File - St. Mark`s Lutheran Church

SEPTEMBER 2016
St. Mark’s Messenger
“Saved by Grace, we are called to Celebrate,
Serve and Make Disciples for Christ”
God's Work Our Hands day this year falls on the 15th anniversary
of September 11th. We will have worship at our normal service
times (8:30am & 11am) with Sunday School in between, and then
we will embark on giving back to our community.
Small teams of people will serve a meal at the Downtown Rescue Mission
and will go into the Homeless camps to provide medical care to
homeless pets, but the majority of our volunteer efforts will be focused
on Kids to Love.
Since 2004, the Kids to Love Foundation has directly impacted the lives of
more than 200,000 foster children. Their ultimate goal is to find “forever
families” for children who are waiting to be adopted. Last fall, K2L purchased the Davidson Farms
property in Ardmore, AL and are in the process of renovating it to become a group home for tween
and teen girls in the foster system. "This will be a place where they belong... a home. With 8
bedrooms accommodating up to 10 girls, our girls will have the opportunity to learn what it's like to
have a family full of love, support & devotion."
Service project details and sign up forms are available on the bulletin board across from the
playground near Communication Central. We will have service teams head out to the farm to help as
well as activities and collaborative projects in the Fellowship Hall that will support Kids to Love and
Davidson Farm.
If you would like to help, but cannot participate on September 11th, Kids to Love has a gift registry at
Target. You may go to the store or shop online to help purchase necessary items for Davidson Farm.
Please sign up today!
“GOD IN THE ASHES” MEMORIAL
PRESENTATION OFFERS FIRST-HAND
ACCOUNT OF SURVIVAL AND FAITH
DURING THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
ATTACKS
PAGE 2
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Grace and Peace from Pastor Gary
September signals the start of a new season:
The arrival of autumn.
The kick-off of college football.
The public phase of our Freedom to Grow capital campaign.
As well as several unique Sundays in the life of this Church.
You will find a separate article regarding Freedom to Grow in this newsletter, and you will
soon receive a special mailing explaining the campaign’s purpose and time frame. Please
note that Freedom to Grow is focused upon debt elimination which will give St. Mark’s
ministries the freedom to grow in new and dynamic ways. It is a call to sacrificial giving,
above and beyond your regular tithes and offerings. Beginning on September 11, I will
provide a workshop during Sunday School in fellowship hall that will provide a Biblical
foundation for sacrificial giving; it will be repeated on 09/18, 09/25, and 10/02. Commitment
Sunday for the capital campaign will be October 9. [FYI – Consecration Sunday in support
of the Church’s life and ministry for 2017 will be November 20.]
On September 11, St. Mark’s will join ELCA congregations across the nation in a dedicated
day of service – “God’s Work. Our Hands.” As always, there will be opportunities for God’s
children of all ages to “love and serve the Lord” by loving and serving our neighbors. Later
that evening, as we mark the 15th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, John Mahony will
give his marvelous presentation and personal testimony of God in the Ashes at 6 pm.
As a part of St. Mark’s 65th anniversary, we will feature the best of the best of our church’s
music ministries Soli Deo Gloria at both services on September 18. Come and enjoy
worship and invite your neighbor to come into God’s presence with singing! Invitation cards
will be available for your distribution in the narthex.
September 25 will be our annual WELCA Sunday, and our guest preacher will be
Seminarian Mary Dickman. She has expressed her gratitude for St. Mark’s support, and
she is looking forward to her visit that week-end.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
[Ecclesiastes 3:1]. May this September be a season of great grace for St. Mark’s!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Gary
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 3
Church Family News
We give thanks to God for Anne Trunk, mother of Barbara
Kocher, who entered the Kingdom of heaven on August 10. Her
memorial service was held in our sanctuary on August 21.
Please lift up prayers for those who have been recently
hospitalized within our church family: Patti Cutter, Tony Di Cerbo, Derek Emmerson, Almut
Herkert, Sigrun Hovlund, Erica Lorine, Darryl Palm, and Wally Stenberg.
The freshly painted sanctuary and entrance doors look great! They are painted red as a
visual reminder of these words from Hebrews 10:19-20, “We have confidence to enter the
sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us.”
Walt Kittelson has recently moved to Morningside Assisted Living in Madison, and Ernie and
Arleen Meinecke are new residents at Brookdale.
Inquiring minds want to know: The videographer who was filming during our worship
services on August 21 is creating a short video that will help to tell the story of St. Mark’s for
the upcoming Freedom to Grow capital campaign.
Rob Caple, our former Congregational President and Sunday school teacher, will be serving
overseas for six months, beginning soon after Labor Day. Let us all express our gratitude for
him and commit ourselves to daily prayers for Rob and Kim as well as their four children –
Tyler, Robbie, Regan, and Andrew.
We rejoice with Mike and Susan McCall as their daughter Kristen is united in Christian
marriage to John Busse on September 24 in our sanctuary.
SAVE THE DATE: St. Mark’s 65TH Anniversary Celebration Sunday – October 23rd
Our Unity Worship Service begins at 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School at 9:15.
Bishop Julian Gordy will be our very special guest that day.
We will have a catered banquet in fellowship hall at noon. Reservations will be needed,
and information will be provided soon for the cost per person.
A splendid 45 minute video, providing an overview of our church’s history and ministry,
prepared by Darryl Palm, will be enjoyed by all.
PAGE 4
Children, Youth & Family
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Confirmation
August 28 - welcome & orientation, 1:15 pm
If you were unable to make orientation, see
Traci for your notebook, brief explanation and
to fill out the needed paperwork.
All confirmands are asked to participate
in God’s Work. Our Hands. Day of Service.
We will be helping with Kids to Love and
will have more details on our specific task
as more info becomes available. Parents
are welcome too!
Our first class will be on September 25 in
the fellowship hall. We will begin at the
beginning with a lesson on creation &
original sin followed by acolyte training in
the sanctuary.
Sunday School Update:
Sunday School has begun! This year’s
offerings from children and youth will go
towards Kids to Love to be used for food,
clothing, school supplies, and Christmas
gifts as needed. So far, we have raised $34
(as of 8/21).
With our younger set, we’re trying a new
format this year, with puppets (thanks to
Glenn Dasher for a most awesome puppet
stage!); video; science experiments; and
more to tell each week’s story. A work in
progress… thanks to all of our wonderful
volunteers for their patience as we iron out
all the kinks to make our SS great!
It’s time again for our annual canoe trip! On
Saturday, September 24, enjoy a relaxing
day on the Flint River. Meet at the church at
12:30 pm (or at North Alabama Canoe &
Kayak on Hwy. 72 by 1:30 pm). A 3 (to 3 1/2)
hour tour, plan on putting in at 2 pm and
pulling out by 5:30 pm. For all ages, though
anyone under age 12 needs a parent to attend. Costs for this outing range from $35 for
a double occupant canoe or kayak to $45 for
a single. Make sure and wear sunscreen and
water shoes (no flip flops). Please sign up in
Communication Central or let Traci know if
you plan to attend.
Want to get in on the fun? We are always looking for more volunteers - just see Traci if you are interested!
SEPTEMBER 2016
Parents of Young Children
It’s back! Meeting monthly, young families are
invited to come together for a social gathering kind of like a family play date. The idea is to
build friendships between parents and their sweet
kiddos. So young or not so young, as long as you
are the parents of a youngster, you are welcome.
September’s Outing: Huntsville Botanical Gardens
Date: Saturday, September 17; 10am—12 noon
Address: 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue
Cost: Adults: $12; Kids 3-18: $8; Kids 0-2: free
(passes available—see Traci if interested)
Description: The Huntsville Botanical Garden is open
year-round and boasts a picture perfect aquatic garden,
a spectacular wildflower and nature trail and numerous
specialty gardens and plant collections. The Children’s
Garden and Nature Center contain the nation’s largest
seasonal butterfly house and eight specialized gardens
aimed toward the younger set. Children and adults alike
will enjoy a stroll through the dinosaur garden, the
space garden, storybook garden and more.
PAGE 5
Senior High
Wednesdays With the Word meets every
Wednesday at 6 pm. Join us as we discuss C.S. Lewis’
“Screwtape Letters”, fellowship and plan for the upcoming
youth service and future events. Super casual, all are
welcome - bring a friend to come chat with us!
Have you made it to Sunday School
yet? We’ve got a great class
going led by Heather White and
Brandon Hiller.
Visitors welcome, come check it out!
God’s Work. Our Hands. Day of Service is
on September 11. Opportunities this year
include helping pack Blessings in a Backpack; a
homeless visit focusing on animal care; serving
a meal at Downtown Rescue Mission; and lastly,
working with Kids to Love. Kids to Love
activities will be varied - in town and at the new
Davidson Farms facility in Ardmore. So much
help is needed in the world, find where you can
serve this day.
Sign up in Communication Central.
Don’t miss out! The annual canoe trip is on
September 24! This is a family trip
- all are
welcome to attend.
Meet at the church at 12:30 pm or
at NACK on Hwy. 72 by 1:30 pm.
Cost: $35 for a double; $45 for a
single.
The Fall Festival has become our biggest
community event (last year’s attendance
was over 700!) To continue to make this
event successful - we need YOU! We need
volunteers before, during and after. We
need donations to purchase food and
supplies. And of course, lots and lots of
Halloween candy. Please see Traci to see
how you can serve. Thanks!
Servant Event:
Coming on Tuesday, October 4 . . .
help us serve our neighbors a free
lunch. Why? “Because God loves you”. This
is an opportunity to give to our community
for no greater reason than sharing God’s
love. At this event, volunteers are needed
to grill and prepare hamburgers and hot
dogs, sides and drinks; to act as servers
and hosts; and spread the love of God to
our neighbors.
Plan to be there and spread the love.
PAGE 6
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Adult Education
Sunday School
Faith and Discovery: starting a new text!
Young Adult Sunday School: This class
Making Sense of the Bible, by Adam Hamilton.
Denominations continue to experience deep
divisions over universal social issues. The
underlying debate isn’t about a particular issue, but
instead it is about understanding the nature of
scripture and interpreting it. The author attempts
to address many of the issues plaguing the church.
Please contact Mike Hamilton or Kathy Sieja if
you'd like a book. We're always happy to see new
faces! Coordinated by Mike Hamilton. (basement
choir room).
is targeted towards our twenty-somethings and
has begun the year with discussions on science
and faith; and a look at Mere Christianity by C.S.
Lewis. Led by Kathy Emmerson. (Conference
Room)
Lectionary Bible Study: What is a
lectionary? A lectionary is a list of scripture
readings assigned to be read on a particular day.
This class will study and discuss the week’s
readings used in Sunday worship. Led by Tom
Duncan. (old narthex area)
Donuts: A fun and diverse class of DVD
lessons with varied teachers. Currently, this class
is studying Kay Arthur’s Lord, Teach Me to Pray.
Learn what the Lord's Prayer teaches us about
effective prayer and how to put into practice its
timeless principles. Led by Marlin & Denise
Williamson. (SS Room #8)
Blessings in a Backpack
mobilizes communities,
individuals and resources
to provide food on the
weekends for elementary school children across
America who might otherwise go hungry.
We pack 50 bags every week. Donations and
volunteers are always welcome. See Jed
Deason for more details.
Homeless Camps
An ongoing ministry to serve the homeless
in our area once a month. Contact Cindy
Conrad for more information. The next
visit will be September 11.
Mid-week
Monday: Bible Study
Beginning September 12, Pastor Gary will begin a
nine-month study on the Gospel of Luke and the
Acts of the Apostles. 11 AM in the fellowship hall.
Wednesday: 6:06 AM
Devotions, Prayer & Fellowship, in the chapel
Thursday: Coffee, Tea & Thee:
Getting ready to start a new study, now is a great
time to stop in and visit. Please join us! Led by
Didi Kearney at 1 PM, in SS Room # 8.
Opportunities to Serve
These are opportunities for you to share your time,
money, and of course, your prayers all year long.
Food Pantry
A long-time ministry to serve hungry
families and individuals in the Huntsville
area. Make food donations (please check
“best by” dates if bringing from home) by
bringing this month’s item or any nonperishable and placing it in the blue bins
in Communication Central.
This month’s food pantry item is…
Cans of Soup
(No Family Sizes, please)
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 7
The Leadership Retreat for our Church Council and Staff was recently held at Lutheranch. Our
theme, “Living Lutheran,” aptly encompassed the many exciting events planned for St. Mark’s for the
forthcoming year and beyond and the challenges facing us. The theme also provided us focus and a
drum beat for action.
Several key topics were highlighted: Pastor Gary’s “Moonshot” goal for St. Mark’s and a presentation
on identifiable trends at St. Mark’s, churches in the U.S., and healthy churches. Some of the trends
are discouraging. St. Mark’s average worship attendance has held steady at 240 for the past two
years, declining from a ten-year high of 309 in 2009. Baptized Membership decreased 22.8% while
expenses grew by 4.8% since 2008. National trends are also pertinent to us. Major denominations
continue to decline in membership, there is greater emphasis on youth, “Millennials,” and “Boomers”,
an increase in the use of technology (streaming video, social media, etc.), and a renewed importance
of the church building for small group activities and building relationships not otherwise attainable
through the Internet or cable.
The trends and traits of healthy churches are encouraging. While we are already practicing many at
St. Mark’s — small group gatherings (Shepherd Groups, Bible studies, various women’s circles, etc.),
active youth programs, and a focus on “Outreach,” there are still challenges. Below are 24 major
trends of Healthy Churches.
Trends of Healthy Churches
Pastor embraces
change
Have a clear mission
statement
Identify youth as a prior- Ruthlessly stop unproity
ductive ministries
Think training over
teaching
Have robust Sunday
School opportunities
Have involved church
members
Identify and offer programs others do not
Have specialized programs
Have a quality welcome
program
Are tech savvy
Demand excellence
Identify, spotlight, and
leverage top producers
Embrace and foster
change
Celebrate success
Have a positive spirit of
excitement
Build meaningful relationships through small
groups
Emphasize volunteering Pastor/staff quickly adwith meaning and action dress/resolve issues
Recognize the church
as a safe place
Add value not venues
Design for ministry ends
not means
Practice faith through
lifestyle evangelism
Cultivate a great experience
Clearly these are not all of the attributes of healthy churches. So that we can continue to improve,
please share any success stories you may have experienced in the past. Our goal is to strengthen St.
Mark’s ability to create a positive, welcoming church that actively practices our mission statement —
“Saved by Grace, We are Called to Celebrate, Serve, and Make Disciples for Christ”.
Ted Mueller
President, Church Council
PAGE 8
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Introducing the theme for our capital campaign...
We are planting a seed and there is more growth to come on our
capital campaign for debt elimination. Many hands are at work
planning and praying about this campaign. We ask that you
please join us at the 8:30am or 11:00am services on September 11 to
learn more about how you can be involved. Please check your
mailbox for more information in the coming days.
After a 3 month break for the summer, Free Spirits is back in September!! Mark the
third Thursday of each month for this fun fellowship event with a special program and
great meal each month. Sign up in Communication Central so we know how much food
to prepare!
This Month: Thursday, September 15th
Program: Sunshine Singers from the Senior Center
Circle Meetings
Hannah Circle will not meet on their scheduled meeting day this month, as it is Labor Day.
Their next meeting will be October 3 at the church. Please look for emails of social gatherings this
month. We will be reading Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott over the next two months.
Ruth Circle will meet Wednesday, September 7 at 9AM at the home of Dot Boerner.
We will continue our Bible study from Gather magazine. We welcome new members and guests.
Rachel Circle will meet on Monday, September 12th at 6:30 pm at the home of Mary Soop.
We will be resuming our Bible Study and collecting items for the Community Free Clinic. We
welcome new members and guests.
Deborah Circle will meet Tuesday September 13 at 10:00 AM in room #8 at church. Sandy
Ingalls is our hostess and we will meet after the summer break. Hope to see all of you then.
Everyone is welcome to join us for friendship, fellowship and bible study.
Martha Circle will meet on Thursday, September 8 at 7PM at the home of Kathy Sieja. We
will start our new study, The Friendship of Women by Joan Chittister, which will be handed out
that night.
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 9
The St. Mark’s Quilt Guild
Saturday, September 10th
10AM - 2PM
in the Fellowship Hall
We have some specific items to work on, and other
projects can be started! 3 quilts need to be tied and
three are ready for binding. Come fellowship, work
on these quilts for LWR, and have fun with your
friends or make new ones!
The Tilted World by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly will be
our reading selection for Saturday, September 3. We will
meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 8. Our pick for October 1 will
be The People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, and
on November 5, local attorney, Robert Bailey, will be our
guest speaker to talk about his novel, The Professor.
Attendance
Faithful Giving
Weekly Giving
(weekly)
to Meet Budget
July 31
228
$14,897
$17,132
August 7
244
$22,328
$17,132
August 14
248
$19,398
$17,132
August 21
238
$15,353
$17,132
$ 582,085
$ 582,488
Year to Date Totals:
PAGE 10
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Worship Themes for
September
September
September
September
4 – The Cost of Discipleship
11 – Search, Rescue, and Respond
18 – A Freewill Offering
25 – WELCA Sunday – Mary Dickman, guest preacher
-Glory to God AloneThis is the inspiration for two special worship services on Sunday, September 18,
offered in conjunction with the 65th anniversary of St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church. Excellent music and songs from our praise teams and choirs will be
featured at both 8:30 and 11:00 services. Imagine how the best of the best will be
offered to our God! This will be a wonderful occasion to worship and welcome
others to the House of the Lord. Please note that both services will include the
Proclamation of the Word and the celebration of Holy Communion.
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 11
“GOD IN THE ASHES”
MEMORIAL PRESENTATION
OFFERS FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT
OF SURVIVAL AND FAITH
DURING THE WORLD TRADE
CENTER ATTACKS
Retired officer shares story of faith at a special presentation
on Sunday, September 11, 2016
[HUNTSVILLE, AL] - On September 11, 2016 our nation will pause to remember the 15th anniversary of
the World Trade Center attacks. Huntsville resident and retired Lieutenant Colonel John Mahony
escaped from the 19th floor of the north tower. His 9-11 memorial presentation, God in the Ashes, is a
powerful first-hand account from a survivor of the World Trade Center Attacks. God in the Ashes will
presented at a free, community-wide event at 6pm-7pm on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at St. Mark’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huntsville.
Colonel Mahony begins with a gripping account of what it was like to be in the building at the time of the
attack. Then he walks through his escape from the building, the collapse of the towers, and being
trapped in the debris cloud. The second part of the presentation revisits the events from a Christian
perspective and describes his personal prayers and spiritual growth as the events unfolded. Finally, he
shares God’s answers to the prayers and the profound differ9-11 ence those gifts have made in his life.
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church welcomes all members of the community to attend this event.
Light refreshments will be provided following the session. Parents are urged to exercise their own
discretion when determining if their children should attend this talk. A professionally-staffed nursery and
child-appropriate activities will be provided for families with young children. The event is hosted in
conjunction with the church’s annual “God’s Work, Our Hands Day” in which the entire congregation
shares in a day of service to local organizations including Kids2Love and other non-profit organizations.
For more information about the presentation “God in the Ashes” or volunteer opportunities through the
God’s Work, Our Hands event, please contact the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church office by calling 256-5394361. Event details are posted via www.stmarkshsv.org.
About Lieutenant Colonel John D. Mahony (USA, Ret)
Colonel Mahony graduated from West Point in 1978 and served in the Army until his retirement in 1999.
In the course of his 24 year career, he served in six countries and moved 16 times. He retired in 1999 to
join IBM as a manager of large technology projects. On 9-11 he was working with Empire Blue Cross
Blue Shield on the 19th floor of the World Trade Center North Tower.
He moved to Huntsville in 2011 and attends St Mark’s Lutheran Church. He has a daughter and
grandson in Vail, Colorado and as well as family in Huntsville. He is the father of Lara Sieja and grandfather to Payton and Ben.
PAGE 12
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
Whether you've been before or not, join us for September's Supper Club
night out! Mark your calendars and sign up on the bulletin board across
from the playground.
This is for any and all adults at St. Mark's, young or old, parents or single,
we will all come together for some fun, food and fellowship. If you do
have children, there will be childcare at the church. Drop your kids off at
6pm (after they have eaten) and join us at the restaurant at 6:30pm.
SEPTEMBER
When: Saturday, September 17th
Where: Bonefish Grill (4800 Whitesburg Drive)
What time: 6:30pm reservation (child drop off at 6pm at the church)
Who: Adults, couples, parents, singles, etc.
So we have an accurate headcount to make a reservation (and for childcare purposes), please sign up in Communication Central (on the bulletin
board), or contact Courtney Spadaro ([email protected]).
Bonefish Grill was founded on perfecting
every detail for you, because we believe that
a great meal is more than just food on a
plate. It is the entire experience from start to
finish, from our seasonal fresh fish, to our
hand-crafted cocktails, to our personalized,
memorable service. That is the Bonefish Way.
Entrees include seafood, steaks, and burgers
and range $12 - $28.
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 13
“Because God loves you”
Community Lunch
October 4, 11 am - 1 pm
Let’s do lunch!
On Tuesday, October 4, St. Mark’s is
going to serve lunch to our
community. A completely free event,
for no other reason than to tell people
that God loves them. Reaching out to local businesses and the
hospital in an act of good will, we will serve lunch from 11 am
to 1 pm in the front parking lot (near the office entrance) as
supplies last. We’ll set up a few tents and tables for those who
want to visit and relax; and carry out options for those with just
a few minutes to spare. We will grill and serve hamburgers
and hotdogs, offer chips, fruit and cookies as well as a couple
drink options. Volunteers and donations are requested. A sign
up list is in Communication Central for food donations as
well as volunteers. We have chosen October 4, as it is during
fall break and will allow some of our youth to participate. A
new outreach, this could be amazing, join us if you can.
Nursery Position Available. To
care for and attend children under
the age of six. Attendant needed to
work Sunday mornings, occasional
events and Wednesday evenings
beginning in November.
Approximately 15-20 hours per
month. Must be 18 and graduated
from high school. Background
check and letters of
recommendation required. No
formal experience necessary. See
Traci Billman if interested.
Coming soon… Wednesday Agape
Beginning Wednesday, November 2, St. Mark’s will begin an evening program for
all ages. Starting at 5:30 pm, dinner will be served; followed by programming from
6:00-7:30 pm. The details:
 For dinner, the menu will vary each week and will be posted at sign up. There is
a $5 per person per dinner fee; sign up by the Sunday before is required.
Payment is due at sign up.
 Nursery will be available from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.
 Programming will consist of whole and small group activities (age appropriate)
for the first three weeks focusing on Martin Luther, Reformation and Germany.
 We will take a break on November 23 (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving).
 At the start of Advent on November 30, the schedule will vary slightly with
dinner still at 5:30 pm; a whole group devotional activity at 6 pm; and Advent
worship service at 6:30 pm.
PAGE 14
ST. MARK’ S MESSENGER
September is Women of the ELCA month, and this
gives us a great opportunity to highlight some of the
things that our St. Mark’s WELCA does for fun, fellowship, and for the good of others. Here are some of
our regular activities as well as information about our
Annual Luncheon meeting.
St. Mark’s WELCA is open to every woman of St. Mark’s, and September is a great time to join us
in one of our Circles, or attend the luncheon and/or our WELCA Sunday when women serve on
the altar and as ushers and greeters. We currently have 5 Circles that meet monthly, and each
Circle is always open to welcoming new members. We have members of all ages in our Circles,
meet at all different times and places; and each Circle comes together for Bible or book study, a
mission to support, and fellowship. See the Circles’ meetings times and places for this month
below.
WELCA Weekend at St. Mark’s is September 24th and 25th, and we are thrilled to be joined both
of those days by Mary Dickman who is a Southern Seminary student whom St. Mark’s is pleased
to help financially during her seminary training. Mary will speak at our luncheon on Saturday and
also preach on Sunday.
The WELCA Luncheon is on September 24th at 11:00, and our theme this year is “Every Woman is
a Daughter.” We will encourage attendees to share a memory, and following are some ideas to
spur your thinking:
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Share about a memorable family vacation.
The best gift you gave your mom or received from her.
The best advice you received from your mom, or gave to your daughter.
What were some of your mom’s favorite sayings?
Taziki’s will cater our luncheon this year, and the menu is:
Sliced Grilled Chicken served with a Greek salad and roasted potatoes. We will also serve homemade desserts provided by members of our Circles.
The Southeastern Synod Women of the ELCA will have their Annual Convention September 16th18th with the theme of Weave us Together, and will be attended by four members of St. Mark’s.
We will be taking a number of items with us as In Kind offerings that will benefit Wellspring Living
of Gwinett, an organization that assists victims of domestic sex trafficking of minors. They are
asking specifically for the following items: thumb drives, nail polish, journals, and $10 gift cards
from Walmart, Target, or Kroger. If you would like to donate, please place the gift cards in the
WELCA box near the Chapel and the other items in Communication Central. There will also be a
silent auction and we will be taking a few gift baskets and will welcome as many as we can fit in
our cars. Suggestions are a basket for Him, Her, New baby, Fall reading, A trip to the beach,
Chocolate fantasies, Wine and appetizers, or any innovative idea you like. The silent auction will
also accept new or old treasures that you would like to donate. If you have any questions, please
contact Kathy Sieja or your Circle leader.
SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 15
Join us in celebrating the life and memory of John
Siegel Sunday September 18th! John is the father
of Ivey Beth and Katie An Siegel and husband of
Shannon Siegel, members of St. Mark's. John served
on church council and in many other roles in the life
of the congregation and was much beloved. He
struggled admirably with the devastating effects of
Lupus for many years and passed way too soon. The
5K named in his honor is a great way to help others
still suffering from Lupus.
The first annual Dr. John Siegel Jr. Memorial 5K, held on the beautiful campus of
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, is a not-to-be-missed running event in
Huntsville. The event is inspired by Dr. Siegel's valiant fight against lupus, and its
proceeds further efforts to serve the 85,000 lupus patients covered by the Mid-South
Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.
Event details and schedule
What: Dr. John Siegel Jr. Memorial 5K Lupus Challenge
When: Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where: HudsonAlpha Campus- 601 Genome Way Huntsville, AL 35806
Time: 1:00 PM Check-In, 2:30 PM Start
You can participate in the standard running 5K or take the 5K Challenge- a 5K with
fitness challenges along the course. Are you up for the challenge? There will also be
many people that choose to walk the course! Everyone is welcome!
Registration for the walking/ running 5K is $25. Registration for the 5K Challenge is
$60.
Sign up online at www.lupus.org/midsouth/events/entry/dr.-john-siegel-jr.-memorial5k-lupus-challenge
Volunteers are also needed on race day! Contact Jennifer Mullin at 256-508-7154 or
by email at [email protected] to help out! We need 50 volunteers! Join us!
Brookdale Place Jones Farm, First United Methodist Church, Hospice of North Alabama
and Laughlin Service Funeral Home are pleased to announce a new six week grief
support group "Life after Loss: A Journey to Healing.” The group will meet on
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Sept. 1– Oct. 6 in the Bamboo Room of Brookdale Place Jones
Farm, 2815 Carl T. Jones Dr. SE. It is open to the entire Huntsville community at no
charge. The facilitator will be The Rev. Carl Malm of The Center for Loss, Grief and
Change. Reservations are requested but not required. Light refreshments will be
served. For more information or to make a reservation, please phone Brookdale Place
at 256 881-6111 or Rev. Malm at 256 883-6539.
Worship Assistants
September 4, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
September 11, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
September 18, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
September 25, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
8:30
Louise Brooks
Tate Schapell
Robbie Caple
Aija Abele, Abby Williamson
Mandy Hiller
Gun Abele
Brandon Hiller
Roberts Abele
11:00
Jed Deason
Lector Needed
Reagan Paulus
Brooke Harris, Reagan Paulus,
Zoe Falkenberg, Sam Mullin
Frank and Carol Craig
Jim French, Phil Grimm
Austin Harris
Glenn Dasher
8:30
11:00
Barry Rogers
Karen Petersen
Wyatt Billman
Pam Birkholz
Tom Duncan
Lorelee Black
Grace Billman, Katie Jaramillo
Gisela Rieger, Susan Wright
Penny Krell
Allen Krell
Mike Price
Michelle Price
Frank and Carol Craig
Jim French, Phil Grimm
Norm Skrenes
Jim Mullin
8:30
11:00
Brenda Holsopple
Lector Not Need
Haley Sharpe
John Mahony
Lector Not Needed
Isabel Folgmann
Laura Heim, Lija Abele
Polly Falkenberg, Katie Folgmann
Greeter Needed
Karen Cunningham
Eric Bale
Barry Rogers
8:30
Gwen Dornbos
Traci Billman
Lana Leo
Carol Craig
Jim French, Phil Grimm
Wayne Falkenberg
Gloria Woody
11:00
Mary Soop
Kathy Sieja
Holly Hiller
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Katelynn Bodin, Lynnsey Bodin
Polly Falkenberg, Gisela Rieger
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
Michelle Price
Cathy Ontiveros
Denise Williamson
Mary Wiley
Charlotte James
Linda Veren
Janet Duncan
Gloria Woody
If you are unable to serve as scheduled,
please make arrangements for a substitute
and notify the church office.
Worship Assistants
October 2, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
October 9, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
8:30
Jim Birkholz
Judy Jung
Austin Harris
Katie Jaramillo, Grace Billman
Mary Grace Evans
Connie Jaramillo
Michelle Price
Mike Price
11:00
Jed Deason
Herb Hocutt
Reagan Paulus
Polly & Wayne Falkenberg, Dave Schultz,
Sarah Thornton
Peg & Norm Skrenes
Courtney Spadaro
Chris Myers
Glenn Dasher
8:30
11:00
Traci Billman
Karl Leo
Katelynn Bodin
Pam Birkholz
Brianna Sieja
Holly Hiller
Gabe Pittman, Lana Leo
Anne Knowles, Gisela Rieger
Greeter
Penny Krell
Peg & Norm Skrenes
Greeter
Usher
Allen Krell
Norwood Cutter
Courtney Spadaro
Don Sieja
Usher
Bob Dornbos
Tim Sieja
October 16, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Mary Soop
Karen Petersen
Sean McNeill
Kathy Sieja
Mike Hamilton
Isabel Folgmann
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Abby Williamson, Laura Heim
Susan Wright, Zoe Falkenberg,
Brooke Harris, Frank Craig
Greeter
Greeter
Mandy Hiller
Karen Fletcher
Peg & Norm Skrenes
Courtney Spadaro
Usher
Usher
October 23, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
October 30, 2016
Asst. Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Lay Communion
Assistants/Servers
Bible Bearer
Crucifer
Torch Bearer
Greeter
Greeter
Usher
Usher
Marlin Williamson
Brandon Hiller
10:30 Unity Service
Roberts Abele
Peter Loux
Lorelee Black
Janet Duncan
Gloria Woody
8:30
11:00
Lija Abele, Jed Deason
Norm & Peg Skrenes
Courtney Spadaro
Carol Craig
Frank Craig
8:30
Louise Brooks
Lynn Redington
Wyatt Billman
Aija Abele, Grace Billman
Liz Hiller
Bruce Hiller
Eric Bale
Barry Rogers
11:00
John Mahony
Kathy Emmerson
Reagan Paulus
Reagan Paulus, Katie Folgmann,
Brooke Harris, Sesalie Satterfeal
Brooke Harris
Austin Harris
Isabel Folgmann, Lorelee Black
Peg & Norm Skrenes
Courtney Spadaro
Anna Lloyd
Butch Lloyd
Heidrun Admire
Traci Billman
Pam Birkholz
Josh Bodin
Michele Bodin
Mary Bryson
Andrew Caple
Kim Caple
Christine Cunningham
Chris Deason
Elfriede Duke
Max Evans
Mark Falkenberg
Troy Falkenberg
Marion Fallon
Katie Folgmann
Jim Ganoe
Sonya Heim
Brandon Hiller
Donna Ise
Charlotte James
Katie Jaramillo
Evelyn Jensen
Shirley Johnson
Please contact the church office if your birthday
is in September and it is not listed.
We would love to include you next year.
Marge Killian
Gertrude Kindberg
Fay Leo
Jean Loux
Rosalee Martin
Charles McCleary
Bonnie Mueller
Chris Myers
Emma Myers
Karin OFfik
Jennifer Paddon
Angie Paulus
Madeline Price
Chrissie Provancha
David Provancha
Tabitha Rinyu
Craig Satterfeal
Grace Schultz
Edith Sieja
Payton Sieja
Tim Sieja
Norm Skrenes
Courtney Spadaro
Mat Thies
Imme Tietke
Sue Volz
Hannah Williamson
John Winch
A heart felt thank you to
Bob Fallon for the generous
gift of having the church
doors painted red! This act of
love is in honor of Marion
Fallon’s birthday this month.
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
3
1PM Women’s
Bible Study
5:30PM Praise
Team
6:30PM Praise
Team
4
5
6
7
8
1PM Knit & Crochet
5:30PM Handbells
6:30PM Winds
6:06 Prayer &
Devotion
9AM Ruth Circle
12:45PM Ukulele
Choir
6PM WWW
7PM St. Mark’s
Choir
10AM LQ Class
1PM Women’s
Bible Study
2PM Balance/Tai
Chi Class
5:30PM Praise
Team
6:30PM Praise
Team
7PM Martha Circle
7PM Board of
Witness &
Outreach
12
13
14
15
9:30AM Staff
Meeting
11AM Bible Study
4:30PM Executive
Committee
5:30PM Bd of
Learning
5:45PM TCMM
6:30PM Rachel
Circle
9AM EGA
10AM Deborah Circle
1PM Knit & Crochet
5PM Old Narthex/Little Kitchen
Reserved
5:30PM Handbells
6PM Bd of Admin
6:30PM Winds
6:06AM Prayer &
Devotion
12:45PM Ukulele
Choir
4PM Bd of Worship
6PM WWW
7PM St. Mark’s
Choir
10AM LQ Class
11AM Free Spirits
1PM Women’s
Bible Study
2PM Balance/Tai
Chi Class
5:30PM Praise
Team
6:30PM Praise
Team
20
21
10:30AM Deliver
Meals on Wheels
9AM EGA
1PM Knit & Crochet
5:30PM Handbells
6:30PM Winds
6:06AM Prayer &
Devotion
12:45PM Ukulele
Choir
6PM WWW
7PM St Mark’s
Choir
22 Newsletter
Deadline
8:30AM Contemporary
Worship
Labor Day
9:45AM Sunday School
9:45AM Bd of Prop Mgmt
11AM Traditional
Worship
Church Office
Closed
11
GWOH Day
8:30AM Contemporary
Worship
9:45AM Sunday School
11AM Traditional
Worship
PM - Service Projects
1PM Homeless Camp
Visits
6PM God In The Ashes
18
19
Staff
Soli Deo Gloria 9:30AM
Meeting
8:30AM Contemporary
Worship
9:45AM Sunday School
11AM Traditional
Worship
2:30PM Dr. John Siegel,
Jr. Memorial 5K
25
WELCA Sunday
8:30AM Contemporary
Worship
9:45AM Sunday School
11AM Traditional
Worship
1:15PM Confirmation
Class
11AM Bible Study
11AM LQ Class
5:30PM Church
Council Meeting
5:45PM TCMM
10AM LQ Class
1PM Women’s
Bible Study
2PM Balance/Tai
Chi Class
10AM Altar Guild
9:30AM Faith &
Fiction Book
Group
9
10AM Altar Guild
10AM Quilt Guild
10AM Lego Club
16
17
SE WELCA
Convention
SE WELCA
Convention
12:45PM
10AM Altar Guild
DRM Kitchen
10AM Parents of
Clean Up
Young Children
12:30PM FH
Reserved
6:30PM St.
Mark’s Supper
Club
23
24
McCall Wedding
5PM Wedding Rehears- 10AM Altar Guild
al
11AM WELCA
Luncheon/Mtg
12:30PM Annual
Canoe Trip
5:30PM Praise
Team
6:30PM Praise
Team
EC Banquet TTBD
26
27
28
29
30
9:30AM Staff
Meeting
11AM Bible Study
11AM LQ Class
5:45PM TCMM
9AM EGA
1PM Knit & Crochet
5:30PM Handbells
6:30PM Winds
7PM EGA
6:06AM Prayer &
Devotion
12:45PM Ukulele
Choir
1PM WELCA Board
Meeting
6PM WWW
7PM St. Mark’s
Choir
10AM LQ Class
1PM Women’s
Bible Study
2PM Balance/Tai
Chi Class
12PM Food
Pantry/Food
Line
Volunteer
Lunch
5:30 Praise Team
6:30PM Praise
Team
10
September 11th - God’s Work Our Hands Day
September 18th - Soli Gloria Deo
September 24 - 25th - WELCA Weekend
October 23rd - Bishop Gordy visits St. Mark’s
October 29th - Fall Festival
Please check the Lost & Found (in Communication
Central) to see if any of the items in the blue bin or
on top of the table belong to your family.
Items will be donated mid-September.
Cans of Soup
(No Family Size, please)
St. Mark’s Staff Directory
Church Address: 200 Longwood Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
Church Phone: 256-539-4361 Church Fax: 256-539-4388
www.stmarkshsv
Senior Pastor: Extension 15……….…………..……..…..Gary Soop ([email protected])
Music Director: Extension 17………..………………...Ferdinand Murati ([email protected])
Dir. of Christian Education: Extension 16………….….….Traci Billman ([email protected])
Office Manager: Extension 14……..……................………...Emily Jacobs ([email protected])
Office Assistant: Extension 10…………………....Connie Jaramillo ([email protected])
Organist/Pianist: ………………......………….. …..,,,,……………..Dr. Mira Kruja ([email protected])