  Just imagine this opening statement. Ever since Pastor Chip ,of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Valley , introduced the community to a new faith based approach to living, folks have been clamoring to know more.  Do I have your attention??   It's all about the "W" word that scares us....witness.  So much easier to see it in print than to speak from our hearts.   Anyway........another year of study and who knows what kinds of "breakthroughs" we will discover this year as we share ideas each month.         Back in the swing of school.....Barb K.

JOY CIRCLE NEWS

Joy Circle will meet on Sunday, September 12, at 9:15 a.m. in the Nursery. 

Come and study The Prodigal God.

“I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 9:2

PEACE CIRCLE NEWS

Peace Circle members are looking forward to the new study "The Prodigal God".  Our first meeting of the season is Tuesday, September 7, at 700 p.m.  Pastor Chip will be introducing this new serie4s, and we encourage any ladies to attend and bring a friend!

Our School Kit program is in full swing – as always, thank you for your generous support!  Instead of storing "leftovers" this year, plans are being made to donate them to local schools.

Food Pantry needs for this month are:  detergents, toothpaste, Kleenex, canned tomatoes and tomato sauce.


PRAYER SHAWL LADIES

We are planning to meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month at noon to knit and crochet our shawls.  Please bring your sack lunch and join us as we will work during the Lectionary Lunch and remain afterwards to continue our meeting.  If you can't join us at the Lectionary Lunch, please come at 1 o'clock for the meeting.  We will start this schedule September 8th.


ST. MARK’S QUILTERS

St. Mark's Quilters met on July 28th in the Fellowship Hall with a large group of ladies helping with tying 10 quilts.  Thank you all those who helped and those who served refreshments.


Thrivent Financial members invited to join in $3 million Helping Haiti effort

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans members who want to make a financial contribution to support disaster response efforts in Haiti can have their donations to one of four Lutheran relief agencies multiplied by the fraternal benefit society.  To participate, visit www.thrivent.com/helpinghaiti and make a contribution to one of the following:

Lutheran World Relief

ELCA Disaster Response

LCMS World Relief/Human Care

WELS Committee on Relief

Thrivent Financial will add $1 to every $2 its members donate, up to a total Thrivent Financial contribution of $1 million. That means a potential of $3 million or more to support relief efforts: $2 million + from its members and $1 million added by Thrivent Financial.

For questions or alternative ways to donate through this program, please call 800-236-3736. When promoted, say “directory” and enter ext. 83003.


Worship Enrichment Task Force

 A task force will begin a structured look at our worship practices and needs this month. We are using a design by Herb Miller, a church consultant who has worked with congregations and judicatories in increasing worship participation. This group has been asked by the council to engage in this process to strengthen St. Mark’s practices in attracting, retaining and spiritually enriching larger numbers of  people in weekly worship. The process involves nine-months of work in discussing and planning ways to strengthen the effectiveness of our worship services. Please keep the task force in your prayers as they seek to expand faith in our communities through worship.


FYI

Several people have been working on a comprehensive confirmation program that takes into account the realities of busy families and the congregation’s responsibility to support parents in meaningful faith education as promised when their children are baptized. This program will be shared in the next few months and hopefully be ready to implement when confirmation resumes in the fall.


ST. MARK’S PRAYER TEAM

The Prayer Team continues to be an avenue for fielding individual prayer concerns. On the third Sunday of each month, there are one or two prayer team members at the altar rail to hear the prayer concerns. You are welcome to come up before or after you commune. All prayers are confidential. If climbing the steps is difficult for you, please let an usher know so that they can direct a team member to come to you.  We currently have 11 members on the Prayer Team and would welcome those who wish to join us. This ministry is truly one from the heart, sharing concerns, joys and sorrows with each other. For more information, please contact Jan in the office or Karen King.

Needs your help!  We are about out of shawls.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry would appreciate being informed of anyone who needs a Prayer Shawl.  Please contact Eileen Bills at 359-5563 if you know of someone.  They do not need to be members of St. Mark's.


                           NEW PHONE NUMBER???

If you have changed your phone number, be it to cancel your land line number and just use your cell phone number, please contact the church with that information.  Correct phone numbers help in contacting individuals when needed.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!


Adult Childcare Givers Needed in the Nursery during the 10:30 a.m. worship on Sundays.  If you are willing to care for little ones, please call Jan in the Church Office.  The Nursery will be staffed again beginning September 6th.


CONSIDER A TRIP TO TANZANIA

You are invited to visit our companion synod in Tanzania!  As we continue to deepen our relationship with the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, two Nebraska Synod-sponsored trips to Tanzania are planned for 2011.

February 7-22, 2011

July 12-27, 2011

February 6-21, 2012

Estimated costs range from $3,700 (February Trip) to $4,450 (July Trip) which covers all airfare, transportation, meals, safari fees, and visas.  The trip includes visits to ministry sites of the Northern Diocese as well as a safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

These trips flow from the relationship we share with our companion synod in Tanzania.  The companion synod program enables the Nebraska Synod to experience the gifts and witness of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.

Interested?  Please contact Pr. Martin Russell or Stephanie Lusienski in the Nebraska Synod office (402.896.5311).  Space is limited.


THE LORD’S  SHERRON FUND

A “help fund” for people in need in our community is being established as part of the memorial for Sherron Growcock.  Sherron had a real heart for those who needed help.  She was extremely generous.  Memorials and/or contributions to the SHERRON FUND are always welcome.  Anyone interested in being part of a small committee administering the funds, please contact Jan in the Church Office.  Sherron’s son, Mike, has offered also to help with the fund.  We have appreciated his help in the past as well.  Please note the play on words of Sherron and Sharing as Sherron gave out of what she had to be a help to others.  Finally, we give thanks for her great Christian example!


ALL CLOTHING DRIVE

Faith Circle has decided to continue their clothes drive for the less fortunate.  During the winter we had a wonderful response to our "Project Warmth", with two large deliveries to the Open Door Mission, two to the Cristo Rey and one to First Lutheran Church in downtown Omaha.  Now we are simply requesting all types of clothing.  We will continue to make occasional deliveries to Cristo Rey, but have added the COPE organization in Elkhorn. 

As always, we are asking for gently used, clean and in good repair garments.  There is such a need at this time in all communities, and we feel blessed to be able to share with those who have needs that are temporarily greater than their resources.

The trunk for collection is in the Fellowship Hall.