St. Mark Lutheran Church and Preschool
Sunday Worship @ 9 A.M.
We treasure the Word, baptismal water, and the bread and wine of holy communion. We want to nurture a culture and a love for the heritage of rich but very down-to-earth worship. It's called liturgical; it's historical, biblical, and invites participation by the whole family. It's simple worship. Join us.
Midweek Lent Series: GUIDED to the CROSS
Join us Wednesdays beginning with Soup Supper @ 6 PM as we prepare for our
Lent Service - Guided to Perseverance, March 25th, as we continue our Lent Series - GUIDED to the CROSS, at 7 PM!
A quiet midweek pause, shaped by forgiveness, peace, and steadfast hope. All are welcome to worship!
Gospel Highlight
Isaiah 50:4-10 – The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning He awakens; He awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward. I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting. But the Lord GOD helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who will contend with me? Let us stand up together. Who is my adversary? Let him come near to me. Behold, the Lord GOD helps me; who will declare me guilty? Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment; the moth will eat them up. Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the Name of the LORD and rely on his God.
Have you ever wondered what it was like for Jesus to live among us as a man among other human beings? We know He spent a lot of time in prayer, and we know that He constantly relied on His Father for everything He did and said. But the inner experience of it is a bit of a mystery.
That’s why I love this passage from Isaiah, because it gives us Jesus’ own voice describing what it was like to walk and live among us as our Savior.
And the surprising thing is, how much His experience was like our own! He says that “The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught”;—that is, Jesus regards Himself as a learner from God the Father. Living as a human being, He humbles Himself and is one of “those who are taught,” just like we are. He relies on the Father and the Spirit to give Him what He needs “that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.” He relies on the Father and the Spirit to guide Him to what He should say and do for us. And this is a daily thing for Him;—every morning He wakes up to listen to what God the Father wants Him to do this day.
But His life of humility goes beyond learning and taking direction. He also obeys the Father, even when it’s clear that pain and suffering are in store for Him. He says, “The Lord GOD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious.” This is probably a reference to an Old Testament ear piercing ceremony that slaves would ask for on the rare occasion where they were supposed to be set free, but decided they’d rather stay to serve their master lifelong. Jesus is glad to be the Servant of the Lord forever, even though He knows it leads to the cross.
And now that He has triumphed over death and the devil, Jesus invites us to walk the same road He did: “Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the Name of the LORD and rely on his God.” We can trust in our Lord Jesus, the Suffering Servant, to lead us, because He has walked our road all the way to the end and won salvation for us. He understands, and we will never be alone.
This Daily was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Isaiah Bible Study
In the Old Testament, Isaiah is the theologian par excellence. No book in the Old Testament comes close to Isaiah. The prophet’s saving message, soaring language, and unforgettable imagery are tightly woven into the fabric of Christian hymnody, liturgy, and devotional literature. Isaiah's influence on the New Testament is massive. Isaiah articulates Christology, ecclesiology, and missiology.
Join us as we work through the Book of Isaiah, continuing this Sunday, March 29th, at 10:45 a.m., in the Sanctuary!
Jesus' Triumphal Entry
This Palm Sunday, Jesus Connections will celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem—a moment filled with joy, praise, and anticipation.
As crowds welcomed Him with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna!”, we’ll explore what it means to honor Jesus as King in our own lives. Through this powerful story, kids will learn that Jesus came in humility and love, inviting us to follow Him with joyful hearts.
Join us as we wave our palm branches and celebrate the beginning of Holy Week together!
Easter Egg Hunt
On Easter Sunday, Jesus Connections will take a break from our usual class time so children can join in the fun of our Easter egg hunt and enjoy our congregational Easter breakfast with family and friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of the resurrection together as a church family.
We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Fellowship for Sunday, March 29
Coffee Cake-Off!
Fellowship Sunday, March 29 – Coffee Cake-Off!
We don't have just one person to thank for coffee-cakes, we have generations. Don't be fooled by the name — coffee cake is not unique because it contains coffee. Traditional sweet breads, along with stimulating conversation, became a natural pairing with coffee — similar to how it remains today. What makes coffee cake different from regular cake is not what's on the inside, but what's on the outside. Or rather, what's on top.
Cake with breakfast . . . don’t mind if I do!
Have you seen Jesus?
During the season of Lent, a small Jesus figure will be placed somewhere in the sanctuary. If you locate Jesus, please bring Him to Pastor Jake and receive your reward.
The Jesus search continues...
Easter Lilies
Once again, we are delighted to offer Easter lilies to help beautify our sanctuary as we celebrate the joy of Easter. If you would like to purchase lilies to beautify the Church and to enjoy at home after the Easter service, please sign up on the hallway board. The cost of a lily is $20. Make out checks to St. Mark Lutheran Church. Payments may be placed in the offering plate or dropped in the envelope above the sign-up sheet.
The last day to order flowers is Sunday, March 29th.
Easter Prayer Vigil
Want to do something totally different for Lent and Easter this year? Want to make your Lenten and Easter celebrations more meaningful and special? Then consider signing up for the Easter Prayer Vigil!
St. Mark will be open from 9:00 pm on Good Friday through 7:00 am Easter morning. One-hour blocks of time are available for you to reserve to come into the sanctuary and pray and meditate on Christ’s death and resurrection. Resources will be available to you if you want them. It’s your time to do whatever you want—sing (nobody will be here to hear you!), pray, read the Passion history, etc.
Sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Questions? Ask Pastor Eisinger, emeritus.
Congregational Easter Breakfast Sign-Up
St. Mark Lutheran Church is excited to announce the sign-up sheet for our Congregational Easter Breakfast has been posted in the hallway! We invite all members of our church family to come together and celebrate the joy of Easter with a delicious breakfast on April 5th, following service! It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather together and celebrate following the Easter service.
Don’t forget to sign up in the hallway! We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a meal as we rejoice in this special season.
Easter Egg Hunt Donations
Stuffed Easter eggs are being collected for an Easter egg hunt for the children after breakfast on Easter morning. There are empty eggs in the hallway that you may take and stuff with goodies and return, or you can bring in pre-stuffed eggs.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please have your donations to church by Sunday, March 29. Thank you!
St. Mark Lutheran Church Chili Cook Off
Think you've got the best chili recipe in town? Prove it! Join us for a night of chili, fellowship, and friendly competition in the fellowship hall of St. Mark Lutheran Church. Friday, April 17th, beginning at 6:00 P. M. Come taste delicious homemade chili and enjoy a warm evening with friends and family. Whether you are cooking or just tasting, it's a night you won't want to miss.
Games for the kids and some trivia to fill the evening, this competition has fun for all ages! Prizes for best chili, so bring your best and join the fun!
Sign-up sheet for sides is in the hallway. To register, see Pastor Jake.
Lutheran Roots
Interested in learning what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess? Interested in becoming a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church? Already a member and want to refresh your knowledge of the church?
Join us for Lutheran Roots beginning April 22nd!
Rummage Sale
LWML will be hosting its annual Rhubarb and Rummage sale the first two weekends in June. Clean, usable items can be dropped off at the church starting on May 24, so start cleaning out your closets and garage! We are unable to accept clothing or shoes again this year.
We so appreciate the treasures you donate!
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Men of St. Mark! - If your week runs on coffee, bacon, and brotherly encouragement, we’ve got good news.
Join us for men’s breakfast featuring:
- Food that tastes better than it is good for you
- Coffee strong enough to forgive your sins (Not even Close!)
- Conversation ranging from Scripture to sports to “remember when…”
- Fellowship without singing solos or being volunteered for anything (probably)
Come hungry and leave fed. No RSVP required - but pants are!
Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…
HEALTH
Helen Cantrell - Health issues.
Tana Doerr - Her surgery to replace her hardware, not her hip, was successful. She had to go back to SLC to have potential complications checked out, but that seems to be less serious than the Drs. thought it might be. We're grateful for excellent care and God's grace as she begins the next phase of her recovery journey.
Tenna Walker - Tenna Walker's surgery was successful, and is recovering at home.
Bonnie Petznick - Has been released from the hospital and is in the Bounce Back unit for physical therapy to gain strength before returning home.
Jim (Friend of Marc Studer Jr.) - Has been diagnosed with cancer.
Bill (Jerry & Lori's neighbor) - Who had a stroke a couple of weeks ago & is in the hospital in Utah.
Sally (Jerry & Lori's daughter's mother-in-law) - Recovering from surgery after being life-flighted to UofU over the weekend with uncontrollable blood pressure, seizures, & strokes due to blocked arteries in the neck.
John Becker (John Rose’s brother-in-law) - Going through heart failure.
April’s sister - Unexpectedly lost her husband, Steve, Tuesday night. Comfort for April’s sister and Steve’s family as they grieve this loss.
Andrew Cortez - Infant son of Victor and Gena who was born at 25 wks - for his continued growth and health.
Glenn Santti - Prayers for a successful shoulder surgery. May God give him patience, strength, and comfort. May God grant wisdom and strength to the doctors and nurses performing the surgery.
PERSONAL
St. Mark Lutheran Preschool - Staff and Leaders as they discern and make challenging decisions for the greater good of the school and the proclamation of Jesus to the Littles of our community.
MILITARY
Mathew Eisinger - As he deploys with the Army to Poland, Sept. 16th, for 9 months.
Wyatt & Jake Bradford - Wyatt Bradford serves in the Navy in Okinawa, and Jake Bradford, U.S. Marines, serving in Camp Lejeune.
Jeffrey Byers (Jerry & Lori's nephew) - who is in the Marines & is being deployed to Iran.
We pray for God’s protection, guidance, and peace, for those away from home or in need,
as well as comfort and strength for their families.
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
For prayer requests or changes to a current prayer, please email stmarkelko@gmail.com.
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