Connections is a newsletter publication of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marion, Iowa
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Helping Others Prayer Requests 2 2 Ministry Matters 3 Thank You St. Mark’s Calendar 4 4 Construction Update 5 Youth Ministry 6 Children’s Ministry 7 Advent Volunteers Needed 8 Inside this issue: Inside this issue: November 11—December 2, 2010 Issue 163 Fall has definitely arrived, complete with crisp air and fal- ling leaves. This is the season for spending time with family and friends, and making plans for various events and upcom- ing holiday celebrations. This year, when you are planning how to spend your time, don’t forget to ask your- self, “What does God have planned for me? Which of my gifts or passions, which God has so graciously given to me to use, will I choose to glorify his Kingdom?” Volunteering is one of the foundational cornerstones of Christ-centered ministry. Jesus himself said that he did not come to be served, but to serve. Every one of us is called to serve God by serving others. He called the church to continue that servant role, and today it is an extension of the ministry of Jesus. (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45) Plan to attend our second annual Ministry Fair on Sunday, Nov. 21. Whether you are a new volunteer, or just reaffirming your desire to continue in the area you currently serve, come enjoy fellowship and talk with our Ministry Leaders. Find out more about all the opportunities there are for you to serve at St. Mark’s, then prayerfully consider where to offer your gifts and passions in service. Dedicate your time & talent at Sunday’s Ministry Fair
Transcript
Helping Others
Prayer Requests
2
2
Ministry Matters 3
Thank You
St. Mark’s Calendar
4
4
Construction Update 5
Youth Ministry 6
Children’s Ministry 7
Advent Volunteers Needed 8
Inside this issue:Inside this issue: November 11—December 2, 2010 Issue 163
Fall has definitely arrived,
complete with crisp air and fal-
ling leaves. This is the season
for spending time with family
and friends, and making plans
for various events and upcom-
ing holiday celebrations.
This year, when you are
planning how to spend your
time, don’t forget to ask your-
self, “What does God have
planned for me? Which of my
gifts or passions, which God has
so graciously given to me to
use, will I choose to glorify his
Kingdom?”
Volunteering is one of the
foundational cornerstones of Christ-centered ministry. Jesus himself said that he did not
come to be served, but to serve. Every one of us is called to serve God by serving others.
He called the church to continue that servant role, and today it is an extension of the
ministry of Jesus. (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45)
Plan to attend our second annual Ministry Fair on Sunday, Nov. 21. Whether you are
a new volunteer, or just reaffirming your desire to continue in the area you currently
serve, come enjoy fellowship and talk with our Ministry Leaders. Find out more about all
the opportunities there are for you to serve at St. Mark’s, then prayerfully consider
where to offer your gifts and passions in service.
Dedicate your time & talent at Sunday’s Ministry Fair
Page 2
In mid-October, a group of 11 people traveled to Eagle
Pass, Texas, to our partner, San Lucas Lutheran Church. It
was a new adventure, staying in Eagle Pass and working
at the church compound for the week.
St. Mark’s purchased and donated a well-used van. The
van was driven to Texas and delivered to them to assist in
their needs locally and at the Cristo Rey, Mexico Church.
Construction projects were tackled under the leader-
ship of Mel Koski. A concrete sidewalk was poured at the
parsonage. Holes were drilled and water injected under
the dormitory via PVC pipe to raise the floor, which is
cracking. Many doors were repaired and adjusted in the
church and parsonage. Trees and bushes were trimmed.
Cracks in walls and ceilings were repaired as were holes in
the exterior. We worked on window maintenance, down-
spouts, painting and more.
A health fair was held for the community. About 70
adult and children came through for information related
to cancer screening, nutrition and weight management.
Blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels were
checked. A number of Cedar Rapids area businesses and
individuals were generous with dental supplies, shirts,
Spanish reading materials, bags, and pedometers (which
were the “hot” item). A diabetic education class was held
with the help of Pastor Nelson.
An evening program was provided for the children
about the “Midnight Knocker” Bible story, with singing
and a craft. The San Lucas people provided us with won-
derful authentic Mexican food all week. In return, our
group served an “Iowa” meal to them – pork loin, cheesy
potatoes, salads, and apple pie.
The mission trip group included: Sher Jasperse and
Daryl Julich, Mel Koski, Ben Fiedler (our techy person),
Betty and Bruce Lindholm, Linda Palmer, Tim York, Lorey
Jenson, and Jim and Anita Haughenbury.
The mission included people from St. Mark’s, LCR, First
Lutheran and Ascension churches.
We’re starting to plan our next trip, which will be in
mid-March. If you have questions or are interested in
joining us, contact Anita at texmexmissions@faith-
life.org. You will have an awesome time and experience
many blessings!
11 tackle projects for Texas church
Grieving Pastor Alfred and Sky Kaupins, on
the death of their son Andy on Nov. 5.
Jody and Dan Skogen and Tara, and Lisa Bonordon on the death of Jody’s and Lisa’s grandmother, Ruth Boeckman, on Nov. 11.
Hospitalized Ann Lee, at Mercy Becky Nelson, at Mercy
Recovering at home Dolores Nickels Norman Severson Darlene Welsh (at the Hiawatha
Care Center)
Military Members of the military, including
Aaron Hopp and Chad Vieth, who are deploying to Afghanistan in the very near future.
Volunteers needed at CrossRoads Volunteers are needed to sit and listen to the stories of
our guests who come into CrossRoads Mission, then enter
data into our Act 2007 database (if you can e-mail, we can
easily teach you how to use Act 2007). Then tell our story
to our guests in the culture of poverty to help determine
the services we can offer. This volunteer need exists every
week from Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If
you have an interest in helping to support CrossRoads
Mission in this volunteer activity, please contact Pat Kane
by calling 981-1273.
Choir needs voices for Christmas Cantata
Our Chancel Choir has begun rehearsing our Christmas
Cantata, "Canticle of Joy." Anyone who would like to tem-
porarily join us for this concert (Dec. 19) should come to
the beginning of our Wednesday night rehearsals. We will
work on the cantata from 7:40 to 8:10 p.m. and then you
can leave. And no, you do not need to audition - just
come, and expect a very fun experience.
Women’s Fellowship Dinner
Tuesday, Dec. 7 Social time 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:15 p.m.
Special program by Harmony Hawks Profound Sound Quartet
TICKETS ARE $13 PER PERSON AND AVAILABLE IN THE
FELLOWSHIP CENTER NOV. 21 & 28
For more information, contact LouAnn Jayne, 373-1134
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 8:00 AM Giving Tree to 12:00 PM Women’s Fellowship Dinner Tickets 8:30 AM Adult Forum & 9:45 AM Children’s Ministry 3:00 PM Consultation with Bishop Burk 3:30 PM GriefShare 5:30 PM Alpha 5:30 PM Celebrate Recovery Dinner 6:00 PM Celebrate Recovery
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22 5:00 PM Joyful Sounds 5:30 PM Harmony Ringers 6:30 PM Chancel Bell Choir 7:00 PM Boy Scouts
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 9:00 AM Quilters
12:00 PM Crossways 1:00 PM Crafters 6:00 PM Pilates 6:30 PM Financial Peace University Contagious Christian
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 6:00 AM Crossways Bible Study Men’s Fraternity 7:00 PM Community Thanksgiving Service at Echo Hill church 7:35 PM Chancel Choir 7:45 PM Crossways Men’s Fraternity
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 8:00 AM Turkey Bowl
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 8:00 AM Giving Tree to 12:00 PM Women’s Fellowship Dinner Tickets
8:30 AM Adult Forum & 9:45 AM Children’s Ministry Christmas Rehearsal 3:30 PM GriefShare 5:30 PM Alpha Celebrate Recovery Dinner 6:00 PM Celebrate Recovery
For a complete view of St. Mark’s monthly calendar, go to our website:
www.faith-life.org.
Selected Items from St. Mark’s Calendar
Thank you for the donation Dear friends,
Thank you so much for the donation of goodie bags for
patients at the University of Iowa Children’s hospital. This
gift will help to bring fun and a sense of normalization to
the hospital setting for our children.
We firmly believe that it takes more than medicine to
make our patients well. The hope and encouragement that
comes from donations such as yours really helps to convey
a message of true caring. We look forward to putting this
donation to work on your behalf.
Thank you for being a part of our caring team.
Gwen Senio Manager, Child Life Program
University of Iowa Children’s Hospital
Thank you for your loving support I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the pas-
tors, staff and all of the St. Mark’s members who extended
their concerns for my mother, Jan Braumann, during her
recent battle with cancer. I also appreciate all who helped
with her Celebration of Life...it was a beautiful and memo-
rable day.
My mother came to St. Mark’s along with our family 3
years ago. She was welcomed into the church family and
came to know many of you in a very close and personal
way. She enjoyed her participation in worship, small
groups, Crossways and by volunteering at the church.
I am very grateful for your loving support to me and my
family during her illness and her funeral. We felt the heart
of St. Mark’s during these very difficult days.
Sincerely, Karen Brenneman and family
My sincere thanks The pastoral visits, flowers, prayers, cards, prayer shawl
and food while at the hospital and rehab made me realize
how fortunate I am to be a member of St. Mark’s.
My sincere thanks, Jean Seery
Words of appreciation are many Thank you to St. Mark’s members for the prayers, visits
and cards while I was in the hospital and at home. Also,
thank you for the flowers, the fruit basket and the weekly
CDs of the sermon. Words of appreciation are many!
Sincerely, Lynwood Dahms
Wednesday, Nov. 24 is Family Night. There will be no children’s ministry or
youth ministry that night.
Church offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 for the
Thanksgiving holiday.
Page 5
By Tom Brennom Construction Project Manager
Great construction progress
continues to take place. Our hope
is to get the building enclosed be-
fore winter weather is upon us.
If you haven't looked at the
progress to the structure and exte-
rior recently, you will note signifi-
cant progress in the past 30 days.
Some highlights of recent pro-
gress includes:
Exterior wall con-
struction continues
and will be followed
by construction of
internal walls before
long.
Masonry (brick and
block) is nearly com-
plete.
The steel work is
about complete,
other than our stairs.
The first of the three stairwells is now constructed.
Plumbing and electrical rough-ins continue. Much of
this is not that observable from the outside, but both
are significant efforts and are moving along.
Installation of the HVAC (heating and cooling) sys-
tems is just beginning after final "tweaks" for im-
proved operation and efficiency.
Roofing materials are being installed.
Installation of the glazing (windows) is beginning.
Work to prepare the current building for expansion has
also begun. Holes are currently being cut into three lower
level rooms for new doors/windows and hallways. And, by
the way, these reinforced concrete walls are very solid
and very difficult to remove (noisy too)...another sign of
the solid church foundation!
A temporary kitchen will be built after Jan. 1 to be used
while our kitchen is expanded and improved. This tempo-
rary kitchen will assure we have meal preparation capabil-
ity throughout the construction project, even when the
current kitchen goes through the reconstruction process.
For those who remember the struggles we have had
with roof leaks in the current building, most leaks will be
resolved through the construction project. However, the
one by the elevator still remained without a sure action.
We will also be completing a roof modification this fall to
resolve this once and for all.
Finally, we will be having another "open viewing" of
our addition after the building is "enclosed" and stairwells
are constructed.
More information about our addition, as well as when
this will occur, will be coming in a few weeks.
Exterior masonry, steel work nearly complete
Page 6
High School Ministry
For those impacted by St. Mark’s 6th – 12th Grade Ministry
Middle School Ministry
Meets Wednesdays 7:30-9:30 PM
Join us on our journey through YouthAlpha &
explore the meaning of life.
Come and join a movement of students who are pursuing, encountering, and learning to-
gether how to live for Jesus!
Here’s the update . . .
We’ve experience some great moments of worship with the Cornerstone Band a great group of mostly middle school students who lead us in worship each week! (Thanks Cor-nerstone Band!) Daily Bread—in the Lord’s Prayer we are ask-ing that God meets our needs—and that He uses us to answer that prayer that others have. Students really thought about how God might be wanting to use them to help others’ needs be met! We’ve experienced some great moments of laughter and some serious moments of under-standing the amazingness of God’s grace as we forgive others and are forgiven! We’ve started a specific journey to memorize a key scripture passage every week! The Recharge was AWESOME! 23 of our mid-dle schoolers headed to Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp for their weekend fall retreat. God spoke clearly to us that His love is INCREDI-BLE—and how He desires to make all things new—us and the whole world when He comes back! Revelation 21:5 was the theme verse for the weekend. We’ve had some great times of preparing 6th graders and new St. Mark’s middle schoolers for their first communion!
Here’s some stuff to look forward to:
Confirmation (Nov. 17) - we’ll focus on The Lord’s Prayer: “Save Us from the Time of Trial and Deliver Us from Evil” Family Night—(November 24) - reminder: we don’t meet that night—so spend time with your families! First Communion— Join our students as they celebrate their First Communion on Sunday, November 21 at any of the worship services.
2nd Annual Turkey Bowl Flag-Football Extravaganza
WHO: Guys ages 10-100 WHEN: November 25, 2010 TIME: 8-10AM WHERE: St. Mark’s Lutheran Church WEAR: Warm Athletic Apparel RSVP: [email protected]
Page 7
Item Needed: A ball or similar item that can be
passed in a race (i.e., torch)
Run a relay race with your kids. Divide the family into
two equal teams. (If you have an uneven number, allow
one person to run the course twice.) Explain that the
first person must run the marked out course, give the
ball to the second person in line who will run the course,
and continue until every mem-
ber has run the race. Stress the
importance of running with the
ball and carefully passing it to
the next person.
After the race, congratulate
the winners and ask:
What would have happened if
you dropped the ball? (it would
take extra time to stop and pick
it up)
Why was it important to carefully pass the ball to the
next person? (so you could win the race)
Read Hebrews 12:1. (Run the race that is set before
us.)
Just as it is important to carefully pass the ball from
one person to the next, it is important for us to run the
race well and pass the truth we know about God from
one generation to another. Share how your parents did
(or didn’t) pass the truth to you. Tell them that you want
to pass the truth about God and how to live to them.
Family Devotion Passing Along the “Torch”
All St. Mark’s children will take part this year in the
Christmas program. Preschoolers will have a special
role in the program but will sit with their parents until it
is their special time. All other children, Kindergarten
through 5th grade will be involved whether it is in cos-
tume (provided by church), in the chorus, in the dance,
having a speaking or solo singing part. Multiple roles
are available to interested children.
Have you turned in your child(ren)’s commitment? If
Advent Season Our Next Sermon Series “Scene at the Stable” begins Nov. 28—We’ll visit scenes from the stable to hear from various Nativity story characters who were seen at the stable. Look for a complete Advent schedule in Sunday’s bulletin.
We Need You! Here’s how you can get involved
Be a part of the Giving Tree — Pick up tags in the Fellowship Center on Nov. 21, 28, and Dec. 5 to donate gifts to those in need. Bring your gifts forward during worship on Dec. 12. Help Decorate the Church—Help set up the stage, hang wreaths and lights, deco-rate the trees and transform the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons! Please contact the church office (447-0100) or sign up at the North Information Center for these volunteer opportunities: Set-up the stage Nov. 29 & 30; decorate the church, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m.; un-decorate the church Mon-day, Jan. 3, 6-9 p.m.
