Service of the Word - Sunday, March 29
Dear friends in Christ,
We have wonderful resources to help us gather for worship, even from afar. Please enjoy this video from Pastor Gary with this week's Service of the Word. A direct link to the sermon is available here and we encourage you to share this with friends and neighbors who need this message. https://youtu.be/DQHn51v7ilk
Click here for the Order of Worship 3.29.20
Click here for the Children's Bulletin Age 7+
Click here for the Children's Bulletin Age 3+
Dear friends in Christ,
We have wonderful resources to help us gather for worship, even from afar. Please enjoy this video from Pastor Gary with this week's Service of the Word. A direct link to the sermon is available here and we encourage you to share this with friends and neighbors who need this message. https://youtu.be/DQHn51v7ilk
Click here for the Order of Worship 3.29.20
Click here for the Children's Bulletin Age 7+
Click here for the Children's Bulletin Age 3+
Southeastern Synod Worship Resources - March 22, 10am CST
Redeemer, Atlanta, is providing a livestream of their worship service here, Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 10:00am CST. Bishop Kevin Strickland will preside at a Service of the Word and bring an update from the synod.
Additional resources from the Southeastern Synod are available here: http://www.elca-ses.org
Redeemer, Atlanta, is providing a livestream of their worship service here, Sunday, March 22, 2020, at 10:00am CST. Bishop Kevin Strickland will preside at a Service of the Word and bring an update from the synod.
Additional resources from the Southeastern Synod are available here: http://www.elca-ses.org
COVID-19 – St. Mark’s Update on Services, Procedures
(Updated March 18, 2020)
Dear friends in Christ,
This morning, the Church staff had an extensive meeting to discuss our life and ministry during these challenging times. The Council and staff have agreed to some basic operational procedures for the time being.
Below is a summary listing of changes effective immediately, through at least April 5, Palm Sunday.
In addition to this informational listing, we wish to inform you all that Sidney Sexton entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday afternoon. He was 75 at the time of his death. Jaclyn Ewart was with him when he passed, and she is grateful for the care and prayers of the congregation.
Service plans are to be determined. During my visit with Jaclyn on Sunday, she shared that her preferred form of communication is text message. Her number is 256-653-5001. Cards may be sent to: 2406 Dairy Lane - HSV, AL 35811.
As stated before, the Church office is available to help with personal and pastoral needs. Please contact us via phone, text, email, etc. We will standing by to hear from you!
In Christ's love,
Pastor Gary
Notes from Council President Andy Sieja:
Fulfilling our Mission
As we move forward, our best defense is following common sense health guidelines:
In Christ’s love,
Andy Sieja
Council President
(Updated March 18, 2020)
Dear friends in Christ,
This morning, the Church staff had an extensive meeting to discuss our life and ministry during these challenging times. The Council and staff have agreed to some basic operational procedures for the time being.
Below is a summary listing of changes effective immediately, through at least April 5, Palm Sunday.
- With local schools closed and our local municipalities under a state of emergency, we are cancelling classes, rehearsals, meetings and services through Saturday, April 4.
- Our "Plan A" will be to resume Sunday services on April 5, Palm Sunday. We will take the lead from our local school system in the event that schools remain closed beyond that date, we will re-evaluate and consider "Plan B". These plans will be further communicated as time passes.
- For the next two Sundays, March 22 and 29, the Church office will send an email to the congregation with all of the readings and prayers plus a link to those resources currently used by the Lectionary Class. In addition, we want our members to use the link provided by our Southeastern Synod in which the Assistants to the Bishop are providing a sermon; Pastor Karen Boda was the designated preacher yesterday. Depending on the SE Synod office schedule, you can expect this email Friday - Sunday.
- For Palm Sunday, we will be prepared to use slides and a paper bulletin for both services. This would mean not using hymnals or reusing bulletins for awhile. The Church staff will prepare palm crosses.
- The Seder Meal will be cancelled due to the uncertainty of planning this meal in advance. Confirmation date may need to be changed. We realize that every aspect of our church life has been affected. There are many things that are up in the air right now and it is difficult for us all to take a deep breath and say, "We will just have to wait and see."
- The Church staff will share duties in the Church office Monday - Friday from 9AM - 3PM, with at least two people present. On some days, staff members will work from home. There also may be times that Church staff are assisting our members or others in the community.
- Leaders of various food ministries have been contacted regarding immediate plans. Our Food Pantry will remain open, and staff members will relieve volunteers of their duties for awhile. Our food ministries may be one of the critical needs in our community and we are ready to respond.
- We will consistently keep the congregation informed of developments as well as provide words of encouragement. Our older members' needs will be addressed by the Church staff.
In addition to this informational listing, we wish to inform you all that Sidney Sexton entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Sunday afternoon. He was 75 at the time of his death. Jaclyn Ewart was with him when he passed, and she is grateful for the care and prayers of the congregation.
Service plans are to be determined. During my visit with Jaclyn on Sunday, she shared that her preferred form of communication is text message. Her number is 256-653-5001. Cards may be sent to: 2406 Dairy Lane - HSV, AL 35811.
As stated before, the Church office is available to help with personal and pastoral needs. Please contact us via phone, text, email, etc. We will standing by to hear from you!
In Christ's love,
Pastor Gary
Notes from Council President Andy Sieja:
Fulfilling our Mission
- Prayer: Please pray for those who are affected by COVID-19, healthcare workers, government representatives and local leaders. They need our support while this situation develops.
- Assistance to those in need: We understand COVID-19 is causing hardships for many in the congregation and in our community. If you or someone you know needs assistance with food or access to basic necessities, please respond to this email or contact the Church office. We have resources and volunteers who are ready to assist.
- Stewardship/giving: Please continue your regular weekly giving by mailing your contribution or making a gift online. (Click here to make a secure donation on the St. Mark’s website.) The fact that we are not at church does not mean that our expenses drop. In fact, our expenses remain the same. And more importantly, this is a time when the Church could use more funds for assistance with our food pantry and other outreach ministries.
As we move forward, our best defense is following common sense health guidelines:
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when sick.
- Limit close contact with others as much as possible.
In Christ’s love,
Andy Sieja
Council President
We are Called to Celebrate, Serve and Make Disciples for Christ
All are welcome to join St. Mark's for weekly worship services, Sunday School and a wide variety of ministries throughout the community. We are a place of grace in the heart of Huntsville, Alabama. We are a family-friendly and growing congregation, and we'd love to meet you!
First time visitors can find our service times below, or find more information on the I'm New page.
All are welcome to join St. Mark's for weekly worship services, Sunday School and a wide variety of ministries throughout the community. We are a place of grace in the heart of Huntsville, Alabama. We are a family-friendly and growing congregation, and we'd love to meet you!
First time visitors can find our service times below, or find more information on the I'm New page.
Location
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is located in the heart of Huntsville, just a short walk from Huntsville Hospital. 200 Longwood Drive, SE Huntsville, AL 35801 (256) 539-4361 |
Sunday morning service times
8:30-9:30 Contemporary Worship 9:45-10:45 Sunday School 11:00-12:00 Traditional Service Learn More |
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