Throughout his life, Jesus reached out to the most vulnerable and offered healing and hope. As followers of Christ, St. Mark believes service with others is a fundamental way to live out our faith. This post announces a new page recently added to our website which offers a brief introduction to many of our social ministries…
A Place of Grace
Social Justice (Page 2)
The US emits 16 metric tons of CO2 per person per year! Almost 2 times all other Western countries. The UN goal is 3 tons. We need a climate diet, but diets fail. In January 2022, Pastor Eric and Gail F facilitated a 4-week book study on the book “Climate Diet” by Paul Greenberg. Rousing…
Did you know that as outdoor temperatures fall, tire pressure goes down? Low tire pressure can decrease your car’s fuel efficiency, wear down the tire tread unevenly, and make your car harder to handle on the road. In the bigger picture, if 40% of 5 million cars on the road don’t have properly inflated tires,…
Pastoral message on the verdicts concerning the murder of Ahmaud Arbery 11/24/2021 3:20:00 PM In response to the verdicts in the trial of Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Bryan in Brunswick, Ga., for the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, we offer a word of prayer and healing. We pray for Arbery’s family because no verdict can ease the…
A pastoral message on the Rittenhouse acquittal 11/19/2021 4:00:00 PM Dear church, In the book of Leviticus we read: “You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor” (19:15). Our social message on Community Violence urges us to become…
Ever wondered what a carbon footprint really is? Or how about the green house effect? In an article published by FutureLearn, those and other climate related terms are explained and suggestions made for everyday steps we can take to care for God’s creations. FutureLearn offers these brief definitions: Carbon footprint. A measure of the total amount…
On September 11, the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA installed Bishop Megan Rohrer. Rev. Rohrer, the first openly transgender pastor on the ELCA roster, was ordained by the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (which became Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries) in 2006, when the ELCA did not yet allow LGBTQIA+ rostered ministers to serve openly. In 2010, Rohrer…
Just two ways the generous people of St. Mark chose to make a positive impact in the community this week. The Social Justice Team spearheaded an effort to put together care packages for homeless people as a part of “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday. There was an amazing response from our congregation over the last several…
A People of Hope: Until All Are Fed An online benefit for ELCA World Hunger When: Thursday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. Central time Where: Zoom webinar Dear friend in Christ, You’re invited to join me and Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host, as we celebrate World Food Day! This online benefit for ELCA…
Professor of contextual theology and ethics Craig L. Nessan, in his article Tear Down Magical Walls, suggests that congregations are summoned to form members who can connect faith and life. This requires adaptive change to turn congregations inside-out. Educational programs for all ages should begin to explore what faith means for daily life. Members should be…