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
LENT
Lent starts with Ash Wednesday on February 25th.
Watch the bulletins for more information
Lenten Mid-Week Worship
Each Wednesday in Lent we will gather
for a meal and worship at St. Mark’s. We are blessed to have
many talented people in our congregation, and this year’s
worship will feature an original liturgy written by Danny
Stewart. The messages will incorporate the theme, Living
Lent: The Animals Tell the Story of Jesus. Each week
will include a special children’s message given by Pastor
Chip and a drama with an animal puppet and PMA Karen King.
The scripts for those messages have been developed and
adapted by Eileen Bills. The animals and their messages are:
February 17 The fox reveals a homeless
Savior
February 24 The donkey
reveals a peaceful Savior
March 3 The dove
reveals an angry Savior
March 10 The camel
reveals a warning Savior
March 17 The hen
reveals a grieving Savior
March 24 The
vulture reveals a coming Savior
Our Ash Wednesday service (February 17)
will use Communion Setting Three with the imposition of
ashes for those who wish them. Mark your calendar so you
don’t miss any of these special worship services during
Lent.
The following groups
will be serving the Lenten Suppers:
February 24 – Staff
March 3 – Church Council
March 10 – Women’s Circle
March 17 – Men In Mission
March 24 – Youth
Watch the bulletins for information
regarding what will be served each Wednesday evening.
Lectionary Lunch
Lectionary lunches
have resumed. All are invited to join
Pastor Chip for a Bible study conversation the 2nd
and 4th Wednesdays. 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.
2nd Annual
Auction/Potluck – Spread The Love
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Once again,
the Friendship Circle of the Women of the ELCA at St. Mark’s
are sponsoring an auction of God-given gifts and talents.
God has provided us all with many abilities and this auction
provides an avenue for those talents and abilities to fund
the charitable giving of the women of St. Mark’s. Some of
the best items from last year will be repeated, such as
Kahlandt sweet corn, reserve pew space, hand forged items by
Dean Slader…along with some new options such as a meal
prepared and served by Chef Chip, knitting lessons and
crochet lessons.
Please plan to join us on Sunday,
February 14 for a light meal, the auction and fellowship.
Come and help Spread the Love!
Puppet
News
On Sunday, February 14,
“Candle Power” will be presented by the St.-Mark-e-teers.
Don’t miss them!
ST
MARK’S INTERN
Hello! My name is Lisa Hettinger and I will be doing an
internship here at St. Mark’s. I am originally from
Westminster, Colorado where I grew up. Currently, I am a
sophomore at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont double
majoring in Religion and Youth and Family Ministries. I am
also the Campus Ministry Assistant, which has been a
wonderful learning experience for me, and I tutor in The
Learning Center at the library on campus. When I am finished
at MLC I would like to go on to seminary, though I am still
discerning what it is God is calling me to do. Last summer I
worked for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries as a camp
counselor at Carol Joy Holling Camp in Ashland. I also got
to spend three weeks out at Sullivan Hills Camp in eastern
Nebraska. Outside of school and work, you can usually find
me listening to music or watching an episode of I Love
Lucy.
I would like to say thank you to everyone for being so kind
and welcoming to me and I look forward to meeting and
talking with many of you.
New Members:
-
The
following is a list of the new members who joined St.
Mark's in October 2009:
-
Kay Becker
-
Adam Eitzmann
-
Gary Franklin, Calley Gochanour, and Ryan Gochanour
-
Gene and Lucille Loeffler
-
Brian, Sherry, Zach, and Tyler Toelle
-
Grace Traynor
-
Brett and Melissa Welding
The members below are
previous new members in 2008
Kathy
Beers; Larry and Connie Bottger; Wilbur
and Dee Christiansen; Jeff and Trina Clauson; Angela and
Willard Cox and Amelia;
Ardeth Elsberry;
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; 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; Royce, Vicki, Ethan and Riley Weber; 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.
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.
- Consider joining the Parish
Care Team. Another training session will be held
Saturday, July 18 at 9:00am. Following training, we will
assist with worship at Orchard Gardens at 11:00am. Team
members volunteer to be care partners with one or more
members of the congregation.
- 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.
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.
THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Needs
your help!
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.
Lutheran Men
in Mission
St. Mark's
Men in Mission will meet on Sunday, February 14 at 6:30. We
will continue our investigation of GRACE as seen through the
eyes of Phillip Yancy. This month our topic is entitled
"Grace in the face of disagreement." In March the group
will be assisting the Red Cross with a blood drive at 3M on
March 3 and also providing the March 24 Lenten Supper here
at the church.
All men are
encouraged to join us as we explore grace and make
arrangements for the March activities. Call Don Lee at
289-4716 for additional information.
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!
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.
PRAISE RINGER NEEDED
Is your child a music lover? Are they in
grade 5 - 12? Can they read music and "keep a beat"? Praise Ringers,
our youth bell/chime choir, currently has an open position. We practice
right after the 10:30 a.m. service each
week (in the old kitchen) and perform at both services on the 2nd Sunday
of each month. If interested, please see Becky Lau.
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.
SEWING DIGNITY
Imagine a world where every little girl had a dress of her
own!
People all across the United States are meeting for one day
events to sew “pillow case dresses” for little girls! These
dresses are then hand carried by teams from HOPE FOR WOMEN
INTERNATIONAL to countries around the world! There will be
an ongoing need for these dresses especially for Haiti now.
The Heart of God Ministries runs a large orphanage in Haiti
and has asked for help from Hope 4 Kids International
(division of Hope for Women International). As disciples of
Christ, how can we hear this plea and not take action? We
can all help with this mission project.
The Sunday School children, along with some amazing
seamstresses are planning a one day event to make pillow
case dresses on Sunday, March 21st. More information will
be forth coming on the time and the details.
The plans are in the making for a memorable day…….but we
need one thing!
PILLOW CASES!! Any size, new or gently used.
Won’t you please consider donating a pair of pillow
cases……that’s two girls dresses in one package! Search those
closets for gently used pillow cases that rarely get used
too!
There will be a table set up in the Narthex to receive them
through February and into March. Check out the powerful
stories at
www.hope4kidsinternational.org
. Thank you for helping to clothe one of God’s little
children!
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FROM PASTOR CHIP
I love to read and
encounter new perspectives and ideas for living. Right now, I am
reading Simple Church by Eric Geiger on my Kindle. Geiger has
an interesting idea about the church in the Twenty-first Century. He
writes:
Simple is in. People are hungry for simple because the world has
become much more complex. The significance [for us] is that, in
general, simple churches are growing and vibrant. Churches
with a simple process for reaching and maturing people are expanding
the kingdom. Church leaders who have designed a simple biblical
process to make disciples are effectively advancing the movement of
the gospel. Simple churches are making a big impact.75d7ffe4B002EJ29IQ
Here at St. Mark’s
we reach and mature people (make disciples by expanding faith)
in a variety of ways. Worship and Sunday School are two. We can add
the WELCA Bible studies, the Men in Mission Bible study, Lectionary
Lunches, youth group, service projects, confirmation studies, pocket
journals, prayer tower, Sharron Fund… the list can go on. We have
intentionally chosen to focus our ministries (to simplify what we
do) with our mission statement. While we have great latitude in how
we address each of the six categories (caring, helping, reaching
out, interceding, serving and teaching), we have set some boundaries
to insure we don’t spread ourselves too thin and end up doing
nothing of significance.
As we begin the
season of Lent, I ask all St. Mark’s disciples to reflect on the
question Why are we here? This reflection can be both
personal and corporate, that is, why are we here as a congregation?
What does God want us to do individually and together to expand the
kingdom? One temptation might be to engage in a flurry of
activity—but that will probably be counterproductive. Another
approach might be to consider what we are doing well that is making
a difference for others, and seek ways to do that better and more
often. Of course, there may be new ways to reach our communities
with God’s love and we will certainly want to see if they match who
we are. And some of the things we have done in the past may find
different expressions that engage a new generation in more relevant
ways.
To help us share our
reflections, I will have a “discussion board” outside my office
during Lent. Please add your thoughts and ideas by using the sticky
notes provided there. And take time to look at what others have
written. Remember, everyone brings something to the table—and each
voice helps us hear God’s call to fill our communities with God’s
love as we expand faith.
Pastor
Chip
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
This is a synopsis of the Council meeting held on
January 11th, 2010.
· Bible Study- discussed dreams for St. Mark’s for the next decade.
Began working on a covenant for our work together.
· Received report that pledges are running at a level consistent
with last year.
· Affirmed that St. Mark’s will make a donation to the
DC West Post Prom celebration.
· Approved a revised use & fee schedule for the facility.
· Discussed snow and ice on south side of the building and roof.
· Received Pastor Chip’s working concerns (priorities) for January
through June.
· Affirmed further development of Angel
Food Ministries in partnership with an Elkhorn congregation.
· Affirmed work with Lisa Hettinger, an intern from
Midland Lutheran College.
· Will establish a Worship Task Force
to examine needs and resources to insure the continuation of quality
worship at St. Mark’s.
· Affirmed the development of a mentoring
program to expand the leadership base in the congregation.
· Will start taping worship
services as soon as possible for those unable to attend.
GAME NIGHT

Something new for Saint Mark's
EVERYONE IS INVITED! We will be having a game night on Friday, February
26th from 6-8 in the fellowship hall. All ages are welcome to come and
have some fun! Please bring your favorite board game and a finger food
snack to share. Drinks will be provided. You are encouraged to bring
friends and family along. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa
Hettinger at 303-229-9400
VBS 2010
I am looking for adults and teenagers to help with planning
Vacation Bible
School ‘10’. I would like to form a
panel that will help brainstorm ideas
for improvement and organization. I have had so much fun over the years
working with the children during this special week. Please contact me
if
you would like to be a part of excitement. I would like to have a
meeting
sometime in mid. February.
FEBRUARY NEWS FOR THE WOMEN OF ST. MARK'S
FAITH CIRCLE NEWS
Faith Circle
continues to have their on-going projects, one being their Project
Warmth. With the very cold weather we are experiencing, there is a
greater need than ever for coats, boots, and any and all warm clothing.
The first week in January, a very large delivery was made to the
Siena/Francis House, and the words of thanks warmed our hearts. Winter
is not over, so please check your closets for clean, gently used coats,
gloves, hats, scarves, boots, sweatshirts, etc., bring them and place
them in the trunk in the Fellowship Hall and we will see that someone in
need will get them. Or, if you know of anyone in need, please feel free
to check the trunk yourself and share.
Faith Circle
meets on the first Tuesday of every month, September through June in the
Fellowship Hall. We would welcome visitors to our meetings with the
hope they will join us as members for Bible study, fellowship and light
lunch. We are so open to visitors that all they have to do is call Jan
in the office and she will give them a member's telephone number, and we
will be happy to pick them up and accompany them to the meeting.
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS
The
Friendship Circle
is gearing up for our "Spread the Love" Lunch and Auction on
Valentine's Day. Hopefully you've marked
your calendars for Sunday, Feb. l4th and we'll see you there. We are
finalizing many live auction items as well as silent auction items.
Anyone who came last year can tell you that it's not to be missed. We
are thrilled to again have George Conrad as our auctioneer. We intend to
indeed "spread the love" with the funds raised at this event. God gives
us all that we need to do the work that he calls us to do. Help us do
God's work by supporting this event. Later this month, we will be
collecting our towel sets (washcloth and bath
towel) and duffle bags for the
Child Saving Institute.
JOY CIRCLE NEWS
“But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer
has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to
give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and
many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the
sight of the Lord. . . .”
Luke 1:13-15
THANK YOU
for
your POWER of giving. The Joy Circle assembled twenty (20) layettes for
Lutheran World Relief.
What does
this mean? It means 10 sweaters, 40 onesies®, 40 sleepers, 40 blankets,
80 diapers, 40 wash clothes, 20 bars of soap and 40 diaper pins. Many
families will see and feel Christ's love expressed by the POWERful
giving hands of St. Mark's. Again, thank you.
The Joy
Circle meets Sunday, February 7, at 9:15 a.m., in the Nursery.
Dorothy
Elias will lead us in Bible study.
***Come and
Be Part of the Fellowship***
PEACE CIRCLE NEWS
The Food
Pantry needs the following items:
Canned: corn, peas and green beans
Detergents of all kinds
Feb. Circle Leader and Hostess is Susie Sip.
_____________________________
Funds
raised by the women of St. Marks go to support many programs sponsored
by the NE Synod of the ELCA. Also thru our community outreach we make
donations help fund many Service Organization in our surrounding
area.
Listed below are the organizations we gave donations to this fiscal year
(2009-10) and the amount given.
We
want to thank the members of St. Marks for their continued support in
helping make these donations possible.
Campus Ministries-UNL, UNK & UNO $300.00
Care-A-Van, Inc. 200.00
Cristo
Rey Church
200.00
Domestic
Violence Coordinating Council
200.00
Lutheran
Family Services 200.00
Lutheran
Metro Ministries
200.00
NE Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
200.00(In
memory of Rev. Lawrence Sundell)
Mosaic
Foundation
200.00
Open Door
Mission
300.00
Prison
Ministries-Nebraska Synod
300.00
Sewing
for Babies
200.00
Tabitha
Foundation
200.00
The Bag
Ladies of Waterloo
300.00
Western
Douglas County Food Pantry
500.00
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!
ST. MARK’S QUILTERS
The St. Mark’s Quilters did not meet
over the Christmas holiday and then we didn’t meet due to snowstorms,
so, hopefully, we will meet on February 24 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.
We welcome each one of you to join us.
If you are a newcomer, please bring a large-eyed needle and a scissors,
and a pair of helpful hands.
Don’t forget! It’s Wednesday, February 24
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.
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.
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. |