At the semi-annual congregational meeting on Sunday, May 15 . . .  

• The following people were elected to serve on the Church Council: Janet Grant (President), Derek Smith (Vice-President), Carol Grudzien (Secretary), Barb Haueisen (Outreach), Jack Terrill (Children & Youth Faith Formation), Justin Oellerich (Peace & Justice), Pat Geary (Congregational Care).  Everett Holum (Stewardship), Tony Daniels (Worship & Music) and Mary Jo Larsen (Adult Faith Formation) will be continuing in their positions on the council.
• The following people were elected to serve on the Preschool Board:  Katie Meers and Joyce Erickson. 
• The following people were elected to serve on the Scholarship Committee:  Cindy Kennedy and Bruce Sadler.
• James Gallegos was elected to serve on the Endowment Fund Committee.
• The following ministry goal was approved:  Honor and enrich the faith life of adults by providing opportunities to explore their diverse stories in light of God's story in order to answer Christ's call.
• The descriptions of these standing committees in the by-laws were changed as follows:  The Children and Youth Faith Formation Committee engages in the formation of disciples by providing opportunities for children, youth and their families to be nurtured by God's word and to engage in activities and worship that will encourage Christian growth.  It shall invite, equip and support members for faith formation leadership and make use of appropriate materials in accordance with this congregation's confession of faith.
• The Adult Faith Formation Committee engages in the formation of disciples by providing opportunities for all adults to be nurtured by God's word so as to grow in faith, hope and love and to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling.  It shall invite, equip and suport members for faith formation leadership, and make use of appropriate materials in accordance with this congregation's confession of faith.

Children's Spring Musical --

Sunday, May 22, 11am service

The children's choirs of St. Mark's will be offering a musical program on Sunday, May 22 during the 11am service.  Music Machine:  Fruits of the Spirit delves into the Galatians text about love, patience, gentleness, faith, joy, peace, goodness, self-control and kindness.  Come join the music "machine" that takes each "fruit" and turns it into a song.  A cake reception will follow the 11:00am service in the Parish Commons.  All are welcome!

Youth Pentecost Program--

Sunday, June 12, 7:00pm

Mark your calendars!  The Youth Arts Teams of St. Mark's (J.A.M. Youth Band, Youth Drama Team, and Witness Youth Choir) will present a music and drama program based on the Pentecost story on Sunday, June 12, at 7:00pm in the Parish Commons.  The youth took stories from around the world and developed the script for this program that teaches how the Pentecost story can be used in our lives today.  A dessert reception will follow the program.  All are welcome!

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.  The first photo sessions will be June 1 & 2 and June 8 & 9. Please watch for  more details!

Sunday, May 22--Adult Faith Opportunities:

9:45am Adult Forum- Spiritual Renewal at Holden Village

Tim Sherry will host a forum during which he will read from and talk about his manuscript of poems about Holden Village, the Lutheran Retreat Center in the North Cascades above Lake Chelan in eastern Washington.  The poems are the story of his time there as a volunteer during the month of July 2009 and reflect the powerful influence of God in the wilderness on those who come to Holden for spiritual renewal.  

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.

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!  

Youth  and Family News   --

SR ALYVE (9-12^th grade)

• Sunday School (May 22)--9:45-10:45am PLU Sunday --meet in the Fireside Rm.  No class May 29.
• Youth Group -- Wednesday, May 25-- 6-7:15pm in the Youth Room.
• Holden Youth Weekend--May 21-23rd.  Don't forget--we leave at 4:30am on Saturday and return around 10:00pm on Monday. 

JR ALYVE (6-8^th grade)

• 6^th grade Sunday School--9:45-10:45am (May 22)  Ministry of Jesus.  No class May 29.
• Confirmation (May 22)- 9:45-10:45am Acts of the Apostles.  No class May 29. 
• Youth Group will meet Wednesday, 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.

Summer Sunday School begins June 19th--If you are interested in teaching a group, please sign up on the table in the Narthex.  We would like two leaders for each Sunday in addition to our "Arts Expert" who will be leading the project.

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.  Thanks to all who have already submitted a response.  There is still time to share your information 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.  Click Here to download a form you can print and return or email to Carol.

Do you like to cook? If so, we are looking to provide a few meals to parents of newborns and/or young children.  Please contact Ingelaurie Lisher at ingelaurie@smlutheran.org or at 752-4966, ext. 104 if you are interested in helping.  Meals should be freezer ready.  Thanks.

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 celebrating poetry as part of our congregation's faith journey.  Have you attended the forums,or read poetry on the Poet Tree, or received a poem-of-the day via email, or written your own poems?  It is not too late to participate!  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! through 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,  through May 29.  For ticket information, go to www.tacomalittletheatre.com or call, 253-272-2281.  Emilie plays the part of Patsy Cline.

Congratulations to these performers!

Cook's Club - Episode 4... 

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