St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church
Thanksgiving Community Dinner
St. Joseph Parish Life Center will be hosting a Thanksgiving Community Dinner on Thursday, November 28. They will be serving plated meals from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and serving boxed carry-out meals starting at 12:30 pm. Dine-in menu includes turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberries, applesauce, roll with butter, and dessert pies. Boxed meals will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a roll with butter. If you would like a meal delivered to your house on that day, please contact the church office by Monday, November 25.
The Sunday School Christmas Play
The Sunday School Christmas Play will be performed during worship on Sunday December 15. Practice will be during Sunday School on December 8 and 15.
Blue Christmas Worship Service
Not everyone is celebrating a joyful Christmas season. For some, the endless barrage of sappy Christmas movies, 24/7 Christmas carols, and universal merriment is unbearable. Carrying a heavy weight of grief or chronic ill health is antithesis to what everyone else seems to be going through. The reality is that the birth of Jesus was not merriment but the trudge of a forced journey, not the scent of pine but the nose pinching stench of manure, not eggnog toasts but the panting breath of labor in the darkness. A blue Christmas worship service carries the hope of Christmas in the midst of darkness, pain, and questions. If you are more blue than red or green this Christmas, join the community Blue Christmas Worship Service held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, at St. Paul United Church of Christ.
Consecration Weekend
At the Consecration Weekend 41 couples or individuals completed Estimate of Giving Cards, and 33 indicated an increase in giving. To date, the total estimated income to the General Fund for 2025 is $272,028 for an increase of 12% over the last 12 months. If you did not fill out an Estimate of Giving Card, you are invited to do so and place it either in the offering or return it to the church office. Thanks to everyone who worked to make this weekend a success and to the New Beginnings Learning Academy for their gift of the Thankoffering Meals.
Advent Service Dates
Our Midweek Advent Services will be held on the first three Wednesdays in December: December 4, 11, and 18. There will be a short service held on each of those days at 7:00pm with a meal beforehand starting at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. A chairlift is available so that all are able to attend. The first meal will be provided by the Worship & Music Committee, the second by the Kitchen Committee, and the third by the Church Council.
The Annual Congregational Meeting
The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held after the worship service on Sunday, December 1. An Informational Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 30, immediately following worship. We will be voting on the 2025 General Fund Budget and electing three council members for a three-year term beginning on January 1, 2025. They are Mark Swaney, Corrin McBride, and Amanda Schmerge. The proposed 2025 General Fund Budget is on page 11.
Christmas Jubilee Tree Gifts
to be Returned by December 8 Thanks to everyone who took a tag from the Christmas Jubilee Tree in the entrance hall. Please return the wrapped present with the tag attached under the tree by Sunday, December 8.
Christmas Eve Worship
On Tuesday evening, December 24, we will have two worship services. Both will have candle lighting, Christmas carols, and communion. The 5:00 pm Worship Service will be simpler and designed especially for young children. The 7:00 pm worship service will feature music by the choir and bell choir.
Christmas Jubilee Tree with Lots of Gifts
Advent Offering Envelopes
Advent Offering Envelopes are on the table in the entry. This offering is used to aid church members who are going through a financially hard time. This offering is a gift of appreciation from all who have been given a helping hand previously in life and now want to pass it on.
