Coming soon--a new St. Mark's Photo Directory!

We are working with Olan Mills and will be producing a new photo directory in the next couple of months to be ready for distribution in the fall.  Please watch for upcoming dates and more details!

Get your tickets for the

Mexico Dinner and Auction!

Once again, we will enjoy a festive night together on Friday, May 6 when we gather to raise money for the building of small homes in Mexico.  The silent auction begins at 5:30pm.  A live Mariachi band will perform from 6:00-7:00pm while we enjoy a fantastic meal of tri-tip steak, chicken, and other favorite dishes.  The cost of the meal is only $5.00 per person, and tickets can be purchased on Sunday mornings or on weekdays during normal office hours.  Auction items range from trips, meals, ballgames and concerts to gift baskets, crafts, house and garden items and gift certificates to many local establishments.  Don't miss this great opportunity to support a worthy cause.  The money will be used to buy materials to build four houses for needy families that have been identified by the local Lutheran congregation in the neighborhood of El Florido.

Sunday, May 8--Adult Faith Opportunities:

9:45am Adult Forum--"Sense & Sentimentality:  Poems For, By & About Mothers." 

From Hallmark greeting-card writings to Langston Hughes and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, no two poets write the same way about mothers and motherhood.  Bring your mother and your sons and daughters for a Mother's Day celebration in verse!  Published poets Emilie Shimkus and her mother, Marjorie Rommel, will share some of their own work, as well as several poems from internationsl authors, the famous poets you studied in school, and yes...maybe even a few really good greeting cards.  Time and interest permitting, the whole group will write our own "Unconventional Mother's Day Poems."

11:00am Adult Class--Holy Spirit:  Creative Power in Our Lives

As we move toward the season of Pentecost, we will examine the work of the Holy Spirit, using biblical narrative as well as the experiences of our own lives.  Luther Seminary professor Lois Malcolm's book of the same title will guide our conversation (no need to purchase).  Join Pastor Shjerven and others for this exploration of God's active presence among us.

Wednesday Midweek Renewal, 6:00pm

In the middle of the week, we take time to listen to one another, ask important questions, and reflect on scripture.  Bring your dinner or dessert to the Fireside Room for a time of conversation, connection and prayer.  All are welcome.

Youth  and Family News   --

SR ALYVE (9-12^th grade)

• Sunday School (May 8)--9:45-10:45am Class--meet in the Fireside Rm.
• Youth Group -- Wednesday, May 11-- 6-7:15pm in the Youth Room.
• Youth Leaders Training--Wednesday, May 11, 5:15-6:00pm in the Youth Room.  Dinner provided.
• Holden Youth Weekend--May 21-23rd.  Letter with details will be sent home next week.

JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• 6^th grade Sunday School--9:45-10:45am (May 8)  Ministry of Jesus
• Confirmation (May 8)- 9:45-10:45am Road to Emmaus. 
• Youth Group will meet Wednesday, May 18 and June 1, in the Youth Room, 6:00-7:15pm. 
• Hiking Trip -- Saturday, June 4.  Sign up on the Youth Board if you plan to attend.  More information will be available later in May.

Thank you for supporting the Continental Easter Breakfast sponsored by the Youth of St. Mark's on Easter.  We raised $500.00 to go toward the Montana Mission trip and other youth events.

Adult / Parent Volunteers are needed for the nursery on Sunday mornings in May. May 22 -- 8:30-9:30am and 9:45-10:45am;  May 29--8:30-9:30 and 9:45-10:45am.  Please sign up in the nursery if you are able to help or speak to Teresa Handy or Cindy Johnson for more information.  Thank you! 

Scholarships Available

If you plan to pursue higher education at a Lutheran institute of learning and are a member of St. Mark's, you are eligible to apply to be a "St. Mark's Scholar."  Information is available in the narthex.  Complete applications are due Sunday, May 22nd.  Scholarships will be awarded in worship on Sunday, June 5th.  For more information, contact Pastor Shjerven (rebecca@smlutheran.org)

Children's Faith Formation

   

 St. Mark's Directory of Skills and Talents

The Stewardship Ministry Team is organizing a new directory this Spring of member skills and talents to help us all appreciate and have greater access to the many gifts and abilities among our members.  Registration sheets are available in the Narthex.  The first edition of the Directory will be published Directory in time for Pentecost.  Any member who would like to share information about their particular skill is invited to participate.  Contact Carol Guenther for more details:  carolg@smlutheran.org

Women of St. Mark's

Ladies--remember your Secret Prayer Partner with a Mother's Day Card and / or a Small Gift.  Not a mother?  Send her a Thinking of You Card.  Your prayer partner wants to hear from you.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS... upcoming events

Friday Craft Night #1--

June 24 (6:30-9:30pm) -- Calling All Knitters! 

Patty Reinkensmeyer will be directing us in making a felted hobo bag for our Holiday Bazaar.  This is a straight-forward project for you experienced knitters and beginners alike.  Come and help us create this beautiful bag for sale, or bring your own project of any kind to work on.  All are welcome. 

We will provide the supplies, instruction and fellowship!  Reservations will be taken in late May, so that we may purchase the knitting needles and yarn.  Patty also has patterns for a felted hat and for felted gift bags!  This is your chance to get back into knitting (or to start a new hobby).  Help from experienced knitters will be appreciated. 

Don't forget, we will have two more craft nights this summer:  July 29 and August 26.  Watch for new and exciting projects as the Holiday Bazaar approaches.

September 17 -- Women's Retreat and Luncheon -- home of Carol Paulson.  9:30am.

November 5 -- Holiday Bazaar

December 3 -- Advent Brunch

"Come to Us Creative Spirit"

Poetry in the Month of May 

May is Poetry Month at St. Mark's--The artists-in-residence for the month of May are planning a celebration of poetry as part of our congregation's faith journey.  Some of the events planned include:

• Adult Forums -- each week focusing on reading, writing and enjoying poetry in different settings.
• Poetry in Worship -- hymns, prayers, etc. will be highlighted.
• Poetry Tree -- you may attach a poem to the tree (either one that you have written, or one that you especially like). 
• Sunday Poem  -- look for a new poem each Sunday introducing the video poetry readings (see below)
• Video Poetry Readings -- each week we will have a video of well known poets reading from their own works.
• Writing Workshop -- planned for Saturday, May 14. 
• E-mail "poem of the day" to those who are interested (if you would like to receive a poem each day, contact Tim Sherry and the email listed below)
• More information is available from Tim Sherry at timsherry@comcast.net or 253-531-3480.

Lutheran World Relief

Again, what a privilege it is to send our quilts and kits to Lutheran World Relief.  The need around the world is great and the members of St. Mark's have responded to the need.  Over 150 quilts and over 220 health kits were prepared and sent along with 88 layettes.  Thanks to all who donated fabric, health kit and layette items.  Thank you to the faithful members who make the quilts and a special thank you to the Terrill family (Jack, Catherine, Sophia, Victoria and Catarina) for organizing intergenerational events to bring awareness to Lutheran World Relief!  You are all greatly appreciated.

Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting --

Sunday, May 15, 2011-- 12:15pm

All confirmed members who are eligible to vote are encouraged to attend this important meeting as we elect new council members, discuss a new ministry goal and by-law changes.  A light lunch will be served.

Supporting Our University: 

PLU Sunday, May 22

What connects us to Pacific Lutheran University?  For some, it may be that you are a graduate or a current student or that you work at the university.  But ALL of us are connected to PLU for another reason.  PLU is owned by the 600+ ELCA congregations of the Northwest--that means US, that means YOU!  So each year we celebrate our relationship with the university that is in our care.  Look for information in the narthex and in the bulletin and join us on May 22nd!  

Stewardship: Quarterly Financial Report 

Church Council is taking new steps to keep the congregation updated and informed about the financial status of St. Mark's.  Church Council, via the Finance Committee, will send out financial updates four times a year.  This statement includes quarter goals, actual income, and overages or shortfall for both the General Mission Fund and the Grace Upon Grace building fund.  Click here for the one page update. 

St. Mark's Community Work Party

May 7 -- 8:00am-1:00pm

Help is needed for some Spring cleaning in outdoor areas around the church that need some TLC.  We are looking for happy faces and a couple of hours of your time to share in the work of caring for God's acre at St. Mark's.  Come for as much of the time as you can.

Please bring your favorite yard or garden tool and work gloves.  Rakes and shovels are needed as well.  If you have a truck -- it will be the star of the show!!!

Project planner:  Joani Easterlund -- joani-e@att.net   Please e-mail Joani if you can help and be sure to identify the subject as "work party."

St. Mark's Members in the Local Arts:

Leischen Moore is appearing in the Tacoma Musical Playhouse production of Hello, Dolly!  May 6-May 29. For ticket information you can go to www.tmp.org  Leischen is playing the part of Irene Molloy.

Emilie Shimkus is appearing at the Tacoma Little Theatre in the 2-woman show, Always...Patsy Cline,  April 29-May 29.  For ticket information, go to www.tacomalittletheatre.com or call, 253-272-2281.  Emilie plays the part of Patsy Cline.

Jennifer Wolbrecht, St. Mark's Movement Arts Artist-in-Residence, will be performing in The Ides of May, dance production with the Barefoot Collective.  It will be presented at the BareFoot Collective's Tacoma Spaceworks at 915 Pacific Ave. in downtown Tacoma.  Shows are May 14 and 15 at 3pm and 7:30pm both days.  Tickets are available throug Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/events/168261.

Congratulations to all these performers!

Cook's Club - Episode 4... 

We will meet in the July at the Paulson beach home.  Watch for details!