St. Mark's Lutheran Church

What’s going on at St. Mark’s, you ask? In our staff meeting today, we were taste testing possible options for tastier, less costly, gluten-free wafers. We all agreed on the same one.:) we’ll be making the switch soon.

We’re in the news! This article about Gretchen Olson is an interesting read.

Woven in faith: The multifaceted ministry of Gretchen Olson Explore the fascinating journey of Gretchen Olson in her pursuit of ordained ministry. Discover how her dedication and passion led her to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.

Many of you know that the Benson girls (Ramona and Eloise) are spending their second summer at Lutheran Summer Music camp on the campus of Valparaiso University in Indiana.

Saturday, July 13 at 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - "Half-Session Concert" This concert features music by the band, choir AND orchestra. Ramona is in band, Eloise is in choir, and both of them are in the orchestra.

Here is the link to the livestream page:

2024 Academy & Festival — Lutheran Summer Music LSM 2024 June 30-July 28, Valparaiso University Welcome to LSM 2024! With great joy, we welcome you to LSM 2024! For over 40 years, the transformational LSM experience has guided the lives of thousands of young musicians. We are excited to welcome new and returning students for a fantastic summer of...

Did you attend last week's worship or watch it online?
Are you interested in hearing the song, "Sending You Light" that was in Pastor Gretchen's sermon again? Here you go.

Melanie DeMore - Sending You Light Melanie, the inimitable female bass, performs "Sending You Light" in the Prayer Room at Lama Foundation in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Cinematograp...

Many of you know that the Benson girls (Ramona and Eloise) are spending their second summer at Lutheran Summer Music camp on the campus of Valparaiso University in Indiana. The following are concerts they will be performing in. You have the opportunity to watch these as a livestream.
Here is the link to the livestream page: https://www.lsmacademy.org/2024/

Saturday, July 13 at 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - "Half-Session Concert" This concert features music by the band, choir AND orchestra. Ramona is in band, Eloise is in choir, and both of them are in the orchestra.

Monday, July 22 at 2:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - "Fresh Ink" (Composition Recital) Brand new student compositions performed by fellow students. I was surprised at how good these pieces were last year! Eloise is in the composition class, so she will most likely have a piece played on this concert.

Thursday, July 25 at 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - Festival Band Concert & Evening Prayer Ramona is playing percussion in the band and they will present a full concert followed by an evening prayer worship service where the band will most likely play some of the service music.

Friday, July 26 at 2:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - Jazz Ensemble Concert Ramona is playing drum set for the jazz band and they always put on a really fun concert.

Friday, July 26 at 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - Festival Choir Concert & Evening Prayer Eloise is in the alto section of the choir and they will present a full concert followed by an evening prayer worship service.

Saturday, July 27 at 5:00pm Pacific Daylight Time - Festival Orchestra Concert & Evening Prayer The orchestra will play a jam-packed evening of music and both Ramona and Eloise are in the group. Evening Prayer follows the service and the orchestra will play some of the service music.

Here is the link to the livestream page: https://www.lsmacademy.org/2024/

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23).

What a fantastic week! We have 80 youth signed up for VBS, it's been such a positive experience!

Send your Spirit of truth, O God; rekindle your gifts within us: renew our faith, increase our hope, and deepen our love, for the sake of a world in need. Faithful to your Word, O God, draw near to all who call on you; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (ELW, p. 220)

The Holy month of June - Women of the ELCA Yesterday was Juneteeth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. We need only look to the racially-motivatedRead More

Lots going on around St. Mark's! Check out our Summer Messenger newsletter, you'll learn all sorts of things.

Summer 2024 Messenger VBS, welcome Pastor Gretchen, and much more Click here for the Summer Messenger Welcome, Pastor Gretchen! VBS is right around the corner  Lots of photos, activities and great memories Our Messenger n

Read what our synod bishop, Meggan Manlove shares of her Omaha experience.

Omaha Ordination This past weekend I traveled to Omaha, NE to preside at Gretchen Olson Kopp’s ordination to ministry of word and sacrament. On Gretchen’s suggestion, I worshiped at First Lutheran in Om…

A couple of St. Mark’s members are part of “the Raging Grannies.” Listen to them downtown today, Wednesday, June 12, from 12 -1 pm. They will be in front of P. F. Changs, 801 W Main. You will have the opportunity to contribute to 2nd Harvest Food bank, so bring some cash.

Such a special moment.

Camp's Busiest Season is just around the corner, and there are a variety of ways that you can help volunteer at your camps these next 2 weeks!

Most Urgent Need... Come Cook for Firefighters at Shoshone Mountain Retreat!

☀ Monday-Friday, June 10-14th: Come cook for Firefighters at Shoshone Mountain Retreat! Free housing and meals provided at SMR on the river. Paid and volunteer positions available. Email Clint at [email protected] if you are interested in serving!

Serving Opportunities this weekend...

☀ Sunday, June 2nd: Come serve and welcome the summer staff arrivals at their Arrival Banquet in the Camp Lutherhaven Dining Hall! Help with the banquet is needed from 3:30-5:30pm for welcomes, serving, setup, or from 5:30-7pm for cleanup. Or, come serve the whole event from 3:30-7pm! Email [email protected] today if you are interested in serving!

☀ Saturday, June 8th: Help transport the new summer Trading Post gear to Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch! Spend a few hours unboxing new gear, getting first dibs on new apparel, and enjoying the river on the way home. Lunch at Prichard's Tavern provided! Email [email protected] today if you are interested in serving!

☀ Sunday, June 9th: Come help set up tables and decorations for Partner's Luncheon at Camp Lutherhaven from 8am-10am! Email [email protected] if you are interested in serving!

☀ Wednesday, June 12th: Help transport and unbox the new summer Trading Post gear at Camp Lutherhaven! Spend a few hours unboxing new gear and getting first dibs on new apparel. Hands also needed to help tie ribbons on stuffed animals. Email [email protected] today if you are interested in serving!

It's going to be a great summer. Thanks, friends!! 💛

What’s going on at St. Mark’s, you ask? The beautiful votive candle stands in the sanctuary corners take lots of maintenance to stay clean and looking fresh. Thank you to Sue Luppert for her tireless devotion to doing the several steps to keep them looking nice.