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You are invited to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season at St. Mark! Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, 14 and 21 – Mid-Week Services – Potluck dinner at 5:45pm (bring some food to share!) followed by Holden Vespers at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve – Family Candlelight Communion Service …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season. If you would like to participate during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3SvRBtJdQ

Welcome to today’s service. If you would like to have communion please have your wine and bread ready to do so. Go in peace. Be a blessing in the world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gK3sO9BfDyo

Welcome to worship on the 23rd Sunday of Pentecost where we also celebrate the baptism of little James!  PraisRing Bell Choir offers two beautiful pieces.  The chancel choir sings a moving anthem and sends us out with a choral blessing, but not before Pastor Eric encourages us to sing a new song! This service includes …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. In worship today we give thanks for all the saints who from their labors rest. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKqG3-ul5Hw

Welcome to today’s service. I hope you are wearing red because today is Reformation Sunday! If you would like to join during the time of communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so.  Today’s service includes a bless of the St  Mark quilts which will be sent to Lutheran World Relief.   …Read More

The display on the pews, chairs, and railings this Sunday, Oct 30, 2022, will be quilts put together with love by our St. Mark Quilters.  This coming week, the quilts will be boxed up and shipped around the world through Lutheran World Relief.  Imagine all the warmth and comfort these quilts will give to the …Read More

Welcome to this Sunday’s service! We celebrate the pastors’ 10th year at St. Mark. If you would like to join during communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he9oIXme_lY

The following message has been distributed by email to ELCA members in the “Seeds Monthly” Newsletter by the ELCA National Office. Considering the current severe threats from manmade climate change, manmade environmental damage, manmade species extinction, and manmade pollution, we present this ELCA message here. “Public response period: Social message on climate care A draft …Read More

Pastor Eric will be leading a six-week Bible study based on the book “Manna and Mercy” written by Daniel Erlander. This book focuses on God’s grace and never-ending love for humanity. The classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. by Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent out each Wednesday. Each …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. We welcome back the Chancel Choir with glorious song. If you would like to join during communion please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIAUCnv2ZOs  

On Thursday, October 6, students from five 1st grade classes (almost 100 children total) from Mountain View Elementary School visited our Community Garden to learn about pumpkins.  Once the learning was done, it was snack time.  Jenny Bona and Earla Ferry gave them each a little dish of Goldfish crackers, carrots, pepitas (which means little …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. Join us on this wonderful morning as we bless the animals of St. Mark. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGhWMwY8C7M

Welcome to today’s service! If you have your own prayer shawl make sure to grab it as we bless them today. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJSQ6m4EE9w

This Sunday (10/2/22), the pews were decorated with prayer shawls that have been knitted or crocheted by Craft Night members as well as other St. Mark members.  Prayer shawls are given away to members and friends in response to both joyous occasions and difficult times.  During Children’s Time, the meaningful work of the Praying Hands …Read More

September 23, 2022, from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director (Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: September 2022) INFLATION REDUCTION ACT:  The president signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which is the culmination of months of advocacy on important priorities with Lutherans and partners from every …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! If you would like to join during the time of communion, please have your bread and wine available to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsrYXFdVOL4

Welcome to this Sunday’s service. We give special thanks to Pastor Linda Milks for coming in as our guest pastor. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_yEsrXIq0g

Hello, welcome to this week’s service. Come and listen to the return of PraisRing as well. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHbz_BKfxKU

Welcome to today’s service. If you would like to join during communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. Enjoy the upcoming national holiday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBVmzUHumnE

Welcome to today’s service. Come to the banquet and enjoy the feast of the universe! If you would like to join in on this joyous communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhrhYwr9ouc

Imran Siddiqui, a senior investigator for the U.S. Department of Labor, was elected vice president of the ELCA on Thursday, Aug. 11, becoming the first Asian American elected to the national post. His six-year term will begin Nov. 1, replacing interim Vice President Carlos Peña, who himself took on the role after the unexpected passing of Bill …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! What miracle do you seek, whether it be small or large be hopeful and open-minded. If you wish to join during communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMXdSZlASbs

On June 5, 2022, Beth Bowden became a member of the St. Mark Lutheran Church Congregation. Beth grew up in Elma Washington. She was raised in the United Methodist Church and has attended various Protestant churches during her adult life, including Covenant, Quaker, Church of the Savior, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ. Beth is …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! We celebrate this warm Sunday morning with good music and insightful words. If you would like to join in communion, please have your wine and bread ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh3XW9hfcIo

Welcome to today’s service on this hot Sunday morning! Light your lamps and be ready. If you would like to join for communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8qIATDP1Is

Welcome to today’s service. We celebrate the installation of the church council members. If you would like to join in for communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCdKKzgNDu4

RESTORING ASYLUM AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER MUST INCLUDE DISMANTLING OUTDATED TITLE 42 Jesus is present with the asylum seeker, the refugee and the newcomer, and Christians are called to model Christ’s compassion and love. ELCA ministries and advocacy have long recognized the struggles and rights of migrants and people in need of the compassionate haven …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! Stay vigilant in your persistent prayer, and spread the Lord’s love. If you would like to join for communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://youtube.com/watch?v=J9R_ezAen-E

Welcome to today’s service. We welcome you as our neighbor on this fine Sunday. If you would like to join in for communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezqiqjhVGI8

Welcome to this Sunday’s service. Today we learn about the Good Samaritan and how to be gracious. If you would like to join during communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24RQ70qwFg

On June 5, Darcy Huffman was received as a new member of St. Mark. Darcy grew up in both Snohomish and a small town in Southeast Kansas called Sedan. She also lived in a number of other states including Arkansas, Alabama, and Colorado. For eight years, Darcy lived in Germany where she worked in military …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! If you would like to join in on communion, please have your wine and bread ready. We also celebrate the baptism of Emilie Marie Neely, Makena Irene and Alena Lynn Neely-Turran which happened on Thursday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPmMNM7uU2I

Pastor Eric will be leading a six-week Bible study based on the book The Difficult Words of Jesus, A Beginner’s Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings written by Amy-Jill Levine.  It will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m. on six Wednesday evenings beginning this coming Wednesday, June 29.  No need to worry if you won’t be able to make …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. On this warm summer day we learn how to bee 😉 connected with Jesus and one another. If you would like to join in on communion, please have wine and bread ready to do so. https://youtu.be/1J__cmqujhQ

Welcome to today’s service. Thank you to Carol Schneider and Vicki Labensky for filling in the role as the worship leaders. We are very thankful for you both! If you would like to join in for communion, please have your wine and bread ready to do so.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI8Vm3rdLko

On June 5, 2022, Lili Berkley was welcomed as a new member into the St. Mark Congregation. Lili graciously offered to share some information so we could get to know a little more about her. “I was born in Nebraska.  I still have aunts and cousins that live in the Lincoln area, and we remain …Read More

Support Affordable Housing and Homeless Funding in FY23 Budget Tell Congress: Prioritize housing and homeless programs in the FY23 federal budget This spring, House and Senate committee members advanced an annually passed Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) spending bill which would set funding levels for critical housing and homeless programs through the federal …Read More

Welcome to Holy Trinity Sunday! Many thanks to Pastor Matt March for doing pulpit supply today and to PraisRing for offering special music! We are thankful you are here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMBXPlSH124

We won’t let this moment pass. Call today and use your actions to demand policy change. We refuse to numb ourselves to the horrors of recent tragedies including those in Buffalo, N.Y.; Uvalde, Texas; and additional near-daily shootings in communities across our country. Sadly, we and our leaders have failed to respond to the call …Read More

Welcome to this week’s service. We gather today to learn about how the wind may guide us in our journey to spread love and the teachings of Jesus. If you wish to participate in communion please have your wine and bread ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T5j3k4iqKE

Welcome to today’s service. Today we join together to worship Jesus as he ascends. If you would like to join during communion, please have your wine and bread ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5oKcVgV7T0

Welcome to today’s service. This Sunday we learn about Jesus healing someone in need at a festival. If you would like to participate in communion, please have your bread and wine ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivTzIw3Gjkw

Welcome to today’s service! We learn about what it means to give love and how we can love others. If you would like to join in for communion, please have your bread and wine ready.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJoL2_nyXUw

Welcome to this week’s service. Today we learn to follow Jesus in his teachings of love and worship. If you would like to join for communion, please have your bread and wine ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyGK0u0tIwk

All are welcome to attend the new “Rock Vespers” at St. Mark on Saturday May 14, June 11, July 9, and Aug 13 at 6pm in the sanctuary.  Terry Shaw, John Martin, Benjamin Martin and other community musicians will offer this welcoming service filled with a variety of popular rock music.  Although the service will …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! We celebrate the ministry and faith of our retiring accompanist Rae Corbin. If you would like to join during communion, please have bread and wine ready to do so. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inOxIwPqtrQ  

Thanks to a Thrivent Grant received for our St. Mark Community Garden, we now have a new section called a “pollinator garden”. This garden was designed and planted with specific nectar and pollen producing plants that will attract certain insects known as “pollinators”. Both plants and seeds were planted, including milkweed plants for Monarch butterflies. This …Read More

After service on Sunday April 22, members of the St. Mark Social Justice Team produced a wonderful display in the Parish Hall to celebrate Earth Day and our recent ministry of Caring for Creation. Tables were filled with examples and information available to peruse on composting, recycling, tree conservation, books on environmental topics, transportation options, …Read More

Welcome to today’s service! It is Creation Sunday. We look into the readings and see that the light comes from the darkness. Spread this newfound light to all who need a nice reminder of God’s grace. If you would like to participate in communion please have your wine and bread ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmNRv1uGDYo

Welcome to today’s service! It is Easter Sunday and Jesus has risen from the dead. We celebrate today with kindness and joy. If you wish to join in on communion, please have your wine and bread ready. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLEIKtCcZmI

Dear Friends, Our Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers the church this Easter greeting:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1p8iOOar4E

We welcome you to our Holy Week services at St. Mark!   Maundy Thursday, April 14 at 7:00pm – with a simple soup supper at 6:00pm in our Parish Hall Good Friday, April 15 at 12noon and 7:00pm Easter Sunday, April 17 at 8:00am and 10:00am   God bless and be with you this week!

Welcome to today’s service. Today is Palm Sunday and this is the day when Jesus becomes crucified for our sins. If you wish to participate in the Holy Communion then please have your wine and bread ready to do so. Have a great week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhSJlgqJCE

After 2 years of pandemic isolation, St. Mark Community Garden held its annual Potato Planting event.  1000  row-feet  of potatoes are grown each year for the Thurston County Food Bank.  Over thirty people, large and small showed up for some gardening, some visiting, some refreshments, and some joy.  Please enjoy the pictures from the predicted …Read More

Welcome to today’s worship service. In this fifth Sunday in Lent we learn how Jesus taught about the poor during Mary’s anointment. If you wish to participate in communion please have your wine and bread with you. Have a great day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ0blHdDHIk

Calling all Volunteers!!  Saturday April 2nd we will plant 200 pounds of seed potatoes in the St. Mark Community Garden.  This has been an annual event since 2011 but the last two years the pandemic prevented us from gathering. Last Sunday,  a group of members, including some darling children, planted our four pea beds.  The rain …Read More

Welcome to today’s service. We come together on this fourth Sunday in Lent and learn about how Jesus’ grace reaches to all those who look for it. If you wish to participate in communion, please have your bread and wine with you. Have a great day!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXwsdZYhY_Y

Welcome to today’s worship! This Sunday we learn about the value of second chances and the values of patience that Jesus taught. If you wish to participate in communion, please have your wine and bread ready for that. Have a great week! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffp80V7Ly_Y

Welcome to worship! On this second Sunday in Lent we learn about how Jesus gathers his children of God together. Just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. If you wish to join during the time of communion, please have your bread and wine ready. Have a blessed day.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8yqIaMvO9s

Welcome to worship! These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our time to return to the God who rescues and to receive the gifts of God’s grace. If you would like to join during communion time, please have your bread and wine ready.  God bless you! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T_UNAy6kFY

In the fifth and final summary offering of the “Climate Diet”, suggestions revolve around systems, policies and educating others about causes you personally identify with. As you’ll see below, small and local action can result in national change. Be specific. Ask for change within your legislator’s scope of authority. In Washington State right now is …Read More

Welcome to worship! This morning we hear how Jesus was transfigured on the mountain top and we are reminded to listen to him. If you would like to participate in Holy Communion, have your bread and wine ready. God bless you.   https://youtu.be/AuV9F7bp-s8

“Money is the Oxygen on Which the Fire of Global Warming Burns” ~ Bill McKibben. Money, property, investments. All have a part to play in “going clean”. In the fourth summary of “Climate Diet” you’ll find tips to save and spend in ways that can help mitigate climate-related issues. Pressure your financial institutions to be …Read More

We often ask new St. Mark members to share about themselves so the congregation can get to know them better.  Jim and Nancy J joined St. Mark in October 2021 and they graciously provided the following. Jim, a retired teacher, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended church as a child. His parents are …Read More