Spiritual Growth
“…that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom
and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9b-10
Joining with the angels and the saints of all times and places, we raise our hearts and minds to the Lord in praise, prayer and study. All so that we may mature in our faith journey and grow in our relationship with God.
We do this ministry of spiritual growth by:
- Worshipping the Lord with liturgy and music that is both traditional and varied.
- Offering and supporting prayers for each other, for the church and for all that are in need.
- Learning and developing the faith in classes and study for children through adults.
Worship & Music
Hymns for January
01/02- Christmas (naming of Jesus)
LBW 30 - Joy to the World
LBW 57- Let Our Gladness have no end
LBW 42 - Of the Father’s Love Begotten
01/09 - Baptism of Our Lord - 1 Epiphany
WOV 647- When Jesus Came to Jordan
LBW 88 - O, Love, How Deep
WOV 697- Wash, O God, our Sons and Daughters
01/16 - 2 Epiphany
LBW 90 - Songs of Thankfulness and Praise
LBW 224 - Soul Adorn yourself with Gladness
LBW 397- O Zion Haste
01/23 -3 Epiphany
LBW 87 - Hail to the Lord’s anointed
LBW 410 - We give Thee but our own
WOV 680 - O Spirit of Life
01/30 - 4 Epiphany
LBW 248 - Dearest Jesus at Hour Word
LBW 508 - Come Down, O Love Divine
LBW 403- Lord, Speak to us, that we may speak
Christian Education
Bible Study - Gospel of Matthew
From 10:30am to 12 noon on Fridays. we are studying the Gospel of Matthew. Bibles, study materials, and coffee are provided.
Bibles, study materials, and coffee are provided!
Children and Youth
Vacation Bible School - VBS
During the week of August 10-14 St. Mark and St. Paul (York St.) Lutheran churches held their annual Vacation Bible School with a twist. We had 28 children register.
This year, because of social distancing requirements, VBS was done on line through YouTube.
The theme was “God’s Secret Messages” focusing on parables. Each day a different parable was presented along the games, music, crafts, and snacks appropriate to the lesson. The children learned about ‘The Weeds and the Wheat’ (Monday), The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin’ (Tuesday), The Mustard Seed’ (Wednesday), and “The Good Samaritan’ (Thursday).
On Friday, families gathered on the lawn at St. Mark (socially distancing and wearing masks!) to review God’s Secret Messages, have some music, present their favorite crafts, and have a snack. We had 10 families present.
Gretchen Walter (St. Paul) did a wonderful job of coordinating, presenting and posting the videos. Michael Lobaugh filmed Karen’s message and presentation of the snack each day.
Thank you to all who helped make this virtual VBS a meaningful and fun time for the children!
F.I.S.H.
What is FISH?
-- Calling All Parents and Calling All Youth --
“Fun In Serving Him” Youth Club…our upcoming FISH Youth Club (ages 5 & up) which will be meeting the second Sunday of each month from 2:00-4:00pm. We've got fun and snacks in the room behind the fellowship hall. Note: The FISH meetings are canceled until we are again able to gather together.
All you young fish, please spread the word and plan to jump back into the tank at this new time!
Any questions, please contact Karen Feeser, 717-698-3535, or the office.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions, volunteering, you name it, we hope to hear from all of you. You just need to call the church office at 717-637-8904 or e-mail us at offcoor129@gmail.com!
Schedule for FISH
Under Construction
When we again meet, Please Join Us for Sunday School
Sunday School
Nursery 10:20-11:00
Elementary 10:20-11:20
Middle / Confirmation with Pastor
Sunday School Choir
Martha Lobaugh, our organist, has gathered our youth to create an awesome choir, with beautiful singing as well as saxophone, cello, and trumpet accompaniments.
We look forward to including more youth music in our Sunday worship as the children progress.
Adult Coloring Group
St. Mark Coloring Book Group
The Coloring Book Group schedule for 2020 is shown below. There is no charge and the events are open to the public. Please join us for fun, conversation, and creativity!
Benefits of Coloring for Adults:
* Builds concentration
* Builds visual perception skills
* Relaxing/relieves stress
* Encourages creativity
* Develops fine eye-hand coordination
All dates are a Tuesday and the meeting time is 10:00am -- 12:00noon:
Under Construction
Book Club
Many of us enjoy reading so why not start a book club here at St. Mark?
Susan Miller had just this thought and decided to act on it!
At our first meeting, in the church parlor, we will be talking about All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It is not too late to join—just stay tuned for the next book selection. Just to clarify, the Book Club is for all readers, male and female, young and old, who enjoy all types of books!
Mulled wine (Glühwein)
Christmas season in Germany is not complete without mugs of steaming hot Glühwein. This quintessential Christmas beverage is sold in ceramic mugs in all Christmas markets in Germany and is considered vital in beating the winter chill and spreading festive cheer.
Feuerzangenbowle
The Feuerzangenbowle is an immensely potent German Christmas beverage that is as much a feast for the taste buds as for the eyes. Rum with a high alcohol level is added generously to mulled wine, and the concoction is set in flames. On that note, to spend a Christmas Eve like a German, watch the cult movie Die Feuerzangenbowle (1944), which traces the hilarious deeds of a middle-aged man under the influence of Feuerzangenbowle.