St. Mark’s Church

424 Hyde Park Avenue

Waukesha, WI 53188

262-547-8213

Worship Services Live on Facebook

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Office Hours Monday and Thursday:

Please make an appointment

with Pastor Andy

welcome2stmarks@gmail.com

Contact Info Pastor Andy Fetters

262-337-3755

Deacon Marcia Marquardt, Discipleship Coordinator

262-784-2062

Frank Remfrey Council President

262-542-0176 fremfrey@yahoo.com

Laura Goralski, Council VP

laura.r.goralski@gmail.com

Lookout Editor Rene Bjerke stmarkslookout@gmail.com

Website welcome2stmarks.com

St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Gathered together by God, to Grow and Go Out!

The Lookout October-November 2021

Rooted

Who doesn’t like root beer? Ice Cream floats are a thing

because of root beer. I have a friend who ranks his favorite

root beers. This summer I got to do a taste testing with him.

My middle child likes making root beer with me, probably

because he knows when it’s done, we get to taste it. We

named that beverage ‘rooted’ because of all the references in

scripture “to root” our faith in God’s promises.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their

hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with

roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the

heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and

they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

I found this verse important as I look back on the past two years. All of it

seems hard and difficult. I think about God’s words in Jeremiah that

describe those who put their trust in the Lord, ”such tress are not bothered

by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green,

and they never stop producing fruit.” Being rooted in God’s promises means

that above everything else, we are rooted in our faith.

I have a friend who likes bamboo trees for lots of

reasons. I shared with her about how bamboo

shoots grow. When you plant bamboo, at first all

you see is an inch of green shoots. It remains that

way for about three years. During that three year

period, the bamboo is growing a deep intricate

network of roots so that when it grows vertically,

these roots can help the bamboo remain strong as it

reached 8, 10, sometimes 12 feet tall. Only strong

roots can do that. The same is true of our faith.

Saint Paul put it this way:

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your

roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you

have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how

long, how high, and how deep his love is. Ephesians 3:17-18

As we continue to figure out how to be the church in the world, everything

we do helps strengthen our rootedness in God’s promise of life, abundant

and everlasting.

~ Pastor Andy

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Sharing Our Bounty

October and November

As we begin our autumn food shopping, please

keep in mind that the Food Pantry and Salvation

Army have great needs to feed

their clients. ALL FOOD ITEMS are

in great need! Let us at St. Mark's

return to our generous giving. The

blue bin at the front door has been

woefully empty lately.

With many THANKS!

“Fear not, for I am with you.” Matthew 28

The Cup of Comfort Ministry welcomes YOU to join us

as we gather to raise our spirits and support each other

as we share what is on our hearts.

Through music, scripture, sharing, prayer and listening,

we offer God’s gifts of balm for your heart

and peace for your mind.

Our next gatherings are on:

Thursday, October 14th and

Thursday, November 11th

We meet in the upstairs lounge at 10:00 a.m.

If you have any questions or concerns about attending

one of our gatherings, please call me, I would be happy

to share with you.

Anne Link 414-379-4619

*ALL ARE WELCOME*

Ruth Circle

Ruth Circle will meet on Wednesday,

October 20th at 1:00 pm in Fellowship

Hall. Marilyn Timper is the hostess, Lana

DeCoto is doing devotions and Anna

Miller is leading us with the topic. If you

haven’t received your book, The Power of a Praying

Women, we still have one for you! Our meeting for

November is on Wednesday, November 17th. We will

meet on the third Wednesday of every month

September-May. We continue to follow the guidelines of

the church at the time. Hope to see you at the Circle.

Call Karen Handford at 262-565-3770 or Mavis McGrath

at 262-968-3160 if you have any questions or concerns.

Fall Flowers

Do you have something to celebrate,

someone to remember, something for

which to be thankful? We would love to

see more flowers in the Sanctuary. Start

to think about Christmas, too! Please

contact Barb Helling for information

414-378-8435

Weekly Communion Offered

Holy Communion will be offered

every Sunday for those who are

worshiping in-person and for those

worshiping at home through

Facebook Live. Those at home may

use their own elements of bread/

cracker and fruit of the vine.

Welcome back into church

No Reservations Needed for Sunday

In-Person Worship

You are invited to worship in-person at St Mark's and

online through Facebook Live on Sundays at 9:30 am.

No reservations are necessary. The lower entry is

open and available with elevator access. We have a

Welcome Team there to help. Communion cups,

Bulletins and Prayer Request cards are provided. We

hope this makes it easier for you to enter, especially for

those who park in the handicapped spots.

Please wear a mask and practice social distancing in

the church building. Thank you for your patience and

understanding. God is with us and working in our midst

during this pandemic. We turn to him asking to give us

compassion, grace, and faith to continue guiding us.

The Growing Grace Discipleship Huddle took a turn

serving supper at Hope Center in September. Hope

Center provides food, clothing, and other resources to

people in need in Waukesha County.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

We are busy making Prayer

Shawls. If you are in need of

yarn, please call me and I can

meet you at church for curbside

pick up. Thanks for all you are

doing!

If there are any questions, please contact

Mary Jo Christensen at 414-405-4075

mjchristensen1958@wi.rr.com.

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Get THE LOOKOUT via Email Today!

The Lookout is now a BIMONTHLY (every other month) Newsletter.

You can receive the newsletter by email or pick up a black/white version at the

welcome desk in church or in the Blessings/Little Library Boxes outside

the church. If you would like to be added to the email list, please send your

name and email address to: stmarkslookout@gmail.com. Thank you!

If you have questions, contact Rene Bjerke at the above email address.

Treasurer’s Report

As of August 16, 2021, with 71% of the year behind us,

we have received 62% of the pledges for 2021. Since

many pledges are received during the later months

each year, this is a very good trend. Thank you for

supporting St. Mark’s church.

Rod Brandenberg, Treasurer

Blood Drive on

Tuesday, October 5th

The annual Blood Drive at St Mark's

will be held in the fellowship hall on

Tuesday, October 5th from

1:30-5:30 pm. Our goal is to have

30 people present for possible

donations. You can reserve your spot by one of three

ways:

1. Sign up directly with the blood center by clicking

here: Versiti Blood Center. Click on the time you want,

enter your name, contact information, and hit confirm.

2. Sign up on the form at church at the ushers' table.

3. Contact Larry Nines (lrnines1@gmail.com) with the

time you want and he will enter it for you.

The need for blood is great. Each donation can be

broken into three components and help three different

people. Each day we need 800 units of blood to meet

our community's needs. Please give. Consider asking a

friend or relative to join you in this ministry.

Blessed to be a blessing

How have you been blessed? How

has God used you to bless others?

On October 10th, we will reflect on

how God has blessed us to be a

blessing to others as we present our

2022 Giving Commitment Cards in

worship. You also may mail your

card to the church office. If you did

not receive a commitment card in

the mail, please let Pastor Andy or

Marcia know. Thank you for your investment in the work

that God is doing in and through St Mark’s.

Blessed to be a Blessing

Sunday, October 10th.

Generosity in Giving Can Lead to

Wellness and Longevity for the Recipients

Giving money or resources to your children or aging

parents is likely to increase their life span, this according

to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academy

of Science.

There is a linear relationship between the amount and

frequency of wealth transfers and the lengths of

individuals' lives. Such intergenerational wealth transfers

can include money, but also houses, benefits or time.

Western Europe and Japan ranked highest on data

linking resource sharing and lower mortality levels.

Generous behavior is related to trust and mutual regard

and a sense of being together. People who are happier

are subsequently healthier. Nations who are successfully

keeping the Covid virus at bay such as Norway and New

Zealand are places where people trust each other more.

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Thanksgiving Special Offering for Local Charities

As we count our blessings throughout the month of November, we will take the opportunity to collect a special

offering for two local charities that help hungry people.

Stone Soup Project (thestonesoupproject.org) are committed to

defeating hunger by serving hot, home style meals at 4:00 pm on

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 101 Union Street in

Waukesha. All are welcome.

Blessings in a Backpack (https://

waukesha.blessingsinabackpack.org) provide a bag of weekend

food for students in need because when children have enough

food, they do better in school.

Would you like to help feed hungry people? Throughout November, we will collect a special offering and divide it

equally between these two organizations. You can make checks payable to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and write

“Thanksgiving Special Offering” on the memo line. If you prefer to contribute directly to the organizations, you may

use the websites listed above. Let Marcia Marquardt know about these direct contributions so that we can include

them in our totals as we celebrate this opportunity to help hungry people.

September 25, 2021

2021 Ride Run Walk Outreach for Hope 2021 Ride Run Walk (formerly the Family Bike

Ride) helps fundraise for grants to central city congregations in

the Greater Milwaukee Synod!

Our team name is “St Mark’s Waukesha

Experiencing the Joy of Giving Generously by Setting a Financial Finish Line

Many givers fear not having enough money to last throughout their lifetime. Such fear can

be the greatest obstacle to experiencing the joy of giving generously. Setting a cap on

income and wealth accumulation is important because as your wealth increases so do the

endless ways to spend, save or invest it.

You should ask yourself why have I been entrusted with these resources and how can I

leverage them for God's purposes. You should ask and answer the question - How much is

enough for my family and me? Answer this question and you have guarded against excess

accumulation.

Don't forget to consider who the next steward in your family will be and how to help them

in their journey. Consider passing on your values before you pass on your estate.

Establishing the financial finish line allows you to give now instead of waiting until after

death and to have the joy of seeing and experiencing the impact of your giving during

your life.

Outreach for Hope Bike Run Walk offers many volunteer

opportunities in addition to the activity-based participation.

Thank you St. Mark's participants: Gene and Barb Geiger rode the 14-mile trail

ride and Donna and Terry Inman participated in this year’s new 2 mile walk.

From Deacon Marcia Marquardt

O God, we meditate on your unfailing love as we worship in your Temple. Psalm 48:9

Dear St Mark’s Family and Friends,

Pastor Rick Warren tells this story: “One time when I was 8 years old, I went into a

thrift store and bought my mother a dress for 25 cents. I thought it was a really cool

dress. It was about a size four, and my mom was a size 12. The clerk said, ‘Ricky, your

mom couldn’t get her big toe in that dress.’ I was so offended and went home crying.

When I gave the dress to my mom, she was so thrilled. When she died, I found that

dress in one of her chests. She’d kept it all those years. There’s nothing you can give

God that he needs. But when you give him an offering, you’re saying, ‘God, I love you.

I’m thinking of you. I want you first in my life.’”

I appreciate how Rick’s story illustrates the loving relationship God offers us. He knows us and loves us deeply as his

children. He understands us just as we are and receives our gifts in love. When we help a neighbor, he receives that

gift in love. When we share our resources, he receives that gift in love. When we forgive others graciously, he

receives that gift in love. We are blessed to be a blessing.

Jesus, you love us just as we are. Help us show our love to you. Amen.

In His Service,

Marcia

Bible Study Wednesdays on Zoom

Thursdays on Zoom AND In-Person

Renew your faith, learn more about the Bible, and

prepare for worship on Sunday! Come to Bible Study!

Wednesdays at 3:45-5:15 pm on Zoom only

Thursdays at 10:00-11:30 am on Zoom AND

In-Person in the fellowship hall

All Wednesdays and Thursdays in October

**only November 3rd & 4th **

Zoom meeting ID number:

817 7030 6574

Contact Marcia for the passcode.

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Conversations about

Weight Loss

Monday, October 4th

Monday, November 1st

at 3:30-5:00 pm

Ready for a conversation to

encourage you in your journey

toward weight loss and healthy

living? The Weight Loss

Conversation is reading a book

that shapes our thinking and strengthens our faith in the

midst of weight loss challenges.

There is no homework. We read the book together in the

Conversation. Copies of the book are available FREE

of charge (while supplies last). You may have a copy

even if you don’t want to or can’t participate in the

monthly Weight Loss Conversation. Contact Marcia.

Marcia Marquardt will lead the conversation.

Zoom: 817 7030 6574 Pass: 945456

Mark your calendar for more Conversations on

December 6th and January 3rd

Women’s Retreat October 29th-31st Are you searching for true joy? Ready for a contentment that is greater

than whatever comes your way? Come away for the Women’s Retreat,

Blessed Beyond Measure, on October 29-31 at Camp Timber-lee in East

Troy. Can’t stay the weekend? You can come for the day on Saturday.

Marcia Marquardt will lead the retreat. Contact Marcia for a registration

form. Please register by October 1st.

With the rising COVID-19 cases, the length of time together at the

retreat, and the relatively small meeting space, we will limit

participation to those who are vaccinated.

New Devotional Booklets Available

Looking for a way to connect with God daily? Try the Word in Season devotional booklets. They are a FREE quarterly resource that provides a brief Scripture reading, message, and prayer for each day. Their small size makes it easy to place in a pocket or purse. They are available at the entry stations and

in the Blessings Box and Little Library at the church.

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Waukesha Unlocked

St. Mark’s has been invited to be part of Waukesha Unlocked on Saturday, October 9th (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Sunday, October 10th (noon to 5:00 pm) in celebration of the City of Waukesha's 125th Anniversary.

Waukesha Unlocked is sponsored by the city of Waukesha The event plans to showcase Waukesha’s businesses, properties and organizations through tours and activities.

St. Mark’s has been invited to tell our own story, inspired by architecture, community, history or operations as we share all that the City has to offer.

The community will be invited inside to view the historic photographs of the growth of our church, its architecture and the pastors that supported its mission. Mavis McGrath has provided a historic perspective in writing our faith story that individuals can view as they see our altar, pulpit and steeple. Finally, the community will see our outreach highlighted through displayed posters.

We are looking for people interested in being a greeter during the event. Your primary role is to greet and welcome visitors as they stop by each area. No need for you to know any history, but what a great opportunity for you to be part of it! If you are interested in helping out during a 2 hour shift, please contact, Kelly Colgrove at 262-444-9226 or Kristine Anderson at 262-751-8745.

Reclaiming Rest

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”- Matthew 11:28-30

Reclaiming rest is a 6-week series to finding God’s rhythm of rest and fruitfulness in the midst of a busy demanding world. You are invited to participate on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm in person and on zoom beginning October 13th. Please contact pastor Andy for details or questions.

Lutherdale Quilt Auction

The Lutherdale Quilt Auction was held on

August 14th. St. Mark’s Quilters donated

several quilts to help Lutherdale raise funds for

their many children’s, teens and family camp

programs. The quilts from St. Mark’s raised

$665 at the auction. If you would like to view

all of the quilts go to the following website:

https://www.lutherdale.org/quilt-auction?page=3 .

Quilt Sunday – October 3rd St. Mark’s Quilters have been meeting throughout the summer and following safety guidelines to work on cutting, sewing, and tying quilts. We are very happy to welcome a few new members who have helped us increase the number of quilts completed each week. Please join us anytime for an hour or a few hours. Our schedule returns to every Monday beginning on September 27th.

We are really in need of cotton print material. If you or anyone you know has material to share, we will put it to good use. If you would like to donate material or if you have any questions, please contact Vickie at 262-549-4825 or (cell) 414-333-4331. Be sure to leave a message.

Mark your calendars for Quilt Sunday on October 3rd. The quilts will be on display before we send them out into the world to warm those who need comfort. Between the end of October 2020 and September 2021 they made 292 quilts and 96 children's/lap quilts. *Please note that fewer meetings were held this year due to Covid-19 safety

precautions.

On Quilt Sunday the quilts will be blessed as they leave St. Mark’s for the following organizations: Lutheran World Relief, Salvation Army, Nehemiah Project – Housing for Teen Boys, Aspen House (LSS), Cephas House (LSS), Lutheran Social Services, Christmas Clearing Council, Family Promise, Hope Center, Hebron Housing Services (Juno House, Siena House, Jeremy House), The Women’s Center, Joy House (Milwaukee Rescue Mission), Homeless Veterans Initiative, Milwaukee County VA.

During the year quilts were also given to community members suffering illness or loss as well as St. Mark’s high school graduates and babies at their baptisms. If anyone knows of a need anywhere in the community, please let us know. We can make arrangements for a quilt pick up or delivery.

St. Mark’s Quilters are grateful for all of your support for this mission!

Remember the Blessing Box

We need help! The

Blessing Box is looking

a little empty! This is an

opportunity for us to share

the love of God with our

neighbors in need.

Please place item

donations directly into

the Blessings Box

located near the

sidewalk at the

courtyard entrance or

in the box near the

church entrance.

Frank Remfrey, church council president:

Help Wanted 2.0: Here is list of opportunities for St. Mark’s members to share their talents and serve

the congregation. Please consider saying yes to one of these “openings.”

1. Counters: We would like to assemble a group of people to count the offering after each service. Jeff

Bjerke will continue in his role as the lead counter, but we would like to have more people assist him.

2. Finance Team: No professional financial experience required. Meetings take place monthly.

3. Congregational Council: Meetings take place monthly and terms usually last 3 years.

4. Nominating Team: Term is for 1 year and members help recruit people to run for Council and next year’s

Nominating Team.

5. Office Volunteers: We have been blessed to have a number of people donate their time for mailings, computer

work and other needs.

Feel free to contact me or Pastor if you have questions or interests regarding any of the above positions.

Reading Assignment: Below are 2 links that will help keep you informed about COVID related issues.

1. The link below is from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. At the beginning there is a summary of the COVID data

as of Sept. 20th. In addition, more links are included regarding the WCC recommendations for “returning to church.”

https://www.wichurches.org/2021/01/14/returning-to-church/

2. Another COVID related topic that is being discussed frequently now that more vaccination mandates are in place

is the use of fetal cells and cell lines to manufacture and test vaccines. Some individuals are seeking exemptions

from vaccine mandates based on their religious convictions regarding the use of cell lines. The link below is an arti-

cle from LA County that does an excellent job of providing information about this issue. There are links to more in-

formation at the end of the article as well.

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/vaccine/VaccineDevelopment_FetalCellLines.pdf

Church Council

Funerals and Memorials

God's Comfort and Peace for these

families:

• Linda Bradley died on August 23, 2021

• Vi Olson died at Angelsgrace Hospice

on September 15, 2021. A Celebration of

Life was held on September 25, 2021.

• Nancy Jones passed away on September 7, 2021. A

visitation will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at

Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc.

• Bernie Werra died on September 17, 2021.

Page 7 welcome2stmarks.com

Baptisms

We welcome these children into the

body of Christ.

Sunday, October 3rd

William Bennett Manvilla, child of

Tristan and Jennifer Manvilla,

grandchild of Dave and Joan Hojnacki

Inspired to Thrive Conference

This virtual conference on October 13-14, hosted by

Seibert Foundation, will help ministry leaders navigate

seasons of change and celebrate diversity in God's

people. Pastor Andy will serve as a session presenter

for "Mental Health in Ministry." Find out more and

register for this FREE conference here:

https://www.siebertfoundation.org/event-

details/2021Conference

Sunday School Resumes

Sunday School meets during

worship on the first and third

Sundays outside in the courtyard.

Contact Suzanne Lorenz at

sfl@cmhlaw.com or

262-510-8849 with any questions

or concerns.

Page 8 welcome2stmarks.com

Online Giving Available!

Are you interested in the

convenience of online giving for

your church contributions? It’s

easier than ever to begin! Contributions can be taken

directly from your bank account or credit card on an

ongoing or individual basis. Please contact the office for

details at: welcome2stmarks@gmail.com or by

phone at 262-547-8213.

Weekly Email Blast

Stay current with Happenings at

St Mark’s by receiving the weekly

email blast. Contact Marcia

Marquardt (marcia1@wi.rr.com) to

get signed up.

Reach Out and Say Hello

We need care and concern in a time of

social distancing. Pick up the phone and

call someone to say hello. Think about

the people who normally sit in the pews

around you and give them a call. Think

about those who live alone or in assisted

living and give them a call. Contact Pastor or Marcia if

you need a phone number.

New Zoom Meeting Numbers

We will be using the church's Zoom account for online

meetings and small group gatherings in the future. Here

are the numbers:

Faith Formation Gatherings, including Bible Study

Zoom: 817 7030 6574 Pass: 945456

Church Meetings

Zoom: 823 2326 4353 Pass: 830997

Office Volunteers

Needed

Could you offer one or two hours

on Mondays or Tuesdays to help

in the church office? Contact

Pastor Andy for more information.

Faith Fermenters

Friday, November 5th 6:30 pm-10:30 pm Oconomowoc Community Center

You are invited to support our faith

fermenters as they provide some of our

brews for a great cause. This year

Charitable Hops is supporting Support our

Troops of WI.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing

certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to

prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has

given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them

well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to

encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give

generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take

the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for

showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:6-8

Nominating Team is Looking to:

• Discover your passions

• Raise up the gifts God has given you

So that as we begin restarting church, your

gifts might further God’s kingdom.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same

Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds

of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in

different ways, but it is the same God who does the

work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so

we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I am interested in discovering my gifts in:

My Name is _____________________

My contact is ____________________

Leadership ______ Worship ________

Serving our Community ____ Unsure______

My Passion for the Lord and my

neighbor is found in:

_________________ ________________

Your 2021 Nominating Team

Lou Hernandez Mark Wolf Tim Nekich

Open office hours: Pastor Andy will host

open office hours on Wednesdays

10:00-11:30 am at Mountain Top Coffee.

Please drop by to say hello, ask any pressing

questions, have a cup of coffee or simply check in.