Isaiah 58:10 – If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness…
St. Marks is at its best when we are serving others. The speedy activation of the Grace & Groceries ministry was an incredibly special moment for our congregation…and we should take note. The recipe for success was there: a community need, a creative and collaborative staff, a well-stocked food pantry, and energized volunteers. We need to recognize how the Holy Spirit moved through our congregation to draw our awareness, our empathy, and our action.
Grace & Groceries fed the community, and it fed St. Mark’s too. The volunteer engagement was as abundant as the groceries. It was a ministry to others as much as a ministry to our own congregation. It was a joy to serve and to witness the connections built across volunteers new and old. Lutherans hold that faith is expressed through action, particularly through acts of generosity toward the hungry and oppressed. St. Mark’s stepped up to meet a very real community need. Thank you to all who planned, donated, served, and prayed over this ministry. Our work is not done.
All of our food ministries continue to need your support. Consider participating in a new ministry this month – Hospital Ministry, Food Pantry, Food Truck, Kitchen Ministry, and many more are promoted in our weekly emails and newsletter. Every council member and staff member is ready to help you plug in…so ask!
Finally, Council is looking forward to the congregational meeting on Sunday, December 7, immediately following the service. Please plan to attend. Visit Member Resources to review the notices, budget materials, and a proposal for the constitution/bylaw revisions. We’ll provide updates on key initiatives for the entire congregation. Please submit questions in advance so that they can be shared for the benefit of all.
Growing Together,
Leah Gradl
Council President
Last modified: November 23, 2025