S t . M a r k S t . M a r k S t . M a r k E va n g e l i c a l E va n g e l i c a l E va n g e l i c a l

201820182018

Remarks March

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES FOR LENT

The season of Lent give us an excellent opportunity to develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Developing a closer relationship with Christ requires intentional participation in spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines may seem like drudgery, but it’s what enables us to focus our hearts and minds on the life-transforming way of Jesus.

In the season of Lent, it is traditional to give up something that we enjoy, but that may be a distraction to our faith Journey. Many people seek to fast from certain foods, especially desserts or in my case potato chips, or reduce their TV viewing. This giving up, or fasting, is done as a spiritual discipline to get our attention to remind us of Jesus’ sacrificial love, and to prepare us to follow him more faithfully. But Lent is not just about giving things up. It’s also about adding good things to our lives, such as a spiritual discipline.

A discipline is a way of exercising. Think about playing a sport or a musical instrument. They all require discipline of practice if one is to deepen their skill or even just maintain it. The same is true for our faith. Faith is like a muscle, failing to exercise it makes it grow weak and over time, it will atrophy. The purpose of a spiritual discipline is to exercise ones faith so that we can mature in Christ.

During this season of Lent, I encourage you intentionally practice the spiritual disciplines of daily prayer, bible study and service to others. These spiritual disciplines will truly deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ.

We all can commit to daily prayer that isn’t done in a hurry. It might be sitting in silence with God. It might be having a heartfelt conversation with God; sharing with him what is really on our hearts. God truly wants to hear from you. It is important that you find time in your daily schedule when you can be alone with God. It is also essential to find a prayer space in your home where you can spend quality time with God.

Cont. on pg. 8

Date Accompanist Readers Acolytes

Mar 4 Vicki Schallhorn Carol Wilder Taylor

Mar 11 Amy Schueler Karen Littleford Davis

Mar 18 Susan Braun Rose Thiele Ashlee

Mar 25 Vicki Schallhorn Ed Thiele Abby

Jan Tithes

Sun.

18060.50

Jan Expenditures

31

days 15904.90

January Benevolence

NALC 5% - $529.90

Mission Partner Church 2% - $ 211.96 Reeds/Africa $ 83.33 World Hunger $ 83.33 Disaster Relief $ 83.34

Tithes Offerings

Serving Christ’s Church in March

Communion

Assistance

for March

Bill Shabacker

Adams Heritage Viola Bearman Kingston Center Bob Thiele Ossian Health & Rehab Betty Loveless, Eileen Shanyfelt Miss Ruth Springer

Aiden Bearman & family Pete & Betty Bradtmuller Don Cains Luella Eisberg Keith Estes Barry Graf Mike Hippensteele Linda Hitzeman Ellen Jackson Leone Klein Mark Littleford John Mattes Racee May Tonya Minix Jan & Carson Moser Shawn Spindler Lynn Shutt Dave Springer Jeff Springer & family Don Thiele Greg White Becky

Please pray for...

Military Personnel:

Ashton, Isaac,

Jeff, Kyle, Seth , Nick, Jamie, Shad, Travis

Mar 7 - Dear Lord, You know the hurts I have

from the past that still drain me. Please show me

a good place to park my mind when the pain

stings me again. And when good memories are

hard to find, remind me I can always focus on

the hope and truth of Your Word. In Jesus’

Name, Amen.

Mar 14 - Dear Lord, sometimes I wish this

journey of faith were easier. But I know You are

with me, guiding each step I take. Nudge me

back onto Your path when I wander off. And

give me strength to continue pressing on every

day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Mar 21 - Lord, I don’t want to repay evil for

evil. I especially ask for Your grace to act kindly

to my immediate family and closest friends.

Help us be like-minded, sympathetic and loving

toward one another today. In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Mar 28 - Dear Lord, You know my heart. You

know sometimes it’s really hard to believe what

You’ve said when I don’t yet see it. Help me

trust You. Help me trust what You’ve said is

Truth, and it will come about just like You’ve

said. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Crossfire Ministry

Meetings

March 4th and 18th From 2-4pm

Awesome Club Grades K-5

Young Sewers Second Monday of the month

5pm

Any age, any gender, at any skill level…

All are welcome.

Awesome Club will meet

March 8th and 22nd

From 6-7pm

Youth News

Justice Bread for MARCH;

Starting 2018 Justice Bread will now be $3.50each

Wheat, Cranberry, Rye

Sign-ups taken on

March 4th & March 11th

Delivery on Sunday the 18th of March

Reminder the food pantry is open

On the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9-11am

and on the last Tuesday

From 9-11:30am & 5:30-7pm

Monetary Gifts always welcomed.

Canned Goods and boxed goods always needed.

Remember to watch for expired (good by) dates…

Ossian Food Pantry March 2018

Reminder for Thrivent members Your Choice Dollars for 2017 need to be directed before March 31st. If this is not done the money will be forfeited. You can call Thrivent (1 800 Thrivent) or do it on line.

Everyone is welcome to join us for our midweek Lenten bible study on “The death and Resurrection of the Messiah”. A soup supper will be served at 6:00pm* and the bible study will start at 7:00pm. Our Lenten bible study will be led by Mr. Tod Mohr and Reverend Harrison Gapter, the dates are as follows: Wednesday, February 21, 2018, Wednesday, February 28, 2018, Wednesday,

March 7, 2018, Wednesday, March 14, 2018, Wednesday, March 21, 2018

*Don’t forget Soup Suppers in the Kitchenette starting at 6:00pm –

6:45pm

Holy Week Dates:

Palm Sunday – March 25, 2018, 10am Maundy Thursday – March 29, 2018, 7pm Good Friday – March 30, 2018 Community Service (will be at St. Mark’s this year) Saturday, March 31, 2018 10am - Children’s Easter Party with/Egg Hunt & Jim Barron, Magician, WBCL Radio Personality

Celebration of Our Risen Lord – EASTER Sunday, April 1, 2018 Sonrise Service – 7am

Easter Breakfast – immediately following Sunday School 8:45 Adults & Children

Easter Celebration Service – 10am More information forth coming concerning worship times and celebrations

.

Soup for Lenten meals We are having a Soup Contest

There will be a contest on the judging of the soups. Pick your favorite soup for the five weeks we will be having soup. The winner will receive a $50.00 scrip cards. Chefs start your engines and

create a wonderful tasting Soup let’s make this a great evening

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.

5 Martin Luther Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

Worship for Shut-Ins

Wernle Home, says thank you for the continued support from St. Mark’s

Lutheran Church. Wernle Home would not be successful in their mission

without St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Pastor Cliff sent a hand written thank

you this month. St. Mark is a blessing.

The Rescue Mission and Charis House

Is in need for all things like clothes and personal hygiene items, tooth-

paste, combs, soap, socks, shoes. If you are looking through your closet

and you are getting rid of that old coat think of some one that might not

have one and donate it to Rescue Mission and Charis House. Think of the

smile you will be putting on some ones face. God will bless you for it.

March 4, 2018 – Third Sunday in Lent

Psalm: 69; Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; Gospel: John 2:13-22

“The Son of the Father” - Sermon Text: John 2:13-22 - Rev. James Elsner

March 11, 2018 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

Psalm: 107:1-9; Old Testament: Numbers 21:4-9; Gospel: John 3:14-21

“When Snakebit, Do What?” - Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 - Rev. William Mueller

March 18, 2018 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

Psalm: 57:1-3; Old Testament: Hebrews 5:5-10; Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

“Jesus Foretold His Death” - Sermon Text: Mark 10:32-34 - Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III

March 25, 2018 – Palm Sunday / Sunday of the Passion

Psalm: 118:19-29; Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11; Gospel: John 12:20-43

“A Terrifying Task” - Sermon Text: John 12:20-43 - Rev. Paul Shoemaker

Deepening one’s knowledge of God’s word is another spiritual discipline we undertake during Lent. There is the Wednesday Bible Study on the Death and Resurrection of the Messiah. During this Lenten season. You could use the NALC Lenten devotional each day. I would also encourage you to spend quality time reading the Bible each day. If you don’t know where to start, I would especially encourage you to read the Gospel of John and the book of Ephesians.

We can commit to doing something for others during the season of Lent. It could be volunteering at the Northern Wells food pantry, or some other organization. It could be visiting our shut-ins. There are many ways to serve. If you want some help in finding a place to serve, please come and see me.

It is my heartfelt prayer and desire that you will have a blessed Lenten journey. During your Lenten journey, I pray that you will grow closer to Jesus and experience the joy that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ brings.

In Christ,

Reverend Harrison D. Gapter M.A., M. Div.

Easter egg hunt Saturday March 31 Time 10:00 to 1:00

Ready to have fun and entertainment. We have Jim Barren from WBCL radio station the great illusionist Magician. We are hunting

eggs at 10:00am with the Easter bunny. We will have hot dogs, potato chips and drink so bring your friends, relatives, neighbors, to

have loads of fun.

We will have a box under the table by the church office for candy donations. Please small individual wrapped candy.

Your help is greatly appreciated Thanks for your help.

MA

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St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church 16933 Thiele Road

Fort Wayne, IN 46819

Phone: 260-622-4886

E-mail: stmarkfw.46819@gmail.com

Web: stmarkfw.org

Facebook: St Mark Luth