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Welcome to worship!  It is good to be together as the people of God!   This morning, Pastor Beth tells the story of Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Jewish people’s return to Jerusalem from Babylon.  She reminds us: God is faithful!   The music today will lift your spirits!  If you would like to participate in …Read More

Welcome to worship!  It is good to be together as the people of God!  Today’s service is filled with inspirational music.  We hear the story of the first miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John.   Today’s service includes Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like …Read More

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, …Read More

Welcome to worship!  Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus and reflect upon our own baptisms.  PraisRing offers two beautiful bell anthems.  Our worship includes Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready so you can participate.  God bless you as you worship! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diQR3Oqhd6M

Welcome to worship on Epiphany Sunday!  This service is full of festive music and lessons that reflect the “light” of Christ!  We are thankful you are here!   Today’s service includes Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate.   God bless you as you …Read More

Welcome to worship on this First Sunday after Christmas. We are thankful you are here.  Today’s service was a Lessons and Carols service.  We hear 7 different readings and sing many of our favorite Christmas Carols.  Pastor Beth’s sermon was quite “wordy” where she explores what it means that Jesus is the Word of God.  …Read More

Welcome to worship on this holy night as we celebrate the birth of Christ!  Tonight’s service is Choral Candlelight Communion Service.  We give thanks for the musical offerings of our Chancel Choir and PraisRing Bell Choir.  Merry Christmas!   (We apologize for the quality of the video.  Due to technical difficulties in processing, we are …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Fourth Sunday in the Season of Advent.  We celebrate the baptism of Rylee and join our hearts and voices with Mary as we sing the Magnificat! If you would like to participate in Holy Communion, please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. God bless you as you …Read More

Marilyn and Jerry Shackelford were received as new members of St. Mark in October. They transferred from Twin Harbors Lutheran Church in Grayland, Washington. Prior to that they attended Emmanuel Lutheran in Venice, Florida. Marilyn grew up in Minnesota and Jerry was raised in Illinois. Jerry is a graduate of Oregon State University. He was employed …Read More

Welcome to worship on the Third Sunday in Advent!  We are thankful you are here!   Welcome to the Third Sunday of Advent! Today, we hear another scripture reading about John the Baptist who is calling us to repentance in preparation for Christ. We sing and rejoice at the coming of the Lord! The bells …Read More

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has sent a message for this, our second Christmas touched by the pandemic. As we are actively waiting for the coming of the baby Jesus, we can pause and remember the hope that is given to us, especially in times of uncertainty. …Read More

Welcome to worship on the Second Sunday of Advent! This week we light two candles in our Advent wreath and hear John the Baptist’s call to “Prepare the Way of the Lord!” Pastor Beth encourages us to reflect upon what this means for us and our lives. Our service includes Holy Communion. Please have your …Read More

St. Mark, it’s time for our Giving Tree for children at Hawks Prairie Head Start and Friendly Grove Preschool! Please look in emails sent from the church office for the link to sign up on SignUp Genius. We still have names available. Gifts can be brought to church on Sundays December 5 and 12. Volunteers …Read More

Gary D, our Chief Gardener, two garden interns and a handful of volunteers somehow managed to get 13,216 pounds of produce to the Thurston County Food Bank – in spite of a record breaking heat wave and drought conditions. For two years rabbits have ravaged the garden in early spring – in spite of our …Read More

Welcome to worship! As we light the first candle in our Advent wreath today, Pastor Eric encourages us to wonder:  “For what am I waiting?”  Also, the choir sings two beautiful anthems and sends us out with an Advent Benediction. Please have your bread and wine ready if you would like to share in Holy …Read More

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 …Read More

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship on Christ the King Sunday!  We had wonderful music this morning from 4 students representing the Music Department at Pacific Lutheran University–Benjamin Martin-saxophone, Felix Halvorson-guitar, Josh Hansel-drums, and Josh Green-bass.  Listen to Pastor Eric’s sermon and reflect on what it means that Christ is King in your life!    If you would …Read More

Getting to know our new members is always a joy. Doug and Brenda recently joined St. Mark and have shared some background information to help us with that. Doug grew up in Lakewood, Washington and Brenda in central California. Both were raised in Christian families and have attended church all their lives. Doug has always …Read More

Welcome to worship today!  The Chancel Choir sings a beautiful spiritual, “Hold Me, Rock Me” and PraisRing Bell Choir offers the spectacular anthem, “Grazioso.”  Pastor Beth preaches on Jesus’ teachings about end times.  Please have your bread and wine ready and join us for Holy Communion .  God bless you as you worship! https://youtu.be/DR6STtktwvA   …Read More

Welcome to worship on this All Saints Sunday!  Today we light candles to remember and give thanks for all the Saints in our lives. We hear the promise from Revelation of a new heaven and new earth where there is no more death, crying or pain.  Yet we recognize that time is not yet. Pastor …Read More

Most of you have heard of the ELCA’s goal to engage 1 million new, young, and diverse members by the end of the decade. But what about the rest of us, the ones already engaged? Bishop Eaton has your answer. Listen to her video in this post. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cg7lJUN-zI&list=PLNDmVwhz-M34mAvgx5orNFsbAebN1MskR&index=3&t=8s  

Welcome to worship on this Reformation Sunday!  We are thankful you are here!  The Chancel Choir sings a lively anthem and Pastor Eric preaches a thought provoking sermon. If you would like to participate in Holy Communion, please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. God bless you as you worship today.   …Read More

Today you will hear about the healing of Bartimaeus. We also bless quilts that will be send around the world. Ken Anderson offers some special music that he wrote with Terry Shaw. Have your communion elements ready as we celebrate communion. Enjoy worship. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkhOQx0Ph4w

The pews throughout our church were adorned on Sunday, October 24 with beautiful handcrafted quilts created by our St. Mark Quilters. Once a year, the group’s quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief for distribution across the world, helping those effected by poverty, war and natural disasters. Annually, 300,000 quilts from various sources are sent …Read More

On October 17th, 15 new members were received into the St. Mark congregation. Some of these new members began attending St. Mark before  all churches were closed due to the Governor’s COVID 19 mandates. Others started attending after viewing our video-taped church services on line during the pandemic! New members include Jim and Myrna S., Inge …Read More

Once again, our St. Mark traditional Blessing of the Animals was held on Sunday the 3rd of October. In celebrating our beloved pets, we mark this day in honor of the great peacemaker and lover of all creation, St. Francis of Assisi. Click on the images to enlarge.

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship!  This morning we celebrate the reception of 15 new members and the return of the Chancel Choir!  In her sermon, Pastor Beth explores what it means when Jesus says “Whoever wants to be great among you, must be servant of all.”   Worship includes Holy Communion.  If you would like to participate, …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 20th Sunday of Pentecost!  Pastor Eric preaches on Jesus’s challenging teaching about riches and the reign of God. PraisRing offers two beautiful musical pieces. This service also includes Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate. God bless you as …Read More

Welcome to worship as we celebrate St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals!  Pastor Beth also offers a special blessing and message for our children.   The sermon tackles Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees about divorce and the blessing of children. Jesus is always concerned about the most vulnerable. The service includes Holy Communion. …Read More

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship on the 18th Sunday of Pentecost! This morning we are reminded how Jesus values and welcomes the good being done in the world.  Worship includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate. We pray this service feeds you as …Read More

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 17th Sunday of Pentecost! Today we bless the harvest from the St. Mark Community Garden and are challenged to grow and harvest peace, welcome, and humble service in our lives. This service includes Holy Communion. If you would like to participate, please have your bread and wine available. God bless …Read More

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship at St. Mark Lutheran in Lacey WA. We celebrate communion every time we gather together as the people of God, so have those communion elements ready. The sermon question is- What does it mean to take up your cross, and follow Jesus? Pastor Eric offers a response to that. Thank you for …Read More

Welcome to worship this morning! We hear the Gospel story of Jesus healing the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter and man who was deaf. Pastor Eric reflects on these healing stories and how God’s healing touches our lives. We celebrate Holy Communion today. Please have your bread and wine ready if you would like to participate. God …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 14th Sunday of Pentecost!  We are thankful you are here.  This morning we hear a conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders who challenge him.  Jesus reminds them that God cares about what is in our hearts.  Pastor Beth encourages us to open our hearts to live God’s love in …Read More

Welcome to worship. Today we have a great message from Pastor Linda Milks. She concludes our study of Ephesians, focusing on Paul’s image of putting on the armor of God. Pastor Carol Schneider is presiding, so have those communion elements ready. Enjoy the service! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJFOhppvous

Today’s theme for the service, from Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, is about always giving thanks to God. There are lots of ways to do that. The sermon explores that. We have great music and communion as well, so have those elements ready. Pastor Eric reads a fun new book to the students of our …Read More

Welcome to worship at St. Mark! Today we continue with a sermon series on the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians. In this reading, Paul shares with us what we are called to do, and how to be, as the people of God. We also sing some great songs and share communion. So, have those …Read More

Welcome to worship today. In this recording Pastor Eric continues the sermon series on the Letter to the Ephesians, looking at chapter 4, exploring what speaking truth in love means for us, as the people of God. Communion is part of this service as well, so have your elements ready. Thank you for watching, and …Read More

This week Thurston County updated mask guidelines to “strongly encourage” and Washington State to “highly recommend” we mask indoors in public spaces regardless of our vaccination status. These changes were made to be in compliance with new CDC guidelines which state the same.  These updates are a result of newer findings in COVID-19  transmission and …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 9th Sunday of Pentecost! Today we hear the third sermon in a series on Ephesians. The service includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) if you would like to participate. We are thankful you are here! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dZgt3kNtqNo&feature=youtu.be  

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 …Read More

Welcome to worship!  Today we hear the beloved 23rd Psalm and the second sermon in a series on the book of Ephesians. Our service includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Please have your own bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate. We are glad you are here! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lQTc86Q1Nag&feature=youtu.be  

Love thy neighbor. Get vaccinated. | Faiths4Vaccines: A Multifaith Movement May 11, 2021 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America As part of the Faiths4Vaccines initiative, prominent faith leaders explain how receiving the vaccine is an expression of love for one’s neighbors. Faiths4Vaccines is an inclusive, multifaith movement comprised of local and national religious leaders, as well …Read More

From ELCA ADvocacy – July 16, 2021 U.S. representatives regularly return to their home districts to stay engaged with their constituents. Traditionally, August Recess is one such time – and while everyone needs some rest and relaxation, lawmakers are likely busy during this period with Town Halls, arranged meetings and other contact points that give you a …Read More

Welcome to worship! We are glad you are here.  This morning we begin a sermon series on the book of Ephesians. Our service today includes Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine ready if you would like to participate. God bless you! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OrX5PZdOTJM

Welcome to worship on this 6th Sunday of Pentecost!  Today we hear the story of Jesus returning to his home town and sending out his disciples.  Our service includes the celebration of Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate.  The worship bulletin is found …Read More

With the re-opening of our State, we are delighted to begin re-opening things at St. Mark!  We are loosening some of our restrictions while also desiring to keep everyone safe.  Church Council will re-evaluate this plan at the July 20th meeting. The re-opening plan for St. Mark is as follows: We will continue to have two …Read More

Welcome to worship today!  It is good to be together as the people of God.  We thank Pastor Matt March for being our preacher and presider this morning while our pastors were away. We hear how a woman received healing when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and a girl was restored to life …Read More

An alternate expression of God’s Work Our Hands. If many little people, in many little places, do many little things, they can change the face of the earth.  

This morning we celebrated the Rite of Confirmation Part 2 for Ziah!  We rejoice over the faith and compassion of this young woman. You are welcome to watch the whole 11:00am service here: https://youtu.be/7W2lj_vKt5A  

Welcome to Worship on the 4th Sunday in Pentecost!  The Jesus who calmed the storm can also calm you and me.  We are blessed to  hear PraisRing ring one final time before taking a summer break.  MacKenzie Kennedy joins them on the flute for an extra special offering.  You are welcome to join in Holy …Read More

On June 13, we celebrated Confirmation Sunday and 5 students — Aislinn, Allissa, Jerry, Keikilani, and Zachary–participated in the Rite of Confirmation.  One more student, Ziah, will be confirmed on June 20. This video is an abbreviated version of the June 13th service and includes the Gospel Reading, the students giving their faith reflections and …Read More

Welcome to worship on the Third Sunday in Pentecost!  Today we hear Jesus tell parables about sowing seeds and growing mustard trees. God bless you as you worship today!  If you would like to participate in Holy Communion, please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. The worship bulletin can be found below …Read More

Welcome to worship on the Second Sunday of Pentecost!  It is good to be together as the people of God!   Today Jesus warns about a “house divided” and Pastor Eric offers us four words to live by as a community of faith.  We welcome you to participate in the celebration of Holy Communion.  Please …Read More

“The crucifixion was an act of violence meant to silence Jesus and his gospel of liberation and hope.” After witnessing acts of violence this week, particularly against Black and Brown people, Bishop Eaton reminds us of all the ways our church has committed to do justice – on racism, on health care, on education, on …Read More

Welcome to worship on Trinity Sunday! This morning we hear the story of Nicodemus approaching Jesus at night and the resulting beloved words from scripture: “For God so loved the world….” Our service includes Holy Communion. Please have your bread and wine or something similar ready if you would like to participate. May you be …Read More

Welcome to worship on Pentecost Sunday!  Wear red and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit!  If you would like to participate in Holy Communion, please have your bread and wine, or something similar, ready!  God bless you!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5lWxN4e6ds

4/20/2021 5:50:00 PM The trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minnesota police officer charged with the killing of George Floyd, has riveted our national attention these past weeks, and now a verdict has been reached. Together with people around the world, we have anticipated the jury’s decision with troubled hearts. As members of the community …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Ascension Sunday!  Our worship video is a recording of our 8:30AM service.  This morning we hear how Jesus ascended into heaven and blessed his followers to be his body on earth.  He still blesses us to be his hands, his feet, and his heart in our world today! Worship includes …Read More

Welcome to worship on the 6th Sunday of Easter! This morning we hear Jesus encouraging his followers to love one another and live together as friends. Worship today includes Holy Communion.  If you would like to participate, please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. The microphone really picks up the live music.  …Read More