LOTS OF LOVE...

              a Potluck for LWR!                         

February 13, 4:30-6:30pm   

Join us for a Valentine's Eve Potluck, learn about the meaning of heart in scripture and around the world as we assemble healthcare kits and baby layettes for Lutheran World Relief on Valentine's Eve... with the families of the Sunday School!  Food items for the potluck should have a Valentine's theme and either include RED or be shaped like a heart (for example lasagna, chili, strawberry salad, heart shaped biscuits! ). Be creative, have fun and sign-up in the Narthex starting this Sunday!   All are welcome and needed.  This is an encore event to our successful Haitian dinner and Chili Cook-off where we shared fellowship and packed over 350 kits! We'll also have Valentine's treats for sale to raise funds to assist with the shipping of the healthcare kits. We look forward to seeing you there!

LWR HEALTHCARE KIT ITEMS NEEDED...can you help us by bringing in Healthcare Kit items to help us meet our goal of assembling 200 Healthcare Kits on Valentine's Eve? A container is in the Narthex to place your items.

Thank you for thinking of the folks who so desperately need basic healthcare items!

ITEMS NEEDED:

Hand Towels-dark colors

Wash Clothes-dark colors

Bar Soap-large bath size

Combs-large teeth

Nail clippers or metal files

Mark Your Calendar
 

Empowering Life St. Valentine's Celebration

Saturday, February 12

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows

6730 N. 17^th Street, Tacoma

Come join us for "The Harmony Shoppe" barbershop quartet.  Plus, elegant desserts, a silent auction and an opportunity to meet and hear from a few of the women we've helped, their family members and the new Lutheran mentors.  A $15 donation is suggested.  For reservations contact Joan Nelson at: joan2nelson@comcast.net or 253-208-3307 or send your check to Empowering Life.

PO Box 1803

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

If you are unable to attend, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Additional funding provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.                                                                

Click here for an excellent article about Empowering Life's work:

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/20/christian-based-nonprofit-focused-empowering-lives/

GOOD NEWS FOR GRACE UPON GRACE
 

The Neeb Family Foundation has offered St. Mark's a generous Challenge Grant for 2011. They have agreed to match up to $25,000.00 in new funds given, promised or pledged to Grace Upon Grace after February 1, 2011 and before December 31, 2011 and we are most grateful for their support. If you have not made a pledge yet to help us meet and exceed our monthly mortgage payments, here's your chance to double your impact! If you have made a pledge, any additional donations can go to meet this goal. Please contact Carol Guenther or Pat Buck for more details in the church office.

WANTED: Computer-savvy church members who enjoy e-commerce through Craig's List or E-Bay! We are exploring a potential fundraising program using these electronic vehicles and would love to talk with you more about ways you could help. Please contact Carol Guenther: Carolg@smlutheran.org for more details.

Infant supplies needed  

Two families from our St. Mark's community are in need of furniture and supplies for newborns.  There is a need for two cribs and for newborn diapers, a changing pad (for changing table), bouncer/swing,  clothing (3 months), play mat or play yard and a car seat.  If you are able to supply any item from this list, please contact Jan Pence in the Church Office.  She will put you in direct contact with the families so arrangements can be made.  Thank you.

Children's Faith Formation

 
 

Youth News
 

SR ALYVE (9-12^th grade)

• Youth Group -- Weds., Feb. 9, 6:00-7:15pm in the Youth Wing with Matt and Courtney Taylor.
• A day in the Mountains...Snowboarding or Skiing Saturday, February 19, 7:00am-6:30pm. Check out http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/ for rental fees and ticket prices.  Sign up by February 9 if you plan to attend.

 JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• Sunday School and Confirmation meets from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in the Youth Wing.
• Youth Group--Weds., Feb. 2 & 16, 6:00-7:15pm in the Youth Wing.

Parish Nursing  

VERTIGO:

If you experience vertigo because of Meniere's disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops or migraines, there are several dietary practices that are recommended.  Avoid drinking alcohol and eating or drinking anything with caffeine, and restrict your intake of chocolate and salt.  Your salt intake should be no more than 2,000 milligrams a day and should be evenly spread out across meals.  It's also a good idea to drink plenty of fluids (especially before and during exercise and in hot weather) and avoid sugary foods and beverages.  Last, distribute your food and fluid intake evenly throughout the day and from day to day.

From the Mayo Clinic Health Newsletter

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Women of St. Mark's
 

Mark your Calendars:

EIGHTH TRIENNIAL GATHERING: "Renew, Respond, Rejoice!"

July 14-17, 2011 Spokane, WA

Resolve to renew your spirit and enhance your faith at the Eighth Triennial Gathering.  Attend workshops, worship services, Bible studies, and other events.  Contact Helen Conroy if you are interested.  A car pool could be arranged.

Details available  @ www.elca.org/Women-of-the-ELCA

WOMEN OF ST. MARK'S SPRING HIGH TEA

3:00-5:00pm,  April 2, 2011

Wear your finest hat and gloves!  Vintage items on display.  Do you have a vintage wedding dress?  How about an interesting tea pot, tea caddy, tea strainer, tea cozy?  We invite you to bring a tea cup and saucer of your china pattern for display.

SIGN UP FOR : (Optional)

     FRIDAY NIGHT COOKING: two hours

     SATURDAY AM COOKING: two hours

     SATURDAY AM SET-UP AND TABLE DECORATIONS

     MAKE A DESSERT

     5:00pm TAKE DOWN

Contact Bonnie Wascher, Carol Paulson, Helen Conroy or Linda Cerbone

Secret Prayer Pals will be revealed.  Bring a friend, neighbor, daughter, mother, etc. Nursery care will be available.

More information later.

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