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.

SUNDAY BULLETIN

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 Trust, March 18th, 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

John 9:1-3 – As He [Jesus] was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples questioned Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.”
 
What is your story? Every life weaves a unique tapestry of experiences filled with triumphs, trials, and transformative moments. Our stories are often colored by pain or regret, but remember, through the lens of faith, they reflect the glory of God’s work in our lives. Let’s center our thoughts around the Gospel of John 9:1-11. Here we witness a remarkable story of a man born blind whose life changes forever through an encounter with Jesus, the Light of the world. The crux of our reflection begins with the identity of the blind man.
The Scripture informs us that his blindness is not a reflection of sin or failure. The disciples’ question, “Rabbi who sinned, this man or his parents?”;—reveals human nature’s tendency to seek blame and judgment. Yet Jesus masterfully reframes the narrative, asserting it was neither this man’s sin nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in his life. The declaration invites us to consider our own identities. Like the blind man, each of us carries a unique this, those burdens, struggles, and heartaches that shape our existence. What is your this? Perhaps it is that grief from losing a loved one, the weight of a chronic illness, a tension in your family life. Each struggle offers God a canvas upon which His glory can be painted as He works in and through our trials. What?;—recognizing God’s hand. The question of what unfolds further when we consider the transformation that occurs once the blind man encounters Jesus.
His blindness is not just physical. It symbolizes the darkness that pervades the lives of many. However, through this miracle, something profound takes place, he receives not only sight, but a new identity. As a believer in Christ, he comes to see Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. What a striking reminder that the very thing that defines our this can be the stage for God’s miraculous intervention. Reflect on how God acted in your life. Maybe you have weathered storms, feeling lost yet found salvation through faith. Recognize the times you were lifted from the despair or the moments when peace washed over you amid chaos. Those experiences shape our stories, bearing witness to God’s faithfulness that transcends our struggles. Why?;—the purpose of our pain.
Finally, let us ponder the why. Why do we face struggles that define our journey? Jesus provides a powerful answer: to display the works of God. Our pain can be purposeful, serving as a testament to His grace that sustains and redeems us. By sharing our stories, we not only find healing in our own experiences, but also offer hope to others. Each personal testimony is a declaration of God’s faithfulness and a source of encouragement. As we gather in faith, let us embrace the call to share our stories. They may seem ordinary to us, yet they carry divine significance.
As you reflect on the chapters of your life, remember that your story with all its twists and turns is a testament to God’s love and mercy. Embrace your this, knowing that it has power through Christ, the Light of the world. What’s your story? May it be one of hope, restoration, and the unwavering truth that God is working in and through you, displaying His glory in magnificent ways.
This Devotion was written by Rev. Gregory Manning.

 

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 15th, at 10:45 a.m., in the Sanctuary!

Heroes of the Holy Week 

February 22nd - March 22nd

Children will be learning how knowing Jesus impacted these individuals, 
and how we can have an incredible relationship with Jesus, too!

 

 

 

Joseph of Arimathea

This week, we’ll meet an unexpected hero — Joseph of Arimathea. Though he was a respected member of the council, Joseph showed great courage and devotion by stepping forward to care for Jesus after His crucifixion. At a time when many were afraid, Joseph honored Jesus publicly and gave Him a proper burial.
As we reflect on this hero of Holy Week, we’ll encourage our children to remember that even quiet acts of courage and faith can make a powerful difference, especially when they show love and honor to Jesus.

 

Fellowship for Sunday, March 15

Pile Up the Pies!

Yup, it’s time to bring on the pies!  A pie is the perfect combination of flaky crust and sweet filling.  We can’t wait.  Pile up the pies @ 10:15 A.M.
Pie makes everyone happy!

 

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...

Calling All Singers

Anyone interested in singing on Easter morning, please meet for a short get-together meeting right after church on Sunday, March 15th. Also, anyone with a music binder/folder, please bring it with you.
Your voice can help make Easter morning extra joyful!

 

LWML Meeting

Ladies, you're invited to join us for our next LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) meeting on Monday, March 16th at 6 PM! It's a great opportunity to gather together for fellowship, support, and to learn about ways we can serve and support missions. We look forward to seeing you there!
Serving together.  Growing together.

 

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. 
Allen (Friend of Marc and Pam Studer) - Undergoing treatment for lung cancer.
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.
Steve (April Wright’s brother-in-law) - Hospitalized since February.
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.
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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