Newest Posts

• Day of Pentecost
  24 May 2026
  

  Pentecost derives its name from the Judean festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing God’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim God’s redeeming love to all the world.

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• Ascension of Our Lord
  17 May 2026
  

  In today’s readings the risen Christ ascends into heaven, and his followers are assured that the Spirit will empower them to be witnesses throughout the earth. The disciples were told to not gaze up into heaven to look for Jesus (Acts 1:11); we find his presence among us as we proclaim the word and share the Easter feast. We too long for the Spirit to enliven our faith and invigorate our mission.

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• Sixth Sunday of Easter
  10 May 2026
  

  Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world.

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• Remembering the Life of Haldor Asbjørn Finnerud
  9 May 2026
  

  Remembering the Life of Haldor Asbjørn Finnerud Haldor Asbjørn Finnerud, 88, passed peacefully at his home in Tumwater, WA on March 29, 2026. Born December 12, 1937, in the municipality of Kongsberg, Norway, to Ole Finnerud and Grete (Bjerknes) Finnerud. Haldor belonged to a large family with many cousins, but he wanted to see the wider world. After high school Hal joined the Merchant Marine, sailing for 6 years and seeing much of the world prior to emigrating to the US. He then joined a fishing boat out of California where he was hired as a cook. Haldor’s mother never allowed him in her kitchen, so he didn’t know how to cook. He tried out a pot of lobscouse on the crew and was almost tossed overboard. They only wanted steak. He quickly learned how to cook steaks. Hal got off the boat in Hoquiam, WA and landed a job as a logger, wrapping coil around the logs. A dangerous job. He went to Grays Harbor Community College to have more education for a better job. Through the years Haldor built his education and indoor job skills. On July 6, 1963, he married Claudia Pfannsmith. They had good years and one daughter, LaVonne who is precious to them. They parted but he was always Dad to LaVonne. In the 80’s, Haldor worked as an auditor for the State of WA and purchased a house in Lacey. He always had a garden wherever he lived and loved to fish with friends. His smoked salmon was the best. In 1990, while taking the CPA exam, he met Kristina, mother of Kat and Samantha. She too was taking the exam. A strange place to begin a romance but life is strange. They married at St. Mark in Lacey WA on July 11, 1995. Haldor retired from Washington State in 2002. Haldor Finnerud was a bright and kind soul, many of you here have gotten the chance to experience or see it. When he loved, he loved wholeheartedly. He loved gardening and worked in his own gardens and in the St. Mark Community Garden, especially when it was time to plant potatoes or enjoy the lilies. He loved to run distance races, not for the trophies but for the joy. He ran daily in Lacey around the fields of camas flowers before houses and stores were built up on Yelm Highway. He ran with a trowel so he could rescue bulbs from pending construction, always happy when he came home with another handful that he carefully placed in the garden. He loved traveling, not only back home to family in Norway but throughout the US national parks. Later trips focused on Tanzania with Safi School Project. As a founding member he assisted many students and took many safaris. His trip to the Hadzabe tribe in 2010 was most notable. Children were always drawn to Haldor. He wondered why. While walking to schools in Arusha TZ, the “How are you” children would run up Haldor, each grabbing one finger, grinning, laughing, and happy. Perhaps it was his welcoming grin and twinkle in his eye that drew them. Perhaps they just wanted to be a part of him. At St. Mark Church Haldor was known by everyone for his hugs. I think the reason why is the same. Haldor leaves behind his brothers Gunnar Finnerud of Kongsberg Norway, and Kjell Finnerud of Skårer Norway; spouse, Kristina Tamm-Finnerud of Tumwater, WA, prior spouse, Claudia Graham of Des Moines WA, daughter LaVonne Finnerud of Rexford, MT, daughters Kat Tompkins and Samantha Tompkins and two grandchildren: Akuma Finnerud and Logan Lucca.

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• Fifth Sunday of Easter
  3 May 2026
  

  As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds, we bear witness to the risen Christ—our way, our truth, our life

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• Visit from Bishop Keith Marshall
  28 Apr 2026
  

  On Sunday, May 17, we are excited to have our new Southwestern Washington Synod Bishop Keith Marshall visit St. Mark.  Bishop Marshall will preach during worship and be available at coffee hour to share updates about the synod and the ELCA.  Rev. Keith Marshall was elected as our new Bishop at the 2025 Synod Assembly in June after Bishop Rick Jaech retired.

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• Visit from Kafika House in Tanzania
  28 Apr 2026
  

  On Sunday, May 3, we welcome Sarah Rejman, the founder of Kafika House, and Jean Wahlstrom, retired ELCA missionary in Tanzania. They will offer a brief introduction about the ministry during Sunday announcements before the worship service begins and give a fuller presentation during coffee hour, where we’ll also enjoy a taste of some Tanzanian food and chai. Kafika House is a nonprofit providing life-changing surgeries and rehabilitation for children in Tanzania who lack access to care due to financial and geographic barriers.  To learn more, please visit their website www.kafikahouse.org.

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