Worship and Music at St. Mark's 

This week our Ministry Fair focuses on the many opportunities we have to deepen our faith as well as serve our church through our worship life together. It takes many hands to create our three Sundays worship services (Ushers, Lectors, Communion Servers, Acolytes, musicians and the list goes on...) and we welcome new volunteers to serve in this way. Training is provided, so no prior experience is necessary. Representatives from the Altar Guild, the various music teams and the Worship team will be in the Fellowship Hall and would welcome the opportunity to talk with you to discover the best match for your interests and gifts. It's a wonderful way to get more involved at St. Mark's. It's also a great chance for all of us to stop by and express our thanks for the hours of service given by so many. See you at the Fair!

September is NAME TAG Month at St. Mark's --

One of the signs of a hospitable church is the effort we take includes the efforts we take to get to know one another by name.  With over 300 members at worship each Sunday, creating an atmosphere of personal welcome can be a challenge, but a simple sticky label can help!  For the next few weeks, we invite all members to pick up your pre-printed name tag at the Welcome Center as you come to church and wear it throughout the morning.  Even if you have been a member for years and you think you know the names of every other member, chances are there is someone who has forgotten yours and will be grateful for this simple reminder!  (We also have blank labels available for visitors.)

Children's Faith Formation

2011-2012 Children's Sunday School has begun... 

Sunday School welcomes children age 3 through 5th grade.  It begins at 9:45am and ends at 10:45am.   It is not to late to register your child(ren) for Sunday School.  Just go to the Children's Faith Formation Center (lower level -- Preschool wing) and look for the signs.

Adult Faith Formation

Wednesdays: 

 Noon Lunch and Bible Study (PCC1)

 6:00pm "Spirited Sisters:  Women in the Early Church" (FR)

Sundays:

9:45am--Adult Forum Schedule for September

• September 18 --  Who is my neighbor?  Hunger in Pierce County, hosted by Heidi Calhoun (Parish Commons Classroom 1)
• September 25 -- Who is my neighbor?  Housing needs in Pierce County, hosted by Mia Wells (PCC1)

11:00am Adult Class

New Series:  Making Sense of the Christian Faith:  Using materials by Dr. David Lose, we will examine the major classical teachings of Christianity, focusing on one topic each week. 

• Sunday, September 18 -- "Original Blessing--Creation" hosted by Mary Jo Larsen (PCC1)

Let's Start Praying Again"

Study sessions at the Mortvedt Center, Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Comunity, meet on Tuesdays, at 11:00am and continue weekly. Our first course on the subject "Let's Start Praying Again" will be taught by George Leone.  He has an excellent series planned and will teach with projected aids.  Later in the fall, Dick Rodning will lead a study of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's "Life Together."  Copies of the book are available.  For more information or to reserve a book, please call Dick at 761-9198.

Youth  and Family News   --

SR ALYVE (9-12th grade):

• Youth Group Thursdays, 6:15-8:00pm in the youth wing with Matt and Courtney.  September 15, dinner provided.  September 22, potluck -- bring something to share.
• Sunday School begins September 18, 9:45-10:45am in the Fireside Room.
• JR/SR ALYVE Softball Game, Saturday, September 24, 3:00-5:30pm. Meet at Chambers Primary School, 9101 56th St. W., University Place.  Please bring something to share for the BBQ. 
• ELCA Youth Gathering (July 18-22, 2012).  Second interest meeting Sunday, September 25, 11:00am in the Fireside Room.  Sign up on the Youth Board for more information.

JR ALYVE (6-8th grade):

• 6th grade Sunday School begins, September 11,  9:45am in the Youth Wing.
• 7/8th grade Confirmation begins, September 18,  9:45am in the Sanctuary.
• 7th grade Rite of Welcome, 9:45am service
• 8th grade Rite of Renewal, 11:00am service
• Youth Group begins Wednesday, September 21, 6-7:15pm in the Youth Wing.
• JR/SR ALYVE Softball Game, Saturday, September 24, 3:00-5:30pm.  Meet at Chambers Primary School 9101 56th St. W., University Place.  Please bring something to share for the BBQ.  

September Family Fun Night -- Friday, September 16.  5:30-7:30pm  Board Game Bonanza!  Hot dogs provided, please bring a side dish to share.

Entertainment Books are on sale!  $25.00 each.  Discounts to Pomodoro, Steamers, The Hob Nob and much more. 

Thank you to Cindy Johnson who has served as our nursery co-coordinator. 

The Spirit and Skills of Negotiation:

Collaborative Planning Cooperative Problem Solving

This October St. Mark's is proud to offer an extensive course entitled "The Spirit and Skills of Negotiation" taught by Bill Lincoln, a world renowned conflict resolution practitioner and recipient of the 2006 Greater Tacoma Peace Prize. He is the former Executive Director of the Conflict Resolution, Research and Resource Institute [CRI], and his clients included the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Agency. Among his many international involvements were 1) his preparing the Sandinistas and the political opposition UNO for Nicaragua's transitional government negotiations, and 2) his facilitation of all the parties for the "Guatemala Peace Process." Bill is generously offering the course at no charge. Learn more about him by visiting his web site http://www.thelincolninstitute.cc.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in a world-class seminar and to acquire skills that will help participants both in their everyday lives and in their business and community activities. At the completion of the course participants will have acquired theory and skill for practical applications in the prevention, management and resolution of conflict via informal and formal utilization of negotiation and approaches.

The seminar will take place on three Saturdays - October 8th, October 15th and October 22nd, from 8 a.m. - noon. Mid-morning coffee and refreshments will be provided by the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize Committee.  Although there is no fee for this course, please register by contacting Rob Sievertsen 253-709-3916 / robs@precise-components.com. Include your name, phone number, and email address.  For further information, contact Rob or Pastor Rebecca Shjerven rebecca.shjerven@smlutheran.org / 253-752-4966. A detailed syllabus is available from Rob Sievertsen or Janet Ruud ruudj1norw@aol.com / 253-988-6825.

Women of St. Mark's

September 17: Women's Retreat and Luncheon will be held at the home of Carol Paulson, 517 Monterey Lane, Fircrest.  We will begin at 9:30am.  Carpool from the church, if you like, at 9:15am.   The morning program will be "Stitches and Scripture."  Everyone will learn a bit about how knitting is frequently used in Scripture as a metaphor to describe God's creative and intimate relationship with us.  We will need a few knitters to demonstrate.  The study will be followed by a potluck lunch. ALL WOMEN ARE INVITED! Call the church office with your reservation. 

HOLIDAY BAZAAR (November 5) --  We will again have a used jewelry sale and are taking donations of jewelry you no longer wear.  Donations may be given to Volly Grande on Sunday or brought to the church office.    We will also have a used book and collectible sale.  Pick up can be arranged by calling Bonnie Wascher (503-6765) or items for the bazaar can be dropped off at the church office after October 1.

December 3 -- Advent Brunch --9:30am  "Christmas in Norway"

The Quilters meet each Monday at 9:00am to cut, sew, and create quilts for Lutheran World Relief.  If you are interested in joining the quilting group, please contact Vangie Billingsley at 253-756-7766.  If you cannot attend the weekly quilting times, there are many other tasks you can do at home, just ask!

Care of Creation 

Day Hikes -- You are invited to join the Care of Creation Team on our day hike on September 16th.  Please meet at the St. Mark's parking lot for these hikes at 8:00am in the morning unless otherwise directed in The Bridge and in the Parish Life insert.  Questions? Contact Tom Hulst at 253-460-2683 (thulst@live.com). 

From the Parish Nurses--

Have you seen the Parish Nurses survey?  You'll find one in your bulletin on Sunday at church.  After five years of ministry, it's time for a performance review.  Please take a few minutes to give us some feedback on how we are or are not meeting your needs.  We want to continue to do the things you've appreciated and enjoyed and maybe change the way we've been doing other things.  We also are looking for people who might help out on occasion, taking a blood pressure, or finding a ride to the doctor, or assisting with a class or group discussion.  There are lots of ways the nurses minister to you, and sometimes there are just more tasks than there are nurses.  The survey will give you an opportunity to voice your wishes and maybe even volunteer your time.  We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Associated Ministries of Pierce County

HUNGER WALK  -- October 2, 2011

St. Mark's will have one big team participating in the event!  The goal this year is higher because the need is greater.   Some of the activities planned (beginning August 28) include:

• CHANGE YOUR SOCKS... yes, change in your pocket can go into a sock and be emptied at the CHURCH SOCK the next Sunday.  You will find the CHURCH SOCK by the Church Van.
• In addition to filling the Church Sock with Change, help us fill the church van with food.  The van will carry 1,800 lbs of nonperishable goods easily.  Maybe even more!  No tickets, please -- JUST NON-PERISHABLE.  Don't forget toothpaste, soap, Pampers, Poise, laundry soap, vinegar, dish soap. . .as well as food products.
• The ministry teams and other volunteers will be asking you to help raise $2,400.  Donations can be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church (note Hunger Walk), to volunteers, or online.  For online donations, go to www.smlutheran.org and click on Hunger Walk.  Credit cards are accepted.
• Come to Ft. Steilacoom for a fun day or better yet---walk with us on October 2, 2011.

You can register online as part of the St. Mark's team at http://my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.aspx?teamID=256647&langPref=en-CA   Once registered you can seek online donations in your name that also contribute to the St. Mark's team goal of $2,400.

Church Pictorial Directory 

To all who have participated in our church directory project, thank you!  IF you elected to have your complimentary 8x10 photo sent back to St. Mark's for pick up, some of the portraits are now in the church office.  Please stop by to pick up your portrait.  If it is not here, it will be coming in a future shipment.

Member Notes . . .

Paul Baughman and Louise Lindeman will be married on Sunday, September 18 at the 10:30am service at First Lutheran Church. Tacoma.  All are welcome to attend this joyous event!  On September 25, at 2:00pm they will have a blessing and reception at the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Center (in the chapel).  Please join them, if you are able.

A thank you to my St. Mark's Family -- from Dan Payne,

Blessings to all the congregation, my friends and colleagues within this house.  I have missed everyone and I plan on returning to my routine tasks as healing allows.  Without your prayers, cards and well wishes from all my church family along with great medical and spiritual care, I would not be able to heal as swiftly.  I hope to attend a service soon.  Thank you, Dan Payne

Leischen Moore can be seen in Tacoma Little Theatre's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."    www.tacomalittletheatre.com (phone:  253-272-2281).  This show is recommended for ages 13 and older.

If you have questions about this report, please contact John Wascher, treasurer, at jwascher@mac.com.

 Submissions to the weekly Bridge are due in the church office by Tuesday of each week!