St. Mark is a welcoming community, boldly witnessing Christ s love.

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1 Non-Profit Org. St. Mark Lutheran Church 1614 West 5th Street Storm Lake, IA U.S. POSTAGE PAID Storm Lake, IA Permit No. 35 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED St. Mark is a welcoming community, boldly witnessing Christ s love. St. Mark Lutheran Church ELCA February 2019 Visit our website -- office@stmarkstormlake.com WORSHIP.LEARNING MISSION COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP Saturday Worship at 5:30 p.m. Sunday Worship at 9:00 a.m. February 4 Sew & Do February 5 Quilt Sewciety February 6 Bible Study at Lakeshore, Narcotics Anonymous & WELL February 7 Alcoholics Anonymous February 9 PEO Meeting February 11 Knit One - Eat Two & Stephen Ministry February 12 Parkinson s Support Group February 13 Bible Study at Lakeshore, Narcotics Anonymous, WELL & PPC Mtg February 14 Alcoholics Anonymous, Happy Valentines Day!! February 16 World Hunger Weekend, Third Saturday Pizza February 17 World Hunger Weekend February 18 Sew & Do February 20 Bible Study at Lakeshore, Narcotics Anonymous & WELL February 21 Alcoholics Anonymous February 25 Stephen Ministry February 26 LSI (Fellowship Hall 5-8) February 27 Bible Study at Lakeshore, Narcotics Anonymous & WELL February 28 Alcoholics Anonymous

2 PASTOR DAVID KEBSCHULL Winter has returned as we end the month of January. We have had great weather this winter thus far. Today, in addition to great worship and a brunch, we held the Annual meeting, bringing an ending to 2018 and a beginning to Annual Meetings are like the opening sentences of a new chapter in a book, they set the tone for what is about to happen. In addition to sharing the highlights from the past year, we also received an invitation to be a part of what is coming up this year at St Mark. One of the ways to bring vitality to the life of a congregation is to begin taking part in the ministry that we all share. In 1 Corinthians 12. In this chapter Paul wrote: 12For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Being a part of one body means that each one of us are vital to the life and ministry of St Mark. Each one of us have been gifted for the ministry that God is calling us to as a community. Simply letting others serve is sort of like buying a ticket to the Super Bowl, but not attending the big game. You can say I went to the Super Bowl. but you missed out on what the whole event is about. The key to a vibrant congregation is participating in the mission that we all share. Worship is part of it, but studying scripture, fellowship, and serving are what bring the fullness to life as a member of a congregation. I invite each of us to think of the gifts for ministry that we have been given, and ways that we can serve in the ministry of St Mark. This year, the beating drum that you will over and over will be the invitation to serve in ministry at St Mark. How about it? Isn t it about time to join in? Peace to you, Pastor Dave

3 PRESIDENT We have certainly enjoyed some unseasonal warm weather for the month of January; however as I write this the arctic air has moved in to remind us it still is winter. As we grow through faith in our community of St. Mark let us always be mindful of God s work in us, whether it is in those times when things are going smoothly or when new ideas, programs, and ways of doing things may challenge us to step out of our comfort zones. In Christ s love Kent Smith PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL MEETING Present: Kent Smith, Cindy Smith, Randy Sennert, Joan Christen, Paulette Erlandson, Megan Peterson, Mike Porsch, Bob Rohlfsen (Pastor Dave by phone) President Kent Smith called the meeting to order and the agenda was approved. The Secretary and Treasurer s reports for December were accepted. In Ongoing Business: Munching for Missions will be further discussed this fall. The annual meeting will be held January 10:00 am. The LSI Partnership agreement has been approved. St Mark will provide space for a preschool under conditions discussed with Pastor Dave. Different ideas are being explored for a future outdoor nativity scene. Job descriptions for the custodian and the Administrative and Communications director were approved. Megan Peterson and Josh Newhouse will serve on the audit team. In New Business: Pastor Dave will visit with BVRMC and update the disaster agreement. Kent will be checking on our agreement with the Storm Lake School district. Lenten soup suppers will begin at 5:30 pm and church services at 6:30. No meal served on Ash Wednesday. Board Members gave their reports. Submitted by Joan Christen, Secretary

STEPHEN MINISTRY Needs for Care that Stephen Ministers Can Meet: *Those grieving the loss of a loved one *People who are currently or recently have been hospitalized *People being treated for cancer

4 STEPHEN MINISTRY Needs for Care that Stephen Ministers Can Meet: *Those grieving the loss of a loved one *People who are currently or recently have been hospitalized *People being treated for cancer *Individuals who are terminally ill *People who are experiencing divorce (before, during, and after) *Parents who have children leaving home for the military, college, marriage, or work in another geographical area New congregation or community members who are experiencing transition difficulties *Parents and families with children who have disabilities *People recovering at home or in a rehabilitation facility after an illness or injury *Those who are homebound or reside in an assisted living facility or a nursing care center *Family members of someone (nearby or far away) who is homebound or resides in an assisted living facility or a nursing care center *People with a chronic illness or a long-term disability *People facing infertility, adoption, an unplanned pregnancy, or the birth of a child *People who have lost their jobs or experienced a significant financial setback *People experiencing significant job-related stress *Family members of deployed military personnel *People changing their living arrangements in some way, such as moving to a new home, downsizing to a smaller home, or moving into an assisted living facility If you or someone you know could use a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office ( ) and they will put you in touch with a Stephen Leader.

6 SOCIAL MINISTRY The social ministry committee met on January 9 th with four members present. Items covered included: Elementary school project update donations of hats and mittens from the mitten tree (thank you Sarah Circle!) were taken to the elementary school by Jennifer. We will continue to encourage donations of clothing and toiletry items for both the elementary and high school. Donations can be placed in the tubs by the mailboxes. Monetary donations for school items can be given to the church office and committee members will purchase the needed items also. ELCA Good Gifts (God s Global Barnyard) there was a good response - $ was collected and the animals purchased were: 2 $30/each; 1 $15; share of a cow $50; share of an oxen and plow $100; and give where needed $1.97. We had great support for the Upper Des Moines food cart as it was emptied three times during December. The board also voted to give a monetary donation to UDSM designated for food for the elderly. The board discussed a cookie baking and Valentine making project for February. Cookies will be made and decorated to be given to St. Mark members who are unable or limited in their ability to get out. Valentines will also be constructed for them as well as for members who are ill in our congregation. Cindy will talk to Megan Peterson and Pastor Dave about having youth and the WELL group to help with the project. Since we will be meeting for the above mentioned project in February, we will discuss any necessary items at that time. Cindy Smith Social Ministry Chair KNIT ONE - EAT TWO On February 11, 2019 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm the Fellowship Board will host a fun gathering which has been named Knit One - Eat Two Everyone is invited to bring a project (knitting, crocheting, quilting, etc) to work on and join others for fellowship and fun. Soup will be served at noon.

Lutheran Day on the Hill Join LSI and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill in Des Moines on February 19!

Go to http://lsi.org/ldh for more information. 2019 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ASSEMBLY This year's synod assembly will be held May 3rd- 5th at the Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City.

7 Lutheran Day on the Hill Join LSI and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill in Des Moines on February 19! This day is essential for giving voice to those who are not heard, for seeking social justice, and for empowering people to exercise their right and responsibility to be part of the legislative process. This program is supported in part through a grant from the ELCA World Hunger (Domestic Hunger Grant) and has been planned in partnership with the three Iowa synods of the ELCA. Go to for more information WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ASSEMBLY This year's synod assembly will be held May 3rd- 5th at the Sioux City Convention Center, Sioux City. The theme for the assembly is Following Jesus; Living Hope based on Luke 24: Our Churchwide representative will be Secretary Chris Boerger. He will chair much of the assembly as the main order of business will be the Bishop election. More information can be found at: The Assembly offering will go to Igumbilo Lutheran Girls Secondary School in Tanzania

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2/01 - Marsha Boyd 2/01 - Stacey Eddie 2/01 - Julie Winterton 2/03 - Lori Porsch 2/07 - Tony Raveling 2/07 - David Kebschull 2/09 - Robert Thompson 2/09 - Verity Zapo 2/12 - Jon

- Whitney O Bannon 2/23 - Norma Williams 2/24 - Pam McClannahan 2/25 - Julie Cook 2/25 - Peg Grundmeier 2/26 - Janis Stavnes 2/27 - John Bartz 2/27 - Clara Samuelson Please let us know if we missed

8 FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2/01 - Marsha Boyd 2/01 - Stacey Eddie 2/01 - Julie Winterton 2/03 - Lori Porsch 2/07 - Tony Raveling 2/07 - David Kebschull 2/09 - Robert Thompson 2/09 - Verity Zapo 2/12 - Jon Todd Sandeline 2/12 - Clair Thompson 2/13 - Emily Smith 2/14 - Mason Adams 2/16 - Peter Douglas 2/17 - Fern Combes 2/17 - Megan Peterson 2/18 - Paul Loos 2/19 - Joe Stuckel 2/19 - Micah Naslund 2/21 - Whitney O Bannon 2/23 - Norma Williams 2/24 - Pam McClannahan 2/25 - Julie Cook 2/25 - Peg Grundmeier 2/26 - Janis Stavnes 2/27 - John Bartz 2/27 - Clara Samuelson Please let us know if we missed your birthday! THANK YOU S THANK YOU so much for the gifts that I received at Christmas time. It was so nice to be thought of and appreciated. Brenda Newell THANK YOU for all your well wishes and the farewell coffee. Margaret Stangohr THANK YOU so much for the mittens, hats and scarves from St. Mark Sarah Circle. Our elementary students are always in need of them! Thank you. Storm Lake Elementary School PRAYER CONCERNS: One of the practices of faith is daily praying for others. At St Mark we are grateful for the opportunity to pray for you and others. If you have a prayer concern you would like shared with the congregation publicly, please direct it to the Jane Hartwell or to Pastor Dave. Because of privacy laws and the need to respect the privacy of others, please ask permission of the person you are requesting prayer for or from a direct family member. We will include prayers for healing, for those mourning, and for those celebrating a special event such as a birth, marriage, or significant anniversary. Due to HIPAA Law and personal privacy concerns, the Church staff will not be sharing personal information, unless directed to by the person(s) of concern. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 2/11 Gene & Gloria Lyster 2/16 Doug & Sherry Knutson 2/23 Michael & Megan Sullivan

9 ADOPT A FAMILY THANK FAMILY #184 Thank you for my gift. I love it. I use it everyday when it is cold. Bianca Thank you for my pants. I am glad I got something I like. Thank you! Tanisha I am happy for the jacket you gave me. I really enjoy it. Now I am warm when its is cold. Thank you! Christian I really love my gift! Now I can wear makeup everyday and look retty! Anahi I love my joys and clothes. I play with them everyday. Thank you! Iseia & Yarexsi FAMILY #150 Thank you for giving us gifts for Christmas. We are really grateful and we hope that you guys had a great Christmas. We had a great Christmas! We had an amazing Christmas as a family. If it wasn t for you guys we wouldn t have these great gifts! Than you again.! The Mairanda s Family FAMILY #180 Hello, I hope and pray to God that you are doing very well and that God continues to bring you many blessings. I, Maria Reyes Mendoza, am writing this letter to thank you infinitely for all the things you had for us, for my family. My husband, kids, and I want to thank you with all our heart. I pray to God that he keeps filling you with blessings and I also pray to God that there are more people like you because I know there are many people all over the world in need. Thank our Lord for people like you, and I hope that our Lord never stops sending you blessings. I pray that you will always have a home, clothes, and food. Thanks for everything. We thank you with all our hearts. My kids say thank you. My husband also is very thankful. Thanks, God bless you. We hope you have a beautiful and blessed year. Mendoza Huitron Family Maria Guadalupe Mendoza, Jose Angel Mendoza, Francisco Mendoza, Maria Reys Mendoza, Jose Manuel Mendoza Thank you!

INGHAM OKOBOJI CAMP What to expect at Ingham Okoboji All who come to Ingham Okoboji youth and family camps can look forward to engaging chapel services, comical skits, stimulating Bible studies,

You can expect programs which are founded on a strong belief in salvation by God s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, experiencing God through His creation, a daily walk

10 INGHAM OKOBOJI CAMP What to expect at Ingham Okoboji All who come to Ingham Okoboji youth and family camps can look forward to engaging chapel services, comical skits, stimulating Bible studies, delicious meals, Christ-centered fellowship, and an awesome summer staff. Many camps for all ages. You can expect programs which are founded on a strong belief in salvation by God s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the authority of the Bible, experiencing God through His creation, a daily walk with God, and a call to love our neighbors and be a light to our world. Our mission is To know Jesus Christ and to make Christ knowin to all, and it drives all we do. Dan Antoine, Director of Programs More information on all the camps Ingham offers, dates and activities & registration forms can be found in the booklets & inserts on the round table or go to OKOBOJI February 15-17,2019 OKOBOJI MARRIAGE RETREAT 2019 At Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Whether you have been married many years or just one year, life happens. Things change. We change. Join us and take time to laugh, remember, and re-visioin your marriage together. Enjoy a wonderful weekend with banquet dinner, breakfast in bed, evening entertainment, and great sessions led by Rev. Ben and Stephanie Mason. Ben and Stephanie lead the marriage ministry at Lutheran HCurch of Hope, in West Des Moines. Theme: Connection: Staying in touch with God and your spouse in the 21st Century Register today at

ST. MARK WOMEN Bold Women's Day Celebrate the bold women in your life Bold Women s Day observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting

11 ST. MARK WOMEN Bold Women's Day Celebrate the bold women in your life Bold Women s Day observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other women are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality. Whether we live out our bold story of faith in the workplace, family home or community, our faith compels us to make a difference in the lives of others. It s all about living out our baptismal call, about being a disciple of Christ. Are you bold? NEEDED: Several people to be on a Funeral Committee as additional co-chair coordinators. Margaret Stangohr will be leaving this position in January. There are written directions which I will explain as I will still be on this committee. Many members have graciously helped and served and I thank them so much for that! Thank you also Margaret for your service. Gloria Rohlfsen FEBRUARY 2019 BOOK NOTES Recently I read an article about the ten top resolutions of The first six resolutions contained goals of more exercise and better eating. The seventh one was to read more. Isn t that interesting? New selections to our library include: Amish Cooking Class: The Blessing (book two) by Wanda Brunstetter Together Forever by Judy Hedlund (Orphan Train, book two) A Son s Vow by Shelley Gray The Union Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini Love Without Limits by Jacqueline Bussie Hope you are having a good winter! Happy reading! Carole Suhr, librarian

12 Happy Valentine s Day from LSI! We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 Lutheran Services in Iowa s (LSI) mission is about love: responding to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. We give thanks for all the ministry partners, both individuals and congregations, who help share this love for Iowa children, families, and adults! We see this love in newly adopted children and their families, in teens who learn to trade self-harm for self-worth, in Iowans with disabilities who are growing their independence and confidence, in new parents who are raising strong and healthy families, and in so many other moments of joy. You can help carry out our mission of hope and healing by giving a gift and showing love to the Iowa families we serve. For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI director of philanthropy and church relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org Thank you for the love you share and create through LSI. Happy Valentine s Day! Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at and LSI.iowa. Helping Kids Thrive When Kari, a little girl they knew through church, was in need of a foster home, Stacie and Blake decided to step up. The couple became licensed as foster and adoptive parents, and Stacie says it s been a rewarding experience ever since. With LSI Foster Care and Adoption in their corner, ready to provide support, guidance, or even just a listening ear, Stacie and Blake lift up children in their community through foster care. After caring for Kari as foster parents, the opportunity came to adopt her. Now 10, Kari is an amazing big sister. The family has fostered and adopted a son, 3-year-old Silas, and they recently welcomed their biological son, 1-year-old Jett, into the family. Stacie and Blake continue to foster children in need of a safe and supportive home, and Stacie says they hope to adopt again in the future. When you become a foster or adoptive parent, yes, you re helping children. But at the same time, you learn about yourself and you learn more about the world around you, Stacie says. Foster care is an experience that is indescribable and life-changing.

St. Mark is a welcoming community, boldly witnessing Christ s love.

St. Mark Lutheran Church 1614 West 5th Street Storm Lake, IA 50588 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Storm Lake, IA Permit No. 35 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED St. Mark is a welcoming community, boldly witnessing