ST. MARK S MESSENGER from the Pastor August 2018 Valley, Nebraska www.stmarksvalleyne.com 402.359.2315 I write this as we have just celebrated the rededication of our Sanctuary. It was a day of culmination with a sense of completion. It was a joy to bless every added element with all those who attended worship that Sunday, and it was a joy to have Pastor Juliet Hampton- Assistant to the Bishop with us to lend us her thoughts and presence on this important occasion. Another event that made the day important was that we wished Farewell and Godspeed to Hillary Christensen, who has been our Youth Leader for the past 3 years. Hillary and her husband were leaving Nebraska to attend United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, PA, where I also attended seminary. The day of our dedication celebration was the 6 th anniversary of our (mine and Bob s) leave-taking from Nebraska for Pennsylvania as well. So, it was a day rife with meaning and significance on many levels. Pastor Juliet asked an important question I think for us to contemplate in the upcoming weeks and months and that is What s next?. She reminded us that God had led the Israelites out of slavery, protected their flight from the pursuing Egyptians, through the Red Sea, and then continued to lead them and instruct them in the wilderness. God never abandoned the people. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they had to wonder-what s next? Bob and I have wondered that at many different points in our journey; as we left Nebraska for seminary in Pennsylvania, as we were sent to West Virginia for Internship and as we returned to Nebraska for this call to St. Mark s; each time we have
wondered, What s next? What will happen, how will God be present with us here? How will God use us, how will this place change us, will we be accepted? What does God want us to do now? These are some questions we asked of God at each new place. As something is completed, something else is begun. It is that time of being on a threshold, and it is often uncomfortable, because the future is unknown. I am sure you could recognize or list times in your lives where you have stood on a threshold, where things were about to change. Bob and I have been there often it seems, in the past 6 years. I assure you that it is both frightening and exciting. Yet, time and again God has always been with us, has always given us assurance of his presence, has never let us fall. Newness of place, of role, of people, of experience these can be scary things for human beings. We feel best in the routine, in knowing everyone, knowing what is expected of us and others. It is daunting to say, What s next? It is scary to ask God what is next, and yet that is the way that we learn and grow and live into what it is that God is dreaming for us here even in little Valley, Nebraska. It is the way that we truly walk in faith, not by sight. Don t kid yourself, God does have a plan for St. Mark s. Our challenge now is to ask the question, to be patient, and faithful to listen for God s answer! We must be patient, but we must listen, because it is important knowing where God would lead us in purpose, in mission, and in faith. As a faithful member of this church, I ask you to please be courageous-please, in your personal prayer life; to ask God, what is next? What is next for our church here, what is next God? Which direction would you have us go? It is a scary question if you pray it with an open heart, asking God to help you listen as he speaks to your heart, and the hearts of the faithful here. Just as we pray for the sick and hurting, so too we must ask the question Pastor Juliet prompted us to ask of God what s next?
One thing is certain, only one. God is with us, always- as God was with the Israelites. He has promised to be with us always. God is already beckoning us to the future that God has in store. But, we must pray, and believe that God will not let us fall or fail, as we take the next steps into the future God has planned. We simply pray for ears to hear, and the faith to do whatever is next. Be brave, be faithful and pray. God will certainly lead us and help us to do the rest! Your sister in Christ, Pastor Barbara from the PMA Focus I made a mistake. My morning routine was well on its way. Exercise, shower, dress and off for the errands of the day. As I was on my way out the door, I noticed something unusual. The whole house was wavering before my eyes. I felt anxious and uncomfortable. What was going on? Something was definitely wrong, but I had no idea what was causing the chaos. When I started to review my morning, it occurred to me that I often do things out of habit without really thinking about what I am doing. I had inserted by contact lenses in the opposite eyes. No wonder my world was out of focus! Once I corrected this mistake, I could function as I needed. My thoughts went to the many times we live our faith life out of habit really not thinking about what we are doing. Then suddenly, our lives are out of focus. We are uncomfortable and anxious. Chaos ensues. By reviewing our faith life, we realize that perhaps we were functioning by habit not by faith. In renewing our focus on God, we can ease the anxiety and discomfort we may be feeling. Keep your focus on the one who gives you life and sustains it. Karen
This is a synopsis of the Council meeting held on July 24, 2018. - New Council members Toni Peacock and Linda Ryan will be installed on Sunday, August 19 th. - July 29 Blessing/rededication of the Sanctuary. - August 3-10 Vacation for Pastor Barbara and Bob. - August 5 Backpack Blessing. - September 2 Last Sunday of summer service schedule. - September 9 Rally Sunday back to 2 worship services on Sundays. - September 12 RENEW begins. - Tithe.ly electronic giving will be ready for use in the very near future. - Confirmation will move from Wednesday evenings back to Sunday mornings at 9:20 a.m. - The Rite of Affirmation will be on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at the 10:30 a.m. service. - Community Vacation Bible School reported that there were 105 children in attendance most days. The total number of volunteers were 54 throughout the week. - The Administration Group is working on updating the constitution using the Model Constitution for Congregations of the ELCA 2016 document. - COPE has been using space at the church in Elkhorn for free and will be charged $300 a month beginning August 1 for expanded space. A noisy offering will be collected in August to assist in paying the rent. - St. Mark s will have a float in the Valley Day Parade on August 11. If you are interested in helping, please sign up on the sheet at the Welcome Center in the Narthex. - Pastor Appreciation Day will be September 23. Watch for further information. - Project Harmony sent a thank you to St. Mark s for the 3 fleece blankets that were donated. - The Administration Group will meet Tuesday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. - Pastor would like to set Tuesdays as meeting days. Committees will be asked to choose a Tuesday and a time. The fourth Tuesday of each month is set aside for Council meetings. JUNE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT
June Budget = $19,887 June Expenses = $19,524 June Giving = $15,303 YEAR TO DATE FINANCIAL REPORT January-June Budget = $119,561 January-June Expenses = $115,135 January-June Giving = $99,141 End of year 2017 Balance in Savings = $50,144 End of June 2018 Balance in Savings = $50,239 End of June 2018 Balance in Checking = $28,074 End of June 2018 Worship Enhancement Checking= $7,142 A PRAYER FOR ST MARK'S COUNCIL Lord of All, bring our leaders to a deeper understanding of your life-giving work through St. Mark s. Amen. Back to School Blessing It s that time again! Time to get ready for back to school. During the 9:30 worship service on August 5, we will be extending blessings for all those going to school. Whether student, parent or school staff, we pray that your experience will be blessed. Students can bring backpacks, notebooks or other school supplies. Parents and school staff can lift up keys, cell phones, planners and even alarm clocks. Please join us on August 5 for this special portion of our service. If summer takes you away from St. Mark's on Sundays, don t forget your offering is still important. Thanks!!
AUGUST NEWS FOR WOMEN OF ST. MARK S FAITH CIRCLE NEWS Watch following newsletters for further information. FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE NEWS Watch following newsletters for further information. JOY CIRCLE NEWS Watch following newsletters for further information. Celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in August Happy 20 th Wedding Anniversary to Eric and Carissa Hays on the 29 th! Thank You I would like to thank my church family for all your prayers, cards and visits. They were so very appreciated and the prayers especially needed, Thank you to the Food for Friends group for the tasty meal. I want to say a special thank you to Pastor Barbara for her prayers and presence during my surgery. I am so grateful to God for his grace and the wonderful guidance of my surgeon, Dr. Jana. I am doing so well because of the grace of God and all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Helen Kirchmann
August/September Soldier Group *2018* Sgt Jabari R. Moore *US Marines* Location: On Ship Attn: Any Marine Representing: 10 Males 5 Females USS ESSEX MAINT ADMIN VMM-166 UNIT 89050 FPO AP 96610-5000 VMM-166 SeaElk are from southern California. We are a Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron that supports ground troops and their assets to get to and from their destinations quickly and effectively. We consist of many different Marines who continually make an effort to ensure that the personnel we work with travel as safely as possible. My marines and I ensure that the maintenance done on our aircraft are documented accurately and in compliance with aircraft repair activities. We have a working micro and frig. We have limited access to the ship store and are requesting the following items for both male and female marines in the group. Thanks for your support!!! We are requesting: Shampoo/ Conditioner/ Body Wash/ Deodorant/ Toothpaste/ Toothbrushes/Razors/ Shaving Gel/ Laundry Pods/ Snacks/ Micro Meals/ Micro Snacks Pack & Pray Sunday, Sept. 16th @ 9:20 am. Postage funds are always appreciated. ***Please pray for our soldiers and their families.***
St. Mark's Women of ELCA is sponsoring the Second Annual SALAD LUNCHEON Friday, August 17 Two settings: "A" Seating: 11:00 a.m. to Noon "B" Seating: Noon to 1:00 p.m. Carry out available. Cost: $8.00 per person St. Mark's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall 115 W. Meigs Street Valley, NE Invite family, friends, and neighbors to experience a diversity of flavorful salads and fellowship. Luncheon proceeds benefit the Churchwomen's Charitable Giving Outreach. To purchase tickets, contact Marilyn Ramsey, 402-359-5130. Questions call Marilyn or email Barb Kahlandt at bkahlandt@gmail.com
HELP WANTED Women of ELCA are sponsoring our second annual Salad Luncheon on August 17! Welcome donations of Salads to entice the taste bud Baked goods to tempt the palate Crafts to catch the eye Volunteers needed for Worker Shift teams Hostesses Cashiers Kitchen Please assist in making the event successful by signing the Donation/Volunteer sheets located at the Welcome Center. Contact person: Marilyn Ramsey, 402-359-5130. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------