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.

Saturday Morning Poetry Workshop

Saturday, May 14, 10am-1pm

Poets-in-Residence Emilie Shimkus and Robert Hasselblad will lead a 2-part Poetry Workshop.  There will be two morning discussions and writing sessions:  

Polyhymnia:  Poetry as Prayer

Ekphrasis:  Poetry in Response to Art

We'll take a break for lunch together and end the workshop by reading our work aloud and sharing new ideas about poetry as a vibrant part of our spiritual lives.  The workshop is for all ages, and we invite all who read, write, enjoy and/or are intrigued by poetry.  Please bring a $5.00 donation for lunch.  Space is limited--Please RSVP to Emilie at emilierommel@hotmail.com by Friday, May 13th.

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!

Sunday, May 15--Adult Faith Opportunities:

9:45am Adult Forum--Joy and Challenges of Poetry

Robert Hasselblad will host a forum during which the artists-in-residence for May share the joy and challenges poetry has brought to their lives.

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 15)--9:45-10:45am Class--meet in the Fireside Rm.
• Youth Group -- Wednesday, May 11 and 25-- 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. 

JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• 6^th grade Sunday School--9:45-10:45am (May 15)  Ministry of Jesus
• Confirmation (May 15)- 9:45-10:45am Good Shepherd. 
• 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.

Nursery Caregivers BBQ -- Tuesday, May 31-- 5:30-7:00pm at Ingelaurie's home.  Pleae RSVP by Sunday, May 29 if you are attending.

Vacation Bible School--dates announced.  August 1-5, 2011.  Children 4 years old -- 5th grade (incoming) are invited to join us for  Shake it up Cafe'.  Registration material and volunteer froms will be available May 22.

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)

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!  

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.  Thanks to all who have already submitted a sresonse.  There is still time to share your infomration either by printing out your response or e-mailing it back to Carol Guenther at  carolg@smlutheran.org   Submissions are due June 5.  The first edition of the Directory will be published in time for Pentecost on June 12.

The St. Mark's Community Work Party was a success in work, weather, and super gardeners.  Thank you to Crystal Bowden, Loren Donahue, Bruce Sadler, Bill Bridges and Roger Lueck-Mammen.  As you see, it was a small crew but a MIGHTY FORCE! 

Women of St. Mark's

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.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a faith-based, not-for-profit membership organization nearly 2.5 million members strong, offering a full array of financial services with the strength of more than $73 billion in assets under management.  You are invited to a brief presentation of their services andhow they can support your financial health on Sunday, May 22nd at the Tacoma Nature Center at 1919 S. Tyler St. from noon-1:30pm.  Lunch will be provided as well as supervised activities for children.  Please RSVP to James Gallegos if you plan to attend:  253-475-2444, ext. 108.

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 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!

As the weather gets warmer (I'm always hopeful), kids will be playing outside more often.  The May Bridge articles from the Parish Nurses desk will give you some handy safety reminders.

Playground Safety

Safe playground equipment and adult supervision are extremely important, but kids need to know how to be safe and act responsibly at the playground.  Here are some genearl rules to teach your kids:

• never push or roughhouse while on jungle gyms, slides, seesaws, swings, or other equipment
• use equipment properly--slide feet first, don't climb outside guardrails, no standing on swings
• if you jump off equipment, always check to make sure no other kids are in the way.  When you jump, land on both feet with knees slightly bent.
• leave bikes, backpacks, and bags away from the equipment and the area where you're playing so that no one trips over them
• playground equipment should not be used if it is wet because moisture causes the surface tobe slippery
• on very sunny day, playground equipment can become uncomfortably or even dangerously hot, especially metal slides.  So use good judgement--if the equipment feels hot to the touch, it's probably not safe to play on it.
• don't wear clothes with drawstrings or other strings at the playground.  Drawstrings, purses, and necklaces could get caught on equipment and accidentally strangle a child.
• wear sunscreen when playing outside even on cloudy days to prevent sunburn.

Cook's Club - Episode 4... 

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