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Last year St. Mark's celebrated its 60th. birthday and this year we have a big goal to equip St. Mark's members with a solid grounding in the faith through "life long learning" classes--most on Sunday mornings.
As 2012 unfolds, there has been dramatic movement toward this goal (which is set as a floor--not as a cap). Each Sunday in 2012, the percentage has improved.
I am predicting that by Easter, we will have achieved this goal of at least 60% of our worshipers in a learning environment. Stay tuned. (1/22/12)
Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting was held December 4. The 2012 Goals were set; budget adopted; delegates to Synod Assembly elected. It was a time of good discussion attended by 90 people.
Most people do not enjoy meetings but they are necessary. At St. Mark's I am truly seeing more of a sense of focus on mission as we gather together. I beleive that is as it should be.
We as a congregation have set some pretty high goals for ourselves as we seek to be faithful to God in these times:
- Getting at least 60% of our worshipers to Sunday school.
- Deciding to hire a secretary/receptionist.
- Adopting a challenging budget that has an assumption that St. Mark's members will step up to the plate and that the church will continue growing.
God is blessing this church. If you are not part of our church family, why not join us in what God is blessing? We would love to make you part of our family. (12/4/11)
Consecration Sunday
November 13 was "Consecration Sunday"--the day members and friends are asked to "estimate" how much they plan to give for the work of the Lord through the ministries of St. Mark's.
Talking money is not easy. Most people, I believe, are offended. Yet the reality is that Jesus talked more about our relationship to money than anything other than the kingdom of heaven. Obviously it was important to him.
Martin Luther observed that the last part of a human being that is converted to the Lord is the wallet. I believe that is true. Every mature Christian I have ever met is also a tither (or beyond--most keep growing in this area).
Giving is so counter-intuitive. It seems the more we give, the less we have. But every giver understands that you "cannot outgive God." Ironically--it takes faith to prove this fact. And, if one does not have faith, one will not set out to prove this reality.
My guess is that givers are happier, more joy-filled people. They have discovered the secret to life and that is the abundant God we worship.
I'd love to talk with you about this if you would like. Just send me an email and we can get together. (11/14/11)
60th!
Not only are we shooting for 60% of our worshiping attendees in Sunday school, we are also celebrating our 60th. Anniversary this Sunday--Reformation Day.
Do join us. The "Fall Festival" (3rd. Annual) will be Saturday, October 29, from 10-2. Following the 11:15 service on Sunday we will have the annual "Birthday Bash" to celebrate the birthday of St. Mark's, Protestantism, and each individual's special day. (10/25/11)
60
In 2012, our goal is to have 60% of our worship attendance in Sunday school. Last Sunday, September 25, we had 40%. We are certainly moving in the right direction.
Join us, will you? Many opportunities. And if you don't see what you are looking for, how about starting a class of your own? (9/27/11)
SUNDAY SCHOOL
I have been impressed with the vibrancy of our education ministry. More children AND adults in ministry than ever before.
Our goal for 2012 is to have at least 60% of our worshiping congregation in a learning activity. "Discipleship" is a fancy word for "learning adult."
See you in Sunday school Sunday! (9/17/11)
RESTFUL TIME
The Sabbatical I have enjoyed this summer is now over and I'll be back in the office first thing Monday morning. My first Service will be September 4. I am anxious to share with you some things about my Sabbatical.
Mostly I have come to appreciate St. Mark's and the wonderful job we do of creating meaningful, God-inspired worship. My hope is to become more prayerful and intentional in preparing worship from now on. I believe I can help build on something we do well already.
I am so thankful to Pastor Otto for his work this summer. I knew the church was in good hands. Little did I know how many funerals, however.
Looking forward to seeing all the dearly beloved people of St. Mark's. Looking forward to what God will do through us in the time ahead.
I am ready, set, and (about to) GO!
SABBATICAL
Starting May 31, I will be gone from St. Mark's for a three-month Sabbatical.
I've never had a Sabbatical but I certainly understand their necessity for anyone in full-time ministry.
For the first time in 37 years of ministry, I'll not have the responsibility of the congregation for 24/7/365. Wow!
I have always observed a "day off" (Sabbath) but sometimes (oftentimes) even that fairly sacred day gets compromised or even by-passed.
So now, as I write this, I anticipate returning to St. Mark's with a renewed sense of God's vision for this congregation and a renewed personal vitality born primarily by rest.
I am already looking forward to September 4--my first Sunday back to St. Mark's post-Sabbatical. (5/27/11)
AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM
On May 22, four of our young people will affirm something that happened when they were infants: BAPTISM.
What does that mean? It means the baton is passed on to them for the responsibility in living the Christian life.
Up to this point parents, sponsors, and the congregation (mostly through the Sunday school and Confirmation program) have sought to get the basic elements of the Christian faith to these youth.
Now we count them as adults--fully responsible for their faith life.
HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY
We have had our first "Holy Humor Sunday" and it was a hit.
Many perceive church as "boring" and "irrelevent".
Some churches, however, try to get into the entertainment business.
We are not entertainers and we certainly do not want to bore. We are anxious to connect our living Christ with the real world. Connecting to God and others is our goal in worship--a "Holy Communion." Join us. (5/8/11)
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
I marvel at how the Body of Christ comes together in times of need. So many members and friends of St. Mark's have responded and continue to respond to human need in our own community and state.
That is as it should be. We are, after all, the body of Christ. I am sure Christ would be serving those in need.
Years ago, when I lost all my possessions because of a fire, I experienced the body in prayer and action. This is what makes the church the church. Thank You Lord! (5/5/11)
EASTER JOY (Again)
The Wednesday following Easter brought our area a terrible outbreak of tornadic weather that caused a great deal of damage and even loss of life.
Most of the members and friends of St. Mark's lost electricity until at the earliest, Monday, May 2.
But we gathered in our darkened sanctuary on the Second Sunday of Easter to give thanks to God, pray for others, and celebrate the good news that God holds the ultimate trump card.
To those who gathered, it was indeed a special time. Thanks church family for being family! (5/2/11)
EASTER JOY
I love Easter more than any holiday--by far. It represents real good news. Coupled with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter also presents life as it is--with pain and loss--as well as life as it should be.
Having a full church on Easter Sunday is always energizing for a pastor. I usually finish Easter so energized that I feel on top of the world.
This year we are carrying on the Easter JOY through to the next Sunday with HOLY HUMOR SUNDAY. I've never done anything like this before and it feels quite a bit beyond my "comfort zone" but I feel led to experiment in trying to carry forth the Easter momentum beyond to the essence of the faith as presented in weekly worship. (4/23/11)
FASTING AND PRAYER
Prayer is biblical but so is FASTING. Here's a neat link:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/adding-fasting-to-your-prayer-life.html
Because reaching our world with the good news of Jesus is so important at Easter, I would like to encourage you to join me (and perhaps several staff members) in fasting and praying for effective Easter outreach.
I intend to go without food all day Good Friday (until sunset). The hunger that comes with fasting is a reminder that I depend on God's Holy Spirit for my strength and well being.
My prayer this year is for effective outreach to non-churched, formerly-churched, and un-churched people.
I intend to put legs on my prayer by going door-to-door in the neighborhood around the church inviting people to worship on Easter Sunday. You are welcome to join me if you wish. (4/12/11)
LENTEN RENEWAL--(Part 3)
Working through the "Seven Wonders of the Word" I have come to greatly renewed appreciation of the Third Commandment: "REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY."
For so many Christians rest and worship are completely optional. I have my doubts about how optional they are for spiritual health.
It amazes me that studies have shown that people who are faithful in worship, for example, live, on average, eight years longer than those for whom worship is "optional."
I also notice that those faiths that really emphasize the "sabbath" day for rest and worship (such as the Seventh Day Adventists) also have much longer lifespans.
Is there a connection? Of course there is. We need both rest and worship for optimal health. (3/28/11)
LENTEN RENEWAL (Part 2)
I have a sense that God is using this Lenten season to revitalize St. Mark's.
New energy, new life, new people--it's a God thing.
Now--why don't you join us? (Could it be that God really is calling YOU to be a part of something much bigger than yourself?)
(3/23/11)
LENTEN RENEWAL
The "Seven Wonders of the Word" is yet another way to get into God's Word and grow spiritually.
I have been thrilled that so many St. Mark's members are participating. I initially ordered 40 books--not knowing if they would be picked up. We quickly ran out of those and had to order 25 more--which were on backorder. They arrived in the nick of time for Ash Wednesday and now people are using the book for personal meditation, small group discussion, couple and family devotions, etc.
The church is about growing people spiritually and I am thrilled to see this happening at St. Mark's. (3/16/11)
GREAT BOOK
I have read a book I would highly recommend to any Christian. It is entitled, THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL by Richard Stearns, president of World Vision.
The back cover of the book reads: "What does God expect of us? Is our faith just about going to church, studying the Bible and avoiding the most serious sins--or does God expect more? Have we embraced the whole gospel or a gospel with a hole in it?
"THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL is the compelling true story of a corporate CEO who set aside worldly success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel--the whole gospel--was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with us."
In light of my own experiences in Ethiopia, I find this book inspiring and true. It brings new hope to me that the church can live up to its high calling to care for the poor, marginalized, and hungry. (3/10/11)
LENT
40 days seems like a long time. But 40 days can make a spiritual difference.
This year my prayer is that Lent would have a huge impact in the lives of all who participate in the small groups, personal meditation, and worship experiences of our Lenten program.
Please write to me if you are interested in learning more. I promise to get back with you a.s.a.p. Just email: prden@stmarkshsv.org (3/6/11)
ETHIOPIA TRIP--the Results
We have returned from the Biblical nation of Ethiopia with some incredible and wonderful adventures, experiences and insight into God's grace.
Even though I have traveled throughout much of the world, this trip was the most significant. In most other trips, I was "tourist" and on this one I was "friend" to some very special people.
I love the people (especially the children) of Ethiopia. Despite crushing poverty, I saw more smiles than I typically see in America--a land of incredible wealth (if your household makes more than $30,000 per year, you are richer than 90% of the rest of the world).
True wealth does not come from money but from an authentic experience of God's grace.
The Lutheran Church in Ethiopia is alive, full of life, and abundantly wealthy (in the true measure of wealth). And the church is doing some incredible ministry in feeding the poor, providing education, clean water, and health assistance).
I hope we can share our stories in the weeks ahead. This Sunday (March 6) we will tell a little about what happened. Hope you can join us. (10/3/11)
ETHIOPIA TRIP
Five St. Mark's members travel to Ethiopia to support the installation of four water wells provided by the generous support of St. Mark's members and friends. People near and far and of other denominations have contributed to this effort.
The wells will literally save the lives of people--especially children.
Perhaps as important (if not more for us) is the witness of the Ethipoian church on what it means to be Christian--especially under extreme poverty. We will learn a great deal and, hopefully, give a great deal. Keep the five in your prayers--please. (2/21/11)
LOSS
We have had more funerals at St. Mark's recently than we have had in a long while.
Each funeral is a loss to our church family. Yet each one is also a CELEBRATION.
God has called St. Mark's to CELEBRATION, SERVICE and WITNESS.
Even though we celebrate, the loss is real. During Lent this year, beginning after the Lenten service on March 30, we will have a three-week seminar on Grief presented by the Rev. Carl Malm. He is an extremely useful resource in this area. More information will be coming on the "Current Events" home page as time draws closer. (2/15/11)
LENTEN JOURNEY
We have always had special mid-week worship services during Lent. This year two powerful components have been added: daily meditation and small groups.
Everything this year is based on the "SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORD" Lenten Journey.
Join us daily for personal meditation; on Wednesday for worship; and weekly in small groups based on this Lenten theme.
(2/12/11)
YATES PROPERTY
The congregation has voted to purchase the Yate's property. This will multiply opportunities for ministry at St. Mark's. We are so thankful to the Yate's family for allowing us the opportunity to purchase a home that means a great deal to them.
May God guide us in deciding how to best use this property for ministry as we "Celebrate, Serve, and Make Disciples."
MISSION TRIP
I am excited about the mission trip to Ethiopia.
The Lutheran Church there is rapidly growing yet they have precious little financial ability (could there be a connection?).
I suspect they have much to teach us.
Sure, we are providing several much-needed water wells that will greatly enhance the quality of their lives (and undoubtedly save some lives), but they will provide us examples of how to live a life of faith in God instead of faith in things.
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