Table of Contents
Celebrations of Life
July Birthdays
1 - Mark Schneider
2 - Carrie Bendschneider
2 - Guenther Heiss
9 - Carolyn Krause
11 - Kirke Otis
12 - Thomas Berrong
15 - Jim Knopp
17 - Sue Coyle
20 - Bonnie Laube
21 - Emily Laube
25 - Riley Schatz
25 - Cindy Bailey
28 - Richard Krause
29 - Ashley Bulger
31 - Christopher Monnat
July Anniversaries
13 - Brian and Jenna Smith
15 - Raymond and Myra Bauch
24 - Adam and Kim Broadwell
25 - Dick and Carolyn Krause
26 - Jim and Ginnie Knopp
31 - Marvin and Karen Years
August Birthdays
1 - Margaret Spillane
1 - Kate Schatz
3 - Lowell Lovejoy
4 - Ellen Haag
5 - Stephanie Bailey
9 - Robert Haag
9 - Carrie Harris
9 - Beth Krause
9 - Karen Years
10 - Nicole Steiner
11 - Bernice Weckelman
12 - Jennifer Killenbec
20 - Al Bailey
20 - Victoria Pluta
21 - Tina VanSchaffel
28 - Luther Bauch
28 - Andrew Zuber
31 - Arlene Rau
August Anniversaries
7 - Ed and Lori Blythe
10 - Bob and Joyce Haag
19 - Bill and Arlene Rau
20 - Paul and Cheryl Fleig
29 - Gary and Ann Louise Pera
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Worship at St. Mark
Elder:
July - Mike Monnat
August- Dave Hampson
Ushers:
July - Dave Hampson and Troy Shouse
August - Bob and Joyce Haag
Acolytes:
July
01 Kelly Lovejoy
08 James Briggs
15 Peter Lovejoy
22 Alana Holt
29 Dalton Laing
August
05 Eddie Lovejoy
12 TJ Eilinger
19 Kyle Fleig
26 Kelly Lovejoy
Lectors:
July
01 Richard Krause
08 Juanita Laube
15 Deb Lehman
22 Vickie Miller
29 Pastor Pera
August
05 Marilyn Ryan
12 Monica Smith
19 Kathy Stranford
26 Scott Stranford
Communion Helpers:
July
01 Barb Done
08 NO COMMUNION
15 Norma Helm
22 NO COMMUNION
29 NO COMMUNION
August
05 Ruth Davis
12 NO COMMUNION
19 Barb Done
26 NO COMMUNION
Greeters:
July
01 Effie Steingasser
08 Corby Broadwell
15 Barb Done
22 Paxton Maffett
29 June Schneider
August
05 Kathy Stranford
12 Effie Steingasser
19 Corby Broadwell
26 Barb Done
Services:
The 2nd Sundays of July & August will be non-communion services using the Order of Matins.
The 4th Sundays of July & August will be non-communion services using the Service of Prayer and Preaching.
The 1st & 3rd Sundays of July will follow LSB Divine Service, Setting Four (page 203).
The 1st & 3rd Sundays of August will follow LSB Divine Service, Setting Five (page 213).
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Pastor
Does it Make a Difference, Really?
As you may know, my favorite theological question is “So What?” You go to church…You’re involved…You support the ministry…so what? If these things make no difference in your life, then why do them? Of course, I’m speaking glibly, but let me explain. I go to the gym, knowing I won’t get any younger and exercise won’t make me live forever. I do it because my life is blessed as a result: I’m healthier, more pleasant & I feel great. I exercise to take better care of myself so I can in turn take better care of my family and the people God has called me to serve. I do it because it makes a difference in my life.
While reviewing Michael Durall’s Creating Congregations of Generous People, I read something that struck a chord:
Charitable giving should make some difference in how we as religious people experience life from day to day. If giving to your congregation is similar to writing a check at the end of the month to pay the phone bill or the electric bill, and then forgetting about it until the end of the month, you are not giving enough. Similarly, if you take spare change or a dollar or two from your pocket or purse for the weekly collection and never notice the difference, your giving has too little meaning either for you or for your church…Charitable giving should change your life in some way.
What difference does it make for you? Have you grown spiritually as you’ve grown in giving or have both been the same for years? (“Sow sparingly, reap sparingly; Sow generously, reap generously.” 1 Cor. 9:6) What Jesus did for you is life-changing, so what difference does it make in your life in the way you serve or give with your wealth, your skills and your time? Read Luke 7:36-50 and ask why the woman gave and what difference it made for her. Where do you need to grow this year?
Jenna and I strive to tithe: 10% of our income - about $100/week. With kids and bills, we struggle at times, but when we give sacrificially and consistently, our faith deepens and the rest of our finances tend to fall in line. We’ve learned to trust God to take care of our needs, and he has yet to fail us. Our giving has changed us-it has changed our faith. I dare you to let your giving make a difference in your life! God warns people who Tithe and answers the ‘So What?’ of how your giving makes a difference :
‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty ‘and see if I don’t open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it.’ (Malachi 3:10)
Pastor Smith
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Elders
Two of the greatest gifts God gives us here on earth are family and friends. During this “picnic” season, take advantage of spending time with them outside so you can enjoy God’s creation at the same time! I think sometimes in the hustle and bustle of every day living, we forget that God wants us to relax and have fun. (Maybe I’ll take a water balloon to our next elder’s meeting J ……. Just kidding guys!)
So, in the spirit of what I’ve just said, I know all of the elders would like to thank our “church family” for all the support you have given us over the last few years. It is truly a pleasure to worship and share fellowship with you. We hope you all have a great summer and that you can find lots of time to be with family and friends.
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President
You are right; it’s becoming hard to find a parking space some Sundays.
A full parking lot can sure be a problem, but it is one of those “good” problems to have. None-the-less it will require some attention as it becomes more the norm rather than the exception. How to work out solutions to such problems is just part of the process as we go forward, and will be one topic of conversation over the summer, I am sure.
The last of the Big 3 Spring Community Events, the St. Mark Pizza Booth at the Mendon Firemen’s Carnival was a HUGE success, just as the Chicken BBQ and Garage Sale were. Again a dedicated team of workers, a well-thought out plan, good weather, a willing community, and a great cause combined to produce a winner. We continue to be blessed!
The beautiful weather has provided us with the opportunity to take advantage of the new air conditioning system in the sanctuary, and what a pleasant difference it has made. Let’s pray for a continuation of the big crowds and nice weather through-out the summer, too.
Council is considering several dates in early Fall for the Open House / Dedication, but has not yet made a decision. Keep your eyes and ears open for news regarding this event. The new, front stained glass window will by then not yet be finished, but who knows, maybe a second Open House will follow to show it off!
By the time you read this we will have held our 2nd Quarter Voters’ Meeting, and there will be some newsworthy items to report thereafter – but the next issue of CrossRoads will be the September issue – so stay in touch to get the latest news.
As we head into summer, please be safe, and remember to come to church early, come to church late, but for goodness sake, come often. As Pastor has indicated, there will be some different worship formats practiced during July and August and you won’t want to miss out on them.
God’s blessings,
Guenther Heiss
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Vice President
Finishing Up the Phase 1 Renovation Work:
It has now been almost three months since the completion of the Phase 1 Renovation Project, and there are still a couple issues we are working with the Contractors on and they are the fixing of the siding on the new entry way roof line and a slight bubble in the siding in the exterior wall of the sanctuary. In addition to this we are still working with Victory Lift on the handicap lift trying to improve the reliability of the lift.
The extra items that we would like to include as apart final work on Phase 1 has been some what prioritized and how fast they are completed will depend on available funds. As stated previously, we will be coming to the Congregation for approval of the work, once the cost estimates and method of execution have been established. Here is the abbreviated list:
- Provide protective curbing around the two sides of the new entryway, re-sealing and re-stripe the paved driveways, re-stoning and rolling the back parking lot, behind the Parish House
- New mailboxes in the Narthex
- Landscape in front of church and side of new entryway.
- Shelving and layout of new storage closet next to the Women’s Restroom on the main floor of the church.
- Provide new storage cabinets in each of the bathrooms.
- Purchase a piano dolly for piano in Narthex
The Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) plans to meet every Thursday afternoon during the summer to continue working on the mission & vision for St. Mark’s.
SPC Meeting will be every Thursday afternoon, at 3:00 PM in the Parish House.
The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday July 3, 2007 and Tuesday August 7, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Parish House.
The Trustee’s Committee will not meet in July, but will have a meeting on Thursday August 9, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the Parish House.
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Evangelism
Some notes from
“Connecting Leaders, Exploring Ideas and Integrating Life”
The latest edition of Life@Work had these interesting quotes from people that at least some of you know.
Bill Strickland
“I believe people are born into this world as assets and not liabilities. How you treat people drives their behavior.
If you want to work with people who have been left behind in life, then look like the solution and not the problem.
Herman Boone
Remember the Titans was less about a football team than it was about men who found a way to talk to one another and create respect for one another. Mutual respect developed into trust, and trust became the emotional glue that bound the team together. Respect the soul rather than reject them due to the color of their skin.
Terry Bradshaw
Leadership is about looking for the love of your life.
A person gets nowhere in life who doesn’t work. but first we have to have a reason to work. We never know what our lot in life will be, but what difference does it make if we have no idea what we want to do?
Apply the above thoughts to our lives as Christians. If the football world can feel so strong about such things listed above, how much more we should value our commitment to leading lives expressing and demonstrating the hope and joy we have to others and to invite them to join our team!
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Prayer Post
A reminder from God that to move forward, we must follow.
Follow me...GOD*...
Borrowed from *God Speaks
"If any man serve Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there shall also my servant be : if any man serve Me, him will my Father honour.
John . 12:26 KIV
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Ladies Aid
LADIES, PLEASE COME TO THE LADIES AID MEETINGS AT CHURCH ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH, AT 7 P.M.!!!
Let’s get together for some good brainstorming for service to the Lord and others!!!! Exciting things are happening!
A $500 donation has been generously given, to provide needed items for the church kitchen! Thank you!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped with the Pizza Booth at the Mendon Carnival!!!!! The $2,000 (including a $250 donation), that was cleared, is the highest amount made in the Pizza Booth history!!! We were blessed with beautiful weather, and many fantastic helpers! Without you, this would not have been possible! Thanks again!!!
$220 worth of left over crust, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, was donated to the Open Door Mission. Our wonderful delivery person said that they were very appreciative!!! : )
That is what we are all about … service to each other, the community, and the World (missions, etc.), to the glory of our Lord and Savior.
Have a blessed summer!
In His service and love, Barb Done
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Scrapbooking
Many people have expressed enjoyment in viewing the scrapbook throughout the construction / Phase I. It is our intention to keep the scrapbook going and to highlight our year in photos.
If you have a church activity, please take pictures. After your event, please give selected pictures to me and I will help you put them into the church album. When “journaling” the event, please write the when, where, what, who is in the picture, and any information that make it a special church event. We are “journaling” for the generations to come and I am sure they would want to know all about us.
Thanks for you help….. hope to hear from all of the activities of summer.
Deb Lehman and the “scrappers” of St. Mark
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ALTAR CARE
How would you like to serve the Lord, and the congregation? You actually can! If you are interested in leading the Altar Care Guild, please call Sue Eilinger at 624-1859. I can show you the responsibilities that are involved. The many communion helpers work together as a team, to make the job easier. It is very rewarding!
Yours in Christ, Sue Eilinger
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DO YOU HAVE A LITTLE EXTRA TIME THIS SUMMER?
Some of your elderly neighbors occasionally need a ride to a medical appointment, to get groceries, to go to the bank. Can you help?
Give-A-Lift is a volunteer program of Lifespan. They provide training, supplemental insurance, and mileage reimbursement. As a volunteer you choose your geographic area, hours, and frequency of service.
Interested? Call Sr. Anne for more information: 244-8400, ext. 142 or
.
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Spiritual Education
Want to know more about St. Mark?
Then you need C.L.A.S.S.!
Christian Life And Service Seminar
“Christianity 101” – Faith basics
Learn how to read & understand the Bible
Learn about the origins of the Lutheran Church
What is the Vision for St. Mark’s future?
What do Lutherans believe?
How are we connected to 2 million other Lutherans?
This seminar is for current members and guests who wish to become more active in ministry. This 3 ½ hour will teach you about our church: who we are, what we do and why we do it, where we’re going, and when we serve.
Watch Sunday bulletins for date & time.
Call the church office (624.1766) or visit us online for more information: http://www.stmarkmendon.org
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Let’s Go Bowling
It’s Time for BOWLING!
for all ages
Tuesdays in August
10:30am—Noon
Bowl-A-Roll
(Jefferson Road, Henrietta
near Winton Road)
2 Games, Shoes, Pizza & Pop
ALL FOR JUST $7.50
We welcome the challenge of other churches joining us.
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Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Hour
Rochester -- WLGZ 990-AM
Sundays at 8:00 a.m.
Speaker: Rev. Ken Klaus
July 1 "Free for What?"
Is Christianity just a bunch of rules and regulations or are the Savior’s blood-bought people free to live their lives in freedom? (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)
July 8 "No Boasting"
If pride is to be avoided and boasting is bad, just what should be the attitude of Christ’s people? (Galatians 6:14)
July 15 "Orders Is Orders"
Some orders are doable, but Jesus gives instructions for living that are beyond our ability to follow. (Luke 10:25-28)
July 22 "Have You Seen Him?"
In this world there are many sights worth seeing. Have you seen Jesus, the most blessed sight our souls can behold? (John 20: 18)
July 29
"To be announced"
(Please note “Woman to Woman” is no longer being aired.)
On-Line Daily Devotions Wired for the Word
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