Connecting People to Jesus

Menu

The Spirit February 6, 2020

February 6, 2020

NEW IN THIS ISSUE

FEB C3 CURRICULUM
OMAHA WORLD HERALD
CHILDCARE LAUNCH
CHILDCARE JOBS
SENIOR LUNCHEON
SUNDAY SCHOOL

MORE NEWS

YOUTH MINISTRY
Kuntz Meal Train
Important Dates
Men’s Ministry
Prayers
Women’s Ministry

Pastor Jay’s next “From the Pulpit” article in the Omaha World Herald will be printed and distributed this Saturday, February 8th, 2020. The article is found in the Living section of the Saturday paper along with articles written from other local pastors. As always, next week’s St. Mark Spirit newsletter will contain the article text for those of you who do not receive the Omaha Herald.

NEW CONNECT CARDS

As you no doubt have noticed, we have new connect cards in our pews. Some of you have been asking some questions about them, so here is a little info:

Q: Do I have to fill this out every time I come to church?

A: No. Unless you would like to, have a prayer request or would like to leave a comment.

Q: Where do I mark that I am taking communion?

A: If you would like to indicate that you communed, you are welcome to write that in the comments section, but you do not have to do so.

Q: What do I do with the tear off section?
A: Give it to someone that needs to learn about Jesus or is looking for a church home!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I have heard such great things about your experience thus far with the American Gospel Documentary!

As we get into the 2nd video, we are going to be diving into some much deeper theology and Christian doctrine that is essential for every Christian to know and be able to articulate. I can’t wait to continue to engage with you on this incredible series. This is good stuff!

If you are in a Connect 3 small group, then you should have already received an email not only with this months curriculum but also two other important articles associated with this month’s study.

For those of you in small groups, you should have already received the curriculum. If you are not in a small group, please join one so you don’t miss this incredible documentary series and study!

Blessings on your fellowship!
Pastor Jay

CONTACT PASTOR JAY
TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP
AND RECEIVE THE CURRICULUM
AND WATCH THE VIDEO


CURRICULUM

Let God’s praises be heard!

We are very excited to announce the Grand Opening of the all new St. Mark Lutheran Preschool AND CHILDCARE! In addition to our outstanding preschool classes, all current students and new students can take advantage of a wide-ranging selection of childcare options. Once the preschool year is over, our learning-based childcare programming continues right on through the summer, all year long! Stop by our brand new website dedicated to our new Preschool and Childcare Center to check it all out.

Calling All SUPER TEACHERS!

As our childcare center starts taking registrations on Monday, we can see the Lord’s hand at work and the need for us to find additional Preschool and Childcare professionals!

Are you or do you know someone that is experienced and passionate about children, teaching and caring for the Lord’s little ones?

Please see our new JOBS PAGE on our website and be sure and tell those you know who may be interested.

Candidates should contact our Center Director, Julie Kyriss, at jkyriss@stmarkomaha.org or by calling 402-913-2255.

February Senior Luncheon

All Seniors are invited to our February Senior Luncheon on Wednesday, February 12th in the Fellowship Hall at 11:30 am.

Menu:
Spaghetti Casserole, Garlic Toast, Lettuce Salad & Fruit Salad

Kuntz Family Meal Train

Mrs. Kuntz continues to battle Clear Cell Kidney Carcinoma. It has continued to regress and spread at different times throughout her journey. As many of you know in 2018 she broke her femur and she had to have a plate placed to stabilize the break. Recently the plate broke and she had to have another surgery to remove the broken plate, replace it and provide greater stability to that area of the bone.

She is home now but has a lot of rehabilitation and therapy ahead of her. We would like to bless the family with a meal 4 times per week. Feel free to bless them with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

We continue to lift Cindy, Chuck and their family up in our prayers.

We hope she can return to working with the Concordia Academy students next fall. We know they are anxious to see her!

Meal Train Sign-Up

SAMUEL

The main theme of this week’s lesson is when Samuel came to Jesse’s family to anoint the next king. Some people did not see the young David as “king material”, but God could see into David’s heart and chose him. David wasn’t perfect, but all throughout the Bible we see how God uses imperfect people to accomplish His will.

The students made crafts centered around the theme and made Valentine’s for the Open Door Mission. Both crafts helped to emphasize the idea of seeing what’s inside the heart.

Remember if you see a kid from Sunday School walking around with their craft ask them about it. It gives them an opportunity to share God’s Love.

If you would like to volunteer in this fun ministry please contact Kelly in the Church Office at kthompson@stmarkomaha.org or call 402-913-2258.

Mark Your Calendar ~ Upcoming Youth Events

Current Bible Study Topics
We are currently covering alcohol and drug use and abuse and will be discussing human trafficking in the next few weeks. Will Niemack, St. Mark Member and Lieutenant in Charge of K9 & Narcotics for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department will be presenting information to the youth at an upcoming study on the topics.

Friday, February 7th

Middle School Youth Group Lock-In
High School Youth Group Hosts
Friday, February 7th at 7:00 pm thru
Saturday, February 8th at 7:00 am

Sunday, February 9th

Summer Mission Trip Informational Meeting
After 10:30 AM Worship Service
Trip Dates: Sunday, June 14th thru Thursday, June 18th

High School Youth Group at 4:30 pm
Will Niemack ~ Guest Speaker

No Middle School Youth Group on February 9th

Parents are always welcome at any of our events!!

New Women’s Bible Study

Join Us for a new Women’s Bible Study starting at 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 13th. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall every other Thursday.

Enough For Now: Unpacking God’s Sufficiency

The concept of ‘having enough’ is one that is not often experienced. If I only had more money … more success … more time … then I would be fulfilled. Yet, even when more is attained, it rarely satisfies.
It is not ‘enough’.

An eight-lesson Women’s Bible Study, Enough For Now, explores the idea of ‘enough’ through the study of Scripture – specifically the parable of the rich fool, personal stories and practical experiences. Over the course of the eight lessons, women will discover how to escape the insatiable quest for more by finding their ‘enough’ in God.

About the Author
Sharla Fritz is a Lutheran author, musician and speaker. This is her fifth book with Concordia Publishing House (Divine Makeover, Divine Design, Bless These Lips & Waiting).

There are are some books available to our group that were given to us. Please let Jolene or Lorrie know if you need a book. Books will be available for approximately $14.95 after we deplete the supply of available books. Please let Jolene Scalzo or Lorrie Wacker know if you would like to join us.

Joint Circle Meeting

All ladies: daughters, moms, grandmas, aunts, sisters………you are invited to the next St. Mark LWML Joint Meeting with lunch provided. Please join us on Sunday, February 16th at 11:45 AM in the Fellowship Hall.

Bring with you your Red Stocking Pennies, we will use these funds this year to help Camp Luther.

Along with your Pennies, please see the Project Hope Wish List of items below and bring one or two of the items.

Also at this meeting we will talk about upcoming mission projects, Bible Study and more. We look forward to seeing you there!!

Project Hope Needs
Coffee & Tea; Jam & Jelly; Shelf Stable Milk; Canned Meats; Cereal Bars & Pop-Tarts; Pancake Mix & Syrup; Fruit Juice & Juice Boxes; Hamburger Helper; Rice & Pasta Packaged Side Dishes; Soups & Ramen Noodles; Ketchup Mustard, Mayo & Salad Dressings; Deodorant, Body Wash & Shampoo; Small Bottles of Dish & Laundry Soap; Hand Sanitizer & Facial Tissues; Diapers (Sizes 3, 4, 5 & 6) & Baby Wipes

I hope that you can join us on Sunday, February 16th following the 10:30 Service.

Verse of the Week:
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. (Psalm 59:16)

Quote of the Week:
Developing deep faith requires digging into God’s Word and spending time with Him. No shortcuts allowed!
~Chuck Swindoll

Fun Fact of the Week:
A child growing up in the United States is more likely to have a pet than a live-at-home father.

This Week:
More connecting of Men to Jesus to become the man God has called us to be.Our current study is called Man Up!.What does it mean to be a man? Sacrifice. Man Up! doesn’t tell you to take down the feminists or reclaim your God-given role and rights. Real masculinity starts with the giving of yourself for the good of those around you and in your care. It’s counter-cultural – and it’s exactly how God designed biblical manhood.Let’s start the year by sharpening some iron!!“As Iron Sharpens Iron, Men Sharpen Men!” St. Mark Band of Brothers:  Raising up men to be warriors and disciples for Christ… for their families… as single men… in their workplaces… and in their community! All men and high school aged boys are welcome to join the St. Mark Band of Brothers on Saturday Mornings at 9 am in the St. Mark Youth Room. Join us as we work to center our lives around God’s Word to be the man God is calling us to be.

To request the Band of Brothers weekly updates and study guides contact Jack Swanda at jswanda@cox.net.

T-SHIRT / POLO ORDERS UPDATE

NEW ORDERS BEING TAKEN!!
Haven’t ordered yet? Need additional shirts??
Contact us soon!!
Or
ORDER ONLINE!

No fees or charges for ordering online! Go to www.stmarkomaha.org and click on the “Store” top menu item.

Or you can click here to go straight there.

Discount $5 per t-shirt with 3 or more!
Discount $5 per polo with 2 or more!


Weekly Prayers

Cancer: Marsha Baker; Michelle Brase; Gina Ellis; Cindy Kuntz

Health & Wellness: Peter Christopher; Bob Krichau; Cindy Kuntz; John Lawson; Chris Stargel; Bob Wacker

Military: Jordan Hammond (Son of Steve and Mary Kay Swale); Zach Karels; Scott Lewis (Linda Wegner’s Cousin); Quenten Oldenkamp; Amber Phipps; Jarod Suhr

To request public Prayers of the Church e-mail Kelly Thompson at kthompson@stmarkomaha.org. For Prayer Chain requests please contact Katrina Muganyizi at 402-238-6844 or email evelkat@yahoo.com.

The Days Ahead

Thursday, February 6th
9:00 AM Preschool ~ Bubble On-Site Field Trip ~ Fellowship Hall
3:30 PM Concordia Academy ~ Girl’s Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium
4:00 PM Concordia Academy ~ Open House ~ Multiple Rooms
6:00 PM Lightning Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium

Friday, February 7th
8:30 AM Concordia Academy ~ Mom’s In Prayer ~ Gathering Space
3:30 PM Concordia Academy ~ Boy’s Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium
7:00 PM St. Mark Youth Group ~ Middle School Lock-In
~Gymnasium, Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

Saturday, February 8th
8:00 AM Omaha Japanese School
9:00 AM Band of Brothers ~ Youth Room
9:00 AM Praise Band Practice ~ Sanctuary

Sunday, February 9th
8:00 AM Traditional Worship Service ~ Sanctuary
9:15 AM Bible Study ~ Fellowship Hall
9:15 AM Sunday School ~ Classroom 110 & Youth Room
10:30 AM Contemporary Worship Service ~ Sanctuary
12:00 PM St. Mark Youth Group ~ Summer Events &
Mission Trip Informational Meeting ~ Fellowship Hall
2:30 PM St. Mark Middle School Youth Group ~ Youth Room
4:00 PM Traditional Worship Service ~ Sanctuary
4:30 PM St. Mark High School Youth Group ~ Youth Room

Monday, February 10th
9:00 AM Preschool Chapel ~ Sanctuary
1:30 PM St. Mark Staff Meeting ~ Pastor Jay’s Office
3:30 PM Concordia Academy ~ Girl’s Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium
6:00 PM Lightning Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium

Tuesday, February 11th
8:30 AM Concordia Academy ~ Piano Lessons ~ Youth Room
9:00 AM Preschool Chapel ~ Sanctuary
3:30 PM Concordia Academy ~ Boy’s Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium
6:00 PM Lightning Basketball Practice ~ Gymnasium

OUR CHURCH STAFF AND LEADERSHIP

Pastor
Rev. Eric JayDirector of Ministry Operations
Kurt HarmoneyAdministrative Assistant / Coordinator of Children’s & Youth Ministry
Kirsten SuhrPreschool and Childcare Director and Teacher
Julie KyrissFacility Technician
Daren Clark
Elders
Kim Burger
Steve Barry
Andy Groothuis
Terry Matuska
Peter Oldenburg
Mike Ringler
Jack Swanda
Parish Leadership Council
Alan Meyer – President
Chuck Kuntz – Vice President
Mike Munderloh – Treasurer
Jolene Scalzo – Secretary
Lisa Buchele
Lisa Hayes
Bruce Sharp
Gale Suhr

This Week’s Birthdays

Tuesday, February 4th
Zoe Petersen

Wednesday, February 5th
Caitlyn Baumann

Thursday, February 6th
Melissa Olson

Friday, February 7th
Melinda Boles
Shaun Vincent

Saturday, February 8th
Kenneth Weiss

Monday, February 10th
Olivia Sprague

This Week’s Anniversaries

Wednesday, February 5th
Jack & Karen Swanda
~43 Years

Next Week’s Birthdays

Tuesday, February 11th
Roberta Lange
Louise Parkert
Rachel Pistillo

Wednesday, February 12th
Beverly Opfer

Thursday, February 13th
Kathryn Dahlquist
Beatrice Jandl
Carol Yetts

Friday, February 14th
Robert Grabbert
Natalie Thonen

Saturday, February 15th
Bruce Hayes

Sunday, February 16th
Andrew Conell
Don Nelson
Daniel Rosse

Monday, February 17th
Michael Rosenthal

Next Week’s Anniversaries

Wednesday, February 12th
Travis & Marnie Charter
~20 Year
Bob & Lorrie Wacker
~37 Years

Saturday, February 15th
Steven & Cindy Barry
~28 Years