MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KATE

One time I was at a workshop and, during the introductory session, we were told to write words or phrases describing who we are on large pieces of paper taped to the walls. What would you write? Daughter or son, sister or brother, friend, parent, neighbor? Would you put down your role in the work that you do or did? Teacher, attorney, artist, contractor? What about volunteer activities? Coach, soup-kitchen-server, scout leader, Habitat builder? Hobbies could be added like woodworker, quilter, golfer, biker. I had written down many of these things before I remembered to add “Child of God.” I was chagrined that I hadn’t thought of that right away, being that I’m a pastor and all. Would you have written that down first, if you had been doing this exercise?

How strong is your identity as a child of God? We talk about it on Sundays and at WWL or in St. Mark’s small groups. I wonder if that self-understanding permeates our thinking the rest of the time. Perhaps when we pray (especially when we begin with the traditional, “Our Father…”) we are reminded of our relationship to the Lord. When you were baptized, the pastor marked the sign of the cross on your forehead with the words, “Child of God, you have been sealed with the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” So, whether you remember it or not, you are walking around with an invisible, cruciform-shaped brand above your eyes.

During November, we are going to be exploring what it means to live fully into this identity. I’ve heard it described as “living wet” which refers to living in awareness of the watery event that claimed us through baptism. Our theme for November’s stewardship emphasis is

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REFUGEE CRISIS, PERSECUTION PERSONAL FOR ST. MARK’S FAMILY

St. Mark’s members Jax and Rumi Russell live on hope, mixed with a large dose of anxiety and fear. As their waiting and frustration grind on, St. Mark’s congregation has been standing with them to give both financial and moral support here and halfway around the world. Now, there is something else you can do to help.

Rumi grew up in a Christian family in Pakistan, an increasingly difficult place to be a Christian. Jax met her there while working on an arts project based in Switzerland. They married, but after the Iraq war things got so bad that he had to disguise himself as a local to go out in public. With family help they came to the U.S.

Rumi’s younger sister, mother and older sister Sameera, with Sameera’s husband Ihsan and their children, remained in Pakistan.

As an adult Ihsan had converted from Islam to Christianity, an anathema to Pakistani Muslims. He kept it secret for two and a half years, but when the story got out, the persecution and death

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Spokane, WA November 2015 Vol. 2015, No. 9

PASTOR KATE continued from page 1

Belonging to God. It follows from the idea that everything we are and everything we have belongs to God. If we truly believe that God is the Creator and Author of the universe, then it follows that we are stewards or caretakers of the Lord’s world, the Lord’s stuff. How we use our t ime, our energy, our money, and our possessions, on a daily basis, is framed by this understanding.

Being stewards or caretakers is the part of Belonging to God that relates to responsibility – our response to the Lord’s generous gifts to us and unending love for us. The word “ respons ib i l i t y ” somet imes has heavy connotations but the “unending love” part emphasizes the GOOD NEWS of it all. You belong to God, through thick and thin! You belong to God, no matter what! You belong to God, in this life and the next! What could be better than that?

At the beginning of our services during November, three of our members will give short talks about different aspects of what Belonging to God means to them. Among other things, Belonging to God means being cared for at St. Mark’s and Belonging to God means caring for others through St. Mark’s. In the middle of the month, pledge cards will be given out, if you would like to prayerfully consider your giving for 2016 and make a commitment. Towards the end of the month, pledge cards may be offered up to God as a response of your love and thankfulness. One person said that our commitment of stewardship is a way of “touching God’s heart with our own.”

May the theme, Belonging to God, be a blessing for your life and for that of our congregation as, together, we grow into fuller understanding of our identities as Children of God and our mission as Christ’s people.

Pastor Kate

REFUGEE, PERSECUTION cont. from pg. 1

threats began. Two of their children were kidnapped. Finally, with help from St. Mark’s, they fled to Thailand in early July on tourist visas, where they registered with the United Nations as asylum seekers.

The Russells emphasize that their family are not economic refugees; they seek asylum from religious persecution. As asylum seekers in Thailand they have no rights and cannot work. As the next step, the UN gives them another appointment a few years’ distant.

In Bangkok they lived, with financial help from the Russells, in an apartment building with other refugees and asylum seekers. The Immigration Service and the Thai military together stage periodic raids, and in one, the parents and two of their six children were caught and jailed. Charged with being four days beyond their visa expiration date, Ihsan is still in jail, held under inhumane conditions.

Sameera now lives with the children, ages 1-1/2 to 17, in another apartment building, but as residents move out into the community trying to become less noticeable, she feels more conspicuous and vulnerable. They pay bribes for security, but have been betrayed before and wonder who they can trust.

Everyone’s great fear is deportation back to Pakistan. Jax says the country is highly dangerous. Karachi is filled with guns, human trafficking is rampant, the threat of ISIS is ever present, aspects of sharia law are practiced and the situation for Christians only gets worse.

When Jax and Rumi dream of a future with Sameera’s and Ihsan’s family here and safe, and maybe Rumi’s mother and younger sister also, the tension lifts for a few minutes. Smiles erupt, and plans for a family business using everyone’s skills and energy tumble out.

But first they continue their seemingly endless, so far unrewarded efforts to get the UN to consider the family’s case. The relatively smaller number of

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REFUGEES, PERSECUTION cont. from pg. 2

persecuted Christians seems to get lost in the big picture of fleeing refugees these days. They are frustrated, feeling that, if only the UN considered the case, they would see that the family has support and a home in Spokane, and cannot go back to Pakistan.

While they wait, Jax works as a manager at the YMCA. Rumi would like to use her skills, which include contract sewing and hairdressing, in a job that allows her to be home on Saturdays to care for their nine-year-old daughter, Fiona. They volunteer at St. Mark’s, and say that the church is the center of their social life, and Sunday worship is their support for the week.

What can you do to help?

• Send an email urging the UN representative to consider the case, and urge your friends to do the same. • Ask him to look at the case, and get Ihsan

released from jail.• Tell him that St. Mark’s congregation is aware

of the case and is in support of Ihsan and Sameera’s family.• Say that they have relatives here to live with.• Tell him that the family has been religiously

persecuted in Pakistan and cannot go back there.• Include these numbers:Case #815-15C00737Registration #815-007-91397NW2/8• Send to: thaba@unhcr.org attn: Katsu

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MONTHLY MONEY TALKYTD - 2015 Operating Budget

First the good news! September’s giving was good. We covered our expenses, so we didn’t go any deeper into debt. The bad news is that we are over $50,000 in debt. You have hopefully picked up your third-quarter giving report and can see if you are up to date with your pledge. If you didn’t pick up your report, they are still available in the church office.

We are beginning our stewardship drive the second Sunday in November. The theme this year is “Belonging to God”. You’ll receive a pledge card from one of the council members. We pass out over 500 pledge cards every year. Did you know only about 200 pledge cards are returned to the church each year? Remember that your pledge is a promise; a promise to help St. Mark’s continue do the amazing work it does between these four walls and out in our community and the world. So prayerfully consider increasing your pledge this year or making a pledge for the first time.

This will be my last Monthly Money Talk. I’ve enjoyed being your Financial Secretary, but it is time for me to pass the baton to the very capable hands of Loris Stupel. Loris and I have been working together the past couple weeks, and she is a quick learner. She is going to make an excellent Financial Secretary.

Jane Somersfinance@stmarks-spokane.orgFinancial Secretary

Sept Giving Income Expense Budgeted Net

General Fund

$56,890.01 $494,429.62 $545,279.11 $579,062.92 ($50,849.49)

Mortgage Fund

$8,331,50 $74,857.88 $55,646.85 $52,713.00 $19,211.03

SOCIAL MINISTRY MEETING Join this active social ministry group on

Sunday, November 8, at 12:00 noon in the study (please note time and location change for this group). All are welcome!

CHURCH COUNCILSt. Mark’s Church Council will meet on

Monday, November 9, at 7:00 pm in the conference room.

OFFICE CLOSUREThe St. Mark’s Church Office will be closed

on Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The office will also be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 26 & 27 in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

CHANCEL CHOIR St. Mark’s Chancel Choir rehearsals continue

on Thursday evenings at 7:15 pm in the 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.

ADVENT BREAKFASTSaturday, November 21, 9:30 – 11:00 am

A celebration for families of ALL SIZES and ALL AGES to welcome this season of hopeful expectation.

Enjoy a light breakfast, Advent hymns, family crafts, and possibly some new family Advent traditions!

Please RSVP to the church office at 747-6677 or office@stmarks-spokane.org

NOTE: If your family already has an Advent wreath candle ring, please bring it with you. Otherwise, one will be provided.

MARK YOU CALENDAR: SMORGASBORD!Our annual Smorgasbord is on Sunday,

December 13. Two meal times to choose from: 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

COMPLINE AT ST. MARK’STake a break this Advent. On Wednesdays

December 2, 9, and 16 at 7:00 pm, we will be using the service of Night Prayer also known as Compline. This worship service lasts between twenty and thirty minutes. Following our worship time we will serve wine, juice, crackers and cheese for a brief fellowship time.

Elaine Orness, Volunteer Coordinator

The St. Mark’s annual Bazaar and Bake Sale is here. The bazaar takes place in the fellowship hall with the bake sale and coffee and goodies in the narthex from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 7. Come and bring a friend or two to enjoy shopping, coffee or cocoa and a goodie.

The silent auction on the baskets will end after the second service on Sunday, November 8. The winning bidders will be contacted by phone, if not present on that day. The baskets can be picked up at church starting Monday, November 9, at 9:00 am.

The money earned from the bazaar is divided into thirds, and distributed to needs in the Spokane area, missions abroad and St. Mark’s.

Thank you to all who volunteered for the services in October and the Messenger newsletter assembly crew: Dee Phillips, Mary Dey, Diana Pickering, Marilyn Walli, Karl & Mary Harder, Helen Eldenberg, Bill Thordarson, Janet Ryden, Patti Berg, and Jan Kincaid, who handles the bulk mailing for us.

You all play such an important part in helping to make St. Mark’s the unique and vibrant church that we are.

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NOTE THIS!

VOLUNTEERSOpportunities to Serve

RELAX. RECHARGE. ENGAGELutherhaven Men’s RetreatSaturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15

Lutherhaven Men’s Retreats are the place where you can get outside, get refreshed and be challenged by other guys walking similar journeys to you.

Choose the option that's just right for you. Come for just Saturday (the van will leave St. Mark’s at 7:30 am) or come for overnight Saturday and leave after worship Sunday.

Weekend Details & CostsSaturday only:9 AM - 7 PM    Awesome breakfast, lunch and dinner    Two keynotes    Optional breakouts    Optional free-time and recreation choicesOr choose to serve on the Pinecrest Lodge

remodel  $50Add Saturday night stay over:

Includes Sunday brunch and worship $30 add-onSign up in the St. Mark’s church office AND

online at www.lutherhaven.com. Contact Randy Belstad with questions at 245-3730.

BirthsOctober 1, 2015: Henry Thomas Ophardt, son of

Kaylah & Matt OphardtMarriagesOctober 3, 2015: Coe & Theresa Tanner, son of Dave

& Cindy TannerJuly 25, 2015: Morgan Fuhs & Stele Myriek, daughter

of Bryan & Valerie FuhsSeptember 13, 2015: Molly Fuhs & Scott Drenkard,

daughter of Bryan & Valerie Fuhs

DeathsDeLayne Kincaid

In SympathyThe family of DeLayne Kincaid, sister of Jan Kincaid,

at the time of her deathThe family of Chuck Lobdell, father of Bob Lobdell, at

the time of his death The family of David Ophardt, father of Matt Ophardt,

at the time of his death

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If you have items to donate (no clothes, please), bring them

by the church by Friday, November 6.

And silent auction baskets are now available for bidding in the narthex!

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

Arlene Amann is retired as a realtor, specializing in new homes. She has two grown children, and relocated to Spokane from Centreville, VA., but is originally from Long Island, NY. She enjoys reading, bowling, and water aerobics. The thing she would like you to know about her is that “I never want to move again.”

Rich Bailey is originally from Billings, MT, but has called Spokane his home for the past twenty-five y e a r s . R i c h i s a n archaeologist and a C u l t u r a l H e r i t a g e Program lead for the B u r e a u o f L a n d Management. Besides w o r k , R i c h e n j o y s backpacking, ski ing,

hiking and gardening. He would like you to know that “I enjoy good friends, family, big dogs, good food and wine and everything outdoors, especially traveling to new places.”

David Haugen has lived in Cheney for the better part of his life, after being born and raised in Iowa. David is a retired university professor. He has a grown son and two grandchildren. He has numerous interests and activities including h i k i n g , c y c l i n g , w o o d w o r k i n g , a n d

antiquing (including collecting, restoring and refinishing). He would like you to know that “if you name a topic, it’s very likely we will find something to converse about.”

Doug Florer is originally f o r m S e a t t l e , b u t currently lives in Post Falls. He is a retired engineer. He enjoys “helping others, fixing s t u f f a n d r e p a i r i n g things.” He “speaks from his heart, is easy to talk with and is soft spoken.”

Richard Jensen is fairly new to Spokane, coming from Kankakee, Illinois. A f t e r r e t i r i n g a s a warehouseman, Richard enjoys gardening, travel, reading, Bible study, and square dancing. He is the gardening resource at Harvard Park, and is involved with the Harvard Park Bible study group.

David Troyke is originally from Roselle, Illinois, near Chicago, but has lived in Spokane for 37 years. David is a retired financial a d v i s o r a n d w a s i n construction equipment sales. He has two grown ch i l d ren . He en joys volunteering for non-profits, cycling, and golf. He would like you to know that “I’m doing better than I deserve.”

Cliff Tvedten and his wife, Ronni (already a St. Mark’s member) have three grown children. He is retired from Cascade Cable Construction. Cliff i s o r i g i n a l l y f r o m Newfolden, Minnesota,

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and has lived many places including Iowa, New York, Michigan, Kentucky, Alaska, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Montana. For relaxation, he loves to fish.

Justin and Jill Duke are new to Spokane as of two years, moving here for employment opportunities. Justin is a research assistant at WSU-Spokane and Jill is a psychologist at Northwest Neurobehavioral Institute. They are from Nebraska and Iowa, respectively. In their free time they enjoy backpacking, cycling, hunting and “perfecting the art of fermentation.” They are outdoorsy people who like to explore new places in the Northwest.

Harry Johnson and Sherry Foster are both new to Spokane, now here as a great place to retire. Harry is from Montana, only moving to Spokane recently after retiring from agricultural seed sales. Sherry spent her working life as a teacher. Sherry has two adult children and a

grandson, Brandon. She grew up in Marysville, WA and lived in Townsend, MT before moving here. They enjoy many activities including hiking, walking, reading, playing Bunco, attending plays and going to concerts. Sherry would like you to know that “I am a good listener and enjoy new things and people.”

Chris Larson and Catherine Henze recently moved to Spokane. Catherine Henze is a newly retired English professor from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay completing a book on songs in Shakespeare’s plays.  She is a cellist (Gonzaga University Symphony) and plays the viola da gamba. She and her partner Chris Larson sing in St. Mark’s choir and have been in Spokane one year. Chris Larson is excited to return to St. Mark’s where she was a member 15 years ago.  She is a physical therapist working at Rockwood Clinic and is anxiously awaiting retirement to join Catherine in walking Beck (yellow lab) and Adigio (Bernese Mountain dog) on the ridge near their new home.  They both love to travel and are members of Friendship Force in Spokane.

Michael and Jeanine Stolp a r e f r o m Sprague and Endicott, WA, respect ive ly. They have two young children, H a d l e y a n d A u g u s t . Michael is a V P o f

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Northwest Farm Credit Services and Jeanine is an optometrist at Spokane Eye Clinic. When they have a moment free from work or parenting two young children, Michael and Jeanine enjoy spending time with family and getting outside to explore the beautiful Northwest by hiking and appreciating the outdoors.

Koby and Gayle May recently added Isaac to their family early this year. They also have two pet dogs – Rusty and Rookey. Koby is a funeral director at Heritage Funeral Home and Gayle works as a medical laboratory scientist at Providence Sacred Heart. Gayle also teaches music privately in all her free time! They are both from Helena, Montana, but have lived in Spokane for six years. They enjoy playing and listening to music, playing and watching baseball, snowboarding, and fishing. They are musicians, enjoy baseball, and traveling to Montana to visit friends and family. Jack and MaryLou Tanner have five grown

children, one of whom, Dave (and Cindy), with their two s o n s , h a v e b e e n S t . M a r k ’ s members for many years . Jack is retired a s t h e manager of the Petroleum Bulk

Plant at Lincoln Mutual Farm Coop #3. MaryLou retired as secretary to the Wilbur School District superintendent. Mary Lou enjoys Bible study, flowers in the yard, crocheting and musicals, and Jack is certified in shoeing horses. MaryLou says, “I enjoy fellowship with other people, and enjoy helping others.”

Darius and Keri Rappé are both life long Spokanites. They have four children. Darius, Jr., their 12 year-old son, is in his last year at Moran Prairie Elementary School. They own a construction company with his parents. In their free time, they enjoy camping and golf together, while Keri also knits and crochets. They are very happy to become members of St. Mark’s.

D o n a n d Jackie Rappé h a v e f o u r grown children a n d 1 8 grandchildren. Don i s f r om South Dakota and Jackie was r a i s e d i n M i n n e s o t a . Both are retired f r o m A l p i n e

Construction, their construction company, and Jackie also has a background as a parish worker and farmer’s market director. They enjoy being “snowbirds” in Mesa, AZ in the winter, cribbage, and meeting with friends and grandkids. They are happy to celebrate spending 55 years of a wonderful life of sharing together, with many stories to tell.

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ADULT FORUMIslam: An Overview for 21st Century Christians Facilitated by Pastor Eric and Pastor Kate, Sundays at 9:45 am in the conference room.

The basics of Islamic history, theology, culture and practice will be explored through DVD presentat ions, fo l lowed by group conversation. Muslim and Christian scholars dialog between the two faiths with an emphasis on shared understanding.

B e s i d e s a n o v e r v i e w a n d d e e p e r understanding of the religion of Islam, we hope to explore the possibilities for a new relationship between Christianity and Islam.

BIBLE STUDY Each Sunday beginning at 9:45 am  in the

study, (Pr. Finch's old office). Come explore the book of Romans with Dale Johnson.

WWL (Walking with the Light) / CONFIRMATION WWL/Confirmation (5th – 10th grade)

concludes for the season on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 pm. See the Youth Pages for more information.

SUNDAY SCHOOLAll are welcome! Your child can join

Sunday School anytime during the year. We meet between services from 9:45-10:30 am.

Three-year-old through kindergarten meet upstairs in their classrooms. Just follow the signs. First - 6th grade meet in choir room for music. And our 7th and 8th graders have Sunday School with their youth leaders in the youth room. There will be no Sunday School on November 29, because of Thanksgiving break.Questions? Contact Jane Somers @ 747-6677 or office@stmarks-spokane.org.

ALLELUIA CHOIRAll 1st through 6th graders are invited to join

Alleluia Choir. The kids meet in the choir room each Sunday during the 8:30 am service. The rehearsals follow the Sunday School schedule. For more information, contact Ann Benson at 954-9819.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANTSUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS!ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT!

All Sunday School kids are involved in theannual Christmas Pageant. It’s a great way tobring the Christmas story to life for them. We tryto keep it as low-key as possible, doing most ofour preparations during Sunday School. Youwon’t want to miss it, so put it on your calendarnow!Rehearsal #1: Sunday, December 6, at 9:45

am DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL.Rehearsal #2: Sunday, December 13, at 9:45

am DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL.Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, December 13, at

3:40 pm. Parents: Bring your kid to church,go enjoy the Smorgasbord at 4:00 pm. We’ll feed them pizza after rehearsal and then you’re all set to enjoy the…

Christmas Pageant Performance: Sunday,December 13 at 5:00 pm. Any questions or interest in helping out?

Contact Ann Benson at:annmbbenson@gmail.com or 954-9819).

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Learning for All Ages

Submitted by Patti Berg

ST. MARK’S FEEDS AND CLOTHES PEOPLEGently used kids’ clothes are always

welcome – as you know, kids grow out of their clothes quickly. Winter is coming and warm clothing is needed. Sleeping bags, tarps, hats and gloves – men and women’s sizes are in demand. A basket is located in the church narthex.

ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN SOUP SUPPER All Saints Lutheran Church not only is a

community center now, they still serve soup suppers every Tuesday night and St. Mark’s helps on the fourth Tuesday of the month. This ministry serves low-income downtown and Browne’s Addition residents and homeless people. Call Steve Nash at 536-4136 if you are able to help.

CROSSWALK St. Mark’s provides the food and volunteer

cooks for Crosswalk on the fourth Thursday of each month throughout the year. Watch for sign-up sheets in church if you are able to contribute food for this meal. Crosswalk is a Volunteers of America program serving street kids downtown.

SHALOM MINISTRIES, DINING WITH DIGNITY This program offers breakfast Monday

through Friday from 7:15 to 8:45 am.  If you are an early riser but not needed at work that early, this is a perfect opportunity for you to volunteer. For more information feel free to contact Deidre Jacobson (328-0822) or email her at healingpen@comcast.net.

Shalom also serves dinners on Mondays and Tuesdays; volunteers are needed for certain Tuesdays as well. If you can’t volunteer, please consider donating gently used men’s and women’s clothing for the clothing closet at Shalom, part of the ministry of Central UMC, to the basket in the narthex.

SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEEDo you want to get involved in social

outreach program at St. Mark’s, but don’t know where to start? Our next meeting will be Sunday, November 8, 12:00 noon in the study (formerly Dick Finch’s office). All are welcome.

BITE2GO PROGRAMOnce again, St. Mark’s came to the rescue!

Franklin Elementary, the school St. Mark’s is supporting in the Bite2Go program needed five more sponsors and YOU all were awesome. Thank you for jumping to the front of the line and making sure we had support for those five extra kids.

THRIVENT MEMBERSIf you are a Thrivent member there are two

ways you can help the various ministries that St Mark's is involved with. You can donate "Thrivent Choice Dollars" or set up a Thrivent Action Team. If you need help doing this on the internet call Pat Manz (879-7408) or Patti Berg (443-9170)

SPEAR (East Central Neighborhood Children’s Ministry)

For Thanksgiving, SPEAR will be collecting turkeys for fourteen families. Zion Lutheran is offering the rest of the dinner items. For Christmas, we will be collecting gift items for the kids to give to their moms and dads and other family members. We try to give each family a ham for their dinner.

We are putting up a Little Free Library for our neighborhood. If you have family-friendly books to donate, put them in the SPEAR baskets. Little Free Libraries work on a take-a-book and leave-a-book basis. What a great opportunity to encourage our kids and their families to read!

Immediate SPEAR needs include household items such as laundry detergent, liquid dishwashing detergent (not for dishwashers, please), toothbrushes – both kid sizes and adult sizes, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene supplies like razors and shaving cream, feminine items, shampoo and conditioner, toilet paper and paper towels. Food items requested are soups, chili, spaghetti sauce and pasta.

For more information: Claudia Holtz at 244-2479 or choltz.spear@gmail.com

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SOCIAL MINISTRYOpportunities to Serve

CONGREGATION PROVIDING TURKEY DINNERS FOR SPEAR

St. Mark’s is “Turkey” Treating for the families of the SPEAR program in lower East Central Spokane. SPEAR provides meals and support for children aged 3-17. Forty-plus children and families are served weekly. Our goal is to provide Thanksgiving baskets for 18 families supported by the SPEAR program.

Here is what we need:

• Turkey• Canned yams/sweet potatoes• Stove Top stuffing mix• Instant potatoes• Cranberry sauce• Gravy mix• Canned Fruit • Green bean casserole fixings• Olives• Rolls• Pie

Items needed by November 22 for delivery to S.P.E.A.R. A collection bin can be found in the narthex! Questions? Contact Susan Hagen at 747-6677.

Serious Yum!

HERE’S SOMETHING DIFFERENT:LEFSE MAKING DATE NIGHT

Want to learn to make homemade lefse from an expert? Come join us for an evening with Pastor Kate and others, learning the ins and outs of lefse making. We will be making lefse for our annual Smorgasbord, which takes place in December.

• Sunday, November 22, from 4:00 – 7:00pm in the church kitchen

• Child care will be available • Please bring the following:

- your premade 10 lbs. of lefse dough (recipe follows)

- an appetizer to share - your choice of beverage – it has been heard

that some people “can only make lefse while drinking wine.” Plan accordingly.

Lefse Recipe• 10 pounds potatoes, peeled• ½ cup butter• 1/3 cup heavy cream• 1 T. salt• 1 T. white sugar• 2 ½ cups all–purpose flour

1. Cover potatoes with water and cook until tender. Run hot potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill. Beat butter, cream, salt, and sugar into the hot riced potatoes. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Stir flour into the potato mixture. Using a large mixing spoon, fold the flour a third at a time into the potato mixture until it forms a firm, unsticky dough. The dough will be soft, but not sticky. You may need a little extra or a little less flour depending on the moisture in your potatoes.

3. Save in your refrigerator and bring to the church Sunday, November 22, at 4:00pm.

NOTE: If you don’t have a ricer or food mill, mash the potatoes, then mix in other ingredients until smooth. If using an electric mixer, don’t beat to the point of glue!

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SCRIPTURE & COFFEEEvery Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17, 24, 10:30 amQuestions: church office, 747-6677

This group meets for a Bible-based conversation with Pastor Eric or Pastor Kate to study the Scripture texts for the following Sunday. Previously this group was called “Go Deeper” and met once a month as a women’s group. Now EVERYONE is invited and they will meet weekly through November. Looking for a stimulating discussion? Join them!

GAME DAYTuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 1:00 pmQuestions: Patti Berg or Dick Thiel, 443-9170

Spirited members and their friends will gather in the narthex at St. Mark’s to play an assortment of card and board games, including Wizard and Bridge.  Join them for fun and fellowship with a few snacks thrown in! 

EAT, PRAY, LAUGHFirst Tuesday, November 3, 7:00 pmQuestions: Pastor Kate, 747-6677

All women of the congregation are invited to this support group, in the Parish House, for conversation, laughter, and prayer, along with wine and snacks. At the end of the evening Pastor Kate shares some faith reflections around one of the spiritual disciplines.

SATURDAY EVENING POTLUCKFirst Saturday, November 7, 6:30 pm

On the first Saturday of the month you are welcome to join us for 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!

ST. MARK’S MEN’S GROUPSecond Tuesday, November 10, 7:30 pm

This group meets each month with various speakers and topics in the Parish House. All men are welcome to join us.

MOVIE DAYSecond Wednesday, November 11, 1:30 pmQuestions: Patti Berg or Dick Thiel, 443-9170

We will have popcorn and snacks while watching “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.   Call the church office if you would like a ride.

SUNRISE SAINTS & SINNERSSecond & Fourth Wednesday, Nov. 11, 25; 6:30 amQuestions: Tim Hansen, 703-2485

For men old enough to know better!  The men use The Lutheran Handbook as their study book. Lots of laughs, good discussion and breakfast at The Chalet on 30th & Grand Blvd.

RUTH CIRCLESecond Thursday, November 12, 10:00 am

This gathering is our longest-running, remaining small group. All women are welcome to join us for refreshments, very brief project discussion, and Bible study led by Pastor Kate or Pastor Eric.

WALKING CIRCLESecond Friday, November 13, 10:00 am

This group of women will meet at the church to carpool to Mary Haberman’s home. The group will walk on the country roads around Mary’s home and will have lunch. Mary will provide soup and rolls and all others can bring a small salad or dessert.

PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDRENThird Sunday, November 15, 3:00 – 5:00 pm Questions: Susan Hagen, 747-6677

We will visit Mobius Children’s Museum. Meet in Riverpark Square, just inside the main entrance near the entry stairs to the museum. Cost is $7 per person (children under 12 months FREE). A group discount is available if we get enough interest in this event.

Please RSVP to Susan Hagen, Director of Youth & Family Ministry, at 747-6677 or youth@stmarks-spokane.org. Join us!

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FAITH and FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

THEOLOGY ON TAPThird Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm

If you are 30 years or younger you are welcome to join this group at Two Seven Public House in Lincoln Heights. One of the pastors will lead the discussion and buy a few appetizers to share.

DIAKONIA GUILD Third Tuesday, November 17, 2:00 pm

Diakonia is an auxiliary of Lutheran Community Services. The members meet monthly at various locations with a speaker from LCS. In November the meeting will be at Zion Lutheran.

STITCHIN’ SISTERSThird Wednesday, November 18, 2:00 – 4:00 pmQuestions: Pastor Kate, 747-6677

This is a relaxed gathering in the Parish House (behind the church). Along with conversation and all kinds of needlework, they conclude with a devotional meditation led by Pastor Kate. 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.

BOOK GROUPSecond Wednesday, December 9, 7:00 am

St. Mark’s Book Group usually meets the last Wednesday of the month but will combine their November and December meetings because of the holidays. The book selected for discussion is “The Tennis Partners” by Abraham Verghese, the author that also wrote “Cutting for Stone”. All book lovers are welcome to join us..

TRANSITION TEAM REPORTS

The Transition Team (Tim Hansen, Mark Nelson, Pat Manz and Dave Tanner) met with Pastor Kate and Pastor Eric on September 29, 2015. Our agenda was to spend some time in honest dialogue about their work and how they were doing personally with their increased pastoral role.

The pastors report that the program and pastoral work has been going well. This Fall the adult programs are scheduled and attendance is quite full. Children’s Sunday School enrollment is up. The church staff are settling into the changes that have occurred since Pastor Finch’s retirement. Both pastors are adjusting to preaching with more frequency.

It was previously recommended that both pastors secure a respective “support person”, either within or outside the church. The purpose of a “support person” is to give our clergy an opportunity to discuss personal items with someone in a safe and confidential manner. Having a support person in any professional situation is extremely helpful. The Transition Team is pleased that our pastors have the wisdom to do this.

The Transition Team has heard from parishioners about how they miss Pastor Finch. We all do. And we will continually be reminded of this especially as we experience those big Sunday events that occur at St. Mark’s like “Blessing of the Animals.” Pastor Finch was such a blessing to our church and we are pleased that he can enjoy a well-deserved retirement.

The Transition Team will continue to study the question of two or three pastors at St. Mark’s, how we can help support Pastors Eric and Kate in the months ahead, and will keep you informed. Feel free to contact us to discuss any concern you may have.

As always, there are three things you can do:1. Continue to hold the pastors and staff in your prayers as they lead us in the ministry of Jesus Christ here at St. Mark’s.2. Get involved in the various ministries of the church. Involve your children and youth in these activities. Don’t sit back; sit up and be an active member!3. Keep your offering to St. Mark’s faithful and current. It is not unusual to see giving decline when a pastor leaves. I think you will agree, there are too many wonderful programs for us to allow this to happen.

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