Worship Schedule

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Sunday Mornings

8:15 am Contemporary

9:20 am Sunday Brew 9:30 am Sunday

School 10:30 am Traditional

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September 16 Pentecost 17

Week 1 “Four Pillars of Stewardship”

September 23 Pentecost 18

Week 2 “Four Pillars of Stewardship”

September 30 Pentecost 19

Week 3 “Four Pillars of Stewardship”

October 7

Pentecost 20 Week 4

“Four Pillars of Stewardship”

Commitment Sunday Breakfast between Worship Services

St. Mark’s Newsletter

The Reminder

September 12, 2018

Week 1 – September 16: The Grateful Heart All that we are and have is a gift from God. God is the giver, and we are but “empty-handed beggars.” This recognition, by grace through faith, moves our hearts to gratitude in response to God. In that gratitude, we humbly offer ourselves, and all that we are in worship and service to God. Week 2 – September 23: The Responsible Mind God’s stewards have been given all things, and are charged by God to mindfully and responsibly manage and use what has been given to us according to God's purposes. God’s gifts, while given to us freely, come with responsibility. Week 3 – September 30: The Gifted Hands Each member of the body of Christ is personally and uniquely gifted and called by God to offer, manage and use their unique gifts of time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of church’s life, ministry, and mission. God gifts us for the work of his kingdom. Week 4 - October 7: The Pillar of Willing Commitment In order to extend and enhance the life and mission of the church we willingly take up God’s call and charge to faithful stewardship and commit to give of our time, talent, and treasure to be bearers of God’s message and presence of love in the world.

Four Pillars of Stewardship: “A Matter of Heart, Mind, Hands, and Will”

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You are Invited to “One”derful Wednesdays!

“One”derful Wednesdays (5:15—7pm)

Join us each Wednesday for “One”derful Wednesdays through November 21 (except for October 31). We begin with a meal in the Family Life Center from 5:15—5:55pm. The suggested donation (to cover expenses) is $5 each for 12 & up; $3 each under 12. Following dinner, from 6—7pm, there will be recreation, music, and Bible lessons for youth and children.

An Invitation to Become An Assisting Minister!

Training & Review in Sanctuary September 19 at 7pm

Leading worship as a representative of the service and ministry of the people of God before the Almighty is both a joyful and humbling experience. If you have thought of becoming an Assisting Minister to lead worship with the pastor, you are invited to come to the Review and Training Session. Participants will learn what it takes to be an Assisting Minister in terms of time, responsibilities, and expectations.

Please contact the church office (828-459-2161 or lisa@smarklc.org) to R.S.V.P. For those who have a conflict in their schedule that evening, please speak to Pastor Haddock about scheduling another time for you to be trained, or to explore the possibility.

Worship & Music

Emily Schuttenberg Joins Staff as Organist / Choir Director beginning October 21

Emily Schuttenberg grew up in metro-Atlanta. She completed her Master of Music degree at Western Carolina University and her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in piano and musical theatre from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. She works full time at Mitchell Community College as a music faculty member and coordinator of community music programs.

Emily has served as collaborative pianist and vocal coach for choral and instrumental recitals at universities, professional theatres, and community organizations. She has 15 years of experience teaching music at numerous colleges, elementary, and middle schools as well as preschool music. She has 20 years of experience in sacred music serving numerous churches across AL, TN, and NC as vocalist, accompanist, music minister, and choral director.

Along with teaching, directing, and accompanying, Emily has performed on stage for various professional and community organizations including the Knoxville Opera, NYC Fringe Festival, Mosaic Arts, St. Thomas Players, Piedmont Players, and Hickory Community Theatre. Emily and her husband of 14 years live in Hickory with their spoiled cat.

Adult Study: “Exploring The World of St. Paul” (Wednesdays, 10:30am & 6:10pm in Lounge)

St. Paul is a pivotal figure in the history of the faith. His writings capture for us his encounter with Christ, his interpretation of whom Christ is for the world, and how we understand and live our Christian lives. Who we understand Christ to be, how we understand who we are as Christians, and how we are called to live our lives are grounded in the writings of Paul.

In this 12 week study, through the use of media and biblical texts, St. Paul’s world will be explored on many levels: his background and history, the context in which he traveled, the varied communities where shared the gospel, his encounter with Christ, and his teachings. You are invited to join Pastor Gary for this study. You have two opportunities on Wednesdays: 10:30am—12pm; and 6:10pm—7pm in the church lounge in the Parish Hall.

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November 2-4, 2018 Blowing Rock Convention Center

1818 Goforth Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Registration Deadline is October 15 Registration forms available in the sanctuary

or online: www.ncwelca.org

Many of us spend a lot of time worrying. Whether it is worry about a specific situation or just a life-long habit of worrying about everything, join us for this women’s retreat and learn to stand strong against these destructive thoughts.

“When you get a deeper revelation of God’s great love for you, worry and anxiety can be replaced with peace of mind, security and confidence,” says Jenni Zima, retreat leader.

Join your faith sisters in the beautiful mountains of Blowing Rock for this spiritual get-away. The retreat will begin with supper on Friday evening in Blowing Rock and end after worship on Sunday morning.

St. Mark’s Quilt Mission Tuesdays, 10-12pm

The Quilt Mission meets every Tuesday, 3244 W. Main Street, Claremont, except when the Women of the ELCA Bible study meets. All are welcome!

Women of the ELCA

Women of the Vine Enjoyed Outing

Women of the Vine visited RayLen Vineyards in Mocksville August 25. Pictured here are Evelyn Setzer, Tamarah Hefner, Marlene Epps, Tanya Stephenson, Janet Sigmon, and Judy Carpenter. To learn more about the Women of the Vine, please contact Tamarah Hefner (828-459-7053).

Women of the ELCA Bible Study Tuesday, September 18, 11am in Lounge

This fall’s Bible study focuses on the theme of repentance. What does it mean to repent, and why is repentance important in the life of Christian faith? Over the next three months we will ponder how repentance shapes our relationship with God (September 18), our relationship with others (October 16) and how we as church relate with the world (November 20).

The Bible study meets on the third Tuesday of each month. The group uses Gather magazine as the source for the monthly Bible Study.

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Fall Festivals & Trunk or Treat

Claremont Daze Festival Friday, October 5, 6—11pm

Saturday, October 6, 10am—8pm

Food & Vendors, Rides & Carnival Games,

Arts & Crafts, Live Music on Two Stages

Member in the News

Jim Carpenter Awarded Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award!

On Sunday, September 9, family and friends gathered in the Family Life Center for a surprise party in honor of Jim Carpenter on his 90th birthday. At the party, Jim was also awarded a prestigious award from the Governor's office: the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments. A flag will be flown over the state legislature building in Jim Carpenter’s honor on September 14. Claremont Mayor Shawn Brown with Jim Carpenter

and State Representative Mitchell Setzer.

George Setzer Invites You! Fall Festival at Setzer’s Landscape Nursery

Saturday, September 22, 10am—4pm

Enjoy the beauty of fall mums, pansies, trees, and shrubs. There will be free pumpkin painting for children and free hot dogs. Baked goods and

craft vendors will be available. Woodmill Winery will offer free wine tasting. Setzer’s Landscape Nursery is located at 3110 N. Lookout Street, Claremont. Call George Setzer at 828-312-4635 with questions.

Save the Date! Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 31 at 6pm

Join us for our annual Trunk or Treat! Decorate the trunk of your car and give out treats. If you are not able to participate, please think about donating candy for others to give away. Pictured below are Lisa and David Tucker.

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Calendar Highlights

Please check monthly/weekly calendars for times

September “One”derful Wednesdays (Sep 12, 19, 26) Donations for Food Pantry (Sep 16) Congregation Council Meeting (Sep 17) Women of the ELCA Bible Study (Sep 18) Assisting Minister Training (Sep 19) Stewardship Emphasis (Sep 16—Oct 7) Quilt Mission (Sep 25) Preschool Board Meeting (Sep 25)

October Worship & Music Meeting (Oct 2) Quilt Mission (Oct 2, 9, 23, 30) “One”derful Wednesdays (Oct 3, 10, 17, 24) Claremont Daze (Oct 5-6) YouthQuake in Hickory (Oct 6) Thankoffering / Commitment Sunday (Oct 7) Witness Team Meeting (Oct 8) Support Team Meeting (Oct 8) Synod Leadership Convocation (Oct 8—10) Catawba County Flu Clinic at St. Mark’s (Oct 12) Preschool Fundraiser (Oct 13) Congregation Council Meeting (Oct 15) Women of the ELCA Bible Study (Oct 16) Reflections on our Future (Oct 20) Donations for Food Pantry (Oct 21) Council Outing (Oct 26) Reformation /Confirmation Sunday (Oct 28) Trunk or Treat (Oct 31)

November Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat (Nov 2—4) All Saints Sunday (Nov 4) Daylight Saving Time Ends (Nov 4) Worship & Music Meeting (Nov 6) Quilt Mission (Nov 6, 13, 27) “One”derful Wednesdays (Nov 7, 14, 21) Annual Congregation Meeting (Nov 11) Veterans Day Observance (Nov 11) Witness Team Meeting (Nov 12) Support Team Meeting (Nov 12) Women of the ELCA Sunday (Nov 18) Community Wide Thanksgiving Service (Nov 18) Congregation Council Meeting (Nov 19) Women of the ELCA Bible Study (Nov 20) Office Closed for Thanksgiving (Nov 22) Christ the King Sunday (Nov 25)

Thank You! Thank you! Thank you!

A very special thanks to Kermit and Kay Nash and family for hosting the Rally Day Worship!

Bob Hollar and the Praise Team in Worship at Kermit’s Park on August 26

Bob Hollar and the Praise Team played for worship at Kermit’s Park on August 26. Shown here are Mark Mashburn, Jonathan Ray, Tim Carpenter, Tamarah Hefner and Bob Hollar.

Rally Day Worship at Kermit’s Park

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Finance Notes

Worship Attendance

September 2: 121 September 9: 144

Ministry Financial Update

Reported as of August 31 Year to Date General Fund Receipts $21,914 $208,967 Expenses (including payables) $29,478 $222,233

All bills are paid.

Memorial & Honorarium Gifts to St. Mark’s

In Memory of Rita Busbee by Sandra & Richard Tallant In Memory of Christine Morrow by Sandra & Richard Tallant In Honor of Jim Carpenter by Nettie Engram & Janine Skinner

Council Minutes from August 20

Call to Order Opening Prayer Roll Call

Nick Setzer, Carol Schaefer, Tiffany Caudill, Tanya Stephenson, Gigi Sigmon, David Tucker, Terry Hefner, Kerri Nash, Edie Connor, Marcheta Campbell, Pastor Gary. Not present: Scott Ramsey, Barry Bumgarner

Approval of Minutes from August Meeting Pastor’s Report – written and verbal Action Items

Made motion for Kerri Nash to take over Angela Brown’s position recently vacated position of secretary. Kerri Nash was next name on Council ballot at Congregation meeting. Motion made to purchase new drum set at the cost $2400. Money to be taken from undesignated memorial funds. Monies raised will go back into memorial fund

Finance Report – Written. All bills are paid Team Reports

Preschool – 2 Picnic tables ordered for playground. Delivery in several weeks. Other reports oral: Learning, Witness and Social, Support, Technology, Youth, Congregational Care, Property, Worship & Music, Fellowship, Memorial, Global Missions, Personnel, W-ELCA

Old Business - none New Business - Congregational

meeting is November 11. Council members rolling off in 2018 are pursuing candidates for council openings.

Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer

Food Donations on September 16 for ECCCM and St. Mark’s Pantry

The third Sunday of the month (September 16) is the designated Sunday when St. Mark’s asks for non-perishable food donations for ECCCM and St. Mark’s food pantries. Please place donations in the bin at the Parish Hall entrance to the sanctuary.

Council Minutes

Local Outreach

Witness Team served lunch at Corner Table on Tuesday, September 11. Shown here are Harvey Leatherman (Chris’ brother), Jo Marilyn Hewitt, Chris Cloninger, Jackie Devlin, Nick & Evelyn Setzer, Linda Hewitt, and Marlene Epps. Also present were Camille Patrick, Sandy Sherrill, Pastor Gary & Rebecca Haddock.

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Opportunity for 3rd—5th Graders

YouthQuake is our synod event for 3rd through 5th graders. Come to Hickory on October 6 from 10am to 3pm. Join NC Synod youth for music, worship, fellowship, devotions, and fun as we explore the seven Faith Practices. Cost of $20 per person includes t-shirt, lunch, crafts, music, and program. YouthQuake 2018 will be held at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, 9379 Hwy 127 N, in Hickory (www.lutheranyouth.org/event/youthquake-2018).

YouthQuake is October 6!

ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge

Funds Donated to Children’s Milk Pail through September Will Benefit Global Farm Challenge

The goal of ELCA World Hunger’s Global Farm Challenge is to raise $500,000 or more in 2018 to equip communities around the world and in the United States with livestock, seeds, tools, training and other agriculture-related activities to turn a hungry season into a hopeful season.

Thanks to generous friends of the ELCA, all gifts toward the Global Farm Challenge will be matched up to $515,000, so together we can raise more than $1 million to create healthier families, stronger economies and a future filled with hope.

St. Mark’s supports this program through our Children’s Milk Pail donations each week. In 2017, $464 was collected to purchase six piglets, five chicks, two roosters, and four goats. Eggs, milk, and meat from the farm animals provide a lifetime of food to eat and sell on the market, helping families to escape the cycle of hunger and poverty.

Fear Not

“Do not be afraid.” “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” What about all this fear? I think the notion of fearing a loving God is confusing. How can fear be part of God’s life-giving relationship with us? In Scripture and in the catechism, we are told to “fear and love God.” We are also told “fear not.” I think both are possible.

There is a lot of fear going around in our world. This kind of fear makes the world seem chaotic and overwhelming. This kind of fear puts us in the center of a limited universe that is restricting and life-destroying.

The fear of God that is found in Scripture and the catechism is the opposite. The fear of God is actually part of an expansive and expanding existence. This kind of fear is about awe that makes us tremble in the presence of God’s power expressed in love.

Here is how I think it is possible for us to fear and fear not. If we fear and love God, if we assume an attitude of awe, we are set free. Rather than being limiting, this kind of fear is liberating. It is not denying that the world can be a frightening and dangerous place. Rather, the fear and awe of God make it possible to face real threats with the confidence that this is God’s world—God’s redeemed world.

Listen to God’s promise: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:2-3) Excerpted from an article by Bishop Eaton in Lutheran Living magazine on August 31.

Message from Bishop Eaton

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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.

Permit #2

U.S. Postage

P A I D

Claremont, NC

Church Staff

Pastor Gary Haddock: Senior Pastor gsh.elca@gmail.com (828-781-3060)

Vicar Frank Waugh: Associate for Pastoral Care vicarfrank@smarklc.org (828-610-5755)

Randyl Abernathy: Preschool Director stmarkspreschool@charter.net (828-459-2873)

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

Lisa Underwood: Church Secretary lisa@smarklc.org (828-459-2161)

Mike Baker: Church Sexton (828-244-3435) mikebaker411@bellsouth.net

Congregation Council meets on September 17 at 6pm.

Next newsletter mailing will be September 26.

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

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Vol. 8, No. 17 9-12-18

Follow Us Online

StMarksLutheran...Claremont, NC www.smarklc.org

Congregation Council

2018 2019 2020 Terry Hefner Kerri Nash Barry Bumgarner Scott Ramsey Edie Connor Tiffany Caudill Carol Schaefer Gigi Sigmon Marcheta Campbell Nicky Setzer Tanya Stephenson David Tucker