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Welcome to worship on this First Sunday in Lent.  Life can feel a bit like a wilderness. We pray this worship will offer you rest and sustenance on the way! The service includes Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would like to participate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moxzlu_2ydo&feature=youtu.be

God bless you as you worship on this Trans-figuration Sunday!  As Jesus transformed before his disciples, they were invited into the joy and wonder of God’s presence.  May you experience this joy and wonder in your lives! Today’s service includes Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready if you would …Read More

Welcome to the 5th Sunday after Epiphany! Worship includes the celebration of Holy Communion. If you would like to participate in this sacred meal, have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. God bless you as you worship. With great love, Jesus is reaching out to you, ready to lift you into hope, where …Read More

On Saturday, February 6th, a small group of  family and friends of Laura Goeres gathered outside at St. Mark with Pastor Beth to give thanks for Laura’s life and to plant a crabapple tree in remembrance of her.  Laura passed away unexpectedly on December 20, 2020 at Providence St. Peter Hospital. Laura is remembered for …Read More

Welcome to worship this Sunday morning! We are thankful you are here! We apologize for the grainy appearance of today’s worship video. After multiple attempts, we were unable to fix it before Sunday morning.  (It has that “old school VHS” feel). If you would like to pariticipate in communion, we invite you to have bread …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Third Sunday of Epiphany!  We rejoice over the gift of Holy Baptism!  We give thanks for Bishop Rick Jaech’s sermon on what it means to follow Jesus today.  We invite you to celebrate the gift of Holy Communion.  Please have your bread and wine (or something similar) ready. God bless …Read More

Welcome to worship today!  On this Second Sunday of Epiphany, we hear Jesus invite disciples of every time and place,  “Follow Me.”  Philip also invites us to “Come and See.”  We gather to see Jesus and the love of God reveal to and through us.  This love makes a difference! Today’s service includes the celebration …Read More

The Women of the ELCA (WELCA) is an active organization within our church that supports women to act bodly in their faith in Jesus Christ.  WELCA is represented at the congregational, synodical, and churchwide level. Women at St. Mark participate in monthly Bible Studies using the “Gather”‘ magazine which is a WELCA publication. They also …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Sunday morning! Remember your baptism! That’s the theme today. We live in a place with an abundance of opportunities to feel God’s presence everyday with this sacramental gift- ordinary things infused with the divine. Today we learn that Jesus baptizes the water. It becomes Sacred, God’s grace poured out for …Read More

Welcome to worship on this first Sunday in the New Year and the second Sunday of the Christmas season!  This morning’s Lessons and Carols service  is a collaborative effort of 9 of our local ELCA congregations.  During worship, you will hear the Christmas scriptures and beloved carols along with back ground information.  St. Mark’s PraisRing …Read More

Welcome to worship on the First Sunday of Christmas! This morning’s Lessons and Carols Service was a collaborative effort involving several pastors in our Synod (including Pastor Beth and features St. Mark members offering the Prayers of the People). Listen, once again to the story of Christ’s birth, sing the beautiful carols of the Christmas …Read More

Merry Christmas!  Thank you for joining us this Christmas Eve!  Tonight’s service is a Candlelight Communion Service. We invite you to light a candle and have communion elements ready (bread and wine or something similar).  We rejoice with the angels and give thanks to God that there is always room for us in Jesus Christ!  …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Fourth Sunday in Advent.  Our children and students lead us in worship today!  They bless us with their genuine faith and Christmas joy!  Today we celebrate Holy Communion so have bread and wine (or something similar) ready. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table. T This morning, we also give …Read More

Welcome to worship on the Third Sunday in the season of Advent!  This morning we hear John the Baptist and Pastor Beth pointing the way to Jesus.  We experience the presence of Christ in the music, prayer, Word, and the meal of Holy Communion.  If you would like to participate in the sacrament, please have …Read More

Welcome to worship!  We are thankful you are here.  This morning we light the second candle in our Advent wreath, the candle of peace.  We pray for peace in our world, in our community, and in our lives.  We celebrate Holy Communion today.  If you would like to participate, have your bread and wine (or …Read More

Welcome to worship on this first Sunday in the season of Advent! We light the first candle in our Advent wreath for hope and celebrate the gift of Holy Communion.  As usual, there is lots of great music!  Also this morning, both Pastor Eric (Children’s Time) and Pastor Beth (sermon) explore the prophet Isaiah’s prayer …Read More

In place of our usual St Mark created Sunday Worship Video, this week we present a Video from Synod Region 1 leadership including Bishop Rick Jaech (gives the sermon), Bishop Shelley Wickstrom, Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop Kristen Kuempel, and Bishop Laurie Larson Caesar for congregations whose pastors and deacons participated in a theological education …Read More

On Sunday, November 15th, members of St. Mark attended our annual congregational meeting at 9:00 a.m. using Zoom.  At this meeting, we discussed and voted on the proposed 2021 Spending Plan (Budget).  Our process began in September with the Financial Planning Committee (FPC) gathering data based on the Approved 2020 Spending Plan (Budget) and setting …Read More

Welcome to worship. With the liturgical year nearly over (Advent is two weeks away), the readings can be somewhat scary. With our world the way it is, we offer you a ton of hopeful music this week. Enjoy our choir’s new offering as well! For children’s time, be sure to grab your favorite hat. We …Read More

Welcome to worship this morning!  We are thankful you are watching with us!  This morning you will want to be sure to listen to the very end to enjoy a “Joyful Amen” with Terry Shaw and the St. Mark Chancel Choir.  Also, there is a beautiful Postlude offered by Benjamin Martin.  John Martin and Pastor …Read More

Welcome to worship on this All Saints Sunday!  Today we give thanks for the blessing of all the Saints in our lives. We especially take time to remember our family and friends who have passed away this year. God bless and be with you! https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=lvI67Gd5AJM  

Welcome to worship on this Reformation Sunday. We give thanks that the Holy Spirit continues to re-form the church and re-form us as the people of God.  Today we are blessed to hear from our beloved Bishop Rick Jaech.  There’s lots of wonderful music and children get to hear from Pastor Beth.  We invite you …Read More

This morning we celebrate the Baptism of Scarlett Bona and the Blessing of the Animals.  Pastor David Brauer Rieke (former Bishop of the Oregon Synod) offers an thoughtful sermon on the question of what do we render? (from Jesus’ response to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s).  There is …Read More

As an alternative to our usual in-house created Sunday Video Service, this week we present a Sunday Video Service created by the organization Lutherans Restoring Creation. This is an organization with very close ties to the ELCA national office and a strong environmental commitment. This video has two main messages. Watch for these messages as …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 18th Sunday after Pentecost!  We are thankful you are worshiping with us today.  This morning Pastor Beth tackles the difficult parable of the wicked tenants and Pastor Eric offers a reprise of a lively garden song for Children’s Time.  Our musicians Terry Shaw and Rae Corbin delight us with wonderful …Read More

Welcome to worship at St. Mark on this 17th Sunday of Pentecost!  It is good to be together as the people of God.  In this morning’s worship video, Pastor Eric talks about Flat Jesus at Children’s Time.  We are including a link to find this Flat Jesus.  Also on this link are the lyrics to …Read More

The below article will be discussed in a virtual meeting tonight (9/24/2020) at 7:00PM hosted by St Mark Lutheran Church pastors. See the email which went out to members of the congregation for details of the virtual meeting. By Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas – September 2, 2020 “Protests are not working — where do we …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 16th Sunday after Pentecost!  This morning we hear Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard and are reminded that God’s ways are not always our ways–and in the end, this is really good news!  The children hear Pastor Beth read the story of Jonah from the “Rhyme Bible”.  There’s …Read More

Welcome to worship this morning!  We are thankful you are here.  Today’s worship plunges into forgiveness and takes a deep dive into conversations about race and our church.  God bless you as you follow Christ and live as people of faith in our world today!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6GYEtUhw5c&feature=youtu.be

The image and words below were done by author and artist Jan Richardson and inspired by Matthew 18:21-35, which is this Sunday’s Gospel lesson.  They were first published as part of a reflection at “The Painted Prayer Book”. The “I” in these writings is Jan Richardson. These writings have previously been released to the St …Read More

Welcome to worship! Here is the video for Sunday, September 6th. This morning we hear a message of joy from our beloved member Laura Sinclair, a blessing for our students and school staff from Pastor Beth, music from the band and a sermon from Melanie Wallschlaeger, Director for Evangelical Mission. God bless you as you …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 13th Sunday of Pentecost!   We are thankful you are here. Today we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion.  MacKenzie Kennedy leads us in Children’s Time and Pastor Beth reminds us we are to take up the cross of Christ and follow him. God bless you as you worship today! …Read More

The ELCA Church Council has unanimously adopted a new social message titled: “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy” This project was called for at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, with an intention that it be ready to read before the national election this fall. The social message defines government …Read More

Welcome to worship on this 12th Sunday of Pentecost!  We are thankful you are here!  God bless you. Listen and watch today’s gospel and sermon on the “Rock”. https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=8Wi8w9NtcdI

Welcome to worship on this 10th Sunday of Pentecost!  We give thanks for the beauty of creation, the joy of music, and the blessing of God’s word. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMn8o8qcHZw&t=4s

Welcome to worship for the 9th Sunday of Pentecost!  We are blessed to share in the gift of Holy Baptism for a “New Kid in Our Family.”  As we worship and hear the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, we pray you are fed and nourished for a life of loving service in the name …Read More

Welcome to worship on the 8th Sunday after Pentecost! This morning we hear a series of Jesus’ parables describing what the Kingdom or Reign of God is like.  We are blessed with wonderful music from Terry, John, and Eric, Children’s Time with Pastor Beth,and Pastor Rebecca Schjerven, Assistant to the Bishop, as our guest preacher.  …Read More

Martin Luther had considerable things to say about pandemics and politics during his career. Watch these two videos given by Dr. Samuel Torvend, PhD, from Pacific Lutheran University to learn what Luther had to say about these now very current topics. Note that each video consists of five parts and that automatic jumps occur between …Read More

In Dec 2017, video recordings were made at both services of Pastor Beth doing a pottery wheel demonstration for kid’s time. Only one of those recordings was ever published on this website. This week seems as good a time as any to finally publish the other video. Its a fun kids time video to watch. …Read More

Welcome to worship this Sixth Sunday of Pentecost!  Today we hear the Parable of the Sower and Jesus tells us to “Listen.”  We listen to the words of Christ as he sows seeds of faith, hope and love in our lives.   God bless you!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8pTDAjFH7Q&feature=youtu.be

Welcome to worship this morning!  Today Jesus invites us to rest in him.  God bless you on this day with rest in the name of Christ.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YChBsZjE6g&t=1991s

Dear friends, Welcome to worship today! It is good to be together as the people of God. This morning we are blessed to hear our very own Bishop Richard Jaech preach about what it means to welcome one another in the name of Christ.  Pastor Beth shares one of her favorite books, “God’s Dream” during …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Third Sunday of Pentecost!  We are thankful you are here! This morning’s scripture lessons remind us–it is not easy to follow Jesus.  Yet, we remember God is with us and gives us what we need to live faithful lives.  Thanks be to God!     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGy_QijvLaE&feature=youtu.be

In this mornings Gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples.  Just as they are sent out, we are sent to share God’s love in our world today. God bless you as you proclaim the good news that “The reign of God is near” by your very lives.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_w-OEdkutAU

The attached letter from ELCA Southwest Washington Synod Bishop Rich Jaech gives some insightful thoughts for people to consider as they think about racism in the current crisis. https://lutheranssw.org/wp-content/uploads/Bishop-Letter-Against-Racism-5-31-20-1.pdf

Our God is Three is One.  Our God is one in Three!  Today we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity–of who God is for us, with us, and around us.  God loves and is present in so many ways. Today’s service includes messages by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. The grace of our Lord …Read More

    On Pentecost Sunday, we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We give thanks for the way the Spirit moves in and through us–and even in spite of us!  This is timely as we seek to live as people of faith during a divisive, charged, and challenging time. Our hurting world needs the …Read More

Welcome to worship!  This morning we celebrate Ascension Sunday.  The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus blessing his followers and ascending into heaven. We give thanks to God for Jesus who reigns in love forever and ever.     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-3i4QoGVc&feature=youtu.be

Welcome to the Worshipful Experience for Sunday, May 17, 2020!  We hear Peter’s reminder to be ready to testify to the hope that is ours and Jesus’ promise of an Advocate. We give thanks and praise to God who promises to be with us always.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbYm-5cEBB4

During this morning’s Worshipful Experience we hear God’s promise to dwell with us and make a home with us and in us.  We seek to live out this blessing as we love one another.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJKBvMYQL0Y&t=2s  

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as “Good Shepherd” Sunday.  In the Gospel today, we hear Jesus speak about himself as the gate to abundant life with God–not to keep people out, but to provide a way where there seems to be none.  Jesus says he is the shepherd who leads and guides his …Read More

Welcome to the Worshipful Experience for Sunday, April 26, 2020!  This Sunday we are blessed to have as our guest preacher Pastor Rebecca Shjerven, Bishop’s Associate for the Southwest Washington Synod. Also featured in worship today is PraisRing, our handbell choir, and Children’s Time. Be thinking about three things for which you are thankful! We …Read More

Click on the video below for a message especially for the younger ones at St. Mark.  Even the not so young might appreciate hearing Pastor Beth’s words and the story (written in Dr. Seuss fashion) by Nora Unrath, “How COVID-19 Stole Easter.”  God bless you!       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuWTA-AQi3s

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed! Jesus appears to his disciples who are sequestered in fear in a locked home.  Jesus promises to come to us today even in the midst of our fear and uncertainty. Many thanks to our Synodical Bishop Rick Jaech and Bishop’s Assistant Rebecca Schjerven for leading us in worship …Read More

Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw the stone had been removed from the tomb…. In the midst of fear, grief, confusion, and sheltering in a home for safety, the good news of Easter is proclaimed to Christ’s …Read More

Our evening Good Friday Service is a Tenebrae which is one of increasing darkness.  As the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John is read, candles are extinguished one by one.  This 35 minute service is contemplative as we reflect on the final days of Jesus and God’s life-giving love for us. You …Read More

  The Mid-Day Good Friday Worshipful Experience is from the perspective of the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus.  The first one scoffed at Jesus.  His perspective is shared through the song “Friday Morning” by Sydney Carter.  The second one confessed.  His perspective is offered in the poem “What Was It Like for You …Read More

Maundy Thursday is the night we remember the meal Jesus shared with his disciples for the forgiveness of sin and his commandment to love one another. Please join us!  You will find the link to our Maundy Thursday “worshipful experience” below. As you worship with us, we invite you to participate in the sacrament of …Read More

Dear friends! Here is our Worshipful Experience for Palm Sunday!  We hope it lifts your spirits and nurtures your soul. Feel free to cut a green branch or pick a flower to wave as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Watch to the very end for a St. Mark Palm Sunday Parade of saints!  …Read More

We had a virtual visit from Loretta this week. Loretta, true to her unique self, delivers a poignant message about social distancing and living as children of God.  She speaks the truth with clarity and humor. If you don’t know who Loretta is, you will after this brief 8 minute video!  Thank you, Loretta! To …Read More

Dear friends, Here is the link to our worshipful experience for Sunday, March 29, 2020.  It is approximately 21 minutes long. The Scripture lessons for this week are from Psalm 130, Ezekiel 37:1-14, and John 11:1-45.  I encourage you to read them, light a candle, and join us for worship as we breathe deep the …Read More

Dear Friends, Please use the link below to enjoy a “worshipful experience” created for you by Pastor Beth.  It is about 12 minutes long.  You can read the Gospel Lesson before viewing:  John 9:1-41.  Many thanks to John Martin, Terry Shaw, and Isaiah Utto-Galarneau for their musical offerings.  This is a way for us to …Read More

On these gloriously sunny days, if you want to practice spiritual nurture (and promise to practice social distancing as well), the St. Mark labyrinth is open for prayerful meditation. The labyrinth is located between the sanctuary and the educational wing with an entrance from the side parking lot. (The church building unfortunately is closed due …Read More

In Sunday’s Gospel (John 4) Jesus meets an unnamed woman from Samaria who came to draw water from the well. Parched, he asks her to give him a drink. When she questions him, Jesus speaks to her of the Living Water. “Anyone who drinks from this water will be thirsty again; those who drink from …Read More

Dear friends, On St. Patrick’s Day, I encourage you to go outside and take a walk this afternoon or evening. Use this prayer attributed to St. Patrick as your guide.  Breathe deep as you step into the next moment and pray: Christ with me Christ before me Christ behind me Christ in me Christ beneath …Read More