Our Mission

To Proclaim the Gospel

To Make Disciples

To Embody Christ’s Love

St. Mark’s Newsletter July 8th, 2020

OPPORTUNITIES TO GATHER AT ST. MARK’S

Sundays

9:00am - Drive-Up Church

ZOOM

11:00am - Worship Services

Wednesdays ZOOM

6:05pm - Fellowship time

6:30pm - Bible Study

Anytime

www.smarklc.org YouTube.com Facebook.com - Links

DVD’s of recorded services

Christ in our Home devotional

Call the Church Office

Schedule a Pastoral Visitation (see article on page 3)

IN PERSON GATHERINGS IN THIS TIME

Physical gatherings are cancelled due to the Stay at Home orders of Governor Roy Cooper related to the Covid-19 virus. The Council will continue to assess when and how we can and will be able to gather when it is safe and clear to do so. At this time, St. Mark’s will do only graveside services with memorial services to follow at a later time.

Drive Up Church Sundays at 9:00am, The Family Life Center Parking Lot

The Regathering Task Group is pleased to announce that with the transmitter in hand we will begin Drive-Up Church at the date and time listed above. We are so pleased that we will be able to gather on the premises of the church to worship even though we will remain in our cars. Please note the Team’s guide-lines and directions below.

Given the potential for the spread of Covid-19 we ask that everyone remain in their own vehicles To observe this guideline of remaining in our vehicles will be to practice the love of Christ in looking after the best interests of our neigh-bor, and also of ourselves as the body of Christ. Please note that the Task Group made the decision that if we do not observe this guideline which will protect everyone, we will not continue to do Drive Up Church.

Other Guidelines and Directions for the event:

1. Entry into the St. Mark’s parking lot will be from Main Street. You will then be given a bulletin for the service (crack your window) by a masked and gloved attendant, and then you will be directed to the Family Life Center parking lot.

2. You will be directed as to where to park. Parking will be by design to make it possible for all who gather to see and participate in worship. Please follow the attendant’s directions.

3. During the service we will celebrate communion. You are asked to bring one or both elements in your vehicle for communion that you will use to receive the sacrament just as we have practiced for Drive Up Communion.

4. During the service an offering will be taken up. During the offertory some-one will come to your car with a basket/bucket to collect your offering. Please put your offering in your giving envelope, or in a plain envelope. Please open crack your window to place your offering in the container.

5. You may choose to roll down your windows to listen to the service – live. We recommend that if you do so that you wear a mask.

6. The building will be closed. We ask that prior to coming that you use your bathroom facilities. If necessary, however, you may use the facilities in the Family Life Center by entering the side entry door located between the back of the church and the Family Life Center to enter there near the re-strooms.

7. You will exit on Anderson Street.

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A Devotion

Faith in This Time of Fear and Anxiety

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36

When I read this text, it struck me that it captured exactly where we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. It boggles the mind to think how the pandemic has grown and run rampant throughout the world and in the United States since late 2019. What began with only a few at the end of 2019, as of July 7, 2020 has now grown to over 11.5 million cases worldwide with around 546,737 deaths worldwide. Closer to home, as of July 7th, there have been/are 3,161,007 total cases, with 1,632,704 active cases in the United States with 134,940 deaths. Even more closer to home in NC there are 77,735 reported cases and 1,470 deaths, of which in Catawba County there are 1,066 cases and 13 deaths. What’s more, we are told by the CDC that the actual number of cases is most likely 10 times the current stated numbers. Whew!

In many ways we may feel harassed and helpless, like sheep being pursued by wolves, given the relentless advance and aggressiveness of the virus. With fear and anxiety, one wonders, “Will I be the next to get it?” Fear and anxiety are real, honest, appropriate and needed in this time. Really? Why? God hard-wired us with them for us to sense and to react to real or perceived threats or dangers. We are hard-wired for life, and that is a wonderful thing. Fear and anxiety prompt us of our need to take action to do what we can for our health and self-preservation and the preservation of those whom are important to us. However, at fear and anxiety can become unhealthy as it can lead to isolation, depression, and despair.

While fear and anxiety are real, honest, needed and appropriate it is clear that our Good Shepherd does not want us to live in captivity to them, nor for them to become more than they need to be. In the text Jesus looked on, came to, and ministered to those in crisis dominated by fear and anxiety. He did so we are told with “compassion.” He chose to be with them, and he chose to do something for them. We know ultimately, in compassion choosing to become one of us, he laid down his life for the sheep on the cross, and resurrected thus defeating sin, death, and evil to give us reconciliation with God, new life and hope. With compassion, in real lived time, just as he came to the crowds, he comes to us, is with us, tends to us, and gives us what it is we need. Rather than being a victim of fear and anxiety Jesus wants us to know His presence, his care, and his compassion. He invites to look to Him, and to trust in Him.

Jesus invites us to be a people of faith. He wants to give us what it is we need. What is it we need? Jesus said in Luke 12:32 - “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” We need Kingdom virtues, qualities and attitudes given to us by grace through faith. We need courage as sheep of His fold who bear his mark + on our brow for the living of these days. We need confidence, that no matter what may come in this life that his presence, compassion and care are and will be with us. We need hope in His eternal promises that all things shall be well. We need his peace knowing that we are His, and that He is ours with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. He gives and will give us these things. Pray for them.

Prayer: Gracious Father, we praise you for Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd. Enliven our faith. In these fearful and anxious times, by the Holy Spirit, deepen our trust in Him and His care. Give us courage, confidence, hope, and peace through your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Pastor Gary

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Opportunities for you at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Sundays

Drive Up Church (Family Life Center parking lot) 9:00am

Sunday Morning Worship on ZOOM 11:00am By phone 929-205-6099, when prompted enter. Meeting ID: 851 8160 4652 Password: 452012 OR Join Zoom meeting by WEB Type zoom.us.join Meeting ID: 851 8160 4652 Password: 452012

Wednesdays

Everyone is invited to join in the fellowship time even if you don’t stay for bible study! Fellowship time 6:05pm By phone +1 929 205 6099, when prompted enter Meeting ID: 899 3944 6896 Password: 921924 OR join Zoom meeting by WEB Type zoom.us.join Meeting ID: 899 3944 6896 Password: 921924

Bible Study of Colossians and Philemon 6:30pm Same as fellowship, join or just continue on the same meeting.

Anytime

www.smarklc.org YouTube.com (search for St. Mark’s Evangelical Church, Claremont NC) Facebook - St. Mark’s Evangelical Church, Claremont NC We will mail you DVD copies of our recorded worship services. We will mail you a copy of “Christ in our Home” daily devotional. We mail bi-weekly Newsletters that include “Taking Faith Home”

Pastoral Visitation

Pastoral visitation in the Family Life Center, call the church office 828-459-2161 Call to schedule a Pastoral Visit in the Family Life Center

An OUTSIDE visit at home, call the Pastor’s directly.

Pastor Gary 828-781-3060 Pastor Heather 704-724-5991

Sundays - Setting Sail with the Spirit A Ten Week Sermon Series

We were inspired by the book: “Sailboat Church: Helping Your Church Rethink Its Mission and Practice” by Joan S. Gray of the Presbyterian Church USA. It is a great, straightforward read, and thoroughly biblical.

We look forward to sharing this series with you. The Titles and Dates for the series are: 7/12 The Making of Sailors 7/19 Hoisting the Sails 7/26 Propelled by the Wind 8/2 Prepared for Storms

8/9 Leaving Port, Setting Sail

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Opportunities for Pastoral Visitation

Pastor Heather and I are pleased to announce the means to make ourselves available to you for visitation. We have identified and thought through two ways that will allow you and us to visit with each other in protected, safe ways. For those of who desire to see one or both of us, we encourage you to take advantage of one or both the opportunities below.

A. Visitation in the Family Life Center

On Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 12:30pm, by appointment, you may come in to the Family Life Center to meet with one or both of your pastors. One or more in the household may come in to visit. Appointments for both days may be made for these times: 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, and 5:00pm. The time between appointments will allow for sanitizing the space for the next appointment. For visitation, this is what is required. 1. Enter and exit only in the door off the parking lot at the Family Center. 2. Wear a mask. If you do not have a mask one will be given to you to use. 3. Stay at the table and chairs that are set up for visitation. 4. If you are not feeling well, do not come. Please wait to make an appointment well after you have recovered. 5. Observe social distancing with your pastors.

B. Visitation at Home (not in home) Space and Weather Permitting

Your pastors are available to visit with you outside at your home, by appointment. We will not visit inside your home for your and our protection. You will need to call the church office, or one of the pastors to set up a day and time that will work best for you and the pastor or both pastors. Your pastors will have a chair in their vehicle to use, if necessary. They can meet with you on a front porch, back porch, in the yard, under a carport, in the shade of a large tree, etc. For visitation this is what is required: 1. Space that will allow social distancing of at least 6 feet or more. 2. Respect social distancing with your pastors – no greeting with handshakes, hugs, etc.

Pastor Gary can be reached at 828-781-3060 and Pastor Heather can be reached at 704-724-5991

Wednesdays - A Bible Study of Colossians and Philemon

When: Began on Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:30 & then every Wednesday, same time until August 5.

What: The text we will use is N.T. Wright’s book, Colossians & Philemon, 8 Studies for Individuals and Groups.

Format: Exploring Scripture, questions, sharing, and use of Study Guide to learn from each other.

Bible Study @ 6:30; Pre-Study Fellowship at 6:05

July 15: Colossians 3:18-4:1 The Christian Household July 22: Colossians 4:2-18 Together in Prayer July 29: Philemon Gracious Persuasion August 5: Wrap-Up and Conclusion

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The family of George Pendergrass died on 6/29/2020 The family of Glenna Mae Pope who died on 6/30/2020 The family of Janie Sigmon Leonard who died 7/1/2020

St. Mark’s Notices

St. Mark’s Church Prayer Concerns

Jim Aaron Chris Cloninger Miriam Neumaier Joanne Parker Carolyn Pendergrass Betty Powell Deacon Sestric

Christopher Thomas David Tucker Chuck Watson

*Please note, prayer concerns will not be includ-ed in our on-line newsletter.

MEALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOU!

St. Mark’s has provided over 635 meals in the past few months. The food ministry is cooking weekly and our Care Touch Team members are delivering safely to those in need. Please contact the church office and let us know how many people are in your household if you would like meals delivered.

ST. MARK’S BLOOD DRIVE HAS BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Missed a phone call from our “OneCall” system? (Church phone number)

Call 877-698-3261 and press 1 to listen to the latest message from St. Mark’s!

CHRIST IN OUR HOME

July, August, September Daily Devotionals have arrived.

If you would like one mailed to you, please call the church office at 828-459-2161.

Let us know if you want a large print copy.

Global Missions Donations DOUBLED!

Thanks to the ELCA World Hunger, St. Mark’s $3301.00 donation for Global Missions has been matched, so they will receive $6602.00.

St. Mark’s Drive in Church

St. Mark’s Drive in Church

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Lindsey Adalay Elrod will graduate cum laude on July 25th from Bunker Hill. Lindsey is a member of the Beta Club, A Scholar Athlete, made All Conference and advanced to regionals all 4 years on the Cross Country team, and played forward on the Soccer team. Lindsey was selected to participate in the Promise Scholars program at CVCC where she earned early college credits. She also studied Nursing Fundamentals and is now a Certified Nursing Assistant. When she wasn't busy studying or playing sports, she enjoyed working at Health Smart Pharmacy in Claremont. She will be attending Campbell University in the fall and will be majoring in Biology (Pre-med). She hopes to attend medical school and become an Oncologist.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE

Because we can not be together in person, we are sharing Vacation Bible School kits with our children that they can do at home. In June, our kits were about different people in the Bible. In July our theme is Fruit of the Spirit. In talking with families, they have shared how excited their children have been to receive a package in the mail. And the kids have said they love doing all the crafts! There are also videos online about each of our themes with links available on our St. Mark's website. Thank you for sharing photos of your kids enjoying the kits. We miss our families but love that we can share these activities with them. We love you and can't wait to be together with you soon!! Stay tuned for our August theme!

Pastor Heather

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Taking Faith Home

July 12th, 2020 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost – God delivers abundant harvests.

Daily Bible Readings and Prayers. Sunday: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Monday: Romans 8:1-11; Tuesday: Isaiah 55:10-13; Wednes-

day: Psalm 119:105-112; Thursday: Genesis 25:19-34; Friday: II Corinthians 9:6-15; Saturday: Psalm 65:1-13; Sunday: Matthew

13:24-30, 36-43

A Prayer for the Week: God of abundant grace and mercy, help us to receive your word of life that we may be your good soil to

grow in faith and share your word with others. Amen.

Mealtime Prayer: God of abundant harvests, we thank you for your eternal care that blesses us with daily food through Christ our

Lord. Amen.

A Blessing to Give: Through the Spirit of Christ, may you go out in joy, and be led back in peace. (Isaiah 55:12)

Devotions Read: Isaiah 55:10-13. Yes, we have an awesome God, as noted in Psalm 65:5. In Isaiah 55 that awesomeness is ex-

pressed through God’s word that is powerful. It does what God intends. It is productive. Isaiah 55 announces the return from exile

for God’s people. God’s word, God’s will shall accomplish it. This text is often used at the ordination of a pastor or a deacon. How-

ever, could we not also use it at weddings, baptisms, and any other occasion that celebrates God’s people living together in faith,

hope, and love? God’s word is given for all of us to speak aloud to one another for our encouragement and growth in life and faith.

God’s word at a meal creates thankful hearts for the abundance of God’s love with daily food. God’s word at morning, evening, or

at bedtime reminds us of the eternal care of God as those in whom the Spirit of Christ dwells and for whom there is no condemna-

tion (Romans 8:1 and 11). Let’s be wasteful as we cast God’s word into all the corners of the earth, landing on all kinds of soil that

God’s word may sprout and produce an abundant harvest (Matthew 13:23). Who has blessed you with God’s word recently? How

did it impact your life?

Pray: Creative God, may the Spirit of Christ create in me the good soil to receive your word and grow in grace. Amen.

Service Plants of the earth not only serve as metaphors for the kingdom of God, but of God’s life sustaining work in creation. Join a

community garden, plant a garden in your own yard, or find a way to support the vital work of local farmers.

Rituals and Traditions “But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed

bears fruit and yields” (Matthew 13:23a). Take a sheet of paper and write “Good Soil” across the bottom. Draw a fruit tree with a

trunk, leaves, and fruit. On each drawing of fruit, write different ways you show God’s love to others. Read what you have written

and think or talk about how your “fruits” help you and others grow in their faith.

July 19th, 2020 – Christians are people of hope.

Daily Bible Readings and Prayers. Sunday: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; Monday: Isaiah 44:6-8; Tuesday: Romans 8:12-25; Wednes-

day: Genesis 28:10-19a; Thursday: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24; Friday: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Saturday: Psalm 65:1-13; Sunday: Matthew

13:24-30, 36-43

A Prayer for the Week: Dear God, may the hope you have given us take away our fear and strengthen us for each new day

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Mealtime Prayer: Lord God, we thank you for your goodness and for the good seed that falls into the soil to give us bread. Amen.

A Blessing to Give: May the Lord be gracious to you, and give you strength. (Psalm 86:16)

Devotions Read: Romans 8:12-25. The Apostle Paul speaks about our death “by the Spirit” that we may live (v. 13). It is a baptis-

mal theme he mentioned in Romans 6:4: “. . . we have been buried with [Christ] by baptism into death . . . so we too might walk in

newness of life.” Paul speaks of living “according to the flesh” (v. 13). It is the life lived without hope in God. We live by the power

of the Holy Spirit and are adopted as children of God (vv. 14-15). As children who can say, “Abba! Father!” we are heirs of God’s

future in Christ. Being an heir does not mean we avoid disappointments and hurts. In fact, Paul reminds us that we “suffer with

[Christ] so that we may also be glorified with him” (v. 17). We are people of hope as we suffer—just as Christ suffered and died—

that we may rise with Christ to a new life. We wait for Christ’s final victory with hope and patience (v. 25). How does knowing you

are an heir of God’s future in Christ help you have patience and hope? Pray: Lord Jesus Christ, you give us a living hope; help us

to have faith in you and trust in your saving work now and always. Amen.

Service “The good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one” (Matthew 13:38). We are

planted by God as seeds on the earth. Though there may be “weeds” among us, good “seeds” make good decisions and reflect

God’s love through acts of service. In what ways have you or someone you know been a “good seed” in your community?

Rituals and Traditions Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships. Who has influenced

your life of faith? Make a list of Christian rituals and traditions the person you named has taught you, like prayer and scripture

reading. Have you taught some of these rituals and traditions to someone else? Pray using Psalm 86:11, “Teach me your way, O

LORD, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name.” Amen.

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St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

P.O. Box 550

3216 West Main Street

Claremont, NC 28610

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

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Claremont, NC

Congregation Council meets on July 20th at 6pm.

Next newsletter mailing will be July 22nd.

Church Office Hours Monday - Thursday, 8:30am—4pm; Friday, 8:30am—12:30pm

Vol. 10, No. 13 7-8-2020

Follow Us Online

StMarksLutheran...Claremont, NC www.smarklc.org St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Claremont, NC

Congregation Council

2020 2021 2022 Gigi Sigmon Tim Carpenter Kerri Nash Tiffany Caudill Brad Moser Denise Arndt Marcheta Campbell Gina Schaefer Marlene Epps David Tucker Cathy Sigmon Terry Hefner

Church Staff

Pastor Gary Haddock: Senior Pastor gsh.elca@gmail.com (828-781-3060) Pastor Heather Langan: Associate Pastor hlangan519@yahoo.com (704-724-5991) Emily Schuttenberg: Choir Director/Organist (828-459-2161) Steven Clarke: Praise Team Leader/Keyboardist (828-459-2161) Randyl Abernathy: Preschool Director stmarkspreschool@charter.net (828-459-2873)

Deanna Butcher: Finance Secretary deanna@smarklc.org (828-459-2161)

Mary Willis: Administrative Assistant secretary@smarklc.org (828-459-2161)

Mark Oakley: Church Custodian (828-459-2161)

Nikki Aiken: Church Custodian (828-459-2161)