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L I F E A T S T . M A R K ' S
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JOIN US CHRISTMAS EVE Candle Light Communion Service Rich or poor, gay or straight, no matter what, you are welcome A mission statement welcoming everyone is nothing new. But that doesn't impress people who have historically been distinctly not welcome in most churches. Houses of worship have often been guilty of discriminating on the basis of class, race and sexual orientation. On Nov. 11, 2008, St. Mark's Council passed a new mission statement that is meant to make it clear, for the record, where we stand. It is part of our effort to be officially a "Reconciling in Christ" congregation. Here is the new statement: All Are Welcome. No Exceptions.“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female.” We at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church are called to minister to all people in the world, knowing that the world is often an unloving place. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are called to reconciliation and wholeness, challenged to be agents of justice and healing within our society. We value diversity, openness and an honest search for meaning. You are welcome here regardless of your race, nationality, ancestry or ethnic heritage; whether you are single, married, divorced, separated or partnered; whether you are straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender; regardless of your gender, socio-economic circumstances or ability. We welcome you to join us at St. Mark's in experiencing the far-reaching compassion of Jesus, and to join us in facing the challenges of life. Reflecting our Lutheran heritage, in faithfulness to the Gospel and our shared baptismal covenant, we promise to seek ways to enter into shared ministry with all who would seek God here. You are welcome here. Caring for Creatures Big and Small: A "blessing of the animals" grows up to become a festival and charity fund-raiser
Hundreds of animal lovers turned out on a chilly October morning for something entirely new. We invited two dozen exhibitors selling crafts, fashions and services, and we joined with the Walk with Harold fund-raiser, to build upon our annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, Oct. 5. And we raised over $4,000 for the St. Paul's/St. Luke's food pantry and feeding pantry, and to several animal rescue organizations. Biker Blessings a Roaring Success Pastor Beth, with assistance from St. Mark's member Anne Wirth, offered blessings for area motorcyclists and their Harleys, Triumphs, Yamahas, etc., on Sunday, May 4. The gathering, which took place after the Sunday services, was organized by Viale Ristorante. The Connecticut Post took note the next day! See our photo gallery  |
