Adult Forum - Sunday, February 20

Pastor Ron Vignec will be our guest at the Adult Forum this Sunday at 9:45am.  Winner of the 2007 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize, Pastor Vignec played the key role in revitalizing the Salishan neighborhood in east Tacoma, the largest federal housing project on the West Coast. Pastor Ron, as he is known in the community, founded the Salishan / Eastside Lutheran Mission in 1985.  He served the community for over 20 years demonstrating authentic leadership as a liaison with law enforcement, educators, news reporters, community organizations, non-profit agencies, businesses as well as community, civic and elected government leders.  Come for conversation and inspiration! 

LOTS OF LOVE... for LWR                        

Was a great success! With your donations and help, we put together 119 Health Kits and 58 Layettes.  These will be shipped to Lutheran World Relief Headquarters in Baltimore and distributed around the world to those in need.  Thank you again for your support.

Malaria Nets

Last Sunday, St. Mark's people bought mosquito nets to help prevent deaths or disabilities of many people in the world by giving over $630.00.  With the matching gift donation that will mean 126 nets for families in need.  The opportunity for more people to get "two for the price of one," or 2 for $10 will be offered one more weekend, February 19-20, for those who would like to participate.  Look for the Lutheran Malaria Initiative  display this coming Sunday.  You can help save a life.  Over a million people die each year from malaria. 

Youth News   

SR ALYVE (9-12^th grade)

• Sunday School 9:45am-Parish Commons Classroom #1 with Pastor Ron Vignec.
• Youth Group Wednesday, February 23, 6-7:15pm in the Youth Wing with Matt and Courtney Taylor.  Dinner is available beginning at 5:15pm in the Narthex.
• Holden Youth Weekend-May 21-23 (Sat.--Monday).  Cost: $160 per person (includes boat ride, lodging and meals). Scholarships are available.  Sign up by March 6 (with a $50 deposit)  if you plan to attend.
• Compline at St. Mark's in Seattle (Sunday, Feb. 20)--Please meet at church at 8:00pm if you signed up to attend.  We will return around 11:15pm.

JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• 6^th grade Sunday School- 9:45am--Creative Arts day.
• Confirmation-9:45am--Birth of Jesus 
• Youth Group-Weds., Mar. 2  6-7:15pm in the Youth Wing.  
• Middle School Youth Gathering--Black Lake Bible Camp March 4-6 Cost:  $125 per person. Sign up on the Youth board by Feb. 20 a $50 deposit is requested at this time.  Scholarship funds are available.
• Montana Mission Trip-July 22-29.   Applications are available on the Youth Board.  Deposit and applications are due ASAP.  Next meeting-March 13, 12:15pm in the Youth Room.  

Save the date:  Tuesday, March 8, 5-6:30pm --SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE FEAST.  Live music, activities for children. . . fun for the whole family.

Attention Thrivent Benefit Members 

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.

Children's Faith Formation

   

Wanted--Computer Savvy 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.

From the Parish Nurses:  Exercise

Need another reason to exercise?  Here's one:  Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that exercise may reduce the rise of mild cognitive impairment.  Based on the data found through the Mayo Clinic, neuropsychiatrist Yonas Geda, M.D., has discovered that people in midlife or late life who engage in moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, yoga, or swimming, have a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment.  People with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia at a greater rate than does the general population.  GET UP AND GET GOING!

From the Mayo Clinic Health Newsletter. 

Women of St. Mark's

 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

Questions?  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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