From the pastor...Life after death… do you think about that much? When I remember loved ones who have died, or I’m with someone who is terminally ill, or I’m working on a preaching text referring to it, then I spend some time considering Jesus’ promise of a future eternal life. Otherwise, my thoughts seem to focus more on living in God’s kingdom in this present world.Recently, I was reviewing material about the Reformation to prepare a presentation on Katherine Von Bora, Martin Luther’s wife. The same week I led the new member group in a discussion of basic Lutheran teachings, including the roots of our tradition in the Protestant movement of the middle ages. During that time, people were so concerned about whether they would “get into” heaven. Fear of not attaining eternal life was a strong motivation to participate in the rituals and demands of the medieval Church. Martin Luther had been terrified of God’s displeasure until he began to study and teach the New Testament. There he found the clear proclamation of God’s forgiveness and accepting love in Jesus, who promises believers a home in heaven.Life after death has been a popular topic for books, theater and movies. Especially interesting have been the stories of what have been called “near-death” experiences. In some cases, people have been medically dead and then resuscitated. There have been patterns reported of bright, welcoming light and a feeling of deep peace and well-being. Some medical experts and scientists have insisted that these incidents were only the result of physiological changes happening in the brain.One of the medical professionals who was similarly skeptical has drastically changed his mind after his own extensive “near-death” experience. Dr. Eban Alexander is

a neurosurgeon who teaches at Harvard Medical School, among other places. Excerpts from his upcoming book, Proof of Heaven, were included in a recent issue of Newsweek magazine. Dr. Alexander had contracted a rare bacterial meningitis that attacked his brain and shut down his neocortex. For seven days he was in a deep coma, with no higher-order brain function and his condition seemed hopeless.When Dr. Alexander awoke, he could find no scientific explanation for what he had experienced in a different “dimension” during those days. He is convinced he journeyed through a new world that is the next chapter of life. He encountered some kind of higher beings, both in groups and individually, who made joyous sounds he could not only hear but also feel and see. With a companion, he moved along through the air in “a river of life and color.”Without words, this companion, and later a Divine presence, communicated to Dr. Alexander messages that he experienced as deeply real and true. The central point was, “You are loved and cherished, dearly, forever.” That’s pure gospel, isn’t it? He writes that the good news flooded him with a huge feeling of relief. Answers to his questions came in explosions of light, color, love and beauty, as he describes it. He now knows God and the universe have unconditional love for us.When he was well again, Dr. Alexander went to church and experienced the colors of the stained-glass and the notes of the organ as resonating the thoughts and feelings of the “world above,” with the Lord’s Supper evoking the central message of God’s glorious, unconditional love. I’m looking forward to reading more when the book is out.

Pastor Kate

MessengerSt. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Spokane, WA November, 2012 VOL. 2012, NO. 11

“Fall Back”Sunday, November 4

Faith and Fellowship Groups Eat, Pray, Laugh First Tuesdays October 30, 7:00 pmThe regularly scheduled meeting for this group has been re-scheduled to accommodate voting at the church. Please note that the next gathering will be on October 30. All women of the congregation are invited for conversation, laughter, and refreshments. At the end of the evening Pastor Kate leads some faith reflections around one of the spiritual disciplines and some prayer concerns. Come to the Parish House for this group.

Saturday Evening Potluck First Saturday of the month November 3, 6:30 pmOn the first Saturday of the month there is a potluck immediately following the 5:30 service. Bring your favorite dish (serving 8-10 people) and join this fun group for eating and socializing!

Theology on Tap First Mondays November 5, 8:00 pmIf you are 30 years or younger you are welcome to join this group at Two Seven Public House in Lincoln Heights. Great discussions and food!

Ruth Circle Second Thursdays November 8, 10:00 amWomen’s group meeting in the narthex alternating Bible studies and programs. There are brief business meetings and snacks.

Walking Circle Second Fridays November 9, 9:30 amUp to a mile, your own rate, devotions, coffee or lunch. All women are welcome! On November 9, the group will be visiting the Hutton Settlement and Arbor Crest Winery. Lunch will be at Felts Field.

Go Deeper Today Second Tuesdays November 13, 10:30 amThis women’s group studies the Scripture texts for the following Sunday with Pastor Kate. Join us in the narthex for stimulating discussions!

Go Deeper Tonight Second Tuesdays November 13, 7:00 pmDifferent theological topics (selected by the group) are covered at each session. This women’s group meets in the narthex and would welcome additional participants. Talk to Pastor Kate if you would like more information.

Elizabeth Circle Third Tuesdays November 20, 7:30 pmMeeting in the Parish House, this women’s group gathers for great food and discussion. All women are welcome.

Stitchin’ Sisters Third Wednesdays November 21, 2:00 pmAlong with conversation and all kinds of needlework being done, Pastor Kate concludes with a devotional meditation continuing the theme with gardening images of cultivating faith. If you quilt, crochet, knit, cross-stitch, do any other kind of handwork, or just like to sit and visit, you would be most welcome to join this group, in the Parish House.

Men Minding Their Business Under 50 Men’s Group MonthlyThis group is for men under 50 years of age. Date and time to be determined! Watch your Sunday Bulletin for more information.

Diakonia Guild Fourth Tuesdays November 27, 10:00 amDiakonia is an auxiliary of Lutheran Community Services. The members meet monthly with a speaker from LCS. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings which are regularly in local Lutheran Churches. The Diakonia Guild will meet November 27, at 10:00 am at All Saints’ Lutheran Church. Call Marie Moe if you have questions at 535-7051.

Book Group Last Wednesdays November 28, 7:00 amMeets monthly at Forza Coffee in Lincoln Heights. This month the group will discuss Angels and Ages, by Adam Gopnick. In December we will have a special Christmas meeting on December 19, at 7:00 am at the home of Sharron Bortz to discuss A Child’s Christmas in Wales, by Dylan Thomas.

2! St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

UPCOMING EVENTS

Daylight Savings Time ends onSunday, November 4Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour! If you do come to worship an hour early you’ll get to enjoy a cup of coffee, attend an adult education class, or socialize a bit!

Adult ForumsNovember 11, “Navigating the College and Career Choices”, with member Pat Shelley, University High School Counselor.November 18, “Teen Issues”, with member Pat Shelley and Jenny Bryant, University High School Counselor & certified Love and Logic trainer.

Office ClosedThe church office will be closed on Monday, November 12, in observance of Veteran’s Day. The church office will also be closed on Thursday, November 22, and Friday, November 23, in observance of Thanksgiving.

St. Mark’s Church Council will meet on Monday, November 12, at 7:00 pm in the Parish House.

Chancel ChoirSt. Mark’s Chancel Choir rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm in the Swanson Music Room. If you are interested in singing in the choir we’d love to have you! If you have questions please contact Debbie Hansen at 838-8730.

Christmas Pagant - Save the Date!St. Mark’s annual Sunday School Christmas Pageant will be presented on Sunday, December 16, at 5:00 pm (between seatings of the Smorgasbord.)

Sunday School children should plan on being at the church by 4:20 pm so we can get you in your costume and in place for your big night. More information about rehearsal dates and times to come. Any questions or interest in helping out? Contact Ann Benson at annmbbenson@gmail.com or 536-8878.

College Student AddressesDo you have a college student away from home, or leaving soon? We’d like to stay in touch with your child (it’s always nice getting something in the mailbox at school!), but we’ll need an address from you! Please contact Martha in the church office at 747-6677 or office@stmarks-spokane.org with the new address, or address change for previous.

November Messenger! 3

MONTHLY MONEY TALKYTD - 2012 Operating BudgetYTD - 2012 Operating BudgetYTD - 2012 Operating BudgetYTD - 2012 Operating Budget

September Giving

Income Expense Budgeted Net

General Fund $64,313.00 $458,061.00 $510,499.00 $530,634.00 ($52,438)Mortgage Fund $9,188.00 $75,512.00 $76,734.00 $76,734.00 ($1,222)

What a great month September was for giving. We made some serious progress on our debt, but we still have a long way to go. Thanks to all who made special gifts in response to Tim Hansen’s letter.

Our stewardship drive will begins in November. Please keep our numbers in mind as you make your pledge for 2013.

Jane Somersfinance@stmarks-spokane.orgFinancial Secretary

VOLUNTEERSFall is officially here and many activities are under way!

We have the congregational Bazaar and Bake Sale on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. We still need baked goods and would love to have your donation at the church by 3:00 pm on Friday, November 2.

The Silent Auction continues until Sunday, November 4, at noon. Come make those last-minute bids on our amazing baskets!

The raffles for Pastor Kate's quilt, Bob Schmidt's wood creation, and Sande Paulson's handmade paper calendar also continue until November 4. The official drawing will take place at 12:00 pm following the late service.

The family Advent Breakfast will take place on December 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. We will need volunteers to help with this event that prepares our children for the season of Advent. Just give me a call (747-6677) and I will be happy to hook you up with a fun job!

Thank you to all the people who helped make our October services both friendly and meaningful. Over 200 people gave of their time and energy during the twelve October services! Wow!!

A special thank you to our wonderful Messenger crew in September: Mary & Karl Harder, Donna Nelson, Deidre Phillips, Ronni Tvedten, Jeanne Wennes, Ed Winkey, Carol & Keith Tiegs, Mary Ann Tupper & Natalie Olinger, Don Donaldson, Helen Jeremiah, and Nancy Tiffany. You all did a great job getting the newsletter ready for bulk mailing!

We owe many, many thanks to every one who helped with the yard clean up day (can you believe how long it takes to spread 20 yards of wood chips?), Oktoberfest (Ooompahhh! and yuuuummmmy!), and lefse baking for the bazaar (OK, so how long does it take to clean up all that flour?).

This congregation really knows how to work together ... if you don't believe it does, you really need to be at the next volunteer opportunity. Everyone has fun, lots of work gets done, and it is addictive!

Thank you, Sue Luppert! Sue did a marvelous job of refreshing the training of our Altar Guild on October 6. She also provided us with a delicious lunch (you could join for this reason alone!) and Pastor Eric spoke to us about the importance and honor of the Altar Guild (again, you could join for this reason alone!). We can use a few more members (especially early service) and Sue is willing to train you at your convenience.

On a more selfish note, I want to thank everyone who says 'yes' when I call at the last minute to ask for a replacement person for a Sunday volunteer. You are truly my heroes! I would also ask you wonderful volunteers if you could please let me know as soon as you are aware of a conflict with a scheduled opportunity. It is much easier to find someone to replace you if I have a few days' notice.

I know I am blessed to have you all in my St. Mark's family and I look forward to spending quality time with each of you as you volunteer around the church!

Blessings, Kris Hendron, Volunteer Coordinator

4! St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart-”

Psalm 111:1

NOVEMBER 2012

SAINT MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Youth News

UPCOMING S.M.A.S.H. EVENTS...

Questions about Youth Programs at St. Marks? Call Susan Hagen 747-6677 Church 220-7250 Cell phone Or by email at youth@stmarks-spokane.org

November Service Project

Make A Difference!

S.M.A.S.H. Servant Corps At

Union Gospel Mission

We are working on a project in

conjunction with the Union Gospel

Mission. Watch for more details about

the date, time and details of this event.

The plan is to take a tour of the mission

& then serve a meal to the homeless of

Spokane. Stay tuned!

S.M.A.S.H. at the INCREDIBLE CORN MAZE OCTOBER 21

Tara, Claire, Anna...where are you? Are you lost in the maze?

.

Don’t forget! There will be two more sessions of WWL

& Confirmation for 5th-9th

grade in the month of

November.

NOVEMBER 7 &

NOVEMBER 14 6:00-8:00

November 11, 3-5 p.m.

THEOLOGY GROUP

Pastor Finch will lead the

discussion. We will meet in

the Parish house.

Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

November 4, 7 p.m.

Café Night

Come hang out, no agenda.

Bring your homework or

plan to talk, play a game or

just chill. The latte machine

will be on! Bring a friend.

No S.M.A.S.H. Sunday, November 25

NOVEMBER 2012

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

4 SMASH 7pm Café Night

5 6 7 WWL & Conf

6-8 PM

8 9 10

11SMASH 3-5 Jr High to St. Joseph’s 3:00

12 13 14 WWL & Conf

6-8 PM

15 16 17

18 SMASH TBA

19 20 21

22

23 24

25 No SMASH today

26 27 28

29 30

Calendar of Youth Events

junior high Junior High Service Project

Visit  St.  Joseph’s  Care  Center Sunday, November 11

3:00-4:30

By your request we will visit and play games with the elderly residents. If you have a musical or vocal piece you would like to share, please let one of the youth leaders  or  Susan  know.  It’s  Veterans’  

Day - perhaps a patriotic tune?

Sign up on the Youth Board today!

Junior High at the Incredible Corn Maze

October 14

“Turkey” Treating for SPEAR The youth of St. Mark’s are “Turkey” Treating for the families of SPEAR. If you would like to contribute, see the Youth Board for a list of items needed to fill their Thanksgiving baskets. There is a blue collection barrel in the Narthex for this project. Please call Susan Hagen at 747-6677 if you have questions! Thanks for your support!

Social MinistrySt. Mark’s Feeds and Clothes People in November

Update on Shalom Ministries Dining with Dignity: We are thrilled to report that Shalom Ministries Dining with Dignity Meal Program reopened the first week of October! They have reorganized and have added two meals per week. Shalom will now be serving breakfast five mornings per week and dinner on Friday (in addition to the Monday night dinner). Lack of funding continues to be an issue for all the meal programs we support and Shalom will need additional resources in order to serve the extra meals. For this reason, your Social Ministry Committee unanimously voted to donate the proceeds of our Lenten Giving Box campaign ($1151.55) to Shalom Ministries Dining with Dignity Meal Program.

Steve Nash has asked that people who are available in the mornings consider volunteering to help serve breakfast on Friday mornings at 7:15 am. You can just show up at Central United Methodist any Friday morning at 7:15 am or call Steve Nash at 536-4136 for more information.

Homeless and Hunger Awareness WeekNational Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will be recognized in Spokane the week of November 12. This is a national event that serves to educate people on stereotypes about, the impact of, and solutions to hunger and homelessness. On November 13, there will be a “Fill the Van” clothing drive at area Shopko stores. Boots, socks, coats, blankets and gloves will be collected and then distributed to Spokane’s neediest on Friday, November 16,, at First Covenant Church.

St. Mark’s has donated the use of a van for the drive at the South Hill Shopko store. In support of this clothing drive, the November “Clothing of the Month” will be cold weather garments (coats, gloves, mittens, knit hats, long johns, etc.) along with blankets. Anything collected between November 1 and November 12 will be sent with the St. Mark’s van on November 13. Items collected after November 13 will be distributed to the programs supported by St. Mark’s Feeds and Clothes People. Thanks to Jeb Berg and Darleen Fitzgerald for coordinating this and volunteering to drive our van.

Food and Clothing Drive - Please leave your donations in the narthex

The food items of the month for November are canned soups and stews.

The Clothing items of the Month for November are cold weather gear in children and adult sizes. This includes new or gently used and clean coats, gloves, mittens, knit hats, and long underwear along with blankets. All garments and blankets collected between November 1 and November 12 will be donated to the “Fill the Van” effort coordinated as part of the Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week.

We will continue to collect disposable diapers and hygiene items on an ongoing basis to be distributed to the groups with the most need, i.e., SPEAR, Mission Community Outreach Center, Inland Northwest Baby and emergency shelters/transitional housing. We continue to hear of this great need in the community because food stamps do not cover diapers and hygiene items.

As you serve, donate, and volunteer during the year, please take a couple of minutes to fill out the bright yellow “Tell us how you helped serve” card (found in the pews) and drop it in the offering plate or church office. This will help us keep track of all the ways we are helping in the community and perhaps identify some new areas to focus on.

November Messenger! 5

Social Ministry and Volunteer Opportunities

Crosswalk

Crosswalk is a Volunteers of America program that provides a variety of services including meals to downtown’s street kids. St. Mark’s provides the food and volunteer cooks for Crosswalk on the fourth Thursday of the month, which falls on November 22. Watch for the sign-up sheets in church and since November 22nd is Thanksgiving, please have your food at the church by 3:00 pm on Wednesday, November 21.

All Saint’s Lutheran Soup Dinner

All Saint’s Lutheran Church serves a Soup Supper every Tuesday night in the West Central Neighborhood. St. Mark’s helps on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Please call Steve Nash at 536-4136 if you’d like to volunteer on Tuesday, November 27.

SPEARSPEAR is an after school program serving kids who live in East Central, which is one of our poorest and most isolated areas. These are low-income kids whose families are cut off from other services by their proximity to I-90. St. Mark’s helps provide meals for the SPEAR kids on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as collecting food, hygiene and other items for the kids and their families. Contact Claudia Holtz at 244-2479 for more details about how you can help.

Social Ministry Committee

We are always looking for people who are interested in helping us identify areas of need and service within our community. Please consider attending our next meeting on Sunday, November 11, at 9:30 am in the Counselor’s Office upstairs.

Smorgasbord Coming in DecemberMark your calendars for this year’s festive feast known as the Smorgasbord! This gastronomical event will take place on December 16, 2012, in our own fellowship hall with seatings at 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The Sunday School will present a Christmas Pagent between sittings and Lucia Brides will deliver cookies at the end of the meal. Fine accordion music will provide appropriate background music for the meal. Everyone is invited to this tasty “potluck”

where you can sample the Scandinavian delicacies such as lutefisk and lefse, along with your own family favorites! Look for sign-up sheets and recipes posted in the narthex in the next few weeks. Lefse will be made on Saturday, December 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Experienced lefse makers are welcome, but we love having others come to learn. Sampling will be done before you leave! Recipes are on the bulletin board. If you would

like to help with this St. Mark’s tradition please call Kris Hendron (448-4076) or Cathy Thornton (991-3677).

6! St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

AnnouncementsBaptizedOctober 13: Eleanor Trudy Talbot, daughter of Ty and Julie Talbot and granddaughter of Paula TalbotOctober 21: Daniel Christopher Barker, son of Chris and Anne Barker

DeathsRuth Servine

In SympathyThe family of Ruth Servine at the time of her deathThe family of Frieda Graham, mother of Bob Graham, at the time of her deathThe family of Emil Silflow, brother of Ida Felton, at the time of his death

Thank youMany thanks to the pastors, Verna, and all the caring people at St. Mark’s for the prayers, phone calls, and cards I received during my time of diagnosis and treatment. I really felt surrounded by God’s blessings and so grateful to be part of St. Mark’s. God has blessed us in so many ways. Love and thanks to all of you.

Ida Felton

A special thanks to the following people who helped serve the meal at All Saints Lutheran in September: Norm Boehnke, Mary Boehnke, Tina Buckaloo, Evelyn Creager, Carol Weems, and Steve Nash.

Also a special "shout out" to Ken Bridgeman and Harry Fuhs who have both consistently volunteered to help to serve breakfast on Friday mornings at 7:15 am at Shalom Ministries for most of 2012! Terrific volunteers!

2012 Fall Bazaar

St. Mark’s Fall Bazaar and Bake Sale is almost here! On November 3, we will host a special sale that includes handcrafted raffle items, silent auction baskets, homemade baked goods, gently used secondhand items, beautiful new items, and many other treasures. All proceeds from this sale are used to fund missions and charities at St. Mark’s, in Spokane, nationally, and internationally.

We still need everyone’s help to make this a success. On Friday, November 2 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm we will be setting up for the bazaar. Everyone is invited to help with this very fun and important activity. Experienced garage sale shoppers are highly encouraged to help. We always have a great time and even have a chance to “pre-shop.“ For those of you who love to bake, we would love to highlight your specialty treats at the Bake Sale. Have your tasty offerings

to the church by noon on the 2nd of November and we will package them in attractive wrappings for you!

Saturday, November 3rd is BAZAAR DAY from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The entire congregation and their friends are invited to join us for a festive day of shopping and fellowship. Of course, since this is a Lutheran church, there will be coffee and sweet treats served during the sale!Final bids on Silent Auction items and the raffle drawing will be held after second service on November 4. You do not have to be present to win.

If you have any questions call Kris Hendron (448-4076) or Ev Nyholm (535-3344). See you at the Bazaar!

November Messenger! 7

Raffle Item Donated By Pastor Kate

Stewardship Campaign at

St. Mark’sIt is time to start planning for St. Mark’s 2013 budget. Hence, it is time for the annual November Stewardship Campaign.

In difficult financial times, households are forced to set priorities. Please prayerfully consider where your faith fits into your life and your budget.

The second and third Sundays of November pledge cards will be available in the narthex. Please take the time to pick them up. If we miss you then, we will mail them later.

Please place completed cards in the offering plate, mail them, or drop them off at the church office. Our theme is, “For All the Saints: Honoring our Heritage and our Future.” You’ll be hearing more about it in November.

Kevin Benson, 2013 Stewardship Chairperson

St. Mark’s Annual

Family Advent BreakfastMark your calendar! The Advent Breakfast is December 1, from 9:30-11:00 am. All families are invited to attend this annual event. Come and kick off this special time of waiting and learn about how your family can celebrate Advent at home. Enjoy a tasty breakfast, learn Advent traditions, make Advent crafts and join in devotions and singing.

A sign-up sheet for food will be up in mid-November on the youth board in the narthex. Contact Jane Somers at the church (747-6677) during normal church hours, with any questions.

***If you attended last year’s Advent Breakfast, don’t forget to BRING BACK YOUR BRASS ADVENT WREATH, and we’ll set you up with new greens and candles.***

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH316 E 24th AvenueSpokane, WA 99203

Phone: 509-747-6677Fax: 509-458-2757

EMAIL: office@stmarks-spokane.orgWEB-SITE: WWW.STMARKS-SPOKANE.ORG

Pastors: Kate LePard, Richard D. Finch, Eric Dull

MESSENGER

Published monthly September-Juneby St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Submissions Due bythe 15th of Month Prior to

PublicationNewsletter Editor:

Ross Coble - 509-534-6217 rosscoble@me.com

Sunday Services8:30 am and 10:45 am

Saturday Evening Services5:30 pm

Nursery Provided All Services

Office HoursMonday-Thursday

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 - 4:00 pmFriday

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, 1:00 - 3:30 pm

Swat Malaria!This year Sunday School students will be raising money to buy mosquito nets for families in Africa. One child dies every 60 seconds and one million people die each year from malaria. This disease is completely treatable and preventable.

Our students received mini M&M containers at the beginning of the school year. They are filling their containers with quarters. One container of quarters is enough money to buy a mosquito net. A net protects a family from mosquitoes as they sleep. Malaria is transmitted through mosquitoes and one bite can devastate a family. Our children are helping to swat malaria out for good!