At St. Mark, we are always looking for new ways to welcome others into our faith community. Thanks to a generous outreach grant from the St. Mark Endowment, we are hosting a community-wide outreach event on Rally Sunday, September 9, at 10:00 A.M. Our theme this fall is, “Becoming a Welcoming Church.” We’re encouraging St. Mark members to invite a minimum of two guests to this special outdoor worship service. We’re including two invitation cards in a separate letter to you this week. More will be available at the church.
The morning will begin with our usual 8:00 service in the church nave with Holy Communion, followed by coffee and donuts. However, we are combining the 9:30 and 11:00 services into one large outdoor service at 10:00 under a very large tent (60 X 60 feet), complete with seating for over 300 guests. This tent will be located at the far east side of the parking lot, just north of the playground. A combination of our many talented musicians will provide worship leadership, with Pastors Mark and Chad both speaking. Backyard Grill will provide a catered outdoor meal at 11:00.
By providing two distinct worship experiences at 8:00 (no invitation cards necessary) and 10:00, we hope to accommodate the worship needs of everyone that day. Regardless of which service you plan to attend, please consider welcoming your “neighbors” to worship at St. Mark. These neighbors can be anyone with whom you come into contact…whether in your immediate neighborhood or beyond. Perhaps, by God’s grace, St. Mark can be the renewing community of faith for which these neighbors have been waiting and searching.
In addition, I want to announce the retirement of Dave Blunt as our Finance Manager. Dave has served in this position for nearly seven years, providing outstanding levels of leadership and management of our church finances. We are deeply grateful for Dave’s commitment to the church and its mission. It has been our privilege to work with him these many years. With Dave’s departure comes the arrival of our new Finance Manager, Karen Osolin. We’re delighted to welcome Karen as she shares her considerable experience and talents with us. Dave and Karen will work together in the coming days as Karen learns the ropes around here. I encourage you to thank Dave for his faithful service and to welcome Karen as she begins her ministry with us. We continue to be blessed with amazing staff and leaders at St. Mark...thanks be to God!
Walking this journey of faith with you,
Pastor Mark Hagen
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