Dear Someone,  

The first thing you should know is that our youth group is small, at least compared to other groups in the area. People at school will ask if it’s weird, always being around the same people. I’ve never noticed.

I am currently writing this at 8:28 pm. We had our first formal Wednesday meeting of the school year tonight. It was supposed to end at 7:30. We stayed in the youth room talking till 8:00. We probably could have keep talking all night.

We don’t really talk about God. We spend some time talking about the news

at school. We talk about one another’s lives, what’s going on. How we are. We offer congrats to each other. But mostly there is a lot of laugh-ing. Maybe it’s because it’s such a small group, but everyone always seems to be laughing. We laugh at jokes, we laugh at past memories, we laugh at our past selves, the mistakes we made, the memories we have.

Sure sometimes we don’t laugh. When we talk about people we’ve lost, problems we have. Our last trip to TEC, when many of us gave talks, is a golden example. We can make each other laugh. But the ability to make each other cry is also a reality. But even in the minutes after pour-ing our hearts out to each other, we can still make each other laugh.

Sometimes I think our youth group leaders get a little sick of our closeness. We have this bad habit of attempting to fit everyone at a table that is meant to fit 7 or 8. We continue to show up to Walking with the Light even though many of us have already been confirmed. Speaking of confirmation, the night before we got

confirmed we watched Star Wars in the youth room and then got dressed in the upstairs class-room before going to the confirmation dinner. Three of our members are the godfathers of a fellow member. One individual did not get con-firmed with us, but I can promise you, no one actually cares. They still matter. Still deserve to laugh with us. Another individual flew in from Georgia to get confirmed with us.

The definition of a youth group is as follows, “Youth ministry, also commonly referred to as a youth group, is an age-specific religious ministry.” It sounds slightly too formal to describe our youth group. I offer the following definition instead.

The definition of St. Mark’s youth group: A group of individuals I do not talk to everyday, but know will always have my back. The people who I watched "The Notebook" with for the first time. A girl who took me skiing down an advanced course the first time I had ever been on a moun-tain. A guy with an addiction to trains. The people who didn’t judge me after my TEC talk. The peo-ple I would probably put over anyone else. Peo-ple I spill my heart to over soda bottles and chip bags in the back of the van. The people I see God in. The people who can always make me laugh even on my darkest day. The people who will sing, “Hey Jude” with me in loud burst in the basement of St. Johns Cathedral. The people who were so tight knit other youth groups just started calling us the “Lutherans”. The people who will watch you fall down ice skating and not laugh. Not hard at least. People I have known since preschool. People I met in 4th continued page 2

Spokane, WA October 2016 Vol.2016, No. 8

AN OPEN LETTER TO ANYONE WHO HAS EVER WONDERED WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE PART OF ST. MARK’S YOUTH GROUP ……

YOUTH continued from page 1

grade, or 5th grade, or 6th grade. People who are younger then me. People who are older then me. People I will watch graduate this year. People whom I love even when they get a little crazy. Runners, Soccer Players, Musicians, Bike Rid-ers, Yearbook Editors, Cheerleaders, Extroverts, Introverts. Inventors of triple deck couches. Youth group leaders who also invent super awe-some card games and probably don’t hear how much we appreciate them enough. People who have been through Hell and waited for you on the other side. People you would go through Hell to meet you on the other side.

Sometimes when we are all talking in the youth room I can’t help but wonder how much longer this will last. The majority of us will gradu-ate in the next couple of years. We’ll go to col-lege, get jobs, move, get married, have kids. Will we stay in touch? I don’t know. Will we go to each other’s graduation parties? I don’t know that either. Will I know when they get married? Will I know when they have kids? I don’t that ei-ther. Do they care about youth group as much as I do? I don’t know.

I don’t know where we will be in 10 years. 20 years. 30 years. But I do know that right now, our weird little family sitting in a spider infected room with a breakfast club poster, a deflated ninja punching bag, and a bag of chips that some-times has starburst in it, means something to me.

And if you are ever in a situation where you could join a group of people even half as awe-some as mine, never look back.  Sincerely,

One of Those Kids.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BirthsKaylee Rae Yancey, daughter of Matt and Regina

Yancey, born on September 15. Grandpar-ents are Rodney Thompson and Mary Engstrom.

SOCIAL MINISTRYWe have a very active social m i n i s t r y

group at St. Mark’s, meeting monthly at the church. There are so many ways to get involved in St. Mark’s social ministry. Join them on Sun-day, October 9, at 12:00 noon in the office study. Questions? Call the church at 747-6677.

CHURCH COUNCILSt. Mark’s church council will meet on Mon-

day, October 10, at 7:00 pm in the conference room.

OFFICE CLOSUREThe St. Mark’s church office will be closed on

Monday, October 10.

CHANCEL CHOIRSt. Mark’s chancel choir rehearsals are on

Thursdays, at 7:15 pm in the music room. If you are interested in singing in the choir we’d love to have you. If you have questions please contact Debbie Hansen at 838-8730.

OKTOBERFESTFocusing on those with German roots, or

those who enjoy singing German songs and German culture, we will celebrate with beer and brats on Sunday, October 16. Calling all ama-teur brewers! Would you like to share your brew-ing talents with other beer lovers? Please let Loris Stupel know at fundsoups@comcast.net or 448-9892 and we can chat. We have some new ideas for this event for this year. more notes

BaptizedMabel Josephine Cochran, daughter of Joshua &

Amy Cochran, August 28, 2016

In SympathyFamily of Tim Hauge, Odessa WA pastorFamily of Jan Block, grandmother of Kai Block

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Note This!

SAVE THE DATE!Lutheran Community Services33rd Annual Fundraising LuncheonFort Mukogawa Fort WrightProgram Spotlight: ADVOCACY, Erin Williams, Program DirectorSunday, November 6, 2016Social Hour: 12:30 pmLunch & Program: 1:30 pm

YARD HELP NEEDED!Thanks to all our members who have volun-

teered their time and energy this summer main-taining our extensive grounds. Several members volunteered to work on a section of the yard while others stepped in to tackle a special need. The grounds looked wonderful this year.

We need your help again. Fall is just around the corner and we could use help raking the fall leaves. Feel free to stop by with your rakes and tackle any area. We’ll provide the bags and hot coffee if the office is open. Thanks for your help!

NEW MEMBER DINNERS AND INQUIRER CLASSES

New Member dinners and Inquirer classes start Sunday, October 23 and continue for three consecutive weeks at 5:00 pm. Each week we have dinner together with one of our pastors, staff members and a few church mem-bers, followed by informational classes about the Lutheran faith and what we do at St. Mark's.

We encourage our members to share this information with anyone who might benefit. If you are considering becoming a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 13, please call or email Loris Stupel at 448-9892 or fundsoups@comcast.net.

LEFSE FOR THE BAZAARPlease come and help with lefse making for our

bazaar, in the church kitchen on Saturday morn-ing, October 22, from 10:00 am until approxi-mately 1:00 pm. If possible come with 10 pounds of cooled lefse dough, but if you just want to learn, show up and our seasoned lefse makers will show you the ropes. We would love to have some new lefse chefs in our congregation. It will be a fun-filled morning. Questions: Loris, 448-9892.

27th ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

St. Francis DayOctober 2, 2016St. Mark’s Lutheran Church10:45 am service only

Bring your pets to sit with you in church and they will receive a blessing.

The Spokane Hu- mane Society will once again attend St.

Mark ’s Blessing of the Animals,bringing an animal available for adop-

tion, as well as information about their organiza-tion. It’s a wonderful place to find an animal to share your home, or to make a contribution to the Humane Society’s work.

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ST. MARK’S MEN’S RETREAT“The Beginnings of Spiritual Transformation”

October 7, 8, and 9Shoshone Mountain RetreatCost $110, youth $70

Pastor Eric will lead two or three sessions entitled “Beginning Spiritual Practices”. There will be an opportunity for fishing, a work project (to be determined), hiking and biking, and a ropes course. This will be a great opportunity to gather the men of the congregation. High school youth are welcome with their father or grandfa-ther present.

Our retreat will begin on October 7 at 7:00 pm. We will be back in Spokane by noon on Oc-tober 9. Four meals and two nights lodging pro-vided. Please sign up by calling the church of-fice at 747-6677. Contact Pastor Eric if you have any questions. We hope to make this an annual event!

About Shoshone Mountain Retreat: Shoshone is a true mountain retreat at the west-ern edge of the ruggedly famous Bitterroot Mountains at the confluence of Shoshone Creek and the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. It is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Spokane.

Wilderness adventure abounds literally out the back door: Mountain hikes, nationally-renowned “best in the west” rails-to-trails biking, inner-tubing down the river, world class fly fish-ing, rock climbing, and plenty more all take place from the comfort of a well-maintained and home-style camp environment.

• On the stunning North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River

• Retreat houses and dormitory accommoda-tions

• Bath down the hall• Excellent meals

!

! SUNDAY MORNINGS, 9:45 A.M.

Family Forum continues through October. We started a journey through Faith5 (Faith Acts in the Home) in September. This program will run through October 23. If you have not attended in the past, it’s not too late to jump in. All people with children in their lives can benefit from intro-ducing Faith5 into their family routine. Come meet other families and enjoy a cup of coffee while your kids are in Sunday School or in the nursery.

Family Forum meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 in the fellowship hall. Contact Susan Ha-gen, Director of Youth & Family Ministries, at 747-6677 with any questions.

POST-SECONDARY PARENTING GROUP MEETS

This group is for parents who have young adults recently out of high school. We are still working on a name for this group. ☺ This will be a social group to explore questions such as, “How to, or can we, parent our young adults?” “How do we connect with our spouses and friends when our children leave?” “How do we move gracefully into the next chapter of life when we hit the empty nest stage?”

If you are interested please contact Pastor Eric. Also, let him know if you have any (great) name ideas. Our first meeting will be Sunday, October 2, 4:00 pm, at Pastor Eric and Katie Dull’s house, 4318 South Miami St. Bring an appetizer and beverage to share. Eric and Katie will supply the dessert.

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THANK YOU

SPEAR is an East Central neighborhood chil-dren’s ministry supported by St. Mark’s mem-bers.

Dear Members of St. Mark’s,The SPEAR kids had a great experience at-

tending VBS and riding in the St. Mark’s van. Thanks for helping the kids to participate.

We so appreciate your ongoing support and donations of items for our program. These are vulnerable children whom we serve, and you continue to make a real difference in their lives.

The entire SPEAR team wishes you God’s rich blessings in your ministry.

Sincerely,JoAnn SchaufelbergerSPEAR Volunteer

Hi Friends, Our SPEAR carnival was FANTASTIC!!!!!

everyone had a fun time. We had about 50 kids enjoy the evening. We are blessed. The volun-teers went out of their way to make it a fun evening. The laughter, and joyfulness was con-tagious. Again, we are blessed. 

I would like to thank everyone who put their time, energy and resources behind this event. I know it took a lot of time and effort to put togeth-er. You are the backbone of our youth program. God bless all of you.

Our kiddos, their families and the community thank me all the time for our SPEAR program. You make an immense difference in their lives.

Thank you again for a memorable time for our kids. Please stop by and see the joy you bring to so many.

I do have a shout-out to Stacie  Eckert!

Sheryl, SPEAR

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MONEY MATTERS

This year’s August numbers are typical of this time of year. At the same time a dip in attendance occurs, we pay for many summer youth programs, and preparation for various fall activities occur as well. The good news is that we are not as far behind as in previous years. At this same time last year, we were down twice as much. As we all get back into the swing of things, remember that regu-lar giving is helpful for our finances as expenses come, regardless of changes in church attendance.

Do consider signing up for the Simply Giving program, which helps you by automatically making contributions to St. Mark’s, and helps St. Mark’s by leveling the giving we receive to coincide with regular expenses. Give me a call. I can get it set up in no time.

Loris StupelFinancial Secretary747-6677finance@stmarks-spokane.org

2016 Operating Budget – Year to Date

Fund August Giving Income Expenses Budgeted Net - YTD

General $ 43,959.66 $ 441,403.53 $ 465,091.05 $ 493,147.30 $ - 23,687.52

Mortgage $ 5,782.00 $ 56,425.66 $ 46,066.73 $ 46,056.00 $ 10,358.93

REFORMATION / CONFIRMATION SUNDAYReformation/Confirmation Sunday is Octo-

ber 30. Our tenth grade Confirmation students will be confirmed on this day. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue their studies in preparation for Confirmation.

Parents of Confirmands: Please watch your mail for important letters about the Confirmation day, rehearsal, and professional picture informa-tion.

WWL (Walking With the Light) and CONFIRMATION CLASSES

WWL/Confirmation (5th – 10th grade) class-es continue on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Please contact Pr. Kate or Pr. Eric if you have questions.

LutherArts 2016 – HOLY MOSES!!!First through fourth graders! LutherArts con-

tinues of Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm through October 26. For more information or to sign up, contact the church office or Ann Benson at 954-9819 or annmbbenson@gmail.com.

SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday School is available for kids three

years old to eighth grade at 9:45 am. Please contact Katie Kadlec at 340-8550 if you have questions.

ALLELUIA CHOIRAll 1st through 6th graders are invited to join

Alleluia Choir. Alleluia Choir is a fantastic oppor-tunity for kids to refine singing skills, learn more about church music, and deepen friendships at church. The choir meets in the choir room each Sunday during the 8:30 am service. For more information, contact Ann Benson at annmbben-son@gmail.com or 954-9819.

THANKS to all the ladies of Mary Cares for the beautiful birthday cards and wishes. It made my 93rd birthday extra special.

Thelma Strenge

ADULT FORUM “St. Mark’s Works!”

Our identity at St. Mark’s is rooted in liturgical worship. Our hope is that everything in our wor-ship will point us to Christ and the relationship we have with him and one another. Our wonder-ful music, variety of liturgical experiences and many faithful voices of the congregation are part of what makes St. Mark’s Works.We will explore this theme at Adult Forum in the weeks to come.

• October 2, No Adult Forum - Blessing of the Animals (take a look at Family Fo-rum as an alternative)

• October 9, “St. Mark’s Works in Mozambique”, Dr. Paul Myers

• October 16, “A 2010/2011 Experience in Iraq”, Ret. Operations Sergeant Matt Daly

• October 23, “A Further Look at How We Worship”, Pastor Eric Dull

• October 30, No Forum, Reformation/Confirma-tion Sunday

• November 6,”St. Mark’s Works in Community: Goals of Care Near the End of Life”, Dr. Bob Bray

• November 13, “St. Mark’s Works to the End: The Church on Death And Dying”, Pr. Kate/ Pr. Eric

• November 20, “St. Mark’s Works for Families: Documents and Discussions- Communicating One’s Wishes Around Death”, Dr. Bob Bray

• November 27, No Forum – Thanksgiving weekend. Spend time together at coffee.

• December 4, TBA

THANKS to each and every one of you for the beautiful cards and inspiration words you sent to Paul during this difficult time. Your prayers and support meant so much to both of us.

May God’s blessing be with you all.

Thanks so much,Helen Schurman

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Learning for All Ages

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�SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22ND

9:00-11:00 A.M.

St. Mark’s will once again participate in the Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack event at Redeemer Lutheran Church on October 22.

Founded in 1987, Feed My Starving Children is a Christian nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals for malnourished and starving people around the world.  The prepackaged dry meals are paid for and packaged by donors and volunteers.   In-country partners distribute the meals in more than 70 developing nations.

We will be packaging meals as part of a larg-er group of volunteers. You can choose any time slot that works for you, however, St. Mark's has spots reserved at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Octo-ber 22. All are welcome including children age 5+ with an adult.

To learn more or to volunteer, go to the Feed My Starving Children website:   http://www.fundraising.fmsc.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1137041

Watch the video:Click on "Volunteer to Pack" link left of the

video Under “Get Involved “select "Join a Group"Under "Search For Group" enter St. Mark's

Lutheran ChurchClick on "Join" to enter your name.

Can’t volunteer on October 22?Help support this mobile pack event by

buying a meal. Each meal costs less than 25 cents and there are 6 meals in one bag. How many meals can you provide? Checks can be made payable to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Please indicate that the funds are designated for FMSC.

Contact Susan Hagen at 747-6677 with any questions or if you need assistance signing up!

FALL BAZAAR IS COMING!Saturday, November 5, 9:00 am-2:00 pm

St. Mark's Annual Bazaar and Bake Sale is coming soon to the fellowship hall. Bake sale items include cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, lefse, breads, muffins, candies and more! Other items for sale include beautiful crafts, quality seconds and next-to-new items.

Watch for the specialty gift baskets and raffle items in the narthex, too! If you have items to donate to the sale bring them on by the church (no clothes, please).

Silent auction baskets should be to the church by October 9, so the bidding can begin! There will be a sign-up sheet and suggestions in the narthex for baskets. These play a huge part in the bazaar!

There will also be sign-up sheets in the narthex for baked goods and needed help. Please have your baked goods to the church by Friday, November 4, beginning at 9:00 am. We will mark and wrap them attractively for you.

We need everyone’s help to make this an-other successful bazaar, and there is something for everyone to help with, even if it is just coming and shopping, buying a raffle ticket, or bidding on a silent auction basket.

All proceeds from this sale are used to fund world wide missions, different charities in Spokane and special projects at St. Mark’s.

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GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS. UNEXPECTED CONVERSATIONS.

On September 11th, our family joined over 50 other St. Mark’s parishioners in the ELCA’s day of service, “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Together we spent about two hours picking up trash along the Centennial Trail. As we walked along the Spokane River under a bluebird fall sky, we had the expected conversations with our kids about the importance of not littering, about how single bits of discarded garbage quickly add up to bags and bags worth, and about the value of taking pride in our city. Cyclists passed us and waved and thanked us for our efforts. We chatted happi-ly with those we see in church often but have never really met.

Before too long, we came across more than bits of discarded garbage. A shopping cart filled with electronics, a pile of blankets, a clearing near the water littered with an overwhelming amount of food scraps, deteriorated packaging, broken bottles, and apparent drug paraphernalia. And another clearing with partially full drink bot-tles that seemed more intentionally placed under a tree branch, and other items collected in stacks atop some rocks and logs.

The conversations shifted first to shocked giggles about odd findings and eventually to qui-et questions about what we should pick up and what we should leave. Was this really a pile of trash, or was it somebody’s collection of carefully selected possessions? Realizations sunk in that these were not just littered sites; they were places where people in our city ate and slept and lived.

Our bags were full and we headed back to the parking lot to load them into a truck and then go on home to continue our Sunday. As we drove away, I found myself especially thankful to be riding along with a good friend, our kids chat-

tering in the back seat, on our way back to our safe homes, with fresh food in the refrigerator, and fresh water on tap to drink. Back to our modest but vibrant neighborhoods, with side-walks that lead to beautiful parks and to our beautiful church.

Volunteering always provides the opportunity to complete a much-needed task, but at its best, it also allows us to learn more about those we live with and among, and about their real needs. In the short term, we did a small part in cleaning up our city, but in the longer term, we fostered new connections within our church community and together were reminded that there is very real need around us: some of which remains forefront in our minds and much of which we too easily push aside.

As we look forward to more opportunities to serve together through “God’s Work. Our Hands,” we can also look forward to more oppor-tunities to learn more about ourselves and our community, one unexpected conversation at a time.

Debbie Olson, Volunteer Coordinator

THANK YOU all so much for the unbeliev-able amount of support you have given me as I go into my YAGM year! It means the world to me to know that I have such a wonderful congrega-tion supporting and following me as I experience this transformation year! I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for the love, inspiration and nourish-ment I have received from my Lutheran Church families and I am so happy that as I continue to grow, even on the other side of the world, I can share that growth with you! I look forward to sharing stories with you on my return! Thanks again!

Love, Savannah Phelan

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The Social Ministry Committee will meet on October 9, at 12:00 noon in the office study.

BITE2GOSt. Mark’s – you’re the best! Thank you to

everyone who came forward to sponsor a child at Franklin Elementary in the Bite2Go program for the school year, 2016-2017. We are able to sponsor 49 children and hope that as the need arises, you may be able to help out again. This once-a-week kit of food is helping the children get through the weekend, possibly without any other source of food.

We would like to expand our support of the children at Franklin. As you know, some children aren’t lucky enough to have a caring, responsible adult in their life to help them with reading, homework, or just to be a friend. If you feel you can help fill this void with a child one-on-one, please call me and I will get you in contact with the correct person at Franklin.

Patti Berg, Social Ministry Committee, 443-9170.

SPEAR (East Central neighborhood children’s ministry)SPEAR started off the school year for the first

time with a neighborhood carnival. It was a huge success. The children and families loved this free event. A few new families became interested in SPEAR. Stacie Eckert was the inspiration (and perspiration) behind the event. She put in many hours of organizing the carnival activities and the volunteers to staff it. 

  During the school year SPEAR meets every Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30. The children play, get homework help, and are given a healthy dinner thanks to the Women and Chil-dren's Free Restaurant. 

  We can always use more volunteers! We need help on our development committee. We are always looking for grants and fundraising opportunities. We also could use adults or high school youth who want to come on Tuesdays or

Wednesdays to engage with the children.Another way to volunteer is to help heat up

and serve food on Tuesdays for the children.Anyone interested in assisting can call Stacie

Eckert at 879-4627.Items needed for donation:  soup, chili, femi-

nine hygiene products.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!

First, a special thank you to all our summer-time volunteers! Thank you for letting me know which dates you were and weren’t available, and for willingly agreeing to step in last-minute when substitutes were needed. Thanks to each and every one of you, the services and work of our church continued smoothly through our beautiful Northwest summer!

Second, an equally special thank you to each of you who signed up in September to volunteer in the future! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time if you have questions or would like to change the way or frequency with which you vol-unteer.  Your time, talents, and willingness to serve as a volunteer are all very valuable and I look forward to working with you to best match these with the needs of our church.

Finally, if you are still wondering how best you can serve, we are especially in need of the following volunteers:

• Sound System Operator (record the service on Sunday)

• Usher• Service Coordinator• Altar Guild

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact me and I will be sure you have all the preparation you need.

Thank you again!

Debbie OlsonVolunteer Coordinatorvolunteers@stmarks-spokane.org

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Social MinistryOpportunities to Serve

VolunteersOpportunities to Serve

THANK YOU

I’d like to THANK everyone for all the LOVE, PRAYERS, VISITS AND BEAUTIFUL CARDS during my recovery from brain surgery. Espe-cially Pastors Kate, Eric and Donna Nelson. The beautiful prayer shawl is absolutely lovely. I love it. Mary Cares—you ladies are so wonderful.

I really was uplifted by all the lovely cards and phone calls.

My love, thanks, and blessing to all.Kathy Wynia

Dear St. Mark’s members and friends,I am happy (relieved) to tell you that my sec-

ond back surgery was successful and I am re-covering well.

I want to thank all of you for the encouraging words, prayers, and thoughtful cards, particularly all the encouraging cards from Mary Cares! It is so comforting to be part of a caring faith commu-nity.

Thank you.Dennis McGaughy

Dear Mary Cares Group,I want to thank you all for the greetings on

my birthday. Each card meant so much to me. The friendliness and caring here at St. Mark’s is such a gift. The birthday cards and all the prayers we receive for our grandson, Cody, is something that we really treasure. Thank you all so very much.

Blessings to you all,Connie Finch

SATURDAY EVENING POTLUCKFirst Saturday, October 1, 6:30 pm

Bring your favorite dish (serving 8-10 people) and join this fun group for eating and great fel-lowship! On the first Saturday of the month you are welcome to join us for a potluck immediately following the 5:30 service.

EAT, PRAY, LAUGHFirst Tuesday, October 4, 7:00 pm Questions: Pastor Kate, 747-6677

Eat, Pray, Laugh will meet in the parish house. All women are invited to this support group for conversation, laughter, prayer and re-freshments.

SCRIPTURE and COFFEETuesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 10:30 amQuestions: church office, 747-6677

Bible-based conversation in the conference room with Pastor Eric or Pastor Kate to study the Scripture texts for the week.

ST. MARK’S MEN’S GROUPSecond Tuesday, October 11, 7:30 pm

This group will resume meetings in October and will meet each month with various speakers and topics in the parish house. All men are wel-come. Bring a beverage of your choice.

MOVIE DAY AT ST. MARK’SSecond Wednesday, October 12Questions: Patti Berg or Dick Thiel, 443-9170

Enjoy an afternoon of fun, fellowship and film. We will have popcorn and snacks while watching “Now You See Me”.

Groups continued page 13

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Faith and Fellowship Groups

GROUPS continued from page 12

SUNRISE SAINTS & SINNERSSecond & Fourth Wednesday, October 12, 26 6:30 am Questions: Roger Chase, 838-1040

This men’s group meets at The Chalet Restaurant on 30th and Grand Blvd. In this group you'll have lots of laughs, crazy discus-sions about everything, and breakfast. All men are welcomed, saints or sinners!

RUTH CIRCLESecond Thursday, October 13, 10:00 am

All women are welcome to join us at the church for refreshments, very brief project dis-cussion, and Bible study led by Pastor Kate or Pastor Eric. See article page 12.

WALKING CIRCLESecond Friday, October 14, 10:00 am

This group will meet at the church. Plan on joining the annual trek to Greenbluff for Oktober-fest, pick up fresh produce at various farms and then have lunch. All women are welcome!

CANCER SPIRITUALITY GROUPThird Sunday, October 16, 12:00 pmQuestions: Elaine Orness, 838-2696

This new group will reach out to those who have cancer or have had cancer, and for fami-ly members and friends. The group will meet in the conference room. Pastor Neal Buckaloo will be the facilitator. A light soup luncheon will be served.

THEOLOGY ON TAPThird Monday, October 17, 7:00 pmQuestions: Pastor Eric, 747-6677

Great conversation and fellowship with this “30ish or younger” group at Two Seven Public House in Lincoln Heights. One of our pastors will lead a discussion and buy a few appetizers to share.

DIAKONIA GUILDFourth Tuesday, October 25, 11:00 amQuestions: Ruth Schmidt, 433-0327

Diakonia is an auxiliary of Lutheran Commu-nity Services. The members meet monthly at various locations with a speaker from LCS. In October the meeting will be at St. Mark’s for lunch with the Cheney Diakonia guild.

BOOK GROUPLast Wednesday, October 26, 7:00 am

St. Mark’s Book Group meets at Forza Cof-fee in Lincoln Heights. The book to be dis-cussed is “Grant Park” by Leonard Pitts. All book lovers are welcome to join any discussion!

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ALL WOMEN ARE WELCOME TO THE

FALL GATHERING AT MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

4202 NORTH BELT STREET, Spokane

Saturday, OCTOBER 29TH, 9:00 amfor registration and coffee

OUTREACH: MISSION COMMUNITY OUTREACH CENTER

Please bring toiletries formen / women / babies (can include

diapers).

Cost of $5.00 includes lunch.Please RSVP by October 20 to 327-4446.

YOURS IN CHRIST, AND WE NEED YOU FOR A GREAT GATHERING,

MESSIAH LUTHERAN WOMEN

RUTH CIRCLE HAS MUCH TO OFFERBy Dee Lorenz

Thinking about your fall church schedule and feel you would like to branch out?

How about RUTH Circle? It is the longest-standing group within St. Mark’s. However it is NOT for just “old ladies”, but is for any woman who would like to join.

Ruth Circle meets the second Thursday of each month. Each time a quality, outstanding Bible study is conducted by one of the pastors. The group has evolved these past years and is also a “sharing and caring group”. Plus Bible studies at times get to be “interactive”.

There is a “list” and one may sign up to be hostess or co-hostess for a month and someone also does a devotional; often these are personal besides being based on scripture.

Need I even say the coffee and goodies are grand? Some healthy and some tradition!

Last year a new person came, and at the end of our meeting said, “This is JUST the group I have been looking for!”. She also signed up to be hostess for the next meeting! Perhaps this year the new person will be YOU!

Questions? Call Dee Lorenz at 448-9689.

The Lord now sends us forth with hands to serve and give,

to make of all the earth a better place to live.

The angels are not sent into our world of pain

to do what we were meant to do in Jesus' name;

that falls to you and me and all who are made free.

Help us, O Lord, we pray, to do your will today.

ELW 538

Come! Open your heart!Show your mercy to all those in fear!We are called to be hope for the hopelessso hatred and blindness

will be no more.We are called to act with justice,we are called to love tenderly;we are called to serve one another,to walk humbly with God.

excerpted from ELW 720

Both TEXTS reprinted under www.onelicense.net #A-706990

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