COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: Message from Pastor Kate VERNA EUCKER, JANUARY 24. Spokane, WA January 2016 Vol. 2016, No. 1

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1 Spokane, WA January 2016 Vol. 2016, No. 1 COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: Message from Pastor Kate What better place could there be than our congregation for holding difficult conversations? The Adult Forums at St. Mark's are the setting for presentations and discussions around some of the hot button issues confronting us these days. In the fall we engaged in a ten week series on Islam. We learned about the original teachings of Muhammad and the Koran, along with the convoluted history of Islam. We had a chance to express our fears about Islamic extremists and Christian extremists! There were terrorist acts by both during this time. The people taking part in these conversations have a wide range of political perspectives: Republican, Democrat, Independent and everything in between. Our members involved in these discussions have a variety of background experiences: military intelligence, Peace Corps, family farming, seminary training, civil service, health care, to name a few. Even though we are all over the map on issues like gun control, global warming, and refugee resettlement, we are able to talk respectfully to one another. We may have strong convictions but we are able to make room for differences of opinion. In the winter sessions, coming up, we will be having conversations about race relations in Spokane. I have mentioned before (in a couple of my sermons) that our presiding bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, has issued statements and sent us letters strongly urging our congregations to have conversations about race relations. Dr. Dale Soden, who has written in his books about the civil rights history related to the churches in the Northwest, will be hosting these sessions. He has invited a number of people who have expertise in various areas to speak at these continued page 2 FRIENDSHIP SUNDAY HONORS VERNA EUCKER, JANUARY 24 It s fitting to picture Verna offering conversation and friendship over a cup of tea. That s just the kind of thing she s always done. Her retirement from the role of St. Mark s Visiting Pastoral Assistant at the end of 2015 may change the title, but she s already laying plans for helping others in the next phase of her life. A reception honoring Verna takes place between services on January 24. With the help of nametages, congregation members will be encouraged to be a Verna and meet someone they don t know. Verna grew up on a farm in Nebraska, the youngest of six children. She received a B.S. in nursing and then taught. After moving to Spokane, she joined St. Mark s in Her daughter Cindy Pascua and granddaughter Siena are also members, and three other continued page 2

2 PASTOR KATE, continued from page 1 forums. Again, I expect that we will have a wide range of perspectives on the Black Lives Matter movement and related topics. But, as people of faith, we need to engage in the difficult conversations of our time. How is it that, with such differing opinions, we are able to have calm and considerate conversations about these things? One way I've heard it described is holding space for one another. That means we are willing to listen to another person without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact their position. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts and let go of judgment and control. We have a human tendency to want to fix people, give them advice, or judge them for not being where we think they should be. When we respectfully hold space for someone, we keep our own egos out of it. In fair and open Christian conversation, we have permission for participants to think differently from one another. We aren't talking to solve issues; we are talking to better understand each other. We will also have some conversations in January that should not be difficult but will be enjoyable! You will have a chance to sign up for focus groups to share your experiences of St. Mark's. We hope to glean more history and stories about what makes our congregation the place it is. And we'd like to hear about your vision of and hopes for St. Mark's future. So I hope you will enter in to some of these different conversations, challenging or enjoyable. It's part of who we are as God's people, as followers of Jesus. We discern together where God is working and where we are called to do ministry. Blessed New Year, Pastor Kate FAT TUESDAY at ST. MARK S! save the date TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 VERNA EUCKER, continued from page 1 children live in Spokane, Vancouver and Portland. Verna lived near St. Mark s, and in spite of her busy family life, she says that when she got bored at home, she would go over to church and clean the kitchen. After a lot of cleaning, Pastor Finch suggested she join Esther McAlpine in visiting ill and shut-in members. Later, he sent her and Carolyn Payne to a training on bereavement support groups. Over the years Verna has participated in Ruth Circle and other groups at St. Mark s, sung in the choir, done yard work and lots of cleaning. She s also been active in the Spokane community, including as president of the YWCA. Through it all she has offered a listening ear and a genuine friendly interest to all she meets, plus a willingness to be open herself which encourages trust. She is welcoming to newcomers and also good at maintaining longterm friendships. These are only some of the n o t e b o o k s i n which Verna has jotted a record of her many visits as o u r V i s i t a t i o n Pastoral Assistant over a decade. On January 1 the official title passes to Donna Nelson, who Verna describes as a jewel. But Verna thinks she may still ride along occasionally, make a phone call, write a note - just to offer her friendship. THANK YOU Hi Friends, You are a blessing to our kids and their families. We gave out 19 turkeys. Our families came and got everything they wanted for their dinner, including desserts. Friends, thank you for sharing your blessings. Our families thank you and so do I. Sheryl Kruger, SPEAR Director 2

3 NOTE THIS! OFFICE CLOSURE St. Mark s church office will be closed on Thursday, December 31 & Friday, January 1, in observance of New Year s Day. The office will also be closed on Monday, January 18, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and on Tuesday, January 26, for a staff planning meeting. SOCIAL MINISTRY MEETING Join this active social ministry group on Sunday, January 10, at 12:00 noon in the study. All are welcome to participate in this important group! CHURCH COUNCIL St. Mark s Church Council will meet on Monday, January 11, at 7:00 pm in the conference room. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING St. Mark s semi-annual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 31, at 12:00 noon, following the second service. The main order of business will be approval of the 2016 general budget. CHANCEL CHOIR St. 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 FLOWER CHART A new flower chart has been posted by the front door in the narthex. Thank you to those who provide flowers for our services in memory or honor of someone, or in celebration of a special event. Please sign up and include your phone number next to the date of your choice. FOCUS GROUPS MEET IN JANUARY Share your experiences of St. Mark s and your hopes for our future. During the last two weeks of January (14 th 28 th ) we will be having focus groups meet to discuss the past and the future of our congregation. Some of the groups will meet during the day and some in the evening; some will be in homes and some at the church. Groups will be led by transition team members and church council members. Sign-up sheets will be available earlier in the month. Take this opportunity to give your input for the transition process! BITE 2 GO ASSEMBLY SCHEDULED There will be another opportunity for families to participate in assembling food kits for the Bite 2 Go program on Monday, January 25, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Second Harvest Food Bank. Sign up on the Youth Board or contact Susan H a g e n a t o r b y e m a i l a t youth@stmarks-spokane.org. Limited spots are available so don't hesitate to sign up! Children are required to be age 9+ to participate. ST. MARK S WOMEN S RETREAT CREATIVE MEDITATION January 29-31, 2016 Franciscan Place, St. Joseph s Center, Spokane Friday, 7:00 pm Sunday, 12:00 noon $105 for two nights and four meals (Option: $45 for program only not staying overnight) Devotions and discussion on the theme by Pastor Kate. Accommodations for 10 One of the buildings we have used for additional sleeping rooms has been rented out for the year, resulting in beds for only ten people, but there is the option of coming during the day with meals included but not spending the night there. Sign up by January 17 in the St. Mark s office.contact Pastor Kate for more information:

4 MONTHLY MONEY TALK 2015 Operating Budget - Year to Date November Giving Income Expenses Budgeted Net General Fund $ 71, $ 618, $ 658, $ 707, ($ 40,587.96) Mortgage Fund $ 7, $ 91, $ 67, $64, $ 24, Our stewardship drive has come to a close. Around 130 pledge cards have been turned in, which is down from last year. Considering that we missed an entire Sunday at church due to the weather (when was the last time that happened?), this is not surprising. Of course, we are still happy to take your pledge cards; don t hesitate to call the church office if you still need one. We appreciate everyone turning in a card, if at all possible. Generous November giving helped shrink the deficit in the General Fund. When you read this, I expect that the deficit will be even smaller. Looking at past numbers, December is the month people feel moved to give and we hope that the year will end on a positive note. Your special Christmas offerings help us make budget year after year. We appreciate anything and everything that you are able to give to promote our exceptional programs. May the new year be bright and hoping that your Christmas was filled with peace and joy. Loris Stupel finance@stmarks-spokane.org Financial Secretary ANNOUNCEMENTS Baptized December 15, 2015: Ethan Medved, son of Marcus and Sabina Medved December 23, 2015: Henry Ophardt, son of Matthew and Kaylah Ophardt Marriages Amelia Perez & Gabriel Petrina, daughter of Aurora and Alex Perez Katherine Bray & Daniel Junay Lopez, daughter of Bob and Brenda Bray, granddaughter of Bill and Jackie Sachse Death Gladys Moen In Sympathy The family of Gladys Moen at the time of her death The family of Henry A. Hagen, brother of Thelma Strenge at the time of his death The family of Katherine Dianne Warren, daughter of Elizabeth and John Warren, granddaughter of Roger and Kathy Chase, at the time of her death The family of Henry Alfred Hagen, brother of Thelma Strenge at the time of his death 4

5 ASSISTING MINISTER OFFERS NEW ROLE FOR YOUTH By Pr. Susan Briehl Perhaps some of you have noticed young members of St. Mark s serving in what seems like a new role in worship, leading prayers and assisting at the table during holy communion. These high school students served as acolytes while they were in confirmation classes. Now, following their confirmation, they have answered an invitation from their pastors and mentors to be trained as assisting ministers. This role has deep roots in Christian history. In the earliest Church people brought gifts of food to worship, the fruit of their fields and the work of their hands. Like our offerings of money today, these gifts were offered in thanksgiving to God and in service to their neighbors. From these gifts the presiding minister took a portion a loaf of bread, a flagon of wine to bless, to break or pour, and to give to the people to eat and drink in Jesus name. The community commissioned deacons to take the rest of the food to those in need. The deacons also served as assisting ministers in worship: reading scripture, praying for the needs of the world, receiving and giving thanks for the offering, setting the table with bread and wine, assisting the presiding minister at the table, serving the people, and sending the people forth to love and serve their neighbors. Like those early deacons, the assisting minister assists the gathered community in its worship and at the same time assists the presiding minister in his or her leadership. Look at pages in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (the red book in the pew rack) and notice the particular duties of the presiding minister, an ordained pastor, and the assisting minister, a layperson. Each role has its own purpose and dignity. Both roles offer continuity of leadership throughout the worship service. We hope these high school students, serving in this ancient and new way, enrich and enliven the community s worship in word and sacrament. Welcome them, encourage them, and pray for them as they continue to learn and grow in this ministry. MEET THE NEIGHBORS A Six-month Journey through Spokane s Religious Landscape Spokane s Interfaith Council has launched a fascinating series of encounters with other faiths in their Meet the Neighbors series of monthly gatherings at local houses of worship. The series began at Temple Beth Shalom synagogue, and continued in December at the Sikh gurdwara in Spokane Valley. At both events, knowledgeable and articulate leaders explained the basic tenets of the faith and its history in Spokane, and fielded questions from a curious audience. Both visits offered a flavor of the worship experience in that congregation, although strict practice is not expected of visitors, who are made to feel welcome and comfortable. The next visit will take place on January 19 at 6:00 pm at the Spokane Islamic Center. Future visits will include the Spokane Buddhist Temple, a Baha i gathering, and Buddhist Sravasti Abbey. A short video on what to expect at the Islamic Center is available on the Interfaith Council s Facebook page at: Council / THANK YOU To the St. Mark s Congregation, Thank you for your thoughtfulness in making Christmas special for the Lutheran Community Services foster children and the SPEAR children in our community. 5

6 Learning for All Ages ADULT FORUM Race Relations in Spokane Adult Forums in January and February St. Mark s will be hosting a six week series in the Adult Forum on issues related to race and racism in Spokane. In light of national events from Ferguson and Charleston to the Black Lives Matter movement, it seemed timely to try and hear from several people about the state of race relations in the country with a specific focus on Spokane. The series will be hosted by St. Mark s member and professor of history Dale Soden and will feature several speakers from both Gonzaga and Whitworth. Please join us at 9:45 am in the conference room, January 17 February 28. ADULT BIBLE STUDY Adult Bible Study meets each Sunday beginning at 9:45 am in the study. Come explore the book of Romans with Dale Johnson on Sundays. W W L ( Wa l k i n g With t h e L i g h t ) a n d CONFIRMATION CLASSES The next session of WWL begins on Wednesday, January 6, at 6:00 pm and continues through Ash Wednesday, February 10. If you have questions please contact the church office at SUNDAY SCHOOL Come join us on Sunday, January 10, for our annual Sunday School Epiphany Party! This will take place in the fellowship hall from 9:45-10:30 am. Regular Sunday School will resume on January 17, at 9:45 am. Any questions please contact Jane Somers at COMMUNION INSTRUCTION Third graders will begin communion instruction with the pastors on January 17, and continue during their Sunday School time at 9:45 am on January 24 & January 31, in their regular classroom. For those students celebrating first communion, it will be on Sunday, February 7. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Eric at ALLELUIA CHOIR It s never too late! All 1 st through 6 th graders are invited to join Alleluia Choir. The kids meet in the choir room each Sunday during the 8:30 am service. The rehearsals follow the Sunday School schedule. For more information, contact Ann Benson at JUNIOR HIGH CONFIRMATION RETREAT Our annual confirmation retreat at Lutherhaven will take place on January The theme of the 2016 retreat is "BYG - Building Youth Group." This will be an opportunity for good conversation, worship and fun with the St. Mark's junior high youth group and many other area middle school students. All 8 th grade confirmation students are required to attend this retreat. All 7 th & 8 th graders are welcome. The cost is $65 - scholarships are available! Sign up on the Youth Board by January 10. A $20 deposit is also due by January 10. Please talk to Pastor Kate or Susan Hagen if you have any questions. TEC - TEENS ENCOUNTER CHRIST TEC will be January 15-17, 2016 at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Registration information has been mailed to all 9th-12th graders. Throughout the weekend, you may develop new paths of faith or enrich already existing ones, and make many new friendships. Several St. Mark's youth are part of the leadership team this year. Please contact Susan Hagen or Pastor Eric with any questions. The cost of this event is $50. Scholarships are available. Please return all registration forms to St. Mark's with checks made payable to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. 6

7 THANKS TO DINNER HELPERS Thanks to all who made t h e Smorgasbord such a huge success! So m a n y accordionists, c o o k s, cleaners, set up crew, Santa Lucia Brides, bakers, decorators, carvers, and don t forget the lutefisk crew who shared their varied talents with our congregation and guests. There are multiple behind the scenes folks who make our event a success. There is always a job for anyone interested in participating. I would like to particularly mention the new crewmembers Rich Bailey, Brad Brown, Sarah Drumheller, Brett Hauber, Carl Andrews, Matt Yancey, Christian Klammer, and Chloe Spedden. Hopefully I mentioned all the new participants. A little story: I was feeling slightly overwhelmed looking at the three-ring binder labeled Smorgasbord everything you need to know. I started reading it every night before going to bed (better than warm milk to get you to sleep.) In it I found an from someone willing to be in charge of the salmon cooking in the very special way that the congregation has come to count on. She just needed the detailed recipe. I turned the binder inside out, but couldn t find it anywhere. At church the next Sunday, I was doing a little organizing in the kitchen, and just below the telephone, I straightened some papers, and out came the original sheet-protected salmon recipe I had been searching for. After that I decided to trust that everything would fall into place, and that the Smorgasbord would turn out just fine. And it did, thanks to all the helpful hands contributing in so many ways. MONGOLIAN EXPERIENCE COMES ALIVE JANUARY 26 Picture yourself sleeping in a ger (yurt), trekking by camel, hiking into mountains to see the last wild horses on earth, and sitting in a 300- year-old Buddhist monastery with devout locals listening to the monks chant. Mongolia is a surprising and beautiful country little known to many Americans. It is rediscovering its Buddhist traditions, mixed with the shamanism of the steppe, as a democracy after 70 years as part of the Soviet Union. Whether on the wide open steppe, in the magical Gobi, or in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian life is a fascinating mix of its nomadic heritage and 21st century influences - think nomads with smartphones! And everywhere, one encounters the spirit of Genghis Khan. On Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 pm in the conference room, Hulda and Ken Bridgeman will present pictures and information from their three week camping trip in Mongolia last summer. Loris Stupel St. Mark s Event Coordinator 7

8 VOLUNTEERS Opportunities to Serve Elaine Orness, Volunteer Coordinator Many thanks to all of you who volunteered for the Saturday night and Sunday services in November. You are all a blessing to St. Mark s. Thank you one and all to those who helped get the Messenger ready for mailing. You are much appreciated. We have many different things that happen at the church that people volunteer for that you may not be aware of. One of them is putting the list together each month for Mary Cares. This list is mailed out to people who want to participate in sending cards to people who are 80 or older for their birthday, and cards to people who are ill. This list and mailing is done by Verna Eucker and Sande Paulson. It is important that we take care of those in our congregation in this way and let them know we are a congregation that cares for each other. If you would like to be a part of this caring group you can call me at church ( ) or home. I mentioned and thanked all who worked at the bazaar and who came and purchased items and baked goods. Below is the distribution of the funds we collected. Again, thank you one and all as this is a big undertaking but so worthwhile for so many. BAZAAR FUNDS DISTRIBUTION FOR 2015 Local Benevolences St. Mark s Meal Ministry All Saints Lutheran, $250 St. Ann s Neighborhood Lunch Program, $250 SPEAR Program, $600 Women s & Children s Free Restaurant, $250 Union Gospel Mission, $200 Teen Challenge, $200 Cup of Cool Water, $200 Transitions, $100 TOTAL $2,000 International/National Benevolence Lutheran World Relief, $500 Synod WELCA Office, designated for Tanzanian School, $600 Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Box Elder, MT, $450 Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots U.S,. $250 Friends of Mwangaza, Inc, $200 TOTAL $2,000 St. Mark s Lutheran Church Special Needs, $2,000 SOCIAL MINISTRY Opportunities to Serve Crosswalk. The program seems to be running smoothly. Sue Luppert cooks once a month. Shalom Ministries. Volunteers are needed for breakfast the times would be 7:15 to 8:45 a.m. St. Anne s Sunday Lunch. The next date to serve at St. Anne s is February 7. Warm clothes are always needed and canned soups and cans of fruit with easy-toopen lids are welcome. There are donation baskets in the narthex. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, January 10, 2016 in the study, 12:00 noon. Bingo! All are welcome to Bingo Night at St. Mark's on Sunday, February 7, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Prizes, cookies, cocoa and popcorn! Come play and enjoy some fellowship time with your St. Mark's friends! THANK YOU Thanks to everyone for their prayers and cards and a special thanks to the Mary Cares Group. Bob Filo To our incredible Christmas Eve volunteers: You made the evening services special for each person who attended! New Year s blessings to you! 8

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11 Faith and Fellowship Groups SATURDAY EVENING POTLUCK First Saturday, January 2, 6:30 pm On the first Saturday of the month you are welcome to join us for a potluck immediately following the 5:30 service. Bring your favorite dish (serving 8-10 people) and join this fun group for eating and fellowship! SCRIPTURE & COFFEE Every Tuesday, January 5, 12, 19, 26, 10:30 am Questions: Pastor Eric or Pastor Kate, This group meets for a Bible-based conversation with Pastor Eric or Pastor Kate to study the Scripture texts for the following Sunday. Everyone is invited to meet weekly. Looking for a stimulating discussion? Join them! EAT, PRAY, LAUGH First Tuesday, January 5, 7:00 pm All women are invited for conversation, laughter, and refreshments. WALKING CIRCLE Second Friday, January 8, 10:00 am Questions: Connie Dix, This group will meet at Revel 77 Coffee this month, (3223 E. 57 th Ave.). Please come and help us plan the new Walking Circle year! ST. MARK S MEN S GROUP Second Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 pm This group meets each month with various speakers and topics. This month they will meet at Jack & Dan s Bar & Grill (1226 N Hamilton St.). All men are welcome! SUNRISE SAINTS & SINNERS Second & Fourth Wednesdays, Jan. 13 & 27, 6:30 am Questions: Tim Hansen, For men old enough to know better! The men use The Lutheran Handbook as their study book. With this group you ll have lots of laughs, good discussion and breakfast at The Chalet on 30 th & Grand Blvd. MOVIE DAY AT ST. MARK S Second Wednesday, January 13, 1:30 pm Now You See Me, a fun Las Vegas magician show gone wild, starring Morgan Freeman (PG-13). We d love to have you join us in the conference room. RUTH CIRCLE Second Thursday, January 14, 10:00 am Questions: Pastor Kate, All women are welcome to join us for refreshments, very brief project discussion, and Bible study led by Pastor Kate or Pastor Eric. PARENTS with YOUNG CHILDREN Third Sunday, January 17, 12:00-1:30 pm Save the date for an event planned just for families with infants and toddlers. THEOLOGY ON TAP Third Monday, January 18, 7:00 pm If you are 30 years or younger you are welcome to join this group at Two Seven Public House in Lincoln Heights. One of the pastors will lead the discussion and buy a few appetizers to share. DIAKONIA GUILD Fourth Tuesday, January 26, 2:00 pm Diakonia is an auxiliary of Lutheran Community Services. The members meet monthly at various locations with a speaker from LCS. This month they will meet at Lutheran Community Services downtown, (210 W Sprague Ave). All are welcome. BOOK GROUP Last Wednesday, January 27, 7:00 am St. Mark s Book Group meets at Forza Coffee in Lincoln Heights. The book for this month is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. For those wishing to read ahead, the selection for our February 24 meeting is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. All book lovers are welcome to join us! 11

12 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE HELD AT ST. MARK S The 2016 Eastern Washington Legislative Conference will offer speakers and workshops calling people of faith to consider Our Responsibility for the Common Good. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, at St. Mark s. Linda Haydock, SNJM, executive director of the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center in Seattle, will speak on Connecting Global UN Goals with Local / State Issues. There will be workshops on environmental issues, the impact of I-1366, concerns about education, criminal justice, and state policy implications of the Parliament of World Religions. Sharon Park, OP, executive director of the Washington State Catholic Conference, and the Rev. Paul Benz, co-director of the Faith Action Network will assist with workshops and give briefings on issues before the 2016 session of the Washington state legislature. Area faith leaders will also present reflections and prayers to inspire participation in the year s legislative process. Nonprofit agencies and ministries will bring displays to share resources about legislative initiatives and their programs that serve people in the region. This educational event invites people of faith to consider how their faith teachings call them to be involved in having a voice on hunger, housing, creation, jobs, education, justice, equality, taxes and more, said Fig Tree editor Mary Stamp. Organizers include The Fig Tree, Catholic Charities Spokane, the Faith Action Network and the Inland United Methodist District. For i n f o r m a t i o n, c a l l o r e m a i l mary@thefigtree. org. Gail Heide, cookie baker extraordinaire, organized all the cookie trays at the Smorgasbord. And thank you, Gail, for the wonderful treats after the Saturday evening service! 12