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Connections is the semi-monthly newsletter by St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Marion, Iowa
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Mission Forums 2
Take note 3
Prayer requests
St. Mark’s Calendar
4
4
Thank You’s 5
Children’s Ministry 6
Youth Ministry 7
Vacation Bible School 8
Inside this issue:Inside this issue:
July 6, 2011 Issue 179
Final building tours July 10 By Tom Brennom
Construction Project Manager Construction progress con-
tinues in all areas and finish-
ing touches are starting to be
applied. Painting and installa-
tion of ceiling lights makes
things look bright and more
complete.
We will be having our final
project tours before building completion on Sun-
day, July 10. Please join us. You’ll be surprised how
much has progressed in the two months since our
last tours. Volunteers will be positioned throughout
the new addition to help answer any questions.
On the tour, you’ll get a better feel for the new
kitchen area, large bank of restrooms, and the new
nursery. The paint, numerous windows and addi-
tional floor space will be notable and welcoming.
Significant efforts continue on the new worship
center as I write this update. The new worship center looks striking. Paint is bringing out
its architectural features. You will also notice the lights, large air ducts and wood panels
in the ceiling. Window coverings will be installed soon, and the construction of the altar
JULY
We still have essential needs for new addition Excitement is growing daily about moving into our new space;
excitement is also growing on the Designated Giving front! Des-
ignated giving has accelerated over the last several weeks; we’ve
now received over 165 gifts for a total of $111,000.
We are getting much closer to our goal, but are still in need of
a few essential furnishings. To have these items in time to open
the new areas, we need to order them in the next few weeks. Please review the list on
our web site, www.faith-life.org, and prayerfully consider what you can give. If you have
questions, contact: Kathy Toborg at 350-4884 or David Hagstrom at 447-0100.
Warm paint colors, ceiling lights and and soffit work is bring our new space to life. Pho-tos by Tom Brennom.
Continued on page 2
Page 2
Our summer Mission Forums
continue this Sunday, July 10 with a
presentation by the St. Mark’s
Texas/Mexico Mission team. Come
hear about their experiences at our
partner churches along the Texas
and Mexican border at 9:45 a.m.
and 11 a.m. in the Fellowship Cen-
ter.
St. Mark’s sends mission teams
twice a year to assist with con-
struction projects and hold a medi-
cal clinic. The next trip is September 23-30.
Our July 17 forum will feature Lou and Deb Aisenbrey
and their 20-year service with Wycliffe Bible Translators in
Senegal, West Africa.
The Aisenbreys have seen the completion of New Testa-
ment translations into Pulaar, Kwatay and Joa-Kasa lan-
guages and a translation into a fourth language to be dedi-
cated early next year.
Wycliffe’s vision is to see the Bible accessible to all
people in the language they understand best. To make this
vision a reality, Wycliffe also focuses on community devel-
opment, literacy development and church partnerships.
Texas/Mexico missions featured July 10
Continued from page 1
platform will begin in about two weeks.
The lower level is nearing completion, and what a
change this will be for our youth programs. Doors are
being installed and carpeting will be laid in about two
weeks. Ceiling work is nearly complete. The older rooms
are almost done being remodeled. The lower level will be
available for use in about one month.
The rains have subsided so we’re finally making good
progress on grading. Storm drains have been added to
improve drainage north of the building near the play-
ground. This summer, we’ll be shaping the new berm to
the south and excavating our pond to make it slightly
larger.
Interested in Texas/Mexico Missions? If you like what you hear at the forum, the next mission
trip is Sept. 23-30. Learn more about the trip and the
group at an informational meeting on Tuesday, July 12
at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s. Contact mexicomissions@faith-
life.org or call Anita Haughenbury at 435-2365.
Leanne Loehr (above, center) of Families Helping
Families of Iowa, Inc. talked about her organization’s
work with foster families at our Mission Forum on
June 26.
Children smile
during one of the
Texas/Mexico
mission trips. The
team visits the area
twice a year.
Just back from 10 weeks serving as a nurse with Mercy
Ships, Melissa Fitch (above) shared on Sunday, June 19,
the joys and rewards serving to the deep physical and
spiritual needs of the people of Sierra Leone in western
Africa. Even with unimaginable physical needs, Melissa
found the people of Sierra Leone to be very caring and
longing to hear about Jesus Christ, the greatest physician
of all! Melissa’s message was a challenging call to seek
how God calls upon each of us to use our skills and gifts
to serve Him! — By Roger Kolb
Page 3
Devotional blog launches Are you looking for daily moments to spend with God?
Find inspiration in our new devotional blog at:
https://blogfaithlife.wordpress.com/.
Fifty Plus plans July 10 catered meal Fifty Plus will hold its July catered meal at 11:30 a.m., Sun-
day, July 10. Cost is $8.50. Call Sharon Staton at 447-
9130.
Naomi Circle meets July 12 Naomi Circle will meets the second Tuesday of the month
in room 112A.
Church council to meet July 18 The St. Mark’s Church Council will meet at 4 p.m. Monday,
July 18 in Room 121. You can read the minutes from previ-
ous meetings on our web site, www.faith-life.org.
S’mores & More with Now What’s The Now What’s meets monthly, wrapping fun and fellow-
ship around a group activity. We enjoy our friendships and
look forward to making more. Join us at “S’mores & More”
on Wednesday, July 20, 7–8:30 p.m. at the outdoor meet-
ing area by the St Mark’s pond. We’ll provide s’mores and
music by Dave Brauhn. Bring your own lawn chair and soft
drinks. Dress is summer casual. If it rains, we’ll meet in
the Fellowship Center. For more information, contact Rich
and Joan Smith 377-7800 or
50 Plus potluck planned for July 21 Our next Fifty Plus potluck lunch will be at 11:30 Thursday,
July 21, in the fellowship center. Please bring a covered
dish and your own table service. The program on "elder
abuse" will be provided by Tracey Robertson from the
Heritage Area Agency on Aging. Plan to join us for good
food, fellowship and an interesting program.
Young singles, engaged, and married Young singles, engaged and married people will
meet Tuesday, July 26 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. for
bowling at Cedar Rapids Bowling Center. Adults only, try
and get a babysitter for the kids. Contact Jessy
at [email protected] for more information.
Quilter’s brunch July 27 The St. Mark's Quilter's brunch will be held on Wednes-
day, July 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the Village Inn, 229 Collins
Road NE. Come join in the fun! Kathie Oppedahl if you
have any questions (366-3693).
Don’t miss S’More Crossfire! July 31 S'More Crossfire! will take place
at the cross behind St. Mark's
Sunday, July 31. A time of wor-
ship and prayer will begin at
7:30 p.m. We will pray for the
ministries of St. Mark's followed
by s'mores and fellowship around the fire pit.
Sermon Series Continues
Sunday, July 10 “Fix You: The Miracles of Jesus”
Sunday, July 17
“How to Save A Life: The Cross of Christ.”
Check our web site for a list of the 50 essential readings that
accompany this series, www.faith-life.org
click on Worship, then Sermons
Page 4
SUNDAY, JULY 10 All morning VBS sign-up 9:00 AM Building tours 9:45 AM Men’s Fraternity Children’s ministry Mission forum 11:00 AM Crossways Mission forum 11:00 AM 50+ catered meal 6:30 PM Alpha
MONDAY, JULY 11 7:00 PM Boy Scouts
TUESDAY, JULY 12 9:00 AM Quilters 1:15 PM Naomi Circle 7:00 PM LADOS 7:00 PM Texas/Mexico Mission Trip Meeting
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 6:00 AM Crossways 9:30 AM Sarah Circle
7:30 PM Fan the Flame
THURSDAY, JULY 14 5:00 PM Celebration rehearsal 5:30 PM Crossfire! Prayer 7:00 PM Impact band rehearsal
SATURDAY, JULY 16 8:30 AM Alpha retreat SUNDAY, JULY 17 All morning VBS sign-up 9:45 AM Men’s Fraternity Children’s Ministry Mission forum 11:00 AM Crossways Mission forum
For a complete listing of St. Mark’s monthly calendar, go to our web site:
www.faith-life.org.
Selected Items from St. Mark’s Calendar
Hospitalized Dolores Nickels
Health concerns Linda Wood
Grieving Family and friends of Kathy
Bennett, who died June 24. Ann Sindlinger and family on
the death of her father, Melvin “Meg” Bergstrom of Swedes-burg, who died on June 15.
Missions Our High School Mission Team,
currently in Louisville, Kentucky Other missionaries from our
congregation, serving in vari-ous places this summer, including:
Jason Wellnitz (Mozambique)
Katie Kascel and Tess Smith (Malawi)
Paige McKillip (Florida)
Kate Costigan (Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp)
Elizabeth Morton (Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp)
Other All those affected by floods,
drought, tornadoes, and other natural disasters around our country and throughout the world. Those in the military, especially
those who are serving over-seas—for their protection and for their loved ones.
Church Council names Call Committee A Call Committee has been named by the Church Council to search for a new
associate pastor.
The committee will draft a timeline and outline the steps in the process, but it
is unknown at this time exactly how long the search will take. First, the Call Com-
mittee will update the Congregational Profile for St. Mark's and do a thorough
review of pastoral and staffing needs. It will share the results of this review and
its recommendation with the Council and congregation.
Members of the committee are: Deb Becker, Jason Freeman, David Nanke,
Gary Pribyl, Lorie Teut, Emily Wellnitz and Perry Fruhling.
Page 5
Water 4 Kids thanks you Thank you for the $277.33 that your Sunday School sent
from its spring offerings to Water 4 Kids International.
Clean water has a life-changing impact on entire com-
munities! We know that in East Africa alone, an estimated
5,000 children die daily from water-borne diseases such as
typhoid, dysentery, cholera and diarrhea. Your support
makes it possible for us to provide clean water to thou-
sands in Africa and in other rural areas around the world.
In addition to the obvious health benefits, these wells
save valuable time – up to 6 hours per day – for women
and girls who have previously walked long distances to
gather water from unprotected sources and polluted
springs. A well makes it possible for girls to attend school
for the first time and allows women to work and support
their families. Together, we are quenching the thirst of
many with clean accessible drinking water!
Tom Eggum, President/Founder Water 4 kids International
Thanks for ELCA World Hunger gift Thank you for your gift of $13,533 over the last 12
months. Your generosity and faithful partnership has
changed the lives of many and helped toward the goal of
ending the hunger and poverty around the world and here
at home. Thank you again for .
I’d like to share a story of how your gifts are changing
the lives of Maasai women and their families through the
Women’s Literacy Project of the Kenya Evangelical Lu-
theran Church (KELC).
Today, in the Kajiado district of Kenya, where the peo-
ple of the Maasai community dwell, women are trans-
forming their lives through a literacy project that empow-
ers them to read, write and do basic math. The project is
quickly changing the cultural custom of educating only
boys. As a result, nearly 40 percent of adults in Kenya are
illiterate – 7.8 million people, mostly women. Thanks to
your gifts, KELC has become a beacon of light and hope for
the Maasai women and their families.
With education, poverty among women in Kajiado is
decreasing. Many women have started small businesses of
their own, earning income for their families. They are
opening bank accounts and managing their funds. One
student, Mary said, “I used to use my thumbprint at the
bank, but this day, I sign my
name.”
The church has been trans-
formed as well. Local pastors
are witnessing an increase in
offerings as women begin to
tithe and give liberally from
their own earnings. For the
first time many women have
been able to read Scripture for
themselves, some able to proclaim the Scriptures during
worship services.
Your gifts have brought liberty to the lives of women in
Kajiado. They have become a strong voice in their commu-
nities and their self-esteem has greatly increased. This is
increasing the age of marriage for many and increasing the
time between children. Such changes are critical for im-
proving the lives of both children and their mothers.
Thank you for your faithful support and partnership
with ELCA World Hunger. Thank you for making a life-
saving, life-changing difference for the women of Kajiado,
Kenya.
The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director ELCA World Hunger
Disaster response gift is appreciated Thank you for your gift of $4,748 to the ELCA Interna-
tional Disaster Response, designated for the Pacific Earth-
quake and Tsunami.
The congregations of our companion church, the Japan
Evangelical Lutheran Church, immediately opened their
doors to neighbors who were unable to reach their homes
and those who were injured. A college professor named
Shinji, a member of the Lutheran church in Sendai, reports
that the church building there still stands, and that his
family is safe and praying every day. He asks for our
prayers – and asks God to bless us all.
To neighbors in need, including Shinji and the people
who sought refuge in the churches in Japan, your gift
brings help now and hope for the future. Your generosity
makes it possible for us to be there with our neighbors for
the long haul. Thank you.
The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director
ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal
Page 6
Storyteller – do you like to read to children? 15– 20 minute shifts avail-able.
Greeter – help welcome families to the nursery! 15-20 minute shifts!
Dismisser – help parents reconnect with their children! 15-20 minute shifts!
Computer Check-In – run computer and generate labels, help register new families, 20 minute shifts!
Provider – play with the children
Baby Rocker – rock babies in infant room
Email [email protected] to get your name on the list!
New nursery volunteer positions available
JULY SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL! We’ll meet July 10, July 17 and July 24 ONLY. We meet in Room 121 at 9:45 a.m., but you’ll want to check in all chil-
dren in Room 112B (choir room). If you’d like to be a parent helper, please email [email protected]
Thank You!
Toy Drive Was a Success Thank you families for your donations to the Nursery Toy
Drive. We are overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness and
generosity. The children of St. Mark’s will be blessed!
As we celebrate the 4th of July this
week, watch a five minute video
about the men who signed the Decla-
ration of Independence. Here’s link:
http://bit.ly/mbzF8a.
You may be surprised at what
those men suffered because of their
courageous stand for our freedom.
Say a prayer of thanks to God for
our freedom and for the people who
were, and are, willing to suffer so we
can be free.
Family Devotion The Way of Freedom
Photo credit: Thaddeusemail/YouTube
Don’t forget to register for Vacation Bible
School. The spaces are filling up FAST!
Page 7
For those impacted by St. Mark’s 6th – 12th Grade Ministry
Middle School Ministry High School Ministry
Hey Middle Schoolers & High Schoolers!
Don’t forget to sign up to help with VBS! See the Children’s Ministry page for more information or go to www.faith-life.org!
Reminder There’s a fun party at the end of the week of VBS for high school and middle schoolers that help!
The Mid-Summer
Celebration
was a huge hit!
If you’d like to see a video
record of the happenings that
night, go to the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=OrINJ4uqaXI
Here’s a sampling of wall posts to the Youth
Mission Trip Facebook page, The Edge Goes
to Louisville.
Kelsey Raelynn White—Wow.... this is such an amazing experi-ence, getting to reach out to kids who may have never been reached out to before... building up homes who aim to help homeless, missionaries and dancers. and so much more. God has certainly blessed us this week. Keep us and Kentucky in our prayers!
Sarah Kristin Lorenzen—God has blessed each one of us with this week in Louisville. There are so many things that I could share that have touched my life this week. One thing I can specifically say is the quality of my team and the dedication they have put forth into the work and ministry we are doing. Jim and I are leading these students: Grant, Luke, Beau, Taylor C, Ashley F, Megan, Bailey, Brianna, Jenna G and Sarah L. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING and God is doing so much through you :)
Jonna Michelle Goad—This week has been so fun and such an amazing expierience. It's opened my eyes up to a lot of things and has helped me realize things about myself. We get to bond with other children and people that don't have it as well as others. This is such an amazing experience because we know God is walking by our sides the whole time , and it's such a great feeling that we know were making an impact on other peoples lives.
Sarah Lindell—Each day is a new mission and a new experi-ence. It has been an amazing time so far and I can not wait for our days to come. Playing with the kids in the park has been a blast! Praise God!
Taryn Erbes — this week has been fantastic, I've learned a lot about other people, and myself as well.
Zach Mulvihill — Love playing with the kids in the park! They are a ton of fun, praise Jesus for children!
Lydia Harriman — AMAZING WEEK! So thankful to spend a week with these wonderful high schoolers. I have been so blessed by spending time serving with them! Thanks for all the prayers and support.
FAN THE FLAMEFAN THE FLAME
7:307:30--9 p.m., Wednesdays9 p.m., Wednesdays
July 13 & 27July 13 & 27
@the St. Mark’s Fire Pit@the St. Mark’s Fire Pit
Mission Team has returned
