St. Mark's Lutheran Church Newsletter
January, 2012
1. ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRYSALIS 2011 TEAM
WALK HIS WAY-Chrysalis 2011 was an amazing senior high retreat weekend. Chrysalis 2011 took place in Front Royal, VA, at 4H camp on December 2-4. The following youth and adults from our congregations participated in the event.
Large group gathering session
2. 2011 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
St. Mark’s 2011 Christmas pageant was on December 11th between the first and the second services. This year 44 Sunday school children participated in the pageant. Ben Harney and Lukas and Will Makinen provided prelude music. Kassidy Pate, Emily Peterson, Elizabeth Mazzello, and Aleah Perry sung an entrance song. Special thanks to Debbie Griffes, Susan Nestleroth, and Beth Hornyak for their leadership.
St. Mark’s Sunday School Choir on December 11, 2011
3. BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR JESUS
Preschool- and elementary school-age children met in the Fellowship Hall on December 18th and celebrated a birthday party for Jesus. There was a story time, music, crafts, and other activities. Sunday School children collected toys for children served by ECHO (Ecumenical Community Helping Others).
4. CHILD CARE AND LOCK-IN
St. Mark’s Youth Gathering fundraising team offered a child care program on Friday, December 16th. Special thanks to Denis Bolton and Diane Fulcher who helped the youth and coordinated the baby-sitting night. I want to thank all parents who participated in the program and donated to the gathering fund. As usual the enthusiasm and care of our youth group for children was super!!!
Baby-sitting night
5. FIRST COMMUNION CLASS
According to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, there is no specific age at which a person should receive his/her first Communion and be admitted to the church as a member of the congregation. St. Mark's Lutheran Church prepares children grade three and above if their families choose to register them for class.
We will be offering First Communion class for three Sundays in January—Jan 15th, Jan 22nd, and Jan 29th. The class members will be received to the Table on Feb 5th at the 8:30 am service. Please sign-up for the class. For more information contact. Pastor Amsalu T. Geleta at ageleta@stmarks-elca.org or call the church office.
6. PARENTING CLASS
A DVD discussion on “What kind of parent do you want to be?” is taking place in the Green Room. Join St Mark’s parents and a lively discussion. For more information speak with one of the pastors or Trish Stinchcomb.
7. CONFIRMATION
Please note: this year the confirmation will be on May 20th at the 11:00 am service.
8. THE WHITE HOUSE ORNAMENT SALE
Special thanks to Carolyn Baird for coordinating the successful WHO sale this past year. You signed up and sold the ornaments and books. Thank you!
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Amsalu T. Geleta
