St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Handclasp

Growing Disciples for the 21st Century

FEBRUARY 2018

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE DINNER

February 13, 2018 St. Mark’s Social Hall4:30PM-7PM

Cost: $7 ages 12 and up $5 children 4-11 Under age 4: free

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES FEBRUARY 14, 2018 1:00 And 7:00PMOur LENTEN journey this year will include supper served each THURSDAY from 6:00-6:45 PM with worship at 1:00PM and 7PM

NEW AT ST. MARK’S

In between the services on January 25th based on the recommendation of the Worship and Music committee some changes were made to our worship space. As you enter the double doors of the sanctuary and begin to walk toward the center aisle, you will notice that a pew has been moved a few feet back against the wall. This was done to make room for the Baptismal font. In keeping with the tradition making the Baptismal font visible, you will be able to see the font as you enter the sanctuary. On Sunday morning (unless a baptism is scheduled) the cover to the font will be removed, and water will be in the font. You are invited to dip your finger into the font and with a drop of water make the sign of the cross on your forehead as a way to remember your baptism.

Theologically speaking, Baptism is the disciple's entrance into church membership also known as the Body of Christ. All baptized members and all Christian congregations make up the Body of Christ. So as Martin Luther stated many times and in many sermons and lectures…a disciple of Christ should remember daily that he or she was Baptized. What better way to remember your baptism on Sunday morning than to see the Baptismal font as you enter the sanctuary.

Dear members and friends:A number of years ago there was a Pastor who wrote a book titled, “Reclaiming the “L” Word.” The “L” word that Kelly Fryer was referring to of course was Lutheran (not Lent) and the subtitle of the book read “Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core”. Every year most mainline denominations (Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Methodist, etc.) make a concerted effort to reclaim the “L” word the church has been calling Lent since the 4th century. Over the centuries the Church has revised the tradition of Lent, but its significance has remained the same.

The season of Lent begins on the Wednesday following the “Transfiguration of our Lord” Sunday. This Wednesday is called Ash Wednesday and marks beginning of the 40-day period of Lent (excluding Sundays) were Christian’s gather for worship and to receive a cross of ashes on their foreheads to remember that they are dust and to dust they shall return, a liturgical symbol (ashes and a cross) created by the church based upon: Genesis chapter 3 verse 19, and the death of Christ on the cross.

Over the centuries the emphasis of repentance during Lent has been the theme of the church along with a reminder through readings and reflection that Jesus’ three year public ministry led him to the cross. On the Sundays of lent one will hear the Gospel lessons that share different accounts of Jesus ministry. For example, the first Sunday of Lent always tells the story of Jesus temptation in the wilderness for 40 days. This year the second Sunday of Lent tells of Jesus cleansing the temple according to John’s Gospel a theme repeated during Holy week.

Join us during Lent on Sunday’s and Thursday for worship and reflection. This year on Thursday’s at 1pm and 7pm (dinner at 6pm) we will be watching portions of the DVD series, “The Gospels-The Extraordinary Life of Jesus of Nazareth” as well as portions of the Rick Steves’ documentary, “Luther and the Reformation”. The Thursday discussion themes will be announced in St. Mark’s Weekly Bulletins.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Carr

NEED PASTORAL CARE? Does the Pastor Know? Did the Call go through? Was the Text received?

If you need pastoral care please contact the church office (leave a message) or call/text Pastor Carr. Because of privacy laws that went into effect several years ago hospitals will not call church offices to inform the pastor that a member of his or her congregation is hospitalized. Pastor Carr would rather receive two or three calls or texts than not to be informed that a member is in need of a visit

FIRST COMMUNION A First communion instruction class will be held on Saturday, March 10, 9am -12noon. If your child is 1st grade or beyond and wants to receive holy communion, please see pastor Carr or call the church office.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGTHE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL REPORT will be held on Sunday, March 4th. There will be one unity service at 9:30AM.followed by a Pot Luck Meal

2018 CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES are available in the narthex of the church. Please stop by for yours

March 25th-Palm Sunday-Worship 8:30AM

Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship10:30 AM

March 29- Maundy Thursday worship at 1:00PM- Worship6:00PM Meal

7:00PM Worship and stripping of the altar

March 30- Good Friday- Worship 12 noon and 7:00PM

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 2018 Worship 8:30 AM

Sunday School 9:30 Worship 10:30AM

SKIING and snow tubing

AN EVENT at Liberty is being planned for February 17th. Cost is $33. We will gather at the church for carpooling at 11:00AM. You are asked to provide your lunch. If you are interested, see Stacy Little or see Pastor Carr.

Unit: St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - WELCA Unit St. Mark’s. for Bible Study with The Reverend C. Andrew Carr. Teaching.

The group meets each month (the third Tuesday) September through June at 9AM for Continental Breakfast and Study. (Cancellation of WELCA Bible Study will occur when Carroll County School are closed)

Gather Magazine for Faith and Action will be used as study guide offers articles that inspire, challenge, comfort

and encouragement is used.

The January Bible Study was cancelled because of weather. The Study Scripture:- Gather Magazine will be

the study missed in January. Pastor Carr thought the Study was so notable. The group will Study (Session 1)

“Washing Hands with Distant Hearts” Mark 7: 1-8. February 20, 2018- weather permitting.

Information: Martha Hyson 443-508-2630

Read Matthew 18:2 “for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.

BOLD SUNDAY DAY- FEBRUARY 25Bold Women’s Day- observed annually on the fourth Sunday of February- celebrates all Lutheran women who have acted or are acting boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ. In 2018, the day set aside to observe Bold women’s Day is Sunday, February 25, but yu can plan it on any day that works best for you and your congregation.

How are you celebrating bold women’s Day? Yo can start by visiting welca.org/bwd and downloading our updated resources. The “Celebrate Bold Women’s Day” resouce, available in English and Spanish, offers a starting point for planning your special day.

It is important to realize that womehn are bold in different ways. Some women are bold in their unceasing prayers. Other wome are bold in their service to those in need. Still other women are bold in their advocacy or through their hospitality.

A PRAYER FO BOLD WOMEN’S SUNDAY

Lord, our God, we give thanks today for the witness of bold women. From the earliest times until today, and in into the future, bold women show all of us how to live as God’s beloved children in God’s beloved creation, carrying out our baptismal call to work for justice and peace for all God’s creatures.

Korner Martin Luther’s Reformation500 years of God’s Grace in Action

Freed and Renewed in Christ.The exhibition in the History Cabinet focus:

Martin Luther’s Life

“Speaking faith-through Art and Images”Look on the right side of the cupboard, thetop shelf- 3 key words for understandingEnjoy. Margy Ziegler, Susan Hines, and Martha Hyson History Committee

LIBRARY IN A BOX

Want to read more about the Reformation? Books “Martin Luther” by McNeal and Ward, suitable for Jr. High -Adult or “Martin Luther, Hero of Faith” are available . To borrow, please see Martha Hyson before or after church

MEMORIALS AND GIFTSIn Memory of Art and Judy RissoIvy Storey

In Memory of Mazie RohrbaughIvy Storey

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:March 4 Carroll Lutheran School Sunday will be March 4. Pastor Carr will attend a retreat February 16-17 as they search for a new principal.

March 8- Pastor Carr will attend a Racial Justice training taking place with Lutheran Conference Pastors at Calvary Lutheran Church – Mt Airy.

May 6- Pre -Assembly Caucus-Carroll Lutheran Village. If you have considered being a Synod Assembly representative, find out from Pastor Carr what this entails or call him for information.

MUFFINS! Muffins are back! Second Sunday starting October 8th. Monies collected will go toward community outreach and youth fellowship activities. Thank you for your support. See Stacy Little if you have any questions.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVEDonors are needed for the red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, February 1, 2018 from 1:30-7:00PM. Call 1 800 redcross to register or use rapid pass.For more information, please review the RapidPass® blood program partner overviewHappy New Year! Congratulations and thank you for helping make 2017 a great year when together, we helped save so many lives! This would not have been possible without all your efforts in the community.

Premier Blood Partners Program – Blood drive partners are an essential part of the lifesaving

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network connecting generous blood donors to patients who need blood to survive. This program recognizes the tireless efforts and contributions of our top blood program partners to the community and national blood supply.Lifetime Donor Recognition – We're excited to announce a new initiative to consistently recognize and celebrate the lifetime achievements of our dedicated blood donors. Beginning in January 2018, upon reaching various milestones of gallons of donations, donors will receive congratulatory notifications by email or via the app, digital/social badges they can share, as well as the ability to request a milestone donation pin to be delivered by mail. For more information, please refer to the FAQs.2018 priorities – to help save patient lives, we are focusing on two key themes this year: increasing the number of first time donors and growing Power Red donations. The rate of first time donors has declined significantly (down 30% in 5 years), and we need new donors for an adequate blood supply. You can encourage members of your community and their friends and family who have never donated blood to give at your drive. You can also reach out to those who have not given in a while to get them to donate again! And you can work with your donors who have O positive or O, A- or B-negative blood types to give or try a Power Red donation – these blood types are always in high demand, and donors can double their impact with a single visit. These are great opportunities to have an even bigger life-saving impact in your community this year.

So, thank you so much for everything you do and being a part of this lifesaving mission. On behalf of all of us at the American Red Cross, thank you and best wishes in the New Year. Should you have any questions specifically regarding your upcoming blood drive, please contact your account representative.

Sincerely,

Cliff NumarkSenior Vice President, Biomedical Recruiter

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

February 48:30 ContemporaryLector: Andreas LundstedtUshers: Matt Rock, Andrea LundstedtPower Point Grant MillerNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Margy ZieglerCommunion Assistant: Dana PippLector: Lois MillerUshers: Lou Lang, Ken ZieglerBread and Wine: Ann and Wendall SislerAltar Guild: Wilma HarmanNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Ivy Storey, Dana Pipp

February 118:30 ContemporaryLector: Ken ZieglerUshers: Zach Taylor, Carson AllenPower Point Kamden EstesNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Cassie KleinCommunion Assistant: martha HysonLector: Liz CharitonukUshers: George HarmanBread and Wine: Roberta and Debbie LindsayAltar Guild: Ivy StoreyNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Dave Yaruta, Stephen Bamberger

February 14-Ash Wednesday 1:00and 7:00Assisting Minister: Margy ZieglerCommunion Assistant: Martha HysonLector: Martha HysonUshers: Stuart and Judy HafeleBread and Wine: Roberta and Debbie LindsayAltar Guild: Ivy Storey

February 188:30 ContemporaryLector: Holly SchlossenbergUshers: Matt Rock, Susan HinesPower Point Grayce Little

Nursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Bonnie HareCommunion Assistant: Margy ZieglerLector: Diana HareUshers: Tom HeeterBread and Wine: Dot Resh, Martha HysonAltar Guild: Brenda Covington, Susan HinesNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Jim and Amy Rink

February 22-THURSDAY-Lenten Service 1:00 AND 7:00Assisting Minister: Stephen BambergerLector: Dave YarutaUshers: Tina Grube, Barb YarutaAltar Guild: Brenda Covington, Susan Hines

February 258:30 ContemporaryLector: Ivy StoreyUshers: Kassie McCormick, Elizabeth LotzPower Point Alicia RidgleyNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Lois MillerCommunion Assistant: Ivy StoreyLector: Ginger JeffersonUshers: Bob ScarpatiBread and Wine: Martha Hyson. Roberta LindsayAltar Guild: Margy Ayers, Tina McCannNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamber, Dave YarutaOpening church in February: Matt Rock

March 1-THURSDAY Lenten Service 1:00 AND 7:00Assisting Minister: Margy ZieglerLector: Dana PippUshers: Ken Ziegler, Lou LangAltar Guild: Margy Ayers, Tina McCann

March 48:30 ContemporaryAssisting Minister: Lois Miller

Lector: Liz CharitonukUshers: Nathan Stremmel, Grant MillerAltar Guild: Roberta and Debbie LindsayPower Point: Zach TaylorNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Lois MillerCommunion Assistant:Jill HeeterLector: Margy ZieglerUshers: George HarmanBread and Wine: Margy Ziegler, Margy AyersAltar Guild: Roberta and Debbie LindsayNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Ivy Storey, Dana Pipp

March 8 THURSDAY Lenten Service 1:00 and 7:00

Assisting Minister: Pam BambergerLector: Andreas LundstedtUshers: Matt and Kaylin RockAltar Guild: Roberta and Debbie Lindsay

March 118:30 ContemporaryLector: Karen MonUshers: K. Stephenson, Alicia RidgleyPower Point: Carson AllenNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Cassie KleinCommunion Assistant: Wilma HarmanLector: George HarmanUshers: Stuart and Judy HafeleBread and Wine: Ann and Wendall SislerAltar Guild: Wilma HarmanNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Dave Yaruta, Stephen Bamberger

March 15- THURSDAY Lenten Service 1;00 and 7:00

Assisting Minister: Bonnie HareLector: Robin LewisUsher: Tom HeeterAltar Guild: Wilma Harman

March 188:30 Contemporary

Lector: Tina GrubeUshers: Stephen Lotz, Alex StephensonPower Point: Kamden EstesNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Lois MillerCommunion Assistant: Dana PippLector: Warren MillerUsher: Bob ScarpatiBread and Wine: Debbie and Roberta LindsayAltar Guild: Ivy StoreyNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Jim and Amy Rink

March 22- THURSDAY Lenten Service 1:00 and 7:00Assisting Minister: Ivy StoreyLector: Stephen BambergerUshers: Pam and Stephen BambergerAltar Guild: Ivy Storey

March 25- PALM SUNDAY8:30 ContemporaryLector: Elizabeth LotzUshers: Matt Rock, Andreas LundstedtPower Point: Brian LotzNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Bonnie HareCommunion Assistant: Martha HysonLector: Chris WinemillerUshers: Lou Lang, Ken ZieglerBread and Wine: Dot Resh, Martha HysonAltar Guild: Brenda Covington, Susan HinesNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave Yaruta

March 29- MAUNDY THURSDAY 1:00 and 7:00Assisting Minister: Ivy StoreyCommunion Assistant: Jill HeeterLector: Ivy StoreyUsher: George HarmanBread and Wine: Pam and Stephen BambergerAltar Guild: Brenda Covington and Susan Hines

March 30-GOOD FRIDAY12noon & 7PM

Assisting Minister: ivy StoreyLector: Holly SchlossenbergUshers: Brian and Elizabeth LotzAltar Guild: Pam BambergerOpening church in March: Jim Rink

April 1-EASTER8:30 ContemporaryLector: Dave YarutaUshers; Tina Grube, Barb YarutaPower Point: Nathan StremmelNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:30 TraditionalAssisting Minister: Margy ZieglerCommunion Assistant: Susan HinesLector: Cassie KleinUshers: Stuart and Jud HafeleBread and Wine: Susan Hines, Debbie LindsayAltar Guild: Margy Ayers, Tina McCann, Debbie and Roberta Lindsay

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Pat Cornell 1Pat Driver 1Janet Crispens 2Roland Crispens 2Ruth Ingman 5Brooke Schlossenberg 5Cassie Klein 6Christen Anderson 6Conner Masteran 6William Piper 7Benjamin Caples 9 Donald Caltrider 9Carl Geyer 12Luke Uhler 12Jackson Myers 12Tom Trevey 12Scott McBrien 13Pam Bamberger 14Jeff Miller 14Nolan Range 16 Tony Masteran 20Jaclyn Sumner 22Debbie McCabe 23Bill Murray 23Robert Murray 24

Kassie McCormick 24Ruth Shilke 27Barbara Yaruta 27Eric Lee 28

ANNIVERSARIESMatt and Jackie Rock 2/6/04Carl and Sandra Geyer 12Ken and Margy Ziegler 23Herb and Mary Wessel 24

FEBRUARY 2018 ALTAR FLOWERSDURING THE LENTEN SEASON one vase of altar flowers will be placed on a table near the pulpit and one in the narthex. If used at all, flowers should be subdued in color from the beginning of Lent through Palm Sunday and Good Friday

February 4- Open

February 11- In memory of Tom Dyas’s and also in honor of our grandson Graham Crisler’s February 12th birthdays.

February 18- open

February 25- To the glory of God and in loving memory of our mothers: Roberta Green and Helen Bamberger in honor of their birthdays. Given with love: Stephen, Pamela, Samantha, Amanda and Andrew.

FEBRUARY 2018 BULLETINSFebruary 4 To the glory of God and in loving memory of Pete Lindsay from his wife Roberta and family

February 11 To the glory of God and in loving memory of Jean Miller from her daughterCarol and her son Larry To the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Geist from Buzz and Gerry Geist

February 18 To the glory of God and in loving memory Larry Saunders, on the occasion of his birthday on February 18, from his wife Hermine

February 25 To the glory of God and in honor of their children, Christen, Diana and Michael, from Ray and Bonnie Hare

Church & Village: Partners in MinistryFebruary 2018

Lifelong Learning Courses Winter 2018 Lifelong Learning courses are open to all older adults in the community. Come join us and beat the winter blahs!- Art History Series – The February 20 session features the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Susan Williamson

from the Carroll County Arts Council instructs. Cost is $10 per adult. - Poetry 101 – Jo Donaldson teaches the basics on Wednesday February 7 through March 14 from 10:30am

to Noon. Cost is $25 per adult.- Introduction to Collograph Printing – Susan Williamson from the Carroll County Arts Council instructs on

February 12 and 19 from 1-3pm. Cost is $30 per adult.- South Mountain and Antietam – Phil Muskett from Carroll Community College lectures on February 16

from 9am-Noon and escorts a field trip to Antietam on February 23 from 9am-1pm. Cost is $35 per adult.Please register in advance for all Lifelong Learning opportunities by calling 443-605-1070.

Carroll Lutheran Village to Host Annual World Day of Prayer in Carroll CountyCarroll Lutheran Village will again host the annual World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. in Krug Chapel. World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical movement of Christian women who bring together women, men and children in more than 170 countries and regions observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. This years’ service, planned locally by Church women United of Carroll County, was written by the women of the World Day of Prayer Committee of Suriname, who focus on Genesis 1, the story of Creation, with the theme “All God’s Creation is Very Good!” The service will explore universal issues of climate change, natural disasters, pollution and human abuse of the environment – all affecting God’s good Creation and God’s people. Students from Carroll Lutheran School will participate in the service. No RSVP necessary – please join us.

Village Residents Performance Raises Over $1,600 for CharityThe Carroll Lutheran Village Readers’ Theatre production of The Marley Version, inspired by Charles Dickens’ novel, A Christmas Carol, was presented on December 14. The play focuses on Marley’s errand and the journey he undertakes to fulfill it. Twenty residents volunteered as cast and crew. Tickets were free to Village residents with a donation to the Shepherd’s Staff in Westminster. More than 70 attended and rose over $1,600 for the organization.

Visit Us on FacebookCarroll Lutheran Village is on Facebook - visit our page at to see what terrific things are happening here. You don’t need to be a member of Facebook to view our page – just go to www.facebook.com/CarrollLutheranVillage. If you are a member of Facebook – we’d love it if you’d like our page and help us reach 500 likes – we’re so close!

THE HANDCLASP FEBRUARY 2018 ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 1373 NORTH MAIN STREET HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074

410-374-6944E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR ST. MARK’S:

s tmarkshampstead@ comcast.net

web page address: stmarkshampstead.comMINISTERS: ALL THE PEOPLE OF ST. MARK’S

Pastor C. Andrew Carrpastorandycarr.stmarks@comcast.net

Minister of Music: Mr. Jake Ziegler Office Manager: Mrs. Nancy Klein Nursery: Mrs. Corinne Sigai COUNCIL

President: John CharitonukVice President: Tom HeeterSecretary: Lois Miller Treasurer: Steve CovingtonFinancial Secretary: Dave Yaruta

Pam Bamberger Jeff Miller, Jim Rink, John Clagett, Greg Little, Andreas Lundstedt, Barb Yaruta, Ivy Storey, Robin Lewis, Wendall Sisler, Margy Ziegler, Carl Geyer