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A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

Saint Mark Lutheran Church

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Faith Dialogues presents Rev. Dr. Barbara Lundblad Nov 16-18th

Posted on: September 11th, 2018 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

Saint Mark is pleased to have with us as our presenter for Faith Dialogues this year, Dr. Barbara Lundblad. She is a noted Lutheran preacher and theologian, and has taught preaching at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Dr. Lundblad has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of LGBTQ persons in the church.

Faith Dialogues will begin with her lecture on Friday evening, November 16 at 7:00 PM on Jesus Would Bake the Cake: A Christian Case for Sexual Justice. In 2015 the Supreme Court declared gay marriage to be legal in the United States. In 2009 the ELCA voted to affirm the ordination of partnered LGBT people. Almost 300 LGBT people have been ordained as pastors or are now in seminary. Yet, we know there is still much to be done and there are challenges to these decisions. Dr. Lundblad will invite us to see how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to be truly welcoming in the midst of a shifting culture. Cake will surely follow.

On Saturday morning, November 17, Dr. Lundblad will give two presentations. Everyone is invited to both of these but the earlier presentation will be geared more for clergy. At these presentations, Dr. Lundblad will share from her particular area of expertise: homiletics. The 9:00 AM session is entitled Preaching in a Polarized Society which speaks to the challenge of proclaiming the Gospel in a culture that is very divided politically. Goodies will be served between 10:30 and 11:00 AM.

The second session starting at 11:00 AM is What Do I Expect from a Sermon? Part of Dr. Lundblad’s presentation is how to give feedback to the pastor for his or her sermon. Personally, I don’t mind the feedback, “Nice sermon, Pastor” now and then, but Dr. Lundblad thinks that maybe we should take it to the next level. I look forward to what she has to say.

Dr. Lundblad will also preach on November 18th and lead the forum at 9:45am.

Rally Day is September 9th

Posted on: August 25th, 2018 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

Rally Sunday 2015Plan now for Sunday, September 9th, for our Rally Day for 2018. We will worship for the last time on our summer schedule of 9:30 a.m. that morning. We will be outside, weather permitting. Bring your pets of all sorts (alive or stuffed animals or pictures depending on their behavior at playing well with others) for the Blessing of the Animals. And we will have our barbecue with potluck side dishes and fun activities for all ages.

Sunday, September 16th, we return to our regular worship schedule with our contemporary service at 8:30 a.m. in the lounge and the traditional/liturgical service at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. The new Educational year begins with Forum, Sunday Church School classes and Godly Play at 9:45 am. Pray Ground will continue in the chapel during worship for children.

Pentecost on May 20th; Choir Du Jour to Sing

Posted on: May 18th, 2018 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

We will be starting our Summer Worship Schedule with one service at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 20th, Pentecost Sunday. Worship that day will be followed by our annual Chili Cook-Off. Summer Schedule will continue through Sunday, September 9th (Rally Day).

Also on Pentecost, the Saint Mark Choir du Jour will gather for the 9:30 a.m. Pentecost service. We will sing “If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments” by Thomas Tallis, a 4 part choral piece that is quite familiar to many. The text is based on John 14:15-17, when Jesus told his disciples “If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.”

We will rehearse in the sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. – music will be provided. Even if you haven’t sung this piece before, please join us!

Saint Mark Women’s Retreat — April 27-29th, 2018

Posted on: March 13th, 2018 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

We are now accepting reservations for the annual Women’s Retreat, to take place the weekend of April 27-29 at Bella Beach on the Oregon Coast.  The theme for this weekend is “Creating Balance in the Midst of Life’s Challenges.”  We will explore how to create healthier equilibrium between relationships, self-care, and callings both vocational and spiritual.  The weekend is always filled with lively conversation, good food in a relaxing and beautiful setting.  Registration is $150, which covers lodging, food, and transportation.  Deadline is April 22nd.  Please join us!

Women’s Retreat Brochure & Registration (pdf)

Annual Advent Organ Concert on Saturday Dec. 16th

Posted on: December 5th, 2017 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

Saint Mark will feature its longtime organist, Tim Bibelheimer, in his traditional Advent concert on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017.

Appearing with him will be local musicians Orion Davidson, flute; Marjory Lange, violin/viola; Judith Linder and Olga Valdes, sopranos; Glory Lyatuu, piano/organ; and Kay Mitchell, oboe.

The performance also will feature selections on Saint Mark’s newly acquired nine-foot concert grand piano.

The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Admission is free, but offerings are welcome.

The holiday program will range from classical works, such as J.S. “Bach’s Sleepers Wake” and Louis Vierne’s “Carillon de Westminster,” to contemporary, such as “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Those attending will be invited to sing along with favorite carols such as “Silent Night” and “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers.”

Bibelheimer, who began playing the organ in church at age 14, has served as organist at Saint Mark for 25 years.

Upcoming Events to Celebrate the Reformation

Posted on: October 12th, 2017 by Peter Hoelter No Comments

There are many events this month to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Here are three featured events on Reformation Weekend:

October 28th, 2017

Harvest/ Reformation Intergenerational Party
Saints and Sinners gather for our version of a Harvest/ Reformation Intergenerational Party at 4:00pm. Come dressed as your favorite saint … or sinner!

October 29th, 2017

500th Anniversary Festival Worship
Our organist, Tim Bibelheimer is sure to “pull out all the stops” on this 500th Anniversary Festival Worship. Historic timeline and artwork will also be displayed. 11:00am Saint Mark Sanctuary.

Salem Reformation Musicfest
On Reformation Sunday, October 29th, you are invited to a Salem Reformation Musicfest commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Sponsored by Christ the Good Shepherd, Holy Cross, & Saint Mark Lutheran churches, come enjoy a time of music and song from local choirs, organists and other musical ensembles. The Musicfest begins at 4:00pm with a reception following. This event hosted by Saint Mark Lutheran Church, and is free and open to the public.

The Reformation Continues Brochure — Events to commemorate the 500th anniversary (pdf)