Recent Posts

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

Welcome to worship on the Fifth Sunday of Easter! This morning’s service is a recording of the 8:30 service and our return to in-person worship.  We are reminded today that Jesus is the vine, we are the branches and God is the tender of the vineyard!  This morning’s service includes the celebration of Holy Communion. …Read More

As was previously shared, we are excited to return to in-person worship services on Sunday, May 2!  Worship with Holy Communion will be at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. with 75 people being able to attend each service.  Whether we continue with two services each Sunday afterwards will depend on attendance numbers.  To better prepare …Read More

Pastor Beth is offering a Zoom Book Study of “How to be an Anti-Racist” written by Ibram X. Kendi beginning on Thursday, May 6, at either 2 p.m. or 7 p.m.  This class will be held each Thursday through June 10. You are asked to do some “homework” (about 40 pages of reading) prior to our first …Read More

Welcome to worship on this “Good Shepherd” Sunday!  It is good to be together as the people of God! In the Gospel Lesson, Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep.  Pastor Eric and Pastor Beth both explore the beauty of creation and the beauty of God’s love for us.  …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Third Sunday of Easter!  We are thankful you are here! Today we witness the resurrected Jesus appearing to his disciples to remind them of their connection to him and to one another.  We too are connected to Jesus and to one another.  We are connected in the meal Jesus has …Read More

These are just some of the many beautiful quilts created by our St. Mark Quilting Group. This ministry was at work individually, while COVID restrictions were in place and recently as a group as each of the quilters completed their COVID vaccinations. These quilts will be shipped next week to Baltimore, Maryland to be used …Read More

January 14, 2021 Dear Friends, Surrounded by turmoil and violence in our nation, it is more important than ever for Christ’s church to be a visible, public church. Filled with God’s grace and Spirit, we are set free to courageously bring God’s love, healing, and justice to all around us. In our Lutheran tradition, we describe …Read More

Alleluia!  Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed!  Alleluia!   Welcome to worship on this blessed Easter morning!  We give thanks in word and song for the resurrection of our Lord and the new life we have in Jesus Christ. This morning’s worship includes Holy Communion.  If you would like to participate, please have your …Read More

Welcome to Good Friday Worship.  This is a service of prayer, music, reflection, and poetry that includes the reading of the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John.  God bless you as you worship this holy day.   https://youtu.be/oK6Nbh5YXho

A group of St. Mark members who participated in Pastor Eric’s Bible Studies over the last year has become interested in social justice issues and are meeting on Zoom to talk about ideas and ways St. Mark can make an impact locally. The group would like to inform and invite other members of St. Mark …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Palm Sunday! Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! We are thankful you are here! Bishop Rick Jaech offers a fabulous sermon to prepare us for Holy Week. Today’s service includes Holy Communion. If you would like to participate, please have your own bread …Read More

Welcome to worship this morning!  Today we hear Jesus talk about his death and resurrection as a seed entering the ground.  Pastor Beth reflects on this Gospel Lesson in our Community Garden. This morning we celebrate Holy Communion.  If  you would like to participate, please have your bread and wine ready. God bless you as  …Read More

3/19/2021 3:20:00 PM My enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:2-4). As a nation, we continue …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Fourth Sunday in the season of Lent!  We are thankful you are here.  This morning we hear the beloved words from the third chapter of the Gospel of John:  “For God so loved the world…”   We are reminded of God’s great love for us for the whole world. This morning …Read More

Welcome to worship!  As Jesus over turned the tables of the money changers in the temple, he continues to over turn whatever keeps us separated from God’s love in all it’s fullness. After the suicide death of friends’ teenage son, Pastor Beth talks about the impact of the pandemic on feelings of depression and discouragement …Read More

Welcome to worship on this Second Sunday of Lent!  We are reminded to take up our cross and follow Jesus.  We are blessed to hear a thoughtful sermon from our Bishop Rick Jaech.  You may not look at a pomegranate in the same way after listening!  Today we celebrate Holy Communion. Please have bread and …Read More

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