Recent Posts

• Akuma Jennings, Nursery Attendant
  3 Jun 2026
  

  Akuma grew up in St. Mark’s nursery! She recalls that as an early teen, she wanted to work in the nursery. When an opening for Nursery Attendant became available, her grandmother (St. Mark Member Kristina Tamm-Finnerud) told her about it. Akuma quickly applied, was interviewed and was hired. She has been on the job about 7 months and truly loves “being ‘swarmed’ by the kids” when she arrives at work! Akuma is a very busy 20-year-old. In addition to her Sunday morning work at St. Mark, she is attending a 3-month Barista training program, and is enrolled in the Automotive Service Technician program at New Market School. After completing that two-year program, her plan is to continue on to South Puget Sound Community College to earn a degree as an Automotive Services Technician. As a young teen, Akuma attended a two-week Art Camp one summer then worked as an assistant for the following two summers. The Camp Director became one of Akuma’s mentors, remembering her as her “supportive auntie”. This woman gave Akuma her “spark” for life, and her love of art, music, and nature. When her “auntie” passed away, Akuma spoke at her memorial about “her being full of love and life and caring for people”. Akuma says she is trying to walk in her footsteps in these ways. Akuma’s hobbies are pottery, jewelry-making, leatherwork and clothing design, adding, “I’m interested in anything that allows me to be creative!” Some of Akuma’s best memories as a child were from the St. Mark Nursery; it was the highlight of her week. When she first came to work, she found her favorite toy was still there, which made her feel a warm welcome back! Akuma says she wants the kids to have similar good memories and is happy to have the opportunity to help them with that. Akuma’s message to the congregation is, “I want people to know I’m friendly and I don’t bite! I welcome people to come talk to me and am happy for new conversations and acquaintances.”

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• The Holy Trinity
  31 May 2026
  

  Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today’s second reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

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• 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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