Adult Forum Opportunities-

Sunday, March 6

9:45am--Cooper Sherry tickles the ivory...and introduces us to the liturgy that will be used at the 8:30am worship service during the season of Lent.  With roots in jazz and gospel, the music will help us hear familiar words in a new way, and will get out toes tapping.

11:00am "40 Day Journey With. . ." Kickoff

Come to the Parish Commons classrooms to pick up your book (pre-ordered; $13) and to meet your travelling companions -- those who will read and reflect along with you during the season of Lent.

Next Sunday -- March 13 -- 4:00-5:30pm

"Demystifying Immigration:  A Panel Discussion"

Tacoma Community House invites the faith community to St. Mark's Lutheran Church for a panel discussion exploring the state of immigration today, the barriers facing immigrants in our own community, and what can be done in response.  All are welcome.

Practicing Hospitality at St. Mark's

Did you know that most church goers are looking for friendship, inclusivity, and acceptance by the congregation they are attending on a given Sunday?  Guests base their return on how well they were received by the people around them.  Now that you know the importance of warm greetings to everyone whether you know them or now, why not give lots of them this coming Sunday and see what happens to our congregation.  We say we are a people and a place of God's Grace, so let's live up to that and share God's welcoming love to all.  

Youth News   

SR ALYVE (9-12^th grade)

• Sunday School (March 6) 9:45am-in the Fireside Rm. --Topic:  The Art of Prayer 
• 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.
• SR ALYVE Youth Group -- Will NOT meet Wed., March 9, due to Ash Wednesday.

 JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• 6^th grade Sunday School (March 6)- 9:45am-- The Ten Commandments
• Confirmation (March 6)-9:45am-- Baptism of Jesus
• Youth Group-Weds., Mar. 16  6-7:15pm in the Youth Wing.  
• Montana Mission Trip-July 22-29.   The trip is filling up fast.  If you haven't turned in your application and deposit, please do so ASAP.  Next meeting-March 13, 12:15pm in the Youth Room.  

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

Children's Faith Formation

   

Stewardship of the Body

Faithful stewards recognize that all the good things we enjoy in life are gifts from God.  Stewardship reminds us that we are called to receive, nurture and share our material possessions, abilities and talents, friends, family, faith and even our physical bodies.  This Lent, as we enter into a time of spiritual renewal, you are invited to explore a Christian spirituality of the body and renew your commitment to nurture your physical health on Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30pm, beginning March 10 until April 14.  A sign-up sheet is located near the church office door, so that we can prepare the right number of handouts.  Questions?  Call Carol Guenther, 752-4966, ext. 110.

Experience Music Potluck 

Thank You to Lisa Lindholm . . . for several years of very productive and faithful service as our Publications Assistant at St. Mark's.  Lisa has help us make the transition from paper-only communication to a vibrant mix of print and electronic media that includes a website, a blog, a Facebook page, a weekly electronic new bulletin, and a monthly print publication for those without computers.  She has also produced countless brochures and flyers that have helped us communicate our ministry with others, and she has been the editor and producer of the Learn, Serve, Grow materials and the Annual Report to the Congregation.  Lisa has now stepped down from this position, due to a growing number of other responsibilities, so we express deep gratitude for the good work she has done among us.  This important ministry will now be in the hands of Mary Jo Larsen, who was chosen by the Church Council to be Lisa's replacement.  Please direct all your submissions for publication, along with your ideas and questions, to Mary Jo at: maryjo@smlutheran.org

Walk at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge -

The Care of Creation Committee is sponsoring a walk at the Nisqually WiIldlife Refuge near Olympia on Saturday, March 12.  The new boardwalk has just been completed; and this is a wonderful time of year to view water birds as well as the initial migration of other species.  Let's meet at the church at 10:00am and we'll carpool to the trailhead.  Bring rain gear, cameras, binoculars, water, snacks, and good walking shoes.  The round trip distance to the end of the boardwalk is four miles.  If individuals would like to walk a shorter distance, that is also a possibility. If you would like to discuss this outing further please don't hesitate to call or email Tom Hulst at 253-460-2683 and thulst@harbornet.com

Cook's Club - Episode 2

Sunday, March 20 at 3:30pm will be our second gathering of the Cook's Club. If you missed the first one, you missed a great time of fellowship and food. This time should be even better, so put this time on your calendar. Please let John Wascher (jwascher@mac.com or call 503-6765) know if you plan to come so he can buy the food accordingly. This time we will be making an entire Italian meal, Antipasti, four different kinds of pasta, marinara sauce with meat balls, chicken and pork scaloppine, salad and a surprise dessert. It should be a fun evening and you'll get some new recipes, some learning in Italian foods, and share the fellowship of other St. Mark's foodies.

John will let you know the price per person before the event.

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. Thank you to those who have already responded to this challenge. . . we still have $20,000+ to go!  Please contact Carol Guenther or Pat Buck for more details in the church office.

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

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 to help with cooking on Friday evening or Saturday morning. Or help with set-up, table decorations, or clean-up.  Or volunteer to make a dessert.  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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Want to Get Closer to Each Other and God ?