Peace & Justice Overview
We are a Fair Trade congregation.
The Peace & Justice Ministry Team equips, motivates and supports the members of St. Mark’s in extending expressions of Christian compassion to the poor and oppressed and to persons in need. We look out to Tacoma and the world to identify social injustice and need; we connect with social service agencies and other groups who are addressing these challenges; we provide opportunities for St. Mark’s community to learn about these issues and to get involved. You are welcome to take part in any of the following activities:
Serving our Community
St. Mark’s sponsors and/or participates in the following “hands-on” service with our neighbors near and far. If you are interested in learning how you can become involved, please contact Pastor Rebecca Shjerven.
Advocacy Team
In order to advocate for peace and justice in our world, we sponsor quarterly events for the congregation, each with a different focus. In June we will write letters to our elected officials urging support of legislation that reduces poverty.
Bread for the World
Christmas Family Support
St. Mark’s individuals are assigned to low income families in our area and help to provide a very merry Christmas.
ELCA Global Mission
Habitat for Humanity
We support this low income housing program by giving funds, providing education and actually working on houses in the Pierce County area. For more information on Tacoma/Pierce Habitat visit their website or contact congregation member Tom Geary for more information.
Mission to Mexico
Each year, members of St. Mark’s go down to the eastern suburbs of Tijuana to build small houses for local residents and lead children’s programs in the community. We do this in collaboration with a great organization called Lutheran Border Concerns. While there, we also work closely with the members of El Redentor Lutheran Church in the neighborhood of Florido.
Nativity House
A Christian drop-in center for the people of Tacoma. Currently we are serving lunch on the fourth Sunday of the month, but are able to do more if there is interest.
Peace Community Center
Located on the hilltop in Tacoma, Peace Community Center has been a key companion with St Marks for years, and we generally serve meals twice a year. 5% of our current Grace Upon Grace capital campaign is being given to Peace. This is in addition to the benevolence St. Mark’s already sends. For more information about Peace Community Center visit their website.
Pierce County Hunger Walk
Our confirmation youth participate in the Pierce County Hunger Walk every fall. We encourage all congregation members and friends to join the confirmations students in this important ministry.
The Salvation Army
St. Mark’s will again sponsor a table at the 10th annual Loaves and Fishes Luncheon on Wednesday, May 20th, from 11:30-1:00 p.m. The luncheon benefits the Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Lodge. We have room for ten guests this year. Please call Kevin Hayes (460-1795) to reserve your seat.
Somali-Bantu Tutoring
Support for Families of the Incarcerated
This group meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, S. 21st St. and Cushman.
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In addition to these hands on opportunities St. Mark’s supports a number of ministries through our 2009 Planned Benevolence.
