1. Art and Diseño

The Grapevine
February 2015
St. Mark Lutheran Church  2109 College St SE  Lacey, WA 98503  360-491-2052
Pastor’s Ponderings
The other day, I was having lunch with my agnostic (self-confessed) friend at the wonderful
eating establishment of The House of Ronald (McDonald). I told him I was scheduled to write an
article for our newsletter. I asked him what his mother, who is currently in a rehab facility, might
want to read about if she received our newsletter. He said, "I can't speak for my mother, but I
know what I would want to see."
He then gave me the best articulation of our wonderful Lutheran theology. Mind you, this is
from someone who does not consider church attendance a priority. He shared that he would
expect to hear how, "Even though we live in a saint and sinner world, the Grace of God
transcends that (and us), and even connects with me. And I am thankful for that."
I was blown away, once again, by how God works. My friend articulated the essence of God's
love for us quite simply, and beautifully, at a Mickey Ds. As I mentioned in a sermon recently,
that is all God has been doing all along, that has been God's program. Like a parent holding their
infant, God seeks to hold us in love, so that we really know and can always connect with this love,
regardless.
We are God's children. And, sometimes we get to run to God's arms, sometimes God chases
us for awhile in pure delight, sometimes we seek out God in a kind of hide and seek, and
sometimes, we just need to have God come into our room to remind us that He/She is there, and
that we are safe and loved and held close.
I see this kind of accessible God in church all the time. When I am talking or interacting and
really being attentive with children I feel a connection with them. Even though I am 6'4" and well
north of 250 lbs., they (usually) show no fear, and want to talk with me or listen or play. I am
bigger than them, but of the same human image. So it is with God and us. We are made in God's
image, and God desires (and has always desired) to talk and listen and play, to be attentive and
interact with us.
God is for us, God loves us, God desires to hold us in His arms. Wherever, and however, and
whoever you are in life right now – even a fast-food eating agnostic – God’s grace is always,
immediately, surprisingly available. That's good news indeed, and something to write about!
"By grace you have been saved." – Ephesians 4:7
+ Pastor Eric
CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS
FINANCIAL UPDATE
MONTHLY
MONTH
October
November
December
Income
$26,915
$33,333
$36,638
COUNCIL
POSITION
Pastor
Pastor
President
Vice President
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Treasurer
Note Taker
YEAR TO DATE
Expenses
$32,176
$30,244
$29,998
Income Less
Expenses
$-5,261
$3,089
$6,640
Income
$298,004
$331,337
$367,975
NAME AND
EMAIL ADDRESS
Beth Utto-Galarneau
[email protected]
Eric Utto-Galarneau
[email protected]
Darrin Labensky
[email protected]
Kate Delozier
[email protected]
Pam South
[email protected]
Kevin Ramsey
[email protected]
Dan Wood
[email protected]
Amanda Crawford
[email protected]
Ken Anderson
[email protected]
Jim Spaid
[email protected]
(vacant)
Susan Gillis
[email protected]
Expenses
$301,858
$332,102
$362,100
TELEPHONE
NUMBER
360-491-2052 (w)
360-591-5533 (c)
360-491-2052 (w)
360-591-9949 (c)
360-456-2006 (h)
360-951-8814 (c)
360-412-1899 (h)
360-273-6555 (h)
360-259-0304 (c)
360-923-2128 (h)
360-250-1004 (c)
360-456-1166 (h)
253-381-1663 (c)
360-493-1812 (h)
360-259-2265 (c)
360-491-8809 (h)
Income Less
Expenses
$-3,854
$-765
$5,875
TERM
BEGINS
TERM
ENDS
6-1-2012
5-31-2015
6-1-2013
5-31-2016
6-1-2012
5-31-2015
6-1-2013
5-31-2016
6-1-2013
5-31-2016
6-1-2014
5-31-2017
6-1-2014
5-31-2017
360-413-7009 (c)
VOCAL CHOIR DIRECTOR VACANCY
Spread the word! Resumes are being accepted for a vocal choir director to serve St. Mark
part-time. Talk with Pastor Beth, Pastor Eric, or a Council member if you have questions.
Please keep our search and St. Mark’s Music Ministry in your prayers.
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JOURNEY TO THE CROSS
Ash Wednesday, February 18th begins our 2015 Lenten journey. We know that it is a journey
to the cross. We know that on this journey we find life and death and new life in Christ’s name.
This journey gives our life meaning and purpose. It
reminds us of who we are and how we are to live in this
world. On this journey, we remember that this world does
not have the final word. God does.
On Ash Wednesday, we begin our Lenten journey
with services at 12 noon and 7:00pm. As we worship we
are marked with a cross of ashes and celebrate the gift of
bread and wine in Holy Communion.
Each of the following Wednesdays during Lent
(February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25) we will gather at
5:45pm in the parish hall for fellowship and a simple
supper of soup and bread (a signup sheet is posted on
bulletin board outside Pastor Eric’s office). At 6:30 we will move into the sanctuary for a time of
singing and prayer around the cross.
Grace and peace to you as you journey through the days of Lent toward the Easter feast.
CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION
As you know, Pastor Beth has been out for a couple of weeks with a concussion. At the time
of this writing, Mentor Night is still planned for Monday, February 9 from 6:30-8:00pm. The
theme for the evening is “The Bible and Daily Life.”
Mentors will eat dinner (thank you, Chef Nick!) with the students at 6:30pm. After dinner, we
will have a large group activity and time for one-on-one conversation. It will be another fun and
faith-filled night!
Students and mentors, please notify Pastor Beth through the office at:
[email protected] or 360-491-2052 as soon as possible if you are not able to attend. We will
keep you posted if there are any changes to this scheduled time.
This is the schedule for our February and March classes:
February 9: MENTOR NIGHT!! (The Bible and Daily Life)
Dinner: Nick
February 23: What is Holy Communion?
Dinner: Drew
March 9: MENTOR NIGHT!! (The 10 Commandments and Faithful Living)
Dinner: Isaiah
March 23: Who is Jesus?
Dinner: Zach
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“SAVE THE DATE” YOUTH HAPPENINGS
Put these dates on your calendar … you won’t want to miss either of
them!
March 11 – 3rd Annual St. Mark Youth Music Festival
Fundraiser to support upcoming youth summer music camps
Dos de Mayo (May 2) – Celebration and Dessert Auction
Fundraiser to support St. Mark Middle and High School youth
attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering in Detroit
COMING SOON: PRAYER PARTNERS
With all the great support for the Confirmation mentor program (more than twice the needed
number of mentors volunteered!), we are looking to start a similar “Prayer Partner” type of
relationship for our older students.
One Sunday a month, instead of a regular Sunday School lesson, Junior and High School
students will meet with adult members of St. Mark who have agreed to be prayer partners.
Following a lesson about prayer (how, why, prayerful activities, prayer journals, etc.), students
and their partner will spend one-on-one time sharing prayer concerns and praying together.
Please pray about being part of this new and important ministry with our older youth. Call the
office or email Pastor Beth if you want to be (adults) or have (kids) a prayer partner. We hope to
begin with our first meeting on March 1.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Love kids and learning? Looking for a part-time volunteer opportunity? St. Mark is blessed
with many people who have been gifted with talents to love and serve children through
educational programs. The North Thurston Education Foundation is looking for a creative selfstarter who is passionate about supporting the educational pursuits of local students to serve as
Executive Director. Details of the position and how to apply are posted on the bulletin board
outside Pastor Eric’s office.
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WHO DOESN’T LIKE GETTING FREE MONEY!?!
Each year St. Mark’s congregation, through its Endowment Committee, supports mission and
ministry activities – internationally, locally, and within St. Mark’s community. In April of last year,
the Endowment Committee presented checks for:




$1,800 to St. Mark Lutheran Church for the Community Garden water project to establish
a separate water meter for the garden, as well as funds for general maintenance and
other projects.
$1,800 to the Sweet Hope Foundation for use to implement counseling services as well as
a sports court to complete a safe playground project for children in Russia.
$1,100 to Homeless Backpacks Program which provided a weekend backpack of healthy
food and snacks for each child served.
$700 to SafePlace to assist them in providing support through their “Emergency Client
Assistance Fund.”
St. Mark’s Endowment Committee is once again accepting applications for grants. If you
are involved in, or know of a charitable organization in need of funds, please submit your
proposal to the Endowment Committee by March 13 for consideration. As a reminder, the
organization must have a 501(c)(3) designation.
As of this newsletter, 2015’s Endowment Sunday is scheduled for April 19. Mark your
calendar! Thank you for your support of the Endowment Fund!
– Endowment Committee
Ken L., Dan B.,
Bob B., Juliana and Milt
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sundays, 10:00am – Lounge
Leader: Brian S.
We continue to view and discuss short films from Rob Bell’s popular NOOMA series –
exploring our world from a perspective of Jesus. Consider yourself invited to search, question,
and join the discussion.
THE GATHERING
Mondays – Lounge
Leaders: Various Women
We have two Women of the ELCA Bible Studies at St. Mark – one during the day and one in
the evening. This study group uses the Gather study from the WELCA Gather Magazine. You can
still come even if you do not receive the publication.
 February 2 – No Evening meeting this month (February)
 February 9 – Day (Second Monday/month) at 11:30am in the lounge (bring your own lunch)
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SUNDAY MORNING WOMEN’S CLASS
Sundays, 10:00am – Room #9
Leader: Betty
Lighten your load as you step ahead in faith. Join this Sunday morning class as they continue
reading Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear by Max Lucado.
TUESDAY PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY
Tuesdays, 10:00am – Lounge
Leader: Pastor Eric
Out of the Waters: Resisting the Power of Fear, a study of Exodus through the lens of
immigration.
AROUND ST. MARK
Keep up on all things St. Mark by visiting: www.stmarklacey.org
FOOD BANK SUNDAY
St. Mark sets aside the first Sunday of each month to acknowledge gifts to
the Thurston County Food Bank. Please place your non-perishable food gifts on
the card just inside the parish hall doors. Money gifts can be given through St.
Mark – just note “Food Bank” on the memo line.
ST. MARK QUILTERS
Curious about where those quilts the St. Mark’s quilters stitch all year end up? Check out the
map on the bulletin board in the narthex. What a blessing our quilters are! Want to be part of this
amazing ministry? Quilters of all skill levels are invited; join us every Wednesday at 10:00am in
Classroom #8.
THURSDAY CHURCH
Every Thursday at 6:00pm. Check it out – it’s really not that bad!
SENIORS TOGETHER
February is going to be a fun time for Seniors Together! We will meet on Wednesday,
February 4 at 10:00am in the parish hall for a morning of games and fellowship. Please bring a
snack to share if you are able. If you need a ride, call Audrey.
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QUARTER CIRCLE
Quarter Circle (potluck and book discussion) will meet at Margit’s home on Tuesday,
February 24 at 6:30pm; you can find Margit’s address in the Congregation Directory or by
contacting the office. This quarter’s read is The House at Sugar Beach by Helene Cooper.
The House at Sugar Beach is an astonishing and moving memoir about growing up in Liberia
during a violent civil war. Helene Cooper is the daughter of one of Liberia's elite families, but after
a coup threw her people out of power she moved to the United States, eventually becoming a
journalist. In The House at Sugar Beach, Cooper delivers personal memoir, historical perspective,
and journalistic reporting in one book that you won't be able to put down.
We welcome you whether you have had time to read the book or not – and whether or not
you can bring food to share. Hope to see you there on the 24th!
CRAFT NIGHT
Craft Night began a few years ago when a couple of St. Mark crafters thought it would be fun
to gather for an evening of working on handwork projects together – our own individual
handwork – just doing it at the same time. It has blossomed into a wonderful evening of dinner
followed by sharing projects, learning a new trick here and there, making prayers shawls and
Head Start hats, and lots of laughter.
All crafters (and wanna-be-crafters) are invited to join us on Monday, February 23 at 6:00pm
in the parish hall. It’s always a nice dinner, pleasant company, and a chance to work on a project
as well.
WOMEN OF THE ELCA
Looking for opportunities to meet with other Christian women to celebrate and regenerate?
Check out the SWATCH (posted on the bulletin board outside Pastor Eric’s office) and the WELCA
website at www.womenoftheelca.org, or talk to Dorothy R.
Upcoming events include:
 February 7, 6:30-8:30pm – Empowering Life Fundraiser
St. Mark Lutheran Church by the Narrows, Tacoma
 March 6 – World Day of Prayer
 March 14 – Olympia Cluster Spring Celebration
Christ Lutheran, Belfair
 April 17-19 – WELCA Retreat “A Joyful Heart – A Dancing Spirit”
Dumas Bay Centre, Federal Way
DIRECTORY UPDATES
It’s time for an updated member directory. If you have turned in your 2015 Church Directory
Update card, THANK YOU! Your help in keeping church records up to date is very much
appreciated! We plan to have the 2015 Church Directory done by mid-February.
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VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE
“Faith on the Move” plays at South Sound Sports Center in Tumwater. We’ve had an
awesome season! Catch a game and show your team (and church) support.
Date
February 2
February 9
February 16
Time
8:30pm
7:30pm
6:30pm
Playing …
1 United Methodist
Sound City Church
Calvary Chapel
st
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Sunday & Festival
4 Epiphany
5 Epiphany
Transfiguration of Our Lord
Ash Wednesday
1 Lent
First Reading
Deut 18:15-20
Isa 40:21-31
2 Kings 2:1-12
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Gen 9:8-17
Psalm
Ps 111
Ps 147:1-11, 20c
Ps 50:1-6
Ps 51:1-17
Ps 25:1-10
Second Reading
1 Cor 8:1-13
1 Cor 9:16-23
2 Cor 4:3-6
2 Cor 5:20b-6:10
1 Peter 3:18-22
Gospel
Mark 1:21-28
Mark 1:29-39
Mark 9:2-9
Matt 6:1-6, 16-21
Mark 1:9-15
Strength
Strength comes from many places. A word of encouragement
from a parent or family member. A word from a friend who
knows us well. Just when it appears we can no longer go on,
a kind word is spoken which gives us the strength to keep fighting.
In 1 Corinthians, it is said that God will not put us through
more than we can handle. We must cling to that belief.
We are stronger than we know. No matter how many times we fall,
God is there to pick us up every time.
We must always remember we are a sheep of God’s
flock and He is our good Shepherd and protector.
– Ken L.
BLESSED ARE WE
Blessed are you, O God, maker of all things. Through your goodness you have blessed
us with these gifts: ourselves, our time, and our possessions.
 Dear People of St. Mark: Thank you for the very generous Christmas gift this year. We feel
very blessed to minister together with you. Thank you for your gracious and loving support all
year!
– Pastors Beth and Eric Utto-Galarneau,
Pam Buckner, Jenny Grenfell, Rae Corbin,
Michele Neely and Vance Cochran
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 Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.” We hold in prayers all
who are mourning the loss of loved ones. We pray especially for all who loved and grieve the
loss of Kem J. We pray for his family and friends.
As we mourn, we also give thanks for our hope in Jesus Christ, that Jesus is indeed the
resurrection and the life, and that through him, we have the promise of new life! In the midst
of our sorrow, we rejoice that Kem is experiencing the fullness of God’s love for him. Thanks
be to God!
 Dear Friends: Thank you so much for your love and prayers while I have been out with a
concussion. I appreciate this so much! I will know more about what’s next when I return to a
follow up appointment this week with my doctor. God’s love and mine,
– Pastor Beth
 Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl presented to me by Pastor Beth on your
behalf. It has kept me warm and been such a comfort. I’m trying to figure out how to get it
under my coat when I go out in the cold! Thank you again for your prayers and kindness. God
bless you,
– Bruce U.
 From others:
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary – $50 – www.plts.edu
Global Health Ministries – $58 – www.ghm.org
Living Stones Prison Congregation -- $100
Use us, and what we have gathered, in feeding the world with your love, through the
one who gave himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
St. Mark Lutheran Church
2109 College Street SE
Lacey, WA 98503
Phone: 360-491-2052 – Fax: 360-491-1360
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stmarklacey.org
Staff:
Pastors Beth Utto-Galarneau
[email protected] – 360-591-5533 (cell)
Pastors Eric Utto-Galarneau
[email protected] – 360-591-9949 (cell)
Pam Buckner, Ministry Administrator
[email protected] – 360-491-2052
Jenny Grenfell, Music Director
[email protected] – 360-491-2052
Rae Corbin, Accompanist
Michele Neely, Childcare
Vance Cochran, Custodian
Grapevine – 2015/02
Articles for the MARCH Grapevine need to be submitted to the
office by February 16. Thank you!
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