825 King St. W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1E3 (519) 743-6309 email: pastor@stmarkskw.org web: www.stmarkskw.org

Interim Pastor: Pastor Claudine Carlson Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Vernon Cronmiller Visiting Pastor: Pastor Chris Grahlman Community Ministry Coordinator: Rev. Marilyn ShawCongregational Chair: Jim Oakley

Music Director: Lilla Hall Parish Secretary: Nancy MacLean

Our church on the corner of Green and King

June, July & August 2013

1

reMarks

by Jim & Shirley Oakley

On Sunday May 5, 2013, St. Mark’s welcomed the Rev. Claudine Carlson as our Intentional Interim Pastor.

Pastor Claudine will be with us for a minimum of 12 to 18 months while she guides us through this transition stage that bridges the past to the future when we will be ready to call another full time pastor for St. Mark’s. She will be leading us on a journey of self study in the development of a Congregational Mission Profile and will be engaging the congregation for your input. Claudine has special training in this type of ministry and is very eager to start the process and to get to know members of St. Mark’s as soon as possible.

Claudine has a common thread with Pastor Nancy; they’re both “California Girls”.

Claudine is not new to the KW area. She moved to Canada and joined St. Mark’s in 1974. With the influence of Pastor Vern, she decided to enter the seminary.

MinistryShe was ordained in 1993 and with Mount Zion, Waterloo from 1993 - 1999 Holy Cross, Burlington - 1999 - 2005 St. Paul’s, Richmond Hill - 2005 - 2010

While she was in Richmond Hill, she helped out Bethesda, Unionville – as

interim pastor – Oct. 2008 - Oct. 2009

St. Philip’s, Etobicoke – as intentional interim pastor – Oct. 2010 - June 2012

St. Paul’s and Christ Church, Anglican, in Hamilton – as intentional interim pastor – July 2012 - April 2013

Q and A to “get to know Pastor Claudine”What are the challenges of an Intentional Interim Minister?

There’s a lot of important work to be done in a brief time, and since interim periods always mean “change”, there’s usually some resistance. Since there are no guarantees of moving seamlessly from one call to another, potential unemployment is, of course a challenge. But I love the intensity of the work and seeing a congregation grow in self-knowledge, spirituality, and readiness for a new pastor.

What church involvement (Synod,etc) do you have beyond the immediate task at St. Mark’s?

None at the moment, since I was with the Anglicans. I have, however, served on the Faith and Society Working Group, chaired the synodical Committee for Church and Society, served on the board at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, served on National Church Council,

taught spiritual formation at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary for 6 years, and served on the Examining Committee for 8 years. I continue to preach at St. John’s Convent (Anglican) once a month – I’ve been doing that for almost 7 years now.

What are your interests/hobbies?

I love reading, swimming, choral music, and traveling. I’m very interested in faith formation.

What excites you most about coming to St. Mark’s?

It’s my “home church”! For years, I’ve said that it’s the place from which I want to be buried some day. It’s such an honour to shepherd you through this time of transition. And I’m also thrilled about the openness to “do” this interim “according to the book”! It will be great to have a transition team to work with throughout the process.

I trust you, my fellow members of St. Mark’s, to give Pastor Claudine your support as we begin this next phase of planning for our future, and the calling of another full time pastor to St. Mark’s.

Welcome home to St. Mark’s, Pastor Claudine!

Meet Pastor Claudine Carlson

2

Dear Friends in Christ:

Robert and I are humbled and touched by all the love we received in the past weeks. Our hearts are exploding with gratitude! Thank you for the colourful and meaningful stained glass window which easily found a home in our living room...for the money gift and the tickets to the Centre in the Square...for the book with tender-hearted messages and drawings from BLAST and the youth...for the “Women of the Bible” batik quilt (I hope to share it with other faith communities when it’s finished)...for the creamy white patchwork afghan which makes our cat purr!...for the lively, meaningful music, especially to Lilla and St. Mark’s Choir for “But this I call to mind”...and to the Worship Band for playing for the service and reception. Thank you for all the notes, cards and gifts...for the photos and DVD of the service and reception. Mostly thank you for being you! We will miss you and be happy to see you when our paths cross. Ministering together with you has been one of the most satisfying experiences in my life.

I will never forget you and the ways God worked in us and through us. Now, hopefully, people will forgive me when I say over and over again, “When I was at St. Mark’s...”

Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy

3

Life at St. Mark’s

Baptism!April 7th, 2013

Sophia Ball daughter of Crystal Faust & Russell Ball

Church picnic with St. Matthews, Victoria Park Pavilion.

Worship at 10 am, followed by potluck & games.

Hot dogs will be provided but you are asked to bring a salad or dessert.

REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN DISHES AND CUTLERY and a

lawn chair!

Church picnicJune 9th

Pastor Claudine and Pastor Susan

A familiar picture... Vi Cook serving cake!

Cooking breakfast Easter SundayA full house for the Menno Singers – A 100th Anniversary Event

4

From Pastor Claudine…First of all, let me thank you for the warm welcome you gave me on May 5. In every sense of the word, it was a wonderful “homecoming”, and I look forward to working with you over the coming months. It is a great honour to be serving the church that has been so important in my spiritual journey… and

most humbling to be Vern Cronmiller’s pastor! I will forever be in his debt for gently moving me from a literalist view of biblical interpretation to the Lutheran perspective.

Together we will work intentionally through this time of transition. I am not here simply to fill the pulpit until you call your permanent pastor; I am here to help you discern God’s will for the future, to determine your needs, and by so doing, to better understand what gifts you will be seeking in a pastor.

Times of transition punctuate all of our lives, and weave through the biblical story. Be it Abraham leaving his homeland, the Israelites leaving Egypt, Mary discovering she’s pregnant, or Jesus physically leaving his followers at the ascension, it is clear that life is full of transitions, and they always lead to change. Whether transitions are welcome (graduation from university or marriage, e.g.) or not (death of a loved one or being fired from a job, e.g.), they open up opportunities for growth in ways our routine lives do not.

St. Mark’s has just said good-bye to a long-term and well-loved pastor, and many of you are grieving. That is both appropriate and to be expected. And that is one very good reason for you to delay calling a permanent pastor. Pastor Nancy is irreplaceable, and there is no one “out there” with her exact gifts and skills.

So we will use the months ahead to look carefully at both who we are as a community of faith, and who God is calling us to be. The transitions team (yet to be confirmed) will be assisting me to make our work together as smooth as possible. We will encourage all of you to devote time in prayer as we seek God’s will. There will be opportunities for all of us to discuss respectfully what our future should look like. And, when we have some clarity about that, we’ll fill out the mission profile and establish a call committee.

The prophet Isaiah speaks the word of the Lord: “Look, I am doing a new thing; it is springing up around you! Do you not perceive it?” Our God is always doing “a new thing” as the Spirit guides us into the future. May we be open to the “new things” that will transpire in our work together. Pray for me as I will pray for you, and may God be with us and bless us all!

Sound Worship Space – What’s Happening? The Sound Worship Space Committee was struck after investigation into technical shortcomings of the sound system. The problems with sound could not be separated from space issues that needed to be examined first before investing in new equipment.

The Committee has done some investigation into:

A. What makes space in the chancel awkward for leading worship and what would provide flexibility in that space without interfering with the architectural integrity of St. Mark’s.

B. Sound, particularly how the acoustics work at St. Mark’s; sound equipment and questions of how to introduce new elements of sound equipment to the existing mix for all forms of worship.

Over the past month the committee has worked with an architectural consultant to understand what can be done to address flexibility of the chancel and improve sound management for all forms of worship.

In the coming weeks this task force will work/meet with Worship Committee, who will determine next steps and report to Church Council for further direction.

Alannah d’Ailly, Chair. Committee Members: Bruce Schmitt, Bob Harlock, Lilla Hall

FROM ARCHIVES:

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 - 1912 & 2013by Diane Bonfonte

On June 10, 1912, Berlin became incorporated as Ontario’s 9th city (surpassing a population of 15,000). Only six days later, Rev. M.J. Bieber (Eastern Field Missionary, United Lutheran Church in America) held 11:00am (44 attended) and 7:00pm (83 attended) worship services on the second floor in Concordia Hall (the forerunner of today’s Con-cordia Club). Today’s Peter Martin’s 20 King restaurant is believed to have been the location of this Concordia Hall.

There are no known photos of its interior. There was a piano (later famously tossed onto King Street by soldiers of the 118th Battalion) used for choirs to practice for the renown Sangerfests and likely used for Bieber’s services. The Berlin Daily Record published an article entitled ‘Opening Service of the English Lutheran Church’ - our congregation’s conception! By the way, offerings from both services totaled $7.33.

Sunday, June 16, 2013 is exactly 101 years the day! In fact, for early milestone anniversaries, First English commemorated in June not celebrating in February like we have done.

To honour this major historic event, more information will be in June 16th’s worship bulletin; an opportunity to pause and reflect on those courageous souls who showed the determination of a new generation to evoke change - to worship in English at an unprecedented time of anxiety, anger and mistrust throughout Berlin.

Nine months later ( a birth of sorts) on Sunday, February 2, 1913, First English Lutheran Church was organized with 87 charter members.

Life... and CAKE at St. Mark’s!

5

6

100th Anniversary UpdateBy Fay Albrecht, Diane Bonfonte

100th Anniversary ServiceWe started our Anniversary year with a very special service of celebration on Sunday, February 3, 2013. Bishop Pryse was our guest preacher and our newest narthex windows/mural were dedicated.

Menno SingersOn St. Mark the Evangelist Sunday April 21st we opened our doors for a Community Choral Concert featuring the Menno Singers. We covered the expenses as our gift to the community in place of hosting a lecture series as we have done in the past. The music was uplifting and the singing joyous. The sing-a-long was exceptional. A very special afternoon. Donations for the Food Bank were collected. Thank you to everyone for your support.

Time Capsule Opening – Sunday, Sept. 29thThe opening of our time capsule from our 95th Anniversary is rescheduled for Sunday, September 29th. There are 75 separate items and a few will be removed at each service. It’s interesting to see what members contributed as something of importance to them selves or the congregation. The remaining items will be on display in the Parish Hall following each service.

Congregational Lunch – Sunday, Nov. 10th Mark your calendar and plan to come as a family! Sunday, November 10th is our Congregational Lunch in the ballroom at St George’s Hall in Waterloo. It is a three-course meal. Tickets will be sold on September 8, 15 and 22 before and after services. Cost: Adults $10, Children under 10 free, Non-members $20

To shorten the day for the children there will be no BLAST. In our normally busy schedules it will be a good time to meet and chat with everyone. Watch for more information in the coming months.

Removing the Building’s CornerstoneNo date yet...keep watching for information about the removal of our building’s 1938 cornerstone; located by the steps leading into the narthex. Usually a building is demolished before this can happen. Our Property Committee has established that brick work is required and discussed with the contractor how to briefly remove the 1938 cornerstone to retrieve its contents!

Depending on their overall work progress, they can only tell us just a few days before we are able to let everyone know the day and time. Plans are underway for a brief re-dedication ceremony and to put new items back into the cornerstone. The 1938 contents will be displayed and archived. Opening our cornerstone will be historic for St. Mark’s and for the community!!!

Waterloo Region Doors Open – Saturday, September 21, 2013 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year, we are an approved site in this annual heritage event as one of our major 100th Anniversary celebrations. It focuses on highlighting art and architecture with history / heritage. St Mark’s has a lot to show and tell. We will need many volunteers (of all ages) to serve as hosts, guides, parking attendants and coffee servers for 2 hr. shifts. If you would be interested in helping in one of these areas or to learn more about this event, please plan to attend an information night on Tuesday, June 18, Parlour 7-8 p.m. Contact Alan Totzke at 519-885-6173 to RVSP.

St. Mark’s Clover Leaf Society CookbookIn 1947 the women of St Mark’s Clover Leaf Society ( later ELW ) compiled and sold a cookbook of their favourite recipes. So successful, it had two more printings! Many families today cherish their copy and use what was their mother’s or grandmother’s book.

Most can testify that pages are held together with tape and loving care. We are considering having the book reprinted. If you would be interested in one or more copies, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board outside the kitchen. Depending on the number printed, a copy may cost between $5 and $10.

7

Learning Committee by Fay Albrecht

Summer is on the way! Childcare during WorshipHave you noticed the buzz of activity during worship these days? How about the thunder of little feet when it’s the Children’s time? There have been a lot of children in worship these days (hooray!), and many of these young families would benefit from childcare. So, we’ve started a three month trial of childcare for the nursery during the 10:15 service.

Why is this important?

• WorshipisanimportantpartoflifeatSt.Marks,andbystaffing the nursery, we encourage families with young children to attend worship (and not only BLAST).

• Parentsgetachancetobepresentduringworship(physically, emotionally, and spiritually!).

• Itcanbeawin-win!Memberswholovetobearoundkids can share their gifts and be important role models for the kids of our church.

• ItmakesSt.Marksattractivetoyoungfamilieswhomaybe seeking a church home.

We are pleased to have a schedule until June and we’ll start again in the fall. If you would be willing to be part of this, please get in touch with Sara Wahl. We also plan to post new signs to help newcomers find their way down to the nursery.

Living & Learning KitsThank you to the members who contributed supplies for our Living and Learning Kits. The BLAST kids packed 23 kits on Sunday, April 21st. The next Sunday they brought them forward with the offering. They were then packed into two cartons and taken to St Jacobs Home Hardware for shipping to CLWR in Winnipeg. A cheque was sent to cover the cost of shipping them to children in another country.

Upcoming EventsMay 26 – BLAST litter collection & outdoor worship at St. Marks Community Garden site

June 2 – Walk for Autism: You are invited to walk with us or make a donation in support of Autism.

June 9 – Church picnic with St. Matthews, Victoria Park Pavilion. Worship at 10 am, followed by potluck & games. Hot dogs will be provided but you are asked to bring a salad or dessert. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR OWN DISHES AND CUTLERY and a lawn chair!

June 16 – BLAST Teacher Appreciation Session

June 22 / 23 – BLAST Camping Weekend - For the first time in a long time, we’re planning an overnight camping expedition for young families. Consider joining us at Point Farms

Provincial Park. Please contact Lesley or Trevor Oakley for more information.

YouthYouth raised $286.00 on the sale of their muffins. Thank you for supporting them as they start saving for the trip to CLAY in 2014 in Kamloops BC.

Set The World On Fire EventThe area Anglican/Lutheran youth are meeting at Camp Edgewood for a retreat August 16 – 18. In late September or early October we will be planning more fund raising activities.

Camping Subsidies Available

Did you go to camp as a child? How was your experience? What about your children?

Camp Edgewood offers some great outdoor activities in a setting with Christian values. The kids learn to love and respect God’s world. Each year we set money aside in our budget to help families financially cover the cost. A contact with the pastor will make these funds available.

RALLY DAY will be on September 8, 2013 But before we get ahead of ourselves, have a wonderful summer doing

whatever it is you do for relaxation and fun!

8

INTENTIONAL INTERIM MINISTRY:

What makes it “intentional ?” and when is it important?

By Claudine Carlson

When a pastor resigns, retires, or dies, a congregation enters into a time of transition, led by an interim pastor until a new, “settled” pastor is called. The bishop usually suggests a name, or names, to fill the role of interim minister. Until recently, the interim pastor was perceived as being something of a “place keeper” while the call process progresses. Sometimes the interim is the pastor of another congregation, and thus may only attend council meetings and tend to urgent pastoral situations. Full-time interim work is another matter entirely.

Though interim ministry has existed for as long as ordained pastoral ministry, the understanding of intentional interim ministry is a relatively new. It arose out of research conducted by the Alban Institute in the 1970’s and 80’s that revealed the importance of the interim period in the life of a congregation. Transition times provide wonderful opportunities for the congregation to either define or re-define itself, and to deal with outstanding issues (grieving the loss of a pastor, church conflict, e.g.) prior to calling a new pastor. It offers both time and tools to move forward in a healthy and united way. In addition, the very process of articulating the church’s identity and needs clarifies the gifts and skills to seek in a new pastor.

Many church bodies in the U.S. (including our sister body, the ELCA) require at least a year of intentional interim ministry in the following circumstances:

– There has been a long-term pastorate of 10 years or more.

– The congregation wants to develop a new role in or relationship with the surrounding community.

– There is a need to develop greater lay participation in its ministry.

– There has been conflict, polarization, or a pastor has been asked to leave.

– The congregation is in mourning over the resignation, retirement, or death of their pastor.

– There was sexual misconduct or any clergy malfeasance on the part of the pastor who has just left.

– The congregation wants to clarify its ministry and mission before extending a new call.

– The congregation is considering a move from full to part-time ministry.

– There is significant disagreement amongst members regarding where the congregation currently is and where they think it should go.

The intentional interim minister is trained specifically to lead the congregation through the “between times” which, typically, present both anxiety and great potential for growth. When the work of an interim pastor is called for, and the work of transition is either rushed through or ignored, more often than not the new pastor turns out to be un-intentional interim pastor. The intentional interim pastor is not eligible for call. Rather, it is the task of both the interim and the congregation to do the necessary work in order to “make life easier” for the new pastor, who will also be experiencing a transition.

Transitions, by definition, produce change…. something that is not often appreciated by many church people. However, the biblical record bears witness to a God who is ever doing a “new thing” in our midst, and is faithful in transforming the anxieties of transition into new and renewed life in Christ! May the journey begin!

LRT UPDATEBy Jim Oakley

I have met with our lawyer, from Gowlings Lafleur Henderson LLP, on April 24, 2013 to sign the closing documents regarding the LRT Agreement with the Region of Waterloo. The settlement amount of $169,350 was transferred to St. Mark’s account that afternoon. Support Committee will make recommendations to Church Council, as to where this money should be invested for the time being, and also as to what projects it should be used for in the future. All legal costs and land transfer taxes were paid by the Region and there were no additional costs to St. Mark’s. I also met with a regional representative on May 2, 2013 regarding details for the required restoration work scheduled for the spring of 2014. Some of the details included, location of walls and curbs next to the parking lot, to see if additional parking spaces could be provided, location of new steps off Green St., removal of existing steps off Green St., and the size of the landscaped area behind the wall. The majority of the construction in front of St. Mark’s will not take place until the spring or summer of 2014, but some Utility relocation work will take place in 2013. When access to our parking lot is blocked, the Region will make arrangements for parking spaces at the back of the church.

9

The Women’s Auxiliary of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary

By Bette Cronmiller

The Women’s Auxiliary of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary was organized in 1913 to stimulate interest in the programs and needs of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, especially in relation to the training of men and women committed to a Christian ministry.

The Women’s Auxiliary of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (WLS) has always been a part of the activities of the women of St. Mark’s.

Church donations of handmade quilts (when our quilting group existed) were their gifts to Seminary students. Special events were also planned to raise funds for their needs in years past.

When my mother, a lifelong member of the St. Matthew’s church group of women, attended functions such as an annual meeting, it was necessary to wear a hat and Sunday’s best dress with white gloves. A silver tea service complete with dainty sandwiches and cake were always served at refreshment time. Today’s social norms have changed quite dramatically. Declining membership affects most plans for fundraising.

Here at St. Mark’s, WLS offering envelopes are always available at the doors. May is the annual drive for the Women’s Auxiliary’s annual membership - $5.00! These funds are used in many ways to aid Seminary students during their studies.

Projects include kitchen and lounge renovations, attractive planting of flowers outside the building, and tuition support is made available for summer work as chaplains at hospitals or correctional facilities required to complete their S.P.E. courses etc.

Donations of $25.00 can be made to the “Golden Book of Honour” that recognizes women who have, in the same way, contributed to the life of their church. Tributes to those who have passed away may be inscribed in the “In Memoriam” book for $50.00.

The highlight of the Auxiliary members is always the Annual Meeting held on a Saturday every September at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waterloo. A full day’s program includes talks by Seminary students, devotions provided by them, and recollections of their faith journeys. Quilt displays from other churches of the Eastern Synod, a musical interlude, a catered lunch, and always a special keynote speaker round out the day. This has been a well-attended event every year!

In the past, two Auxiliary Presidents have been members of St. Mark’s – Helen Chapman and Evelyn Vogt. Numerous other members have served on the Board. Today they include Helen Weber and Bette Cronmiller.

This year, 2013, is the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Auxiliary, WLS and we should celebrate the much cherished Women’s Auxiliary and their service in “Helping students for 100 years”.

“Thanks be to God”

We have shifted away from identifying people by their illness (ie. a schizophrenic). Instead we talk about people who are dealing with MS or living with diabetes. This language moves toward seeing everyone as being a person separate from their illness, while acknowledging their illness and the impact it has on their life. It leaves more space for that person to also be seen as a family member, a musician, a postcard collector, or someone who enjoys traveling.

This language shift can also apply to people who are involved in caring for a family member. Instead of being labeled a “caregiver” we can start talking about spouses, adult children, parents, siblings, and other family members who have relationships with people in their lives that may involve helping out with care needs. We can talk about what people dealing with illness contribute to these relationships and have honest conversations about the challenges of individuals and family members in these situations.

Our relationships are central to our lives. When we minimize this by becoming identified as an illness or a caregiver, we are disconnected from our love, humanity, depth, pain, grief, and true identity. Perhaps it is time for a new name for our Caregiver Support Group. I would love to hear your suggestions.

Holly MathersGroup Facilitator & Therapist at Hope for Families Counselling CentreLocated in St. Mark’s Lutheran Churchholly@hopeforfamilies.net519-513-9216

The Language of Illness

10

WHO IS DR. ROBERT KELLY...? ? ? ?By Harold Remus

Dr. Robert A. Kelly is a native of Southern California who has been at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary since 1985 teaching Systematic Theology, Historical Theology, and Christian Ethics. Currently he is Professor of Systematic Theology and holds the Bishop William D. Huras Chair in Ecclesiology and Church History.

When asked why teaching theology is important to him, Bob replied, “The question that has motivated me from the time I decided to go to seminary myself has been ‘What would happen if Lutheran people lived as if they actually believed that we are justified by grace through faith?’ This is the question that still drives me. What would happen? How would the world be changed by people who really and deeply believe that our standing before God, our place in the universe, is decided already by God’s unconditional promise in the resurrection of the crucified Jesus? In my teaching I want, more than anything else, to communicate an understanding of radical grace. I want my students to join with me in becoming a community of theological deliberation, a community of convivial theologians who together through friendly and committed conversation explore the meaning of the Gospel for the lives of real people.” That’s a big challenge! Bob’s classes are demanding, but there is often a surprise, a new insight that comes through engagement.

Outside the classroom Bob pursues a number of interests. He reads constantly in support of his teaching. In addition his interest in the use of computer technology in the humanities has led him to work on developing electronic editions of 19th century North American Lutheran texts of historic importance (See the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary Historic Text Archive for examples of his work in this area). His hobby is trains and he is the Vice President of the Waterloo Regional Model Railway Club, which is modeling the Sudbury Division of the Canadian Pacific in the 1970s.

KITCHENER CONFERENCE MEETING May 4, 2013

by Wilma Marie Bindernagel

Pastor Jim Bindernagel welcomed the attendees to St. Mark’s, giving some information about our 100th anniversary year. He briefly outlined the outreach ministries of St. Mark’s.

The meeting was all about change. Pastor Martin Giebels, St. James, St. Jacobs, led us off at worship with his sermon based on Revelation 21:1-6. He acknowledged that the church and society in general are going through dramatic changes. God always brings change – a new heaven and a new earth – a new church – new excitement for us as we participate in this new paradigm.

Business: •BonnieShelterBrown,St.James,NewDundeewasre-elected

chairperson of the conference.

•ChangesandrestructuringoftheEasternSynod.Asofthe Eastern Synod Assembly in June 2014 there will be no conferences. They will be replaced by smaller geographic areas.

•EdgewoodCampandConferenceCentreisenteringintoaphase of fundraising for a new facility for retreats and seminars.

•WaterlooLutheranSeminaryislookingatanewname,newprograms, and a new building. These changes also demand the need for more funding.

•AnEasternSynodCovenantbetweentheEasternSynodandthe congregations was presented for discussion.

In the afternoon we had Michael Harvey present the “Back to Church Movement”. His presentation inspired us to invite others to church. Just ASK and see what God will DO.St. Mark’s ladies prepared and served a delicious morning snack, a wonderful lunch, and snacks again at the break.

If I could make a recommendation it would be that St. Mark’s invite a representative from Edgewood’s board and/or Pastor Fred Ludolph to introduce us at St. Mark’s to their fundraising initiative.

Pastor Nancy of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Dr. Mike cut the ribbon to open the clinic (Health Centre for refugees) April 4, 2013.

11

Community Ministry by Marilyn Shaw

O ften when people join us for the first time for dinner, there is some hesitation. What do we

talk about? Normally when we meet new people we talk about the type of work we do. But very few of our Wednesday dinner companions are capable of holding down a job especially a full time one. Another common area of conversation is family. Again, for many of our dinner companions, family is not a good topic. Often times they are estranged from family. Family have often become frustrated by the challenges of the individual and disconnected. For many, they do not even know where family is or if aging parents are still alive.

So we are pulled from the places that are comfortable for us. Maybe we

are being pulled into a place of meeting others on a more human level. It would be a place where we find out who the person is and they find out more of who we are. Finding out more of who we are may be very telling for us as individuals. We are being called out of comfortable places as Jesus has asked us.

So what do we say, what do we converse about? Maybe ask questions like what did you do today? Talk about the meal or even the weather as an opener. It is surprising how often very simple comments about the weather or the meal will spark other conversation. Don’t be concerned if interest is expressed in the type of work you do or questions about your family. If someone asks these types of questions they are interested in knowing more about you. You only need to share what you are comfortable sharing, nothing more.

For some who come to volunteer getting to the place of sitting and eating dinner in the dining hall is a process. It may be helping in the kitchen only for awhile, then helping serve and then sitting with other volunteers with some of our guests at dinner. If you are here we want this to be an enjoyable time.

Once we strike up conversations it is surprising how similar our stories of growing up and daily living are. We may come from different places but we all like a friendly face, a smile, someone who is willing to sit and listen to our story.

You will be surprised how quickly the fears dissipate.

We are all people looking for a good dinner and fellowship. So feel free to come and join us for dinner sometime. All are welcome.

This is an open letter to all members of St. Marks regarding the future of our church.

A number of years ago a famous man said “I have a dream”.

“Well I have a vision that I have been thinking about for over a year now.”

The vision is of St. Mark’s and how we may better use the piece of property we have at the corner of King and Green.

I envision us taking down the buildings and putting up a new building that would include the church, offices and apartments with underground parking enough for the members on a Sunday as well. We would be able to save the interior architecture and re-use it in the new building.

We have a very prime property here when you consider the light rail will go right past our front door. There is a grocery store and a drugstore one block down the street and the hospital next door.

St. Peter’s and St. Matthews are having trouble and may only have 4 or more years before they may have to close. Their members could become ours.

Let’s face it, at some point in time we will all need another place to live; what better place than the corner of King and Green. You won’t need to take the car out on Sunday and then find a place to park.

I think this is something we should consider before we call a new pastor and before we do some of the things that are in the works now. Things like repointing brick work, redoing the kitchen, redoing the roof, making changes to the chancel. All of the above could cost $175-$200 thousand.

Are we making the right decisions at this time?

I would like to hear from you the members of St. Mark’s. What do you think?

This is my vision as a member of St. Mark’s and has no reflection and carries no weight of the committees I serve on.

Brian Reiner

12

Adult Education Hour:

Working away or By Harold Remus

Some Adult Education groups have gone fishin’ during the summer: Sunday Adult Education Hour, Monday Daily Discipleship group, Thursdays Prayer Shawl Group. Wednesday Bible Study preceding the Community Supper continues without a break.

The Adult Education Committee is working away preparing the September-to-Easter schedule for Adult Education Hour. You will receive the resulting brochure with the next newsletter or you will find it on the St. Mark’s website at that time. The Fall schedule is packed with topics personal (The 7 Deadly Sins and Why Does A Merciful God Not Present Evil?), political-religious (Why does our electoral system allow a minority government to rule absolutely?), and further reflections on St. Mark’s centennial.

THANK YOU, DR. ROBERT KELLYAdult Education Hour Presenter Extraordinaire

for 16 YearsYou Instructed Us in the Following...

• Money:HowDoWeGetIt?WhatDoWeDoWithIt?Its Power, its Possibilities.

• God’sChosenPeople(s).WhatdoestheBiblesayabout “chosen people”? Are the Jews still God’s chosen people? Are Christians? What does it mean to be a “chosen people”?

• Theology101:Whatis“Theology”?WhyIsItImportant? How Do You “Do” Theology?

• GodinourMidst:ADown-to-EarthGod.

• SimeonandAnna:PassingtheTorch(Luke2:22-38)

• LutheronGodandlovingGod.

• ReformationSundayTheThousand-Year-ReignofChrist (“Millennium”; Rev. 20): What Do Luther (and Lutherans) and Earlier Christians Say About It?

• Weworship:TheLiturgy

• ReformationSunday:Reformation(Then),Re-formation (Now) What does it mean to me? To our church?

• Mark1:1-8TheprophetsandJohntheBaptizerprepare the way for the Good News of Jesus Christ.

• InthePulpitandDaytoDay–Reveringand/orTakingGod’s Name In Vain: God-Talk in Sermons at Times of Crisis (with Dr. David Jacobsen)

• Gen:6-9:TheFloodStoryThroughHistory–Learningfrom Past Interpreters

• ReformationSunday—WorldLutheranism’sCentreof Gravity Shifts from North to South (and Other Interesting Items from Lutheran World Federation Conference of Theologians, Augsburg, Germany, 2009)

• Luther:TheGospelintheCradle(andontheCross)

• ChristianStancesTowardWar:“JustWar,”Pacifism,Crusades

• HealingofMemories:Lutherans,Mennonites,andPastWrongs (with Dr. Tom Yoder Neufeld)

• Reformation,Centennials,Anniversaries:WhatExactlyAre We Celebrating?

• Dispensationalism:GreatTribulationsontheEarth,theRapture, a Thousand-year Reign of Christ: Where and when did those fearsome predictions originate? What keeps them coming?

• WhatWouldJesusDo?Don’tDoNothing—DoSomething: Turn the Other Cheek, Go the Second Mile, Love Your Enemies

• ThePlaceoftheBibleintheLutheranChurch:Then,Now (and Next Week)

Enjoying Easter breakfast!

13

NEW IN THE NARTHEX:‘Given to the Glory Of God’

As of May, the wooden case in the narthex displays photos and the names of each our sanctuary/

narthex stained glass windows/mural and the Three Mary’s Banners.

Who gave these gifts and dedication specifics, including dates, are framed separately beside the case.

FROM ARCHIVES: REQUEST TO ALL COMMITTEES/GROUPS

By the end of October, please take a photo(s) of your committee meeting or group in

action and submit or email to Diane Bonfonte or Sharon Cassidy via the

church office.

If you wish Diane or Sharon to come and take photo(s) please contact either

to make arrangements.

Capturing every corner of the congregation in photos will help us

to cherish and connect our 100th anniversary’ year’s typical and

special moments.

You have made me known to friends whom I knew not. You have given me seats in homes not my own. You have brought the distant near and made a brother [and sister] of the stranger.

I am uneasy at heart when I have to leave my accustomed shelter; I forget that there abides the old in the new, and that there also you abide.

Through birth and death, in this world or in others, wherever you lead me it is you, the same, the one companion of my endless life who always links my heart with bonds of joy to the unfamiliar.

When one knows you, then alien there is none, then no door is shut. Oh, grant me my prayer that I may never lose the bliss of the touch of the one in the play of many.

Old And New: A Prayer by Rabindranath Tagore(Pastor Nancy read at her retirement)

Lilla leading the Bell Choir on Easter Sunday Amy Gillespie Last Council Dinner with Pastor Nancy and Robert

14

Missionary Brian Rude in El SalvadorDid you know? St. Mark’s supports the missionary work of Lutheran Pastor Brian Rude in El Salvador. For almost 20 years Brian has been committed to promoting well-being, self-esteem and AIDS prevention among prison inmates in El Salvador. Lately he’s been involved with reconciliation initiatives among the prison and gang communities where violence has been such a huge problem.

How can I learn more? Simply click on the ‘Serving Others’ page on our website and scroll to the bottom where it says ‘Missionary Brian Rude’. Click on ‘updates’ and it will take you to a separate page with several updates on what he’s been doing for the last few years.

Dear friends and colleagues:

Triumphant International Workers’ Day!

Since today is Workers’ Day . . . work is suspended ;-).

Many will march. Many will reflect. Many will celebrate. Many will rest.

Many will commemorate the Chicago Hay Market workers (1886) in other ways. I will dedicate my day to our friends who work(ed) for us in Bangladesh.

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/may/01/bangladesh-workers-protest-may-day-building-collapse).

Personal Play-dge of SolidarityYou may be getting used to it,So many call you “other”.But I, BR, will walk with you, So please, do call me BR-other. We R in this together now;If I were any other,Instead of saying “BR-other”,You might just call me “B-other”.As “Brian” I was baptized,Initially? “BR”.“B Rude” is not my calling, From “othering” I’m far.I’m grateful to you, “other”,For loving me as “BR-other”. I’ll do my best to walk with you,For I can do no other.

BR -- 01 May 2013 Wishing you all a meaningful Workers’ Day,

Brian Rev. Brian Rude, DD, pastor/missionary “In Mission with El Salvador”, for the ABT Synod of the ELCIC

P.S. My brother is right. The national ELCIC convention to which I referred in my last posting was held in 2011, not 2010. Sorry for the error, and thanks for the correction! BR

Thank you to the Members of St. Mark’s who so willingly share items for ReMarks. As we endeavour to provide valuable, useful information to our readers, we

wrestle with ongoing issues:

• Environmentalissuesinwhichwetrytocontroltheamountof paper used in printing

• Financialissuesinwhichwetrytocontrolourcostsinprinting and in distribution

• Balanceissuesinwhichwetrytobalanceourinformationtobe shared with your time to read it

• Timeissuesinwhichwetrytooptimizethetimerequiredfor production and distribution

Articles submitted are edited with these issues as a guide, always focusing on the information being presented. Pictures and graphics are used where possible to replace a myriad of words. The ReMarks Committee suggests 800 words as a maximum for submissions.

We encourage members to receive their copy of ReMarks electronically via e-mail. You can request this service at stmarksluth@on.aibn.com. An added benefit of receiving your newsletter via e-mail is that it is in full colour!

If an article is submitted late it may not be printed, articles may be edited – an article may be deferred to a later issue at the discretion of the Editorial Board.

2013 Newsletter Schedule

Deadline Date Covers Period Published Date

August 6th Sept., Oct. End of August

October 7th Nov., Dec., Jan. End of Oct

Editing ReMarks A Note from the Editors

Alex and Emily playing the bells on Easter Sunday

15

Bus trip to Lancaster, PA. Oct 22 – 25, 2013 Fay Albrecht and Pat Milburn are inviting you to join them on a bus trip to Lancaster, PA. Oct 22 – 25, 2013. Two of the highlights for the trip are:

We will enjoy the production of “Noah” at the Sight and Sound Theatre. Also, included is a trip to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre for: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ .

Watch for more details and contact either Pat or Fay and express interest in the trip.

Contact by leaving a note:1) in one of our mail slots outside the parish hall, 2) council slots in the hall leading to the sanctuary from the parish hall 3) email the church office at office@stmarkskw.org

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST SUNDAY APRIL 21By Diane Bonfonte

We began in 1913 known as First English Lutheran Church and when this building was built in 1939; this became our new church-home and given a new name - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Annually around the world on the 3rd Sunday in April, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Lutheran churches celebrate St. Mark The Evangelist Sunday - the only Gospel writer to be have a special day in their liturgical year.

A “St Mark The Evangelist” banner hangs in the Parish Hall and St. Mark is depicted in a stained glass window showing three symbols:

St. Mark/the man - It is believed part of Mark is buried in Venice, Italy in St. Mark’s Square (hence its name). Scholars have taught that Mark: was one of the servants at the marriage at Cana (John 2:1-11/Jesus’ first miracle), carried water to the house where the Last Supper took place (Mark 14:13), was the young man who ran away (naked) in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:51-52), owned the house where the resurrected Jesus came (John 20) and where the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples at Pentecost (Acts 1).

Holding a book - This represents Mark as the writer of the Gospel of Mark and believed to be the first written. Scholars speculate the writers of the Gospels of Matthew and Luke sourced Mark’s Gospel to help them write their own.

Winged lion - This is known all around the world as the traditional symbol for St. Mark. Lions are strong, powerful and ROAR! There is also a lot to learn about this winged-lion symbol. For now, know that the lion in this window shows us the power and majesty of God’s word. Mark 1:3 begins, “a voice of one crying out in the desert,” as if this cry is a loud ROAR that proclaims Jesus came into the world. The lion’s wings are a connection to the divine/God in Heaven.

‘Evangelist’ means ‘to bring good news’. As members of St. Mark’s, we are also members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). Our church-home is named after St. Mark The Evangelist telling people we are strong like a lion, and eager to roar out loud - ‘to bring good news’ in our world; always believing God loves us and has given us His gifts of faith, grace and eternal life through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus The Christ.