November 2019Lion's Roar E-Newsletter

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Pastors' Corner - Pastor Rachel Manke

“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, andfor this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in myprayers.” - Ephesians 1:15-16 “To call yourself a saint is, therefore, no presumption but an act of gratitude and aconfession of God’s blessings.” -Martin Luther

Being the good, liturgical folks that we are as Lutherans webegin November with All Saints’ Sunday. In which we givethanks for all the saints, who from their labors rest (as the hymngoes) in full confidence that they are in the eternal embrace oftheir redeemer. Make no mistake, however, that we too aresaints, who continue to labor!

We are saints, who walk in our All Saints 5k from our “Pew to 5K” program. We aresaints, who are young and learning about the faith in Confirmation and Sundayschool. We are saints, who prepare meals and comfort for those in need. We are saints,who sit and enjoy brunch on Sunday morning. We are saints, who travel for soccertournaments. We are saints, who struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Allsaints. And why? Because it is not WE who make ourselves holy but God. Christ madeus holy and named us in our baptism.

In his explanation of John 17:19, Luther says, “...we say that the real saints of Christmust be good, stout sinners…” as he emphasizes the fact that it is not our own goodworks or social standing that makes us right with God. Indeed, may we never boast thatwe are greater saints than our sisters or brothers. As Luther says in another writing, “ Ishould not look upon the lowliest Christian with less regard than I do upon St. Peter andall the saints in heaven. No one possesses more grace than another even though theymay indeed have more gifts and treasures.”

How loving and kind is our Lord! I look forward, dear saints, to living together in

gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving and peace. May we go through our daysand our weeks regarding every single person that we see as an equal saint of God,made holy by grace. What a lense that gives us for love and gratitude for each other!

Alleluia!

Pastor Rache lPasto r Rache l

News and Announcements

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Class

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Class is studying chasubles. Pastor Joel shared hisgreen chasuble with us. Green is for the Trinity season or Ordinary Time.

Sine Nomine Series

The Sine Nomine Series proudly presents

Calling For Artwork

We are starting to call for artwork, for thisyears Christmas Eve bulletins! If you areinterested submit your artwork to theoffice. Please do your art in black andwhite because it will copy better that way.

Pastor Rachel Manke (Uke Gal) in concerton Saturday, November 9th at 7 PM.

Pastor Rachel has been called one of thebrightest stars in the ukulele universe, andloves sharing her astounding technique andbeautiful singing with audiences young andold. She has appeared on stages that rangefrom the Ashokan Uke Fest and FunkyFrets Uke Fest, to A Prairie HomeCompanion. She first studied with JoelEckhaus, the well-known student of thefamed Roy Smeck. She has continued tolearn and perform, and is now a respectedteacher as well. She has a penchant for TinPan Alley, old-time music, and she is amaster of the old-school uke chord soloflourish. She has taught workshops at theAshokan Center, Allegheny Soiree, SilverCreek International Ukulele Carnival, TheBoston Ukulele Union Ukulele Melee, andmany clubs around the country - the East,the Midwest and the West Coast.

www.rachelmanke.com

Operation Christmas Child

The boxes for this project will are nowavailable! Collection will take place untilNovember 24th. Please take theopportunity to help an under privilegedchild by filling your box with gifts for them.Also remember that by helping, you arespreading love to others. It has beenreported that each box touches eightpeople by sharing the good news of Jesus.

Use your imagination when packing a box,but suggested items to pack are toys suchas stuffed animals, dolls, toy cars or trucks,puzzles, school supplies, underwear, shoes,socks, hats, sunglasses, flashlights with

Need inspiration?

Examples of artwork could be: Angels &Shepherds, Nativity scenes, Heavenly starsetc. Happy drawing!

Piano Upkeep and Restoration

St Mark is embarking on a plan to repairand refurbish our pianos. We are fortunateto have a Baldwin baby grand for use inthe choir room and a Baldwin concertgrand piano in our sanctuary. Theseinstruments are blessings to our worshipservices and beyond as we all enjoy theopportunities for excellent music thathaving these pianos affords us. We are alsoexploring possibilities for a quality piano inour chapel. The worship and musiccommittee has established a fund forcontributions for theserepairs/refurbishments and purchase of achapel piano as these costs are well aboveand beyond what is budgeted each year forupkeep as well as being one timeinvestments. Hammers, dampers andcomponents related to the keyboard actionon the choir room piano need repair. Weare working toward a $5,000 price tag forthis repair. We can then, when the time isright, use this piano in the sanctuary as wesend out the concert grand for a moremajor overhaul. The investment in theconcert grand is considerably moreexpensive (approx 24k) as this piano is100 years old and no part of this piano hasever been replaced or refurbished. The

extra batteries, hair clips, and hygieneitems. Do not include candy, toothpaste,liquids, lotions, or aerosol cans. Have funpacking these boxes!

Red Cross Blood Drive

Our next blood drive here at St Mark willtake place this month! November 19 from1-6pm

Come help save lives and donate blood!

Prayer Shawl Ladies

We are currently knitting or crochetingcaps, scarves, and cowls for the SeafarersInternational House Christmas - At - SeaProject. We have 14 hats, 9 cowls, and 2scarves completed with more beingmade. The program also asks forsweatshirts, socks, and T shirts. There willbe a sign up sheet on the kiosk for theseitems. Please only donate what isasked. The program wants each man toreceive the same items. All donationsshould be received by Sunday,, Nov. 17,2019. Place donations in the church officemarked: Christmas - At - Sea.

Thank you for your support.

cost of a new concert grand Baldwin pianois approximately $60,000-70,000. We areindeed a blessed church to have theseinstruments and their value is well worththis investment to maintain the quality andworkmanship of such fine instruments.Checks can be written at any time with“music donated” in the memo line.

Advent Pageant

Youth from 4-5 years old to teens, tocollege kids are invited to participate!

We need shepherds, magi, aninnkeeper, Mary and Joseph, angels,singers, actors, dancers and readersfor worship services on Sunday,December 22nd.

There will be an opportunity for youth tobe involved in Advent Pageant WorshipServices on Sunday morning, onDecember 22nd. We need shepherds,magi, angels, innkeeper, animals, narrators,singers and actors to meet together to lookinto the Christmas story and plan for thetelling on December 22nd. Preparation forthis special service will be on Sundays,12:15-1:15 beginning on November 10th.

November 10, 17 and 24 will be gearedtoward younger youth, (approximately 5-12 years old) and how they can participatein the Advent Pageant. For December 1, 8and 15 older youth (middle and high schooland college aged) should join us forparticipation in the Advent Pageantplanned for worship on December 22.

Come join us as we prepare to share withthe congregation the joy and anticipation ofthe days before Christmas. Contact Greta

Sine Nomine Series- Carlton Hardy

The Sine Nomine Series will begin theAdvent season with a Christmas programfeaturing the Virginia Handbell Consort onSaturday, December 7, 2019 at 7:00PM.

The Virginia Handbell Consort under thedirection of Al Reese has celebrated thejoy of ringing for over 20 years. The VHCis a holiday tradition for St Mark and willfeature "something for everyone!" From thestandard arrangements of holiday favoritesto original works the ringers provide awelcome start to the Advent season as weanticipate the coming of the Christ child. The Virginia Handbell Consort performson over five octaves of Schulmerich bells,five and a half octaves of Melody Chimes,three octaves of Petit and Fritsen bells, andother percussion instruments. Share this St Mark tradition with yourfriends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers. Meet and greet the ringers andpurchase CD recordings at the receptionfollowing the program.

and/or Pastors for more info or to tell ofyour interest.

Love Without Boundaries-Teresa Haskin

Click here for our latest updates on Peterin Cambodia.

Dealing with Disagreement:Theological Touchstones

The seasons of Thanksgiving andChristmas bring our families together --sometimes with easy laughter, sometimeswith painful disagreement. Even in thechurch -- though we are one body in Christ-- faithful congregations are not immune todifferences of opinion among God's saints.Whether discussing finances, transitions, orpersonal or spiritual or societal questions,there are theological touchstones that frameChristian dialogue. Helpful in this endeavoris a short article published last month in theJournal of Lutheran Ethics -- TheologicalTouchstones for Disagreeing in the Body ofChrist.

The authors -- Amy Carr and ChristineHelmer -- offer three touchstones in

Thank you - Joan & Ray Farr

Dear St Mark Family,

Thank you for the comfort extended to usas we grieve the loss of our sister Kris.

Sincerely,Joan and Ray Farr

Brews & A Book

Our youngish adults book discussion groupcontinue to meet at Tradition Brewing. It'sbeen a great group with wonderfulconversation!

particular, rooted in Word and sacrament.From our Lutheran confessional positionwhere "for the true unity of the church it isenough to agree concerning the teaching ofthe Gospel and the administration of thesacraments," the authors point to:

remembering our baptismal adoptionas the covenantal framework for allecclesial disagreement.communing at the Lord’s Table,where eschatological trust infusesour current grappling with enduringconflicts.mindfulness about two orientingtendencies that take turns animatingmany expressions of sin:presumption of our ownrighteousness on one hand, and onthe other, despair of divine mercyand of creation’s goodness.

Pastor Joel will lead a discussion of thesetouchstones to deal with disagreement onWednesday, November 20 at 6:00pm --just in time for our family reunions, andalways good for our congregational life.RSVP via the kiosk, or contact the officeto attend. Thanks!

St Mark Youth

Our middle and high school youth gatheredlast month to chow on pizza and helporganize donations for our PORT ministrywhile watching a classic Disney Halloweenmovie.

Youth, COMING SOON

St Mark Youth are invited for an eveningof caroling on Sunday, December 16th at 6pm. Save the date!

Pew 2 5K

What wonderful time it has been to gatherregularly in prayer for our community andworld. To spend time chatting and movingour bodies in our own public space. Andwhat a celebration to finish supporting eachother in completing our All Saints 5K!

November Brunch Team

Come join our November Brunch Team!We will have a special item each Sundayalong with our pancakes and eggs to order.The theme for November will be apples!

There are still a lot of slots to be filled inthe coming months so come on out andjoin the fun and fellowship! Use the sign-upsheet on the kiosk! Call Nancy Bowden804-832-5580 with any questions.

Toy and Book Drive

Beginning this month and throughDecember, St Mark will collect new andgently-used children's books and toys toshare with families in our local community.Every year some of our close neighbors fallinto financial distress in the weeks beforeThanksgiving and Christmas, after thedeadlines for support from other socialservices. York-Poquoson Social Services

Youth in the Kitchen

Check out our youth helping in the kitchen!Steve Dartt's Sunday school class will behelping out the second week of Novemberas well.

gathers, cleans and refurbishes toys forchildren to receive gifts from the familieseven in hard times. And throughout theyear, our social services aim to put booksin the hands of every child whose familyreceives support.

If you are buying toys for your children,grandchildren or friends, please considerbringing an extra to share. Or if yourchildren are ordering books through schoolbook fairs, please consider ordering anextra copy of their favorite children's titles.And please, as you prune your kids' toyboxes or bookshelves, bring theiroutgrown-but-still-beloved items to findnew joy in the life of a new child.

Books and toys will be collected by thecongregational office doors. Jesus is lovedin our love for one another: thank you foryour love in action!

Station 1 Firehouse Dedication

Jonathan Volk, son of Renee Volk, was Project Engineer for the building of the new Station1 Firehouse located off of Dare Road! Jonathan works for Oyster Point Construction. Checkout pictures from the ceremony below!

Proud mother & son!

Celebrating the holy call to build a safeworld for God’s whole people!

Jonathan Volk and members of St Markjoin the dedication.

St Mark members supporting the firstresponders who support us.

Jonathan Volk holding the fire hose!

Posters and Flyers

PJ's Faith Fable

Click here or on the article itself to view in another window or tab.

Financial Snapshot for September 2019 - Sandy Hopkins

At the end of September the balance in the General Fund was $47,302.31 and in theReserve Fund was $16,425.07. September income was $4,602 under budget, and the expenses were $1,955 under budget.

Sine Nomine was over budget due to a concert in September.

Property and Maintenance was over budget because of a semiannual insurancepremium payment and the final payment for our roof repairs.

Worship Assistants for the Month of November

If you are interested in participating during Worship as a Lector, Acolyte, CommunionAssistant, Sacristy Duty, or Usher please sign up in the binder in the front office or

call/email Amanda. 757-898-4395; azinn@smlconline.org

Anniversaries & Birthdays

1 - Crystal Becraft 12 - William Courtemanche

1 - Charisse Becraft2 - David Haskin4 - Craig Borgstrom4 - Shirley Krause4 - Audrey Moss4 - Deena Obrokta4 - Lynne VandeWalker5 - Karen Marchlewski5 - Christina Miller6 - Kathryn Forrest6 - Jacquelyn Jefferis7 - Maryam Alomar7 - Charles Cabaniss10 - Joel Neubauer10 - Ruth Sterner10 - Scott Tilghman11 - Laura Kepley

15 - Micheal Stabler16 - Madison Clapsaddle19 - Cornelia Auth19 - Erica Lombardo20 - Doug Opp21 - Linda Raha23 - Jorj Head25 - Archer Stanley25 - Andrew Taminger26 - Pat Jensen26 - Martin Leschinger27 - Thomas Teigeler27 - Josette Walker27 - William Waller29 - Dan Landis29 Jordyn Tunstall30 Elizabeth Marickovich30 Karen Taminger

8 - Art & Dale Pedersen11 - Peter & Cynthia Scaturico15 - David & Thea Lent15 - Tom & Tammy Williams19 - Tom & Samarn Rinderle26 - Tommy & Johnna Morris

November Events

EVERY SUNDAY (Unless otherwise noted):

Worship with Holy Communion: Sanctuary, 8:00am

Cafe St Mark Full Breakfast: Narthex, 9:00am

Sunday School Youth and Adult: Multiple Rooms, 9:30am

WEEKLY EVENTS

Knitting GroupMondays: Library

10:30am

Youth Bell PracticeSundays: Sanctuary

5:00pm

GPS Bible StudyMondays: Library

1:00pm

Worship with Holy Communion: Sanctuary, 9:30am

Worship with Holy Communion: Sanctuary, 11:00am

Yorktown Chorale RehearsalTuesdays: YC Room

6:00pm

Quilts of Honor Wednesdays: Rm. 216

2:00pm

Café St MarkWednesdays: Narthex

5:00pm

Men’s Bible StudyWednesdays: Library

6:00pm

Adult Bell PracticeWednesdays: Sanctuary

6:00pm

Adult Choir Practice Wednesdays: Music Room

7:00pm

Liturgical Arts GroupThursdays: Room 216

10pm

November Events

Amanda KralCommunications Facilitator

Office: 757-898-4395Email: azinn@smlconline.org