Worship Schedule

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July 30 Pentecost 8

August 6 Pentecost 9

August 13 Pentecost 10

August 20 Pentecost 11

August 27 Pentecost 12

One service at 10am Kermit’s Park

Rally Day Blessing of the

Backpacks

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Sunday Mornings

8:15 am Contemporary 9:20 am Sunday Brew

9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Traditional

St. Mark’s Newsletter

The Reminder

July 26, 2017

Sunday Schedule 3:00—3:25pm Opening in Family Life Center 3:30—4:00pm Session 1 4:05—4:35pm Session 2 4:35pm Meal and Fun Activities

Bring bathing suits and towels for the children! There will be a huge slip and slide that slides into a pool of water. The older children will love this! There will also be other water slides for smaller children.

Monday and Tuesday Schedule 5:00—6:00pm Meal (Family Life Center) 6:00—6:30pm Opening Assembly (FLC) 6:30—6:35pm Transition Time 6:35—8:15pm Story time, Crafts and Activities 8:20—8:30pm Closing in Family life Center

All Are Invited to Our Community Wide Vacation Bible School Hero Central!

Sunday, August 6, at 3pm Monday, August 7, and Tuesday, August 8, at 5pm

VBS Program for Adults

Sunday "Samuel Anoints David" Monday "Abigail Saves the Day" Tuesday "Jesus Goes to the Temple" Adults, lets come out and be active in our church! Each adult will be creating their own apron with symbols representing the three lessons and making their own tool belt with symbols telling how you are a hero of God. Let's have Fun!

Each year, four churches, Bethlehem UMC, Liberty Hill Baptist, Mt. Calvary Lutheran, and St. Mark’s Lutheran, hold a community wide Vacation Bible School. It will take place at St. Mark’s over three evenings. The whole family is invited! This summer’s theme will be Hero Central. The program takes kids and adults on awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes to discover the qualities that make us truly heroic. VBS Hero Central uses epic music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, heroic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories to help kids and adults discover their strength in God!

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“The Parables of Mayberry” Summer Sermon Series

Continues Through August 20

Jesus’ use of parables often included that of telling a short story. Not historical, the parables imaginatively captured in their narratives, events, and characters what was “true to life.” Jesus' use of parables was effective in teaching a truth or in answering a question. We will do likewise. Grounded and in dialogue with Scripture, we will use portions of The Andy Griffith Show as parables to hear and receive God’s Word for us today.

July 30: “Missing the Boat”

August 6: “A Little Boy’s Faith”

August 13: “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”

August 20: “You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover ”

Rally Day and Blessing of the Backpacks

Sunday, August 27 at Kermit’s Park

Worship: Begins at 10am with music by Praise Team Where: Home of Kermit & Kay Nash, 4586 Hwy 70 N. Food: Barbeque will be provided. Please bring a side dish and a dessert to share. Fun Activities: Tractor rides for all ages, a giant waterslide and “bouncy” activities for the younger kids. Bring your swimsuit, towel, and lawn chairs.

500th Anniversary of Reformation Worship

“In God’s Own Country” Celebrates This Year’s 500th anniversary of the Reformation Salisbury, October 12—15 & 18—21

Do not miss the North American premiere stage production of “In God’s Own Country,” a unique collaborative effort between St. John’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, the State Theater Company of Landesbühnen Sachse in Germany, and the Piedmont Players. The play will incorporate 17 cast members from Germany and an equal number from the Salisbury community.

On the surface, “In God’s Own Country” tells the story of Lutheranism in America; but the broader story tells the dramatic and multifaceted ways in which religion was foundational to our country’s founding. The play makes it clear that we simply cannot understand American history without an understanding of religious history.

The play is centered on Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the German pastor-missionary whose call was to plant the church in America during the early and mid-1700s. His journey begins on a treacherous sea voyage from Germany to Charleston, SC, and later continues by horseback throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas. “Muhlenberg churches” were established in every part of the mid-Atlantic, including multiple congregations in the Rowan-Cabarrus area. There is no doubt that Michael Brown’s time in Rowan County was influenced by Muhlenberg, widely known as the Father of American Lutheranism, but whose impact reached far beyond the church.

“In God’s Own Country” is the perfect play for those eager to know more about early American history. It also tells the dramatic story of this small group of German Lutherans, many of whom were escaping severe persecution, who remained steadfast and faithful to a single call: “The church must be planted.”

Audition Dates: September 5 & 6 Performance Dates: October 12—15 & 18—21

Meroney Theater, 213 South Main Street, Salisbury (704-633-5471 or piedmontplayers.com)

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“Parables of Mayberry” Sermon Series (July 30, August 6, August 13, August 20)

Women of the Vine Pool Party & Cookout,

Carpenter Home (July 30)

VBS “Hero Central” (August 6, 7, 8)

Sr. High Youth Outing to Blowing Rock (August 9)

Youth Night (August 13)

Rally Day and Blessing of the Backpacks

at Kermit’s Park (August 27)

Labor Day—Church Office Closed (September 4)

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday (September 10)

Confirmation Meeting with Parents (September 10)

“One”derful Wednesdays Resumes (September 13)

Youth Gathering Registration Opens (September 15)

Women of the ELCA

Congratulations to Danny and Randyl Abernathy on the birth of their grandson, Caleb Andrew Abernathy. Caleb was born on July 16, weighing 7 lb. 11 oz. and 20.5 inches long! Parents are Andy and Shannon Abernathy. Uncle is Ryan Abernathy.

St. Mark’s

Calendar Highlights

St. Mark’s Quilt Mission Tuesdays, 10-12pm

3244 W. Main Street, Claremont Every Tuesday except when the Bible study meets.

Women of the ELCA Bible Study, Tuesday, August 15 Meets in the church lounge at 11am

Younger Than Springtime Lunch follows the Women’s Bible Study about 12:30pm

Women of the Vine Pool Party and Cookout is July 30 at 3pm Home of Judy & Tim Carpenter, 2727 Sigfield Drive, Claremont

Bring bathing suits, towels, and a dish for the cookout. R.S.V.P. to Tamarah Hefner (trchefner@gmail.com or 828-459-7053)

Congratulations on the Birth of Caleb Andrew Abernathy

Highlights of the Tenth Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA

Nearly 3,400 participants attended and more than 1,300 were first-timers. $49,094 was raised at the Thankoffering service. 404 participants ran in the Run, Walk and Roll, and $19,116 was raised for

seed grants to support Women of the ELCA's health initiative, Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls. In-kind gifts included $19,000 in gift cards, 27,000 hygiene products, clothing, quilt kits, and Days for Girls kits.

Nearly $64,000 was collected during Sunday's service of Holy Communion. The offering is being shared among PV for Phebe Project (25%); Cherish All Children (25%); and Women of the ELCA (50%).

97 people gave blood for a total of 81 good units. Each unit is separated into red cells, platelets and plasma, which could potentially help 243 people. Tamarah Hefner with Bishop Eaton

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On Sunday, September 10, ELCA churches across the country will participate in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. This annual day of service is a time to share God’s love, serve local communities, and lift up neighbors in need. St. Mark’s Ministry teams may do something on September 10 or another date. For t-shirts, baseball caps, and other resources, visit ELCA.org/dayofservice. Order personalized t-shirts by August 15.

Attention Ministry Teams! “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Day of Service, September 10

Day of Service Ideas from Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC)

Listed below are multiple ways your congregation can partner with Lutheran Services Carolinas for a meaningful service project.

Collect needed items. Various items are needed to support LSC programs including bingo prizes for senior living communities, winter coats for children in foster care, and household items for refugee families who are starting a new life. Contact LSC for a complete list of suggested items.

Complete a home improvement or landscaping project at your local LSC child and family or senior ministry.

Provide music or art therapy for individuals with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, or symptoms resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Lead an activity at a senior living community. Activities can include singing or playing instruments, visiting with residents, calling bingo, participating in the weekly worship service, sponsoring arts and crafts projects, leading an exercise class, hosting a spa day, or sharing devotions.

Teach a life skills class to parents living in Supportive Housing. Topics to consider include cooking a nutritious meal, writing a resume, or planning a budget.

Distribute handwritten cards or notes to LSC residents or staff members letting them know someone is thinking of them.

Assemble gift bags for LSC clients and participants. Thank you bags are a nice treat for foster parents and a way to show appreciation for the important work they do. Foster children also benefit from welcome bags filled with items that help them transition into a new home. Clients of LSC’s Supportive Housing program enjoy welcome home gift baskets as they graduate from the program to homeownership.

Host a special event at your church or at a local LSC program. Churches can host foster parent appreciation or recruitment events. Birthday parties complete with cake and balloons are a fun way to celebrate the adults who live at an LSC community.

Make stuffed elephants. These elephants are a beautiful reminder of God’s love for the children in LSC’s care. Elephants can be sewn by hand or by using a sewing machine. LSC can provide the pattern and instructions for this project, which is great for people of all ages.

If your congregation has a particular strength or interest that is not included above, contact Ellen Watts (ewatts@LSCarolinas.net or 704-603-1696) to coordinate a unique and personal outreach project. Additionally, if your congregation is unable to participate on September 10, please consider another time to hold a dedicated day of service with LSC. Thank you for supporting the LSC ministry! ~ Kristen Kitchen, Director of Donor Relations, Lutheran Services Carolinas (704-754-8229, kkitchen@LSCarolinas.net, www.LSCarolinas.net)

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Youth News

Youth Events on August 9 and August 13

On Wednesday, August 9, the Senior High Youth will be going to Blowing Rock for an outing including Mystery Hill and shopping. Please bring spending money. We will meet at the church at 9am. Kate Hamann will drive.

On Sunday, August 13, there will be a Youth Night from 5:30-7:30pm in the Parish Hall. Contact Katie Hamann with questions (katie@smarklc.org).

Early Bird Registration for ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston is September 15—November 15!

St. Mark’s youth who are in 8th - 12th grade at the time of registration are eligible to attend. Contact the church office to register or go online for more information: www. elca.org/youth gathering.

An Opportunity to Teach Confirmation 2017-18

We are making plans for the upcoming year and are seeking teachers on a rotating basis for Confirmation 2017-2018. Class meets during Sunday School. Teachers in 2016-2017 were Melanie Sigmon, Aaron Carpenter, Maria Wright, Katie Hamann, and Pastor Gary. If you are interested in joining the teaching rotation, contact Katie Hamann (katie@smarklc.org).

Campfirmation group at Lutherock. Ethan Campbell, Joseph Carpenter, and Pastor Gary are on the far right.

Confirmation Meeting with Parents and Pastor Gary is September 10 at 9:30am

Parish Hall, “Faith” Classroom

All 7th and 8th grade youth planning to attend St. Marks’ Confirmation Program, along with their parents, are asked to attend the meeting in between worship services. Pastor Gary will review plans and expectations for this year’s catechism class.

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Financial Update

Memorial & Honoraria Gifts to St. Mark’s

In Memory Of In Honor of: Glenn Cloninger Jr by Randall & Sheila Basinger None received

Memorial & Honoraria Gifts to St. Mark’s Preschool

In Memory Of In Honor Of: None received None received

Memorial & Honoraria Gifts to Alec Calvin Sigmon Memorial Camp Scholarship

In Memory Of In Honor Of: None received None received

Worship Attendance:

7/16 - 146 7/23 - 123

Ministry Financial Update as of June 30, 2017

Reported as of June 30 June Year to Date General Fund Receipts $25,721.19 $166,762.34 Expenses (includes payables) $27,575.44 $168,395.26

All current bills are paid.

Away this Summer? The Church Needs Your Donations Year-round Your regular offerings are especially needed during the summer months when people are away on breaks. Did you know that we have an option where you can sign up to have your contribution drawn directly from your checking or savings account by ACH and deposited directly into St. Mark’s account? It is quick and easy. You can also set up a bill pay with most banks that allows the bank to send your check in for you automatically. Contact Karen Hunt (karen@smarklc.org or 459-2161) for information about these options.

Reformers Reading Romans Summer Bible Reading through July 30

In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, NC Synod’s Reformation 500 and Book of Faith Task Groups are presenting an online summer Bible study, Reformers Reading Romans, with lessons by Lutherans from all over North Carolina. Folks all across the synod are participating. Readings, devotionals, and questions to consider are being posted daily. Romans influenced Luther’s spiritual development and pointed him to God’s undeserved and life-changing grace. Access the study in three ways: Follow the synod’s Facebook page (NC Synod, ELCA) Download (nclutheran.org/download/reformers-reading-romans) Subscribe to receive a daily email with a link to that day’s lesson

(nclutheran.org/congregations/engage-the-bible)

“This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel…It is impossible to read or to meditate on this letter too much or too well.”

Martin Luther Preface to Romans

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Local Outreach

The Corner Table Soup Kitchen August Events

“Cruisin’ Diner” Fundraiser August 13, 11—2pm

On the Sunday of the annual Cruise in downtown Newton, The Corner Table will open as a restaurant and sell plates of baked spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and a drink for $5.

“Parade of Cans” August Food Drive “Parade of Cans” is a food drive hosted by The Corner Table Soup Kitchen in Newton during the month of August. What are their biggest needs?

Cream of Mushroom Soup Cream of Chicken Soup Chicken Broth Mayonnaise Noodles Stove Top Stuffing Canned Whole Potatoes Potted Meat Ranch Dressing Tomato Sauce Shortening Evaporated Milk

Witness Team to Serve The Corner Table serves lunch every day with the help of volunteers. St. Mark’s Witness Team will volunteer there on September 12 and December 12. The team also served on March 14 and June 12.

Please drop off donations at The Corner Table

122 N. Main Street, Newton www.thecornertable.org (Monday—Friday, 9—4)

Council Minutes from June 19, 2017

Call to Order Opening Prayer Roll Call: Kerri Nash, Angela Brown, Michael Korn, Nicky Setzer, Gigi Sigmon, Scott Ramsey, Terry Hefner, Edie Connor, Carol Schaefer. Excused were Pastor Gary Haddock and Tanya Stephenson. Cathy Sigmon and Teresa Rozzelle were absent. Pastor’s Report – Written report Finance Report – Review of current status – all bills are paid and up to date. Team Reports

Learning – Team is meeting regularly to plan VBS. Next meeting is scheduled for July 25. Witness – No report Support - Putting together a giving program for Stewardship in October. Still in early stages. Technology – No report Youth – No report Congregational Care – No report Property –

Made a motion to replace light fixtures in Family Life Center and waterproof the brick in Parish Hall entrance way. Motion was seconded.

Made a motion to approve Hickory Bible Tabernacle’s request for use of Family Life Center in December with $100 refundable deposit if left in good condition. Plus, normal fees will apply. Motion was seconded.

Made a motion to take on project of purchasing a new flag pole and American flag. Kermit Nash will head project. Placement of flag is still being determined. Total cost is $2235 (funds to be raised, not taken out of budget). Motion was seconded.

Motion made to approve use of Family Life Center by Rising Hope Farms for Tim Tebow event in February 2018. Motion was seconded.

Worship & Music – No report Fellowship – No report Preschool – No report (Summer break) Memorial – No report Global Missions – No report Personnel – Made a motion to approve a pay increase for Sexton Mike Baker from $10 to $12 an hour. Motion was seconded. W-ELCA – No report Men in Mission – No report

New Business: None Old Business: None Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer

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St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

P.O. Box 550

3216 West Main Street

Claremont, NC 28610

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

Permit #2

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P A I D

Claremont, NC

Church Staff Pastor Gary Haddock: Senior Pastor gsh.elca@gmail.org (828-781-3060) Pastor Paul Christ: Associate for Pastoral Care paulernestchrist@yahoo.com (828-409-4681) Myra Long: Choir Director, Organist, Int. Praise Team Leader longmyra@ymail.com (704-213-7623) Randyl Abernathy: Preschool Director stmarkspreschool@charter.net (828-459-2873) Katie Hamann: Interim Youth Leader katie@smarklc.org (828-459-2161) Lisa Underwood: Church Secretary lisa@smarklc.org (828-459-2161) Karen Hunt: Financial Secretary karen@smarklc.org (828-459-2161) Mike Baker: Church Sexton (828-459-2161) mikebaker411@bellsouth.net

Newsletter Mailing The next mailing of the St. Mark’s Reminder will be on August 9. Please have information for the newsletter to the church office by Thursday, August 3.

Congregation Council Meeting Council will hold its next meeting at 6pm on August 21.

Church Office Hours Mon - Thu, 8:30am - 4:00pm; Fri, 8:30am - 12:30pm

Vol. 7, No. 14 7-26-17

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