Congregational Care takes St. Paul’s admonition to heart when he says: “Love one another with mutual affection … Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.” Romans 12.10-13. St. Mark’s is committed to the spiritual and physical well being of the people of its congregation. We want people to experience grace through one another.

Congregational Care Opportunities

Congregational Care Standing Committee
This team meets once a month for an hour to an hour and a half to pray and hear devotions, to laugh and perhaps share a goody, to share news about needs and programs and to be creative.
Meets the 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Contact Karen Grams for more information

Baptismal / Graduate Quilts
All Ages
Whenever a child is baptized or a senior graduates, St. Mark’s presents them with a quilt that has been hand-made by our members. You are welcome to join our quilters who meet once a week.

Fellowship Team
All Ages
This group plans all kinds of fun get—togethers including picnics, other meals, hikes, trips, Warm up for Winter gatherings in members’ homes and much more.
Contact: Judy Summers, 253-460-1442

Gay Straight Alliance
All Ages
This organization meets monthly for a potluck and discussion. The GSA group’s identity statement is: “We are an intergenerational gathering of St. Mark’s members and friends who acknowledge and celebrate human diversity, particularly sexual orientation and gender identity, as an expression of God’s creative purpose. We journey together in gratitude for God’s love, which reconciles and makes us all one in Christ. We seek to strengthen our church community by sharing our experience, encouraging, enjoying and learning from one another. We acknowledge injustice and strive to make this gathering a place of safety and healing for all who participate.”

Hospitality Assistance
All Ages
St. Mark’s regularly offers coffee hour (with donuts) on Sunday morning and a 5:45 p.m. meal on Wednesdays right before Faith Journey and Adult Bible Study. Volunteers help with set up, serving, clean up and providing food for memorial receptions.
Contact: Becki Christian, 253-301-4052

Lutheran Home Bus Driver
Ages: 25-69
St. Mark’s offers transportation on Sunday mornings for people who are unable to drive. The Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Center allows qualified drivers to use one of their buses. More drivers are needed. If you are accustomed to driving larger vehicles and are between the ages of 25 and 69, please consider joining this team.
Contact: Rolf Morstad, 253-759-0563
or Arlyn Saathoff, 253-851-1584

Parish Nurses
Registered Nurses
As a member of the pastoral care team, the parish nurse works to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the congregation. Congregational parish nurses are not expected to be primary health care givers, rather they coordinate health programs and facilitate the use of church and community resources.
Contact: Ruth Saathoff, 253-851-1584

Prayer Shawls
All Ages
When you combine knitting and praying, what do you get? A tangible, warm, beautiful sign of God’s love to wrap around someone who is hurting. Can be done at home, while waiting for appointments or in groups.
Contact: Jan Pence

Stephen Ministry
Ages: 18 and older
Stephen Ministers supplement the pastoral staff by providing one-on-one care to people experiencing life transitions and challenges (for example: impending death, recovery from illness, loss of a job or a relationship, dealing with a chronic illness).
Contact: Sonja Yeager, 253-761-3018

The Journey Young Adult Group
Ages: 18-pre-children
This is a group of young adults from University Place Presbyterian and St. Marks Lutheran Churches who are basically post-college to mid thirties. If you’re single or married before kids come join us.
Come for fellowship, food, and fun. We usually explore a topic or theme for one to two months through short Bible studies, guest speakers, movie nights with discussion (recent viewings include Crash, Amazing Grace, Jesus Camp and Office Space Journey for the Vocation theme), and short service projects. Recent themes have been vocation, play, and spiritual gifts.
Contact: Mary Jo Larsen, 253-686-9604

Women of St. Mark’s
Women of St. Mark’s are active throughout the year in many areas of ministry. One of the important ways that you can lend a hand is by helping with the Fall Bazaar. You are also welcome to join a Women’s Circle Group, attend the Annual Retreat andspecial Luncheons, as well as play an active role in the meetings that are held each year. Money that is raised by the Women of St. Mark’s goes to support many mission projects at home and around the world.